Blessings to our Cor-Episcopoi, Priests, Deacons, Parish Managing Committee members and all the faithful of our Diocese.
Dearly beloved,
As we enter into the very important liturgical
period of the Great Lent, which culminates with the Feast of the
Resurrection of our Lord, let us use the weeks in front of us as an
opportunity for self-evaluation and to return to God. Jesus Christ,
before his public ministry, observed 40 days fast in the Judean
wilderness and succeeded in the examinations of Satan. When we look back
at the fall of humanity in Genesis 3, we see that humanity, when
tempted by Satan, was attracted to the external beauty of the world and
thus fell into sin. He found the fruit good for food, a delight to the
eyes and that it would make one wise. Jesus Christ, after 40 days
fasting, when Satan came to Him tempting Him with food, to attain the
things which delighted His eyes, and to use the wisdom He had, He
triumphed over Satan and said that humans do not live by the pleasures
of the world, that we have to conquer all these temptations and delight
in the Word of God and in the power of the Almighty.
As you all know, Holy Confession is an important
sacrament of the Church. Since we live in the material world, knowingly
and unknowingly we commit sin and move away from the presence of God.
What God expects from all of us is a true repentance, just like we see
in Luke 15 where the prodigal son returns to his father’s house with
real repentance and penitence, confessing his sins, raising his voice
saying, "Father, I have sinned against you and heaven".
Entering into the great feast of Passover, just as
how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, let Jesus wash away our sins
by our tears and make us worthy to receive the holy Passover Lamb. May
this Lent be an occasion to have real repentance and confession. May the
prayers of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, departed clergy and
all the faithful departed be with us through this spiritual journey of
this Great Lent.
Your Shepherd in Christ,
Alexios Mar Eusebius
Metropolitan
