Category: Pastoral Letters

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since some of our parish children have already started school, and many others begin next week, I offer my prayers for a beneficial and fruitful, new school year. May our kids continue to grow in God’s love for them, and be inspired through the wonderment of creation that surrounds them.

As my very-busy summer also comes to an end, I would like to announce that I will be on vacation next week, beginning with this coming Sunday, August 19th. Fr. Elias will be celebrating the Divine Liturgy and I am grateful for his generous love towards our community as he offers his prayerful assistance.

Please feel free to contact me with any (God forbid) emergencies. I will be remaining in town, getting caught up on projects, making plans for ministry in the coming months and helping with our kids’ first week back at school. Enjoy the weekend! See you soon!

Much Love in XC,
Fr. Anthony

Remember that Sunday School resumes Sunday, September 9th. Please have your children registered and in attendance as we Bless and Sanctify their new year on that day.

Dearly Beloved in the Lord,

With the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos to be celebrated next Wednesday morning, I thought it best to share with you a lovely message that was sent to me today; the Encyclical for the Dormition by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America. His thoughts and message for us captures exquisitely the intimate and lovely spirit of these days, as we approach with extreme humility, the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos. Please take the time to read the important information that I have included, following the message from His Eminence. Thank you.

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, “in radiant joy with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs together with the angels and the apostles,” we give thanks to God for the revelation of His abundant grace and glorious power through the life and witness of the Virgin Mary. In our commemoration of her and the holiness of her life and service, we are reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, All things are possible to the one who believes. (Mark 9:23).

This assurance of Christ, that through faith the impossible becomes possible, that as people of God we can move beyond limitations to accomplish great and marvelous things in His name, was the focus of the theme of our recent Clergy-Laity Congress. In faith and love we gathered together in Boston and affirmed that all things are possible to the one who believes in Christ.

Today we can once again offer a witness of this truth. In our reflection on the life of the Theotokos, we know that she found favor with God, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and she conceived and carried in her womb the Son of God. She asked the angel following the annunciation of the Incarnation of Christ, How shall this be, since I have no husband? (Luke 1:34) How could this be accomplished by this holy and humble handmaiden of God? All things are possible to the one who believes.

On this Feast of the Dormition, we marvel at her repose and the witness that she offered in passing through death unto eternal life. We sing, “She who is higher than the heavens and more glorious than the cherubim, she who is held in greater honor than all creation…today commends her most pure soul into the hands of her Son.” How did this happen? How does she continue to offer intercessions on behalf of us all? How did she receive such an exalted place? All things are possible to the one who believes.

The potential of this promise through the power of faith and through the holy witness of the Theotokos offers us assurance and strength. The disciples of our Lord were encouraged and guided by her and her holiness of life. Her repose became a celebration of the abundant and eternal life that comes through faith in Christ. This Feast is one of hope and assurance, affirming that even through our burdens and challenges, even in the face of obstacles that seem insurmountable, even through physical hardships and spiritual struggles, all things are possible to the one who believes in Christ.

The power of faith and the unlimited possibilities before us for ministry and service should also be our focus. At our recent Clergy-Laity Congress, we affirmed our commitment to supporting the work of our parishes and helping faithful throughout our Holy Archdiocese explore the potential of the witness of our Orthodox faith. Together we are committed to ensuring the strength and vitality of our witness. I ask that you continue to focus on this theme as you plan for a new ecclesiastical year and consider the impact and potential of our sacred work.

May the blessings of you the Lord be with you on this Feast of the Dormition, and may we seek the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos as we explore the boundless and unlimited potential of our faith in Christ.”

With paternal love in Him,

† D E M E T R I O S

I would also remind you of a few important items in the life of our community:

For those of you who have received the survey regarding our parish future, please take it on line or request a paper copy. It is imperative that we have a strong representation of the opinions, aspirations and sensibilities of the individual, St. Anna households. It only takes about 20 minutes and is easy to negotiate through and answer. Please, take the survey.

