Dear Parishioners,

Greetings and warm regards. This picture portrays “The Mystical Icon of our Holy Church, depicting the persecutors and heretics, through the ages, who fight against her and prevail not.” Having begun the new year of 2021, it illustrates my pastoral concern that while we live in difficult and challenging times, as sons and daughters of the Incarnate Christ (represented by those on the ark with our Savior), we are called to witness His love, peace, mercy, and forgiveness amidst all evil, including the pandemic that continues. Through our faith and commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can overcome all obstacles leading to everlasting life in His Kingdom and hopefully draw those who do not believe into His Holy Body.

Today and every day, let us examine our hearts and ask God’s help to replace any impure thoughts and actions with God’s will. Let us ask how we can work together with Him and one another to achieve His peace and unity. Let us accept His truth as the ultimate guide for our lives. Let us consciously seek to offer concern for those we encounter as well as preserve and protect the physical world God created. Let us pray for everyone in the world, in our country, in our state, in the communities we live and serve, and in our parish family.

God is calling us to love one another, to forgive, to show mercy, and to serve. God alone is our judge… let us resist any temptation to judge or condemn or act out against each other. In a spirit of humility and servitude, let us help others by encouraging them in the spirit of St. Paul’s reinforcement of our common goal: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)

As we approach this new year, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios has updated His guidelines to protect us from COVID-19 for the New Year 2021. I encourage you to become familiar with them by clicking here. Let us continue to work together with a common goal to seek the safety of all and offer respect and concern for those we encounter.

I am most thankful to our Parish Council for working with me and our ministry heads to ensure safety for all. Keep in mind that while we are seeking to return safely to our former cherished practices, we will continue to abide by the current guidelines we have been following until the Parish Council reviews and is able to communicate any new changes as a result of the Metropolitan’s letter today. For instance, while we can bring Koliva and Artos to church as now permitted, some parishes have returned to small group coffee fellowship. Unfortunately in our parish and also for our Cathedral in Atlanta, we are unable to do that safely due to space limitations. Once you read the guidelines, you will see we are making progress and have much hope and optimism ahead.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;  and may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Faithfully yours,

+Fr. George Tsahakis