Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear brothers and sisters!
In the Old Testament, the book of the Prophet Jonah describes how the Prophet sought to fight against the Lord’s desire to pardon his enemies, the sinful Ninevites, by calling them to repentance. As he tried to run away from God Jonah was visited by great trials. He was swallowed by big fish. He then repented, decided to obey the Lord and to go to the Ninevites to convert them to repentance. He becomes the instrument of God’s mercy and, through him, the Ninevites repent and are saved from destruction. God transforms his disobedience, by his repentance, into mercy upon the people of Nineveh.
I see a parallel with our current situation as the coronavirus pandemic threatens human life on this planet. Does not the Lord call us also to repentance, to conversion to Him in prayers and works of righteousness and mercy? This critical time gives us the opportunity to think about ourselves and truly discover the meaning of our presence on this earth and to see clearly our strengths and our weaknesses. How do I get used to all these restrictions on my freedom, when we are ordered to stay at home, to wear masks, to not get close to others, and transportation is restricted. Now we understand the value of what we have taken for granted. We have been intoxicated with freedom, and now, when we are restricted, panic comes! Fear instead of faith, and perhaps even lack of hope in God. It is impossible to live our daily lives without challenges, but God has allowed this as a wake-up call to a humanity that has forgotten Him.
Suffering and hardship are part of life for everyone. This time of Lent should help us move closer to God than ever before. The Church calls us to increase our spiritual efforts through prayer. Now, as we spend more time at home, we have time for spiritual reflection, for reading the Scriptures or spiritual books. We have time to call those who are alone and inquire about their state of health. After all, fasting is not only what we put into our mouths, but also what comes out of them. When we have a sober mind and inner peace all life’s challenges can be successfully overcome.
We heed the decision of our Bishops, our government and the doctors who have taken decreed precautionary measures to overcome this pandemic. We, as citizens of this country, must follow their advice and protect our health as well as those with whom we communicate. Although our temples will be closed for public visitation this Sunday, nonetheless by the blessing of Metropolitan Yuri and Bishop Andrew, Fr. Ihor and I shall serve Divine Liturgy at St. Sophie Cathedral with the participation of several choir members. Prayers shall be offered for our faithful, for all of you and for the whole world, for all who are suffering from this disease and for those who have already gone to be with the Lord. We shall be united as never before in spirit, in faith and in prayer. We shall also be broadcasting this Liturgy on the Internet, for the many who are at home and cannot come to the temple. A live broadcast of the Divine Service from St. Sophie Cathedral can be viewed through our official website on Sunday, March 22, 10:00 a.m. at our official site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654403361512288/.
We shall offer our prayers to God, and believe in the power of Him Who created this world and Who by His grace shall save it. May God’s blessing, peace and love be upon you all.
Archpriest Fr. Volodymyr, Rector