In case you missed the article in last Sunday’s Salt Lake Tribune about the reception of our holy Relics and how they are associated with our filial relationship with the St. Thomas More community, I have included the link for you. You can find the article here. I suggest that even if you have read the article in its printed version, please read it online also. The Salt Lake Tribune relies on the interest of its audience in order to produce stories that highlight our community. In other words, if they can measure a sizable interest in stories about the Orthodox Church in Utah, they will give us more attention. It’s that simple.

In relation to our holy Relic of St. Anna, we are in the process of establishing a shrine within our sanctuary, dedicated to the ministry and life of St. Anna. This will be a most appropriate space for the veneration and appreciation of her holy presence in our lives and in our church. Please pay special attention to the catalogue of needed items for our shrine that are listed in this week’s Bulletin. Your prayerful and generous support of this effort is greatly appreciated.

Please be aware that this Friday evening, August 10th, following the Paraklesis Service, the children of our Vacation Bible School will sing the hymns and songs that they learned during camp. Thank you to Barbara Hillas and Crew for putting together such a wonderful experience for our little ones. We hope to spiritually benefit from a strong participation of our VBS students at the program. Parents, please, if you brought your children to VBS, please allow them to participate in the program as well. Thank you so much!

God Bless!

With Much Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One of the highlights of our recent Pilgrimage to the Holy Land this past spring was a climb up Mt. Tabor, to the location of our Lord’s Transfiguration. Mt. Tabor is a strange, natural phenomenon. Springing out of the ground, with nothing resembling it anywhere in sight, it rises straight up in the air, defined by awe and mystery. In fact, a fantastic miracle still takes place every year upon Mt. Tabor. On the Feast of the Transfiguration, a great cloud still descends upon the top of the mountain, as the Holy Spirit continues to witness the glory of what took place on that day.

The event of the Transfiguration is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17: 1-9, Mark 9:2-8 and Luke 9:28-36. Jesus took the Apostles Peter, James, and John with Him up upon a mountain, and while they were on the mountain Jesus was transfigured. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became glistening white.

Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ, talking to Him. Peter declared how good it was for them to be there and expressed the desire to build three altars for Moses, Elijah, and Christ. This reference to the booths could imply that this occurred during the time of the Feast of Tabernacles when the Jews would be camping out in the fields for the grape harvest; for this Feast had acquired other associations in the course of its history, including the memory of the wanderings in the wilderness recorded in the Old Testament book of Exodus.

While Peter was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces filled with awe. Jesus came to them and told them to not be afraid. When the three looked up they saw only Jesus.

As Jesus and His disciples came down the mountain, He told them not to speak of what they had seen until He had risen from the dead.

This biblical account, like Theophany (the Baptism of Christ) is significant because of  the divine and complete presence of the Holy Trinity: The Father through His voice, The Son by His physical participation and the Holy Spirit in the form of the cloud.

Christ’s purpose for taking his Disciples up the mountain (we drove, they walked) was to allow them a glimpse…a slight, subtle glimpse…of the bright, brilliant and absolute radiance of His divine nature. Up to this point, the Disciples sensed it, anticipated it, even enjoyed hints of it. But on this day, there was no question, especially as they were violently tossed over, that the Disciples were in the midst of God Himself. Glory to Him who transfigured before them!

This incredible Feast (One of the Feasts of our Lord) is celebrated next Monday, August 6th. In the past, I’ve explained the custom of blessing grapes on this day. The ripening cycle is complete at this time and the vine is prime for harvest. And just as the Disciples desired to erect special booths in connection to the Feast of Tabernacles, we too, offer the first fruits of our labor to Him.

