Feast Day of the Venerable Justin of Celije Celebrated in Montreal

On the second Sunday after Pentecost, on June 14, 2026, the Holy Trinity Church in Montreal celebrated congregationally and prayerfully the feast of Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher and the Venerable Justin of Celije.

After the reading of the Holy Gospel about how the Lord Jesus Christ called his disciples, future apostles, Fr. Vladimir Vranic addressed the congregation with the words of a festive homily:

“In today’s Holy Gospel, we hear how the Lord Jesus Christ calls Simon and Andrew, then James and John. The response of the Holy Apostles is brief but magnificent: And they immediately left their nets and followed Him (Mt. 4:20). These words reveal the essence of Christian life. When the Lord calls, He does not ask for perfection from man, but rather the willingness to open his heart to Him and follow Him. The apostles did not know everything that awaited them, but they knew Whom they had believed. The Lord calls us every day too. He calls us to leave behind what binds us to the transient, to renounce sinful habits, to trust in His will more than in our own plans, and to walk the path of salvation with faith and patience.

Today we also prayerfully celebrate Saint Justin of Celje, as well as all the saints who shone forth from the Serbian people. Saint Justin testified throughout his life that Christ is the beginning and end, the meaning and goal of human existence. His faith was not just a word, but a constant following of Christ and His Church regardless of temptations and circumstances. On one occasion, Saint Abba Dorotheus taught that a person who wants to progress in the spiritual life should not constantly look at what others are doing, but should pay attention to his own heart and his relationship with God. This is where true Christian transformation begins.

May the example of the holy apostles teach us determination in faith, and may the prayers of Saint Justin of Celje and all the saints of the Serbian people strengthen us, so that we too, each in our own place, faithfully follow Christ, Who leads us to eternal life. A blessed and saving Sunday to all!”

Members of the congregation observing the Saint Peter's Fast received Holy Communion.