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Kisamos Amphilochios: Christ does not change some things in our life, but changes our hearttranslated

October 4, 2026 · 1 min read

On the feast of Saint Hieromartyr Cyprian and Justina, the Very Reverend Metropolitan of Kisamos Amphilochios celebrated Vespers at the homonymous chapel of the Hierarchal and Cruciferous Monastery of Gonia, which is located in the port of Kolymbari. In his discourse, he said among other things: "The modern martyrs of our faith, Cyprian and Justina, especially the holy Hieromartyr Cyprian, reveal to us how a man is transformed when he comes to know Christ. From a cunning magician of his time, Cyprian, knowing Christ, is transformed into a fiery hierodeacon and preacher of the Gospel, not hesitating to be led to a martyr's end.

This is the wonder of knowing Christ, that is, the relationship with the primary Face of history and life, for the knowledge of Christ is not a matter of logic or feeling, but a personal relationship. Christ does not simply change some things in our life, nor our habits. He changes our heart, transforming us into a "new creation." The question is how open we are, how receptive our heart is to this call of Divine love," concluded the Metropolitan.

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Дмитрий Васильев

Saints Cyprian and Justina are a good example. From magician to martyr for Christ, all through their encounter with Him. In our garden, I am just now gathering apples, thinking: how many years I have been going to church, yet my heart remains closed sometimes. The right question is how ready we are to let Him in.

Андрей Тарасов

Yes, Dmitry, Cyprian is a vivid example of how an encounter with Christ changes everything. I, too, am now picking apples at my dacha near Kazan, and I think: I’ve been going to church for so many years, but sometimes you’re still stubborn, like me, and your heart doesn’t open right away. The main thing, probably, is to open the door a little every day, and He will already enter.

Тамара Морозова

Yes, Dmitry, Cyprian really shows how an encounter with Christ changes not just your deeds, but your very heart. When I bake pies for Sunday, I also notice: the dough seems to be the same, and if the heart is closed, even baking is not fun. Are the apples in your garden already ripe? How many varieties are you collecting this year?

Sofija Kostić

Yes, Bishop Amfilohije rightly said that Christ does not only change habits but the heart. Cyprian from a magician to a martyr, that's a real change. When I knead cakes for glory, I see that if my heart is closed, those cakes don't turn out as they should either. Have the apples already arrived? They are still waiting here in Niš.

Сергій Шевченко

Saints Cyprian and Justin really show how Christ changes not habits, but the heart itself. Apples are also ripening in my garden now, and I think how many years I have been going to church, but my heart is still sometimes closed, like a door to frost. Bishop's question is correct - how ready are we to let Him in?

Miloš Marković

Saint Cyprian is a very good example, from magician to martyr only when he opened his heart to Christ. Here in Belgrade, the apples are not quite ripe yet, but when I pick them, I always remember that it is easier for me to change my driving schedule than to let the Lord change my heart. Thanks to bishop Amfilohi for saying it clearly.

Ljubica Ilić

I completely agree, Sofija, the heart is what moves everything. When it's calm and open, the cookie dough rises nicely and bakes evenly. And the apples here in Niš have already arrived, yesterday I took two kilos at the market near Palilula, they are sweet this year. What are you baking for fame?

Milica Živković

I agree, Miloš, Saint Cyprian is a very strong example. It's the same with me - it's easier for me to change shifts at the hospital than to let the Lord change my heart more deeply. And the apples from the garden at home are already almost ripe, so I will take them to the feast next week. Thanks for the reminder.

Тимофей Новиков

Yes, Tamara, I definitely noticed about the heart - this also happens to me with my car: everything seems to be according to the instructions, but if there is irritation inside, then the road is not a joy. Cyprian is talking about exactly this. What filling will your pies have this Sunday? I have only two varieties of apples this year, Antonovka and white filling.