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

"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims

DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."

His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise

On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.

Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future

On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.

In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years

In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.

On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra

During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.

In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling

As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.