Pastor’s Message
Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Many parishioners have requested a copy of the comments I offered on Sunday, September 13th, the beginning of the Sunday School year. Below are excerpts of that message.

... I feel compelled to talk with you, as we begin the new year, about Holy Communion. When I was growing up, our family practice was to receive Communion three or four times a year. While studying at seminary, I learned that the canons of the Church implore us to receive frequently. Jesus reminds his followers, “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no part of me.”

So historically, frequent communion is the norm in the life of the Church—and I want you to receive often. My concern is how we are preparing for this awesome and mystical moment. This is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, not some empty ritual...  Allow me to share with you several practical suggestions in preparing for this holy experience:

• Have time set aside each day for prayer. Find a prayer book, a Bible, a book on the lives of saints, a devotional, and spend time as a family each day before your icon corner. The preparation for Communion begins on Monday, not Sunday morning.
• Fast on Wednesday’s and Friday’s throughout the year, even if you don’t plan to receive. Parents, you must set the example at home. You may have to bag a lunch for your children for school, but the Church directs us to make that a spiritual discipline each week.
• Take part in the Sacrament of Confession at least twice a year. Spiritual accountability is paramount in growing in the faith. There are many clergy and monasteries in the area to choose from.
• Attend the Divine Liturgy on time. How is it possible to receive the Eucharist without first hearing the Word of God? How can we take part in this heavenly banquet if we regularly arrive late for worship? It is unacceptable to consistently arrive at work or school late; worship should have an even higher priority.   We need to prepare our mind, body, and soul before stepping forward to receive what St. Serapion calls, “the medicine of immortality.”
• When you come forward to receive, state your name. The clergy know all your names. But when you receive Holy Communion, you are reaffirming your baptismal commitment to Christ and the Church. Your name is sacred, and it was sanctified on the day of your baptism.
• Blot your lips from any lipstick and makeup before receiving the Eucharist.
• If health permits, remain standing and silent during the time of Holy Communion. It is the most reverent and amazing moment of our parish life. Please honor that.

... Don’t misunderstand my comments this morning. I am encouraging the teachings of our ancient faith to receive regularly. But never treat this holy event casually or without forethought and preparation. The Church does not expect perfection prior to receiving the Eucharist, but we can strive for an honest effort and an open heart.

Please reflect on the following prayer written by St. John Chrysostom offered in preparation of Holy Communion:

I come to you, Christ my God, not in presumption but by taking courage from Your loving goodness, and that I may not, by long abstaining from Your communion, become prey to the adversary. I entreat You, my Lord, who alone are holy, sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my feelings and emotions. Renew me wholly, implant Your awe in my being. Become my helper and protector, guide my life in peace and make me worthy to stand with Your Saints at the right hand of Your glory, through the intercessions of Your pure Mother, of the heavenly powers and of all Your Saints. Amen.