My beloved! Congratulations on this joyful day, akin to the New Year in the secular world. For an Orthodox Christian, it is truly a new beginning. Our life is a grand journey from spiritual death to eternal life, and today we embark on a path that culminates in the glorious victory over death — the Holy Resurrection. But our essential first step is repentance. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
In our youth, we often consider ourselves invincible. Our physical strength pushes us in divergent directions as we struggle to find fulfilment in this life. Yet, as the years pass, our strength wanes. What we could do last year, we can no longer accomplish this year physically and spiritually. Our whole life, therefore, is a transition. We confront our weaknesses and limits to our autonomy as we come to surrender our lives in the hands of our Lord. And so God’s power becomes manifest in our weakness. A new life unfolds, governed by a different set of laws.
This transition is a lifelong process. Perhaps, over the past year, we have all glimpsed our imperfections. We have questioned our ability to seek forgiveness and to pursue lofty spiritual goals even though we stumble in the most basic aspects of our faith. Inevitably, we face the problem of not wanting to go to Church, pray or turn to God. But this inner struggle marks the beginning of true spiritual life, cultivated by our humble efforts, yet sustained by the ever-present grace of God.
Therefore, where we cannot change is not possible according to our human reasoning, God possesses an entirely different kind of strength. We place our hope in the transformative power of His Spirit, burning away all that is selfish, fleeting, and impure and purifying our hearts for love. We must learn to love one another, but this task seems insurmountable at present. Yet for God, all things are possible. If there is an answer to the question, “Who will be saved?”, it will be this: no one will be granted salvation, but God will save everyone who asks for it.
Therefore, these many Forgiveness Sundays have been His gift to us. They have each been a new spiritual height to be surmounted so we can maintain our connectedness to God throughout the year. Each Forgiveness Sunday is different from the next: it is unique and is never repeated. Each is a landmark in our path that leads us further with Christ. To Him, we must surrender our whole life, every part of it. We are called to give it up, once and for all. Of course, we do not do it this way. We give little by little. The merciful Lord accepts the portions we manage and welcomes our intentions. Let us strive together, each according to their circumstances. Some may find it easier to attend church regularly, while others must balance family, work, and various responsibilities. Yet, God welcomes all — those who arrive at the third hour and those who come at the eleventh, and He gives equally. Let us believe in our ability to do something for Him, even if it is very small. Even this tiny sacrifice will be enough to live with Him throughout the year in the service of our Lord and the neighbour. And we will do fine in all other respects. We are all saints, as God is with us.
Just look at what is happening in the world that seems to be teetering on the precipice. The enemy has defeated countless souls — millions or even billions — who have turned voluntarily away from God. How many Orthodox Christians have remained faithful to our Holy Russian Orthodox Church? A handful! The masses are clamouring: “Crucify Him! Faith is outdated and irrelevant! We have new laws! We are a law unto ourselves, and it is up to us to make it!” Do you realise how vital it is today to adhere to Christian life and to maintain our fidelity to Christ? But we have so many soft spots! The world has identified them, it knows where they are. It sees our vulnerabilities; it exploits them to rob us of our peace and God Himself.
However, these are also extraordinary times. We witness ordinary men and women, once seeking nothing but entertainment and indifferent to faith, rise as heroes and martyrs. They find strength in their faith and go to great lengths — even sacrificing their lives — for Christ and their homeland. This, my dear ones, places a significant responsibility upon us.
Every prostrate bow we make holds immense value. It transcends our personal needs and extends to our entire Christian family, to those who still possess reason and recognize the destructive path the world walks. Each prayer, each service, and each Holy Communion represents a victory for Christ over the ruler of this fleeting world. Together, we will undoubtedly prevail.
When our earthly journeys conclude, may we lie in repose within the holy temple, and hear the Church proclaim, “May you rest with the saints.” This is the ultimate purpose of our existence in this temporal world: to attain sainthood, transcend the world's temptations, conquer the devil, and dwell eternally with Christ. This, my brethren, is our singular and most sacred task.
My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I stand before you today asking your forgiveness. It is truly a cosmic moment. Intellectually, I grasp my shortcomings, and my failings in living a faithful and diligent life. Yet, amidst these failings, I witness God's daily grace, His continued provision that allows me to serve. Therefore, I humbly entreat your prayers.
I ask forgiveness from every soul I may have unintentionally offended, pressured, neglected, treated with haste or indifference, or caused self-pity by my actions. This litany of faults could go on endlessly. However, our most profound transgression lies before God. He has bestowed on us the gifts of service, love, and faith, yet we often fail to keep them. Thus, my first and foremost plea for forgiveness goes to God Himself.
And from you, my esteemed fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and all members of our Christian faith, I also seek forgiveness and the benefit of your prayers. Despite our struggles, I hold steadfast hope that we will reach the glorious feast of Pascha. Remember, with Christ at our side, victory is assured! For Christ is Risen! Forgive me, a sinner.
Fr. Andrey Lemeshonok
Preached on 17.03.2024
