The feast of St. Marina was celebrated with great solemnity and spiritual joy at the parish dedicated to the Great Martyr in Brussels, hosted at the Metropolitan Chapel within the headquarters of the Holy Metropolis of Belgium.
On the eve of the feast, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium officiated at the monastic tonsure of a young Frenchman from Verviers, who received the monastic name Sophronios. In his address, the Metropolitan emphasized that monastic life marks the beginning of a life wholly dedicated to Christ through humility, obedience, prayer, and love. He highlighted that true monasticism unites a person more deeply with humanity through prayer and selfless service, praising the new monk’s ministry to the sick and his active service in the Orthodox parish of Verviers.
The Metropolitan also noted that the monk’s greatest mission is unceasing prayer for the entire world and expressed his hope that God would bless the Metropolis of Belgium with a flourishing Orthodox monastic brotherhood in the future.
The celebrations continued with the festal Great Vespers, attended by Bishop Joachim of Apollonias, clergy of the Metropolis, and a large gathering of faithful. During his homily, Metropolitan Athenagoras reflected on the enduring intercession of St. Marina for those who seek her help with faith.
On the feast day, the Metropolitan presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, while Bishop Joachim delivered the sermon, speaking about the life and timeless witness of St. Marina. At the conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Athenagoras expressed his hope that next year’s feast would be celebrated in the parish’s new church, thanking the parish clergy and chanters for their dedicated ministry.
The celebrations concluded with a festive reception, offering the faithful the opportunity to share in the joy of the parish feast.
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