On Zacchaeus Sunday, January 26, 2025, Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Exarch of Hungary presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian-speaking parish of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Budapest.
The Metropolitan was joined in concelebration by Bishop Maximos of Aristi and the parish priest, Archimandrite Dimitrios Frankiv. Following the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan conveyed his best wishes to Bishop Maximos for his name day on January 21, when the Church commemorates the memory of Saint Maximos the Confessor.
Subsequently, he appointed Mr. Vladislav Antipin as Advisor for the Humanitarian Mission of the Archdiocesan District of Ukrainian-speaking Parishes within the Exarchate of Hungary. A celebratory gathering followed in the parish hall, attended by Bishop Paisios of Apameia, along with a communal meal.
In his sermon, the Metropolitan reflected on the story of Zacchaeus, who demonstrated great effort and determination to encounter God. He emphasized the importance of facing challenges in various aspects of life with courage, obedience to God’s will, and regular attendance at Divine Liturgy to achieve salvation. He encouraged parents to nurture their children within the Church, guiding them towards virtues and salvation through their encounter with Christ. He also highlighted the significance of participating in the liturgical life of the Church and partaking in the Holy Mysteries to become members of the mystical Body of Christ.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan extended blessings to Bishop Maximos and officially appointed Mr. Vladislav Antipin as Advisor for the Humanitarian Mission. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Zoltán Osztie for hosting the service and emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in the canonical tradition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
