2nd Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of All Saints of Russia
The Lord called Peter and Andrew, and immediately, leaving all, they followed Him. He called James and John, and they also immediately left all and followed the Lord. Why did they follow Him so quickly and willingly? Because they saw something better. Such is the law that we have in our soul, that once it has tasted and known what is better, it is repulsed by what is worse and abandons it. Here is accomplished the same thing that later the Lord described in His parable about the treasure hid in a field, and about the pearl of great price. The treasure and the pearl are faith in the Lord and communion with Him according to the strength of faith. We have already been declared possessors of this in baptism. Why do we value this treasure so little, and so exchange it for barren insignificance? Because we were not brought up to cultivate a taste for this treasure, and it becomes foreign to our heart. Our heart does not know this better thing. It only knows that there is the bad, the very bad, and the not so bad, and bases its outlook upon this assessment. Here is the entire reason why the Lord calls some and they come; but we, the chosen ones, run from Him.
St. Theophan the Recluse
Dear brothers and sisters,
This coming Sunday, we will be celebrating the feast of all the saints who have shone forth in the land of Russia. This feast reminds us that holiness is the fruit of spiritual struggle, accessible to each of us. The saints who have shone forth in Holy Rus’ are our heavenly intercessors and protectors, whose lives show us how the love of God transforms a person and makes them a light to the world.
Our saints include princes and righteous ones, martyrs and monastics, confessors and ascetics, who, in different times and circumstances, left us an example of faithfulness to Christ. Their lives testify that holiness knows no boundaries or nationalities, and each of us can strive for this lofty goal.
We warmly welcome you to join us for the festive service, so that together we may share in the joy of this spiritual celebration.
