OCA FOS Appeal 2009

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Dearly Beloved in the Lord,

As I conclude my first year of service as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, I have come to know and appreciate the sincere dedication that I have witnessed in our clergy and faithful throughout North America.

Ministry initiatives are an important part of the work of the Church at-large. An essential factor in carrying out these initiatives is the support of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards (FOS). For almost three decades the FOS has existed for the sole purpose of helping the Church minister to our youth, to young adults and college students, to our missionaries, to church school teachers and students, to pastors and lay leaders.

Over the past few years, this work has been limited due to severe funding restrictions. Nevertheless, the dedicated clergy and laity involved in these ministries, especially the chairs of our ministry departments, have continued to work diligently, motivated by their love for Christ and His Church. We now find our Church at the beginning of a new chapter in its history. We emerge from our past struggles with a greater sense of purpose and a deeper desire to define our vision and follow our mission. It is now time once again to turn in earnest to the key work of the Church, the work that was commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

I invite you to join me as a supporter of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards so that our Church’s ministry efforts can continue and flourish. With your gift, you will be a coworker with our Lord Jesus Christ as you support our Church’s missionaries, church planters, youth workers, educators and humanitarian aid workers.

Your donations are restricted funds used exclusively to support the work of OCA ministries. Perhaps you would consider making the suggested $100.00 annual commitment to the FOS. However, we are grateful for whatever gift you can give.

I thank you, in advance, for your generous support of FOS. During the Holy Season of Preparation for our Lord’s Nativity, may a prayerful spirit of joy, thanksgiving and selfless love fill your hearts.

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ our Lord,

+JONAH
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada