"God and Truth Will Triumph": Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Leads Christmas Services at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia

December 27, 2024

On December 25–26, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia hosted festive Christmas services led by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of the Philadelphia Archeparchy.

During his Christmas Day homily, Metropolitan Borys reflected on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, highlighting the paradox of the Almighty God becoming a defenseless child. To illustrate this message, he invited children attending the service to help visualize this profound truth.

"We celebrate something paradoxical and mysterious — God, who is the Almighty, holding the universe in His hand, comes to us as a Child and offers us salvation with His tiny hand," Metropolitan Borys said. "God approaches us in a disarming way — not with aggression, not with power, but with the hand of a child. Our Lord shows His strength in weakness. We can either accept this proposal or, like Herod, succumb to fear. If we believe, we trust God and entrust our lives to Him. In this encounter and trust lies our happiness and true peace."

Expanding on this theme, he shared: "The proposal of salvation that God gives us is not threatening. It’s totally disarming. The Pantocrator, the Holder of all, becomes a child to be held. We can accept this proposal or say, ‘Not for me.’"

In conclusion, Metropolitan Borys urged the faithful to embrace and share the message of Christ: "Go out and pronounce the Good News."

On December 26, the second day of Christmas dedicated to the Synaxis of the Most Holy Mother of God, Metropolitan Borys drew connections between Christmas and the Resurrection. He encouraged parishioners to contemplate this unity through the stunning mosaics adorning the cathedral, created by artist Christina Dochwat.

Metropolitan Borys also spoke about the ongoing war in Ukraine, reminding the congregation of the suffering endured by Ukrainians. "We cannot help but think of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, who yesterday, on Christmas, suffered the largest attack in the last three months," he said. Offering words of hope, he added, "God and truth will triumph."