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Rev. Fr. John Asimacopoulos, Protopresbyter

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November 2000
Message from Father John

Religious Education - Liturgical Worship

Dear Friends,
Worship introduces us to the reality of God's Kingdom and His presence among us. In the dimension of worship, we are confronted with a Vision and a Manifestation - a Revelation of Who God is, what He has done for us, and how we are expected to respond to His Love. The content of worship may be described as the "Who" and/or the "What" of our Christian experience. It is here that we actually encounter God, enter His presence, and experience God's acts of salvation - the events through which Christ saved us. They are "re-represented" or made present to us as we enter into the words of the Scriptures and the Church's hymnography.

In worship, the word of God is proclaimed liturgically in many forms: in poetry, hymnology, iconography, movement, color. The language is non-discursive, as the imagery in iconography and hymnology, enhanced by music, rhythm and chant, darkness and light, incense, processions and other liturgical actions, all immerse us into a new reality that is mystical and symbolic. Meaning is perceived intuitively and holistically through this immersion, and a new vision is grasped. In the sermon, the priest takes the written word of scripture and transforms it into a living word for us - for this moment in time and space - and exhorts us to transform ourselves by the operation of that Word and Spirit of God in our daily lives. This vision and this word provide in us a response in faith through our prayers and acts of thanksgiving, praise, repentance, confession, sacrifice and remembrance.

The "Curriculum" or educational plan implied here is the intention to communicate as well as to integrate the worshipper into the life of the Eucharistic community, the life in God's Kingdom. In order to do this effectively, "instrumental content" and learning may be needed also, to prepare reader and singers with the proper skills and attitudes to carry out their functions in worship; to help choir directors in the choice and proper performance of appropriate music so that the words take precedence; to train parish council members to understand what is happening in the services and how their behavior can help or hinder others in worship; and to assist priests in preparing the worship services so that they are able to communicate most effectively. Parents, it is imperative that you and your children be on time and active participants in worship of the Church. How else can you become knowledgeable about the worship services of the Church or experience the reality of God's Kingdom and His presence among us and grow in knowledge of Who He is, what He has done for us, and how to respond to His love.

With love in Christ,

Father John

Your priest is at his office on week days from 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., or by arranged appointment at other times during the day or night. If you wish to see your priest at times other than his regular office hours, kindly call the Church Office for an appointment.

Your priest has many obligations and his program is wide and varied. It is advisable to call him. He is a servant to God and duty bound to minister at any time of the day or night. In the event of an emergency, the priest can be reached at his office, at his residence after hours, or through the Church secretary.

You are encouraged to visit your priest when you are facing serious problems. He has been trained to help people with their personal, family, and even business problems. The impartial judgment of a spiritual leader, together with his prayers for Divine guidance, will help you face your difficulties with renewed confidence.