In a pastoral letter issued on the first Sunday of the Nativity Fast, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church calls on monasteries and parishes to organize collections for those in need.
“Although throughout 2024 the Church, through its clergy and lay faithful, has endeavored to bring more comfort and relief to those who are suffering and in need than in previous years, the upcoming Nativity Fast is a good opportunity to multiply Christian love and mercy,” emphasized the synod members.
“Therefore, this year as well, we address priests and lay faithful of our Holy Church with a parental exhortation to organize collections of food, clothing, and medicine in parishes, monasteries, deaneries, and diocesan centers. These donations will be distributed to those in suffering and need, including disadvantaged families with many children, the elderly, and lonely individuals without children or relatives, especially those living in rural areas.”
The Holy Synod’s call comes in the context of the fasting season, a time for cultivating virtues such as charity, and the solemn year 2024, dedicated to pastoral care and assistance for the sick.
In their pastoral letter, Romanian hierarchs reflected on the theme of human suffering, noting that “the deepest ailment is the absence of communion with God.”
Photo: diaconia.md
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