Polish Primate: Divisions spring from hearts that cease to pray

Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Wisdom of God on the feast day of Saint Job of Potsdam. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

On September 10, 2025, the Polish Orthodox Church celebrated the feast of Saint Job of Potsdam – the heavenly patron of the Warsaw and Bielsk eparchy. The festivities took place at the Church of the Wisdom of God in Warsaw, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.

The Divine Liturgy was led by Archbishop Grzegorz of Bielsk, concelebrated by Bishops Pawel and Barsanuphius. In attendance was Metropolitan Sawa, Primate of the Polish Orthodox Church, who delivered a pastoral word to the faithful.

“Saint Job of Potsdam was a man wholly devoted to God until the end of his life,” said the Metropolitan. “The Warsaw and Bielsk eparchy chose him as their patron because he became an example of fidelity to Christ and His Church.”

Speaking on the role of a heavenly patron, he underlined: “A patron saint accompanies us at every stage of life, protects us from dangers, and helps us overcome the temptations of evil. That is why the Orthodox Church places such great emphasis on the role of a saintly intercessor for every Christian.”

The Metropolitan gave special attention to the theme of unity: “All divisions and schisms – in personal life, in families, and even in the Church itself – are born of disobedience and turning away from the will of God. When the heart ceases to listen to God, it begins to listen only to itself. And then discord and misunderstanding arise.”

“True unity,” the Primate stressed, “is not the result of compromise, but the fruit of prayer, humility, and faith in the Gospel.”

In conclusion, Metropolitan Sawa called on clergy and laity alike: “We live in difficult times, but with Christ we are strong, for He is always with us. Therefore I ask you – turn daily to our holy patron in sincere prayer, strengthen your faith, and preserve Orthodox traditions. Only in this way can we remain faithful to Christ until the end.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported Patriarch Daniel’s words that raising children in faith is the path to the holiness of the family.

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