Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
2656 Pemberton Dr • Toledo, OH 43606
Send email to editor@antiochian.org, with Bishop MARK in the subject line
The Right Rev. MARK, Bishop
Important Letter from His Grace About Missions Offerings
14 July 2007
Dear to God:
Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!
At our recent Parish Life Conference, Fr. Basil Koory, the outgoing Diocesan Mission Coordinator, reported that our God-protected diocese has ten missions with an eleventh in formation. Each of these missions has a unique history and a unique outreach. Some gather longtime Orthodox in a particular area, some bring new people into the Orthodox Church, and most do both. We rejoice that the Holy Spirit is utilizing these missions in our Diocese to draw many to the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to sing, “We have seen the True Light!”
As you can imagine, there are many challenges in starting a mission. I am pleased to report that all of our missions are committed to meeting these challenges, and exceed most of my expectations. Many of our missions have reported, however, that their greatest struggle is the inability to have sufficient worship space so that they might offer the minimum of liturgical services. I have seen that worshipping regularly in a designated temple greatly facilitates growth. You also know the comfort of having your own temple—a regular place to pray and gather. However, for a new mission a regular worship space is often the greatest financial struggle.
These missions must not struggle in isolation. It is the responsibility of each parish in our Diocese to cooperate in the Spirit’s work by aiding these missions. To paraphrase one of our mission priests:
Missions thrive with the help of other parishes. The mission that is cheered on by those running alongside, and which runs with those who work as a team to reach the same prize—this mission perseveres. It may stumble, but others will help. A mission may fall on hard times, but the other parishes will urge the mission to stay the course. And so a mission perseveres precisely because it does not strive alone, but with other parishes.
Thank God, several of our parishes do not let our missions strive alone. This past year, 14 parishes contributed nearly $10,000 to the Diocese of Toledo Mission Fund. We also received $7000 from individuals and more than $12,000 from organizations. I am also pleased to hear from some of our mission priests that local parishes have generously supported a mission within their Deanery. I am grateful and appreciative for all these sacrifices of love for the Church.
But consider how much we could aid both existing missions and new possibilities if more of our faithful would support the Diocesan Mission Fund! Therefore, I ask that you please consider making a monetary donation to the Midwest Mission Fund to help in this important work. My heartfelt prayer is that our faithful will make a monthly pledge to this Holy work. You may make a donation by clicking the link provided by Bluefin or send your tax-deductible gift to Diocese of Toledo Mission Fund at 2656 Pemberton Drive, Toledo, OH 43606. Please know that all of the monies received will directly aid the ministry of these missions.
May God bless you, and may He use you as His instrument for helping our missions proclaim the True Faith!
Your unworthy father in Christ,
+ MARK
Diocese of Toledo & the Midwest
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