This is the Faith that has established the world.
  - The Synodikon of Orthodoxy

March 8, 2009
The Feast of the Sunday of Orthodoxy

The Hierarchs of the Standing Conference
of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas

To all the Clergy and the Laity of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the Americas

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We, the Hierarchs of the StandingConference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, greet youwith love and blessings on the Feast of the Sundayof Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of Holy and Great Lent. This year,amidst the tumult and the insecurity that seem to pervade the globe, weexhort all of you to stand firm in your Orthodox Faith in God, the Faith that has established the world , the Faith that is the bedrock of our Holy Church, the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

We, who have been blessed withthe continuation of the Apostolic ministry, understand well that it isin the most difficult of circumstances that our Faith is tested. Intimes of trial and tribulation we are confirmed as believers, orcontrary to that, as the Lord said, those identified as people of little faith (Matthew6:30). But it is in these very same moments that by grace and throughthe work of the Holy Spirit, we can experience transformation of spiritand soul, as we realize the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). 

This revelation of God’s love andpurpose for our lives is oftentimes unanticipated by us, and certainlynot always heralded by blaring trumpets. More likely, it comes throughthe still small voice (1Kings 19:12) that speaks volumes. It is the voice that speaks onlytruth proclaiming Orthodoxy, the sound that comforts the soul, themusic that lifts our hearts heavenward.

Therefore, in these times whenthe pressures of daily life have taken on greater weight, and our worldappears confused and confusing, let us re-commit ourselves to thepractice of believing. Let us live each day with gratitude to God forthe gift of faith : the Faith of the Apostles, the Faith of the Fathers, the Faith of the Orthodox, the Faith that has established the world.

With paternal blessings and love in Christ,

+Archbishop DEMETRIOS, Chairman
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 

+Metropolitan PHILIP, Vice Chairman
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America 

+Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER, Secretary
Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America 

+Metropolitan NICHOLAS of Amissos, Treasurer
American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese in the USA 

+Archbishop NICOLAE
Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas

+Metropolitan JOSEPH
Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church 

+Metropolitan JONAH
Orthodox Church in America

+Metropolitan CONSTANTINE
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA

+Bishop MERCURIUS of Zaraisk
Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 

+Bishop ILIA of Philomelion
Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America