Mission Sunday 2026
Thursday, January 29, 2026
February 22, 2026
Mission Sunday
Brother Hierarchs, Reverend Fathers and Deacons in Christ, and Beloved in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
As we gather on this blessed Mission Sunday, we recall our Lord’s Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This is the heartbeat of the Church and a goal of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center—to bring more people to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the earliest centuries, the Fathers remind us of this sacred mandate: St. John Chrysostom teaches, “The Church is not a fortress to keep us in, but a city set on a hill to shine forth to the world.” St. Cyril of Jerusalem affirms, "The Gospel is not for one people only, but for all nations under heaven.” St. Paul tells us, “How are they to believe…unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14–15). These voices of wisdom still guide us today.
Recently we commemorated the first anniversary of the repose of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, a shining modern example of missionary zeal, who reminds us:
“Any community that receives the spirit should be aware that it is not to be a possession or property of a few individuals or for personal enjoyment and ecstasy but for a worldwide mission.” – Mission in Christ’s Way, 2010
On Mission Sunday, we re-commit ourselves to that sending. Whether through prayer, giving, or personal participation, we each play a part in fulfilling the Great Commission. To this end, the Assembly of Bishops has tasked its Agency, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, to support mission work around the world on behalf of Orthodox Christians in the United States.
In fulfilling this sacred mandate, OCMC supports and sends missionaries, equips priests, and nurtures growing congregations across the globe. Through them—by your prayers, support, and active collaboration—we embody the apostolic ministry that we are called to live.
This apostolic calling is expressed today in each of our parishes through prayer, sacrificial giving, local evangelization, and collaboration with the Mission Center, which helps form and sustain Eucharistic communities and indigenous leadership throughout the world. Each parish and faithful believer has a role in this work of witness.
Beloved, let us stand courageously and compassionately. The world in its hunger for truth cannot remain deprived of the Gospel. We hold in our hands the Bread of Life—may we share it generously with all.
With paternal love in Christ,
+Archbishop Daniel
Episcopal Liaison to Orthodox Christian Mission Center