On Monday, June 1, 2026, on the Feast of the Holy Spirit, Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Exarch of Hungary presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Vienna.
Concelebrating with the Metropolitan was Bishop Maximos of Ariste, together with the clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Austria. Following the Divine Liturgy, the customary Founders’ Memorial Service (Ktetorikon Mnemosynon) was held for the repose of the souls of the founders, presidents, trustees, and benefactors of the Holy Cathedral, whose dedication and service contributed significantly to the historic journey and spiritual life of the parish.
In his homily, the Metropolitan spoke about the All-Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is the very breath of the Church’s life and the source of all holiness. He underscored that through the Holy Spirit the Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Church are celebrated and brought to completion, and that the mystery of the Incarnation of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ was accomplished “by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary.”
Referring to the witness of Holy Scripture, he noted that the presence of the Holy Spirit permeates the entire history of the Divine Economy, from the creation of the world to the miracles performed by Christ during His earthly ministry, which were wrought “by the Spirit of God.” Continuing, the Metropolitan stressed that the Holy Spirit heals the human person from self-centredness and bestows the gifts of humility, love, forgiveness, and unity. Where self-love and selfishness prevail, he remarked, the All-Holy Spirit cannot dwell.
He further pointed out that the presence of God is not confined to a single moment in the past, nor solely to the day of Pentecost, but remains continually present in the life of the Church. At every Divine Liturgy, through the invocation of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, while at the same time the assembly of the faithful is transformed into the living Church.
In conclusion, the Metropolitan encouraged the faithful to invoke the All-Holy Spirit more frequently in their personal prayers, asking Him to enlighten their minds, warm their hearts, sanctify their works, and guide each person’s steps toward the Kingdom of God.
Following the Founders’ Memorial Service, a generous reception was offered to all those in attendance.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