Of course, Salt Lake City does not share a climate with the Near East or the Mediterranean. So whatever grapes you bring, will likely come from Smith’s or Harmon’s. I’ll be purchasing the grapes for the Church from Fresh Market. My Yiayia (grandmother) grew grapes in her yard. But they were sour, little balls of gross. I think she just kept the vine for the leaves. For us, cultivating a vineyard and harvesting the fruit is not the point. We bless the fruit of the vine as a symbol of fulfilled potential and the pinnacle of a season, and the sweetness of God.

I look forward to your participation in this service. May the blessings of His Transfiguration enlighten our path towards salvation. May He take us, also, to high places. May He appear to us as radiant light.

With Much Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony

“And the Survey Says…”
– Steve Harvey

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Though it’s been many years since I worked as a professional in the advertising and marketing business, I still find it completely fascinating how highly effective communications can yield desired results. Before attending the Seminary, I was charged with the creating and execution of advertising campaigns for both local and national companies. People paid great sums of money for our firm to deliver targeted and measurable results for their advertising dollars spent.

But even though the movies and TV shows simply give the impression that days spent at work in an advertising agency are spent in creative bliss, catering to the whims of deep-pocketed clients, the reality is actually quite different. More time, for me, anyway, was spent in research than the actual design of a campaign.

Before an advertising can do it’s job of selling something, it must first be heard, seen, or read. And if people are going to take time out of their busy schedules to dedicated 30 seconds to your message, you better capture their attention in a hurry. And this is accomplished, only after you’ve done your homework on your audience, your product and your means of communication. Everything has to be in sync, or the message is lost in the clutter and white noise of daily living.

One of the most dependable forms of obtaining such information is the conducting of a survey. Not the kind of survey found on gameshows that are designed to entertain and get a laugh, but the data-driven, scientific, “boring” survey that requires preciseness in its creation and attention when taken. Surveys give us insights into how elections may play out (like a poll), they tell us how we feel about customer service, they provide useful information that well help with the improvement of literally every industry on the planet.

People who serve people want to know how to better serve those people. And the best way to find out how, is to ask those people.

Our St. Anna parish has embarked on just, such a process. Your Parish Council has gone through the process of creating, writing and delivering a survey to our Stewards in order to find out how best we can serve you in the capacity of planning for our future needs when it comes to a permanent church home. When properties around the Valley become available that might be attractive options for us, the Parish Council, together with the Real Estate Ministry Team, our Long Range Planning Ministry Team and the Capital Campaign Committee, needs to consider the needs, wants and climate of our parish. We need to know the individual thresh holds, limits, desires and opinions of those whom we serve. So, we sent out a survey.

If you are a Steward of St. Anna, and have filed and email address with us, you have received this survey. It will close on August 1, 2018 and I, together with the committee that created it, and the parish council who commissioned it, ask that you take the time and fill it out. It will take no more than about ten minutes. The questions are simple and they are important.

The future goals and direction of our parish require that the parish chime in on the important details where our future is concerned.

The questions are designed not to lead you down any path. Your input and your honest participation is all that is required. It is anonymous. So please don’t think someone will approach you at Sunday Fellowship and inquire about your opinion on this or that.

The conducting of this survey is the most active step we have made towards the eventual purchase of a property since last year. Knowing the most basic desires of the parish will help us to gain traction and prioritize our efforts. Seriously, please, fill out the survey.

On another point entirely, I would like to offer my sincere blessings and gratitude for all who participated in any way, in our Feast Day Celebrations this past week. Our picnic was electric. Great Vespers and the inaugural veneration of the Relic of St. Anna (please read His Eminence’s comments in the Bulletin) was an historic evening full of Grace. And the Divine Liturgy in commemoration of the Dormition of St. Anna was a blessed and inspired service; for the Relic remained for the veneration and adoration of the faithful in attendance.

We welcome Fr. Ambrose back with us, as he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy this Sunday. I will be with the participants of our Parish Fishing Trip up at Strawberry Reservoir. We will celebrate Sunday Services in the marina’s outdoor pavilion.

