“I have been living amid miracles continuously during these five days among you,” Archimandrite Alexios, Abbot of Xenophontos Monastery, said on Sunday.
The elder took part in the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women, saying the days spent at Pantocrator Monastery, where he brought the Honourable Skull of Saint George, had been filled with wonder.
“The first great miracle is this sacred monastery itself, built with much love and piety. Its founder is now among us and bears the name George. He is blessed because he offered all he had so that this holy monastery might be established. And you all, through your support and help, contribute to the continuation of the work accomplished in this holy place,” the abbot said.
“The second miracle we are living in these days is you, Orthodox Christians, who have come from all corners of your country to venerate the holy relics of Saint George and Saint Mary Magdalene. You have moved me deeply by your orderliness, your prayer, and the prayerful way in which you join us in these sacred services,” he added.
Hope in the Great Mercy of God
Archimandrite Alexios said the faithful’s pilgrimage to honour the Holy Great Martyr George the Trophy-Bearer would bring spiritual benefit to them and their families.
“We have brought to your country a treasure of great price from our monastery — a portion of the honourable skull of the Holy Great Martyr George the Trophy-Bearer, this saint whose honoured memory we celebrated a few days ago, and whose holy relics are among us even now. Before them, you have all venerated, laying down your petitions, your tears of repentance and your thanksgiving.”
“Know, my beloved brethren, that this veneration will be for the benefit of both soul and body, for you and for all those in your families,” the Greek abbot said.
He concluded by urging the faithful to place their hope in God’s mercy.
“However sinful a person may be, if he repents and asks for God’s mercy, God is abundantly merciful: He forgives our sins and grants us His mercy. So too you will depart from here having received mercy, because you have laboured to come here to venerate the Holy Great Martyr George. May this blessing be with us all.”
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Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene
