Archpastoral Message of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon
for Steward Sunday
November 14, 2021
Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ. (Col 3:23-24)
To the Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Orthodox Church in America:
Christ is in our midst!
I greet you today on this Sunday, November 14, 2021 which has been designated as Steward Sunday for 2021.
I am grateful for the hard and diligent work of the many men and women who serve the Orthodox Church in America in its many departments, offices, and boards. Without their efforts, we would not be blessed with the many resources that are regularly made available to us. The music downloads, brochures, weekly liturgical texts, and various other resources have become staples in our parishes.
In addition, we see special projects such as the Clergy Synaxis groups, the Clergy Wives Ministry, Church Planting Grants, Music training sessions, Clergy Continuing Education seminars, all made possible by many different groups all working towards a common purpose: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12).
It is this work which I am inviting you to support on this Sunday, November 14, 2021 and I ask that parishes take a special collection for the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America. For those of you who want to offer your support but are unable to do so financially I encourage you to support the ministries of the Orthodox Church in America by getting involved in other ways. Most especially, I ask that you continue to pray for all those who labor in Christ’s vineyard.
May the Lord continue to bless your efforts for His Church.
Tikhon
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada