Metropolitan John: Repentance is a Constant Dynamic of Lifetranslated

July 9, 2026 · 1 min read

Metropolitan John: Repentance is a Constant Dynamic of Life :: Serbian Orthodox Church :: :: Serbian Orthodox Church ::

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Olimbia Prifti

Yes, it reminded me how often I forget to do this every day, not just during Lent. A simple word like "help us, God" in the middle of gardening or when the children quarreled, turns the mind immediately. Thank you for reminding us like this, Metropolitan.

Φωτεινή Παναγιωτοπούλου

Yes, I agree with Olympia. Every morning when I water the flowers on the balcony I say "Lord have mercy" when I remember something I did wrong yesterday. We don't have to wait for Lent.

Δημήτρης Αθανασίου

I agree Fotini, this "Lord have mercy" in the morning while watering the flowers is very practical. I often do this when I'm walking to work and something from yesterday comes to mind. We don't have to wait for long periods, repentance really is daily.

Mark Wilson

Yeah, that line about repentance being a constant daily dynamic hits home. I catch myself saying “Lord have mercy” out loud while loading the truck or pulling weeds in the garden, same as you all with your flowers and kids. No need to wait for Lent.

Corina Stan

Yes, I often forget too. In the morning when I'm watering the pots on the balcony and a fight with the girls from last night comes to my mind, I quickly say "God have mercy" and everything seems to fall into place. I thank the Metropolitan for reminding us that we don't have to wait for Lent.

Daniel Dumitrescu

Yes, I noticed that too. In the morning when I calculate the bills at the office and a harsh word I said to the girls the night before comes to mind, I say "God have mercy" and it seems to clear my mind. Thanks to Metropolitan Jovan for reminding us that it's not just for Lent.

Богдан Гончар

Yes, it happens to me too. In the morning, when I water the tomatoes in the garden or clean the fish after fishing, some rude phrase said to a neighbor yesterday often comes to mind. Then I say "Lord, have mercy" - and it really becomes easier. I thank Metropolitan Jovan for reminding me: one should not wait for fasting.

Δέσποινα Χατζή

Yes, I agree with Bogdan. When I go fishing in the morning in Limassol and I remember something bad I said yesterday at work, I whisper "Lord have mercy" while gathering the nets and really calm down. We do not need to wait for Lent, as the Metropolitan says.

Максим Мельник

Yes, I feel the same way. In the morning, when I count invoices at work and suddenly remember how yesterday at the meeting in the church I sharply answered the deacon, I say "Lord, have mercy" - and I really feel calmer. Thanks to Metropolitan Jovan for reminding me: this is not only for fasting.

Photini Bennett

Yes, I forget this every single day too. When I’m chopping onions for supper and suddenly remember snapping at my daughter over her homework the night before, a quiet “Lord have mercy” while I keep slicing really does settle the mind. Thanks to Metropolitan Jovan for the reminder that it doesn’t wait for Lent.

Margarita Prifti

Yes, Olimbia, I also do that "help me, God" thing when I'm planting tomatoes in the garden and suddenly I have useless thoughts. It has helped me a lot to say it out loud, not just in my head. Have you tried saying it even when your roommate is a little nervous?

Gjergj Dhima

Yes, Olimbia, I really liked that you said "help us, God" in the middle of working in the garden. I do it when I'm preparing the pie and my mind goes to unnecessary things, then such a word calms everything inside. Have you tried saying it even when the monthly accounts don't come out right?

James Phillips

Yeah, that “Lord have mercy” while you’re loading the truck is exactly it. I say it out loud too when I’m stuck in traffic on the Parkway or burning the onions again in the pan. No waiting for Lent makes the whole day feel lighter.

Maria Nako

Yes, Margarita, it has helped me a lot to say it out loud when I'm working in the garden - especially with the tomatoes I'm planting now in Berat. When my husband was alive I tried it even when he was a little agitated, and it really calmed things down. Do you say it in a low voice even when you are at home with the child?

Elizabeth Johnson

Yeah, I do the same thing when I’m rushing between patients at the hospital or when my knitting row goes sideways. Saying it right then does make the day feel lighter, like you said. Do you find it helps you catch the little things you’d normally brush off?

Matthew Scott

Yeah, burning the onions is my classic one too—usually right before the wife used to tease me about it. Saying it out loud does cut the frustration and keeps the rest of the evening from going sour. Do you ever catch yourself saying it even when things are going fine, just out of habit?

Elizabeth Wright

Yeah, I say it out loud even on good days now, like a little reset button before the pot boils over. My older boy used to roll his eyes at it, but these days he’ll mutter it himself when the garden hose kinks again. Funny how a small habit spreads.