Metropolitan Anthony: One should treat God with affection
Chancellor of the UOC, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary. Photo: www.antoniy.com.ua
We need to learn how to treat God with affection, because it is the crown of love, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), the UOC Chancellor, called on the flock.
“Affection or devotion is a Christian concept. Even more, affection is unthinkable outside of Christ. It is the highest degree of love that goes beyond earthly emotional attachment, passionate feelings; it is the crown of love, passionless and therefore magnificent,” Metropolitan Anthony said on the pages of the Pravlife portal.
The hierarch drew the attention of believers to the fact that affection is a quality of God, which refers to the Divine, rather than human nature.
He reminded the flock of the Apostle Paul’s call to “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10).
Metropolitan Anthony explained that in these words the apostle defines the highest state of love – affection, which rejects evil, which is genuine and seeks good even where it is difficult to find it.
“In order to treat one another with affection, one must first learn to treat God with affection. Possessing this highest experience for man, the soul will never be able to think about the choice between the Creator and something or someone else. Only God is forever, the UOC hierarch emphasized. “Affection opens the heart, and it begins to tirelessly preach about the Almighty God and perceive the world in His Light.”
Metropolitan Anthony drew the attention of believers to the fact that affection is a state of saints who have gone beyond the boundaries of earthly love.
Therefore, we need to go through all levels of love and strive with all our hearts for affection, the hierarch urged the flock. Affection is so great that even the entire world cannot embrace it; it lives only in a humble heart, he concluded.
Earlier, the hierarch reiterated that everything must be done so that people are not deprived of the Sacraments.
Read also
UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept
"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.
Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election
Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.
SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor
The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.
Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese
The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.
Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat
The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.
Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.