«Triumph of Orthodoxy»

«Triumph of Orthodoxy»

Congratulations on the feast of Sunday of Orthodoxy and Icon Veneration!

The Triumph of Orthodoxy is God’s triumph in the hearts of those who love Him, it is the glorification of Holy Martyrs and Confessors, whom defended the Church during years of persecution.

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh said that the Triumph of Orthodoxy is not our triumph over someone else, but rather the Triumph of Orthodoxy over us. The path towards the Triumph of Orthodoxy, lies in fasting, repentance, and getting closer to God. God celebrates victory in our soul, when together with Him we chase away the devil and defeat sinful passions residing in our heart.

When we are obedient to Christ, and hearing His voice «FOLLOW ME!» we follow Him to His Church, Then our Church Triumphs in honour of our spiritual freedom. A great and joyful triumph happens in Heaven among Angels and Saints, as well as in our soul, when during Confession we bring true repentance. The power of Faith in our lives increases joy in the worldly Triumph of Orthodoxy.

This spiritual joy that we possess cannot remain alone. For us, as for Apostle Phillip, the wish to share the spiritual joy of the triumph and our faith, with friends and close ones, results in the rejoicing of the entire Church both on earth and in Heaven.

Wishing you spiritual joy and thanking you for the opportunity to participate in the feast of the «Triumph of Orthodoxy»!

Bishop Iov

Photo: http://www.orthodox-canada.com/ru/russkiy-torzhestvo-pravoslaviya/