When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the Almighty God. Obey me and always do what is right.”… God said, “I make this covenant with you: I promise that you will be the father of many nations. Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, because I am making you the father of many nations.”
Genesis 17:1-6
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the Book of Genesis, God enters into a covenant relationship with Abrahm, as He deems him a partner in glorifying His Name. The Lord promises the prolific flourishing of the Hebrew Race if he can be obedient to God’s commandments and live in righteousness. Upon pious agreement, Abrahm is now called by God, “Abraham.” The former simply meaning “exalted father,” while the latter celebrates Abraham as the “father of the multitudes.”
Our names are important. Abraham’s name is important because God gave it to him, personally. His name defines his purpose. It establishes his sacred identity. It celebrates his uniqueness within the vastness of the world. Are our name’s really that different?
I would submit that they are not. Our names are fundamental to our identity. They signify our family history, designate our cultural history, are expressions of our parents’ ideals, and the primary means of recognition.
There is no better way of expressing our respect for another person than to learn his or her name. Correctly addressing an individual builds bonds, breaks down barriers, and opens our hearts.
Sometimes, this can be difficult. Learning the names of one, or two people is hardly a challenge. But learning the names of many new friends can be intimidating. And for this reason, I have designated tomorrow morning to be our third St. Anna Name Tag Sunday.
The time has come to personalize our parish more lovingly once again. I often hear, “I don’t know half the people I see in church, anymore.”
How awesome is that?!?
Now is the opportunity to meet half a church worth of new friends, new brothers and sisters in Christ.
New Members of your Family!!!
So, tomorrow, when you come into the lobby, please take the time to fill out a name tag and wear it proudly. Joyfully let the world know who you are. And just as importantly, read the names of the people you don’t recognize. Go up to them. Extend your hand. Embrace them if their personal bubble isn’t violated. Let them know you notice that they are there. Express your gratitude that the Holy Spirit has brought us all together. Glorify God for our growing parish and welcome those who are seeking what you have already found. This world is full of those who are hungry for community, thirsty for a relationship with the Triune God, longing for the Truth, and seeking out the Ancient Christian Faith.
People are finding these things in Orthodoxy. People are finding these things at St. Anna’s.
I look forward to the multitude of new friendships that will flourish tomorrow. The Lord values and loves each and every one of us. Let us be conduits of that Love.
I would also like to announce another important happening tomorrow.
We will be distributing this year’s Lenten Reading Challenge Book. I won’t give any information on the book tonight but will joyfully share information about it after the Divine Liturgy.
The Lenten Reading Challenge is our opportunity to have each household learning and growing from a single resource. Thusly, our entire parish becomes a classroom, a book club, and a chat room. You are sure to enjoy this year’s selection.
Enjoy the remainder of this late evening and be well.
With Much Love,
Fr. Anthony Savas
Protopresbyter