Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina highlighted the significance of building special connections with those in need to acknowledge the blessings of God during his sermon on Sunday.
Speaking at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iași, he reflected on the Gospel passage recounting the healing of the paralyzed man brought to Jesus by his friends due to his immobility.
Understanding our vulnerabilities
His Eminence elaborated, “It is essential to pray for the ability to recognize our own state of paralysis, enabling us to strive to overcome our inability to love, to find joy, and to forgive. This transformation is realized through active participation in the Holy Liturgy and maintaining a constant awareness of God throughout the day.”
The significance of befriending the less fortunate
Metropolitan Teofan advised, “A genuine Christian should include a friend with disabilities within their social circle.”
He added, “This involves forming a special bond with individuals facing challenges such as disabilities, vulnerability, residing in nursing homes, or the elderly. Such connections bring happiness to those individuals and help us appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by God.”
Bestowing blessings upon the pilgrims
Following the service, the pilgrims who had paid homage to the relics of Saint Parascheva and Saint Joseph the Merciful received a blessing from the hierarch.
Photography courtesy of Doxologia.ro / Flavius Popa
Source: basilica.ro