On New Year’s Eve, when joy often expresses itself in noisy celebrations, the Roman Archdiocesan Cathedral emphasized the importance of silence. “It is crucial to embrace silence and live in the present, fully aware of God’s presence in our lives,” said Archbishop Ioachim.
“God is an eternal present. When we enter the moment suspended between past and future, we commune with Him,” he added.
“We have come here at this hour of prayer to spend it on our knees. Reading in the Gospel about the Year of the Lord’s Mercy has propelled us into 2025, a year we hope will be filled with blessings. The Year of the Lord’s Mercy reminds us that God continually pours His grace upon us. However, to benefit from His mercy, we must strive to acquire it. Saint Seraphim of Sarov teaches us that the ultimate goal of life is to obtain the power of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we are enabled to perform good deeds and cultivate virtues.”
Reflecting on the Year Past
Archimandrite Pimen Costea, the diocesan vicar, spoke about the spiritual reflection and self-assessment that the New Year offers.
“From the past year, there is much to correct. Many of these issues are not entirely under our control but are influenced by the contexts in which we live,” said Archim. Pimen Costea.
“We have fallen short in sharing love and forgiveness, in showing mercy to those in need, and in dedicating ourselves to God. How much time have we given Him? How much prayer have we offered? How many tears of repentance have we shed? In these moments, we consider who we were and who we want to become, and we reflect on the changes we need to make in our lives.”
Archbishop Ioachim, surrounded by clergy from the diocesan administration and the Archdiocesan Cathedral, led the Akathist Service to Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Te Deum for the New Year, starting at 11:15 PM.
Photo: Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău
