Christmas 2008

"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Luke 2:14

For 2000 years the birth of this most remarkable Child has transformed the world through love. On the eighth day after His most humble birth, He was given the precious name of Jesus. "The name that is above every name" (Philippians 29). So we confess in every Divine Liturgy and from the depth of our hearts: He is the Holy One, our Christ, our Lord and our Saviour!

He was born in a humble manger that miraculous night in Bethlehem so that the world would be saved. Through His example we are offered the opportunity to achieve heavenly salvation by emulating the humility of Jesus through our relationship with Him, with one another and with nature on our contemporary earth.

The faithful women of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society have a long and rich history demonstrating our love and compassion through fulfillment of our philanthropic mission. We know that need is forever, as is our promise to heed the call. To continue to meet that need, let us be mindful that our purpose to serve is further demonstrated and the fulfillment of our mission is nearer with each addition to our corps.

With the economic crisis headlined in the news each day, difficult times for many may be expected, resulting in a heightened importance for social assistance. Through prayer and renewed commitment, the women of our great Society will wholeheartedly resolve, with deeper promise and renewed spirit, to aid and to embrace those most in need. There is an infinite possibility to continually expand our Society's work through our collective resources.

We must prioritize and return to basics and to our teachings. We must look within, unite with family, and expand our reach throughout the Church and community. Let us be cognizant and embrace the gift of life and its environment and let us multiply our efforts to live, by example, the life of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Especially at this glorious time of year, let us ask Him in our prayers to guide us to make good and correct choices, to live our lives responsibly, to assume responsibility on behalf of those in need and as stewards of this Earth, to preserve our world.

May you and your families receive the blessings of the Lord and His bountiful gifts that will come as we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus and may you continue to preserve Christmas as meaningful throughout your year and always.

With love and admiration in the Newborn King,
Aphrodite Skeadas