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Pastoral Letters

Pastoral Letter March 12, 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, our parish of St. Anna’s was greatly honored as I was invited to the Utah State Capitol to offer the invocation for the final day of this legislative session for the House of Representatives. Joining me was my mom, Dena Savas, Elaine Zambos and our youngest son, Dimitri Savas. I would like to thank two, fine, young Greek Orthodox men, Christopher Coombs and Niko Priskos who intern at the Capitol, and extended kind hospitality throughout the morning. I also wish to thank Chris Gamvroulas, president of Ivory Development who is no stranger to Capitol Hill, and through whom the invitation was given.

I thought it appropriate, since our parish was officially acknowledged on the floor of the House Chamber, that you are given the opportunity to read what was offered in prayer on behalf of our legislators. May the name of St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church continue to grow throughout Utah and beyond, to the glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

With Love in Him and a Grateful Heart,

Fr. Anthony

Prayer at the Utah State House of Representatives
Thursday, March 9th, 2017 at the Utah State Capitol
Given by the Rev. N. Anthony Savas,
St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, Cottonwood Heights

 

“Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with the wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.  So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

This reading is from the Gospel of St. John.

Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord have mercy.

Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ, you uttered, these words: “It is finished” as you hung upon your most precious, awesome, and life-giving cross. You proclaimed this to the world…not succumbing to death…for as the author of life, you proceeded, steadfastly from the Cross…liberating all who were held captive by the evil one…from the time of the Fall…

…But rather…You pronounced the end of your earthly ministry, making way for the gift of the Holy Spirit to come upon this world…and to continue the Work of the Father, through the Incarnation of the Son.

You pronounced, O Lord, “It is finished” …so that the next chapter in God’s Salvific Plan for the human race could be written and commenced.

You pronounced, O Lord, “It is finished” …so that You could break the chains, smash the bars and free your children from Satan’s once-eternal Prison.

You pronounced, O Lord, “It is finished” …so that You could once again…40 Days after your Resurrection from the dead…ascend into the Heavens and reclaim Your Throne on high…the Right hand of the Father.

You pronounced, O Lord, “It is finished” …so that Your Bride, the Church, could be established…through the Journeys of Your Sainted-Apostles, spreading the message of your Gospel, and to preach the good news of Your Resurrection from the dead.

You pronounced, O Lord, “It is finished” …so that the gates of Paradise might be reopened unto us, thus embracing us… and receiving us back as sons and daughters… as rightful heirs to your Kingdom.

You pronounced, O Lord, “It is finished” …so that life could…begin.

Christ our God, Who at all times and in every hour…in heaven and on earth…are worshipped and glorified; Who are longsuffering, merciful, and compassionate; Who love the just and show mercy to the sinner, Who call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come…receive our supplications to bless…on this the final day of this Legislative Session, our State House of Representatives…together with all those in Utah’s public service…and also those who are served.

Lord, when our Representatives proclaim on this day, that:
it is finished,” I pray that they may stand before You in humility…confident…that their work has been fruitful and productive…worthy of Your favor and blessing.

Lord, when our Representatives proclaim on this day, that:
it is finished,” I pray that You accept the laws that have been authored, discussed, voted upon and accepted…are protective of Your environment and the respect of all who are created in Your holy image.

Lord, when our Representatives proclaim on this day, that:
it is finished,” deign them to have been proper stewards of the trust given to them…through the prestige and dignity of the titles that have been bestowed upon them.

Lord, when our Representatives proclaim on this day, that:
it is finished,” let them return to their families, careers, businesses, and lives, knowing that the great sacrifices they have made…through the time dedicated to their elected office, is acknowledged and rewarded by Your generous and loving grace.

Thank You, Lord, for Your strength, guidance and inspiration in their soon-to-be-finished efforts. For You are the fulfillment of all good things.

These things we ask of You, together with your Father Who is from everlasting…and Your all holy, good, and life-giving Spirit. Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Amen.