Archbishop Sotirios issued a pastoral message marking the beginning of Holy Week, emphasizing the significance of this spiritually profound time.
He urged individuals, families, and the broader Greek Orthodox community in Canada to embrace and fully immerse themselves in the upcoming seven days. Despite the turmoil in society, Archbishop Sotirios encouraged steadfastness in faith, reminding believers of the unwavering support found in the Church and the strength derived from Christ’s presence.
He urged participation in church services, confession, Holy Communion, and the anointing of Holy Unction, emphasizing the importance of these rituals in deepening one’s spiritual connection.
Finally, he called for reverence before the Crucified Christ, highlighting the enduring message of love and forgiveness even in the face of suffering.
Please, read the full message:
Beloved in the Lord,
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in His infinite love and mercy for all humanity, has once again made us worthy to commence the most beautiful and spiritually uplifting week of the year.
As we close the door on Great Lent, we find ourselves before the “narrow gate” that will lead us to the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), but also to the joyful-sorrow (χαρμολύπη) during the beginning of Holy Week.I ask all of you, as individuals, families, and members of the broader Greek Orthodox community in Canada, to cherish and make the most of the next seven days. To hold fast to holy Orthodoxy, like our parents, grandparents, and countless generations – many with the price of their own blood – did before us.
We see and hear turmoil in society: wars, famine, injustices. We see and hear efforts to diminish the role and value of the family and attempts to portray Christianity in unflattering and often critical ways. Do not despair, however. Never despair. If we are with Christ, we have nothing to fear: “If God is with us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).This Holy Week let us spend more time in Church. “The Church is an enclosure,” writes that most illustrious Archbishop of Constantinople, St. John Chrysostom. “Do not distance yourself from the Church; there is nothing mightier than the Church. The Church is your hope. The Church is your salvation. The Church is higher than the heavens.”
This Holy Week let us go to confession; let us partake of Holy Communion, the “medicine of immortality,” as St. Ignatius wrote to the Ephesians on his way to martyrdom.
This Holy Week let us bring our liturgical books with us to follow the services and truly embed the centuries-old prayers in our hearts so that we are lifted to heaven.
This Holy Week let us go as one big family to be anointed with Holy Unction on Holy Wednesday, remembering the sacred words of St. James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
This Holy Week let us bow down before the Crucified Christ, to venerate His blood-stained feet, remembering that even on the Cross, He showed love and forgave His crucifiers.
Let us show love to all, now and always. Let us remember the words of Jesus Christ: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Let us show love so that when the liturgical hymns begin a resurrectional tone Friday evening, we may together chant the encomia (ἐγκώμιον) with a true Christian spirit.
Let us show love so that we may partake and experience the “First Resurrection” on Saturday morning with amazement and happiness.
“Whosoever is a devout lover of God,” writes St. John Chrysostom, “let him enjoy this beautiful bright Festival.” Pascha, the Feast of feasts, is for everyone, even those “who arrive at the eleventh hour.”
I hope and pray that this week we especially prioritize our relationship with Christ, our faith and our families, so that together we may be deemed worthy to proclaim with joy and thanksgiving that Christ is Risen!
With fatherly love and warm wishes,
Archbishop Sotirios of Canada
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
