On the Sunday of the Paralytic, Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria presided over the Divine Liturgy of the feast of Saints Constantine and Helen at the Church of St. Constantine and Helen in the village of Beloiannisz in Fejér county, Hungary, accompanied by Bishop Paisios of Apamea and many fathers who serve the Exarchate in Hungary, in the presence of local, political and diplomatic authorities, and many believers.
In his sermon, referring to the evangelical pericope of the day regarding the Healing of a paralytic at Bethesda, the Metropolitan stressed that the patient’s patience, hope and faith ultimately led to his healing.
We should pay attention, he continued, to the fact that Christ, before healing the Paralytic, asked him if he really wanted to be healed, since as is well known, God does not violate our conscience and will.
After all, we are called to do the same, that is, to respect the freedom of will of our fellow human beings. The Metropolitan also urged everyone to seek the real encounter with our Lord, since only He can save us from all kinds of paralysis, either physical or spiritual.
This presupposes a way of life, which is free of sin, something that Christ demands from the Paralytic so that we may not be alienated from divine grace and be able to experience the true joy of the Resurrection.
After the Divine Liturgy, the artoklasia took place, followed by a Trisagion for the late members of the Greek parish and the former priest Joseph Kalota.
New meeting hall was inaugurated by Metropolitan of Austria
Afterwards, the Metropolitan inaugurated a hall for the various meetings and events of the faithful as part of their parish life.
On the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Beloiannisz, the youth of the parish performed traditional dances, which was applauded by all attendees.
Finally, a festive table with local delicacies followed. Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria wished the congregation health and prosperity and gave his blessing to the current priest in charge of the Church, Fr. Prodromos Katona, to continue to serve the province of the Ecumenical Throne and the local Church.