On Sunday, May 15, 2022, the Metropolitan of Austria, assisted by the Vicars Fr. George and Fr. Nicholas, the new priest in the Parish Fr. Cornelius, as well as the Archdeacon Fr. Maximus, performed the Divine Liturgy in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where the Ukrainian Orthodox Parish gathered.
The Metropolitan conveyed to the faithful the resurrection greeting and prayed for their spiritual strengthening and for God’s consolation especially for those affected by the war. He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen.
In his sermon, the Metropolitan referred to the Gospel passage of the Miracle of Paralytic. He emphasized the infinite divine charity that led to the healing of the paralytic and shows the way of salvation to all people, because this is also the reason for the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. “He is,” said the Metropolitan, “our hope for true peace and joy that transforms the daily life of suffering people and helps them to continue the struggle of life.”
He also prayed for the illumination of all those who caused the war, so that their souls may avoid eternal damnation. Finally, he assured those present of the unconditional support and assistance of the refugees from Ukraine on behalf of the Holy Metropolis of Austria.
On the Saturday before the feast day, May 14, Hieromonk Fr. Bartholomew, together with Fathers Nicholas, Aristides and Cornelius, performed the Divine Liturgy in the town of Apetlon, where a large number of Ukrainian refugees reside and are being cared for with great love. The priests and volunteers from the region provided a rich meal and gave the opportunity for young and adults to joyfully celebrate the 4th Sunday of Easter with the inhabitants of Apetlon, who daily show much love and self-sacrifice for the people hosted there.
