Reverend Fathers, beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,

In these days, when we prepare for the national holiday of Thanksgiving, it is appropriate to give ourselves a moment of reflection and thanksgiving. Reflection on the history of the American colonists who sought a land of freedom and prosperity. Also, reflection on the history that followed and shaped the desire for religious freedom of the first settlers. This reflection should be continued with a perspective on our troubled times of war, violence and natural disasters. Reflecting on the world, we must remember that peace and goodwill between people can only come from God through each of us, those who call ourselves Christians and recognize Him as Creator, Giver of Providence, and Savior!

We can say that the national Thanksgiving holiday is a welcome occasion to announce, ahead of time, together with the angels, glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill among men (Luke 2:14)! For our reflection ought to be complete through thanksgiving. We thank God for his favors showered on the ancestors, but also on us, when we gather as a family for this celebration.

Gratitude is the fulfillment of history. The man who gives thanks to God recognizes himself as God's creation, and shows himself redeemed, as the one who received God's gift and returns it to God and to his fellow men with gratitude. We Orthodox know that this gratitude is evident in the Divine Liturgy when the gifts of bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of the Savior and are offered back to the faithful for eternal life. So, our thanksgiving to God not only refers to creation and providence, but also to eternity, to our life in the Kingdom together with Christ, His Mother and all the saints!

Let us thank God for all this!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

† Metropolitan Nicolae