Panorthodox
Vespers in Bristol
Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας χθες.
Το βράδυ, όπως συνηθίζεται τα τελευταία χρόνια, τελέσθηκε Πανορθόδοξος
Εσπερινός στον Ι.Ν. Γενεσίου της Θεοτόκου στο Bristol. Την
Ιερή Ακολουθία παρακολούθησαν πολλά μέλη Ορθοδόξων Κοινοτήτων από το Bristol και το Bath. Την παρακάτω ομιλία
εκφώνησε ο παρών ιστολόγος (Πρωτοπρ. Αναστάσιος Δ. Σαλαπάτας):
Very Reverend Fathers,
Beloved brothers and
sisters in Christ,
As we gather tonight in
this sacred space, we are reminded of the beautiful tapestry of Orthodoxy - a
unity that transcends languages, borders, and cultures. This Pan-Orthodox
Vespers is a witness to the truth that we are one in Christ, members of the
same Body, united by the same faith, partakers of the same Eucharist, and
called to the same mission.
1. Unity in
Diversity
The psalms we chant in
our Services remind us of the universal nature of our God: “From the rising of
the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).
Each one of us here tonight brings a unique heritage - British, Greek,
Romanian, Bulgarian, Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Arab and beyond. Yet, in
Christ, these differences do not divide but enrich the Church. Just as the
early Church was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, we are called to live as
one family, glorifying God in harmony.
Saint Paul’s words
resonate powerfully: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in
Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Tonight, we embody that truth, standing
shoulder to shoulder in prayer, reminding the world that our unity is not based
on earthly identities but on our common faith in the Risen Lord.
2. The
Vespers Service as a Reflection of our Journey
Vespers marks the
transition from day to night, from labour to rest. It is a time to reflect,
give thanks, and prepare for what lies ahead. In the same way, our gathering
tonight marks a spiritual transition - a reminder that we are called to move
from division to unity, from isolation to communion.
The hymns and prayers
call us to repentance, humility, and gratitude. They remind us that we are all
pilgrims on the same path, journeying toward the Kingdom of God. In this
journey, none of us walks alone. We walk together, supporting one another in
love and faith.
3. A Shared
Mission
As Orthodox Christians,
we share a sacred responsibility: to be the light of Christ in the world. Our
world is often fragmented, divided by conflict, misunderstanding, and fear.
Yet, as Christ tells us, “By this, all people will know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Our unity tonight is
not just for ourselves but for the world. It is a testament that Christ is in
our midst.
We are called to be
peacemakers, healers, and witnesses of the Gospel. Whether in our parishes,
workplaces, or homes, let us strive to live the Gospel authentically. Let us
support one another in charity and prayer, especially in times of difficulty.
4. The Youth
show the way
Allow me to share with
you here tonight some fascinating and exciting news.
A little while ago a
new and inspiring group has been formed within our Sacred Archdiocese of
Thyateira and Great Britain. It is called COTY, and it means Christian Orthodox
Thyateira Youth.
Shortly after the
formation of that Youth group I was informed by its leaders and we talked about
organising some kind of an event here in Bristol. I thought a lot and prayed
deeply about it and eventually I suggested that we could possibly organise a
local branch, a SW England COTY, which could bring together the Orthodox Youth
from all parts, cities and Orthodox Communities from the SW of England as well
as from the South Wales.
The Central COTY
Committee members realised that was a good idea and we had the first meeting of
our Youth here in this Parish, on 30th November last year, followed
by the 2nd one in Exeter on 15th February this year. Both
events were well attended and highly successful.
Well, it seems like the
Youth are showing us the way of unity and cooperation.
In Exeter we’ve met at
a hospitable Anglican Church; we had Vespers there, a little talk and we
enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner together, at their spacious Church Hall.
In that Church,
dedicated to St. James, I’ve noticed that they had in display a wooden
sculpture, which was created and offered by an artist named Christine Lee.
The sculpture was
called “Compassion” and it shows two angels, hugging and offering compassion,
love and care to one another.
Compassion, from the
Orthodox Christian perspective, is one of the fundamental virtues highlighted
by the Gospel and the teachings of the Church. The concept of compassion is not
limited to the expression of mercy or leniency, but concerns a deep internal
attitude of love and respect towards another person, especially towards those
who are in difficulty or pain.
Compassion means being
able to embrace others with a heart filled with God's mercy, showing concern
for their needs, and supporting them with prayer and our presence. It is not
only an external act but also has an internal dimension, as it requires us to
overcome our selfish nature and look at others with God's eyes.
This compassion, which
is manifested through solidarity and care for others, reminds us of the way God
shows mercy and goodness towards us. In the Orthodox tradition, mercy is
directly linked to love (love expressed in actions), humility, and prayer. God
calls the faithful to be merciful as He is, offering hope and comfort to their
neighbours, especially during this very special and spiritual period of Great
Lent.
Compassion is also
embodied in the work of the Church, which is called to embrace and relieve the
world in every possible way, whether through material aid or spiritual
guidance. Thus, the love and prayer of the faithful for others is an expression
of God in human life, revitalizing the soul and offering hope and rest.
5. Looking
to the Saints
Tonight, we also
remember the saints who have walked this path before us. They come from every
land and every background, yet they share one thing in common: their unwavering
faith in Christ. They inspire us to rise above our differences and to fix our eyes
on Him, the “Author and Perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
Epilogue
Before I finish, I
would like to thank Fr. Kyril and the leaders of this Community for the generous
hospitality that they offered us this evening.
Beloved in Christ, as
we leave this Service, let us carry with us the joy and peace of this
gathering. Let our unity in prayer inspire us to deeper love for one another
and renewed commitment to our shared mission. Let us go forth as ambassadors of
Christ, proclaiming His love to all we meet.
May the Lord, who has
brought us together tonight, continue to guide us on our journey and unite us
in His Kingdom, where all division is overcome, and all hearts are made one in
Him.
To Him be the glory,
now and forever. Amen.
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