Category: Pastoral Letters

O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before you crying: “Deliver us from all danger, as Commanders of the Powers on high!”                                                                                                      –

Hymn of the Angels

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, – sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation – (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12).

In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honoring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name.

The name Michael means “Who is like God?” and Gabriel means “God is mighty.” The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, – sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation – (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12).

In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honoring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name.

The name Michael means “Who is like God?” and Gabriel means “God is mighty.” The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. – From the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Today, November 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Synaxis of the Heavenly Bodiless Powers – all of the Holy Angels: Orthros 8:00 am and Divine Liturgy 9:00 am.

Tomorrow, November 9,  we celebrate the Feast of St. Nektarios of Aigina: Orthros 7:00 am and Divine Liturgy 8:00 am (early to accomodate the WMT Holiday Boutique). 

Sunday Service Times are Normal.

A blessed Veterans Day to all who serve or served our Nation, Her people, and the principles of freedom & honor. God bless you and your service!

O glorious, wonder working physicians, having received the grace of healing, you reach out and restore health to those in need. But also, by your visitation you cast down the arrogance of the enemy, healing the world through miracles.

Kontakion Hymn of The mercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, November 1st is the Feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. Please enjoy this borrowed account of their sacred lives:

Sts. Cosmas, Damian and their mother St Theodota were natives of Asia Minor (some sources say Mesopotamia). Their pagan father died while they were still quite small children. Their mother raised them in Christian piety. Through her own example, and by reading holy books to them, St Theodota preserved her children in purity of life according to the command of the Lord, and Cosmas and Damian grew up into righteous and virtuous men.

Trained and skilled as physicians, they received from the Holy Spirit the gift of healing people’s illnesses of body and soul by the power of prayer. They even treated animals. With fervent love for both God and neighbor, they never took payment for their services. They strictly observed the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Freely have you received, freely give.” (Mt. 10:8). The fame of Sts Cosmas and Damian spread throughout all the surrounding region, and people called them unmercenary physicians.

Once, the saints were summoned to a grievously ill woman named Palladia, whom all the doctors had refused to treat because of her seemingly hopeless condition. Through faith and through the fervent prayer of the holy brothers, the Lord healed the deadly disease and Palladia got up from her bed perfectly healthy and giving praise to God. In gratitude for being healed and wishing to give them a small gift, Palladia went quietly to Damian. She presented him with three eggs and said, “Take this small gift in the Name of the Holy Life-Creating Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Hearing the Name of the Holy Trinity, the unmercenary one did not dare to refuse.

When St. Cosmas learned what had happened, became very sad, for he thought that his brother had broken their strict vow. On his deathbed he gave instructions that his brother should not be buried beside him. St. Damian also died shortly afterward, and everyone wondered where St Damian’s grave should be. But through the will of God a miracle occurred. A camel, which the saints had treated for its wildness, spoke with a human voice saying that they should have no doubts about whether to place Damian beside Cosmas, because Damian did not accept the eggs from the woman as payment, but out of respect for the Name of God. The venerable relics of the holy brothers were buried together at Thereman (Mesopotamia).

Many miracles were worked after the death of the Holy Unmercenaries. There lived at Thereman, near the church of Cosmas and Damian, a certain man by the name of Malchus. One day he went on a journey, leaving his wife all alone for what would be a long time. He prayerfully entrusted her to the heavenly protection of the holy brothers. But the Enemy of the race of mankind took on the appearance of one of Malchus’ friends, and planned to kill the woman. A certain time went by, and this man went to her at home and said that Malchus had sent him to bring her to him. The woman believed him and went along. He led her to a solitary place intending to kill her. The woman, seeing that disaster threatened her, called upon God with deep faith.

Two fearsome men then appeared, and the devil let go of the woman and fled, falling off a cliff. The two men led the woman home. At her own home, bowing to them deeply she asked, ” My rescuers, to whom I shall be grateful to the end of my days, what are your names?”

