Metropolitan Anthony: Pentecost gives us great hope
From the moment of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, we can join the only Source of life – God, the hierarch emphasized.
Pentecost gives us great hope, said the UOC Chancellor Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary on the air of 112 Ukraine television channel.
The UOC hierarch reminded the believers of the words of St. Theophan the Recluse, who said that "the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles is the first breath of humanity by the Divine Spirit."
“God is the Only Source of our life, and today's holiday gives us great hope. From now on, we can join this source. The grace of the Holy Spirit is the power that actually makes our salvation real,” he upheld.
The bishop reminded the flock of the teachings of the Holy Fathers of the Church, according to which the salvation of mankind was made possible when our Lord Jesus Christ died for us on the Cross and Rose. However, we should in turn take efforts to save our souls.
“Unless we become part of this great sacrifice, unfortunately, it will be dead for us. Thus, salvation is a two-way process in which both God and man are involved,” said Metropolitan Anthony. “Besides, it can be accomplished only if we live the life of the Church and if we attract divine grace into our lives, the saving power that revives a person and gives us the opportunity to overcome sin and become worthy of the Kingdom of God.”
The hierarch urged believers to keep this in mind and "ask the Most Merciful God not to deprive us of His saving grace."
“May today's holiday help us feel what the disciples of Christ felt when the Holy Spirit renewed their souls and purified of all sinful passions and vices. I sincerely wish all of us that the grace of God, which came down on this day on the holy apostles, touch our hearts and strengthen each of us on our life path,” Metropolitan Anthony concluded.
Earlier, the UOC hierarch urged believers to immerse in prayer deeper than in feelings and spoke about the only opportunity to confront challenges of the world.
