Let Your Hearts Be on High, for the Lord Is Risen!
Rev. Fr. Michael Monos, St. Luke the Evangelist - Columbia, MO
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Dearest in Christ, lovers of God, worshipers of True Life:
We stand in the radiance of the Resurrection of Christ, and so we should be full of joy. We have seen the darkness overcome by the Light, our despair turned to rejoicing; we have once again commemorated the most important and glorious event in the history of humankind – the vanquishing of death and sin through the pure and perfect sufferings of our Lord, and His third day resurrection. But in spite of what we have seen, and the rejoicing that fills our hearts, the darkness of the world and its uncertainties looms largely in our lives and desires to steal away our festive hearts. Therefore, the Church, in Her great wisdom, confronts us with the darkness of the unbelieving world and challenges us by presenting the Apostle Thomas and the story of his weak and doubting heart, and asks each of us: do you believe or doubt in the Power of God? Do you desire the darkness or the light, festive rejoicing or embittered displeasure? Today, we gaze longingly at the Upper Room, where we have traditionally gathered to meet the Lord and partake of His Lifegiving Mysteries, and we see that the entrance is, for now, barred to us — yet we still rejoice, and rejoice greatly, for the Light has dawned upon us from the east, the Lord has arisen from the grave, and no worldly darkness will obscure the glorious brightness of our joy! Some have wept, and others will weep, some have despaired, and others are despairing, but we know that Hope has arisen from the grave and has granted us life and strength.
Like St. Thomas, many will doubt the Power of God – the power of God to renegenrate that which is fallen; the power of God to resurrect that which is dead; but in handling the Lord, the Apostle Thomas’s unbelief was turned to belief, and so has shown all of us the true nature of the Power of God – that it is limitless, that it is not contained by any illusory power, even that of death. Therefore, as we look upon that which we have lost, let us be faithful in the Power of God and not allow the darkness of the world to overcome us, which is the devil’s desire and plot. Some will use this opportunity of perceived weakness to try and destroy our joy, and our hope – even some among us. They will discredit their leaders, they will make petty arguments, they will make false accusations, they will become pharisees and hypocrites, all in the name of the Christ and His Church.
These people do not believe in the Power of God, like Thomas they doubt its truth, and like Thomas, have allowed the darkness of the world to over-shadow their hearts and minds, even in the presence of the Light. But we must remain faithful and strong, immersed in the Light of Christ, which casts out every shadow of darkness. When Thomas handled the Lord, he cried out “My Lord and my God,” because in that moment, his unbelieving mind was opened to the new and wondrous reality of the Risen Christ. Today, we are called to make the same confession, and to allow our hearts to be fully opened to that same wondrous reality. Without this, we will surely fail in the great and daunting task that lies ahead of us. May our Risen Lord strengthen us, according to His great mercy, and open the hardened hearts of those covered by darkness, to whom be glory, honor and worship. Always now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Please note that the following ministries will resume once given the clearance that it is safe to congregate once again.
- Sunday School for Kids K-8
- College Outreach Ministry
- Archangel Michael Food Barrel
Planned Giving
Through a charitable gift, you can have a significant positive effect on the ministries of the Church and those people whose lives are changed because of them. The impact of your gift will be felt for years and generations to come. Consider making a gift in one of the following ways: •Bequest •Matching Gift •Gift of Cash •Gift of Securities •Gift of Life Insurance •Gift of Real Estate •Qualified Retirement Plans •Charitable Gift Annuity •Deferred Gift Annuity •Charitable Lead Trust •Charitable Remainder Trust. Planned giving can be very rewarding, allowing you to see your gift at work while receiving tax benefits now. More information is available at the church office.
Coronavirus Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every corner of our world. In the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, all seven states, 67 parishes, and three monastic communities, have had to make significant adjustments to worship services and ministry activities during this time when people are directed to stay at home and shelter in place. We know this presents challenges on many levels, but the Metropolis has compiled a unique page to include special resources for Worship, Technology, Finance, and Ministries. Please visit this address to view the Resource Page:
https://sanfran.goarch.org/pages/coronavirus-resource-page
Additionally, the Archdiocese has a similar page with resources available, including a newly announced COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist individuals who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Visit: https://www.goarch.org/covid19
Reminders
Currently, our services are not open to the public and will be conducted only by Father Stephen and one or two chanters and acolytes. Please understand that these measures are being taken in order to halt the continued spread of this virus, and our concern here is not just for one another but also for our neighbors throughout the larger community, and so the measures are being undertaken as an expression of love. As way of reminder, please note that:
All programs (Church Sunday School, Greek School, Bible Studies, Greek Folk Dance, etc.), are cancelled. Fellowship and Coffee Hours are cancelled as well as all programs (Church Sunday School, Greek School, Bible Studies, Greek Folk Dance, etc.).
●For pastoral appointments or any emergency, as always, please contact the church office at 825-5365.
●All scheduled and new Sacraments including weddings, baptisms, chrismations, and funerals will be open to the immediate family only until further notice.
●For building access please contact the church office. Currently, we request that only essential and authorized personnel be in the building and church.
We are making every attempt to live stream each service. Please visit our parish Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/saintanthonychurchreno/
at the scheduled service time to view and follow. Also, our weekly bulletin will be sent to you by email and also available online via our website.
Greek Festival
We are living through unprecedented and uncertain times which are impacting all facets of life, including our festival preparation. First and foremost, it is the prayer of the Festival Committee that our families and communities remain healthy and strong in faith, body and mind during this time. We are continuing to move forward with festival planning finding unique ways to progress at a social distance. We are optimistic that come September things will have settled down and we’ll be able to celebrate with a full festival. That said, we are also realistic that we will be impacted in some way. It is too early to tell what the future holds for our festival, but we are brainstorming on the possibilities and approaches so we are prepared to adapt to what we may be faced with. We will continue to keep you posted as we move forward. All ideas, suggestions and questions are welcome – please email them to Dimi @ renogreekfestival@yahoo.com.