It has been some time since this page was updated. For that I humbly apologize. It is my intention to "better my way" of communicating with the members of our beloved community at St. Stephen and others who visit our site. I ask for your prayers since I am not adept at this world of e-things.
      Since I made the first posting at the season of Theophany, several wonderful seasons have come and passed ...... Great Lent, Holy Pascha, Ascension and Pentecost. We are so blessed to be partakers of the God-pleasing traditions passed down to us from the Holy Apostles of our Lord through the Holy Fathers and Saints of the Church!
      As we now approach the close of summer, we will have the opportunity to reflect upon the past church year --- thankful for our progress, learning from our mistakes and "forgetting what lies behind" --- while turning our attention to the journey into the new year.
      God is so merciful to forgive and absolve our sins. At the same time, He is not lowering His standards nor relaxing His expectations of us. As we noted in the Gospel for July 13th, we are still called to be the light of the world (Matt. 5:14) and to let that light shine before those around us so that our Father in heaven is glorified (Matt. 5:16).
If that were not possible.... if it was beyond our capability.... then He would not have so charged us. We must, therefore, not shrink for this great calling.
      Our Father, Metropolitan PHILIP, has often said, "America needs the Orthodox faith!"
We, the Orthodox faithful are the ones to carry the message. Returning again to the above-mentioned Gospel reading, Jesus set forth the pattern for letting our light shine. He said (Matt. 5:19), "whoever does and teaches them (His commandments) will be called great in the kingdom of heaven". Please notice that we must first do/keep/live the life of a Christian before we can teach others the way.
      As we look forward to this new Church year ahead, let us commit ourselves to live our lives as befits a follower of Christ and then be quick to share this good news with those about us.
      May God bless you and be with you.

                                                               Fr. Andrew