Saint Simeon the God-receiver was honored on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his Holy Monastery in New Jerusalem in Katamon. The church where his tomb and a small relic of his remains are kept hosted the Divine Liturgy led by Father and Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, along with Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina, Methodios of Tabor, and Dimitrios of Lydda, and other clergy members from various Orthodox territories participated in the service.
Patriarch Theophilos delivered a sermon, reflecting on the significance of the Feast of the Meeting of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. He emphasized the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law by Jesus and the universal salvation brought by his presence. The Patriarch highlighted the prophetic words of Simeon the Elder, acknowledging Jesus as the light for all nations.
The sermon also touched upon the challenges and blessings that come with following Christ, as expressed through the words of Simeon to Mary. The Patriarch encouraged the congregation to embrace the teachings of Christ and carry their cross in faith.
Those who had faith in Him did not feel ashamed, while those who did not believe, unable to grasp the mystery, stumbled and fell. As God the Father declared, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 28:16, KJV). “And whoever falls on this stone will be broken” (Matthew 21:44, KJV).
The arrival of Christ in the world will be a “sign spoken against.” Zygabinos explains that it will be a marvel that unbelievers will contradict. Christ, being both man and God, was a supernatural marvel that they could not comprehend. The Elder Simeon prophesies about the suffering of Mary, the Theotokos, whose soul will be pierced by a sword, revealing the thoughts of many hearts (Luke 2:35, KJV). This pain refers to the agony she felt when witnessing her Son being crucified.
Our Holy Church urges us to glorify Christ as our Redeemer and God while also urging us to prepare ourselves through humility and repentance to receive Him into our hearts.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Hegumen of the Monastery welcomed the Patriarchal Entourage and the congregation in the rectory and courtyard of the Holy Monastery.
Images from the event can be viewed above.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
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