On the First Sunday of Great Lent, our Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral was filled to capacity as the faithful gathered to celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy — the radiant proclamation of the Church’s victory in defense of the holy icons and the true confession of the Incarnation.

Children’s Procession of Holy Icons

One of the most moving moments of the morning was the children’s procession with icons. Our youngest parishioners, holding images of Christ, the Most Holy Theotokos, and the saints, walked solemnly through the Cathedral, proclaiming with their presence what the Church has proclaimed for centuries: that God truly became man, and therefore He can be depicted.

Their procession was not only a remembrance of history, but a living testimony that the faith is being handed to the next generation.

The Meaning of the Icon – Fr. Darko’s Sermon

In his English sermon, Fr. Darko reflected on the theology of the icon, drawing attention to the concept of “inverse perspective.”

Unlike ordinary art, where the viewer stands at a distance and looks into a scene, the icon reverses the direction of sight. In the icon, you are not a detached spectator observing an object. Rather, you are the one being seen. You are being addressed.

The icon calls you into relationship.

Fr. Darko emphasized that this theological vision stands in powerful contrast to the modern world. Today, images — icons, logos, screens — have immense power. They shape our imagination, govern our behavior, and influence our desires. One who controls the image often controls the imagination of the people.

Yet the holy icon does not manipulate. It does not flatter the ego. It invites repentance, communion, and transformation. It restores vision rather than distorting it. It reveals truth rather than manufacturing desire.

The Sunday of Orthodoxy, therefore, is not only about defending sacred art in the 8th and 9th centuries — it is about reclaiming our spiritual sight today.

Repentance as the Path to Resurrection – Fr. Nikolaj’s Message

Fr. Nikolaj reminded the faithful that Great Lent is not merely a season of external discipline, but a time for sincere repentance.

As we journey toward the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are called to examine our hearts, to turn away from sin, and to prepare ourselves inwardly for Pascha. Repentance is not despair — it is hope. It is the doorway to renewal.

The victory of Orthodoxy is not only historical; it must become personal. The triumph of truth must be lived in the heart.

Fellowship and Community

Following the Liturgy, the parish gathered for fellowship, sharing a Lenten meal and conversation. The hall was filled with warmth and gratitude as families, friends, and visitors celebrated together.

The fullness of the church, the voices of our children, and the shared meal afterward were a visible sign of a living and vibrant parish community — rooted in tradition, yet engaged with the challenges of the modern world.

May the holy icons continue to teach us how to see — and how to be seen by Christ.

“This is the faith of the Apostles.

This is the faith of the Fathers.

This is the faith of the Orthodox.

This faith has established the universe.”