In our modern world, where politics have become so divisive – not only here in America, but in our Russian/Ukrainian homeland as well – along with the usual bustling about in our daily lives, losing sight of what is most important in our lives becomes fairly common. We tend to get bogged down in our earthly problems and concerns while forgetting to be grateful for what we do have and the many blessings with which God showers us all our lives.
One of the most admirable things promulgated by our American government over a century ago (by President Abraham Lincoln, in fact) was the establishment of a national day of thanks to God for His countless mercies bestowed upon our country throughout its history. Of all of our national holidays, Thanksgiving seems to be the only one that has, at least somewhat, maintained its importance and relevance. Our very secular society has virtually eliminated any Christian spirituality from Easter – the greatest of all feasts – and the commercialization of Christmas is, unfortunately, legendary. Thanksgiving Day has always been a time for families to gather, consider the blessings they have and, indeed, to give thanks. At the very least, most people in our country do take this day to consider and appreciate the more important things in life. Unfortunately, even this feast is under the same secular and, particularly, commercial threats today, which have eliminated any spiritual meaning from our holidays and virtually every other aspect of our lives in this country.
It is for this very reason that we, as Orthodox Christians, are particularly blessed, in that for us, every Sunday, every Liturgy, is a day of thanks. The Greek word εὐχαριστία (eucharistia), which means “thanks” or “gratitude,” is the root of the term Holy Eucharist – that most important part of the Divine Liturgy during which the Holy Gifts of our Lord’s Body and Blood are consecrated. The “Bloodless sacrifice of Praise” is the ultimate giving of thanks to God, during which we participate in the eternal Mystical Supper through which heaven and earth are joined. During the celebration of every Divine Liturgy, we offer praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His mercy and loving-kindness. That eternal celebration taking place in the Heavenly Kingdom is available to us, here and now, whenever we participate in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The Eucharistic celebration wherein Christ offers His Body and Blood for our spiritual and physical healing contains that moment in time when we are able to experience now, and participate in, the Eternal Banquet that awaits us in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The days of the Nativity Lent are upon us. Let us keep this holy time of preparation for the bright feasts of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord very much in mind, especially when faced with the commotion that often accompanies this time of year, always remembering “the reason for the season.”
God bless!
—Fr. Alexander
