“Parents, clergy and the entire community are called to offer young people time, trust and guidance, helping them discover the freedom of a life lived in truth and communion with God,” His Eminence Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia said on Sunday.
His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God and St George the Great Martyr in Chirilovca, Florești District, Republic of Moldova.
Caring for those who suffer
The Metropolitan of Bessarabia reflected on the Gospel account of the raising of the widow’s son at Nain, highlighting the Saviour’s compassion for a mother’s suffering.
“Drawing close to someone who is grieving begins with paying attention to their life, being willing to listen and helping to carry their burden as much as we can.”
“A visit to someone who is lonely, help offered at the right moment and prayer for a family going through difficulties can become the beginning of the comfort that a person so greatly needs,” His Eminence explained.
Young people need community support
Reflecting on the Saviour’s words to the young man at Nain, Metropolitan Antonie emphasised the responsibility of parents, clergy, and parish communities in forming the younger generation.
“A young person searching for their path needs people who will listen patiently, encourage their gifts and accompany them as they make the choices that will shape their future.”
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Antonie presented Fr. Visarion Ipati, of the Romanian Orthodox Parish of St. Demetrius the Great Martyr in Klagenfurt, Austria, with the diocesan Order of the Cross of Bălți for Clergy.
The distinction recognised his contributions to Church life and Romanian culture, as well as his support for philanthropic and spiritual activities in northern Moldova.
