Rostuše, North Macedonia, February 19, 2025
Met. Mark serving at Bigorsky Monastery. Photo: bigorski.org.mk
His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia’s eldest hierarch, wrapped up his pilgrimage to the holy sites of the Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric on Monday.
ROCOR’s Metropolitan Mark on pilgrimage to Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid ArchbishopricHis Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia’s eldest hierarch, is currently leading a pilgrimage to the holy sites of the Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric.
“>Last week, he visited the MOC primate, His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid, and various historical churches and monasteries, including the famous Lesnovo Monastery.
Bp. Parthenius, abbot of Bigorsky (left), Met. Mark (right). Photo: bigorski.org.mk
On Sunday, February 16, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, the Metropolitan led a pilgrimage group to the 11th-century St. John the Baptist-Bigorsky Monastery, one of the MOC’s most well-known sites today. Met. Mark had long desired to visit Bigorsky, having heard much about it from his friend, the famous Macedonian philologist Blaže Koneski, the monastery reports.
“With spiritual joy, the hierarch presided over [Saturday night’s] vigil, and this morning, in the monastic spirit of silence and prayer, he officiated the Divine Eucharist, concelebrating with our beloved Elder, Bishop Parthenius of Antania, and the brotherhood of clergy,” the report states.
Photo: bigorski.org.mk
Following the Liturgy, Met. Mark spoke to the faithful about obedience as the foundation of the Christian life, emphasizing the example of St. Simeon the God-Receiver.
“This spiritual encounter was truly a blessing for our monastery, filled with love, communion, and repentant joy, all of which prepare us for the holy ascetic journey of the Fast—the path of returning to the house of our Heavenly Father.”
Photo: mpc-spe.mk
The next day, the ROCOR hierarch paid another visit to Abp. Stefan, this time bringing the group of German pilgrims with him.
Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
Source: Orthodox Christianity