They replied, “We are the servants of Christ, Cosmas and Damian,” and became invisible. The woman with trembling and with joy told everyone about what had happened to her. Glorifying God, she went up to the icon of the holy brothers and tearfully offered prayers of thanksgiving for her deliverance. And from that time the holy brothers were venerated as protectors of the holiness and inviolability of Christian marriage, and as givers of harmony to conjugal life. From ancient times, their veneration spread also to Russia.

The Unmercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian of Asia Minor should not be confused with the Unmercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian of Rome (July 1), or the Unmercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian of Arabia (October 17).

Orthros will be celebrated today at 8:00 am followed by the Divine Liturgy in honor of Sts. Cosmas and Damian.

Once again, congratulations to all who contributed through prayer, time, resources and finances for the purchase of our new church home. Please participate in our Fall Parish Assembly, this Sunday, to learn all of the details of the purchase and intended plans for its future use. – Fr. Anthony

Purchase Tickets through Megaplex Theaters for our showing of the movie, Parallel Love on Sunday, November 17th at 4:00 pm.

R.S.V.P. to Fr. Anthony for our GOYA Neon Lock-In From Friday, November 15th at 7:00 pm to Saturday, November 16th at 7:00 pm.

Orthodox Christianity is what Christ taught, the Apostles preached and the Father’s kept.

St. Athanasios the Great

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I would like to announce a special event that St. Anna’s is sponsoring and I’m excited to introduce. This past May, the documentary film, Parallel Love was released to limited markets and audiences. It’s the story of a 90’s rock band who, when on the verge of stardom, were involved in a near-fatal car accident. They endured struggles in every way before the accident, and certainly afterwards as well. But as life went on, following the crash, most of the members of their band became Orthodox Christians…and eventually ordained as Orthodox priests! To this day, they still record, and they still serve in parishes.

I thought that this is a story worth hearing and certainly worth sharing. We have rented a Megaplex Theater at the Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City, Sunday November 17th at 4:00 pm. Tickets are available online at the address printed on the poster displayed below. There is also an announcement in this week’s Sunday Bulletin where you’ll find a live link to order tickets in the electronic version.

This film is not rated, and be forewarned, there is some inappropriate language (it’s a film about a rock band). And as we travel the road of a dynamic conversion to the Ancient Faith, there are also moments of grace, sanctity, hope and love (it’s also a film about people who love Christ enough to follow Him anywhere).

This film is an exceptional outreach opportunity for those searching for a relationship with Christ through His Church. It’s proof that Orthodoxy can speak to actually anyone from any background at any time in any circumstance. We can all be re-introduced to the powerful attributes of our precious Faith.

Again, three rock stars are now priests. But they’re also still rock stars. This story will inspire you and energize your zeal for the Lord. It’s quirky enough to capture our attention, yet tender enough to reveal the mercy of the Lord.

St. Anna’s did not bring this film to Utah as a fund raiser. It’s an outreach effort and an opportunity to share our faith in a unique way. If there are a few dollars made at the end, we’ll allocate them to help establish a bookstore at our parish.

Please support this film with an open mind and an open heart. It’s a cool movie. Christ’s love is powerful. 

In His Love,

Fr. Anthony

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Well, you’ve all worked extremely hard, prayed exceedingly fervently, and been incredibly generous. As of last Saturday’s Tables Extraordinaire event, we passed our goal of raising $1.5M to put a down payment on our new church home. I’ve been speaking, writing, preaching, praying and announcing this effort, together with many faithful leaders of our community, the worth and spiritual benefit of this endeavor.

The continued spiritual maturation of our parish and the ability to raise a large amount of money for the sake of a church has been a beautiful witness of Christ’s love, St. Anna’s intercession and your vision. Soon, very soon, we will close on our property, begin initial modifications, move in, and prayerfully plan on the construction of our sanctuary.

This is all very exciting and motivational.

But now, now while our attention in on our success…

While we are filled with enthusiasm and joyful anticipation…

While we are overflowing with gratitude and thanksgiving…

Now is when I remind myself, and all of our faithful parishioners that owning a church building is not the end-all, or final purpose of our existence.

Our parish was established on the basis of love – love for God, love for the Church, love for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and love for all His children.