My final reminder is a continued call for volunteers for our Vacation Bible School. It’s right around the corner. Fun for all who participate. Fun for those who volunteer and contribute.

This has been and continues to be a very active summer for our parish and parishioners. I pray that the remaining days are filled with countless blessings and safe activities. By the time I greet you again with my Thursday/Friday message, the Fast for the Dormition of the Theotokos will have begun. Enjoy a blessed and fruitful Lent.

With Love in Christ,
Fr. Anthony Please-Fill-Out-Your-Survey Savas

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In his collectively-known “I Am” statements, Christ described Himself in many ways, such as “The Good Shepherd, The Door, The Vine, The Resurrection, The Bread of Life, The Way, The Truth, The Life. He also stated and mystically illustrated that He is “The Light.” I love this one. The Light! It’s special. It’s unique. It involves us in a collaborative way.

In the great “I Am’s,” Jesus gave us imagery that we could better understand His ministry and His divinity. They help us relate to Him and give us concrete explanations about our relationship with Him. If He is the Good Shepherd, we are His Sheep. If He is the Door, we are the ones who walk through that door. If He is the Vine, we (as He clearly states) we are the branches. If he is the Light…

We are not darkness. We are not shadows. We are not the sunrise. We are, in fact, like Him…the Light.

Jesus never called us Doors, Vines, Shepherds, or the Resurrection. He reserved all of the “I Am’s” for Himself, except for the “Light.”

Like a Paschal candle that lights another, then another, then so on until the sanctuary is filled with the Light of Christ, the joy of the Resurrection and the anticipation of Pascha; the Light is shared and passed along. Though the “I Am” statements of Christ are primarily found in the Gospel of John, the above passage, from Matthew are some of, I suppose you can call them the “You Are” statements. Salt, nice. Light; yesss!

Light sources illumine pathways for others to safely follow. They shine warm radiance, they reveal hidden obstacles, they allow us to function in otherwise darkness. This is our calling for the others around us. That is to shine a spotlight on Christ, His Church, His Gospel and His ways. And who are the brightest lights? The children, of course.

Thus far, this message has been a long introduction to the theme of this year’s Vacation Bible School.

Be the Light!

From August 8th to the 10th, the preschoolers through 5th graders of St. Anna’s will gather at church to learn how to be little sources of radiant light. Barbara Hillas and Kim Mallas have worked hard to lead an outstanding program for our children. Even though the summer is beginning to wind down (God forbid) and our sights are set on squeezing out the last drop of vacation time, IK ask and encourage you to make time to have your kids with us at VBS. Bible lessons, crafts, songs, sports, nutrition…it’s all there for your beautiful kids.

We would also like to remind you that staging such a ministry as VBS requires the assistance of several adult and older-kid volunteers. If you would like to help teach a class, assist with crafts, sponsor a lunch, underwrite a craft project, or just be around with an extra set of hands, please contact Barbara Hillas at bhillas@q.com.

VBS is one of my most favorite times of year. The classrooms, hallways and our sanctuary are filled with laughter, singing and joy. You don’t want your kids to miss out. Hey, I don’t want your kids to miss out!

Even though there are quite a few happenings in the parish before VBS begins: our Feast Day services and Picnic, the receiving of the Relic of St. Anna, the Fishing Trip, the beginning of the Dormition Fast, the chanting of the Paraklesis services and the Feast of the Transfiguration, to name a few. However, we need to shout out loud that VBS is around the corner!

I pray that through the inspiration of our little ones, we may also be vibrant luminaries. Please enjoy the remaining weeks of summer and continue, as you so faithfully have, to be with us for Sunday Worship with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. If you really want to see you friends during the remaining Sundays before Fall’s arrival, come see them in Church!

With Much Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony Savas

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Please remember that while we are not sons and daughters of the Pioneers, we are indeed, sons and daughters of St. Anna. As the Feast of her Dormition (Falling Asleep) quickly approaches, let us be mindful to participate in the events that are associated with the Name Day of our parish.

