On January 25, 2025, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene in Warsaw hosted the name day celebrations of Metropolitan Sawa. Although recovering from illness, the Metropolitan attended the service prayerfully and partook in the Holy Eucharist, bringing joy to the numerous faithful present.
The Divine Liturgy was led by Archbishop Grzegorz of Białystok, assisted by Bishops Paweł of Hajnówka and Warsonofiusz of Siemiatycze, with prayers offered for Metropolitan Sawa’s health, world peace, and the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, who reposed in the Lord earlier that day.
Dignitaries in attendance included Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Aleksander of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and Bishop Andrzej Gontarek of the Polish Catholic Church, among others.
In his address, Metropolitan Sawa reflected on the spiritual significance of his name day, rooted in his monastic tonsure in 1966, and expressed gratitude for the communal spirit in the cathedral. He emphasized the importance of human connections amidst modern societal challenges.
Metropolitan Athenagoras conveyed greetings from Patriarch Bartholomew, while Archbishop Jerzy highlighted Metropolitan Sawa’s spiritual leadership and assured him of the clergy’s unwavering support. The atmosphere was familial, filled with heartfelt wishes, flowers, and expressions of appreciation for the Metropolitan’s guidance and presence in the lives of the faithful.
Source: orthodox.pl
