H.G. Bishop Metaous – Abbot of the monastery, together with the monastery’s monks would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.  On this joyous occasion we remember the wise men who came from afar, withstanding the long journey in order to see our Lord Jesus Christ.

They were full of love and they were longing to see the new born baby whom the star directed them to. They were very eager to see Him and they were indeed, the first of all nations to worship Him. We also recall, “…they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11) May the Lord grant us to offer Him even the least, and even the least would be very precious in His eyes, as long as we offer it with love.

May the Lord grant us to offer Him, no matter how small, and still it will cheer God’s humble heart. We will offer Him our resistance to sin, we will offer Him our repentance along with fruitful virtues. We will also offer the Lord all that we can in order to please Him. In return, the Lord will accept our gifts, just as He accepted those of the wise men. In conclusion, we can chant with all our hearts, “For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.”   (1 chronicles 29:14)

As we celebrate these holy days, we ask the Lord to grant you and all your loved ones – health, happiness, and spiritual growth.