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Published by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
January 2005
Archpastoral Reflections - January
2005 |
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This month of January we embark upon our Year of
the Family, a period of intensified ministry to
families across America. As we begin this very
special New Year, it is worthwhile to reflect upon
the connection of our own families to the Church,
and to consider the extraordinary manner in which
the Church influences the growth and development
of our families. This reflection constitutes in
itself a valuable spiritual exercise for us as
Orthodox Christians living in a challenging and
complex society.
Our theme for the Year of the Family follows the
biblical phrase used by the Apostle Paul,
kat’oikon ecclesia, “the church in the home”
(Romans 16:5, Colossians 4:15). This phrase
hearkens to the early Christian communities who
met in homes for worship, teaching, and
fellowship. Here, we see a unique connection
between the Church and family life. Like the early
Christians, we too are called to cultivate
nurturing environments within our own homes that
promote a closer, more direct relationship between
our family and the Church. This is what is meant
by the phrase “connect your family to the Church”,
which is an important sub-theme for this Year of
the Family.
How may we take steps to promote environments
within our homes that bring our families closer to
the Church? A very practical way to do this is to
schedule regular periods of time as families to
come together for prayer, even if only for a few
moments each morning or evening. A helpful way to
promote family prayer is to set aside an area of
space within the home exclusively for this
purpose. Already, our Archdiocesan Center for
Family Care is developing resources to guide
families in establishing an iconostasion in the
home for this purpose.
An equally important and practical component for
connecting your family to the Church is the
establishment of a weekly family night. During
such a time, families can come together to read
the Scriptures and to reflect upon important
events happening in the world around us. By
extension, parishes should also promote healthy
families by conducting a monthly parish family
night, a designated period of time where families
within the community can come together for prayer,
fellowship, and also social outreach activities.
Each of these components are but initial steps in
promoting the spiritual health of families and
their connection to the Church. They are also
components that underscore the tremendous
importance of families as essential building
blocks of society and the Church. By devoting time
this month to reflecting upon the conditions of
our own families and their relationship to the
Church, we take important steps toward
strengthening our connection to the Church and our
growth in Christ, the Redeemer of our souls.
Moreover, we embark together upon an important and
ultimately endless journey of faith as one united
Greek Orthodox family in Christ.
As we consider the extraordinary ability of the
Church to transform lives and communities, I pray
that we continue to reflect upon the tremendous
influence of the Church upon our families each and
every day. May the love of God strengthen and
nurture your families each and every day of this
very promising and very special New Year.
+DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America
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