Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Vienna on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in commemoration of the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee.
During the service, Protopresbyter Ioannis Nikolitisis of the Ecumenical Throne accompanied the Metropolitan. The event continued with a gathering in the “Rigas Feraios” hall, where the Choir and Byzantine Chanting Group of the Holy Metropolis performed in celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopita (New Year’s cake) of the Philoptochos Society and the beginning of the Triodion period.
In his sermon, the Metropolitan emphasized the importance of humility and repentance as demonstrated in the Gospel passage of the Parable. He highlighted the contrast between the Pharisee’s self-righteousness and the Publican’s humility, urging the faithful to seek God’s grace through repentance during the Triodion period.
The Metropolitan described the Triodion as a sacred initiation leading to personal Pascha and encouraged active participation in the Church’s worship services. The event concluded with the cutting of the Vasilopita and musical performances by various groups within the Holy Metropolis of Austria.
The Metropolitan expressed gratitude to all attendees and extended his best wishes, emphasizing the shared journey toward the Kingdom of God. The gathering provided an opportunity for discussion and reflection.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou