Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In today’s Gospel, our Lord presents the Parable of the Sower and explains that “the seed is the word of God.” The seed is always good and life-giving; what differs is the condition of the human heart that receives it.
Saint John Chrysostom reminds us that the human heart can change; hardened ground can become fertile, stones can be removed, and thorns can be uprooted. No one is condemned to remain spiritually barren if he or she allows the grace of God to bring about this transformation. Yet spiritual fruit requires patience, perseverance, and faithful care.
We see this faith and perseverance in the Parish of the Holy Trinity in Gothenburg. Nearly four years ago, extreme weather and temperatures of minus 21 degrees Celsius caused extensive damage to our church and forced its closure.
Nevertheless, the parish’s liturgical and sacramental life continued in a rented church. On June 1, 2026, by the grace of God, the complete restoration of our church began. This demanding project has a budget of SEK 11 million, excluding taxes.
Part of the cost is covered by insurance compensation of SEK 1,244,255, while the remaining amount will be provided by the Holy Metropolis of Sweden and through the donations of the faithful.
We prayerfully hope that the work will be completed by June 1, 2027, so that next year’s feast of the Holy Trinity may be celebrated in our restored church.
The restoration serves the sacramental life of the parish, for the church is the home of our Eucharistic assembly and the place where the word of God continues to be sown in the hearts of future generations.
The Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council we honor today, remind us that, because the Son of God truly became man, the material world can be sanctified and become a bearer of divine grace.
Following the example of Saint Philip the Deacon, each of us is called to offer whatever gift we have; prayer, volunteer service, professional knowledge, or financial assistance according to our means.
May the Lord bless this sacred undertaking and renew, not only the walls and roof of our church, but also our hearts, making them good and fertile soil that receives His word and bears fruit with patience. Amen!
