Archimandrite Vasilije Kostić: God Is Within Us, Not Distant

Belgrade, Serbia – Archimandrite Vasilije Kostić recently delivered a profound sermon emphasizing the immanence of God, challenging the common perception of a distant divine presence. Speaking from a richly adorned ecclesiastical setting, Archimandrite Vasilije addressed the congregation, stating, "The problem with our relationship with God, for most people, is that God is somewhere far away. He is up there in heaven, ascended, and He doesn't know how we are down here." He continued by asserting a more intimate spiritual reality: "In reality, God is in us. And it is not terrible to seek Him. He is omnipresent; seek Him and you will find Him." The Archimandrite further elaborated on the concept of self-knowledge, drawing upon the wisdom of Saint Justin Popović. He quoted the saint, "Lord, I sought you everywhere, and you were nowhere. I did not find you, but you were in me, and I was outside myself." This powerful message underscored the importance of introspection and understanding one's true self, created in the image of Christ, to truly connect with the divine. The sermon encouraged believers to recognize God's presence not as an external entity, but as an integral part of their being.