ΙΕΡΑ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗ

ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ

November 2004

The Reverend Clergy

Esteemed Members of the Parish Councils, Philoptochos Societies,

Faculty & Students of the Catechetical and Greek Afternoon Schools,

Directors and Participants of all Youth Organizations, and all devout

Orthodox Christians of the Greek Orthodox Communities of our Holy Metropolis of New Jersey

Beloved in the Lord,

            It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I greet all of you, as the Body of Christ in the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, as we approach the Thanksgiving and Nativity Feasts.

            It is a singular honor for me to announce to you, the beloved Faithful of our Metropolis, the Feastday celebration being planned to honor the Patron Saint of our God-saved Metropolis, St. John Chyrsostom, Archbishop of Constantinople. It is with much pride and jubilation that His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will be receiving from the Vatican the relics of St. John Chrysostom later this month, returning them to their place of origin, and thus, setting the tone for this year’s unique celebration. The Divine Services and festivities will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, and specifically at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The Hierachical Great Vespers will take place on Friday, November 12, 2004, at 7:00pm and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will take place on Saturday, November 13, 2004, beginning with the Orthros Service at 9:00am. All of the pious and devout Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey are wholeheartedly invited to participate in the magnificent festivities as we honor St. John Chrysostom, the Patron Saint of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.

            In special recognition of St. John Chrysostom, whose intercessions to Christ our God for the continued spiritual prosperity of our Metropolis are unending, I ask that a special offering tray be passed in all of our Parishes for the benefit of the Metropolis of New Jersey pastoral ministries. Your vital support will ensure that the Metropolis is able to meet all of its philanthropic needs in a timely and intensified manner. May our loving Lord, “…who gives us richly all things to enjoy,” (1 Timothy 6:17) bless your generosity with all good things from above.

            Furthermore, as we prepare to welcome into our midst the Incarnate Logos as one Orthodox family, I am reminding you of the Nativity Fast which begins on November 15 and lasts until December 24, 2004. As each one of us fasts according to the guidelines of the Church and with the consultation and advice of our Spiritual Fathers, we are reminded of Christ’s admonition, “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:17-18) May our fasting and alms giving be acceptable to the Most High as we anticipate His entry into Creation, with bowed knee of the heart and spirit.

Wishing upon all of you a blessed and spiritually uplifting Nativity Fast, I remain

                                                                     With Paternal Love,

                                                                      †E V A N G E L O S 

                                                                      Metropolitan of New Jersey                                                                                                                                      

To be read from the pulpit on November 7th   

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