On June 20, the day of the commemoration of the Holy Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in our parish church. The service was presided over by His Eminence Mark, Metropolitan of Korsun and Western Europe, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe.
This was Metropolitan Mark’s first visit and first divine service in our parish church since his appointment to the Korsun See.
In his archpastoral homily following the service, the Metropolitan spoke about faith and, in particular, its steadfastness. He recalled the Gospel image of the man who built his house upon sand and the man who built his house upon rock. A house founded on sand can easily be destroyed by winds, rains, and other natural forces. By contrast, a house built upon rock is able to withstand trials and remain firm.
According to His Eminence, the same is true of the spiritual life of a Christian. If one’s faith is firm and profound, it helps a person overcome life’s difficulties and trials. Moreover, by God’s mercy, if it serves a person’s salvation, many everyday concerns and problems may gradually find their resolution.
In his address, Metropolitan Mark also thanked the faithful for their common prayer, expressed his gratitude to the rector of the parish, and commended the singing of the church choir, including the children’s choir that participated in the Divine Liturgy.
In his response, the rector of the parish, Archpriest Vadim Zakrevsky, thanked Metropolitan Mark for his archpastoral ministry and for visiting our parish. On behalf of the parish, commemorative gifts were presented to His Eminence as a remembrance of his visit to the church dedicated to the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers.
Following the service, Metropolitan Mark spent time speaking with parishioners. Those who wished were able to approach His Eminence personally, ask questions, and receive his archpastoral blessing. Group photographs were also taken with the children’s choir and the parish faithful