Damascene of Aetolia and Acarnania: Repentance is man's free response to Christ's invitationtranslated

In the historic Holy Church of Agia Paraskevi in the Holy City of Messolonghi, the Evening Sermon of the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Aetolia and Acarnania Mr. Damaskinos took place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in the context of the evening spiritual gatherings that take place alternately in Agrinio and Messolonghi. Continuing the interpretive approach of the Holy Gospel according to Mark, His Holiness developed the theme "The beginning of the preaching of Jesus and the calling of the first disciples", based on verses 14-20 of the first chapter.

He first referred to the beginning of the public action of the Lord in Galilee, after the arrest of Saint John the Forerunner, and to the central message of His sermon:

"The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1,15). Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the Kingdom of God, which is not a worldly authority or a future reality only, but is already manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is the new reality that Christ inaugurates, offering man the possibility to overcome sin, fear and death and to live in love...