Building on Faith, Hope, and Love

“When the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.”

When an Orthodox Church is built and consecrated, it is understood that it remains until the second coming of Christ. When Christ returns to the earth, the imperfect world will be replaced by the Kingdom of God. Between the present and the future lies our reality of being on a pilgrimage towards the heavenly Kingdom. The Church serves as the place where Orthodox Christians come before God to worship and to be inspired to live for His Kingdom.

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church has a sacred responsibility to build an authentic Orthodox place of worship that will inspire future generation to love and serve God. We are not building a Church for just our needs but for the needs of the countless individuals and families who will become stewards of Assumption. It is our task to provide the facilities so that the ministries of Assumption may be expanded until the end of time.

When we enter an Orthodox Church, a new world is brought to our senses. This new world shows itself transfigured in a way that leads one to worship God. We cannot build a square box and place a cross upon it and think that we have done all we could to create a holy and sacred place. The reality is that an Orthodox structure is costly and will require everyone to make a significant sacrifice.

When we desire something, we make necessary changes to accomplish our goals. Whether buying a new car, a home or remodeling, the money is found when it is needed. It is found because we attach value to things that matter to us.

The challenge that we are facing now is how much value do we attach to building an Orthodox Church. The expense is not going to be carried by a few but will be fulfilled by ALL giving as much as possible. We are not called upon to give equal gifts but to make equal sacrifices.

We fail to remember just how much we owe God. According to St. Gregory of Nyssa, we owe our entire lives to our heavenly Father, for without Him we are nothing. It is God's saving presence in a soul that gives one life. Love is the one thing that never ends. The reason love never ends is because God is love. When death comes our homes, cars, and possessions will all fade away. Only God's love abides forever.

Please pray and ask God the following question.

"Lord, what do You want to do through me to accomplish
Your will for Your holy Church?"

It is not what I think or have decided I can afford, but what does GOD want to do through me?

+Fr. Andrew Barakos