Dear Friends,
Recently our parish had the joy of co-hosting a presentation by Steve and Theophani Sarigianis, a young couple who plan to serve as missionaries to the Orthodox Church of Albania. Currently they are visiting many local parishes to ask for support in their endeavor, which is under the auspices of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). Our parish co-hosted the event with St. George Albanian Orthodox Church, Trumbull, CT.
Theophani and Steve Sarigianis at Holy Ghost Church (photo by Laura Chadwick)
Steve and Theophani first met in 2012 at Hellenic College Holy Cross. Since they shared a calling to serve Christ as missionaries, they developed a close friendship. After completing their studies, the two served on an OCMC team to Kenya in 2016 led by the late Bishop Athanasios Akunda, who would later preside at their marriage ceremony in Hellenic College Holy Cross Chapel.
As I listened to their presentation, I was struck by their humble willingness to serve the people and church of Albania in whatever way might be needed. But I further imagined the challenging work ahead of them as residents in a foreign country far from their home. So I was heartened when members of our parish, along with visiting members of St. George Church, were together on the day of their presentation and offered contributions to help support them in their work. Some gave right on the day and others were planning to go online to the Sarigianis’s OCMC page.
I also couldn’t help thinking how fitting it was for our two parishes to host this mission-minded couple on the Sunday when the Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son was read during the service. I’m sure that Steve and Theophani will help those they encounter in Albania, many of whom may feel spiritually lost, to sense something of our merciful Father’s love, and to find a home in Christ and His Church. May God bless their future labor in His Name.
In Him, Father John Jillions, Pastor
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