Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan’s Message on the Apostle’s Fast.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. May the grace and mercy of our Lord be with us now and always.
We usually don’t ask this question. Why?
Because some things are obvious. Drinking water, we don’t ask why we drink water? We eat food, we don’t ask the question!
But when it comes to the Holy Church, sometimes we have to explain why we do some things or say some things. For example, the fast of the Apostle’s, that’s one of those lent seasons that the church observes. Believers Eastern Church, part of the Holy Church we didn’t invent that. We only follow the life and example that is given to us by the Holy Church for 2,000 years.
Now, what is the Fast of the Apostles, that season of Lent? Well it begins with June 16 through the 29th. And the 29th of June specifically is the day of St. Peter and St. Paul’s feast day. And of course, then you have the third of July, which is St. Thomas’ day.
So you can see, the reason we especially promote this and do this is because we are told specifically by God to follow the life and teachings of the Apostles. Remember the words of St. Paul to Timothy, to the bishop he said, “Follow me as I follow Christ, follow the teachings and examples I handed down to you to the whole church”. He says that.
So, I welcome you to this incredible, another wonderful joy-filled journey that brings meaning and life for the Holy Church and as you do that, how do you do that? Of course, you learn all about it. The book of Acts is all about it, which I told you about.
Then take time to pray this day, especially for your Bishops and your Archbishops and priests and then of course it’s a chance to give as the Lord enables you to help the work of the Lord through the lives of the Bishops and Priests and holy church.
Then of course you imitate the faith as you read in Hebrews 13:7. Remember the Apostles, their teachings and follow in their footsteps.
God bless you and may God bless the Holy Church as we all together as one follow in the footsteps and teachings of the Apostles by remembering them, especially during this fast of the Apostles season.
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