In a spiritual epistle sent on the occasion of the Monastic Synaxis held on Monday in the Archdiocese of Craiova, Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia observed that “the mystery of monasticism is the most sacred calling that God has given to people.”
“Therefore, whoever wishes to follow Christ the Saviour must leave worldly life and open their soul to the Lord to hear the words of the Gospel: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“And in God’s call and the monk’s response, there is a longing for union in love that nothing in this world can quench,” emphasized His Eminence.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself teaches us to follow Him in humility and self-denial so that we may receive dispassion and eternal life from Him. Obviously, in the face of God’s love, we suddenly experience feelings of fear and joy, of awe and love for our Master.”
But “the most beautiful gift we can give to God is to entrust our soul and heart to Him,” added His Eminence.
Freedom in Love
“Walk confidently on the path of the Cross and the Resurrection, working kindness and love towards all those in the monastery with serenity and love. Do not lose hope in troubles, but move forward with confidence, with your eyes fixed on the cross of the Lord, as the Holy Apostle Paul teaches us,” conveyed Metropolitan Irineu to the monks and nuns within his archdiocese.
“I remind you that only prayer and the prayer rule can form a monk pleasing to God, who has the strength and hope of the Holy Spirit. Our emblem is the bird of paradise, of that spiritual freedom that nothing and no one can suffocate, because it is internal and is guarded by God, Who is love and wants His children to be free and to live in love.”
“Therefore, all those who sincerely desire to become disciples of Christ the Saviour must never limit themselves to observing certain customs and traditions but must strive to live in the love of the heavenly Father, as the Most Pure Virgin Mary lived,” His Eminence continued.
“Monks and nuns are naturally called to follow the communion of the Holy Spirit and to ascend towards perfection, inspiring others through their deeds constantly. Thus, the Fathers and Sisters, becoming a beacon of light that illuminates their path to the Kingdom of Heaven, will surely help monastic life and society as a whole to grow and find the bright path to eternal life.”
Monastic Synaxis
The Metropolitan of Oltenia conducted the Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Great Martyr Demetrius in Craiova before the synaxis. Father Ioniță Apostolache read the epistle at the commencement of the synaxis.
The Metropolitan of Oltenia highlighted the need for the monastics to participate daily in the holy services. He recommended extensive preparation for the proclamation of the canonization of the new saints from the Archdiocese of Craiova: the Holy Martyr Gerasimus of Tismana and the Holy Martyr Bessarion of Lainici.
The monks and nuns deliberated on canonical and administrative matters, emphasising the importance of preserving monastic orders and authentic spiritual life. In the context of the challenges of modern secularism, cultural activities were also recognised as a priority.
Finally, all the abbots and abbesses received the Holy Cross and the pastoral Staff as gifts from His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia. His Eminence especially thanked Stavrophore Miriam Link, abbess of the “All Saints” Monastery at the Metropolitan Chapel, and her team for the organization.
Photo: Metropolis of Oltenia
