Day 3: Leaders in the Faith

Word of God: Full text: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36

Reflections: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the legalization of our Church in Ukraine… Today we venerate those who were faithful – our church leaders, martyrs, and confessors – as we embrace our faith, determined to pass it on to others. We remember the many laypersons, who suffered for their faith in Christ in the hope that a time would come for us to live in the freedom of the children of God. May the lives of our martyrs be for us an example to imitate, and may they inspire us to personal witness, fervor and fidelity to Christ.

Quote of the Day: Do you not sometimes forget that the words of your teaching educate holy citizens for the Church militant on earth? Do you not at times forget that your work with a young soul may produce a real saint? Though misunderstood by others, they have unlimited potential before God, are people of sacrifice, people of love, aflame with God’s love… -Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky

Meaning of Leaders of Faith: Who stands out in my life as an authentic witness to the Gospel? Which people – living or dead – do I look up to as examples and leaders of faith on a regular basis?

Prayer: All the choirs of the hierarchs, mighty luminaries of the Ukrainian Church! As faithful followers of the apostles and as good shepherds, you faithfully preserved the flock entrusted to you; you led it along paths of truth and carefully fed it with spiritual food, not hesitating to give up your lives for your sheep. Therefore, together with Saint Josaphat priest-martyr, implore the Chief Shepherd, Christ God, for the Ukrainian nation faithfulness to His commandments and great mercy for our souls. -Sunday of All Saints of Rus’-Ukraine

 

Missionary Task: Click here and pick one martyr whose story inspires you. Considering what they were willing to sacrifice for their belief in Christ, what risks are you willing to take for yours? Great! Now do it.