His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat issued a pastoral message at the beginning of Great Lent urging the faithful to use the season as a time for renewing family life, in the context of the Romanian Orthodox Church’s Solemn Year of Pastoral Care for the Christian Family and the Commemorative Year of the Holy Women in the church calendar.
“Family is the little church, the place where faith is learned through example, shared prayer and self-sacrificing love. At a time when the family is often tested by instability, social pressures and the weakening of bonds between generations, Great Lent becomes an opportunity for the renewal of family life,” the Metropolitan said.
His Eminence encouraged believers to rediscover common prayer, mutual forgiveness, sincere dialogue and support between spouses, parents and children.
“Let us make our homes places of healing and reconciliation, of trust and communion. You are called to be living icons of Christ’s love. Through patience, responsibility and faithfulness, strengthen the foundation of the family and offer your children a model of authentic Christian life. Fasting is not merely a dietary rule, but an exercise in self-control, gentleness and care for those around us,” Metropolitan Ioan underlined.
Appeal to Parish Priests
Metropolitan Ioan also addressed clergy, urging them to intensify catechesis dedicated to family life and to support young people more actively.
“I urge you to strengthen philanthropic work in your parishes, to identify vulnerable persons and to guide the faithful in supporting them. Let us not forget the sick in our homes and hospitals, the elderly in care institutions, those left alone or abandoned. Let us bring them not only material assistance, but also words of comfort.”
“In a hurried and often indifferent society, the Christian is called to be sensitive, attentive and responsible. Let us not allow habit or comfort to harden our hearts,” he added.
The Metropolitan emphasised that Great Lent is a school of love and responsibility, calling the faithful to approach it as “a time for strengthening the family, honouring holy models, and renewing our promise before the confessional to live the faith authentically, fulfilling the Gospel of love of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Photo: Metropolis of Banat