The St. Anna Feast Day Picnic
will be held NEXT SUNDAY, July 22, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. at Canyon Rim Park,
3100 S. Grace Street, Salt Lake City. Food, games, music, fellowship,
and fun!

Great Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of St. Anna
Tuesday, July 24th
5:00 pm
Please watch next week for an extremely important announcement concerning this service.

The Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Dormition of St. Anna
Wednesday, July 25th
Orthros: 9:30 am
Divine Liturgy: 10:30 am

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Having just returned from the Clergy/Laity Congress in Boston, MA, I look forward to sharing the events and deliberations that took place this past week. I will gather together with our delegates and representatives, Pat Daskalas, Elaine Zambos, and Pres. Andrea Savas to prepare a proper report.

Its good to be back in town, and staying put for a while.

I look forward to being with you this Sunday for the Divine Liturgy.

Did you sing out last week?

Love in XC,
Fr. Anthony Savas

“Whenever we enter the church and draw near to the heavenly mysteries, we ought to approach with all humility and fear, both because of the presence of the angelic powers and out of the reverence due to the sacred oblation; for as the Angels are said to have stood by the Lord’s body when it lay in the tomb, so we must believe that they are present in the celebration of the Mysteries of His most sacred Body at the time of consecration.” — St. Bede the Venerable

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

By the time you receive our Bulletin and this message, my family and I will (God willing) be in New England, taking a few days of vacation before the 2018 Clergy/Laity Congress convenes in Boston. Please pray for the wisdom, discernment, discipline and fidelity that is required of our holy Archdiocese to continue its sacred mission of our National Church. Myself, together with Pat Daskalas are the delegates who will represent our parish. Pres. Andrea will also be present to take part in the meetings of the National Sisterhood of Presbyteres. We would all appreciate your prayers.

While I’m away, Fr. Elias will be celebrating the Divine Liturgy this Sunday. I am asking for you all to consider (actually, re-consider) something for me, and we’ll discuss it in church upon my return.

In the above quote by the Venerable St. Bede, he speaks of the interaction between us and the holy angels during the worship of the Church. During the Divine Liturgy, we are aware that the heavenly, bodiless Powers are also filling the church with their presence. They, together with us, honor Him in hymns and songs. They fly about, giving Him honor and glory. Their voices, blended with ours, lift up the sacred hymns of the Church before the Altar of God. What a great witness before Him: The angels and the faithful, singing joyfully together!

Our choir has continued to practice, prepare and work at their sacred task of singing the responses and hymns of the Divine Liturgy. Their chanting of the Liturgy has matured, as they continue to weave in more harmonies and an increase the level of sophistication of their singing.

But this, my Beloved in the Lord, is my point.

While I am so incredibly thankful to see a near-full sanctuary every Sunday during the summer, I, and the choir, have noticed that we, as a congregation, are not singing out as we’ve done in the past. Why is that?

One of the foundational goals of our parish was to include the worshiping faithful in the singing of the Divine Liturgy. A couple of years ago, we put in the time and effort to identify the best, possible materials to facilitate this goal. The hymnals and choir books were selected, not for the best, possible English translations and flow of music, but for their adaptability in the environment of congregational singing.

So, the congregation needs to start singing…again.

I truly miss hearing the sounds off all voices participating and singing out. This is who we are. This is who we wanted to be. This is how I’ve shaped, molded and prepared our musical traditions – based on what we originally wanted to do in our worship.

So, this Sunday, as Fr. Elias celebrates the Divine Liturgy, please, let’s surprise him with a resurgence in your chanting. The following week, I would also love to hear you all chanting. With the blessing of our continued summer attendance, it should sound loud, glorious and Spirit-filled.

Remember, the posture at St. Anna’s during the Divine Liturgy is that most people remain standing for the entire service. This is not usually the case in Greek Orthodox Churches, with pews or chairs in the nave.

