Pastoral Message from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios

February 10, 2022
 
My beloved in the Lord,

I come to you bearing in my heart the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Whom we place our hope and trust in times of both joy and challenge. There are moments in life when our customary peace is temporarily set aside by unanticipated events. None of us are immune to these events and once they arise we must give them our complete attention.

Some time ago, I experienced a minor accident, and though it is natural for human beings to continue to go about their daily lives after such events, I thought it a wise and safe decision to seek medical advice. In recent days, I have submitted myself to tests in order to receive an accurate assessment, and then to pursue the proper treatment which might follow. I am pleased to report that I am in good spirits, and that I continue to rest comfortably, on the advice of the doctors who have ministered to me.

As anyone can recognize, submitting to the scrutiny of medical examinations renews within us a keen sense of humility; however, I remain comforted by the counsel of Saint Porphyrios, “God gives us His grace when we are humble.” Challenges, particularly to our health, are permitted by our Lord that we might be spiritually strengthened. Therefore, rather than succumbing to snares of the evil one, such as allowing anxiety to prevail, or coming to unfounded conclusions before the facts are known, I draw a sense of peace and confidence from the Physician of our bodies and souls. He truly is, “my mighty rock [and] my refuge,” and upon Him, “rests my salvation.” (Psalm 62:7)

Therefore, what I desire most from my spiritual children at this present time, is prayer. Through the act of prayer, we are granted the most powerful tool to overcome and strengthen ourselves against any obstacles in this life. Now, and always, your support and your prayers to our Creator remind us, just as St. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, that in everything we do, His grace is sufficient for us as His power, “is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) 
 
In that spirit of humility, I continue to pray fervently for all the faithful of our God-protected Metropolis, and I look forward to resuming my pastoral duties shortly, with all my strength and effort. Seeking to abide by the advice of my physicians, I hope you understand this loving request to please refrain from offering calls, visits and gifts during this time, when it is especially important to focus on resting. Truly, because your prayers are at this very moment understood, and felt, I treasure the caring intercessions offered by my spiritual sons and daughters, both the clergy, and all the laity of the Metropolis.
 
Trusting in His compassionate grace and benevolent will, I look forward to the next time we can stand together in devout prayer in the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ, offering glorification and praise for the abundant blessings He has given to us all.  I remain,
 
With paternal blessings and with much love in our Lord,

+ Alexios

Metropolitan of Atlanta