His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central, and Northern Europe spoke on Sunday about the sufferings of Romanian migrants, constantly living with the longing for what they left behind at home: “abroad, they live with a profound, bitter longing for their nation, their country, and their families; a longing that often consumes them, making them ill.”

His Eminence officiated the Divine Liturgy at Saint John the Baptist Church in Făgăraș, known as the city’s cathedral. According to the Metropolis of Germany, Central, and Northern Europe, he also performed a memorial service for Presbytera Elena Ciocan six months after her repose.

Risks to the Identity of Future Generations

In his sermon, Metropolitan Serafim spoke about the sufferings, challenges, and risks faced by the Romanian community in Germany, which he shepherds.

Beyond the longing for their loved ones, Romanians in the diaspora are not immune to the inherent threats faced by any minority: “This migration, this departure from Romania, does not only bring good things into our lives.”

Thus, His Eminence voiced specific migrant concerns: “I think about our future, about our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a few generations ahead.”

The cultural identity of these future generations poses one of the most profound issues, highlighted by Metropolitan Serafim: “The next generations will no longer feel Romanian; they will no longer know the Romanian language, history, tradition, and culture even remotely because they will assimilate the societies in which they live.”

However, identity also means spiritual orientation, His Eminence added: “Furthermore, we can say that they will lose their faith—the saving faith, the Orthodox faith. And they will be scattered in the vast world, driven by the spirit of unbelief and indifference.”

The Divine Liturgy, the Safest Solution

Metropolitan Serafim explained further that Orthodoxy represents the answer to all these major risks: “The Orthodox Liturgy is the highest expression of human culture.”

Thus, His Eminence pointed out that there is a close connection between liturgical life and social life—often marked by materialism—and that it is essential to cultivate Christian values within us: “Those who know the Orthodox Liturgy, who know our prayers, our services as best as possible, who live them, feel that they are no longer earthly; they feel their soul grow, and their body then listens to their soul.”

In concluding his message, His Eminence also mentioned that it is necessary to avoid the “fleeting sweetness of sin,” as the Holy Prophet Moses did, choosing to suffer with his people and turn them back to God.

At the same time, Metropolitan Serafim also confessed that he prays every day for the Lord “to stop the exodus of Romanians abroad” and to bring the migrants back to their homes.

Photo: Facebook / Biserica „Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul” din Făgăraș