By Romfea.news
The Metropolis of Demetrias celebrated solemnly the memory of the Saint Paisios the Athonite at the Metropolitan Church of St. Nikolaos in Volos.
On the eve of the feast, Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias presided over the Great Vespers Service, in the presence of dozens of believers, among them a group of pilgrims from Philippopolis, Bulgaria.
The Divine Word was proclaimed by Metropolitan Ignatios, who welcomed the group from Bulgaria and the cleric, who accompanied the pilgrims, and stressed that “our people were convinced that Elder Paisios was a saint long before his repose.”
He also pointed out that “From a very young age, St. Paisios followed such a path that led him to be a saint. He learned to fight his passions and weaknesses and acquired divine virtues, leaving everything, including his life, in the hands of God. He served in the Greek Army in a very difficult time, and became radio operator. That’s why many called him “God’s radio operator”, because in all his life he prayed to God for people. He received the gift of touching the souls of people. The saint offered them serenity, answered to their concerns and led them to the path of repentance. Through ascesis, he reached theosis, giving him the possibility to talk with the saints.”
Finally, the Metropolitan said that “we, too, can become saints, without there being any obligation to become monks and to stay in Mount Athos. Wherever one stays, one can defeat the passions, transform them into virtues and through the Holy Sacraments, the Grace of the Holy Spirit, have a pure heart, and bring peace and joy to all people.”
