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 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 the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels we honor the divinely created and appointed messengers of God, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and we commemorate the myriad of angelic beings who never cease in praising and glorifying God and laboring for the fulfillment of His Kingdom (Revelation 5:11-13).

The Holy Scriptures describe the holy angels as "ministering spirits sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). In carrying out their divine tasks, the holy angels offer an example of true service to God and humankind, serving as our lifelong guardians and protectors. This special service of care, commissioned by God, is contemplated by the comforting words of the Psalmist: "He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Ps. 90:11).

The faithful service of care has also been the continuous work of our Holy Archdiocese through the ministry of Saint Michael's Home, our senior adult home in New York. As the operating budget for the Home depends largely on donations from you the faithful, your continual support of this vital ministry is much needed. Accordingly, in annual observance, our parishes will be passing a special tray for St. Michael's Home this Sunday, November 7. Your financial contributions will help to return the precious gift of love and care to a generation of earthly guardians, parents and godparents who reside today at St. Michael's. Any additional contributions that you would like to offer should be made payable to Saint Michael's Home and sent to the Office of the Archbishop at the Archdiocese.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Archangels, I ask that you keep not only the residents, but also the families, directors, board, staff, and volunteers of St. Michael's Home in your prayers, as their work in providing care to the elderly is an important affirmation of the sacredness and dignity of human life at all ages. May the divine protection of the Holy Archangels be with us always, and may they inspire us to grow in our worship of God and in our commitment to minister unto others who are in need of His love and saving grace.

With paternal love in Christ,

+DEMETRIOS

Archbishop of America