On Saturday of the Eighth Week after Pentecost, July 25, the day on which the Church commemorates the Martyrs Proclus and Hilary and Venerable Michael Maleinos, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in our parish church. The service was presided over by the Rector of the parish, Archpriest Vadim Zakrevsky.
In his sermon, the Rector drew particular attention to the words from the Gospel reading appointed for that day: “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men… either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31–32).
Noting that these words often cause perplexity among the faithful or are sometimes interpreted imprecisely, Father Vadim explained that God’s mercy is boundless and that the Lord is ready to forgive even the gravest sins, provided that a person sincerely repents. As an example, the Rector recalled the Good Thief who was crucified beside the Saviour. Although crucifixion was one of the most painful and shameful forms of execution in those days, it was he who was the first to be granted entry into Paradise through his repentance and faith in Christ.
Explaining the meaning of “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit,” Father Vadim emphasized that it refers to a person’s conscious denial of the evident action and presence of God. Even when witnessing a clear manifestation of divine power, such a person deliberately rejects the truth. In doing so, he rejects God Himself, refuses to acknowledge his need for Him and, consequently, does not seek forgiveness or salvation. It is for this reason that such a spiritual state is described in the Gospel as unforgivable.
The Rector also noted that this was precisely how many of the Saviour’s opponents acted during His earthly ministry, including some of the leaders of the people of Israel, who, driven by envy and by fear of losing their influence and authority, consciously rejected the evident signs of Christ’s divine nature.
At the conclusion of the service, the parishioners warmly congratulated the Rector on two significant anniversaries which had been celebrated two days earlier. Father Vadim received heartfelt words of gratitude, warm wishes and congratulations, which had also filled the parish church chat on the preceding day.
