His Grace, Bishop Pajsije of Diokleia, blessed the *slavski kolač* (festive bread) on the occasion of St. Thomas’s Day—the patron saint day of the hospital in Risan.
He extended congratulations on behalf of our Metropolitan Joanikije as well, and recalled the words of Christ from the Gospel: "Come, you blessed of My Father... for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was in prison and you visited Me." He also referenced the question posed by those whom Christ addressed—"Lord, when did we see You hungry, thirsty, naked, or in prison?"—along with Christ’s response: "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
In this regard, Bishop Pajsije stated that God blesses everyone who helps their neighbor with love, as if they were doing so for Him.
Furthermore, this celebration of the Holy Apostle Thomas serves as an indication that you rely upon and hope for God’s help; for in our daily lives, each of us inevitably encounters problems that exceed our own capabilities—not only our personal ones, but human capabilities in general.
Therefore, to those who seek His help—who seek knowledge and wisdom—God grants exactly that. “Indeed, this *slava* of yours is a testament to the fact that you place your trust in God—in His wisdom—and that whenever you ask of Him, He grants your requests.”
In his concluding remarks, His Grace Bishop Pajsije of Diokleia wished the hospital staff the intercession of the Holy Apostle Thomas, encouraged them to continue helping their neighbors, and prayed that the Lord might bless them and grant them many prosperous years.
Finally, the Hospital Director Dino Panjako expressed his gratitude to Bishop Pajsije and extended *slava* greetings to everyone present.
Photo album:
Албум са фотографијама