In the heart of San Antonio, Texas, the St. John Cassian Romanian Orthodox Church became a beacon of faith and fellowship on March 2nd and 3rd, 2024, as it celebrated its patron saint, St. John Cassian. This year's feast was especially memorable, with the church welcoming two esteemed scholars from Romania: Fr. Professor Dr. Vasile Mihoc of the Andrei Saguna Faculty of Theology, Sibiu, and Fr. Professor Dr. Viorel Sava of the Dumitru Staniloae Faculty of Theology in Iasi.
The weekend's celebrations commenced on the evening of March 2nd with the Vespers service, setting a tone of reverence and anticipation. It was followed by a thought-provoking conference led by Fr. Mihoc, who delved into the theme of "Christ - The Doctor and Healing Through Faith in Him." Drawing from the Gospel and teachings of the Church Fathers, Fr. Mihoc illuminated the dual nature of Christian salvation, emphasizing that it offers healing not just for the soul but for the body as well, a holistic approach to wellness commanded by the Lord Himself.
The festivities continued into the next day, March 3rd, starting with Orthros and the Divine Liturgy. The services were jointly celebrated by Fr. Valentin Ilies, alongside the visiting Fr. Mihoc and Fr. Sava, and Fr. Gabriel Ilies from Saint Mary Romanian Orthodox Church in Austin. The Liturgy, a pinnacle of Orthodox worship, was a profound experience of communal prayer and devotion.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Sava addressed the congregation with a talk on "Triodion, Time of Healing Through Repentance." This period leading up to Great Lent is seen as a time for personal and communal reflection, a preparation for the spiritual journey of Lent. Fr. Sava, quoting the revered Fr. Cleopa, stressed the importance and power of prayer, especially highlighting the silent, heartfelt prayer that transcends words and resides in the depth of one's heart.
The weekend was not only a celebration of St. John Cassian but also a profound communal experience of spiritual renewal and education. Participants were reminded of the importance of both physical and spiritual healing, the power of repentance, and the depth of silent prayer. It was a time of preparation not just for the upcoming Great Lent but for a lifelong pilgrimage towards holiness.
As the festivities concluded with a shared lunch, the sense of community and shared faith was palpable. The visit by Fr. Mihoc and Fr. Sava served as a bridge, connecting the local parishioners with the rich theological heritage of Romania, fostering a deeper understanding of their faith and traditions. The St. John Cassian feast day celebrations thus stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of Orthodox Christianity, its teachings, and its capacity to unite believers across continents in prayer, reflection, and joy.
Fr. Valentin Ilies
