"Come and See' Is theme of 2010 Faith & Heritage Open House
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Dearly beloved,
“Come and See” was the theme of the 40th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress recently held in Atlanta, GA. In his keynote address, Archbishop Demetrios encouraged us to extend the welcome of Orthodoxy to everyone to “Come and See” Christ in our Parishes.
“Come and See” is the theme of this year’s Open House and Family Picnic Celebration at our St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH. Please join us with your family next Saturday, July 24 to enjoy a day of fun and fellowship as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our BDC/MBC camping ministry. We invite you to “Come and See” the tremendous camping ministry that our Metropolis offers our youth. “Come and See” for yourself the life-transforming ministry that has touched almost 5,000 campers over the past 20 years. As you tour the facility, “Come and See” the magnificent Retreat House which can accommodate adults from across New England for spiritual retreats and personal times of reflection. The 40-bedroom facility with state of the art conference rooms and many amenities is located on the shores of the largest lake of the over 300-acre Faith & Heritage Center. It is a shining beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism not only for the Omogeneia, but the American community-at-large.
The historic day will provide us the opportunity to meet brethren from throughout New England in a traditional Greek-style picnic. The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Orthros and Divine Liturgy. At 11 a.m., I will lead a procession of clergy and laity to the lakefront for the blessing of the waters ceremony. Thereafter, we will all enjoy a traditional Greek Panegyri (old-style picnic) which will feature delicious food including whole lamb and pigs on the spit (souvla), horiatiko pork gyro, souvlakia, and, of course, good-old hamburgers and hot dogs. Music will be playing throughout the campgrounds while our staff supervises programs for children of all ages. Waterfront activities, boat rides, and tours of the facility will be offered throughout the day. Campers and alumni from the past 20 years will share fond memories as they look through old camp photos, tee-shirts, and camp memorabilia. Many communities are providing bus transportation which you are encouraged to use. I look forward to welcoming you and your family to your home-away-from-home to “Come and See” the bright future of our Greek Orthodox families.
With love in the Lord,
Metropolitan Methodios