Metropolitan Sawa of Poland: Repentance opens the path to salvation

Metropolitan Sawa. Photo: orthodox.pl

On March 2, 2025, at St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral, the Primate of the Polish Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Sawa, reminded the faithful that repentance opens the path to salvation.

The evening service with the rite of forgiveness was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Sawa, assisted by the capital’s clergy.

After the prayer at the beginning of Great Lent, Metropolitan Sawa addressed the faithful with a pastoral message, emphasizing that fasting is a time of reconciliation with God and others, and that repentance is the key to spiritual renewal.

Metropolitan Sawa stressed the importance of repentance, as it opens the way to salvation. The hierarch reminded that even in paradise, Adam, realizing his fall, was in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Every Christian should place themselves in the position of the forefather and reflect on their spiritual state.

Referring to the fasting struggles of the Old Testament righteous, Metropolitan Sawa urged believers to follow their example in diligence, humility, and perseverance. He emphasized that obedience to the Church and love for one's neighbor are the most important virtues, especially necessary in the context of the spiritual crisis of the modern world.

“Great Lent is not only a time of abstinence but also a period of special trust in God’s grace, which leads to spiritual renewal and salvation,” the archpastor noted.

In conclusion, Metropolitan Sawa called on the faithful to spiritual vigilance and reflection on life. He wished everyone a blessed and salvific Lent.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Sawa of Poland urged the youth to do everything possible for the unity of the Church.

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