Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Exarch of Hungary, being in Hungary for official visits, on December 4, 2021, had the opportunity to attend the celebration of the feast of St. Nicholas, patron saint of the Parish of Szigetszentmiklos.
In the presence of a large number of believers, Metropolitan Arsenios presided over the Divine Liturgy, along with Bishop Paisios of Apamea, the Archimandrite of the Bulgarian Parish of Budapest, Fr. Atanasij Sultanov, and priests of the Exarchate of Hungary.
In his Sermon, the Metropolitan of Austria referred to the Life of St Nicholas, whom the Church honors on the day of his Remembrance and during its entire liturgical cycle. The Saint was Bishop of Myra in South Asia Minor and became known for his devotion to God, his humility, and the charity that led him to works of love. Metropolitan Arsenios added that even today all people of goodwill are called to imitate the example of St. Nicholas and follow the path that leads to Christ, practicing the virtues of humility and love and enjoying the fruits of the Grace of the Holy Spirit. The Metropolitan of Austria urged the faithful to claim to belong to the family of Christ and His Blessed Mother as Saint Nicholas. Addressing the head of the Parish, Fr. Róbert Szentirmai, Metropolitan Arsenios thanked him for his pastoral work and wished everyone rich God’s blessing and mercy.
After the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Róbert Szentirmai thanked the Metropolitan and the Bishop for their visit and gave his blessings to the Parish. Fr. Róbert Szentirmai also congratulated Metropolitan Arsenios on the 10th anniversary of his election as Metropolitan and handed him a gift from the parish.
This was followed by a reception and distribution of souvenir Christmas gifts to those present.