On the feast of the Synaxis of All Saints of America, His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrius of America reflects on the saints, missionaries, ascetics, and faithful Christians who sanctified this land through prayer, sacrifice, and the carrying of their Cross.
In this sermon, Metropolitan Demetrius of America recalls the missionaries who entered these lands through Russia, Siberia, and Alaska, along with many others whose holiness may still be unknown to us. Some were missionaries, some were men and women of prayer, and some gave themselves completely in their service to the Church.
Metropolitan Demetrius warns that love for one’s land must not be confused with nationalism. Christians are called to be respectful and good citizens while remembering that their true homeland is in the age to come.
Metropolitan Demetrius also recalls holy men and women whose lives were marked by missionary labor, prayer, asceticism, suffering, and remarkable events. Their example brings the message back to the Christian struggle before each of us.
We are called to pray that the Lord will help us “to pick up our cross and to follow the example of these saints,” remaining courageous in the face of temptation and firm in our purpose as we seek eternal salvation.
May the Lord grant this to us by the prayers of all the saints whose memory we celebrate.
“Trust ye not in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.”
(Psalm 145:3)
We mustn’t have absolute trust in human beings for our salvation, no matter what dignity they have. Human beings are changeable. Today they are saints, tomorrow—deniers. Today—sinners, tomorrow—righteous. We must have absolute trust in God, and in Him we must base our hopes of salvation. “Blessed is he of whom the God of Jacob is his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Psalm 145:5). Read more...
St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox Church began as a mission parish in the year 2000, in a home chapel in Palm Coast, FL – a small town on Florida’s northeast coast located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. After two years, it became necessary to have services in area community centers, rented for Sundays and other Holy Days. Read more...
2026 Youth Conference
Please join us for the 2026 youth conference in Upper Marlboro, MD! To learn more, visit the this page.
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...