O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vineyard which thy right hand hath planted
The sacred Feast of the Holy Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, which has always been celebrated ceremoniously and with great respect by the brothers of the Bigorski Monastery, this year for the first time, it was enriched with episcopal grace. Namely, with the blessing of the beloved Metropolitan of Debar and Kichevo Mr Timothy, our Elder and Abbot, the Bishop of Antania Mr Parthenius celebrated his first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the temple of the Venerable Forerunner, St John the Baptist, to whom he dedicated his entire monastic life so far.
The apostolic blessing of the hierarchical rank combined with the apostolic grace of the feast itself endowed the church and the hearts of the present faithful with spiritual beauty and joy. The moment when the Elder and Abbot, Bishop Parthenius wholeheartedly prayed to the Holy Apostles to protect our fraternity and the faithful people, was especially touching and powerful.
“O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vineyard which thy right hand hath planted” – these High Priest words, uttered with compassion and tears by our Elder and Abbot, Bishop Parthenius, echoed for the first time in the church of the Bigorski Monastery, bestowing the heavenly blessing upon the present.
May the Holy Apostles strengthen our Elder with their prayers in his sacred-apostolic ministry, for the benefit of the entire Body of Christ, which is His Church, and intercede for our highly respected Archpastor and Bishop, Metropolitan Mr Timothy, that God grant him spiritual strength and good health so that he could wisely lead his entrusted flock for many years to come!
