Community Call

Patrick's Welcome Message - Annual Meeting 12/8/2024

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ,

Thank you all for being here today. This annual assembly is such an important moment for us as a parish family. It’s not just a routine gathering; it’s a chance to come together, reflect on where we’ve been, and look ahead to what’s next for our community. These moments are an opportunity to remember that we are not just individuals attending a church, but members of a family united in faith, purpose, and love.

As I stand here, I’m reminded of my own journey with this mission. It wasn’t a straightforward path, and I certainly didn’t grow up as the most devoted or even the most certain about where my spiritual life was headed. Yet, I remember some of my earliest experiences here: visiting the storefront church in Phoenix Village Mall as a child, then meeting Father John and Matushka Debra, and seeing how much love and vision was going into building this community. Those early memories stand out, not because I understood everything about Orthodoxy back then, but because they showed me something deeper; how faith, even in its humblest beginnings, can plant seeds that grow in ways we might not expect.

Looking back now, I can see how those seeds took root. Over the years, this parish has become so much more than a church building or a place to attend services. It’s become a spiritual home; not just for me, but for so many of us gathered here today. And as I think about how far we’ve come, from those small and humble beginnings to now standing on the threshold of transitioning to a full parish, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. We’ve grown in numbers and in faith. We’ve faced challenges, but we’ve also experienced countless blessings.

But with blessings come responsibilities. I often think about the people who worked so hard to bring the Orthodox faith to this area. Some of them are still with us, and others have reposed in the Lord. Their vision and sacrifices built the foundation we’re standing on today. They gave their time, their resources, and their hearts to ensure that this mission would grow and thrive. And the question that I keep coming back to is this: How do we honor that? How do we carry forward what they started?

It’s easy to think about the work of the church in practical terms; keeping the lights on, maintaining the buildings, or paying bills. And make no mistake those things are necessary, of course. But what we’re really doing here is so much deeper than that. We’re building a spiritual home for future generations. We’re creating a place where people can come to encounter Christ, to grow in their faith, and to find a sense of belonging. That’s not just about today or even this year; it’s about laying a foundation that will last for decades to come.

As we move forward into this new chapter, I believe it’s important for each of us to take stock of what we can contribute. Every one of us has something to offer. Maybe it’s our time, helping with projects or ministries. Maybe it’s our talents, whether that’s singing in the choir, teaching, or offering practical skills. Maybe it’s our treasures, supporting the financial needs of the church. And it doesn’t have to be anything grand or dramatic. Small, consistent acts of love and faith can have an incredible impact.

I think it’s also important to remember that this is not a burden meant to fall on just a few people. It’s something we do together, as a community. When we each give what we can, whether that’s large or small, it adds up to something extraordinary. It ensures that this church continues to thrive, not just for us but for the generations who will come after us.

I’d like to encourage all of us to reflect on what we can do to support our parish in the year ahead. Let’s take a moment to ask ourselves: What gifts has God given me? How can I use them to strengthen our parish family? How can I contribute to ensuring that this parish continues to be a place of faith, love, and community?

Finally, I want to remind us all that we’re not doing this alone. We have each other to lean on, and most importantly, we have God’s grace to guide us. Whatever challenges we may face, we can meet them with faith, dedication, and the knowledge that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Together, we can continue to build the legacy of this parish; not just for today, but for generations to come.

Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with you today. May God bless all of you and our efforts as a parish family.