Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I pray, that on this day, as we lift up and commemorate the precious Cross of our Lord, that you will find rich and eternal blessings in the long-suffering ministry of Christ. On September 14th, we celebrate the Universal Exaltation of the Cross. It is a day of prayerful contemplation, gratitude, and wonderment. The path of Christ was the path to the Cross. The path to death. Our path, in Him, now leads to light, life, grace, and eternal joy. Praise be to our generous God!
I want to share with you a special video that was just sent out. As you all well know, last Wednesday was the 23rd Anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. I held a small Memorial Service on that day, (it’s on our YouTube Chanel), praying for all souls departed that day, and by name for the Orthodox Christians. The day is still haunting and surreal. Every year, among many names, I read the name “Anthony Savas,” an inspector with the New York Port Authority who perished at Ground Zero. If you want to be humbled, read your name in a Memorial Service. I pray for him, his family, and all who were fatally bitten by the venomous fangs of bloodlust, hatred, and unthinkable violence. May all their Memories be Ever Eternal.
Please take the time to watch this video. the 9/11 Memorial Service at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Shrine in New York. St. Nicholas was the only house of worship destroyed on that fateful day, and is now rebuilt as an open shrine, dedicated to the spiritual healing and comfort to all. The service was held this morning, on the Feast of the Cross. Indeed, how fitting.
Please keep this day sacred and solemn. Enjoy time with your loved ones and live in gratitude for the blessings you receive. No matter our circumstances, as challenging as they may be, we are all truly blessed. God bless, keep and protect you all.
With Much Love in Christ,
Fr. Anthony Savas
Protopresbyter