Today, February 9, the event of the transfer of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom to Constantinople is commemorated.
This is stated on the page of the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy.
Most of all, Epifaniy emphasized, Saint John Chrysostom warned people against despair, calling it evil’s strongest weapon.
“He begged not to lose hope, not to give in to frustration, longing, mistrust of God, the feeling of loneliness and abandonment – those destructive passions that lead to despair,” emphasized Metropolitan Epifaniy, adding that St. John compared despair to a yoke that, “lying on the soul’s neck, makes it look down, prevents it from looking up to its Lord.”
According to St. John Chrysostom, thoughts of despair are heavier than lead and iron chains – they literally “drown” the soul, plunging it into a dark abyss to the devil.
Therefore, the head of the OCU emphasizes, only hope in God is a safe anchor, a pillar of life, which “like a strong chain descending from the sky, supports our souls, gradually raising to the height of those who hold fast to it, and lifts us above the storms of life regrets”. Only by having hope can one be saved and not succumb to the power of despair, resist the devil’s weapons, says Metropolitan Epifaniy.
“Hope is a weapon against death. Now, in the context of this long and cruel war against our people, aware of the diabolical efforts of the enemy to take away our hope for victory and sow doubts, despair, fatigue, longing, impatience, complaints, spiritual exhaustion, indifference, depression, etc. – we must not give up bind with chains of despair,” Epifaniy urged Ukrainians, also recalling the words of St. John Chrysostom, that the trouble is not in that you can fall while fighting, but that, having fallen, you stay that way.
“Not being wounded is characteristic of someone who does not fight. For someone who rushes at enemies with extraordinary tenacity, it is natural to be wounded and fall sometimes… But take heart. You need a little vigilance, and this wound will not leave a mark. Thanks to the grace of God, you will even crush the head of the most evil one,” the head of the OCU quotes the saint.
“So let no one lose heart! ” Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)”, the Metropolitan concluded.
