Rutherford (Radislav) I
Prince-Bishop and Pope-Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia
Supreme Pontiff of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church
Радислав I
Князь-Епископ и Папа-Католикос Рима-Руси
Верховный Понтифик Объединенной Римско-Русской Церкви
Today is Ash Wednesday, and Monday was Clean Monday -- uncharacteristically occurring prior to Ash Wednesday. We keep both of these important observances in the United Roman-Ruthenian Church according to our Julio-Gregorian Calendar. And, this unusual situation of Clean Monday preceding Ash Wednesday points to the fact that both Latin and Eastern Pascha will occur on the same Sunday this year.
As we now enter into the holy season of Great Lent, the Church calls us to a time of repentance, prayer, denial, and renewal—not as a burden, but as a sacred gift. Through these spiritual labors, we draw closer to Christ, cleanse our hearts, and prepare ourselves for the radiant joy of His Holy Resurrection.
The world in which we live is darkened by sin, pride, and the rejection of God’s truth. Yet, as Christians, we are not called to be conformed to the world, but to transform our lives in Christ (Romans 12:2). Lent is given to us as a time to refocus—to set aside distractions, to quiet our souls, and to return wholeheartedly to God.
Let us also remember that outward displays of piety mean nothing if they are not accompanied by true humility and love. To proclaim our fasting or other denials while neglecting mercy is to imitate the Pharisee, not the Publican. The Lord does not desire empty words or gestures done for show — He desires a contrite heart and quiet acts of love. It is not in grand pronouncements or public shows of fasting but in small, unseen deeds of charity that we truly keep the fast: in offering a kind word, in comforting the sorrowful, in feeding the hungry, in choosing patience over anger, in seeking reconciliation where there has been division. These are the true sacrifices that please God.
And remember that denial alone does not save us; it must be accompanied by humility, by true contrition, by the struggle against our passions. Those who fast, for example, but feed themselves with anger, judgment, or selfishness, render their denials in vain. True denial is a process to turn away from evil, to seek Christ in purity of heart, and to love our neighbor with sincerity.
Let us therefore keep this season as the Holy Fathers have taught us — by feeding our souls with prayer and charity. Let us reconcile with those whom we have wronged and forgive those who have sinned against us. Let us lay aside every excuse and instead walk boldly on the path of repentance, trusting in the boundless mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May this Lent be for each of us a time of renewal, purification, and transformation. May our denials strengthen us, our prayer enlighten us, and our repentance lead us ever closer to the eternal light of Pascha.
With my prayers and blessings,
Радислав Пп. I
The world in which we live is darkened by sin, pride, and the rejection of God’s truth. Yet, as Christians, we are not called to be conformed to the world, but to transform our lives in Christ (Romans 12:2). Lent is given to us as a time to refocus—to set aside distractions, to quiet our souls, and to return wholeheartedly to God.
Let us also remember that outward displays of piety mean nothing if they are not accompanied by true humility and love. To proclaim our fasting or other denials while neglecting mercy is to imitate the Pharisee, not the Publican. The Lord does not desire empty words or gestures done for show — He desires a contrite heart and quiet acts of love. It is not in grand pronouncements or public shows of fasting but in small, unseen deeds of charity that we truly keep the fast: in offering a kind word, in comforting the sorrowful, in feeding the hungry, in choosing patience over anger, in seeking reconciliation where there has been division. These are the true sacrifices that please God.
And remember that denial alone does not save us; it must be accompanied by humility, by true contrition, by the struggle against our passions. Those who fast, for example, but feed themselves with anger, judgment, or selfishness, render their denials in vain. True denial is a process to turn away from evil, to seek Christ in purity of heart, and to love our neighbor with sincerity.
Let us therefore keep this season as the Holy Fathers have taught us — by feeding our souls with prayer and charity. Let us reconcile with those whom we have wronged and forgive those who have sinned against us. Let us lay aside every excuse and instead walk boldly on the path of repentance, trusting in the boundless mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May this Lent be for each of us a time of renewal, purification, and transformation. May our denials strengthen us, our prayer enlighten us, and our repentance lead us ever closer to the eternal light of Pascha.
With my prayers and blessings,
Радислав Пп. I