Why do we do this? How did this come to be?

So we can sing.

Let’s sing!

With Much Love in Christ,

Fr. Anthony Savas

Through greed we underwent the first stripping, overcome by the bitter tasting of the fruit, and we became exiles from God. But let us turn back to repentance and, fasting from the food that gives us pleasure, let us cleanse our senses on which the enemy makes war. Let us strengthen our hearts with the hope of grace, and not with foods which brought no benefit to those who trusted in them. Our food shall be the Lamb of God, on the holy and radiant night of His Awakening: the Victim offered for us, given in communion to the disciples on the evening of the Mystery, who disperses the darkness of ignorance by the Light of His Resurrection. — Vespers on the evening of the Sunday of the Last Judgement

Dearly Beloved in the Lord,

I pray that this week has been one filled with countless blessings and opportunities to grow in the Lord. We are well into the Apostles Fast and I trust that it has been a rewarding experience and an opportunity to strengthen your spiritual resolve and discipline. Before we reach the end of June and commemorate Ss. Peter and Paul and the Synaxis (Gathering) of all the Holy Apostles, we will come to another celebration: Father’s Day.

You would be correct in pointing out that Father’s Day is not a Church Feast or Commemoration. In fact, several years ago, following my ordination (that took place on Pentecost/Father’s Day) I said in a conversation that “It was nice to be ordained on Father’s Day.” His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah was within earshot and corrected me. “No,” he said. “You were ordained on the Sunday of Pentecost.” My bad.

But even though this Sunday’s secular recognition of fatherhood is not on our ecclesiastical calendar, it is equally true that every Sunday is actually “Father’s Day.” In fact, every single day that has ever existed, or will ever arrive is “Father’s Day.” We cannot even begin to fathom the role of a father without meditating upon the ministry of our Father Who is in Heaven. Our Creator. Our Sustainer. Our Benefactor. He is the Divine Who set in motion the design of creation. He lamented our expulsion from Paradise. He devised the plan for the return of humanity into the Gates of the Kingdom. He sent His Only Begotten Son to become incarnate in the flesh and to be born of the Virgin. He fashioned us from absolute nothingness and He rescued us from damnation, as we arrogantly turned away from His goodness.

We are well past the Sunday of Judgment. So please do not be confused by the above-mentioned hymn that is quoted from that service.

To me, this hymn speaks to God’s desire to become in union with us once again. In other words, a Father who longed for the companionship of His wayward children.

Father’s Day is not about BBQ grills, golf clubs or car detailing certificates (though admittedly, those all make nice gifts). There is no present or greeting card that can capture what a man receives when his sons and daughters enter the world. The gift of fatherhood itself is an honor to the man who receives that precious title.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to love unconditionally.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to sacrifice joyfully.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to discipline fairly.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to protect viciously.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to teach patiently.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to act prudently.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to speak wisely.

Fatherhood as given by the One, True Father is the responsibility to acknowledge the very Father who begat His Son in order to offer salvation to humanity.

Just as our own children make mistakes as they grow and mature, we as God’s children made a critical and fatal mistake, as we partook of the fruit and betrayed His ways. He, as the designer of perfect fatherhood, allowed us the freedom to act out impetuously; fairly presented the consequences of our actions; taught us the better way; and most importantly, did not hold us forever-accountable for our sin. He offered the gift of forgiveness. He permitted His Son to pay the price for that forgiveness, and from the Cross, and through the obedience of the Son, we became whole once again.

Father’s Day began as we were taken up from the dust of the earth. It continued as we (based on our own shortcomings) were banished away. And it was reflected through the blinding light of the Resurrection.

God gave us life.

God gave us renewed life.

God gave us abundant life.

God gives us everlasting life.

So this Sunday, as I mentioned in my message last week, I will not be with you as I travel to Camp Emmanuel with our young, freshly-minted GOYANs. Fr. Elias, a lovely father in every sense of the word, will have the blessing to share his (and my) prayers and best wishes to all of the fathers of our community. Happy Father’s Day to all the men who celebrate.

