Weekly Message September 13, 2024

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter the month of September, we are blessed with many significant events in the life of our Church and community. This sacred time marks the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year, a moment when we renew our spiritual focus and commitments. It is a time to recalibrate, reflect, and dedicate ourselves to living a Christ-centered life as we move forward into a new year of worship, service, and growth.

Amid this season of renewal, we celebrate the great feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th. This feast, commemorating St. Helen’s discovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem, reminds us of the central role the Cross plays in our lives as Christians. The Cross is a symbol of sacrifice, love, and victory over sin and death. As we venerate it, we are reminded to embrace our own crosses, with faith and perseverance, trusting in the Lord’s guidance and strength.

In parallel, the beginning of the school year for the students at A. Fantis School and other schools brings fresh opportunities for learning, growth, and development. As our children and youth begin their studies, we are reminded of the responsibility we all share to nurture the next generation—both in their academic endeavors and in their spiritual lives. Just as the Cross teaches us that true wisdom and power come from God, we are called to help our children understand that their education is not only for worldly success but also for their journey toward Christ.  

In these early weeks of the school and ecclesiastical year, let us embrace the lessons of the Cross. May we dedicate ourselves to lifting up one another, supporting our children in their growth, and renewing our commitment to the work of our Lord.

May the Holy Cross be our strength, and may God bless each of you with a year filled with grace, peace, and growth in His love.

In Christ's Love,