The Monday of the Holy Spirit feast was celebrated on June 24, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity belonging to the Russian Mission of the Moscow Patriarchate (MISSIA).
The Divine Liturgy was led by H.H.B. Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, along with Metropolitans Kyriakos of Nazareth and Isychios of Capitolias, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Head of MISSIA Archimandrite Vassianos, Archimandrite Nikon, and other priests. The service was attended by Russian Ambassador Anatoli Victorov, Greek Consul General Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, and many Russian-speaking faithful.
His Beatitude delivered a sermon on the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and believers. The Church recognizes the Holy Spirit as the source of life and salvation, equal to the Father and the Son. The Apostles spread the Gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit, establishing the Church of Christ.
The unity of the Spirit and peace among Orthodox Churches was emphasized, recalling the events at the Upper Room in Jerusalem. The pouring of the Holy Spirit symbolizes God’s grace and forgiveness.
As Saint John of Damascus wrote, believers are called to receive the fiery dew of the Holy Spirit for cleansing and renewal. The Church’s children are reminded to embrace the Spirit’s grace and be the light of the world.
The grace of the Holy Spirit has now poured forth from Jerusalem in the form of tongues of fire. Through His divine illumination, the Holy Spirit enlightens and sanctifies our souls, making us children of the Church. Let us pray to Jesus Christ to partake in the light of the Comforter Holy Spirit. As we celebrate this occasion, unity among Orthodox Churches is emphasized. His Beatitude offered an icon of Bethlehem, and Fr Vassianos offered an icon of the Holy Trinity. Following the Divine Liturgy, a reception and festal monastic meal were held. Amen. Many happy and peaceful returns!
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