Festivities dedicated to Saint Parascheva began on Wednesday in Iasi, where Metropolitan Teofan addressed the pilgrims, saying they “share in the joy of the Saints, nourished by the joy of God.”
The Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina noted that the pilgrims’ faces already reflect that joy: “They are tired, but happy; burdened by the weight of the journey, yet cheerful, even enthusiastic.”
“This joy comes from the source of joy, which is God,” said Metropolitan Teofan.
“After the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ addressed His disciples saying, ‘Rejoice!’ And the Holy Apostle Paul placed at the foundation of Christian life a threefold exhortation: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks for all things.”
Sharing in the Joy of the Saints
The metropolitan emphasised that those who go on pilgrimage partake of the joy of the Saints.
“From the source of joy, which is God, His Saints are the first to partake. The faithful, in turn, share in the joy of the Saints, being nourished by the joy of God. The purpose of a Christian, as Saint Sofian said, is to bring joy to others. Moreover, the joy you give to others returns to you. As Saint John Chrysostom taught: Love is the joy of giving joy to others.”
Metropolitan Teofan also noted that this year’s feast is enriched by the presence in Iasi of the relics of Saint Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki.
“This year, by God’s mercy, we have the blessing to venerate the relics of Saint Gregory Palamas. He was Archbishop of Thessaloniki and lived for many years on Mount Athos. He bore powerful witness to the mystery of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. Furthermore, he testified to the spiritual state of delight in God and to the theology of sharing in the uncreated light of divinity.”
The Metropolitan concluded his message with a prayer that all pilgrims journeying to Iasi may travel in peace and return home safely, bearing witness to the joy they have shared in the company of the Saints.
Photo: Doxologia
