On the feast of the Venerable Gerasimos of Jordan (Syropusna Sunday), the day before the beginning of Holy Lent in anticipation of Easter, the faithful people in the Church of St. Luke in Kotor's Old Town was addressed by the archpriest of Kotor - Tivat, parish priest of Kotor, archpriest Nemanja Krivokapić.

"The essence of our life here on earth is to gain the Kingdom of God." We who believe, who call ourselves Orthodox Christians, follow the teachings of the Church that this life here, as important as it is, is only a preparation for the other, eternal life in communion with God. It is obtained through life in the Church that God gave us. Life in the Church, on the one hand, implies a virtuous life, what we need to acquire as good qualities and get rid of bad habits and deeds. The gospels reminded us of this in the previous, preparatory period before this fast," said Fr. Nemanja, emphasizing the virtue of forgiveness, faith in God, love...

However, as he emphasized, communion with God through holy mysteries is much more important.

"God, Christ, when he was on earth, founded the Church as a place of community and unity of people with God, through the Holy Sacrament of Baptism, the Holy Sacrament of Anointing and the Holy Sacrament of Communion, which is the pinnacle. The Holy Sacrament of Communion is the essence and basis of our life, because, as our Church believes and as we believe, it is the very body and blood of Christ. When we receive communion, we are truly in communion with God. That community that we need for eternal life, which we do not have by ourselves. We do not have the possibility of eternal life without communion with God. God is the only eternal one, and people have a beginning and an end. When the Lord prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, He says to the Father: "That they may all be one, as You are in Me and I in You, and they with Us may be one." The Lord Himself prays to the Father like that, and if He thinks it is necessary for us to be one, then it is really so, because we only become one through the Holy Sacrament of Communion. That is the essence of our life," said Fr. Nemanja.

Continuing his sermon, he also said that essentially no one is worthy of communion, but that God, in addition to being just, is above all merciful.

"God is love and all of us, by the grace of God, can approach such a holy place, which is God himself. But, again, it is fair on our part to prepare as much as possible, to give as much as possible, if we cannot already be the best. That is why fasting, which, God willing, will begin tomorrow, serves us to prepare for Holy Communion," said Fr. Nemanja.

He also spoke about how to fast.

"Today's Gospel (Matthew 17 (6:14-21)) teaches us about the essence of fasting and how to fast. Some form must exist, but sometimes when we think about it, we forget about the essence. The essence of what we do ", Father Nemanja said.

Speaking about the preparation for the meeting with the Lord, he recalls the words from the Gospel: "And when you fast, wash your head and your face."

"First of all, let's clear our thoughts, our thinking." God wants sincere repentance, sincere prayer and sincere love for one another. That is what God is looking for. With such a life, such a reflection, lighter food logically goes. That is the second part of the fast that accompanies this spiritual one, that is, the preparation, what we are, where we are, are we worthy, how far have we progressed since the last time, wouldn't we be better when we receive communion. Along with this way of thinking, this physical fasting also goes, but in that order - first think and then act," said Fr. Nemanja.

He adds that everyone should fast according to their ability and according to their salvation.

"Shall we fast on water or oil?" We cannot all fast at the same time, but according to our possibilities. Whoever can fast on water should fast on water, if it is for his salvation. That's why priests serve, to consult with them, to talk, to discuss, to monitor your spiritual life, what is beneficial and for your salvation," said Fr. Nemanja, emphasizing again that the essence is the most important in order to be truly ready to meet the Lord.

Gospel Matthew, 17 (6,14-21)

14. For if you forgive people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15. If you do not forgive people their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses. 16. And when you fast, do not be gloomy like the hypocrites: for they darken their faces to show themselves to men that they are fasting. I tell you the truth: they have received their wages. 17. And you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face, 18. so that people do not see you where you fast, but your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you publicly. 19. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves undermine and steal; 20. but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not undermine or steal. 21. Because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Photo: Andrea Ševaljević