- The Hesychast
- Posts
- Forgiveness, Truth, and the Trials of Our Time
Forgiveness, Truth, and the Trials of Our Time
Embracing Forgiveness, Standing for Truth, and Preparing for the Journey of Great Len
Nick Konstantinos
March 01, 2025
Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Hesychast, your dedicated source for Orthodox Christian news and reflections. As we embark on this journey together, we aim to provide you with insightful updates, spiritual guidance, and a sense of community rooted in our shared faith.
A Prayer for the Orthodox Faithful in Russia and Ukraine
O Lord of mercy and justice, our hearts are heavy as Orthodox men—brothers in faith—are sent to their deaths in this war. We pray for the soldiers, fathers, sons, and brothers who stand on opposing sides, yet share the same baptism, the same prayers, and the same ancient faith. Grant peace to the nations of Russia and Ukraine, that no more Orthodox blood may be spilled in the name of earthly powers.
Amen.
The War in Ukraine and the Orthodox World’s Response
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to profoundly impact both the geopolitical landscape and the Orthodox Christian community worldwide.
A Fractured Reality: The Ongoing Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine
On February 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S.
President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss military support and a proposed minerals deal.
The meeting turned contentious, leading to the cancellation of the minerals agreement and heightened tensions between the two nations.
President Trump accused President Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War III," while European leaders have since rallied to support Ukraine.
In a solemn Divine Liturgy held in Constantinople, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew underscored the non-negotiable sovereignty of Ukraine.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople
Marking the third anniversary of the ongoing conflict, he emphasized that any peace agreement must include Ukraine as an equal participant.
The service was attended by relatives of Ukrainian soldiers missing or held captive, highlighting the personal toll of the war.
The government of Moldova has called upon its clergy to speak candidly about the realities of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Moldovan flag files during a ceremony marking the State Flag Day in Chisinau
Highlighting the destruction of approximately 500 religious sites since the onset of the conflict, officials stressed the importance of acknowledging the aggression's broader impact beyond territorial disputes. This appeal comes amidst a division within Moldova's Orthodox community, split between branches aligned with Russia and Romania.
Perhaps the most shocking news of the week was the revelation of an assassination attempt on Metropolitan Tikhon Shevkunov, a high-ranking Russian Orthodox cleric known for his close ties to President Vladimir Putin.
Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov)
The Russian government has accused Ukraine of orchestrating the plot, but Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, calling it a fabrication.
Regardless of the truth, such events only deepen the divide between Orthodox Christians in both nations, as faith is increasingly entangled with nationalistic agendas. As Great Lent approaches, Orthodox Christians across the world are called to repentance, humility, and reconciliation.
A journalist navigates through the wreckage following a Russian strike in Byshiv, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, March 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
Yet, in Russia and Ukraine, thousands of young men will enter this Lenten season on the battlefield rather than in church. Let us pray that the Lord will bring an end to this senseless fratricidal war before more Orthodox blood is shed.
Sunday, March 2, 2025: Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday)
This upcoming Sunday marks Forgiveness Sunday, also known as Cheesefare Sunday, the final day before the commencement of Great Lent. The day emphasizes the theme of forgiveness, preparing the faithful for the Lenten journey. A significant part of the day's observance is the "Rite of Forgiveness," where clergy and parishioners ask forgiveness from one another, embodying the spirit of reconciliation. Liturgical services include hymns and readings that reflect on the necessity of forgiveness and the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, reminding the faithful of the consequences of sin and the path to repentance.
As we enter this sacred season, let us support one another in our spiritual endeavors, striving for personal transformation and deeper communion with our Lord.
In Christ,
The Hesychast Editorial Team
Reply