The Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas
To all the Clergy and the Laity of the Holy Orthodox Church in the
Americas
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We greet you in the strength and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as
we begin the Lenten Season, knowing that He will guide you in prayer, fasting,
and worship unto Pascha, the great and glorious celebration of salvation and
life.
In the Gospel of Matthew we read that as Christ traveled through the cities
and villages teaching, preaching, and healing, “He saw the crowds, and He had
compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without
a shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36). He saw the genuine physical and spiritual needs
of people who were burdened and struggling in the midst of an altered world. He
saw human beings, created in the image of God, who needed love, peace, and truth
from above. He saw persons who needed acceptance, assurance, and
guidance.
In our modern era where advanced technology has facilitated global
communication, we do not have to travel through every city and village to see
physical suffering, spiritual depravity, and the helplessness of those harassed
by evil. However, in our contemporary world where many choose to ignore or
isolate themselves from the tremendous needs of others, we are called as
Orthodox Christians to see as Christ saw during His earthly ministry—with
awareness, with compassion, and with commitment. First, we must always be aware
of the true condition of our world, a world where many have not heard the Gospel
message of love and transformation. Second, we must look upon others and their
needs with eyes of deep compassion, knowing that we have much to offer. Third,
we must remain committed to missions and ministry because truly “the harvest is
plentiful”.
This commitment to missions in response to the call of our Lord leads us
beyond only knowing the needs of others, to participating in and assisting
ministries of teaching, preaching, and healing throughout the world. As Orthodox
Christians and parishes in America, we are able to do this through the Orthodox
Christian Mission Center (OCMC), the foreign missionary agency of the Standing
Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). Located in
Saint Augustine, Florida, the Mission Center continues to support, expand, and
develop vital ministries that are reaching people all over the globe. Orthodox
missionaries and mission teams travel to distant lands to preach the Gospel,
teach the faith, and provide medical care and philanthropic assistance.
Indigenous clergy are being assisted, leaders and teachers are being trained,
and churches, orphanages, and clinics are being built.
In support of this sacred work, this Sunday of Cheese-fare has been
designated as Mission Sunday, a day on which we ask all of our parishes to take
a special offering for the Mission Center. As we give generously, we must hear
the words Jesus Christ spoke to His disciples: “The harvest is plentiful, but
the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers
into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). As Orthodox Christians we must not only
ensure that the resources are available to send laborers throughout the world,
but we must also answer the call to be laborers ourselves. The harvest is
plentiful in cities, villages, and distant lands, and certainly in the fields
around us.
In this time of Great Lent, may God uplift your spiritual awareness, deepen
your compassion, and strengthen your commitment to His saving work in your life
and in the lives of others.
With paternal blessings and love in Christ,
+Archbishop DEMETRIOS, Chairman Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
+Metropolitan PHILIP, Vice Chairman Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
of North America
+Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER, Secretary Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA and
Canada
+Metropolitan NICHOLAS OF Amissos, Treasurer American Carpatho-Russian
Orthodox Diocese in the USA
+Metropolitan Theodosius, Orthodox Church in America
+Metropolitan JOSEPH, Locum tenens, Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America
and Canada
+Metropolitan JOSEPH Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church
+Metropolitan CONSTANTINE Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA
