Father John's Message June 2000

Rev. Fr. John Asimacopoulos, Protopresbyter

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June 2000
Message from Father John

June 2000

Dearly Beloved,

Monday, June 19, is a special day in the Orthodox Church. In the Penticostarion, the liturgical book that the Church uses from Pascha to the Sunday of All Saints, we read the following: "On this, the Monday of Pentecost, we [the Church] celebrate the All-holy and Life-creating and Omnipotent Spirit who is God, and One of the Trinity, and of one honor and one essence and one glory with the Father and the Son."

This great Feast reminds us of a simple truth which we often forget, that God's plan is that we share in His life of glory. By our baptism we are raised to a level at which we become sharers in the family life of God. We are born of God the Father, God the Son becomes our brother, and the Holy Spirit pours the love of God into our hearts. This revelation of his inner life of three persons, in which we have a share, is one of God's greatest gifts to us, and it is the model towards which all of us should aim and strive.

Christ reveals the mystery of the Trinity to us, not just to let us know the truth about God, but also to know the truth about ourselves - as to what is our origin, where is our destiny, and how we can arrive at that final point. We exist and the world exists only because God give life. Every day in our life is a day to love the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so we should strive to make the Holy Trinity a more practical part of our lives.

The Penticostarion verses of the Day continue as follows: "O every breath, glorify the Spirit of the Lord, through Whom the impudence of evil spirits is made to vanish." Celebrating the Day helps us to appreciate God's love for us that continues through the Holy Spirit that protects us from the evil spirits in our everyday life.

With love in the Risen Lord,
- 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.