On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria visited Bregenz in western Austria as part of his pastoral tour.
He presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the parish of the Three Hierarchs, which is graciously hosted for services in the Seekapelle.
The parish priest of Innsbruck, Presbyter Stavrophoros Nebojsa Grdinic, Presbyter Vadim Karpenko from Lindau, Germany, and Presbyter Ovidiu Cozma from Feldkirch accompanied him in the service.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Vorarlberg, Benno Elbs, attended the Divine Liturgy, and during the Blessing of the Waters, Protopresbyter Goran Eric and Presbyter Nikola Balovic from Bregenz and Feldkirch, respectively, joined in prayer. The Metropolitan then proceeded to Lake Constance (Bodensee), where he cast the cross into the waters. This was followed by the cutting of the traditional Vasilopita during a community meal.
In his sermon, the Metropolitan spoke about the gifts we receive from God, as highlighted in the biblical readings of the day, and the significance of the Feast of Theophany. He emphasized the necessity of cultivating the gifts activated through baptism, as described in the Epistle reading: “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.” Reflecting on the context of the recent Feast of Theophany, the Metropolitan underscored the importance of recognizing that Christ, the Light of the world, has been revealed as the Savior of the world. He encouraged the faithful to participate in the spiritual life of the Church, become partakers of the Light, and journey toward it.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan thanked Bishop Benno Elbs and invited him to address the congregation. Bishop Elbs highlighted the importance of the Feast of Epiphany, celebrating the revelation of the Holy Trinity, Christ’s mission to save the world, and humanity’s universal call to salvation. He also emphasized the significance of Baptism for human salvation.
Following this, the Metropolitan conducted the Blessing of the Waters, during which Protopresbyter Goran Eric and Presbyter Nikola Balovic joined in prayer. The ceremony included the casting of the cross into Lake Constance, whose waters connect Austria with Germany and Switzerland.
Finally, a meal was hosted at a Greek restaurant, where the Metropolitan blessed the Vasilopita of the local community. During the event, the faithful had the opportunity to hear a spiritual message from the Metropolitan and receive the blessing of the Church.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
