BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!

I greet you all during this Advent season and on the civil holiday of Thanksgiving. We as Orthodox Christians, can easily identify with the holiday, Thanksgiving. We give thanks at the celebration at every Divine Liturgy, offering gratitude to Almighty God for His abundant love and mercy.

As Christians, we have so much to be thankful for in our lives. If there seems to be nothing to thank God for, at least thank Him for the breath you just took, for the ability to pray, and for waking up each morning. Every moment of life is a gift. As families gather, let us be mindful of those who may not find this day joyful. The lonely, the grieving, the poor, the sick, and those burdened by worry or uncertainty depend on our prayers and compassion. A phone call, a meal, a sincere word of encouragement, or an invitation to join in fellowship can become a living icon of Christ’s love and a reminder that no one is forgotten by God or by His Church.

A simple yet beautiful prayer we sing during the Anaphora at the Divine Liturgy encapsulates what we as Christians bring before the Lord: “We praise Thee. We bless Thee. We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord. And we pray unto Thee, O our God.” May these words shape not only our worship, but also our daily lives.

May the Lord bless all of you on this holiday. Know you are remembered in my prayers, and I am thankful for all of you.

Your unworthy father in Christ,

+MARK

Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office