Weekly Message October 16, 2026

Beloved brothers and sisters,

Last night, our Little Lambs ministry gathered once again, welcoming some of the very youngest members of our community, from infants to five-year-olds, along with their parents, into the life of our Cathedral. There is something especially beautiful about seeing these little ones beginning their journey in our Church, surrounded by families who want to raise their children in the Orthodox faith and give them a sense of belonging from the very beginning.

But what makes Little Lambs especially meaningful is how it began.

It started with a group of new mothers who wanted to create something for their children, but also for themselves. They wanted to build relationships, connect with other families, and create a stronger sense of community within our Church family. Rather than waiting for something to happen, they saw an opportunity and took the initiative to make it happen.

And look at what that simple desire has become. A ministry that welcomes our youngest children, supports their parents, and helps families build friendships and connections that can last for years. It is a beautiful reminder that some of the most meaningful things in our community begin with a few people who care enough to take the first step.

I think there is a lesson here for all of us.

Sometimes we talk about wanting a stronger parish, more activities for our families, deeper friendships, more opportunities for our elderly, or a greater sense of belonging. We talk about the kind of community we hope our Cathedral will become. But the question is, what are we willing to do to help build it?

Little Lambs did not begin because someone handed these mothers a finished program. It began because they recognized a need, came together, and decided to do something about it. They invested their time, their energy, and their hearts in the community they wanted their children to experience.

That is exactly how a vibrant Church community grows.

Each of us has something to contribute. Perhaps it is an idea for a new ministry. Perhaps it is volunteering our time, helping with an existing program, welcoming a new family, or simply making the effort to get to know someone sitting near us in church. We do not all have to do the same things, and we certainly do not have to do everything. But each of us can do something.

Our Cathedral is more than a place where we gather for Divine Liturgy. It is a spiritual home that we build together, through our faith, our relationships, our service, and our love for one another. The more we invest in that home, the more it becomes a place where people of every age can find Christ and experience the blessings of life in His Church.

So I hope the example of these mothers inspires all of us. If you have an idea, share it. If you see a need, help meet it. If you are looking for a way to become more involved, reach out. And if you are new to our community, know that there is a place for you here.

Little Lambs reminds us that we do not simply inherit a Church community. We have a responsibility to nurture it, strengthen it, and pass it on.

May we continue to build a Cathedral where our youngest children are welcomed, our families are supported, our friendships grow deeper, and every person has an opportunity to participate in the life of Christ and His Church.

With love in Christ,
Fr. Evagoras