Despite the difficulties and problems caused by COVID-19, the feast of Saint Nicholas was celebrated again this year at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul.
On Saturday, December 5, the Great Vespers was celebrated with artoklasia, officiated by Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea. Among other things, the Metropolitan of Korea stressed: Nowadays the pandemic of COVID-19 has “brought us to our knees”. We do what is humanly possible. Scientists, doctors and nurses are making superhuman efforts to solve this global problem and we are deeply grateful for their effort. But they cannot work miracles. Doctors are not miracle workers! Only Almighty God works miracles. With just one word, the Lord can eradicate COVID-19 from the face of the earth. We can also contribute to this miracle. How? With our unceasing prayers to the Physician of our souls and bodies and with our warm prayers to the Saints. To Saint Nicholas, who, like all Saints, hears our prayers much more on the day of His feast. We will also contribute to the miracle with our sincere repentance.
On Sunday, December 6, due to governmental restrictive measures, only a small number of believers were able to come to church to participate in Orthros and the Divine Liturgy. In his sermon, Metropolitan Ambrosios stated that “Saint Nicholas is very popular because he is the protector of children, the poor, the wronged, the sick and the sailors when they are in danger of rough seas. But it is not only the sea that has storms. Our life has storms too. Let us resort with faith to His protection. We turn to you, Saint Nicholas, even now that the terrible pandemic of COVID-19 is tormenting us.”
