Will You Accept His Wedding Invitation? Sermon by Father Chrysostom

What does it mean to truly respond to Christ’s invitation? In this sermon, Father Chrysostom examines the Parable of the Wedding Feast and explains the meaning of the wedding garment, the necessity of repentance, and the Orthodox understanding of salvation as a lifelong struggle. Christians are called not simply to believe once and remain unchanged, but to continually repent, confess their sins, put on Christ, and grow closer to God through purification, illumination, and theosis. The Mysteries of the Gospel and the Apostolic Church In this sermon, Father Chrysostom begins with Christ's explanation of why He speaks to the people in parables. When the apostles ask why He speaks in parables, Christ tells them: “It is given to you, the apostles, to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but not unto everyone.” Father Chrysostom emphasizes that the faith we receive from Christ comes through the apostles. It does not simply appear on its own or come to us independently. To understand the Gospel, he says, “we have to be connected to the apostles.” And how are we connected to the apostles? “And that happens through being connected to the church, belonging to the church, and hearing the teaching from our hierarchs.” This is why, when preparing a sermon, Father Chrysostom says he is always told: “Read the fathers.” The Fathers, he explains, give us the interpretation of Scripture within the life of the Church, with their teaching coming from the councils of the Church and the Holy Scriptures as interpreted and handed down through the apostles. The parables therefore call us to seek the meaning of Christ's teaching through the Church. A Question for Every Christian Are we truly responding to Christ's invitation—or making excuses that keep us from Him? Are we wearing the garment of Christ through repentance, prayer, confession, and obedience? And are we continuing the struggle to grow closer to God? May the Mother of God, who showed us what it means to live a life totally in Christ, help us to receive the mercy of God and the gift of eternal life. For more videos, visit: For more videos, visit: orthodoxtradition If you would like us to light a candle for you during our services, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdckxd83 To make a donation to the monastery, click below: https://tinyurl.com/3y9s8t8y #OrthodoxTraditionShorts