On the 32nd Sunday after the Pentecost (of the publican Zacchaeus ), H. E. Metropolitan Vladimir celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the parish of the representation of the Orthodox Church of Moldova in Moscow (Barashevskiy pereulok, 8/2 c 4).
The Metropolitan, who is the rector of this holy site, was greeted with much joy by the clergy of the church and numerous lay Christians who came to pray together with the Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova.
The Gospel fragment read out in the church on the 32nd Sunday after the Pentecost (Luke 19:1-10) shows how the change of one’s lifestyle can bring salvation. Zacchaeus had been a tax collector before meeting Jesus Christ. His occupation involved lots of abuses, and even, crimes, while meeting with the Lord completely changed his life: “Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” – said Zacchaeus to Christ.
After the Divine Service, Metropolitan Vladimir congratulated the clergy and the laity, mentioning the exemplary unity and their permanent love for the holy matters.
To commemorate this day’s common prayer, Metropolitan Vladimir distributed to the church-goers icons of St. Gavriil (Banulescu Bodoni) of Capriana Monastery and Blessed Agafia of Cuselauca, in sign of blessing and spiritual strengthening.
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