Our church building will be a source of love that will flow from our Altar and impact the lives of all who encounter us. Our love for the neighbor, the greater community, our society and surroundings must always be on the forefront of our priorities. Please, let us never, ever lose sight of that.

We prayed for a church so we can come together to worship God in all His greatness and power. We must also look upon Him as a true and humble Servant-Leader. He came to serve, not to be served. Let’s continue to adopt for ourselves the same, empathetic and genuine love for humanity, as exhibited by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Of course, our dedicated love for humanity does not begin once we are property owners, or end at the corner of 9200 South and 1300 East. Our St. Anna compassion stretches beyond borders and embraces the world.

To that end, please be reminded that this Sunday, October 20th, the participants of our home building mission trip to Project Mexico and St. Innocent’s Orphanage will offer our Sunday Fellowship, present a slide show of our activities, and give you the opportunity to share in our experience. We’ll be reminded of not only the suffering and injustice that exists in the world, but more importantly, God’s mercy and compassion, which overcome the evils of a fallen existence.

Please join us after the Divine Liturgy and learn of the exciting work that is being done south of the border, by fellow Orthodox Christians, who long to ease suffering and provide stability and protection.

As a parish, we have been blessed that soon, very soon, we will occupy the four walls of our church., As a Project Mexico mission team, we were blessed to construct the four walls of a humble, yet dignified home. We were blessed with an opportunity to serve.

For the remainder of this month, Project Mexico and St. Innocent’s Orphanage have a donor that will match all donations made, up to $50,000. If on Sunday, we raise $1,000, their ministry will receive $2,000. If we raise $30.00, then their organizations will receive $60.00. It’s a rare opportunity when your generosity is doubled. This Sunday is just that opportunity.

The past several months of our capital campaign efforts have proven, without a doubt, that we are a blessed community of believers.Let’s pass on those blessings and share in the joy, especially to the most vulnerable.

Thank you in advance for your continued and sacrificial support.

With Much Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony

Don’t forget that Friday Night at 7:00 PM is our Family Night Harvest Festival.
Costume Contest, Karaoke, Magician, DJ, GOYA Firepit, and more. Come Join the Fun!!!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I have attached, together with this week’s Bulletin and Flyer for our upcoming Family Night Harvest Festival, a Flyer for our upcoming Inquirer’s Class.

Each Fall, we gather together a group of people who wish to learn the theology, doctrine, history, traditions, practices and worship of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

The Church is One, as She is still in tact after centuries of division, heresy, conflict and departures.

The Church is Holy, as She is the Body of Christ, gifted to us by the Father, and sustained through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Church is Catholic, as the Greek word “Catholike” means universal and far-reaching. This is Her mission and identity.

The Church is Apostolic, as She is the continual, unbroken, and undivided Church; established by Jesus Christ, through the work of His Disciples-made-Apostles.  

This is Orthodox Christianity.

Please be reminded that the Evangelical Christian Calling is not left only to zealous proclaimers and dedicated missionaries, toiling in foreign fields. It is our collective responsibility to share the Gospel and spread the fire of Faith.

Please print off the attached Flyer (not the Harvest Festival, as fun as that may be) and share it with anyone you know:

Who is Starving for a Relationship with God,

Who is Thirsty for the Mysteries and Sacraments of the Church,

Who is Needing to be Newly-Introduced to Christ,

Who is Estranged from the Church and Pines to Return,

Who has been Scandalized or Marginalized by the Political Fallout of our Larger Community’s Past, and not Currently Worshiping in an Orthodox Church,

Who is a Neighbor who Asks Questions about Your Faith,

Who is a Co-Worker that is Lost and without a Spiritual Compass,

Who is an Acquaintance Who now Calls Themselves an Atheist or Agnostic, but You Know Better; that, that is only Hurt, Anger and Disillusionment Talking,

Who is Someone Who can Appreciate and Embrace Christ’s Love,

Who is Someone that would enjoy Worshiping with Us in English, as to understand every Prayer, Hymn, Sermon and Message,

Who would like to be a Vital Part of a Growing Parish during Exciting and Historic Times.

Do you know anyone like that? If so, can you overcome your shyness and fear of rejection, and approach that person with an invitation to visit, participate in worship, and attend our class?

