“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me….” — Matthew 25:35 – 36
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
These words from the Gospel of Saint Matthew truly exemplify the importance of serving others as we have been taught by Christ. Just as we entreat the Lord, through the intercessions of the Theotokos and the Saints in our daily lives, we, too, must become intercessors to help those who are in need.
One of the Core Values identified in our recent Strategic Planning Retreat was Philanthropic Outreach. In an effort to obtain opinions and input on this important area of our ministry, we are asking parishioners to take a few minutes to complete an important survey. Your feedback will help provide a valuable assessment as to where we are today with our Philanthropic Outreach programs, and help shape the future of this ministry for our Metropolis. Philanthropic Outreach, for the purposes of the work of the Church, can be described as fulfilling a need that is currently unmet that benefits the local, national or international communities. While the work within our parishes is of the utmost importance, we must remember that Christ taught us to help others.
The Philanthropic Outreach survey can be found on the Metropolis website at www.sanfran.goarch.org/survey2... and your responses are entirely confidential. Survey responses will be accepted through December 15, 2012.
I extend my gratitude for your participation in this important survey, as the opinions of our faithful stewards are vital to the development and expansion of this ministry. May God grant us all strength and wisdom to serve Him through our good works and bring His love and peace to the world!
With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco