His Eminence Archbishop Teodosie of Tomis on Tuesday celebrated the Divine Liturgy of Saint James at the Orthodox Cathedral in Constanta.
The Liturgy of Saint James is considered to be the oldest surviving liturgy developed for general use in the Church.
The Jacobite Liturgy is commonly celebrated two times a year, on October 23, the feast day of Saint James, and on the Sunday before the Nativity of the Lord when Jesus Christ’s holy forefathers are commemorated.
‘This liturgy reminds us of the first days of Christianity, the apostolic century, and the life of the first Christians and martyrs,’ Archbishop Teodosie said in his homily on October 23.
His Eminence also pointed to the great personality of St James noting that St Paul called him ‘a pillar of the Church, together with Peter and John’.
The Archbishop of Tomis stressed that St James died as a martyr ‘being thrown from the pinnacle of the temple, because he was a pious person, he shepherded the city of Jerusalem and brought many to the faith.’
The Archbishop ended his speech urging everyone to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven.
‘May this offering brought to God may vouchsafe peace, blessing, physical strength, spiritual light, awakening to our conscience, tireless repentance, and steadfastness in prayer,’ he said.
