Metropolitan Laurențiu of Transylvania underlined on Sunday the role of the Church in people’s lives, saying that it “is a school of prayer”.
The hierarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Ascension of the Lord and Saint Nicholas in Sibiu.
In his homily, the Metropolitan of Transylvania explained that Christ’s High Priestly Prayer holds a special place in the liturgical life of the Church, preparing the faithful for the approaching feast of Pentecost.
“This extensive revelation is necessary for the strengthening of our faith and prepares us for the upcoming feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit.”
Metropolitan Laurențiu also stressed that this Sunday has a particular significance within the liturgical period between the two major feasts.
“This Sunday forms the link between the two feasts: the Ascension of the Saviour into heaven and the Descent of the Holy Spirit.”
The importance of prayer
Referring to the prayer spoken by Christ before His Passion, the Metropolitan explained that it encompasses Christ’s entire saving work.
“The Saviour raises to the Heavenly Father a threefold prayer: first for Himself, that He may be consecrated for sacrifice; then for His disciples, who would remain in the world to continue their mission; and also for all believers who would listen to their words.”
Metropolitan Laurențiu also underlined that the High Priestly Prayer represents a model for the life of the Church.
“The High Priestly Prayer addressed by Christ the Saviour to the Heavenly Father is the model for the supreme worship offered by the Church to God.”
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan of Transylvania received a gift from the three parish communities attached to the church.
Photo: Metropolis of Transylvania