Be brave. Help gather lost souls into the Kingdom of God. Help them discover what you already know: that St. Anna’s is a special, welcoming, loving and place, where we, as sinners, come together and celebrate our life in Christ.

Our Inquirer’s Class begins on Tuesday, October 22nd. By the time we finish this class, and begin the Lenten Season, we’ll likely be in our new facility. Many, many transformations and changes will take place within our St. Anna family very shortly. Please do your part, and introduce our Faith and our Church to those in need who are in your sphere. St. Anna’s likely has what they are missing.

With Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony

“When Your Children are Still Small, You Have to Help Them Understand What is Good. That is the Deepest Meaning of Life.”                                         

Elder Paisios of Athos

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I believe that in all of volunteer church work, the most important is in the hands of those dedicated to our youth. Anything with our youth. We take them on outings, we teach them sports, we teach them dance, we sponsor parties and service projects. Indeed, any time spent in bringing our children closer to God, through their relationships with each other is time that is anointed and blessed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then, of course, there is another level of time dedicated to our children. The teachers and administrators of Sunday School programs are systematically and perpetually tied to the spiritual development and sacred knowledge that our children will develop and maintain. Of course, the primary source of instruction comes from the home. Kids watch mom and dad. They listen to the spoken word and they pick up on the unspoken language of faith. They feel when it is real. They life the Faith if their parents life the Faith.

But in this world, parents need partners in the development of their children’s relationships with God. They need knowledgeable people who take the time and put in the effort to prepare engaging lessons, then stand in a classroom and deliver that message with creativity, conviction, consistency and love.

Love. Love for the Lord. Love for Children. Love for the Gospel. Love for the Church.

These are motivations that drive the Sunday School Teacher. These are the qualities that define our St. Anna Sunday School Teachers.

Then, there are the administrators. They set the course, maintain the tone, inspire the vision and tie it all together. We’ve had the best.

From the time before our parish was even a parish, Kim Mallas has served in the capacity as our Sunday School Director. She vehemently dislikes any attention in her direction, and I usually comply with her demands to this end, but today is different. Today, there are not enough words to thank Kim Mallas for all she has done, and continues to do for our kids.

After serving as our Sunday School Director from the inception of our parish, Kim Mallas has prayerfully decided to step aside from this sacred position; the position she created and has so nobly served. I will be ever grateful for her sacrificial love for the young people of St. Anna’s – in both capacities of GOYA Adviser and in leading our Sunday School. Kim will be staying on for the remainder of this school year and retiring at the conclusion of this School Year.

As I look to the past and present in gratitude for the enthusiastic embrace of service to the youth of St. Anna’s, I can assure you that our future is just as bright.

Brandee Mau has accepted my request that she transition into the position, working side by side with Kim for the remainder of this year, and carry on as our new Sunday School Director, starting in preparation for the 2020-2021 Season. Brandee will also remain a teacher in our High School Class.

Professionally, Brandee is a teacher of teachers, and a dedicated, well-read and Christ-centered individual who is more than capable to continue the work that Kim has established.

I ask that you support Kim in her decision and Brandee in her new ministry. Pray for them, as they pray for your energies, inspiration and strength in service to our youth.

From the time St. Anna’s came to be, through Kim very specifically, there was a demand that a Sunday School program be created. Not later, not tomorrow, but today. The parish leadership responded and supported her in her efforts to establish our program.

The finest, and I mean the FINEST teachers are still assembled to this day. I pray continually for them. They have had, and for the remainder of this year, they will have an advocate and a friend in Kim. The time will come and the calendar will usher in a change. I have the utmost trust and respect for Brandee and her abilities to attain new levels for the sake of our kids and our teachers. From now, she is crafting and shaping a glorious vision.

May God continue to bless our precious children through the people and influences He places in their lives.

With Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS PICTURES ARE THIS SUNDAY. BRING YOUR KIDS. PLEASE MAKE SURE THEY ARE INCLUDED IN THIS
LASTED MEMORY AND RECORDED HISTORY.

