Weekly Message November 29, 2024

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I pray that your Thanksgiving Day was filled with love, joy, and moments to reflect on God’s abundant blessings. As we step beyond the holiday, it’s important to remember that giving thanks is not just a seasonal activity or a single day on the calendar—it is a way of life for us as Orthodox Christians.

Gratitude is deeply rooted in our faith. Each time we gather for the Divine Liturgy, we participate in the Eucharist, a word that means “thanksgiving.” This sacred act reminds us that thanksgiving is at the heart of our relationship with God—a response to His boundless grace and love.

True thanksgiving transforms the way we live. It shapes how we approach challenges, how we treat others, and how we view our blessings. When gratitude fills our hearts, it draws us closer to God and opens our eyes to His presence in every moment of our lives.

As we move forward from this holiday, consider how gratitude can guide your daily life. Can it shape your prayers? Strengthen your relationships? Inspire acts of kindness? Thanksgiving, when lived fully, leads us to a deeper understanding of who we are as children of God.

May our hearts overflow with gratitude, not just in this season, but every day, as we seek to reflect the light of Christ in all we do.

Wishing you and your loved ones continued blessings,