His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated the Holy Liturgy on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord in Russia is celebrated as the Day of Orthodox Youth. On this occasion, Patriarch Kirill addressed young Orthodox Christians with a speech:
Dear brothers and sisters!
I sincerely congratulate you on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord and the Day of Orthodox Youth.
Today we remember an evangelical event filled with deep spiritual meaning: the Most Holy Theotokos and the righteous Joseph, in order to fulfill the commandment of the law of God, bring the Christ Child to the Jerusalem Temple. There they are met by the pious elder Simeon, who for many years had hoped for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25) and prayerfully awaited the coming of the Savior of the world. This encounter is not only a contact between the Old and New Testaments, but also an image of the most important encounter – the encounter of man with God.
Each of us goes through a period of development associated with certain expectations and hopes. This is especially true for young people, who are inevitably in search of their own life path and value orientations, as well as answers to the eternal questions of existence. Youth is a period of opportunities, but also of serious trials and doubts, and, what is even more significant, it is a time when the heart is wide open to encounter the Creator.
The encounter is also for us a lesson in fidelity and patience. Elder Simeon and the prophetess Anna teach us by their example that a sincere desire for a personal encounter with the Lord is never in vain. Even if the wait seems long and the answer to prayer is late, we must remember: God will appear in our lives at the most necessary moment, when the soul is most ready to receive Him.
On this bright and festive day, I wish each of you to be courageous in faith, unwavering in hope, and unshakable in your Christian convictions. May the Lord of Heaven enlighten your hearts and minds, strengthen you in doing good deeds, and inspire you with joy and peace.
May our Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother, bless you on all the paths of life.
+KIRIL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL THE RUSSIAS
Source: patriarchia.ru
Photo: Mospat.ru