On October 14, 2024, the Orthodox Church honored the memory of Saint Paraskevi (of Epivatis). On the eve of the feast, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria presided over a hierarchical vesper service at the Church of Saint Paraskevi.
At the end of the festive vesper service, the Patriarch addressed the faithful gathered to seek help and comfort from Saint Paraskevi. He reminded everyone of the life of the holy Paraskevi, emphasizing that anyone who has felt her grace considers her their own. “What is important for us? It is important to know that our life is hidden in God,” said the Patriarch, explaining that during her lifetime, Saint Paraskevi was unknown. Only a few poor people knew her, as they benefited from her charity.
“The true value before God is not found in external deeds, but in the purity of the human heart. Throughout her earthly life, the saint left everything in this world to gain God. How did she achieve this? With her fervent prayer, her fiery love, and the ascetic life she led. Externally, she had no activity, but it is prayer that cleanses the heart and fills it with God’s grace. The soul is adorned with faith in God, patience, humility, self-denial, love for others, and the prayers she offered for the entire world. These virtues distinguished Saint Paraskevi, and through her prayers, she obtained God’s grace. Thus, she sought God’s mercy for humanity and for the whole world,” Patriarch Daniel added.
“Prayer is not just for monks; it is the most powerful means of acquiring God’s grace. To pray, we do not need money or resources, but desire and faith in God. The effort of prayer is invisible, yet it provides great benefit, a true result that is visible to man. It cleanses the heart and fills our spirit with joy. This is the true wealth that we, as Christians, should strive to acquire. We must work for our salvation and for the home that the Lord has prepared for us in heaven. Through the prayers of Saint Paraskevi, may the Lord help us in our Christian lives, guiding us to seek what is lasting, unchanging, and will remain forever for our benefit and inheritance. These are faith, love for God, and charity—virtues that allow us to live on earth with humility, comforted by God’s mercy and with unwavering hope for salvation in the Kingdom of Christ,” concluded the Patriarch, imparting his arch-pastoral blessing to the gathered faithful.
