Newfoundland Update: Gratitude

The reading of the Six Psalms during Matins (that is why no candles are lit; light comes once the hymn “God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us” is chanted).

Our new worship space, though small and simple (and temporary), means the world to us. We can light candles again! Hang icons! Hold divine services whenever and as frequently as we like! After years of setting up and taking down, of adjusting our schedule because the College couldn’t accommodate us, of holding vigils for Great Feasts in our own home, we finally have one location in which to worship – beautifully (if simply) adorned for the glory of God.

I promised myself not to take one second of this experience for granted. The rental agreement is only one year; but I can’t allow myself to waste even a single moment in not being filled with gratitude for where we are right now.

Pre-sanctified Liturgy

And many of you have made this possible by your generosity – both financially and spiritually. Your donations and your prayers have truly made an impact and I wanted to write this blog post in order to thank each one of you for the part you’ve played in allowing our Mission to maintain its existence here on this island – the sole Orthodox parish in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Giving to prayer what we can’t necessarily afford monetarily produces spiritual fruit. Where God wills He finds a way. If He allows the sun and rain of His grace to fall upon the spiritual soil here the seeds we have the honour of sowing will surely spring up and bear fruit an hundredfold. 

 

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

(Luke 8: 5-8)

And of course I must also bow down in gratitude to our parish community and Fr. John for their efforts, prayers, and donations that have made this wonderful opportunity possible.

Forgiveness Vespers

Who knows what the future holds; “sufficient for the day is its own troubles” (Matthew 6:34). So long as we retain and live up to our name “Christian” every other blessing is a bonus. For now my extreme gratitude has contented me and has tempered my usual rush to the next thing.

In everything give thanks (1 Thess. 5:18).

At the conclusion of the Pre-sanctified Liturgy