The Stream
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Ecumenical Corner
Orthodox Clergy Fellowship and Luncheon
Metropolitan's Column
Beloved in Christ,
We have come to the last season of the Liturgical year that begins with
the Feast of the Holy Cross (September 14th) and concludes with the start
of the new liturgical year on Koodosh Etho (this year on November 3rd).
The main themes during this season include vigilance especially in
preparation for the second coming of Christ. The Gospel passages that we
read on Sundays during this season are arranged in such a way to
communicate the importance of this theme which Jesus Christ gave much
importance to.
Quite often, Jesus referred to the imagery of seasonal change as a way to
teach His followers. When we think of the seasons of the year, we notice
how creation as a whole also changes including the plants/trees we see
around us. Even the birds of the air according to the seasons migrate to
difference places.
In a similar way, as the liturgical season changes, we must be aware of
our surroundings and bring to attention those things that are happening
in the world today. Though we do not desire to predict the end times,
much of what Jesus warned regarding signs of the end times can be seen
in the world today. Man continues to quarrel with his fellow being and
religious fanaticism is at a peak. Nations are preparing themselves with
chemical/atomic weapons to defend themselves. Christians are struggling
to worship or live in peace, especially in places such as Syria, Egypt,
Ethiopia, Eritrea, etc. where there is an ongoing crisis for our brethren
including loss of life, homes and places for worship. Not only do we need
to be aware of what is happening, but we need to respond with prayer
and support to our brother and sisters who are struggling in these
nations. Now is not the time to think about old age schisms or
differences, but to awaken ourselves and support those who are in dire
need. Even in our own county, the government is struggling to come to a
common agreement for the welfare of the people. In developed nations
like the United States, same sex marriages have been given the approval
and legalized. Unless Christians unite against such unethical human
standards and moral degradation, we surrender ourselves to the world
and lose witness of the Faith and Traditions our forefathers died for.
A special meeting was also arranged on September
23rd with our Diocesan Metropolitan and His Grace
Bishop Makarios, Bishop General of the Coptic
Orthodox Church & Bishop of the Eritrean Archdiocese
of North America, who was also visiting Kansas City
the same weekend. Both Mar Eusebius & Bishop
Makarios shared their call to ministry, experiences and
their current responsibilities within the Holy Church.
Their Graces expressed their joy in being able to meet
each other for the first time and considered it God’s
Divine plan that such a meeting even took place.
Let us fix our eyes on the Creator and implore for our God to intervene in
these moments of distress. No man will be able to correct everything that
is happening in the world today, but we can begin by submitting
ourselves to prayer and love for our brethren, which will in turn produce
significant change. Let us ask God to forgive us of our weaknesses and ask
for His love and peace to reign upon this world.
Your Shepherd in Christ,
Alexios Mar Eusebius
http://loveindeed.ds-wa.org