December 28, 2016
12/018
Dear Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America,
Christ is born!
On behalf of the chancery staff and all those working in our ministry departments, I express my sincere gratitude to you, the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America for the tremendous support and encouragement you have provided this year.
Together, we have raised needed funds to grow and expand Christ’s mission here in North America, and through our Thanksgiving partnership with FOCUS North America, we have provided thousands of dollars in support of programs that will help eradicate child hunger. But we have done more than simply raise money: we have helped to raise up the idea of stewardship as something greater than the financial support of programs, as a ministry that sets the vision for the Orthodox Church here in North America.
As we continue to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and look forward to a new year of health, love, and success in all our good endeavors, I am thankful to you for the important part you play in the stewardship of, and service to the Orthodox Church in America. Because of the gifts of your time, talent and treasures there is much for which we can be justifiably proud of in the OCA.
I look forward to working with you in 2017 as we continue to grow our ministries with the goal of not only expanding, but also effecting Christ’s mission.
With love in Christ,
+ Tikhon
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada