On Thursday, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the “St. Spyridon” Metropolitan Cathedral in Bucharest, marking its patronal feast.
Homily on St. Spyiridon’s Life and Miracles
In his sermon, Bishop Varlaam spoke about the life and miracles of St. Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous.
“St. Spyridon was tirelessly active throughout his life, travelling across the parishes in his diocese. He visited Alexandria, where his mere presence destroyed pagan idols. For this reason, God granted him the gift of continuing his good works even after his passing,” noted the bishop.
Bishop Varlaam highlighted the posthumous miracles of St. Spyridon: “He departed this life in 348 and was buried in Trimythous. Soon after, miracles began at his tomb, accompanied by heavenly fragrances. As a result, the faithful exhumed his holy relics and placed them in a church.”
St. Spyridon’s relics were later moved to Constantinople for protection from invaders attacking Cyprus. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, they were transferred to the island of Corfu, where they remain to this day.
“The clergy in Corfu, where his intact relics are preserved, have observed that the velvet slippers placed on his feet become worn, dirty, or even contain grass. This indicates that, just as during his earthly life, St. Spyridon continues to travel and help those in need to this day,” the bishop added.
Saints Spyridon and Nicholas: Examples of Mercy
Bishop Varlaam compared St. Spyridon to his contemporary, St. Nicholas, commemorated on December 6.
“The radiant life of St. Spyridon serves as an example for us, especially during the Nativity Fast, as we prepare to be hospitable and purify our hearts for the Christ Child. Similarly, the life of St. Nicholas encourages us to be kind, merciful, and supportive of those around us,” he emphasized.
Both saints, he noted, were staunch defenders of Orthodoxy at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325.
“May God grant us, through their prayers, the ability to shine with kindness, love, and compassion toward our neighbours as a testament of our love for our Heavenly Father,” concluded Bishop Varlaam.
History of “St. Spyridon” Cathedral
The church’s construction dedicated to St. Spyridon on Șerban Vodă Ave began in 1766 under the orders of Prince Scarlat Ghica. From its inception, it also bore a second dedication to St. Bessarion of Larissa, who was highly venerated in Wallachia then.
In 1987, when the original “St. Spyridon” Church was demolished, its relics were moved to the current Metropolitan Cathedral.
After extensive renovations in the 1950s, initiated by Patriarch Justinian following damage caused by the 1940 earthquake, the church was designated a Patriarchal metochion in 1954. It hosted significant ecclesiastical ceremonies, including hierarchal ordinations and enthronements.
In 2012, Patriarch Daniel elevated the church to the status of a Metropolitan Cathedral.
For more pictures, please visit our Photo Gallery section!
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
