All Saints of North America Orthodox Church · Phoenix, Arizona

Orthodox Christianity on the west side of Phoenix Arizona including Sun City, Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, Litchfield Park, Buckeye, Tonopah, and more

  • Home
  • About
    • New Visitor Information
    • How to Become Orthodox
    • Clergy & Leadership
    • For Orthodox Visitors
    • List of Activities for Orthodox Christians Desiring to Transfer to ASONA
  • Faith
    • About Orthodox Christianity
    • ASONA Mission Statement
    • Eucharist: Sacrament or Symbol?
    • Eucharistic Bread: Leavened or Unleavened?
    • Welcome Home! Evangelicals Come Home to Orthodoxy
    • Statement of Faith
    • Saints of North America
    • A List of Responsibilities of a Godparent in the Orthodox Church
  • Education
    • The Correct Understanding of Being Born Again
    • LIVE Online Catechism
    • Christian Names and Patron Saints
    • Welcome to the Orthodox Church! (Videos)
  • Catechesis
    • List of Activities to Complete Prior to Baptism
    • Online Catechism Lessons
    • Audio Lectures
    • The FAITH
    • The Mystery of Confession
    • To Sincere Converts to the Orthodox Faith, and those who are Seeking
  • Directions
  • Services
    • Calendar
    • Paschal Greetings from Around the World
    • When Someone Dies
  • Articles
  • Contact
    • Donate Now
    • About Giving to ASONA
    • The Book of Needs
  • Calendar
  • New Member Class
  • Online Catechism Class
  • Bible Survey Class
  • Bulletin
  • Ecclesioclasm
  • Ready

Archbishop Demetrios: 2018 Dormition Encyclical

August 26, 2018 By Fr. John Peck [edit]

 

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, “in radiant joy with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs together with the angels and the apostles,” we give thanks to God for the revelation of His abundant grace and glorious power through the life and witness of the Virgin Mary. In our commemoration of her and the holiness of her life and service, we are reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, All things are possible to the one who believes. (Mark 9:23).

This assurance of Christ, that through faith the impossible becomes possible, that as people of God we can move beyond limitations to accomplish great and marvelous things in His name, was the focus of the theme of our recent Clergy-Laity Congress. In faith and love we gathered together in Boston and affirmed that all things are possible to the one who believes in Christ.

Today we can once again offer a witness of this truth. In our reflection on the life of the Theotokos, we know that she found favor with God, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and she conceived and carried in her womb the Son of God. She asked the angel following the annunciation of the Incarnation of Christ, How shall this be, since I have no husband? (Luke 1:34) How could this be accomplished by this holy and humble handmaiden of God? All things are possible to the one who believes.

On this Feast of the Dormition, we marvel at her repose and the witness that she offered in passing through death unto eternal life. We sing, “She who is higher than the heavens and more glorious than the cherubim, she who is held in greater honor than all creation…today commends her most pure soul into the hands of her Son.” How did this happen? How does she continue to offer intercessions on behalf of us all? How did she receive such an exalted place? All things are possible to the one who believes.

The potential of this promise through the power of faith and through the holy witness of the Theotokos offers us assurance and strength. The disciples of our Lord were encouraged and guided by her and her holiness of life. Her repose became a celebration of the abundant and eternal life that comes through faith in Christ. This Feast is one of hope and assurance, affirming that even through our burdens and challenges, even in the face of obstacles that seem insurmountable, even through physical hardships and spiritual struggles, all things are possible to the one who believes in Christ.

The power of faith and the unlimited possibilities before us for ministry and service should also be our focus. At our recent Clergy-Laity Congress, we affirmed our commitment to supporting the work of our parishes and helping faithful throughout our Holy Archdiocese explore the potential of the witness of our Orthodox faith. Together we are committed to ensuring the strength and vitality of our witness. I ask that you continue to focus on this theme as you plan for a new ecclesiastical year and consider the impact and potential of our sacred work.

May the blessings of you the Lord be with you on this Feast of the Dormition, and may we seek the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos as we explore the boundless and unlimited potential of our faith in Christ.

With paternal love in Him,

† D E M E T R I O S

Archbishop of America

Share the post "Archbishop Demetrios: 2018 Dormition Encyclical"

  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Bookmark

Filed Under: General [post-edit]

All Saints of North America Orthodox Church

11234 W. Alabama Ave.
Youngtown, AZ 85363

(928) 910-2186

RSS LifeSite News

  • Democrats’ “Inflation Reduction Bill” Would Force Americans to Fund Abortions
  • Lady Gaga: “I Pray” That We Can Keep Killing Babies in Abortions
  • Planned Parenthood Injures Woman in Botched Abortion, Paramedics Rush Her to ER

A Directory of Arizona Orthodox Churches

Recent Posts

  • Need a Reason for Embracing Orthodoxy?
  • Weekly Bulletin for Sunday, August 7, 2022
  • Historic Visit of Bishop James of Sonora to Arizona’s Satellite Missions
  • Conservative Vs. Liberal Clergy?
  • Weekly Bulletin for Sunday, July 31, 2022

RSS Journey to Orthodoxy

  • Australia: Orthodoxy Fastest Growing Church amidst General Christian Decline
  • Finding the Right Holy Hospital — For Me
  • To Sincere Converts to the Orthodox Faith, and those who are Seeking
  • Kenya: Overwhelming Majority of Kisumu Diocese Priests Join Russian Church
  • Dozens of African Priests Serve First Divine Liturgy of Russian Exarchate

RSS Good Guys Wear Black

  • July 10-13, 2022 – Liturgical Practicum
  • History, Symbolism and Modern Use of Orarion
  • Priestly Priorities
  • The Biggest Challenge For Pastors Of Healthy Churches Right Now
  • To the Deniers of the Clergy

Weekly Bulletin for Sunday, August 7, 2022

Orthodox Calendar



Copyright © 2022 All Saints of North America Orthodox Church · All Rights Reserved
Designed by Fr. John A. Peck · Log in