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Fr. Anastasios' Message
Beloved in Christ,
This morning it was announced in Church that Fr. Anastasios is being re-assigned from our parish as of August 1st. This transfer is one that is being made in consideration of the needs of a number of parishes and communities throughout the Metropolis of Chicago, and does not reflect on Fr. Anastasios or our community.
Many have already expressed shock and concern both for my family, and for the community here in Peoria. We appreciate the many words of support and encouragement, and understand the frustration that many feel as their first reaction to hearing this news.
As I said in Church this morning, I truly feel that it was the will of God that I come to Peoria. That means however, that I did not come here on my own, I came here because I was called to come here from above. I would remind you of the Prophet Jonah, who rejected the call of God to go to the city of Nineveh, who as a result was ship-wrecked and pulled down into the deep by a sea beast. Instead of this fate, when I was called to Peoria, my family thrived here, this community was a second family to us, and we truly felt home here.
I cannot now, because I have called this place my home and my family ignore the command of Christ to his disciples: "everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29). I must continue to follow the command of Christ, and to accept the call as a servant.
If we have been successful together, it is because we have followed the will of God harmoniously together, we cannot stray from that path now. If we have faith in Christ, we remember his parting words to the disciples "I will not leave you as orphans" (John 14:18). Indeed, in His great mercy He never does. As of August 1st, Fr. Theofanis Rauch will be appointed as the presiding priest of All Saints. Fr. Theofanis is a close friend, an honorable man, and a pious priest. I know that he and his family will find All Saints and Peoria as a sanctuary and home, as I have over the last four years.
With faith and love,
Fr. Anastasios
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