My Dear Sisters in Christ,
I am delighted to address all of you at this confirmation of your service on the Board of the Archdiocese District Philoptochos. Your willingness to serve is most admirable, as is befitting for your name, “Παναγία Περίβλεπτος,” “Panagia, She Who is to be Admired.”
And what is to be admired in the Holy Virgin is not only her role in the history of our salvation – a role that was achieved through the successive generations that produced a person of her quality who could receive the Incarnate God in her all-holy womb. It is also how she participates in the ongoing ministry of her Divine Son, a ministration revealed at His first miracle in Cana of Galilee.
You remember the story, for we read it every time we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Marriage – the miraculous changing of the water into wine. It was the voice of the Virgin that implored her Son and instructed the servants to obey him.
When the wine ran dry, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus replied to her, “My Lady, what concern is that to us? My hour has not yet come.” His Mother said to the servants, “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.” *
That briefest of solicitations is the prime example of how “Παναγία Περίβλεπτος” constantly implores the Lord on our behalf, that He should supply our every need.
And you, my beloved sisters in the Lord, are like the servants who obey His every command – to minister to the sick and the hungry, to support those in need of emotional and physical aid, to give comfort to the needy and to sustain the poor.
Your devotion inspires admiration in everyone. And I once again call out your support for our seminarians the program, “Beacons of Hope.”
Therefore, as you commence your service on this Board, I bestow upon all of you and your families my blessing and pray that our how “Παναγία Περίβλεπτος” may always illumine your ministries, to the glory and praise of Her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Καλὴ Ἀρχή!
May the Lord bless you all!
* John 2:3-5.
Photos: Archdiocesan District