Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the Feast of Saint Irodion from Lainici – The Pastoral Visit of Archbishop-elect Atanasie to the Coventry Parish

On this sacred occasion, His Grace celebrated the Divine Liturgy, surrounded by numerous clergy, together with the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Cornel Grecu. The chanting was performed by the faithful of the parish, who gathered in great numbers to honour their spiritual protector and heavenly intercessor.

The Life and Holiness of the ‘Light from Lainici’

In his panegyric, uttered after the reading from the Holy Gospel, His Grace offered a spiritual reflection on the ascetical and grace-filled life of Saint Irodion, who was called by Saint Calinic of Cernica the ‘Light from Lainici.’ His Grace emphasized the profound monastic experience and the divine charisms with which the saint was endowed even during his earthly life, testifying that through fasting, unceasing prayer, and humble love for his neighbour, Saint Irodion became a living icon of holiness and a luminous shepherd of 19th-century Romanian monasticism.

His Grace stated that ‘the hesychastic life of Saint Irodion stands as a testimony to the hidden work of divine grace in the heart of the humble. His holiness is not merely a memory, but a divine calling to each of us—to follow, with patience, repentance, and steadfast hope, the path of the Holy Gospel.’

Anticipating the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women – A Call to Sacrificial Love

The hierarch also spoke on the upcoming Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, reminding the faithful that the Paschal joy does not end with Holy (Bright) Week but goes ahead with each Sunday that follows.

‘Our journey in the light of the Resurrection continues on this third Sunday of Pascha, when the Church calls us to carry the Paschal joy in the likeness of the Myrrh-bearing Women—those who, moved by courageous love, feared not death and became the first proclaimers of the Resurrection. In them we behold an image of sacrificial and mystical witness, uniting Heaven and Earth through the fragrance of living faith,’ Archbishop-elect Atanasie said.

Communion and Strengthening in the Orthodox Faith

The hierarchal visit was a moment of spiritual renewal and strengthening in the Orthodox faith for the faithful of the parish, who rejoiced upon the presence of their hierarch and in his teachings.

In the end, Revd. Fr. Cornel Grecu, the parish priest, offered a heartfelt word of thanks to Archbishop-elect Atanasie for the blessing brought upon the parish through prayer and hierarchical service, and for the closeness and pastoral care shown toward the liturgical and missionary life of the community.

This blessed encounter once again revealed the beauty of liturgical communion and the importance of the living bond between the shepherds and flocks, in a diaspora that strives to preserve its identity and Orthodox faith around the holy altar and in communion with their bishop.