Protocol 105/11

June 12, 2011

Holy Pentecost

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this Feast of Holy Pentecost we are blessed with a joyous celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit and of the revelation of divine power through the witness of the Apostles of our Lord.  This fulfillment of the promise of Christ to send the Parakletos Comforter (John 14:26; Acts 1:8) and the proclamation of the Gospel on the day of Pentecost, offered the saving truth of God’s love to those gathered at that time in Jerusalem.  Many heard this message, and thousands believed, were baptized, and joined with the Apostles in the worship, ministry and fellowship of the Church.

This was the beginning of the sharing of the Gospel of truth and love and the growth of the Church throughout the world. Pentecost was also the beginning of the work we continue today through the worship and ministries of our beloved parishes.  In your community of believers, the Gospel is proclaimed, brothers and sisters in Christ gather in unity and fellowship, service is given to those in need, and you offer a witness of the love of God so that others might believe and receive the gift of salvation.

This is also the sacred work that is being offered by our sister parishes around the world which belong to the Metropolises of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate.  The Feast of Holy Pentecost is an appropriate time to remember the missionary efforts of these Metropolises which are the Metropolises of Buenos Aires and South America of  Mexico, of Hong Kong of New Zealand and of Korea, and to show our support for the work of the faithful in these lands as they share the Gospel through their worship and ministry.

On the Sunday of Holy Pentecost, writing to you on behalf of our Holy Eparchial Synod, I am kindly asking all of our parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to conduct a special offering for the above  purpose.

The offering should be designated “Metropolises of the Ecumenical Patriarchate” and sent to the Archdiocese.  I encourage you to offer your gift prayerfully and in a spirit of generosity for the needs of Orthodox parishes around the world, and may the Spirit of truth, comfort, and grace continue to guide your lives in all the ways of our Lord.

With paternal love in Christ,

†DEMETRIOS

Archbishop of America