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Bp. Gerasim Joins Polish Hierarchs for St. Mary Magdalene Feast in Warsaw
The OCA hierarch joined Polish hierarchs in Warsaw as Metr. Sawa called the faithful to preserve Christian love and perseverance while rejecting discouragement in difficult times.
WARSAW — Bp. Gerasim of Fort Worth of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) joined Polish hierarchs and faithful on Aug. 4 for the annual patronal feast of the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene in Warsaw, the main cathedral of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The celebration brought together clergy and pilgrims from across Poland for one of the cathedral’s most important liturgical observances.
The feast began with an All-Night Vigil led by Abp. Jerzy of Wrocław and Szczecin, assisted by Abp. Grzegorz of Bielsk, Bp. Paweł of Hajnówka, and clergy from Warsaw, while Metr. Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland prayed in the sanctuary. On the feast day, two Divine Liturgies were celebrated, including the main hierarchical Liturgy presided over by Metr. Sawa with Abps. Jerzy and Grzegorz, Bps. Paweł and Gerasim, and other clergy concelebrating.
In his homily, Abp. Jerzy reflected on St. Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ, emphasizing that although Scripture provides limited details about her life, it reveals her as a person transformed by Christ’s healing grace. Drawing on the teachings of St. John Chrysostom, he said Christian joy comes not from the empty tomb alone, but from meeting the risen Lord. St. Mary Magdalene recognized Christ by His voice, showing that faith is rooted in a personal relationship with God.
Metr. Sawa later encouraged the faithful to follow St. Mary Magdalene’s example of love, perseverance, and devotion to Christ. He referred to the miraculous renewal of an icon of Christ at the metropolitan residence as a sign of God’s presence and urged Christians to remain steadfast during difficult times.
The celebration concluded with a reception in the metropolitan garden. Although renovations prevented the traditional procession, attendees were able to view restoration work on the cathedral’s eastern façade, the renovated northeastern tower, and eight new mosaics installed on the building.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Sawa sent a message of hope to Svyatohirsk Lavra.
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