WHAT A GIFT
I really can’t imagine a more spectacular gift from heaven than this past Sunday. A day you pray for when something so special is happening. I notice every year at exactly 3pm on Good Friday that the ski goes grey and the wind changes ever so slightly, enough to force you to acknowledge a higher power  wants your attention. I had that same feeling Sunday when the sun shone so brightly and the gift of a picture perfect day HAD to grab your attention. God was pleased, the spectacular day was a thank you.

History?  YES IT WAS ! Years pass like minutes when you really are old enough to understand. Years ago when my Pappou told me he helped to build our church, Transfiguration of Christ in Corona, I didn’t understand why he was so proud. Last Sunday I wrote his name on the wall, and the words “Eternal be his memory“. You see, years ago I couldn’t understand that he wouldn’t be there;  but  his 10 year old great grandson was, bearing his name. Our children might be too young to understand why Raising that Cross was so important, but time will pass for them as well,  and they will tell their children… I was HERE  the day that cross went up on the dome, I wrote my name  on that wall.

Ever wonder what is news worthy? Why something gets “press” ? We did Sunday, many people saw the pictures of our church in the paper. It was worth reading about, it was history.

Peter tells a story of his father, it is one of the sweetest stories I have ever heard…

As a young boy Peter did something his father was not pleased about. Instead of punishing him, his Dad simply said— Peter just remember when you leave this house, whatever you do is not a reflection of YOU but a reflection of me, your sister and mother…Peter thought about that, actually he still does every day, he must because he told me the story…How proud his Father was Sunday, The President of our Parish Council making history. And I really stepped back to watch as young and old wrote their name, memorialized a loved one, inscribed the date.

Actually my guess is each of you have a similar story to share, I would like to hear it. You have to be proud of a day like Sunday, you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t. And when we went back to our busy lives the memory is still fresh. I turned to look at the dome while speeding past to work Monday. I smiled and said to myself–you helped put that cross up there.

So I am writing this very simple stream of thoughts because…Its not a fancy brochure with a pledge card, we did that already…Its a heartfelt plea..we have a goal, we are asking for every person that is a member of our community to be able to say… I helped  raise that cross…The goal is NOT how much you can contribute, its 100% participation from every member regardless of the amount.

John Basil made a very LARGE donation Sunday, he helped raise the cross… Yanni Bitis made a very SMALL donation, he helped raise the cross. Did you help? We NEED your help, PLEASE WE DO. You WERE moved if you where present Sunday, can you imagine how moved you will be the day we celebrate our first liturgy? Someone you leave behind WILL say one day… I remember when my________helped to raise that cross.

We are begging you not to stand on the sidelines, become a part of this, have a stake in the outcome. Yes….. in simple terms make a pledge if you haven’t already.

Many contributors to the building project might never walk in to see it, we are living in it, attending on Sundays, feel proud of YOURSELF, be a part of history.

With heartfelt sincerity….
Peter Nikiteas                          Stephanie Bitis