A short while ago the nearest place we knew where there would be
Perunnal service like Christmas or Easter was Syracuse which was about
150 miles away. Later we came to know of another Church in Fishkill
which was somewhat closer, only 100 miles or so away. So around this
time of the year, we would be trying to figure out and plan where to go
to attend Christmas service. We hoped
the weather would be kind and the drive would be safe. It was easy to
give in and stay home, but the longing to attend the service like we
were used to in India, to be near the altar when the world celebrated
the birth of the Savior, to break the fast with the Holy Qurbana, all
made us hit the roads more often than not. So we have great memories of
Christmas with the St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church Of Dutchess County,NY Church family, Holy Week with Syracuse Church family from past years.
And then in these last days, God blessed Albany and blessed Albany abundantly. This year we are preparing to celebrate Christmas service in our own church. I remember a time when having a special service in Albany required such elaborate planning including driving the priest from and back to NYC or Philadelphia. We have a full time vicar now with service every Sunday -- also evening prayer every Saturday at Church! Not so long ago, I was trying hard to find one acolyte's training for a regular Sunday service, and this Saturday we are getting together to practice for the Christmas service - we did not even dream of such luxuries a few years ago!
So once in a while, I pause to look back at the paths traveled - just so I do not forget the mighty providence that brought us here - from nothingness to overflowing abundance, from emptiness to exceeding mercy -- and I fall to my knees reminded of the amazing grace that loved a wretch like me. Also I get a grim reminder every time these memories flash in my mind, that unless we bear fruits worthy of these great blessings, we stand to lose everything.
Lord have mercy!
(written in 2008)
And then in these last days, God blessed Albany and blessed Albany abundantly. This year we are preparing to celebrate Christmas service in our own church. I remember a time when having a special service in Albany required such elaborate planning including driving the priest from and back to NYC or Philadelphia. We have a full time vicar now with service every Sunday -- also evening prayer every Saturday at Church! Not so long ago, I was trying hard to find one acolyte's training for a regular Sunday service, and this Saturday we are getting together to practice for the Christmas service - we did not even dream of such luxuries a few years ago!
So once in a while, I pause to look back at the paths traveled - just so I do not forget the mighty providence that brought us here - from nothingness to overflowing abundance, from emptiness to exceeding mercy -- and I fall to my knees reminded of the amazing grace that loved a wretch like me. Also I get a grim reminder every time these memories flash in my mind, that unless we bear fruits worthy of these great blessings, we stand to lose everything.
Lord have mercy!
(written in 2008)
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