What made him (Abraham) the father of a multitude of nations? Is it not his faith in promises which were incomprehensible at the time? He was holding down his only heir, ready to sacrifice him, and miraculously, still did not doubt that numerous progeny would be born of him! Would not he appear to be mad to those who look at reality through reason? But the final outcome of these events effected through the grace of God, showed that faith is not madness, but rather a knowledge surpassing all reason.

St. Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki on The Book of Genesis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Patriarch Abraham and his wife Sarah were gifted with a son in their old age. God promised that he would enjoy a multitude of descendants from his miraculously born son. We can only imagine the joy and pride they felt at this time. God had tested Abraham’s trust and fidelity before. And He would do it again, as we read in Genesis 22:1-14, but this time, He would involve Abraham and Sarah’s son, Isaac.

God said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

So we’re perfectly clear: God is commanding Abraham to kill his beloved son and offer him as a sacrifice. And just like in his previous trials, Abraham does not hesitate. He does not question. He does not doubt God’s wisdom or purpose. He just does what is required of him. He prepared for his journey; saddling his beast, chopping wood for the sacrificial fire, collecting two servants and his son, and he sets out on his three-day journey to the place where God appointed these events to happen.

When they arrive, he commands the servants to wait with the donkey, he loads the wood upon Isaac’s back, takes the knife and then proceeds to the place. Curious, Isaac notices that his father has built an altar and started a fire, but has no lamb to offer as a sacrifice. When he asks about the noticeably-missing object, Abraham assures him that God will not neglect in providing a sacrificial lamb.

Abraham then binds up his willing son, lays him across the altar, and lifts his knife above Isaac’s throat. But before he strikes, an angel of the Lord commands him “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, seeing that you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”

Immediately, Abraham sees a young ram with his horns caught in the bushes and offers it as a sacrifice in the place of his son.

I think this story is familiar to us. I also believe that the story of Abraham and Isaac is especially relevant to our spiritual well-being at this time, as this Saturday, September 14th, we will celebrate the Universal Exultation of our Lord’s Precious and Life-Giving Cross. You may not have realized it, but the account of Isaac’s near sacrifice, is the first time in Scripture, that the Cross of Christ is revealed.

Just as the Lord carried the wood of the Cross to Golgotha, Isaac carried the wood of his sacrifice upon his back. Isaac was obedient to the will of his father. He did not run or depart from him. He, as well as Abraham, accepted what God asked of them and were willing to carry out any task, even unto the loss of life, in order to act upon His divine will.

We’ve never known if the knife trembled in Abraham’s hand. Abraham does not understand why this sacrifice is demanded of him. Nevertheless, he obeys in an absolute gesture of faith. Just as Christ accepted the will of His Father, and allowed Himself to be placed on the Cross for the salvation of humankind.

On Saturday, we will contemplate the Wood of the Cross. We will celebrate life-everlasting which flows from the Cross, and we will lament the violence and heinousness of this callous devise.

The salvation of Isaac prefigures the Passion and Resurrection of Christ and all humankind. Abraham offered his son, and God provided a ram in his place. God gave His Son, so that we may not parish and die an eternity’s death.

Join us, Saturday, September 14th for the Orthros at 8:00 am and the Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am for the Feast of the Cross. Give thanks to God that as He revealed the Cross in the Old Testament. His plan all along, was to redeem us from the curse that we placed upon ourselves. Jesus paid the price for our sins upon the Cross. We tenderly love our Lord for the sacrifice of His Son. 

With Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony

Not Every Quiet Man is Humble, but Every Humble Man is Quiet.   

St. Isaac the Syrian

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Actually, this message is mostly intended for my Dear “Brothers” in Christ. But Ladies, feel free to read on as well…

Less than a week ago, very quietly and unceremoniously, our parish reached a significant milestone, in that we came upon our Fifth Anniversary. On August 31, 2014, Fr. Jimi Foreso (of blessed memory) celebrated our newly-created Mission’s first Divine Liturgy at the Woods on Ninth Reception Center in Murray, Utah. What began as a hopeful dream, a prayerful desire, a spiritual cause, a healing measure, an unhindered work of the Spirit, and an answer to God’s calling has come to be known as our home. Our parish. Our church.

