Anniversary of the jubilee renewal of baptism

Post date:   2014-07-06
Autor:   BCP
On Sunday, 6 July 2014, we will mark the first anniversary of the renewal of baptism in the Dnieper River in Kiev. We vividly recall the canonization of John Milic of Kromeriz, Czech preacher of repentance and prophet, by Patriarch Elijah of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate during a solemn liturgy in front of the Church of St. Sophia in Kiev on the eve of the feast of nativity of St. John the Baptist.

What is the sin against the Holy Spirit? (video)

Post date:   2014-07-06
Autor:   BCP
What is the sin against the Holy Spirit?  + Elijah, Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

Reflection on Jn 14:1-2

Post date:   2014-07-04
Autor:   BCP
Chapter 14 captures deep truths concerning the mystery of the inner unity with Christ and the Heavenly Father. This mystery is also related to the Holy Spirit. Jesus uttered these truths on the evening before His death. In verse one, Jesus says: “Let not your heart be troubled…” These words also refer to you personally. Every day we face situations in which our heart is troubled; we feel tension and fear, see how evil and lies destroy the truth and good… What to do to let not our heart be troubled but find true peace? Jesus offers a simple solution: “You believe in God, believe also in Me.” And how to believe? To believe that God is almighty and next, that if He sends on us suffering, He always provides a way out. He either gives us the light and strength or solves the situation Himself.

Mary and the Spirit of prophecy

Post date:   2014-06-30
Autor:   BCP
The time had not yet come for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on the New-Testament Church – the Body of Christ – but all in the house of Zechariah already had the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit through Mary. Let us notice that here the Holy Spirit manifested Himself as the Spirit of prophecy (cf. 1Cor 12:10-11). Elizabeth prophesied, saying: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” No one had told Elizabeth that Mary was pregnant. However, Elizabeth did recognize it, not by her reason but the Holy Spirit revealed it to her. Elizabeth called Mary blessed because Mary believed that what the Lord had said to her would be fulfilled. Elizabeth prophesied, Zechariah prophesied, and what about the child, John the Baptist? Jesus said about him some time later: “Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” (Mt 11:11)

Unite your pain with Mine (video)

Post date:   2014-06-26
Autor:   BCP
Unite your pain with Mine. + Elijah Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

Reflection on Jn 13:14-15

Post date:   2014-06-21
Autor:   BCP
What does it mean for us to wash one another’s feet if we want to be true followers of our Lord and Teacher? It means little self-humiliations in relation to my brother in Christ. His soul is marked by sin, various bad habits which annoy me, and gestures which I automatically condemn. But these evil habits, sins and all spiritual dirt of his have already been cleansed by the Blood of Christ. My task is just to wash his feet. It means that I humble myself before my brother, which penetrates his heart and causes his soul to be cleansed! At the same time, this service of mine cleanses my soul also, and my brother benefits from it too.

Humility – the will to know the truth (video)

Post date:   2014-06-19
Autor:   BCP
Humility – the will to know the truth. + Elijah Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

Three words of advice about receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit

Post date:   2014-06-18
Autor:   BCP
Many people have been baptized and confirmed. The Holy Spirit is with them but not in them. Why? Because they were not led to turn to God with all their hearts and to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and God and the only Saviour. As far as conversion is concerned, no one can be converted instead of you, be it your father, mother, godparents, priest or bishop. Conversion allows no substitute!

I WILL GIVE YOU A NEW SPIRIT

Post date:   2014-06-12
Autor:   BCP
Lk 11:9-13: “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” These are practical directions for us! And the result? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (v.13)This is perhaps the only clearly expressed petition which is said to be answered exactly the way we ask. The Scripture tells us to ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Patriarch Elijah’s message for the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit

Post date:   2014-06-08
Autor:   BCP
Today we celebrate a great feast – Descent of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask the Holy Spirit with faith to descend on us in fullness like on the apostles. Chapter 37 of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel emphasizes the responsibility for the nation, for the valley of dry bones. It is our task too to pray for a miracle of God – for spiritual resurrection – through the word of prophecy spoken with authority. Let us pray for the dry bones to come together and to make a noise, for the Church to be raised to life, for the Spirit of God to come in fullness and to turn this cemetery into a great army of God’s warriors. How can this be? The Archangel Gabriel said to the Blessed Virgin: “The Holy Spirit will do it!” And she answered: “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Amen.