Blessings from bishop Dositej
GREETINGS AND BLESSINGS TO THE FAITHFUL IN UK & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
DOSITEJ, BISHOP OF GREAT BRITAIN-SCANDINAVIAN DIOCESE
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world (Jn.16.33)
As I have not personally, for a long time now, had the opportunity to visit you, my dear diocesans; I am approaching you in this manner at the time of the Corona virus pandemic.
The pandemic has had a particularly hard impact on you in the United Kingdom such that your government has recently imposed new isolation measures in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
The consequences of the virus affect every person and every family and particularly impacted are those who have lost their loved ones. The pain of such losses is heightened with not being allowed to organise traditional funerals in order to bid the most dignified farewells to their loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences to those families.
Many have unfortunately been left without jobs and may be suffering hardship, whilst others are endeavouring with hard work to keep their employment so that they can provide their families with their basic needs. Others who may follow the sometimes disturbed political occurrences in the world may fear instability and civil disorder. Many are fighting with anxiety because of isolation and inability to meet with friends and family.
The prayers of our Church and my thoughts are with you all, with the desire that you resist temptation and place your faith in Him who can help you. And he is Christ.
That your faith might not stand on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God (1. Cor. 2.5)
I warmly recommend that you visit your churches and to take there your rays of prayer for us to be sustained in health and good spiritual disposition. It’s particularly important to meet at Holy Liturgies which are a pledge to our eternal life; clearly when the laws allow and in the manner prescribed by the powers that be.
When you are prohibited from going to a Holy Liturgy, then redouble your personal prayers at home as you would in a church. I ask you to take care of your personal health as the unique gift that God has given you, and care for the health of those closest to you, as you do your own.
Upon us is the season of great Church celebrations and family saint days. Celebrate your “Slavas”, this year with your families and of course with incense, a candle and a blessed Slava bread. Throughout our history our people have had hard times but we have always maintained our “Slavas” and the “Slavas” have helped to maintain us.
It’s necessary that in these times when personal visits are impossible that you contact those closest to you by phone or letter and especially the elderly for whom isolation is the greatest burden. A kind word of consolation and prudence which you offer them follow Gospel commandment which says
Bear ye one another’s burdens; and so you shall fulfil the law of Christ (Gal. 6.2)
For all spiritual advice and discussion and other such needs please refer to your parish priests who are your guides through prayer and your representatives before God and they will make time and effort to be of service as they do in the service of God.
God bless you, and grant you faith, hope and love.
Bishop Dositej, The monastery of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin
5 November 2020