I’ve written it numerous times, and I’ve said it just as often: praise be to God for the bravery, foresight, faith, trust and vision of our founding families. The Lord has blessed you. And all of us who have come after your initial and commencing efforts, have been blessed by the work of your hands, hearts, souls and minds. I thank you and I bless you.

Then, just as quietly, I celebrated a bit of an anniversary, myself. One year and one day after the founding of our parish, I showed up with my family, looking forward to rolling our sleeves and joining you in the effort of serving and growing this God-protected parish. In my four years in service to St. Anna’s, I have witnessed remarkable miracles that have taken place. Doors seem to keep opening for us, unto the glory of God and for the benefit of His children. I have marveled at the work of many individuals who continuously take up the mantle of responsibility and exhibit the traits of sincere servant-leaders.

Our founders, and those who continue their work and legacy, after half a decade, still pull in the same direction and labor for the sake of the Kingdom. We are one in purpose, consistent in our message, true to our love of the Lord and His precious Orthodox Church. You have demonstrated this for the past five years. I have experienced this for the last four years. The elderly, our youth and everyone in between have prayerfully willed our existence into being. Through God’s grace, our prayers have been answered. In His mercy, we hope He will continue to listen, respond, direct and inspire us.

No doubt, if there has been a single group or official “ministry” that has embraced all of these platitudes with enthusiasm and systematic skill, it is our Women’s Ministry Team. The ladies of St. Anna’s are focused, generous, faithful and committed to the well-being of our community. Our Matron Saint Anna is the inspiration behind their continued, sacrificial acts. Thank you, ladies for the work you perform on our behalf and for the generous contributions you have made to our greater community & beyond. 
Now, gentlemen, its time to continue our efforts to step it up and emulate the fervor of our wives, mothers, sisters and aunts.

Seriously, guys. it’s time. We’ve come close. We’ve shown flashes of brilliance. We’ve started. Now is the time to commit whole-heartedly. Our Women’s Ministry Team has shown no signs of slowing down. Now is the time for us to show signs of speeding up.

I have attached a flyer to this week’s message that is an invitation to all St. Anna men to join us for our Second Annual End of Summer Get Together. Our Men’s Ministry chairmen, Phill Floor and Joe Varanakis are inviting us to learn how we can serve our parish and our God as we enter into our new building. There is work to be done. Not just construction work or handy work, but God’s work. It is my prayerful hope that we will set our sights on the needs of our people, before the needs of our facilities. 
We strive for the acquiring of a building not for its own sake, but so that we can have a place that will physically enable us to put our worship into action.

Men, this is your call to be people of action.

Next Sunday, September 15th, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we will gather together as Orthodox Christian men; men of prayer, men of action, men of St. Anna’s.

Please join us. Read the flyer, pray about how you see yourself in service to your community, and come with a lion’s heart; dedicated to God’s glory and witness in this world.

With Love in Christ,
Fr. Anthony Savas

May His Memory be Eternal.Last Sunday, we prayed the Three-Year Memorial of Fr. Matthew Gilbert. This Saturday, September 7th at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Price, Utah, the Very Rev. Chrysostom Gilbert will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, followed by a Memorial Service in honor of his father on the anniversary of his passing. If you are unable to join Fr. Gilbert in person, please join him in prayer. Please lift up His servant, Matthew the priest, and pray for the comfort of Presbytera Denise and her children.

Please remember that Sunday School begins this Sunday. Realizing that it is also the weekend of the Salt Lake Greek Festival, I pray and trust that our Festival participation will take place after the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of our New School Year. God, first. Spiritual Education, second. Souvlaki, third. 

I am Your message, Lord. Throw me like a blazing torch into the night, that all may see and understand what it means to be a disciple.

St. Maria of Paris

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Firstly, let me just say that I love this quote. I love everything about it. I love the imagery. I love the message. I love its power. I love its motivation. I love its trust. I love its command.

The author of the quote, St. Maria of Paris is an unassuming saint with an unexpected back story. Born Liza Polenko, she took the name of Maria as she was tonsured an Orthodox Christian monastic. So yes, obviously she was a nun.

She was a twice-divorced, beer-drinking, chain-smoking nun.

