Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv shared a reflective message on social media, focusing on the spiritual power and timeless value of the Word of God, which he compared to a “precious pearl.”
In his post, Metropolitan Epifaniy explained that throughout history pearls have symbolized something rare, beautiful, and invaluable. In ancient times, he noted, pearls were literally precious because of the difficulty of extracting and trading them. He recalled that the Gospel itself likens the Kingdom of Heaven to “a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:46).
Referring to Saint John Chrysostom, the Metropolitan emphasized that already in the fourth century the great Church Father compared the Word of God to a brilliantly shining pearl. However, Saint John clarified that the value of this “pearl” lies not in the multitude of words, but in their conciseness. As Chrysostom wrote, “Here there is one sentence, but in it there is an immeasurable sea of thoughts. Be attentive, and you will see what treasures this power of the word reveals to us.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy stressed that Holy Scripture does far more than convey information. It contains spiritual power, lived experience, wisdom, and truth. The strength of God’s word, he explained, is that it does not hide truth behind complicated definitions or obscure terminology, but reveals it simply and clearly to anyone who sincerely seeks to know and live by it.
He underlined that Christ came into the world to bear witness to the truth, not to entertain or merely please His listeners. The preaching of the Gospel, he wrote, is not a philosophical lecture nor a speech aimed at winning applause. While many speakers, both in ancient times and today, adapt their words to gain popularity, Christ preached differently. His goal was the salvation and spiritual benefit of as many people as possible.
According to Metropolitan Epifaniy, the Lord used words, images, and parables that were accessible to everyone through their own life experience. Christ’s preaching was simple, vivid, and concise, yet profound. Some parables were very short, such as those of the leaven or the mustard seed, while others were longer and more detailed, like the parables of the prodigal son or the unforgiving servant. Some were immediately understood, while others required further explanation even for the disciples, offering deeper guidance for spiritual life across generations.
Concluding his message, Metropolitan Epifaniy described Holy Scripture as rightly called the “Book of books.” He noted that every word of the Bible is precious, meaningful, and inexhaustible in depth. The Word of God, he said, is truly an extraordinary pearl that reveals a new radiance and new meaning each time it is contemplated.
“As we read the Scriptures year after year, in church and at home,” he wrote, “we discover new meaning relevant to the present moment, receiving guidance, encouragement, or warning. The true treasure, the truth, is near. We only need to open our hearts to see and understand it.”
