On Forgiveness Sunday, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Episcopal Cathedral in Saint-Hubert, Canada, delivering a message to the faithful on forgiveness and detachment from material things.
“In today’s Gospel passage, our Lord Jesus Christ prepares us for the upcoming liturgical period of Great Lent,” the bishop said.
Continuing his homily, the Bishop of Canada emphasized, “The Savior teaches us how important forgiveness and detachment from material wealth are, and He also gives us examples of how to put them into practice.”
The hierarch was joined in concelebration by Fr. Mircea Panciuk, Protosyncellus Maxim Morariu, Fr. Adrian Manea, and Deacon Iulian Virgiliu Amohnoaie.
Forgiveness Vespers
The liturgical program continued in the evening with the Vespers of Forgiveness, during which Bishop Ioan Casian explained the significance of the Sundays of Great Lent.
“The period we are entering is one of great spiritual depth. Each Sunday has a special meaning. The first Sunday celebrates the victory of Orthodoxy and the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, who defended the veneration of holy icons. The following Sunday is dedicated to Saint Gregory Palamas, and so on,” he explained.
The bishop urged the faithful: “Let us follow their examples and teachings, purifying our souls so that we may truly receive the Resurrection of Christ.”
Photo: Diocese of Canada
