Pastoral Message from Fr. George, June 10, 2021 Last night, our parish family celebrated the of our Lord into Heaven 40 days after His resurrection. I am deeply thankful for so many of our parishioners for attending in person as well as viewing our livestreaming video broadcast. Traditionally, Orthodox discontinue proclaiming the Paschal Greeting of Christ is Risen/Truly He is Risen on the day before the Ascension (yesterday). During my sermon last night, I shared the following spiritual reflection highlighting the Paschal Greeting and its great relevance throughout the year.

Because many have asked me to share it, I do so now. First, I thank my beloved professor, Fr. Al Demos for continuing to guide me and so many other and second, for sending this wonderful resource. Our Lord’s Holy Ascension that we remember today followed His Holy Resurrection on 2

Pascha and prepares us for the upcoming Feast of – the Descent of God’s Holy Spirit 10 days from today. Let us pray for the health of Fr. Al and all those who continue to teach us and guide us in the path leading to God’s Everlasting Kingdom. Fr. Al’s reflection follows: Today [June 9th – the day before Holy Ascension] is the last day of 2021 that the officially sings “Christ is risen!”, though we can sing and proclaim this profound mystery and message of at all times. The Hymn says it all: “Christ is Risen!” Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! These few words convey the essence, the power and the wonder of the mystery, the answer and the fulfillment of all creation, life, and Christianity!

These two power-packed words in Greek and three in English remind us that God alone possesses the unique capability to love each individual of His Creation as if that person was the only person in the world… that God loves YOU as if YOU are the only person in the whole world!!! So, please remember that in those times when you feel sad, God’s presence can help you to be happy; when you feel angry, God’s presence can help you to be peaceful; when you feel you are suffering, God’s presence can help you to be thriving; when you feel afraid, God’s presence can help you to be courageous; when you feel guilty, God’s presence can help you to be free; 3

when you feel lonely, God’s presence can help you to be involved; when you feel nervous, God’s presence can help you to be calm; when you feel overwhelmed, God’s presence can help you to be empowered; when you feel hopeless, God’s presence can help you to be optimistic; when you feel jealous, God’s presence can help you to be trustful; when you feel embarrassed, God’s presence can help you to be self-confident; when you feel ashamed, God’s presence can help you to be valiant; when you feel exhausted, God’s presence can help you to be refreshed; when you feel depressed, God’s presence can help you to be uplifted; when you feel confused, God’s presence can help you to be enlightened. In all these times, just by embracing and cherishing the words, “Christ is Risen”, deeply within your heart and mind, you will be empowered – not only to endure trials and tribulations – but to persevere, with patient faith, knowing that God is truly ever present deeply within your being.