“Personal sanctification is a great support in everyday life, but also a means of changing the world,” said Metropolitan Vartholomaios of Smyrna, who presided over today’s Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Georgios in Neo Psychiko.
In his address to the faithful, he spoke of the importance of repentance: “The concept of repentance is a fundamental principle. Falling into sin is unavoidable for humans. When one falls into sin, he or she should be aware of their fall.”
He also said, “Do not try to chase a chimaera, like a modern Don Quixote, and to change the world. You should first of all change yourselves. It is not worth trying to change the world through revolutionary movements. You should make your own personal, spiritual revolutions and repent. In that way, you will be able to save yourselves and the world.”
The Head of the church welcomed the Metropolitan of Smyrna and referred to the 90th anniversary since the settlement of the refugees from Smyrna in Neo Psychiko. He said, “We have the great honour and blessing to be with the new Metropolitan of Smyrna, who succeeded former Metropolitan Chrysostomos.”
Moreover, he offered him a small bottle of holy water, “which was the one Metropolitan of Smyrna Chrysostomos was using when he performed the sanctification service back in August 1922.” He continued, “We offer you this small bottle of holy water, so as to have it with you in Smyrna. This is the most precious gift our parish can give you.”