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 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,

The joyous Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels is a welcome occasion to reflect upon the tremendous love of our God, a love which is made manifest, among many other ways, through the constant protection of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, together with countless multitudes of bodiless powers in heaven. The Holy Scriptures teach us that the angels are entrusted with a divine commission to obey the will of God (Psalms 103:20) and to celebrate ceaselessly His praises (Nehemiah 9:6), sacred tasks that are at once heavenly and earthly undertakings.

The presence of these invisible attendants of God, ministering spirits sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation (Hebrews 1:14), affirms that our Lord exercises a watchful and attentive protection over our world. As Orthodox Christians, baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, each of us has been blessed personally with the protection of a guardian angel, through whom the loving presence of God touches all persons at all times, leaving an indelible mark upon the entirety of the Creation.

During the senior years of our earthly lives, the loving presence of God is an assuring, healing reality that is distinctively felt and appreciated. Thus, it is appropriate on this Feast that our Archdiocese recognizes the important ministry of Saint Michael’s Home, our senior adult home located in New York, which is named after the Holy Archangel Michael. For over 40 years, Saint Michael’s Home has lived up to its Namesake as a sanctuary where the praise of God permeates all facets of daily life, a peaceful dwelling where attentiveness to the physical and spiritual needs of each person is cultivated, and a sacred space where the sanctity and the value of human life is affirmed with every step.

Saint Michael’s Home is today an abode to Greek Orthodox elderly persons in need of care who hail from many states across our country. In support of this vital ministry, the operating budget of which depends largely upon donations from you the faithful, our parishes will be passing a special tray on Sunday, November 9. Your offerings will benefit not only the residents of Saint Michael’s Home, but will also support the continued growth and expansion of this important ministry for generations to come. Any additional gifts and contributions should be made payable to Saint Michael’s Home and sent to the Office of the Archbishop at the Archdiocese.

It is my heartfelt prayer that the divine protection of the Holy Archangels be with you always, aiding you in your offering of care and ministry, fortifying you in your continued praise of Almighty God, and encouraging you in your free and loving obedience to Him.

With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America