Cypriot hierarch calls 2026 the year of "spiritual trials"

Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou. Photo: Orthodox Times

A hierarch of the Church of Cyprus, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou, warned of spiritual trials awaiting humanity in 2026 and called believers to repentance and participation in the Divine Liturgy. Pentepostagma reported this.

In his address, the hierarch noted that this year may become a turning point for the whole world, as the danger of global conflicts and the destruction of nature increases. These events, he said, are the consequence of human sin and the absence of repentance. “When people do not correct themselves through peace, they are corrected through a difficult operation,” the metropolitan emphasized, referring to trials permitted by God for the sake of people’s spiritual awakening.

The hierarch expressed concern over the growth of armed conflicts and the threat of the spread of weapons of mass destruction. He said the believer’s chief protection is not fear and not political activism, but participation in the Divine Liturgy, which, in his words, “is a source of grace that sanctifies soul and body.”

The metropolitan reminded the faithful that a person’s spiritual strength is shown in faith, patience, and readiness to repent – not in the accumulation of earthly resources.

He also cautioned his flock against excessive dependence on the internet and mobile technologies, noting that modern people often lose their inner peace because of information overload. He urged believers “to return to prayer and spiritual attentiveness,” and to use difficult times as an opportunity to strengthen faith and love for Christ.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote about Elder Paisios’ farewell lesson – do not put life off until “after the war.”

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