Taking Up Our Cross
One hundred years ago plus one day, the Annunciation community celebrated the ‘Thyranixia’, that is the opening of the doors of the Cathedral. Though, at that time, the community had been serving the Greek Orthodox faithful of Boston for over thirty years, this date celebrates the dedication and faithfulness of the community. The parish moved from their previous location to the corner of Ruggles and Parker streets with the hope and expectation of serving the faithful in Boston for years to come.
The years to come have totaled over 100 and the community has seen times of great activity, ministry, and growth, along with periods of a slower life and challenges. Some of the challenges have drawn the community closer together, some reconciled disagreements, and others caused decline. This movement, however, is the life of a family or community. There are always times of celebration and times of sorrow.
What we face as the Cathedral community is how to face the challenges of today? The only true way to face the challenges of today is to focus on our relationship with Christ, as individuals and as a parish. There is no other remedy that will draw us together to face the next 100 years.
Our fathers and forefathers built up the community and the Cathedral facilities in order to provide a place for faithful to gather for worship and cultural expression. They looked to the future with hope. The future of the Cathedral, that hope, is now in our hands. Are we looking to the future? Have we asked ourselves, what are we doing today to make firm the foundation of faith for future generations? What are we doing today to bring the light of Christ to our family, friends, and neighbors?
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Holy Cross, a feast that calls us to remember and celebrate the sacrifice Christ offered to all people through His crucifixion. Through the Cross we the hope of salvation is revealed and we are encouraged to grow in faith and understanding. Let the joy that Helen felt when she found the Holy Cross be the same joy we share on this 100th anniversary knowing that it is through our sacrifice today that will build the Cathedral community for tomorrow. Let us take up our cross and follow Him.