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Русская Версия

№: 10.31.10
October 26, 2010

Appeal for a Plate Collection for the Fund for Assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is a special occasion when we gather in our churches and in our homes to give thanks to the Lord for the multitude of earthly and spiritual benefits bestowed upon us. At the same time, we remember those who are in need. There are many Orthodox families and communities who are less fortunate than us and are in need, not only in this country, but in other countries where our Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) has parishes and missions.

We, as members of the Body of Christ, must remember that, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (1 Cor. 12: 26). Let us be mindful of this truth, especially on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving means showing gratitude not only through prayerful words, but especially through our actions – thus becoming co-workers in the service of Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3). For the Lord said: "For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me" (Matthew 25:35-36). By assisting others, we are serving Christ.

For more than five decades, ROCOR’s Fund for Assistance has been an effective vehicle to provide support for the less fortunate within our worldwide community, with specific emphasis on the moral and spiritual education of youth, aid to its clergy, and distribution of emergency relief to its missions.

Today, members of the Synod of Bishops and I are calling upon you to support the Fund through a special collection at the cross. You can also make more generous donations by visiting the Fund’s website: www.fundforassistance.org.

+HILARION
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad