I have a little problem with your mission statement. We are called to be
changed by the
Church - not to change the Church. The Church as the Body of Christ is holy.
Even
though there may be individuals and agendas that may seem unholy, we have to
trust that
the Church is holy, for it is established by Christ and Christ is the head. Let
us not
seek to change the faith and traditions which have kept the Church in tact for
centuries,
for which the martyrs gave their lives. Rather, let us work to individually
transform
ourselves into the original image and likeness of God. This is done through
participation in the life of the church. If each person sought this renewal of
mind and
heart, the entire body would be transformed and renewed. As the fathers teach,
we need
purification, illumination, and theosis. This is the true need of the hour.
Pray for it
- work for it.

****************************************************************
Dn. George Mathew [Benny]
Seminarian, St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary
South Canaan, PA

St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Washington, DC (est. 1965)
Visit our website: http://www.st-thomas-orthodox-dc.org/
Pray for our parish - we have commenced construction; tax-deductible donations
are welcome! Visit our website to make a contribution.