Your children, grandchildren and godchildren are stronger human beings and more faithful Christians because of your influence. At least that is the way it’s supposed to be. For many of us, we miss that mark. My own children can tell you that is the case, for sure. But with God’s grace, guidance and inspiration, we can come close enough to make the difference. For me, there is no greater joy than the blessings of being a dad, and no greater opportunity for humility than to be your “father.” I ask your forgiveness in my shortcomings in that precious capacity. You are all loved, deeply in my heart.

In the Joy of God the Father,

Fr. Anthony

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Remember this one? Keep reading to the end. I have some updates!

“It’s that time of year again when schools are out, vacations are taking place, and our weekend hours become all the more precious. There are many reasons not to come to church on Sundays.

To be helpful, and to alleviate any pangs of guilt you may be feeling, I thought I should give you some more reasons. Though this list is not necessarily exhaustive, and I’m borrowing much of the concept from other sources, let’s make it easier for you to enjoy your Sunday mornings:

MY TOP TEN LIST OF REASONS NOT TO COME TO CHURCH THIS SUMMER:

1. The Church is not Air Conditioned.
False! While some churches may be sweltering during the summer months, that is not the case for us! In fact, we can make the sanctuary so cold, that you’ll need to wear a sweater and bring a jacket. Remember, I am wearing several layers of vestments while serving in the altar, so I actually prefer the church to feel like a wintery wonderland. Will that help us fill the church during the summer? Brrrr.

2. I Have a Boat
Of course you do! Every other person who lives along the Wasatch Front does. Boats are great – Jesus spent a lot of time on boats since His Disciples were mostly fishermen. He preached from them, calmed storms in them, and walked on water towards them. Attend the Divine Liturgy this summer before launching your boat and I guarantee you’ll hear at least one reference to boats and/or water.

3. The Lawn Needs Mowing
And the flower beds need planting and the vegetable gardens need weeding and the fence needs painting and…and…and! There will always be chores to do around the house – both inside and out. But don’t neglect being in the Lord’s house as you attend to your own. Christ, Himself did allot of planting, harvesting, cultivating and pruning. But He did it for our spiritual benefit, not to our detriment. Put down the edger and come to Liturgy!

4. The Kids Have Games
Since moving back to Utah, we have experienced much less of this annoying occurrence in sports, but it still happens. I remember attending a club (comp) soccer game on a Sunday morning, at 7:00 am; two hours before the Orthros. Of course I was wearing my collar and a black suit since I was leaving directly to celebrate services. A woman wearing a Notre Dame hat asked me, “Father, don’t you have somewhere to be?” So of course I answered. “Sure. Don’t you also have somewhere else to be?” Yes, kids play sports. But we really need to limit their participation on Sundays. We can’t use our children’s athletic schedules as excuses to stay away from church. Who signed them up anyway?!?

5. There’s Church in the Summer, Even though Pascha was so Late?
Yup. Every Sunday morning just like the rest of the year. With Fellowship Hour, too!

6. We’re Away for the Weekend
That’s great – I hope you have a relaxing time. Be sure to take your Sunday Best with you and look up the closest Orthodox Church to your destination. It’s always fun to visit other churches and attend the Divine Liturgy in different cities. The similarities are obvious, but spotting the differences can be lots of fun, especially for the kids. If you are planning on visiting another parish this summer, let me know in advance and I will call that priest and make your introduction.

7. There’s No Sunday School
Perfect! Your kids can remain in church with you for the entire Liturgy. You can spend more time together as a family. Isn’t that better than being all separated on a dirt bike trail or on individual jet skis? Where’s the quality time in that? Besides, this is a wonderful time to have your boys who are entering into 3rd Grade start trying on Altar Boy robes and beginning to learn what to do “back there.” Summer is a non-threatening, easy time to begin Altar Service. Don’t wait for school to begin before allowing your boys to serve. Give them a head start!

