Beloved and God-protected Faithful,
As we mark the observance of Thanksgiving, our great national celebration, I extend to each of you my paternal blessings and heartfelt prayers. In the spirit of the Holy Apostle’s exhortation, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), we offer glory to the Lord for His unfailing mercy and providence.
We give thanks to the Almighty God, “from whom every good and perfect gift descends” (James 1:17), for sustaining His Holy Church, for preserving our communities, and for granting us the spiritual strength to journey in faith and righteousness. I express profound gratitude for our reverend clergy, our parish leaders, all Philoptochos members, Archons of our Ecumenical Patriarchate and all the faithful who labor for the edification of the Body of Christ, recalling the words of St. Paul: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).
May this sacred season inspire in us a renewal of charity, unity, and devotion, that we may reflect the love of Him who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
Entrusting you to the grace and compassion of our Lord, I pray that your homes be filled with peace, and your hearts with thanksgiving that glorifies God.
May the Holy Theotokos fill your homes with joy and your hearts with love always.
HAPPY AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING
With paternal blessings and love in Christ,
✠ Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey
