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Saint Kallinikos Bishop of Edessa: Sacrifice must distinguish my High Priestly life!translated

August 8, 2026 · 1 min read

Excerpt from the enthronement speech of Saint Kallinikos Metropolitan of Edessa in Edessa: "I am already on high terms. I am called to watch over, to supervise, to oversee, to observe, to watch over the reasonable sheep.

I have already been assigned by the Treasury of goods to secure treasures of incalculable value, to preserve souls, "for Christ died" (1 Cor. 8, 11). The task is difficult, the mission is heavy.

I listen to the Apostle Paul teaching: "see the Bishop who is unobtrusive, sober, sober, worldly, hospitable, instructive" (1 Tim. 3, 2).

I hear the Lord speaking: "the good shepherd lays down his soul for the sheep" (John 1:11).

I see Apostles, having surrendered their souls for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 10:26), being sacrificed for the Shepherd and suffering a martyr's death.

I see the Holy Fathers fighting fiercely in favor of the Faith, and receiving unprecedented persecutions.

I see Bishops hanged and beheaded for the sake of their Flock.

What am I saying? I see this Leader of our Faith Crucified.

Well, the lot of the Bishop is not a throne, but a cross.

The Bishop ascends first…

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Marius Matei

I think that these words about the cross, not just the throne, are very true. St. Callinicos clearly says that the bishop must be the first to go up and lay down his soul for the sheep, just as the Savior did on the cross. It also helps us, simple believers, to see that any true service costs something, it's not just honor.

Антон Комаров

Yes, I definitely noticed about the cross instead of the throne. Saint Callinicus directly says that the bishop must be the first to rise and lay down his soul for the sheep, like the Lord on the cross. This is a reminder to us, ordinary people, that ministry is not a comfortable chair, but a willingness to sacrifice.