Sunday, September 13: 1st Day of Sunday School (please register online). Father Steve will celebrate his last Orthros and Divine Liturgy as Protopresbyter of Saint Sophia Cathedral, and immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the EAC Ballroom, the Clergy and Parish Council will hold a Reception to Honor and say Farewell to Father Steve.
Sunday, September 20: Father Avgoustinos (Augustine) will celebrate his first Orthros and Divine Liturgy as Protopresbyter of Saint Sophia Cathedral and immediately following the Divine Liturgy, the Clergy and Parish Council will hold a Welcome Reception for Father Avgoustinos (Augustine) in the Atrium.
Beloved Parishioners, Brothers and Sisters All!
After much prayer, discernment, and consultation with the Archdiocese, I have been called to embark on a new journey. It is with deep gratitude and a sense of fulfillment that I announce my farewell and retirement as the presiding priest of Saint Sophia Cathedral.
Reflecting upon the years spent in this sacred community, I am filled with profound appreciation for the countless memories and the unwavering support I have received from each and every one of you. Serving as your spiritual father has been the greatest privilege of my life, and I consider myself eternally blessed to have been part of your lives, witnessing both your joys, sorrows, and spiritual growth over these past forty-two years.
Throughout our time together, we have celebrated the sacred services and sacraments, rejoiced in moments of triumph and shared in times of sorrow. Together, we have deepened our understanding of God’s love, and I am immensely grateful for the trust you have placed in me as your spiritual guide. The friendships forged, the prayers shared, and the acts of kindness and compassion witnessed in this community have been a testament to the power of faith and the unity we find in Christ.
As I prepare to embrace this new chapter in my life, I ask for your prayers and support. It is not easy to bid farewell to such a beloved community, but I am confident that God has called me to serve in a different capacity, and I must respond to that call.
As I step down from my role as your priest, I am pleased to inform you that the Archdiocese has appointed an extraordinarily capable and compassionate priest as my successor to continue shepherding this flock. He will soon be joining our community, and I am confident that his leadership and devotion will guide you toward increased spiritual growth and unity.
I encourage you to extend my successor the same warmth, love, and support that you have shown me for over four decades. Embrace him as you have embraced me, and together, continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and loving community where all are welcome, and all can experience the transformative power of Christ’s love.
Though my physical presence may be absent, my spirit will always be connected to this cherished community. I will carry the memories and lessons learned during our time together deep within my heart. Please know that I will keep you all in my prayers, and I humbly ask for your prayers as well. I carry you all in my heart, as well as the glorious parade of all your loved ones, those Saint Sophians who have passed on from this side of life to the other side of LIFE. I smile as I type this because in my heart I can still see and hear them. Eternal be their memory!
May God’s grace continue to bless and guide each one of you as you strive to live out our glorious faith. May the love of Christ be a beacon of hope in your lives, and may the Holy Spirit inspire and strengthen you in all that you do.
Thank you again, again and again, for the privilege of serving as your priest. I am forever grateful for the love and support you have shown me. Let us entrust our paths to God’s divine providence, knowing that He will continue to lead us all on our sacred journey home to Him.
With profound gratitude for all of you, I remain most devotedly yours, always!
Father Steve
