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14th Sunday in Luke 1/22/2006 OCALA Stewardship One of the most common phrases at any time, is the mentioning of how quickly time passes. Goodness, we say, the New Year just began, and already we are in the last fourth of the month of January. Commensurate to this phrase, we come to remind ourselves of the renewing of our commitment to our Holy Mission here in the Ocala area. The truth is, that we have come a long way in the past two years, since we have been praying in this beautiful Chapel and breaking bread together in the Cafeteria, through the graciousness of Brother Andrew, the principle of the Trinity Catholic High School. We are forever grateful for this benevolence. This week will be indelibly inscribed in the Book of the Annals of our Mission, since the first major step has been taken; a step, which reminds us of our stewardship, without which we could never have taken the first major step. The Major Step is the down payment of $102,000 on our over 9 acres piece of property. When we took the decision, approved by the General Meeting we had about $50,000 earmarked for a down payment. But, since we announced toward the end of 2005 our Building Fund Drive, we had collected an additional $52,000, so as to add to the original $50,000, thus reducing our monthly payment at 6% considerably. Today, I would like to offer a few thoughts on Stewardship, so that we may better understand the term as used in the Bible. The term or label, "Steward" is defined in the dictionary as an administrator, a manager or a supervisor. The term steward is familiar to those sailing aboard ships or planes, because the steward or stewardess are employees, who are responsible for the passengers' comfort. The word steward in Greek is "Economos." It is a synthetic word from "oikos," meaning house or household, and "nemein," meaning "to dispense, to distribute, or to manage." The word "Economos" is closely related to the word "oikodome," meaning "the building, the constructing or edifying."These two Greek words describe our endeavor here to the fullest. That is, we all, the stewards, or "Economoi" have fully dedicated themselves to become the "Economoi!" All of us, individually and collectively are "Economoi" and "Economoi." All of us are stewards as well as builders. At the beginning of 2005 we instituted the system all Parishes are using. Even though, about one half of our Members signed the pledge to faithfully contribute every Sunday. These Members contributed whether they were present at the Liturgy or away, so as to end the year with a 52 week complete record. Many of the other one half who did not sign the pledge, did contribute, and of course some gave their contribution, only when they attended Church. One wonders, why it should be this way? When you really get down to it, it really isn't fair,--- not to mention that it is not Christian. We are all Brothers and Sisters; --- one Family under God, and it would seem to me, that we all should have equal participation. We all should sign the pledge contributing according to our means, to support our Holy Mission. The Church will never specify amounts. Each one contributes out of the fullness of their heart. But, while amounts are not specified, we do expect everyone to sign, so that our Mission can meet its obligations. You all received the pledge cards,--- not the Building Fund letter, and I do hope that everyone should make his or her pledge, and thus share in our effort in common. You also received at the beginning of December a letter explaining our effort to amortize the beautiful 9 plus acres we purchase d for our future Buildings. This plan spread over 5 years, with everyone's participation will not only pay for the property, but will also leave us hopefully an excess amount. In the 17 years I had served after my retirement to organize the Lecanto Parish, I saw no way, that average retirees, and so very limited Members of means, could collect enough in a spontaneous all-out drive to construct our multi-purpose Hall. I emphasized, that only through a 5 year building fund plan, we could achieve our goal. As a result, with almost 100% participation, we collected over $300,000, and we commenced constructing our Hall, which is one of the largest in Citrus County, and has served the Community well. It is this plan, that we are duplicating in our Mission. Without it, our dream will be delayed for years. At some time our people, and that includes all Orthodox, must come to realize, that Church is part of them, or rather, they are part of what constitutes a Church. Consequently, it follows, that we all have certain obligations. In the Parish of the St. Paul's Cathedral, which I instituted in 1950, the few people of means did not respond, as I would have expected. In the meantime, families were moving out to Long Island, and it wasn't long before our families numbered 1000, causing a tremendous strain on the Parish. We had gathered other funds during the initial years, but to start our building project we needed $300,000 immediately. So, in doing the arithmetic, this came to a minimum of $300 per family per month, for a two year period. It was further broken down to request only $2.86 per week. In two weeks through a concerted effort, we had gathered the sum, which was discounted at the bank, and we got the money up front. We're talking about the early 50's, when salaries were low and expenses high, especially for our Members, because of commuting, schools, etc. The Drive was highly successful, but there was one very dedicated family, which was totally immersed in every Church activity. Both Parents, because of illnesses and operations, became so inundated with medical bills, that it would take years to pay them. I remember vividly, the father, a devoted member in our Choir, confessing to me, that he wanted more than anything to sign for the minimum $300, but there was no way. Of course, I told him not to worry, and that I knew his situation well, which I did. They donated in so many other ways. One day he came to me with great enthusiasm, and asked for the application to sign. I asked him, what changed? He told me, that so often at the dinner table they would discuss with his wife the pledge system, being troubled as to why they could not contribute. Divine Providence was at work. They found the solution. "Father," he said, "we don't have any dollars left after my pay check, but the thought finally hit us, that we can sign the pledge by simply eliminating one meat meal per week! This gave us tremendous spiritual fulfillment." Thus, they became the happiest people living, when they signed their pledge. That gave them great comfort of soul. That, my dear Friends, is what is called sacrificial giving. Their heart was replete with love for their Church. The Church was their treasure, and by their act they gave substance to the Lord's words: "For wherever your treasure is, there also will be your heart." (Matt.6:21) Thus, the normal question for all Christians can be: "where, and what constitutes our treasure?" I've been in Florida almost 31 years. Over these years when it came to some building Fund drive, I heard from more than one person: "I did my duty to the Parish I belonged to up north, etc." Does this make sense for a Christian? Is it Christian thinking? I don't think so. What greater satisfaction can one have, than to contribute to erecting God's House? As dedicated Christians we must make Church part of our living expenses, regardless of what we had done in our former Parish. We must finally digest, that we do not give to the Church, but that we return to the Lord part of our blessings, thus fulfilling our obligation as a Member of His Church. Sponsoring drives to collect money was very vivid in St. Paul's time. In 1st Corinthians, Chapter 16, verses 1-3 we read: "Now concerning the collection for our brothers and sisters, as I directed the Churches in Galatia, I also direct you, that on the first day of every week, you put aside and save, as one may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. And when I do arrive, whomever you may approve, I shall send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem." Thus we learn of the missionary work and support of the most ancient Churches. They took care of their local Church needs, but they also set aside a sum to be sent to the Churches in Jerusalem. Throughout the Bible we come across the mentioning of money. We often hear: "money is the root of all evil." This is wrong, because money, when used for noble causes is a blessing. The correct phrase is: "The love of money is the root of all evil." (1Tim.6:10) Do we not recall the rich young ruler approaching Jesus to ask Him how he could gain Eternal Life?. The Lord said: "Go, sell all that you have, and come, follow me and you shall have a place in Heaven.." The young man turned about face dejectedly, because he could never see his parting from all the material things, which he loved, and which controlled his heart and mind. In the correspondence you received last month, it was stressed that we all read the letters carefully and then prayerfully make our 5 year pledge to our Building Fund. To be sure, when this happens you shall not be poorer, but will have gained wealth, by being spiritually nourished and fulfilled. Fr. George Papadeas
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