Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Thanksgiving is a holiday that gives us the opportunity to gather with family and friends, share in fellowship, and pause to reflect and give thanks to God for the abundant blessings in each of our lives. It is a beautiful tradition of expressing our gratitude on Thanksgiving, but we should carry the spirit of this holiday to every day of the year, so that giving thanks becomes a regular part of our daily lives.

Let us first look at the historical significance of this holiday. Thanksgiving was a day to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest. The Pilgrims and the Puritans brought this tradition with them when they emigrated from England in the early 1600’s. It also has roots in various religious and cultural traditions. President George Washington designated the first celebration of Thanksgiving in 1789. Now nearly 400 years later, Thanksgiving in America has become a day filled with an abundance of food, football games, pumpkin pie and shopping.

The word “thanksgiving” is defined as: the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, especially to God. This, my beloved brothers and sisters, should be our focus for this celebration. Before the turkey is carved, before the cranberries are passed, let us gather as a family in Christ, giving thanks to God for His blessings. Regardless of the challenges we face personally or collectively as a society, we all have reason to offer thanksgiving to God. Whether young or old, healthy or sick, rich or poor, blessings still abound! We have the unconditional love of Jesus Christ, we have the hope of eternal salvation through Him, and we have His grace. These are but a few of the most meaningful blessings we have been given by God.

We also have the ultimate act of thanksgiving, the Holy Eucharist, which is offered to us at each Divine Liturgy. This is the true feast of Thanksgiving, the offering of the Body and Blood of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins and for everlasting life. We do not need to wait until the fourth Thursday of each November to celebrate Thanksgiving, for the invitation to the real meaning of this day is offered to us each week. Would you accept an invitation to someone’s home for Thanksgiving dinner but not partake of the food? This would be inconsiderate to your hosts. However, do you come to Divine Liturgy and when the Holy Chalice is brought forth, do you not accept the invitation from Christ?

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, remember to first and foremost give thanks to God. And, let us prepare ourselves physically and spiritually for the great Feast of Thanksgiving, the Holy Eucharist, and become true partakers of the Lord’s most precious gift.

Giving thanks to the Lord for each of you and your love for Jesus Christ and wishing you and your beloved families a most blessed Thanksgiving, I remain,

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco