His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia, on Sunday, underscored the importance of serving one’s neighbour and cultivating brotherly love as essential to ensuring peace in the world.
The hierarch celebrated at the Chapel of the National Cathedral, explaining that “the Gospel read today shows the Saviour Christ making His final journey to Jerusalem together with His twelve disciples”.
Referring to the request of the Apostles James and John, Bishop Paisie highlighted their limited understanding of the divine mystery: “We see how little the disciples understood of the great mystery of salvation unfolding before their eyes”, which is why the Saviour replied, “You do not know what you ask”.
A Fundamental Teaching of Christianity
His Grace pointed to the disciples’ envy towards the two apostles who sought precedence, noting that Christ taught them that leadership must be understood as loving service to others.
“The Saviour Christ proclaimed the service of one’s neighbour as a fundamental law of Christian life,” Bishop Paisie said.
He further explained that “the Church is a people of servants—clergy and faithful alike—we are all servants of God and servants to one another”.
“Service is a fundamental teaching of Christianity—not the domination of others, but serving them,” he added.
A Model of Rising from Sin
The bishop also highlighted the example of Saint Mary of Egypt: “This venerable saint is a model of repentance. She is an example of the lifting up of the human person from sin to the heights of holiness, through repentance, humility, fasting and prayer”.
He stressed the relevance of her example in an increasingly secularised world:
“Saint Mary of Egypt shows us that, despite our decline—whether brief or prolonged—the human longing for holiness is not extinguished. This unceasing search is, in fact, the fulfilment of our humanity, planted by God in us at creation.”
“Let us pray to the Good God to help us advance in our spiritual ascent towards the joy of the Resurrection, which is drawing near,” Bishop Paisie urged.
Photo: National Cathedral Chapel / Marius Costin
