Holy Great Rulers Constantine (337) and Helen (330), Equals-to-the-Apostles.
Polyeleos Feast.
Romans 1:1-7, 13-17. Galatians 1:11-19. Matthew 4:25-5:13. John 10:1-8.
Read Romans 1:1-7, 13-17
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory for ever!
St. Paul addresses the Romans as “called to be saints,” in the light of our recent celebration of Pentecost, we see a beautiful convergence of themes that underscore our identity and mission as Christians.
Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel across nations and languages. It is not only a historical event but a continual reality of the Church, manifesting the Spirit’s ongoing work in sanctifying the people of God. Just as the apostles were equipped by the Spirit to bear witness to Christ, so too are we, through the same Spirit in chrismation, empowered and called to live as saints in the world today.
Being called to be saints is a profound reminder of our fundamental vocation. This call is not an abstract or distant ideal but a present and active reality initiated by God’s love. “Saints” in this context does not refer merely to those who have achieved a recognized level of holiness and are canonized, but to all of us who are striving to live in faithfulness and obedience to Christ. It is a universal call to holiness that every Christian shares.
Pentecost and our calling as saints are intimately linked through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who gave birth to the Church at Pentecost is the same Spirit who sanctifies us, helping us grow in holiness and conform more fully to the image of Christ.
In our daily lives, this calling challenges us to live out the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in our interactions and decisions. The Spirit’s guidance is crucial as we navigate the complexities of modern life, striving to embody the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that are marks of the Kingdom to which we belong.
As we continue to reflect on Pentecost, let us embrace our call to be saints, living each day in the power of the Spirit, contributing to the sanctification of the world and the building up of the Church.