Abide and Bear Fruit

As we step into this New Year, our Lord’s words in Saint John 15:1–14 call us back to what truly matters: “I am the true vine, and you are the branches.” A new year brings new plans, hopes, and challenges, but lasting fruit is born only when our lives remain rooted in Christ.

To abide in Him is not a passive act; it is a daily, loving choice— to remain in His Word, to listen to His voice, and to allow His love to shape our thoughts and actions. When we are firmly connected to the Vine, His life flows through us, strengthening us in times of pruning and empowering us in seasons of growth. Even the trials we face become tools in God’s hands, refining us to bear more fruit.

Jesus reminds us that the fruit we bear is love—love that forgives, serves, heals, and reaches beyond ourselves. In a world longing for hope, Christ calls us to make a difference by living lives that reflect His compassion and truth.

As we begin this New Year, let us remain in Christ, rooted deeply in His love, so that our lives may bear fruit that glorifies God and blesses the world around us.

Happy and Blessed New Year!

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen

Beloved children in Christ,

As we enter the sacred 50-day Great Lent, the Church lovingly invites each one of us to walk more closely with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This holy season is not merely a time of fasting from food, but a deeper call to fast from sin, to turn our hearts toward repentance, prayer, humility, and love.

The Great Lent reminds us of our Lord’s forty days of fasting in the wilderness and prepares us to partake worthily in His life-giving Passion, Cross, and glorious Resurrection. Through sincere repentance, confession, increased prayer, almsgiving, and participation in the Holy Qurbana, we are given an opportunity to renew our spiritual lives and strengthen our relationship with God and with one another.

Let us use these days to examine ourselves honestly, forgive one another generously, and grow in compassion toward the suffering and the needy. May our fasting be accompanied by kindness in words, purity in thoughts, and humility in actions, so that our sacrifices may be pleasing to God.

I prayerfully encourage all of you —families, youth, and elders to actively take part in the Lenten services, meditations, and prayers of the Church. May the Holy Spirit guide us through this blessed journey, leading us from repentance to renewal, and from the Cross to the joy of the Resurrection.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, who fasted and prayed for our sake, grant us strength, perseverance, and spiritual fruit during this Great Lent.
With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen

Beloved children in Christ,

As we arrive at the midpoint of the Holy Great Lent, the Church lovingly calls us to pause and reflect on our spiritual journey. These sacred weeks of fasting, prayer, and repentance are given to us as a time of renewal, inviting us to turn our hearts more fully toward God. In the midst of our daily responsibilities and struggles, Lent reminds us to seek silence, humility, and deeper communion with our Lord.

At this point in our Lenten journey, the Church places before us the Holy Cross as a source of strength and encouragement. The Cross stands as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, His boundless love for humanity, and the victory of life over death. As we venerate the Cross, we are reminded that our own struggles and sacrifices during Lent unite us with the suffering and triumph of Christ.

Mid-Lent is also an invitation to renew our commitment to this sacred season. If our fasting has weakened or our prayers have become less frequent, the Church gently encourages us to begin again with renewed faith and devotion. The path of repentance is not one of discouragement, but of hope and transformation through God’s grace.

As we continue the remaining weeks of Lent, may we grow in humility, forgiveness, and love for one another. Through sincere prayer, acts of charity, and faithful participation in the life of the Church, may our hearts be prepared to joyfully receive the glorious Resurrection of our Lord.

With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen

Beloved Children in Christ,

After fifty days of Great Lent, days of prayer, fasting, and repentance we now stand in the light of the Resurrection. What we have journeyed through was not in vain; it was a preparation of the heart. Today we proclaim with joy that Christ is risen! The sorrow of the cross has been transformed into the glory of the empty tomb, and death itself has been defeated.

During this sacred season, we were called to turn inward, to confront our weaknesses, and to draw closer to God. Now the Resurrection calls us to rise with Christ to leave behind sin, to embrace forgiveness, and to walk in newness of life. This is not only a celebration of what Christ has done, but an invitation to transformation within us. If we have truly lived this Lent, then our hearts should now reflect His light and His love.

As we go forward, let us not leave this joy behind in the church, but carry it into our daily lives. The world needs the hope of the Resurrection, and we are called to be its witnesses. Let our words, actions, and love proclaim that Christ is alive. May the risen Lord strengthen your faith, fill your hearts with peace, and guide you always—Christ is risen!Truly, He is risen!

