Romanian Orthodox bishop in Australia urges families to teach children the faith

His Grace Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand served on Sunday at the Romanian Orthodox Parish of the Holy Brâncoveanu Martyrs in Sydney, Australia. “Let us teach our children our Orthodox Christian faith,” His Grace said.

The hierarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with His Grace Bishop Iachint of the Pacific, Assistant Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.

Bishop Mihail recalled the witness of the Holy Brâncoveanu Martyrs and their steadfastness, nurtured through the faith they lived and learned within their family.

“They faced the great trial in which they were promised that they could continue to live. They did not wish to separate themselves from the Eucharistic Christ and His teaching. Instead, Saint Constantine confessed his faith, telling his son Matthew: There is no point in deceiving ourselves any longer.”

His Grace spoke about the moment when Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu and his sons were forced to choose between renouncing their faith and death.

“That is why he urged his youngest son, Matthew, not to accept becoming a Muslim, not to renounce his faith. The boy himself placed his head on the block and said:…