His Grace Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at the “Sunday of All Saints” Parish in Bilbao, Spain. The community marked its patronal feast and the 20th anniversary of its founding.
Among those attending was Bianca Miruna Gavriliță, Romania’s Consul General in Bilbao.
In his homily, the bishop emphasized that the Church established the Sunday of All Saints to honor known saints, but especially those unknown.
“The Sunday of All Saints was established by the Holy Fathers to honor not only the well-known saints but also the unknown, unnamed ones who are pleasing to God. The Church calls us to commemorate them and to pray to them as intercessors so that we too may attain holiness,” said Bishop Timotei.
The hierarch reminded the faithful that saints were “people like us, with weaknesses, temptations, and even sins. The Apostles denied Christ, and Paul, before his conversion, persecuted the Church. But they did not despair—they returned to God with repentance and hope. That is the key: no matter how great the sin, hope must not be lost but strengthened through repentance and prayer. True strength comes from love for God and persistent prayer.”
Honors and Awards
Parish Priest Petru David received the Episcopal Cross from His Grace Bishop Timotei.
Matushka Florica, his wife, was awarded the Cross of “Saint James the Apostle” for laypeople in recognition of her support and involvement in parish life. Members of the parish council were also awarded the “Saint James the Apostle” Medal as a sign of gratitude for their steadfast service to the community.
Consul General Bianca Miruna Gavriliță received an icon of the Mother of God as a blessing. Representatives of the Spanish authorities also received icons as a token of appreciation for their support of the parish.
Photo: Diocese of Spain and Portugal
