Christ is in our midst!

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Christ is in our midst!

As we continue to walk the sacred path of salvation within the life of our Holy Orthodox Church, I write to you with a heartfelt reflection on the calling and gift of stewardship—a word that embraces far more than finances. It speaks to our very identity as Christians.

In the Gospel, we are reminded that "it is required in stewards that they be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). Each of us, through baptism and chrismation, has been entrusted with gifts: time, talents, resources, and a soul that bears the image of God. Stewardship is how we offer these back to God in thanksgiving.

Stewardship is Not About Obligation -- but Love

True stewardship flows from a heart that recognizes everything we have is a gift from God. When we give to the Church - of our time, energy, and financial resources - we are not losing anything. Rather, we are offering it back to the One who first gave it to us. This is the same spirit in which the widow offered her two mites, which Christ praised above all other offerings (Mark 12:41-44).

Stewardship is Liturgical

We often think of stewardship as something separate from worship. But it is liturgical: “Let us offer ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.” At every Divine Liturgy, we proclaim this truth. Our stewardship makes possible the celebration of holy services, the teaching of our children, the care of the poor, and the mission of the Church in this world.

Stewardship is a Response to the Cross

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself completely—holding nothing back. Our stewardship, then, is a response to the Cross. It is our "yes" to the call of discipleship. It is our way of living with open hands and hearts, saying: “Lord, I love You more than the things of this world.”

A Call to Renew Our Commitment

Beloved faithful, as our community continues to grow and we carry the responsibilities of the parish—our ministries, our mortgage, our sacred space—I ask each of you to prayerfully consider your role as a steward. Your offering, whether large or small, is holy when given with love and faith. As St. Paul teaches, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Let us strive together to build a Church not only of stone, but of living souls, united in Christ. Let our stewardship reflect our gratitude, our hope, and our desire to see Orthodoxy flourish on this land for generations to come.

With love in Christ and deep gratitude for each of you,

Fr. Romanos