Al Maseeh Qam! Christos Anesti! Khristos Voiskrese!
Cristos Vaskres! Hristos A Inviat! Khrishti U Ngjall! Kriste Aghsdgha!
Together, we set aside many of our comforts – various food and drink – routines and interests, in order to better dedicate our life to the “Bride of Christ” (The Church) and attend more services, which is where we encounter God Himself and enter into Heavenly worship to be transformed. Together, we entered into a season where confession is more deeply embraced as we grow more careful with our words, thoughts, and actions. A time where real spiritual progress can be made, in accordance with the measurement of humility we cultivate through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While this was a true season of transformation and “growing-closer” to our merciful God, there is a sense of deep warmth from being together throughout this demanding, yet spiritually-edifying, journey of Great Lent.
The Creator of the Universe is not indifferent but deeply cares about our way of life – our labors and efforts, priorities and values, and how we exercise stewardship over the blessings He has bestowed upon us.
HE saw the generosity, and recognized the inner disposition, of those that gave towards the flowers, candles, wine, olive oil, and so forth, to provide for, and beautify, the festal icons and Kovouklion (Bier/Tomb) in His House – the St. Paul Church Temple.
HE closely observed the “labors of love” we offered throughout the Lenten season: Decorating the icons, the Kovouklion (Bier/Tomb), cleaning, cooking, baking prosphora, planning, serving, singing and chanting the grace-filled words of our Orthodox hymnography.
HE will not forget our honest attempts to attend the Lenten services, the struggle to stand-up more than we are used to, nor our putting aside of the ego for the sake of receiving His divine grace through the sacrament of confession.
HE, The Author of Life, The Creator of the Universe will increasingly bestow His blessings upon us, and especially this parish, in so long as we increasingly grow in our unwavering faithfulness towards Him – the Truth.
We demonstrate our growth, and make manifest our faithfulness to God, through our generous-dedication to build-up, and care for, His House (St. Paul Church) – only offering the best of our abilities, efforts, labors, and resources.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have showed toward his name…” (Heb. 6:10)
May God grant you, my dear ones, many more years of PASCHAL joy and a deep remembrance in your heart that CHRIST IS RISEN!
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