Summer 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to bring your attention to a new charity we are adopting at St. Mary's.
Shannon and Panayiotis Sakellariou were once missionaries in the country of Albania. They have started a book drive to help an Orthodox-sponsored elementary school in the capital Tirana. The school is named the Protagonist School. Its emphasis is on American teaching practices and English. The books will help start a library for the children grades 4-9. So, we are looking for "gently used" or new books of any kind, including science, geography, mystery, adventure, literature, and history.
The Orthodox Church has experienced an amazing renaissance in this one-time communist country, one of the most extreme regimes the world has known. Under the leadership of His Eminence ANATASIOS, a truly wonderful and visionary bishop, the Church has done much rebuilding and has expanded its ministries throughout all of Albanian society. We can lend a hand and that is exciting.
So, on your next trip to the attic or basement, or to a local bookstore, think about picking up a book or two and bringing it to church the next time you are there. A box for your donations has been set up outside the church office.
Remember: true wealth is the poverty that comes from giving. The only thing that cannot be taken away from us is what we give away.
Much love in Christ,
Fr. Antony