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 Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the Mystery of Holy Baptism, each one of us as Orthodox Christians has been granted a heavenly guardian, a radiant angel, in the words of the baptismal prayer. These unseen and bodiless powers guide and protect our lives in this world, joining their efforts with those of our parents and godparents, who are together committed to leading us towards the Kingdom of God.
On the joyous Feast of the Holy Archangels we commemorate Gods blessings through the ministry of these guardian powers. This Feast is also the occasion that our Archdiocese takes to recognize the ministry of Saint Michaels Home. By supporting the diakonia of Saint Michaels Home, we are able to return the gift of love and care to a generation of earthly guardians, a generation of parents and godparents. Through this annual collection of gifts for Saint Michaels Home, the faithful have an opportunity to offer thanks to God for those significant people who were helpers and protectors in our lives.
This year the collection will be taken on Sunday, November 12. Please send your specially designated collections to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. From there your gifts will be forwarded to Saint Michael's Home. Your generosity and philanthropia will be a fitting offering of praise to God for the gift of His ministering angels.
With paternal love in Christ,
DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America