Hierarch of the Church of Greece: Persecution is a testimony to holiness
Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency
On July 27, 2025, during the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus told the faithful that persecution and martyrdom are testimonies of true holiness.
According to the hierarch, the acceptance of suffering, tribulation, and trials is not a sign of weakness, but rather genuine discipleship in Christ.
“Christ died for us – and His disciples are called to drink the same cup of suffering,” said the Metropolitan.
Concluding his homily, Metropolitan Seraphim stated:
“Suffering, persecution, and martyrdom are testimonies to the authenticity of holiness. Let us also ask God for grace – with a pure heart, with repentance, and with the resolve to imitate Christ.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Metropolitan Seraphim, the devil wants churches to be full of “rotten” Christians.
Read also
Met. Meletiy consecrates house of worship for UOC community in Dankivtsi
Members of the persecuted UOC Intercession parish in Dankivtsi have converted a house into a place for communal prayer and worship services.
OCU eparchy sells church center site to developer for housing
The OCU’s Volyn Eparchy sold land intended for a spiritual center to a private developer planning to build townhouses and residential buildings.
SBU names UOC priest’s wife a suspect in Cherkasy region
The SBU accused Matushka Kateryna Prykotenko of “spreading enemy propaganda” through correspondence with parishioners.
UGCC cleric calls Russian Orthodox literature dangerous for clergy
While examining the causes of divisions within the UGCC, Yustyn Boiko concluded that Russian Orthodox literature had influenced Greek Catholic clergy.
UOC will play major role in achieving peace, says Vadym Novynskyi
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi believes the Church will help bring about reconciliation within Ukrainian society after the war ends.
Catholic media outraged by forcible conscription of Uniate cleric
The Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature has demanded the return of a forcibly mobilized Greek Catholic cleric.