On Monday, Archbishop Varsanufie celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the “All Saints” Chapel in Râmnicu Vâlcea, highlighting the life and profound conviction of Saint Menas the Great Martyr. The archbishop shared that Saint Menas “firmly believed that without death, there is no resurrection.”
“Saint Menas was convinced that without struggle, there are no crowns; without the cross, there is no glory; without death, there is no resurrection. From Christ’s cross flows the grace of salvation, and all who partake in the Passion and death of the Saviour share in the resurrection and life with God,” he stated.
“Saint Menas truly embodied the likeness of Christ, the one in whose image he was created and with whom he now rejoices in heavenly blessings,” Archbishop Varsanufie added on Nov. 11.
He also reflected on Christ’s words: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25-27), noting how deeply these words resonated in the heart and mind of the holy martyr.
Unshakable Faith in the Face of Martyrdom
Continuing his sermon, Archbishop Varsanufie underscored Saint Menas’s unwavering faith and his acceptance of the cross of martyrdom.
“The martyr’s unbreakable and fearless faith in God and his hope for eternal communion with Him found their highest expression in his sacrifice. For Saint Menas, accepting the cross of martyrdom was an act of love for God, a testament of faith, and a complete hope in the Resurrection and eternal life,” he said.
“By accepting the cross, a person suffers and is crucified alongside Christ, and therefore will also partake in His Resurrection,” the archbishop explained.
He noted that Saint Menas reassures us that martyrs are a visible reminder that the Church lives in an eschatological state inaugurated by Christ, which will culminate with the coming of the Son of Man, accompanied by the martyrs, on the Day of Judgment.
“Each of us can embrace a love for God and neighbour, moral purity, constant remembrance of Christ, and spiritual vigilance,” Archbishop Varsanufie concluded.
Photo: Archdiocese of Ramnic
