Father John's Message September 2000

Rev. Fr. John Asimacopoulos, Protopresbyter

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September 2000
Message from Father John

Dearly Beloved.

Beginnings already contain their conclusions.

On Sunday, September 10, we begin our Church School and on September 16, our Hellenic School. With this beginning of the school year 2000-2001, we, the priests, teachers, parents and students will set goals for the spiritual and academic growth of our schools and dedicate ourselves to the achievement of those goals. On September 9th the priests, the school councils, and the teachers from the church school and Hellenic School will meet for their inservice workshops to set the curriculum and make a "map" of the year's religious studies journey and for the Hellenic School the language and cultural journey that the teachers will share with their classes for a cooperative success. Each class and level will set their goals, and with prayer, faith and your cooperation, will achieve their goals.

This past July I attended the Clergy-Laity Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of the committee sessions in which I participated was that of parish religious education and also Greek language education. Hearing and reading about the problems and lack of organization, the lack of cooperation and success in so many of the parishes in our Archdiocese, I came to more clearly understand and appreciate the success that we have in our St. Nicholas Parish with both of our schools. I was humbled and at the same time so proud for our Church School and Hellenic School Councils, for our teachers and students, and especially for you, the parents, and all of you who contribute to and support our schools. I express our thanks to our Parish Council for their great support of our youth in every aspect of their activities here in the parish.

Jesus speaks about the right way of beginning, by doing the Father's will and building on strong and substantial foundations. Our foundations are Jesus Christ and the teachings of our Holy Orthodox Church.

I would like to close with the following prayer: Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ, we are beginning another Religious Education and Hellenic School journey, and we ask You to guide our steps along the way. Please be with us, so that we may continue to grow spiritually in Your love. Amen.

With blessings and 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.