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,

Saint John Chrysostom once wrote, “A rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever.” This saying captures precisely the spirit of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Holy Anargyroi. These great healers gave liberally both of their material wealth and of their spiritual treasures, using their medical practice to assist the needy as well as to preach the Gospel. Freely they had received the grace of God, freely they gave again, and thereby they became “rich in good works” (1 Timothy 6:18).

In conjunction with the Feast of these wonderful saints, the Agioi Anargyroi, the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of our Archdiocese has traditionally taken a special collection for the National Philoptochos Patriarchate Fund, which benefits the hospitals, nursing homes, and other philanthropic institutions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This Sunday, November 5, has been designated as the day throughout our parishes for a tray be passed on behalf of the charitable missions of our Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople.

We do not all have the miraculous healing powers of Saints Cosmas and Damian, but we all have the potential to perform real miracles of mercy through our generosity and love to those in need. Knowing that our generosity on earth stores up treasures in heaven, please support your parish Philoptochos Society through a gift of philanthropy in the special offering this Sunday.

With paternal love in Christ,

Demetrios

Archbishop of America