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
Epifaniy discusses OCU development with head of Zaporizhzhia RMA
Dumenko and Ivan Fedorov agreed on consolidating the efforts of the authorities and the religious organization.
His Beatitude officiates at all-night vigil at Chernivtsi cathedral
More than a thousand believers of the UOC prayed together with the Primate at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of Chernivtsi.
Unknown assailants attempt to set fire to synagogue in London
The attackers hurled bottles filled with gasoline at the building, police treating the incident as antisemitic hate crime.
Korchynskyi calls on Culture Ministry to “decolonize” UOC church near Lavra
The radical mockingly and blasphemously derided Orthodox saints.
President of Baptist seminary calls for women to be barred from pastorate
Albert Mohler said the largest Protestant denomination in the United States has reached a “breaking point” over disputes surrounding women’s ordination to pastoral ministry.
Synodal department brings Paschal gifts to neuropsychiatric care home
In Kyiv, staff of the UOC Synodal Department visited the Novobilychi neuropsychiatric care home, greeted the residents on Pascha, and delivered kulichi, fruit, and other gifts.