Archpastoral Epistle on the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Horen.
Dear Fathers, brothers and sisters! Distinguished guests!
I’d like to gladly congratulate you with the Day of commemorating St. John the Baptist and celebrating the 60th Anniversary of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Horen!
Together with Saint Zechariah and Elizabeth we celebrate the Birthday of the child, whom God chose for a very special ministry. St. John the Baptist is a child from God, he is a God’s unexpected gift, which was received with much joy, a gift, which was beyond any hope and expectation.
St. John the Baptist – is the only Saint (except the Mother of God), who’s Birthday is celebrated by the Church.
Why do we celebrate this event?
The birth of St. John the Baptist is not simply a family matter, rather it is directly related to every one of us and to the whole of our Church.
Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke about St. John the Baptist in the following way: “Among those born of a woman, there has been none, who was greater than John the Baptist.”
The Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ Himself is preached through the birth of St. John the Baptist. Why? Because the birth of St. John from an aged mother prepared people and foretold or hinted to them that, if only God wills, a Virgin, someone who is not expected to be able to give birth, may give birth to the Incarnated God.
Today (in the same way it did 60 years ago) this church of St. John the Baptist, which is located by the road, indicates to everyone, who passes by the directions to the spiritual destination, that is – to a Christian repentance. Only a repentance, a change of our thoughts, volitions and mindsets, may bring us to the main Purpose and Goal of our earthly life – to God and His Kingdom, to the fullness of life.
It is very pleasing to me that this parish was established under supervision of Father Wasily Hochachka and people from Volyn – the place, where I was born and grew up. What is especially pleasing is that the place, where the church is located, is called Horen – named after the river Horen in Volyn. This river begins its flow from a settlement Horyanka near the famous Pochaev Lavra. At one time my father ministered as a priest in this settlement. My heart was always full of joy, when I met and spoke with Mr. Roman Hadzariga, the former President of the parish, who also often recalled his childhood in Ukraine and once told me about him hearing beautiful sounds of a giant bell in the Pochaev monastery.
Through the prayers of St. John the Baptist, may this parish be a very special vessel of God’s grace! The name “John” actually means “grace” in Hebrew. May God hear our prayers in this church! Let us pray and hope that the Patron Saint of this church will attract many new parishioners and that the doors of this temple of God will remain open till the Glorious Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!
From the bottom of my heart let me thank and bless Father Igor, the Parish Board, all the parishioners and guests of this holy church on this very special day!
Wish you all spiritual joy and blessing in your prayers, good health and long life!