With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen

Beloved in Christ,

This month, we will be celebrating the blessed Feast of Pentecost, we gather in joy and reverence, remembering the glorious descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. This sacred event is not only a moment in history, but a living reality in the life of the Church and in each one of us.

When the Holy Spirit came as tongues of fire, the fearful disciples were transformed into bold witnesses of the Gospel. This reminds us that true strength does not come from human ability, but from the indwelling presence of God. The same Spirit that empowered the Apostles continues to guide, comfort, and sanctify us today.

Pentecost calls us to renewal. It invites us to open our hearts so that the Spirit may dwell within us more fully—cleansing us from sin, strengthening us in faith, and uniting us in love. As members of the Holy Church, we are called to bear the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, humility, and selfcontrol.

Let us also remember that the Church itself was revealed in its fullness on this day. We are not isolated believers, but one body in Christ, bound together by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let us strive to live in unity, forgive one another, and serve with compassion.

May the Holy Spirit renew our families, strengthen our parish, and guide us in all truth. Let us become living witnesses of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

May the grace of the Father, the love of the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Amen.

With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen

Beloved in Christ,

As we enter the blessed season of the Apostles’ Fast, I invite each of you to embrace this sacred time with prayer, fasting, repentance, and renewed dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ. This fast prepares us spiritually for the glorious Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, which our Church joyfully celebrates as our patronal feast.

The Holy Apostles Peter and Paul are shining examples of faith, courage, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Though their paths were different, both gave their lives in service to Christ and became pillars of the Church. Their witness reminds us that God calls each of us, despite our weaknesses and struggles, to become faithful disciples and bearers of His love.

As a parish blessed to bear the name of Saints Peter and Paul, this feast holds special significance for our community. It is an opportunity to reflect on their example, strengthen our faith, and renew our commitment to the mission of the Church. Let us use this fasting period to draw closer to God, seek His mercy, and prepare our hearts to celebrate our patron saints with spiritual joy.

I warmly encourage all parishioners to participate in the services and activities leading up to the feast. May the prayers and intercessions of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul guide and protect our parish, our families, and each one of us.

With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you all!

With hearts full of gratitude to God, we give thanks for the many blessings we have received as our parish joyfully celebrated the Feast of our Patron Saints, St. Peter and St. Paul. Their unwavering faith, courageous witness, and steadfast commitment to proclaiming the Gospel continue to inspire us to grow in holiness and to serve one another with love and humility.

Our celebration was made even more meaningful as it coincided with our nation’s observance of the 250th Anniversary of Independence. This historic milestone reminds us to thank God for the gift of freedom, to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and to renew our commitment to building a society rooted in justice, peace, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every person.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to making our parish feast a joyful and memorable celebration. Thank you to our volunteers, ministry leaders, benefactors, families, and every parishioner whose generous service, prayers, and presence reflected the beauty of our faith community. Your dedication and spirit of unity are a true blessing to our parish.

As we continue our journey of faith, may St. Peter strengthen us with steadfast faith, and may St. Paul inspire us with missionary zeal to share the Good News wherever we go. Let us remain united in Christ, growing together in love, hope, and service to God and our neighbors.

May Almighty God continue to bless our parish, our families, and our nation. May He grant us wisdom, peace, and the grace to be faithful disciples who bring His light into the world.

With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you all!

As we begin the blessed Dormition Fast of St. Mary from August 1–15, let us enter this sacred season with hearts filled with prayer, repentance, humility, and hope. The Holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is the perfect example of complete obedience to God’s will. Her life reminds us that true greatness is found in faith, purity, and humble service.

During these fifteen days, I lovingly invite every member of our parish family to participate faithfully in the fasting, daily prayers, Holy Qurbana, and spiritual services of the Church. Let us use this time to draw closer to Christ, strengthen our families in prayer, forgive one another, and extend love and compassion to those around us.

May this holy fast renew our hearts and deepen our relationship with God through the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us ask her to pray for our families, our parish, those who are suffering, and for peace throughout the world.

I encourage everyone, children, youth, and adults to make this fast a meaningful spiritual journey by setting aside time each day for Scripture reading, personal prayer, and acts of charity.

May the prayers and intercessions of St. Mary, the Theotokos, protect and guide each of you. May our Lord bless you abundantly and grant you a spiritually fruitful Dormition Fast.

With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ,

Mathews Achen