Assembly of Bishops News

Closing Remarks fo the Chairman at Assembly of Bishops XIV | Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America

View Original Article on the Assembly of Bishops Website

Friday, November 07, 2025

My Beloved Brothers and Concelebrants in the Holy Spirit,

I want to thank all of you for your prayerful presence and your thoughtful contributions to the work that we have engaged together. We gather as this Assembly of Bishops in order to bring what is best for all the Orthodox Christians who dwell in this blessed land. Every step that we take together is a positive example to our Faithful, that they can imitate in their own lives and communities. I am grateful to each and every one of you for your participation and for the dignity and piety with which you exercise the high office entrusted to you by our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we leave off the work of the Assembly’s agenda today, and prepare to celebrate the Divine Liturgy together tomorrow, I reflect that our work together is never truly done. At least not until the Messiah comes again in all His glory. The Holy Eucharist in which we partake is the Lord’s way to not only be with us throughout history, but to remind us that His Presence is always breaking through history to transform us into His image and likeness.

I pray that as we take our leave of one another after our concelebration tomorrow, that we recognize that transformation is not only possible, but inevitable. We are called to lead and to feed the flock of the Great Shepherd of the rational sheep in the verdant pastures of the authentic Orthodox Faith. The truth of our Church is self-evident, and we see that it is bringing more and more people through the doors of our Temples. As the Lord said:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to Myself.” [1]

May He continue to bless all our ministries, and through His Holy Spirit enable us to bring more and more lost sheep into His fold.

May we continue to use this Assembly to provide more and more ministry to our Faithful.

And may we blessed to enjoy a more fruitful fellowship with one another, as we live in the light of His glory.

Amen.

 

[1] John 12:32.

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