“These things did the holy royal martyrs profess before they were unjustly put to death for Christ’s sake, repeating the testament of the holy Fathers: The ancient martyrs, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, went to death as to a feast, furnishing their mind and heart with wings of faith; and while condemned to death, they possessed a spirit of peace which never departed from them, for peacefully they went to death, trusting that they would enter into another, spiritual life which is revealed beyond the grave. And having put these words to the test in deed, the holy royal martyrs now rejoice with Christ in the heavens, praying with boldness on behalf of our souls.”
Dear brothers and sisters,
Greetings for the feast of the Holy Royal-Martyrs, whose celebration has been marked by the joyful priestly ordination of our deacon. We congratulate the newly-ordained Priest Mark, matushka Alla and Yuriy, and pray that God may grant them “Many, blessed years!”
To celebrate the altar-feast of the lower church of our cathedral with our bishop and London faithful was a great blessing, and to have so many Cardiff parishioners present was a special joy. Our Hierodeacon, Father Avraamy, was resplendent in his role of first-deacon, and so clearly at home in a cathedral setting.
We are indebted to those who laboured to organise transport and provide food for the festive table, and we look forward to seeing some parishioners over the next few days in London, as our newly ordained Father Mark takes his first priestly steps.
The martyric witness of the Royal Martyrs has a special place in the spirituality of our Russian Church Outside of Russia, being important to many who are converts to the Orthodox Christian Faith, and who value the New-Martyrs, and their faithfulness in the face of persecution and suffering.
We see the Mystery of the Cross in their lives and suffering of the Royal Martyrs, insulted, maligned, mocked and demonised, living as Christians and dying as Christians – following in the footsteps of their Lord and Saviour, and experiencing their Golgotha for Christ.
As Orthodox people, we should look to them as shining exemplars of the Christian family – especially in an age in which woke-ism and political expediency militate against traditional family life and Christian values.
We turn to them as intercessors in our struggle, refusing to bow down to the idols and spirit of the world, but rather struggling to preserve the Christian message and the Light of Christ.
“We magnify you, O holy royal martyrs and passion-bearers, and we honour your venerable sufferings, which ye endured for Christ.”
With love in Christ – Hieromonk Mark