But a nun nevertheless.

When we hear these small (but substantial) details of this saint’s life, we may be tempted to embrace the false sense of over simplifying the struggles in her life and perhaps thinking “wow, if she can be a saint, I certainly qualify!” As we identify with her vices and sympathize with her lowest points, we begin to naïvely ease up the process toward sanctification and dilute the virtuous efforts of salvation. We want to be like the saints, but in reality, we want them to be like us, so we can in turn…be like them, just without the effort. St. Maria of Paris is a perfect example of us “admiring” a saint for perhaps the wrong reasons.

To be sure; her generosity, her writings, her work with the poor, and ministry to the most vulnerable of her day would certainly cast her in a recognizable, sanctified light.

Again, read the above-referenced quote. It reads as if written by an Athonite Monk or a Cappadocian Father. But, no. Those few, yet convicting words come from the mouth of a woman who lived through the ravages of war, endured the death of her young daughter, suffered two failed marriages, and then through His redeeming grace and longsuffering love, preached the Gospel through living the Gospel. She ultimately died a martyr’s death.

She clandestinely took the place of a Jewish woman destined for the gas chamber. And it is there, where she died: in a Nazi Concentration Camp.
Mother Maria of Paris, boldly proclaimed to the Lord and to us, that she is His message. His message of redemption and salvation was proclaimed to the world; not simply through her words, but most notably, through her actions. Her sacrificial actions.

But my beloved in the Lord, I now wish to share my actual message. St. Maria’s life, though captivating as it is…her quote itself, is really where I want to concentrate my efforts.

Again, I absolutely love the imagery of her words: the saving message of God, thrown as a brilliant torch into the darkness of night, to illumine the faithful and light their pathway towards the comfort of safe harbor. Those who were once lost in darkness and stumbling over perilous obstacles, now enjoy the benefit of clarity, light, knowledge and direction.

Clarity.
Light.
Knowledge.
Direction.

So here it is: in a few short weeks, September 8th to be exact, the 2019-2020 St. Anna Sunday School year will begin once again. Our children, no matter their age, live in a fallen world. A world without God is a world that is dark, cold, dangerous and lonely. This is the world that can await our youth if we do not do our collective and individual best to ensure their strong footing in His holy Kingdom. The world’s definition of love is very different than God’s definition of love. But to walk in His light, and feel His love begins with our knowledge of Him. We learn of God’s love at home, in the Liturgy, through Scripture, during prayer and, quite obviously, in Sunday School.

Last evening, I held a preparatory meeting with our Sunday School staff. This blessed collection of dedicated youth workers came together in order to be fully prepared to receive the children of our St. Anna parish into their capable and prayerful hands. As we discussed the probable rosters of the new year, we noticed that many of our past students have come only mostly-consistently. And some, came sparingly. 

Clarity.
Light.
Knowledge.
Direction.

Please, moms and dads, grandparents, godparents: take extremely seriously the spiritual lives of our young people. While I am exceedingly grateful to have seen yet another summer with an average of about 160 people coming to church each Sunday, we need to look to the start of this school year and dedicate ourselves to the well-being and strength of the young souls that are entrusted to our care. I say without hubris or hesitation, that our Sunday School teachers are among the absolute best that I have ever worked with in over 20 years of parish ministry. Our teachers are gifted educators who are wholly engaged in their ministerial task. Let’s pledge to ourselves and to the Lord that we’ll make every effort to have our kids at church and in Sunday School each week.

As it stands today, our registration will be at about 70 kids. We came up with an honest list, keeping on our rolls the children whom we believe are still active and involved in our parish. So let’s have these kids with us each Sunday. Please. Let’s see that these children are active in our youth ministries and family events. Please. Let’s see that their participation is active, vibrant, consistent and genuine. Please. Let’s minister to our kids. Let’s impart to them the teachings and traditions that are handed down from Christ, Himself. Let’s be committed to their clarity, offer them light, share God’s knowledge and lead with direction.

In the end, if we all do our part: that is if our parish offers quality programming, and our parents respond accordingly, then our children will be the blazing torch that is thrown into the night. Once they become receivers of the Light, they will then become bearers of the Light. 
Sunday School begins September 8, 2019.

