On Bright Wednesday, April 23, 2025, a solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the festively adorned Church of Saint George the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer in Vienna. The service was presided over by Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Exarch of Hungary.
Concelebrating with the Metropolitan was Bishop Maximos of Aristi. They were joined in service by the parish’s Protopresbyter Fr. Ioannis Nikolitsis, Economoi Fr. Georgios Strugov and Fr. Aristeidis Ganos, and Fr. Sergios. Following the Divine Liturgy, an Artoklasia (blessing of the five loaves) was held.
In his homily, Metropolitan Arsenios spoke once again about the timeless message of the Resurrection, urging the faithful to walk always toward the Light and never toward darkness. He reminded the congregation that true joy is not found only in traditions and customs, but in the ontological truth of the Resurrection, which proclaims the passage into true life.
The day was dedicated to the patron saint of the oldest Greek community in Vienna, Saint George the Great Martyr. The Metropolitan referred to the iconographic tradition that bears witness to the miracles attributed to the saint, to whom faithful Christians turn with devotion, seeking his intercession before the Lord. “Saint George is not only one of the earliest saints and martyrs of the Church, but also a living example of faith and dedication to the Risen Christ. As we honor his memory today, let us strive to imitate his example of self-sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the faith, by which he received the crown of martyrdom.”
After the Divine Liturgy and Artoklasia, which was offered by parishioners in honor of the saint, Metropolitan Arsenios extended his heartfelt wishes to Fr. Georgios and all those celebrating their name day. A brief gathering followed the service, as the feast fell on a weekday. During the reception, those named after the saint received the Metropolitan’s blessing and exchanged festive greetings in a spirit of joy and community.
