№:
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
