His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat has urged the faithful to use the next two weeks to visit and comfort those who are suffering – whether in hospitals, care homes, or at home – especially the lonely, marginalised, and elderly without support.
At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan delivered a message with a strong philanthropic emphasis, calling on believers to combine spiritual renewal with charitable action.
Care for Those in Need
The Metropolitan encouraged clergy and faithful alike to seek God’s help in assisting the sick, the elderly, the lonely, and marginalised individuals, as well as large families in need.
“Let us use these blessed days of fasting, with the help of our Heavenly Father, to visit and alleviate the physical and spiritual suffering of our fellow humans – those on beds of pain, in hospitals, care facilities, and their homes,” he said.
“Let us care for the needy families with many children, for orphans and widows, each in their parish, as Scripture instructs us: ‘Give of your bread to the hungry, and of your clothes to the naked. From all that you have in abundance, do alms, and let not your eye begrudge when you give alms!’” (Tobit 4:16)
Reflecting on the Life of the Theotokos
The first two weeks of August are also, Metropolitan Ioan emphasised, a time for clergy, monastics, and faithful to meditate on the life of the Virgin Mary, “who carried in her arms and in her heart the Saviour of the world.” He highlighted her virtues – purity, love, faith, and selfless dedication – as a model for all.
The Metropolitan encouraged daily celebration of the Paraklesis and Akathist hymns to the Dormition of the Theotokos in every parish and monastery, urging all to pray for peace in the world, for love and unity among people and nations.
He also reminded the faithful of their responsibility to live these days spiritually, increasing their devotion, good works, and love for others, so as to welcome the Feast of the Dormition with a pure heart.
Metropolitan Ioan concluded his message with a pastoral blessing:
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all,” accompanied by a call to unity in prayer, mercy, and hope.
Photo: Banat Metropolis (2022)
