New Year's Encyclical of HB Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Athens
- Fr. Savvas Anastasiou
- Friday, 26 January 2007 14:42
Brethren and children in the Lord: Grace and blessings from the Lord.
By Divine goodness and philanthropy, we are entering the new year of 2007, continuing the journey of our lives upon the earth we choose our manner of life, according to either God or the world. We travel through the present life, some being oriented toward heaven just as the magi were by the star and others toward earthly vanity.
The All-good God provides His good things unto both alike, as a gracious Father who respects each person?s free will, which will either reward or condemn him who has it.
At this point, giving us an example and prototype of the certainty we must have, the divine Paul says, "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air—but against the treacherous foe redeeming the time because the days are evil."
From a position of responsibility and with paternal yearning we exhort the flock entrusted to us, created in God?s image, and worthy of praise, to honor the present world through an upright life in conformity with the divine teaching of the Church. This shall be toward one?s own profit and chiefly to the glory of God Who was incarnate for us honoring that which was created in His image.
Keeping the above-stated in mind, let us receive the new year of divine goodness with much thanksgiving toward God and obedience to His holy will.
May the incarnate Lord and Master, Christ our God give steadfast heavenly peace from His rich mercy; enlightenment unto the knowledge of truth; and unabated health of both soul and body unto those upon the earth and victory to the Church against Its enemies. May He grant us to return to our ancestral roots and every good from heaven for many years.
With paternal love,
Your fervent intercessor with the Lord
Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Athens and all Greece
Orthodox Awareness
Bartholomew Prays at Iftar
Iftar, refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is done right after sunset.
We report the following unchanged as it was published:
"The leaders of the Armenian, Roman, Jewish and Syrian communities of Turkey sat around the fasting Iftar dinner in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul."
Community leaders met in Mevlevihane (Tekes Mevlevi) of Galata and proclaimed an encouraging message of unity.
Read more...Missions
Holy Mother of God, Charlottesville, Virginia
Maria never thought she would start a Church. However, God creates circumstances which cause people to do things they never planned to do. She had family members that were Old Calendarists and she had even attended services at St. Markella’s Cathedral many years ago. But that all became a memory, as life’s changes brought her to her own marriage, raising children, and living in diverse locations.Charlottesville, Virginia became her and her husband's home a few years ago. They settled in to the comfortable routine of worshiping in the local New Calendar parish.
Read more...Youth
When:
Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2-5, 2011) Where:
Clearwater, Florida Host:
Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church Registration Form | More Info
Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2-5, 2011) Where:
Clearwater, Florida Host:
Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church Registration Form | More Info
Ask A Priest
Why do we Call Angels “Saint”?
Q. I noticed that we call the angels Michael and Gabriel "Saint." I thought the title "Saint" was only given to humans who have proven themselves Godly. Do you mind clarifying this for me? Is there a deeper meaning to "Saint" that I am not aware of?
-S.L. Read more...