“The Seventh Sunday after Holy Pascha calls us to preserve the true faith, especially today, in a world increasingly troubled and spiritually misguided,” said the Patriarch of Romania on Sunday at the Chapel of St. George the Great Martyr within the Patriarchal Residence.
His Beatitude emphasized that on this Sunday, the Church honors the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council and that the Gospel of the day clearly shows how “true faith and prayer sustain the unity of the Church.”
The Patriarch explained that this Sunday is dedicated to the link between the confession of true faith and the unity of the Church, as well as the connection between the Lord’s Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
“The Holy Fathers of Nicaea, who proclaimed the divinity of Jesus Christ, are especially commemorated on this Sunday, immediately following the glorious feast of the Ascension of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, to help us better understand that by confessing the right faith in Jesus Christ, man receives the glory of eternal life,” he said.
The Patriarch clarified that “Christ’s Ascension does not signify His departure from the faithful, but rather the beginning of another way of being present in the world—not a physical, visible presence, but a spiritual one through the Holy Spirit.”
Referring to the Gospel reading, the Patriarch stressed the significance of Christ’s High Priestly Prayer, calling it a “living light” for bishops and priests. In this prayer, Christ affirms His communion and oneness with the Father and prays for the unity of His disciples and His Church.
“He knows that because of sin, there is a risk of many misunderstandings and divisions among believers. The devil, the great divider, constantly seeks to sow discord,” said His Beatitude.
He concluded by saying, “It is not enough to speak about Church unity—we must also pray for it.” The High Priestly Prayer becomes a living light, especially for bishops in their pastoral responsibility over clergy and laity alike.
“Right faith,” he added, “is the foundation of our salvation and the key to eternal life. Losing the right faith means losing the true relationship with the living God, the Holy Trinity, the source of eternal life.”
This faith, he stressed, also calls believers to right living and missionary work, transmitting the name of Jesus Christ from generation to generation with hope in His mercy and love.
Photo: Basilica.ro Files / Mircea Florescu
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