We Have Reversed the Way We Deal with Others.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese / Media Center
Mafraq, Sunday, October 18, 2026
Photographs from the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, served by Archimandrite Athanasios, assisted by Economos Demetrios, at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Mafraq, in the presence of members of the parish.
At the conclusion of the service, Archimandrite Athanasios spoke about how we have reversed the principles governing our interactions with others. The Gospel teaches us to treat others in the way we ourselves wish to be treated, with love and respect. Unfortunately, however, nowadays we tend to treat others in the same way they treat us: if someone wrongs me, I wrong them in return, and so on. We expect others to change for the better before we are willing to change ourselves.
This is entirely contrary to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures, which say:
“For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?”
He then calls us: “Love your enemies and bless those who curse you.”
May the holy grace of God dwelling in our hearts be manifested in the way we treat others.