8. I Gave up Summer Church for Lent
Lent is over! And the Apostles Fast is only, like, two days this year (that’s what happens when Pascha is so late.) So…since you won’t be spending the entire month of June watching your friends eat hotdogs and hamburgers at neighborhood barbeques, while you a keep a strict abstinence through the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, you can thank the Lord for this fast-free summer – at church! See you there!

9. I’d Rather Be Outside
I have an answer for that as well. Everyone can take turns sitting on the left side of the church so you can share opportunities in gazing out of the window. We are uniquely blessed in that most Orthodox Churches do not have windows that offer such views of nature. While attending the Divine Liturgy, at St. Anna’s, you’ll feel as though we are worshiping up a Cottonwood Canyon; the view is that lovely from our one window. Enjoy!

10. I Have a 9:00 am Tee Time
How perfect for you! This Sunday, June 12th, the Divine Liturgy begins at 7:00 am and is perfectly suited for almost any golf course – public or private. Get your early golfing done this weekend. Consider it our GOYANs gift to you, as they depart for Camp Emmanuel!

I hope you’ve found a good reason in this list to stay away from the Divine Liturgy until after Labor Day. But if not, I look forward to seeing you each Sunday. Summer is for relaxing the body and soul. The Divine Liturgy is for engaging the body and soul. You see, they’re made for each other!” WARNING: THIS WAS THE SCHEDULE TWO YEARS AGO. THIS SUNDAY’S SERVICES ARE REGULARLY SCHEDULED.

Now, for today’s thoughts on Thursday, June 7th, 2018…

If popular TV shows can offer summer reruns, why can’t I? – Fr. Anthony Savas

You may have had this thought, so I’m here to confirm for you right now: when I am blessing the congregation during the Divine Liturgy, I am also scanning to see who is there. and who is not. Especially during the summer months.

Now I realize the seemingly blatant hypocrisy of this message, as I write it poolside in Honolulu, anticipating Saturday’s marriage of Alexander Nicholas and Sarina Donnelly…

And with the knowledge that I won’t be in church this Sunday (thanks, Fr. Elias)…

And realizing that I’m kind of lazy at the moment; republishing what has already been written (being in Honolulu and all)…

And reminding everyone, every chance I get that I’m in Hawaii (did I mention that? Oh, yes, that’s where Honolulu is, of course. My bad.)…

But all of this silliness is precisely my point.

Summer is a busy time, Its a fun time. Prayerfully, its a safe time. But there is no reason that we can’t make time for worship.

I’ve never offered a late spring sermon entitled “See You in the Fall'” and there are reasons for that. God does not take a vacation from blessing, inspiring, answering, healing, protecting and gifting us. We should return the favor, in kind, by remaining joyful to stand in His presence.

Being out of town is a good enough reason not to be at St. Anna’s this Sunday, or any other Sunday. But the Sunday before you leave, and the Sunday after you return, should no longer be in play for that excuse. The choir still prepares their hymns. I (or the guest priest) will still write a sermon. You should still prepare for Communion. Please attend to the tender care of your precious soul during these months.

Lastly, I want to remind you that many of the particulars of the original post on this subject, are out of date. Especially the big, red warning that I included.

But please recall that while Pascha was very late two years ago, it was a bit early this year. So the 2018 Apostles Fast lasts actually about a full month. Please be mindful of this Fast and the reasons behind it. We are filled with God’s grace, we enjoy union with Him, and have knowledge of Him through the work of His Holy Apostles.

God bless you, enjoy the rest of this week. And into the next.

With Much Love in XC,

Fr. Anthony

Please be aware that I will not be in Church next Sunday either.

I am taking our Jr. GOYANs to Camp Emmanuel.

Believe me, NOT a vacation or a tropical wedding. (But still a great time)!