Holy Liturgy – The 19th Sunday after Pentecost; St. Dimitrios Stăniloae, the Confessor

On this day, we commemorate: the Confessor Priest Dumitru Stăniloae, the Holy Martyr Hierotheos, Bishop of Athens, the Holy Martyr Evdemoz of Georgia, the Holy Martyr Calistena, Saint Audact the Martyr, Saint John Lampadistis of Cyprus, Saint Domnina the Martyr, Saint Prosdoca the Martyr, Saint Verina the Martyr, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost—The Sermon on the Mount, Love for One’s Enemies.

The 19th Sunday after Pentecost presents us with one of the Savior’s most profound teachings: love for one’s enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ calls us to do good to those who harm us, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who wrong us. It is a call that transcends the human logic of retribution and sets before us the model of divine love—a love that is not limited to those who love us in return.

On this same day, we commemorate Saint Dumitru Stăniloae, the Confessor, one of the most important Romanian theologians of the 20th century. A professor of theology, translator, and author of a deeply profound theological work, Father Dumitru Stăniloae bore witness to the Orthodox faith even during the difficult years of communist persecution, when he was arrested and imprisoned in Aiud. His life and work remind us that true theology is not merely knowledge, but also experience, prayer, and faithfulness to Christ.

We warmly welcome you to the Chapel of the Saint Tecla Foundation, in a warm and welcoming setting!