2nd Sunday after Pentecost
All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Russian Land
The Lord called Peter and Andrew, and immediately they left everything and followed Him. He called James and John, and they also immediately left everything and followed the Lord. Why did they follow so quickly and willingly? Because they saw something better. Such is the law in our soul, that having recognized and tasted the better, it turns away from the worse and abandons it. Here, the same thing happens that the Lord later depicted in the parable of the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great price. This treasure and pearl is faith in the Lord and communion with Him according to the power of faith. We are called owners of this even in baptism. Why then do we value such a treasure so little and, valuing it little, exchange it for emptiness? Because during upbringing, we are not introduced to the taste of this treasure, and it becomes alien to our heart. Our heart does not know this better. It only knows which of the bad things is less bad and which is more, and it bases its view on this. Here is the whole reason why the Lord calls some and they go, while we, though called, run from Him.
St. Theophan the Recluse
Dear brothers and sisters!
This coming Sunday, we will especially honor all the saints who shone forth in the Russian land. This feast reminds us that holiness is the fruit of spiritual asceticism, accessible to each of us. The saints who shone forth in Holy Rus' are our heavenly intercessors and advocates, who, by their life's example, show us how love for God transforms a person and makes him a light for the world.
Our saints are princes and righteous ones, martyrs and venerable ones, confessors and ascetics, who at different times 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 high goal.
We joyfully await you at the festive divine service to share the joy of this spiritual triumph together.
