November 4, 2009
HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS MESSAGE FOR THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL FEAST DAY AND HONORS
November 2009


My Beloved,

“Let the beauty of the LORD our GOD be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands for us.”
(Psalm 90:17)


As you all know, this event has become a sacred and beloved tradition of our Metropolis of Atlanta family, as we gather to celebrate the Feast of our Patron Saint and Protector, and the lives of one adult and one youth from each parish. Our Archangel Michael honorees embody the essential character of our Orthodox Christian journey to Theosis, with the loving spirit and selfless commitment of servanthood. Thus by honoring these individuals, we are also celebrating and giving thanks for all the devout, faithful people in our Metropolis family, who unselfishly offer their time, talents, energy and resources as they “first give themselves to the Lord by the will of God.”

As the Metropolitan and Shepherd of our God-protected Metropolis, it gives me great spiritual joy to share this special occasion with you and to bestow my Hierarchical blessings and prayers on the past, present, and future honorees, on behalf of our entire Metropolis family.

Each year, I am deeply and personally inspired and encouraged by this special occasion. Out of love and in commemoration of Archangel Michael, we gather together as one family of faith. This event is a joyful testimony, revealing the clear and unchanging reality of God’s Love and Grace in our Parish communities throughout our Holy Metropolis of Atlanta. So it is with profound thanksgiving and glory to God that we celebrate this glorious Feast of genuine grace and spiritual renewal.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the organizers of this beautiful event, the Chancellor, Metropolis staff, as well as all the many friends of the Metropolis. It is the unselfish gift of their time, hard work, energy and resources that makes this event a success.

I pray that we may all be found worthy of the challenge of living a Christ-centered life and of our Lord’s approval: “well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 24:21). May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. I remain

Prayerfully yours with paternal love in Christ,

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta