June 16th, 2024
Always a Spiritual Focus, First
Dearest Parish Family Members,
Let me share with you a small “homework” assignment, or at least bring to your attention an interesting aspect of our Church that you may never think about: how did we get here, these days, from the time of Jesus Christ until now, with all of our theological understandings? How did our understanding of spiritual growth happen, evolve?
Actually, it was through centuries of trial and error, how our Church withstood centuries of misunderstandings in order to distill the spiritual truth of our Church in Jesus Christ. What happened was that we had ecumenical synods, meetings of the greater Church to face developing misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the Church, during the life of the Church. It helps us to remember that church leaders are human beings who can also get things wrong, sometimes. This is why it took our Church to go through eight Ecumenical Councils to get things right. Maybe many people know the story of Saint Nicholas, who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries, attending the First Ecumenical Synod and getting so mad at an opposing heretic that Saint Nicholas actually punched him out.
On this Sunday, we commemorate the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council (Synod) which took place in Nicea (in modern-day Turkey). This is where we get our Nicean Creed, the foundation of our entire Faith and understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and our understanding of the natures, both divine and human, of Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity. It’s all-important and the very foundation of our Faith.
What I wish to suggest to you (jokingly, but serious—as a “homework” assignment) is simply this: with the modern-day miracle of the internet, simply take an hour and google the eight Ecumenical Councils of our Orthodox Church. You will be amazed the learn the depth of what took place during those eight Ecumenical Councils—and what decisions they made that establish our understanding of our Faith and what we believe.
This is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn and how things came to be in understanding. I know for the past month I’ve been recommending to everyone who has shown up in Church that they take thirty minutes to read in our Bibles the Book of Acts—to understand and see how exactly the Apostles finally came to full faith in Jesus Christ and finally be able to perform the miracles of Christ for themselves.
There are eight Ecumenical Councils. Do yourselves a favour and look them up. It would only take you an hour of your time, and you will be so richly rewarded. Such an exercise will expand your understanding and enhance your lives, especially your understandings of our Church and beliefs. You’lll make excellent connections with what you see in our Sunday services and the readings of Holy Scripture. You’ll be thankful you did. See you always.
Faithfully, Father Samaras
10th Morning Gospel:
Sunday of the Holy Fathers. On June 16th, 2024, we commemorate our Father among the Saints Tikhon, Bishop of Amathus in Cyprus. And today, the seventh Sunday of Pascha, we celebrate the First Ecumenical Synod in Nicaea of the three hundred eighteen Godbearing Fathers.
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2024 PARISH COUNCIL
President - Theo Christ
Vice President – Yvonne Anastasiou
Secretary – Dina Mastoras
Parish Council Member - Evdokia Sofos
Parish Council Member - Dialecti Voudouris
Parish Council Member - Anastassios Mentis
Parish Council Member – Paula Refolo
Parish Council Member - Theodore Vougiouklakis