Divine Triumph: Embracing the Spirit of Orthodoxy

Every year I greet this day with special awe, as it fills my soul with gratitude for returning to the true spiritual path. The Feast of Orthodoxy is not merely a liturgical ritual but a profound inner experience in which the community gathers to feel the might of God's grace and the triumph of the spirit—a reminder of the fateful restoration of icon veneration in 843. This historical moment became a symbol of the victory of truth over heresy, reflecting unwavering faith and renewal capable of overcoming any challenges in life.

At the heart of this Sunday celebration is a call for spiritual renewal, when through prayer and reflection everyone can sense their participation in the great victory of God's power over human weakness. It is a time when each of us, in the quiet of prayer and the joyful unity of the Church, renews our faith, forgives, and gains strength for new accomplishments. The memory of the great event of 843 reminds us that true spiritual purity will always prevail, providing hope and confidence for tomorrow.

Thus, for me, the Feast of Orthodoxy is not only a celebration of memory but a living phenomenon that unites us with eternity. It is a unique moment when a spark of divine light ignites in every heart, and the power of faith enables us to look to the future with certainty and joy.

How do you celebrate the Feast of Orthodoxy on Sunday, and what does this day mean to you?

I celebrate the Feast of Orthodoxy as a day when my heart fills with gratitude for returning to the true spiritual path. This Sunday celebration is directly connected with the memory of the great historical event—the restoration of icon veneration that took place in 843—and with the triumph of truth over heresy. On this day, I strive to participate in the church service so that, together with the community, I can experience God's triumph over our human darkness. For me, it is not merely a liturgical ritual but a profound spiritual experience where, through moments of fasting and contemplative prayer, I feel my part in the eternal victory of spiritual purity.

As it is written:
"In March 843, Methodius, one of those who suffered for icon veneration, ascended to the patriarchal throne. On the first Sunday of Great Lent, March 11, 843, the restoration of icons was proclaimed in St. Sophia, and this day has remained in the Church's memory as 'The Feast of Orthodoxy.' Since then, every year on that Sunday, the Church celebrates the victory over the last of the great heresies, and by solemnly proclaiming the Truth, it excommunicates all those who do not acknowledge this truth." (source: link txt)

Furthermore, the observance of this day holds deep personal significance as a reflection of the triumph of God's grace over our inner conflicts:
"After the first week of Lent... comes a Sunday, which is called the Feast of Orthodoxy. And it is so easy for us to feel that this is our day of celebration, that this is the day when we, the Orthodox, are on the side of God... The Feast of Orthodoxy, essentially, is not a triumph of the Orthodox over the non-Orthodox, nor is it a triumph over human darkness; it is God's triumph over ourselves." (source: link txt)

Thus, for me, this day is a symbol of the victory of true faith—a reminder that spiritual renewal and divine truth will always prevail, giving us the strength for forgiveness and mutual understanding in our relations with others. It is not only a feast of memory but also an opportunity to renew oneself, strengthen one's faith, and feel united with the Church, which for centuries has honored this great day.