Behold, how good and how pleasant it is or brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
My emotions run high! I would say I am a sensitive individual, I can get pretty excited. A variety of incidents and affairs peak my passion; from the accomplishments of my children and family to the Dodgers or Lakers winning a Championship, I can become quite animated and enthusiastic. It is who I am.
I was struck with utter sentiment twice during the first half of the summer. Two very simple occurrences inflamed a reaction of warmth in my heart! Two things that may seem, on the surface, benign, but to a Parish Priest are nothing short of monumental.
The first occurred the week following our Annual Greek Festival. A complete stranger stopped me in a local grocery store and asked me if indeed I was the Priest at the “Greek” Church. She proceeded to explain how helpful and welcoming our Festival Workers were. “They said, ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ It really made me feel like I was visiting someone’s home. When I didn’t understand what a certain dish was, a wonderful woman explained it to me. It was so pleasant!”
“Those are my parishioners,” I said. “They are full of love! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Thank you for coming!”
“Who trained them?” she asked.
“What do you mean train?”
“Well, how did you get a staff of employees to work like that?” she pressed.
“They’re not ‘employees,’ they are parishioners. They’re members of our Church, volunteers.” I explained.
“Really??!!” she said surprised.
“Yup,” I said proudly.
Such a wonderful compliment! That is exactly the sentiment we should always strive to accomplish! This is a compliment I hear, not only at the Festival, but also from Sunday visitors. This Philoxenia (welcoming of strangers, but literally translated “philo”- friend “xenia”- strangers) is an attribute not only of our Greek heritage, but a doctrine of our Faith, Gospel truth! To be complimented with such praise is noteworthy. Usually people go out of their way to complain, and receiving such commendation is almost against the norm. I am proud to serve a community full of such loving people!
The second occurrence that inflamed a reaction of warmth in my heart took place on Sunday, July 12. What started off as an ordinary Sunday, turned out to be an extraordinary day I will never forget! During Divine Liturgy that morning all inhibitions were thrown to the wind! I didn’t even ask for you to “open your green Divine Liturgy books and sing along.” Whether you opened those books or not, you certainly SANG ALONG!! I could hear you! I made mention of it during my announcements. It was AMAZING! I am sure the feeling I experienced could be likened to that of a marathon runner being cheered, applauded and encouraged during the exhausting last miles of the race. Every Sunday our Chanters, Nick and Christo, and our Choir, wonderfully sing the ancient hymns of our Faith, their dedication and observance of the holiness of these chants are moving in and of themselves, but when your voices are added . . . magic!! PURE MAGIC!!
It was a Sunday I will never forget! I heard individual voices, lifting up praises and prayers to God together, in unity, with ONE VOICE! How amazing it truly was! I am proud to serve you! It is such an honor to be your spiritual leader!
I am consistently amazed at the outpouring of love you display! When asked for an extra collection to raise funds for a missionary’s trip you all gave generously! When called on to support the Rescue Mission you all come through! A shortage of prosfora (the bread used as the host for Divine Liturgy) is met with an abundance of love! This is especially encouraging!
I am on cloud nine because I serve a great parish! A community that serves Christ and loves His Church! I pray that I am able to show you the love and enthusiasm that you have displayed during these last several weeks! I get excited about home runs, slam dunks and the waves of my daughter, but I am also over run by emotion when he people I lead exhibit Christ’s likeness!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
