FEAST OF ST. SOPHRONY OF ESSEX CELEBRATED AT HIS MONASTERY FOR FIRST TIME

 

 

The Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, England, experienced a great spiritual joy on July 10-11 this year as it celebrated the feast of its founder St. Sophrony for the first time since his glorification among the saints late last year.

 

The feast was celebrated by Archbishop Nikitas of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and a number of other clergy, with Vespers being served in the evening of July 10 and Matins and Liturgy the following day.

 

In a talk offered on the feast, Abp. Nikitas spoke of St. Sophrony as a spiritual father who passed on the Tradition of the Church, flowing from the life of Christ, to innumerable spiritual children:

 

It would be impossible for us to determine the number of faithful and pious Christians who came to him from all corners of the globe for spiritual guidance and support over the years. His days and nights were spent in deep prayer, as he asked God to heal the broken hearts of the people. And, of course, this great saint did not give of his own wisdom and words; rather, he gave Christ and Christ’s words to those thirsty and hungry for righteousness, truth, and the heavenly kingdom. During his lifetime, St. Sophrony became a fountain of healing for those suffering in body and soul, especially as he gave peace and comfort to ease the pain of sin. He saw beauty in all things, especially nature and God’s creation. For him, the lilies of the field showed the creative hands that wove a masterpiece of wonder, while the birds of the air sang the praises of heaven in their own way