Dear Parents,

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”(Proverbs).

The above scriptural quote offers us, both families and the Church, the seed for faithful and godly Christian living.  Parents and Church have a holy partnership in developing the hearts and minds of the young so that indeed “when they grow old they will not depart…”from God’s ways.

As your priest I think about what it would be like if each household of St. Demetrios would make a weekly commitment toward educating and living their Orthodox faith a priority?  Each year at this time the question is revisited.  Many parents make the initial commitment only to be overwhelmed by other activities and commitments that seem to crowd out Christ and His Church from family life.  How unfortunate since these formative years of spiritual training will far outweigh the value of some of the activities that will be placed ahead of religious instruction and family worship. This also is true for us as adults. 

As adults we continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom throughout our life.  We continue learning and developing our talents and gifts.  However, for many, our knowledge of God’s word and the teachings of the faith are only a faint memory of what we learned as children.  How can we grow into spiritually aware and mature Orthodox Christians?  How can we become responsible examples for our children when we ourselves lack in knowing the basic teachings and faith of our Church?

I ask you to dedicate some of your time this year toward addressing this important matter.  How?  First, by attending the Divine Liturgy, on time, regularly and often.  Secondly, by taking an interest in what your children are being taught in Church School.  Ask and discuss with them what they have learned.  Bring it up during the week in the car or at the dinner table.  Pray with your children before they go to school, at bedtime and at meals. 

We at St. Demetrios, Priests, Church School staff and instructors in the faith stand ready to assist you as you grow closer to Christ and His Church.  We invite you to join us on this faith journey that will enrich you and your family’s life abundantly.

With love in the Lord,

Fr. Nick