Instead of a Candle for Metropolitan Amfilohij

Church of Serbia – 13/12/2020

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain – Philipians 1:21

These are words of the great apostle Paul written in the epistle to the Philippians. And we are witnesses that the life of Metropolitan Amfilohije is similar to the life of the Apostle Paul, who before his departure lived and suffered with the faithful and taught them in order to prepare them for his departure, always knowing that for the one who lives in Christ and by Christ, departure (death) in fact is gain.

Bishop Joanikije, like Timothy, who was born in spirit by the apostle Paul himself, over the bier of his spiritual father, not only comforts the faithful but also strengthens them in spirit, knowing about the blessing and grace that dwells in the struggling, yet Church Triumphant. The Apostle Paul, in teaching the faithful Philippians, left them a legacy of mutual harmony and brotherly love.

That was his only message. And Bishop Joanikije, in his words over the bier of Metropolitan Amfilohije, reminds of the only testament of the Metropolitan: mutual love and harmony. These days seem to be an open message (as to the Philippians) to the faithful of our day, as if the Apostle Paul himself was preaching and strengthening the Church of God. As we have witnessed, Metropolitan Amfilohije carried a cross no smaller than the cross of the Apostle Paul. And he, like the apostle Paul, lived knowing that he was nothing more than a servant of God.

The Lord called Metropolitan Amfilohije on the eve of the feast day of Saint Peter of Cetinje, who back in his time also was called to keep the faith and the endangered shrines and sacred places of God. Saint Peter of Cetinje as the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral was the guardian of the ancient Throne of Pec, and of the shrines of the Church of God in difficult and troubled times. Now, Metropolitan Amfilohije, as the successor of St. Peter of Cetinje, in these without exaggeration equally challenging times, will be known as the guardian of the Throne of Saint Peter of Cetinje. But, more importantly, not only did Metropolitan Amfilohije live for the shrines entrusted to him by the Church of God, steadfastly guarding them, but with his repose on the eve of St. Peter of Cetinje, he built himself directly into the feast day and a noble eternal memory.

Knowing his love for the Lord and the saints, the Lord called the Metropolitan and built him into the feast of St. Peter of Cetinje and St. Apostle and Evangelist Luke, incorporating him into the sacred place for eternity. To us, the Lord now has left the legacy of the shining example of the Metropolitan so that we, according to our gift, not only be guardians of the shrines and holy places, but also strive to incorporate ourselves into the sanctuaries first and foremost with our lives (Philippians 1:27).

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is of good report—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. (Philipians 4:5-14)

Protonamesnik Vladimir Vranic

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