The metropolitan Anthony (Packanich) talks about a unique possibility to change your life through prayful address to Apostles Peter and Paul.

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On the 12th of July the Church felicitates the Feast of the Holy, Glorious and All-praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul. With this day for orthodox christians the Apostles’ fasting ends up.

Each of us is able to change our life, the life of our neighbors by way of example of apostles. Apostles Peter and Paul are the example of real courage and confession.

Being with Christ, Peter was especially close to Savior, and his life was stringed with the light of Divine truth. Exactly this blessed light supported the apostle in all his ways, in difficult situations and in preachy works. Temporary weakness and fear of the high and mighties, appeared in the night of Christ’s arrest, were defeated due to unlimited love to the Divine Teacher. He’d been preaching the Resurrected Savior till his martyr’s death.

The bravery of Apostle Peter takes aback. His evangelical deed is second to none: he converted more than 8 thousand people to Christ’s faith, in spite of regular persecutions and deadly dangers.

Neither prison chains, nor physical denials didn't kill the courage, didn't change his attitude to people. The real love didn’t dry up in his ardent heart.

The life of the Apostle Paul is not less wonderful. He miraculously turned from the persecutor of evangelical preaching into one of the hottest preachers and followers.

After wonderful transfiguration, Paul gave all his life on the spreading of Christ’s faith.

For their work and courage Apostles Peter and Paul are deservedly considered to be the «anchors» of the Church of Christ and the all-praised Apostles. Both of them met martyr’s death in the Rome in the time of emperor Nero. And the Church remembers them in one day.

It’s sad that by being exposed to even small deprivations, we’re able to easily betray ourselves, our neighbors, our creeds. We harden, grumble, lose courage in common, sometimes, paltry situations.

We’re lack of faith, our heart is not fired by the light which gives human strength and love which «never fails» (1 Corinthians 13:8).

I sincerely wish to strengthen in faith in the feast of Apostles Peter and Paul by praying to these courageous pupils of Christ! And let Lord give us brave, loyal and affectionate heart for the defense of our faith and our neighbors.

Recorded by Natalia Goroshkova