The message of the Annunciation of Lord today
On Sunday afternoon, March 25, 2018 his Eminence, the Bishop of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontian Islands, Mr. Nektarios did the Panegyrical Vesper in the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker.
In his speech, his Eminence welcomed the Archimandrite father Methodios Ntelis, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of Theotokos in Giromerion, who talked on the following subject: “The message of the Annunciation of Lord today”.
Moreover, the Bishop of Corfu mentioned that our Lady is the Protector of the monks, who have devoted their whole life to our Lord. Theotokos is the wall of virgins and the good nurturer. With Her prayers to God, She strengthens the monks in their daily spiritual struggle they give, in order to limit our own will and make passions dead.
Afterwards, father Methodios, having thanked his Eminence, emphasized that the elements that distinguish our Lady are humbleness and deep faith. Virgin Mary’s ascesis, as the Fathers teach, overcame human measures and nothing could prevent the constant orientation of Her mind from God. She was alienated from everything that could distort the purity of her mind. As a result, she kept Her thoughts clear and sacred. When Archangerl Gabriel told Her that She would give birth to the Son of God, the Messiah of the Human race, She called Herself Lord’s servant, glorifying the Lord.
Furthermore, father Methodios stressed that the message of Archangel Gabriel in our times is our redemption of sins, devil and death. Redemption as renovation, through the Mysteries of Baptism and the Divine Communion. Redemption as reconciliation with God and at the same time, unification of the human race with its Creator. In a world that is looking for salvation, but searching it in the wrong direction, in a world that is thirsty for joy, change, renewal, but remains constantly old, trying to heal the symptoms of evil, without striking the evil itself at its roots, that is, the sinner’s self, what better will one have to offer if not the live presentation of this message?
In his conclusion, father Methodios stressed that we as Christians should try with the example of our lives in order to help the modern people hear and feel this word of the Scriptures: “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”
