Chairman's Remarks at the Conclusion of Great Vespers
Saturday, October 03, 2026
Chairman's Remarks at the Conclusion of Great Vespers
Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania
Your Eminences and Graces, Dear Brothers in Christ,
Dear Clergy and Members of this Saint George Parish,
Beloved Sisters and Brothers in the Lord,
Allow me to express the appreciation and gratitude of all to our beloved brother, Metropolitan Saba, who, although he could not be with us this evening, has directed this wonderful Parish of Saint George to open the doors of its Temple, and the doors of their hearts to all of us. Special thanks go to our beloved Bishop Thomas, who has served this region for decades, and is an especially dynamic member of the Episcopal Assembly.
The convening of our Assembly of Bishops is always a marvelous opportunity to experience the wondrous diversity of Orthodox Christianity in the United States. We gather outside our usual enclosures, and enter into the homes and Temples of our Christian kin. It’s like a family reunion of sorts, a way for us to reconnect to the wider reality of our Holy Faith in America. The Assembly’s purposes even go well beyond the relationships that the Hierarchs have with one another.
There are a whole host of activities and cooperative missions that the Assembly sponsors under our aegis. These Agencies and ministries, are having deep impact on the Faithful of all the Churches. Their extensive labors are bringing about energetic transformation within Parishes, and in the areas that are of concern to the Gospel.
Thus, we have International Orthodox Christian Charities reaching out to the afflicted and suffering around the world.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is tasked with bringing the Gospel to those who have yet to hear the unalloyed Orthodox Faith.
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry is going to those who so desperately need the word of mercy and forgiveness, even as they pay their debt to society.
Our Orthodox Youth Ministry is equipping Parish youth workers and leaders with new and exciting tools for retaining and enriching the next generation.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship is ministering to our College students.
And the Orthodox Volunteer Corps is providing one-year immersive programs to afford young adults opportunities to learn what servant-leadership truly is.
Beyond these Agencies, the Assembly has Outreach Ministries and Orthodox Christian Professional Associations, and a Mental Health Ministry. We maintain Ecumenical Dialogues, the Military Chaplaincy, and an Inter-Parish organization that deepens local connections.
All of these efforts are creating networks of cooperation, interstitial tissue that serves the whole Body of Christ. Through the intercessions of the Great-Martyr George and all the Saints, may we grow ever closer, stronger, and more fully committed to our shared Faith, our Holy Church, and the love and goodness to which our Lord Jesus Christ call us.
On behalf of the Assembly and all our friends, I express our abiding gratitude for the loving welcome of this Parish, and for your example of Christian agape and hospitality.
Amen.