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Published
by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
November 8, 2004
Encyclical
of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the
Holy Archangels |
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Protocol 93/04
November 8, 2004
Feast of the Synaxis of
The Holy Archangels
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend
Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the
Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of
the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day,
Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos
Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic
Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox
Family in America
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels
we honor the divinely created and appointed
messengers of God, the Archangels Michael and
Gabriel, and we commemorate the myriad of angelic
beings who never cease in praising and glorifying
God and laboring for the fulfillment of His
Kingdom (Revelation 5:11-13).
The Holy Scriptures describe the holy angels as
“ministering spirits sent forth to serve for the
sake of those who are to obtain salvation”
(Hebrews 1:14). In carrying out their divine
tasks, the holy angels offer an example of true
service to God and humankind, serving as our
lifelong guardians and protectors. This special
service of care, commissioned by God, is
contemplated by the comforting words of the
Psalmist: “He shall give His angels charge over
you, to keep you in all your ways” (Ps. 90:11).
The faithful service of care has also been the
continuous work of our Holy Archdiocese through
the ministry of Saint Michael's Home, our senior
adult home in New York. As the operating budget
for the Home depends largely on donations from you
the faithful, your continual support of this vital
ministry is much needed. Accordingly, in annual
observance, our parishes will be passing a special
tray for St. Michael’s Home this Sunday, November
7. Your financial contributions will help to
return the precious gift of love and care to a
generation of earthly guardians, parents and
godparents who reside today at St. Michael’s. Any
additional contributions that you would like to
offer should be made payable to Saint Michael’s
Home and sent to the Office of the Archbishop at
the Archdiocese.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Archangels,
I ask that you keep not only the residents, but
also the families, directors, board, staff, and
volunteers of St. Michael’s Home in your prayers,
as their work in providing care to the elderly is
an important affirmation of the sacredness and
dignity of human life at all ages. May the divine
protection of the Holy Archangels be with us
always, and may they inspire us to grow in our
worship of God and in our commitment to minister
unto others who are in need of His love and saving
grace.
With paternal love in Christ,
†DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America
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