In the video above, listen to his audio message. His Eminence Seraphim, Metropolitan of Kythira and Antikythira, for Sunday E’ LOUKA (13-11-2022).
Here is the written Divine Sermon of the day, by Rev. P. Mariatos:
Today, on Resurrection Day, my fellow Christians, as we do every Sunday, we celebrate the memory of the great Father of our Church, John Chrysostom.
And if only the Catechetical Discourse of St. John had been preserved, from his enormous contribution to the preaching of our Faith, it would perhaps suffice to stir our souls to Love, praise, and gratitude toward the Lord Jesus.
This orator, adorned by God, preacher of the Church, completed his words with his ascetic and exemplary life. He never sought thrones or positions of power. However, when the will of God and the voice of the people elevated him to the Patriarchal Throne, he fearlessly exercised the spiritual authority that his position conferred upon him. And he did not hesitate to confront not only heretics, but also the Empress herself.
Austere, honest, bold, and much loved by his flock, he had done tremendous social work, supporting the faithful and the Church. People hung on his every word, listening intently to his usually lengthy sermons.
Perhaps the greatest legacy he left us is his Divine Liturgy of unsurpassed beauty! The one we have been hearing and experiencing for 1,700 years now. A service that no one can judge, that no one can praise enough, that you just experience and it brings you to life!.
In the end, John ended his life in exile, weak, far from his throne and the city. And he ended it with a very short prayer—a legacy for us throughout the ages: «Glory to God for all things!».
Our Church could not forget its Chrysostom. It dedicated to him, along with many hymns, its Apolytikion, comprehensive of his talents and prayerful:
«The grace of God shone from your mouth, just like a bright torch in the darkness, lighting up the world. You bequeathed to the world treasures of generosity. And you showed us the height that humility encompasses.
Well said, however, you teach us with your words, Father John Chrysostom, in the Word of God, our Christ, to save our souls in His Kingdom.
