HERALD - Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Page 2DEAN’S MESSAGEWe must be the ChurchHeraldMost of us may not realize that SaintSophia Cathedral, as well as allchurches in our archdiocese, regulatetheir policies, administrative activitiesand religious life under the Charter ofthe Archdiocese of America. Thischarter is also known as the UniformParish Regulations (UPRs). You canread the entire document on the Archdiocesewebsite: www.goarch.org. Inthe Charter or UPRs, the mission of theChurch is clear. It is stated in Article 2,as follows:“The mission of the Archdiocese is toproclaim the Gospel of Christ, to teachand spread the Orthodox Christianfaith, to energize, cultivate and guidethe life of the Church in the UnitedStates of America according to theOrthodox Christian faith and SacredTradition.”It seems clear cut and simple. But whopays attention to it? How manyparishes work at making it happen?Someone once said that manychurches are ―social clubs‖ that playat church and others are ―churchesthat also have social activities.‖ As weenter the new year of 2011, let‘s askourselves the all important question:Into which category does Saint Sophiafall? I hope you will pray that ourCathedral is first a church that also hasdynamic Christ-filled parishioners whoenjoy a variety of social and culturalactivities. The mission is clear. As Istand before God as a priest,especially when I hold in my hands theHoly of Holies in the form of Holy Communion,I first must be the Pastor of thechurch and Dean of the community,leading the people to salvation andto a personal living relationship withJesus Christ. Anything less tramplesupon the priesthood and all that issacred in our Holy Orthodox Church.This is why I am so committed togetting people involved in singingthe Divine Liturgy, participating in thesacramental life of the church, embracingone another in love andencouraging all to consciouslyunderstand what is going on in all ofour life-enhancing and life-givingservices. Nothing is more dreadfulthan a dead church with roboticpeople going thru the automaticmotions of religiosity. In our multireligioussociety, people havechoices as far as church isconcerned, and they register theirchoices with their feet.Parishioners either come andconnect with church or leave thechurch. And many have left us overthe years because they could neverconnect or be involved for a varietyof reasons. Let us address one of thereasons: ―the language barrier.‖ Fornearly 8 years now, on the first Sundayof each month, the Divine Liturgyhas been celebrated in English.Has this increased attendance?That is in God‘s hands. But at leastfor those who are there, the servicewill be universally understood. It is anattempt to reach out to be relevantto all. Language should not be abarrier in our relationship with JesusChrist. It ought to usher us into Hispresence, opening our hearts andminds to Him. The church cannot bejust a nostalgic guardian of the past.It must shine its light upon the futureas well. Whether we like it or not, thegrowth of our church in America willnot be made up of newly arrivedimmigrants. It will be generationsborn in America and will includemore converts and more interfaithmarriages. Just look at your ownfamily and ask yourself, where aremy adult children & grandchildren?Are they connected to church andfaith? And if not, why not? This ismy concern.When it comes to those who left us,the church simply must find themand fill their spiritual needs. Wemust find their spiritual hurt and healit; find their spiritual thirst andquench it. We all must play a rolein ministry and outreach, not justthe professional ordained clergy. Iwill work even harder to strengthenour Sunday School and the contentof all our programs. In the verynear future we will train adult religiouscatechists (religious educators)to tutor and mentor returningadults and prospective converts.Our Bible Study Program is open toall at 7:30pm Tuesday and Wednesdayevenings. We also offer Mondaymorning Women‘s Bible Studyat 10:30am and Men‘s Bible Studyat 12:30pm. Why not join one ofthese groups and bring a friend? Itis just one hour a week. As mosteveryone knows, every Sundaymorning before Liturgy, I conduct a―Studies in the Faith‖ discussion at9:15am in the Cathedral. Here isyet another opportunity to growspiritually. And there is much moreto do to make us a Christ-centeredfaith community. I pray you will getinvolved. I will be calling on youand asking for your help.Looking to the future, Saint SophiaCathedral must become a sanctuarythat embraces all people whowish to embrace Jesus Christ andHis Holy Orthodox Church. There istrue joy in belonging… and participating.“The harvest is truly plentiful,but the laborers are few. Thereforepray the Lord of the harvest tosend out laborers into His harvest.”Matthew 9:37-38. Please join theLord’s labor force right here in Hisvineyard at Saint Sophia Cathedral.“When you write or update your will, please remember Saint Sophia Cathedral. Your gift will live into eternity.”