On Thomas Sunday (19 April 2026), Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria visited the Ukrainian-speaking parish of Maria Schutz in Perchtoldsdorf. There, he presided over the Divine Liturgy, co-officiating with Bishop Maximos of Aristi. The parish priest, Presbyter Sergii Pavelko, and Archdeacon Georgios Melesko were also present.
In his sermon, the Metropolitan referenced the theological significance of Thomas Sunday, emphasising that this day is more than a confirmation of the Resurrection; it reveals how the Resurrection becomes integral to the Church’s experience. He pointed out that the ‘closed doors’ mentioned in the Gospel reading are not only a historical detail, but also symbolise the condition of the contemporary human being, who is often trapped by corruption, fear, and death.
He went on to emphasise that the Risen Christ’s entry through the closed doors reveals that the human body is no longer solely subject to the constraints of created necessity, but instead becomes life-giving and capable of bearing uncreated energy. He noted that the Resurrection is the transition of human nature to a new mode of existence.
Referring to the Apostle Thomas, the Metropolitan stated that faith is not a private event, but is born within the gathering of the Church’s body. For this reason, Christ revealed himself to Thomas in the presence of the disciples. Salvation is a communal event, and the human person is called to know God through participation, ultimately arriving at the confession, ‘My Lord and my God.’ He emphasised that God is not an impersonal principle, but the living God who enters into personal communion with humanity.
In conclusion, he urged everyone to establish and maintain a living bond with the Risen Lord and the assembly of brethren within the Church. He encouraged them to open the closed doors of their hearts so that their faith might become a way of life and lead to deification. He urged everyone to confess Christ the Risen Lord and God.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan awarded the ecclesiastical distinction of Stavrophoros Oikonomos to Presbyter Sergii Pavelko, thanking him for his liturgical and pastoral ministry to Ukrainian-speaking refugees in the region. He also prayed for peace in Ukraine, and a Trisagion service was held for the departed relatives of those present, as well as all the departed.
Afterwards, a reception was held for everyone, during which the Metropolitan, the Bishop, and the clergy spoke with the congregation about current issues and matters of spiritual life.