Please plan from now, to enroll your kids, and support them with active participation throughout this new year and always.

With Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony

She who is higher than the heavens, and more glorious than the Cherubim, and is held in greater honor than all creation; she who for surpassing purity became the vessel of the eternal Essence, today commits her all-holy soul into the hands of her Son. And together with her all things are filled with joy, and on us is bestowed the great mercy.

Doxastikon Hymn for the Dormition of the Theotokos Great Vespers

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I trust and pray that all of you who celebrated your Name Day yesterday, enjoyed a most blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Our Lady and Queen is the very protector of all that is sacred in our lives and her perpetual influence, before very throne of God is a source of comfort and sustenance that can never fade. Her departure from this life, though bringing great sadness to her contemporary world, empowers her to pray eternally and to enjoy a never-ending proximity to her Son and our God, our Lord Jesus Christ. May she continue to pray for us, inspire us, guide us and protect us.

Last evening, following a day filled with her grace and love, our parish of St. Anna was able to once again, experience the continued blessings of our Lady the Theotokos, and her tender mother, our Matron St. Anna. Together, these most-powerful women of God have demonstrated their ability to progress the Name of the Lord and expand the witness of His Orthodox Church. How can we help but think that the Panaghia prayers for the faithful to grow, for the Church to expand and that more people can be led to salvation. She herself, in these last days, received the gift of eternal life…an eternal life that she made possible in bearing the Son of God. She partook of her own blessed fruit. She, herself, along with the entirety of humanity, benefits from her humble obedience and trust in the Lord.

So last night, our parish stood before the Planning Commission of Sandy City; seeking to obtain a Conditional Use Permit to operate a church on a property, and in a building, that was originally constructed as a nursery, then later converted into a reception center. The panel of officials heard the report presented by the Sandy City Planning Department, and the comments offered by our parish council president, Michael Petrogeorge. Michael, as the official applicant shared our vision, purpose, intentions and aspirations. He was not doubt guided and gifted by our precious Lady and Mother of God.

On August 15, 2019, our parish was granted our petition and we now have the go-ahead, from our new city, to establish a new spiritual center in the heart of Sandy’s east bench. We were congratulated by city officials and given well-wishes from the people who needed to tell us “yes.” If we want to establish a new church in their city, we needed to hear “yes.” If we want to plant a banner for the sake of the Gospel and the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we needed to hear “yes.” If our parish dreams, our hard work, our intensified push for a home for ourselves was to be realized, we needed to hear “yes.”

If salvation was to granted the people of God, if the Father’s plan for redemption was to be fulfilled, if the divine Logos was to take on flesh, we…needed…to…hear…”yes.”

Universal salvation was celebrated yesterday on the Feast of Her Dormition. As a local parish, as a small community of believers, as the children of St. Anna, we were also able, just yesterday, to reaffirm our responsibility in the salvation of mankind, to provide a house of worship dedicated to the ministry of Christ and the sharing of His Gospel.

While the entirety of the Orthodox World celebrated her translation from this life to the next, we, as a tiny, nearly undetectable portion of His Body, were able to share joy over the same word that changed the course of human history. Yes.

Sandy City said yes, we can operate.

So once again, the narrative switches back to us. As you will see in the latest updates of our capital campaign, we have achieved 96% of our goal to purchase the Atrium Property with putting down half of the purchase price with $1.5 million. My most beloved in the Lord, this is a staggering number. No longer is it staggering because it needed to be obtained…it is now incredible because we are only about $65,000 from responsibly attaining this dream. I ask that whomever is among us that has not yet participated in this historic and significant effort to establish ourselves with a permanent home, now is the time for your own “yes.”

Please, we are so, so close. Let’s quickly wrap this up and dedicate our God-inspired efforts elsewhere. I thank you for your tireless work, trust and vision. I thank you for your unyielding faith. I thank you for your dedication to Christ and His Church. I thank you for an infectious and sustained positive and welcoming attitude. I thank you for your appreciation of St. Anna. I thank you for your “yes.”

With Much Love in XC,

Fr. Anthony