“During these holy days, we are called to withdraw from the noise of the world, from conflicts and disturbances, and seek spiritual peace – hesychia – so cherished by the Holy Fathers,” said Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia on Thursday, the first day of the Nativity Fast according to the unrevised calendar.
In his message, the Metropolitan of Bessarabia urged introspection, peace, and spiritual calm amid the current social challenges.
“My beloved, we live in troubled times, where societal division and unrest seem to infiltrate our lives. During this fasting season, I encourage you to renounce all that is worldly and fleeting and turn your hearts toward the eternal.”
“Let us not allow the turmoil around us to darken our souls, but instead, let us nourish ourselves with the peace of Christ and pray for unity, reconciliation, and the salvation of all people and Christian nations.”
“Let us prepare to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord with souls transformed through prayer, acts of charity, and gestures of love. As St. John Climacus teaches, fasting is the beginning of spiritual struggle, the flower of repentance, and the source of humility.”
Metropolitan Petru emphasized that fasting is not only abstaining from certain foods but, more importantly, refraining from sin and responding to a profound call to repentance and reconciliation with God and one another.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
