April 1, 2015
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our Maronite ritual on Easter centers around the theme of “Peace”; the Risen Christ is our peace and he grants peace to our minds and hearts. We will never enjoy true peace unless we get closer to Jesus.
· Easter grants peace of mind: Christ reveals to us the identity and essence of God.
· Easter grants peace of conscience: Christ has reconciled us with God and each other.
· Easter grants us peace of heart: Christ calms our anxieties and we enjoy his presence within us.
As we approach this most sacred feast of the Church –the solemn celebration of the Resurrection - I echo the ancient Christian salutation: Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!
I also wish to extend to you the blessings of this Holy Feast, asking the Lord to bless you and your loved ones. As the Hoosoyo says for this feast: “Clothe our bodies with the power of the Spirit, so that we may shine in the robe of glory and in its light see you, the true Bridegroom.”
The Feast of the Resurrection also ushers in a new season. A season of exultation and joy because death has been conquered. It is a season of peace and unity. I pray for both.
I assure all that you will be remembered in the Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection.
May Christ fill your homes and your hearts with that peace that comes to us from Christ’s love.
A Blessed and Joyful Easter to all of you.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ A. Elias Zaidan
Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
The sound system will be installed at the end of April. Please consider donating to this important improvement to our church.
The Annual Lenten Appeal for the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon is now taking place. This year, a copy of a letter from Bishop Elias Zaidan was sent to every family in the mail, together with a special gift. This is the same appeal that we do every year. If you write a check, please make it payable to St. Raymond’s and mail it or put it in the collection basket. We will send one check to the Eparchy at the end of the Appeal. Our parish’s goal for this year’s Appeal is $8500.00. We have received $6475.00 of the $8500.00 so far. If we don’t reach our goal, the parish has to make up the difference. Please be generous and support the Eparchy. For those of you who did not receive any by mail, there are some extra pamphlets in the vestibule. Thank you.
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