“… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” -      Hebrews12:1

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Each year at the Olympic games, fans around the globe marvel at the amazing feats in athleticism that are demonstrated, perhaps most especially in the games which take place in track and field.  Since ancient times, the relay race has had a special place in the tournament due to the unique set of skills required.  Not only must a runner have tremendous endurance, strength and speed, but also the specific technique in which the baton must be passed to the next runner on the team.  A great deal of teamwork necessary to ensure that the team runs at the same pace, with each runner building off the other’s effort in a fluid, organized movement.

On the day of the Lord’s Ascension into heaven, He commissioned His disciples to continue the work He had begun in His earthly ministry, and they commissioned their disciples to do the same.  Like a relay in which each runner builds off of the hard work and determination of the runner before them, the Church’s work has continued down to the present day.  This year, on June 23, 29 and 30, the feasts of Pentecost, Saints Peter and Paul, and the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles, respectively, we celebrate these feats of spiritual athleticism, which are the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the believers.  

In many of the writings of the apostles, the Church is reminded that we too, as followers of Jesus Christ, have a special role to play in this race, and truly "pick up the baton,” starting on the day we are baptized.  If the word “apostle” means “one who is sent,” and we believe the Holy Spirit works in us, then we too can proclaim the Good News of the Lord’s Resurrection. God can utilize any of us for the benefit of those around us to continue to the work which He commissioned His disciples to do thousands of years ago.  We would do well to embrace this calling, recognizing our own importance in ministry no matter where we are in our life, as we never know how our words or actions can convey God’s love and our faith in Jesus Christ to those around us.

May we follow the example of the Holy Apostles, and also run the race which is set before us.

With love in the Risen Lord,

Fr. Niko Bekris

Proistamenos

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