From the December 2024 / January 2025 edition of “The Light”
May our Lord Jesus Christ, through the upcoming feasts of His Nativity and Theophany, grant you a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually enriching end to 2024 and a blessed beginning to 2025. By His grace, our diocese continues to grow stronger as we prepare for a series of spiritually uplifting events in the first half of the new year. These include:
- Clergy and Winter Retreats in January
- Winter Camp in February
- Lenten Retreats for Antiochian Women, AMEN, Young Adults, and Teen SOYO in April
- The Parish Life Conference in June
- The summer sessions of Camp St. Thekla in June and July
I encourage you all to look forward to these opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship.
For more information on these events, including details about the DOMSE Scholarship for graduating high school seniors, please visit our website at www.DOMSE.org and explore the Events section.
As we embark on the new year, I would like to reflect on the importance of self-motivation in our daily lives. True self-motivation is not merely a human endeavor; for Christians, it flows from Christ’s immeasurable love for
us, demonstrated in His sacrifice on the Cross for our salvation. When Christ-centered self-motivation takes root in our lives, it leads to spiritual triumph and the cultivation of God-like virtues. The saints have always emphasized this dynamic, recognizing it as foundational to spiritual growth. Though each person’s journey varies, the result remains constant: a deepening relationship with God.
In 2025, we will undoubtedly face challenges in our secular and professional lives. The distractions of technology and other worldly enticements often disguise the work of the evil one, seeking to derail our spiritual progress. Yet, technology itself is not inherently harmful; it is how we use it that determines its impact. We must take ownership of our choices and remain steadfast in our direction, much like the rudder of a ship. While the rudder does not propel the vessel forward, it determines its course. Let our rudder be Jesus Christ, guiding us with His love, and let the spiritual life of our parishes and diocese be our compass.
As we journey through the coming year, let us remain vigilant and intentional in our spiritual efforts, participating in the many events and opportunities for growth within our diocese. I look forward to seeing you all at these events and in your parishes.
May God bless you and may the Holy Trinity protect you all!
+BISHOP NICHOLAS
