Protocol Number 206/14

November 8, 2014

Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels

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 blessed Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels, we are called by the hymns of our Holy Orthodox Church to reflect on the great role angels have in service to our Almighty God.  The Holy Scriptures tell us that angels constantly offer praise to God,  deliver His message, and protect and defend those in need, carrying out the will of God both now and in the age to come.

The ministry of angels is a ministry radiating the holiness of God. It is also a ministry of obedience.  As God directs, the holy angels respond seeking to fulfill His commands in their service to Him and to His creation.  Their ministry for our sake is also filled with compassion.  In serving a God of grace, they offer protection, help, and guidance.

The blessed ministry of the angels is also reflected in the quality of care and compassionate service offered by our beloved Saint Michael’s Home.  On this feast we recognize the faithful service of the trustees, directors, and staff, affirming that in a sacred environment, filled with the presence of God, they are being faithful to His command to offer comfort, love, and healing.  For almost sixty years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has provided ministry to our faithful, and we now have the opportunity to expand.  With the purchase of an eleven-acre site on Long Island, the vision for Saint Michael’s is to build a state of the art, continuous care facility.  When this is accomplished, many more will be served with various levels of care and the same sacred ministry of compassion that is offered now.

In support of this sacred ministry and the expansion of St. Michael’s Home, I ask the parishes of our Holy Archdiocese to conduct a special offering on Sunday, November 9.  Please designate your gifts for Saint Michael’s, send them to the Archdiocese, and they will be forwarded to the Home.  I also ask on this blessed feast that you offer prayers for the residents, staff, and directors, and for the many ministries throughout this country offered by our Metropolises and parishes in the care of the elderly.  In following the commands of our Lord and revealing the grace of God, we see a tremendous and growing effort to offer ministry to those in need.  May we give thanks to God for the witness, protection, and service of His holy angels, and may we continue to offer faithful service to others in truly sacred love.

With paternal love in Christ,

†DEMETRIOS

Archbishop of America