3rd Sunday in Matthew Ocala - Father's Day June 17, 2007

In preparation of my Sunday Sermons, I occasionally refer to those of past years for reference purposes. I came across a sermon, which I delivered in the Mission, which I had organized in Lecanto, based on the Biblical reading we heard today. We began that Mission in Inverness in October of 1981, and after 17 years, traveling 114 miles each weekend from my home, I departed after the Community was well on its way, only because the trip was taking its extra toll from Presvytera's health.

There are many parallels, which apply to both the Missions of Lecanto and Ocala. As it has happened here, it happened in Lecanto, where we had put forth the 5 year pledge system, simply because, we didn't have an affluent Membership. But the miracle did happen, even though, only about one half of the Membership had pledged. As a result, we had to secure a sizeable mortgage. When our drive there exceeded our expectations so early, in the -middle of 1993, I preached a Sermon, so that you can see the similarity of the efforts of both, the Lecanto and Ocala Missions. I quote at length from this Sermon of 1993:

"Who will ever forget the glory of the weekend two weeks ago. It was an exhilarating and uplifting experience, which shall be with us forever. God spoke to our hearts loudly and clearly. We have been the recipients of unbelievable blessings. It has not been easy, nor will it be. But, when a person thinks and believes truly, that he or she is working for the Glory of God's Kingdom, --- to help shape a better world, his of her labors are not in vain, nor a burden, but a pleasure. I have often heard, and have used the word sacrifice, but I don't know if anyone of us has ever truly sacrificed, when it comes to philanthropy!

55% of those on our list, here at St. Michael's, have signed the 5 year pledge. We pray that the remaining 45% will come through to help alleviate the economic problem. Those, who have not pledged yet, must come to the realization, that it is somewhat unchristian for others to labor and contribute, while they abstain. A little over one year has lapsed since we started the monthly pledge system. Does it seem that long to you? Do those who pledged I ask, do they feel any poorer? Conversely I think that they, as I do, feel richer, for knowing that they are in part responsible for the magnificent Structure, which we have erected, and which we all own mutually and individually.

The Membership of the Church is similar to the human body. All parts of the body, no matter how insignificant they may seem, are vital for the normal functioning of the body. The same is true regarding the Church. If the 45% has not come forth, I think it is more of a matter of lack of understanding, as to what a Community is all about, and what their status or position and obligation is, within this Community. We must get to see these brothers and sisters, and try to convince them, that their lack of participation is simply bringing an injustice upon themselves, and working a hardship within the Community."

That was what I preached in Lecanto in 1993, and I'm sure that you can see how closely it parallels our life here in Ocala. We surely did succeed in Lecanto, but it would have been much faster, and not as costly as it was, only because 45% of the Membership did not step forth. It is a strange coincidence how closely the percentages are of those who contributed and those, who have not come forth.

Here- in our Ocala Mission, ever blossoming with the love of the Lord, we have accomplished very much, --- and truthfully, we can be very proud. Do you know, that we contracted to pay $425,000 for over 9 choice acres in Belleview, a little more than a year ago, and that we have collected through our Building Fund Drive $220,000 from 60% of our volunteer Membership? The contributors all came forth, without having to be visited by Committees.

If the remaining 40% would step forth, our Mortgage could be liquidated, and we could start erecting our multi-purpose Building the next day. The 5 year plan makes it convenient for all, in that it requires only a few dollars per week; but collectively, it aggregates to a sizeable amount.

Everything is a matter of conscience, and I believe, that the Lord's work deserves some kind of priority in everyone's life. I do hope and pray, that our Building Fund Drive will welcome all the names. which are currently absent from the list of Donors.

We have been the guests of the Trinity High School, for three and one half years, whereas, if our Drive was near the 100%, we already could have been putting up our Multi-purpose Building.

Although we are still very welcomed here, I can't help feeling as though we're wearing out the welcome mat. We all must get serious, and set our goal, which is, to target the next year 2008, as the year, when we shall inhabit our own "House. " May God bless us, as He surely has, so as to translate this feeling into reality.

Today of course is Father's Day, and it is natural to bring to mind our Fathers, who gave us life, whether they are reposing in the Lord, or still with us. Our heart rises to the Heavens for them, and we are worthy of their love, being that among the most important ideals they inculcated in our hearts is, not only the love of God, and the continuity of our Church, but its increase in every way. We thank God for our Father, and we hope we are worthy of his expectations. I mentioned earlier, that today there is little, if any sacrifice. But, in those pioneering days, our Fathers of about 3 generations ago, came to this Country for a better future, not for themselves only, but mainly for their families. They were self sacrificial. Indeed, they were heroes. Today, when someone comes from Greece or any of the Orthodox Nations, he or she can find comfort in any of our many Churches throughout America.

But in those days, there were only a few Churches, and these in the Metropolitan cities. There they were, the selfless pioneers-- alone, penniless, and without the most important, the means to communicate in the English language. But, their faith in God made all things possible, because of their work ethic and exemplary dedication. They persevered, working round the clock, and gradually the horizon of their dream was breaking, and commencing to show.

In those days, regardless of their economic poverty, when a group became large enough to form a small congregation, they immediately invited their Village Priests to come over to fulfill their spiritual needs. I have always considered these selfless pioneers as veritable heroes. Through their integrity and being law abiding, they soon inched up, to be in the front line of American Citizenship. To them we owe everything.

Their efforts were crowned with glory, because they were SO dedicated to our Father in common.

The Father from Whom and to Whom everything hinges; our Father in Heaven, to Whom we pray daily and corporally connect through our Divine Liturgies. It is Him we praise, and Him we honor, and Him we thank.

We are also indebted to the Holy Fathers of our Holy Church, of the first 8 Centuries, who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to bequeath to us, the purity of the Faith, as contained in the Holy Scriptures, through their writings.

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