On April 20, on Holy and Great Wednesday, when the Church commemorates the betrayal of Judas, our Parish held a service of the last Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in this year. It was headed by our Rector, Archpriest Igor Tarasov. Service was attended by Abbot Eutychius (Dovganyuk) who was praying in the sanctuary.

After the dismissal of the Liturgy Fr. Igor preached a homily. He addressed the commemorated  betrayal of Judas and reflected upon that horrible act of a Disciple of Christ. The Rector pointed out that the choice of Judah and his behavior tell us that even among the servants of there may be found persons unworthy and evil. We should not doubt the Church because of the conduct of some bishops, priests and other important Church members. If among 12 Apostles there happen to be one betrayer, in every Christian community may be unworthy members. On the other hand, in a spiritual way, every serious sin we commit is a kind of betrayal of the Lord and Savior. However, the difference between a good and pious Christian, a true Disciple of Christ and Judas is that we sin and repent, ask God for forgiveness. Judas did feel sorry and remorseful but he did not truly repent and did not ask the Lord to forgive him. Instead, he fell in despair and hanged himself. Our Lenten penitential practice of making prostrations shows us the way we should act: our fall should be followed by our getting up; our sins should be followed by repentance.