You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
During this season of Pentecost, we reflect upon our calling as Orthodox Christians to be witnesses of Christ’s love – witnesses of His Death and Resurrection on our behalf – right here where we find ourselves: in Sacramento, in all California, and even to the ends of the earth. This apostolic mission finds its foundation in our celebration of the Holy Eucharist together as the Body of Christ each Sunday and Feast Day, and extends outward from there into every one of our encounters and relationships throughout the week.
“I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.“
John 4:38
Dear friends, it is an exciting time to be at Holy Cross. We are blessed to have a vibrant, welcoming, and growing community that fills our worship space most Sundays. We lift up our hearts unto God, and rejoice as our children make a joyful noise unto the Lord. As I embark upon this new ministry as Rector of Holy Cross, I am keenly aware of our Lord’s words to His apostles: I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors (Jn. 4:38). We are the beneficiaries of the prayer, sacrifice and dedication of those who came before us, especially of our beloved pastor Fr. Ian and Matushka Nina, along with all those labored and served in this holy place. We pray that through God’s grace, we may continue to build upon the strong foundation in Christ that is here; as one plants, another waters, yet it is God who gives the increase. May the Lord strengthen and multiply His flock here in Sacramento!
