Help and save our benefactors, O Lord!

This spring marked the 15^th anniversary of the NATO bombing of Serbia.  Many of you may remember that this tragedy occurred during Holy Week and Pascha of 1999.  Since then, the Serbian Orthodox of Kosovo and its environs have been living in a deteriorating condition.  Life there for the Orthodox is particularly difficult.  Not only are essential goods and services hard to come by, there is always a concern about personal safety and the safety of one’s few possessions.  As it now is, the remnant of Orthodox Christians living in Kosovo are just surviving, by the grace of God, through their prayers and endurance of hardships.  These Christians benefit much from being remembered by those who are bonded to them through our common fellowship and faith in Christ.     

The on-going ministry in Kosovo is greatly facilitated by the work of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund.  The Fund provides both loving humanitarian aid as well as spiritual support to those needing assistance.  Christians living in the area are continually challenged by their circumstances, many of which cannot be changed.  They live with genuine faith in the All-Holy Trinity and the power of prayer despite surrounding ruination.   

I would like to put before you, once again during this Holy Season, the deep needs of the Serbian Orthodox population in Kosovo.  It is not an exaggeration--many of them need assistance to obtain the basic necessities for life.  The Decani Monastery Relief Fund is a recognized non-profit organization with an excellent record of doing a blessed work in the area.       

Although I am aware of a plethora of needs around the world, all deserving of assistance in their own right, I have been closely aligned with the work of the Decani Fund for years and it’s near and dear to my heart.  I can vouch for all the good it does and the Christian spirit by which aid is provided.  The Fund’s president, Fr. Nektarios Serfes of Boise, ID, routinely puts shoe leather to faith to benefit the afflicted Serbian population there. 

As we move closer to Pascha, I would like to ask your assistance to help the Decani Fund provide a seasonal gift to the Orthodox of Kosovo.  This is a special gift of blessing and encouragement—a festal meal!   

Would you be willing to feed and bring some joy to an otherwise impoverished population of Orthodox brethren?  Let’s take the opportunity to invite brethren to our Paschal table by providing them a festive meal on the Feast of Feasts.  They may not sit across from you physically, but they will be at your table spiritually—and they will bless you for your kind-hearted generosity!   

Beloveds, receive the joy that comes through holy stewardship and the gift of one’s heart to another!  Think of how you would feel if you were on the receiving end.  As they say, what comes around, goes around.  God has planted us in the land of plenty…let us open our hearts and resources to our brethren!  Let the brethren say of you, Help and save our benefactors, O Lord!  And let God say of you, Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord! 

Please, if you would, visit the Fund’s website.  You’ll find a Paypal option for making a donation of any amount.  All gifts will combine to provide festal food and all gifts are deeply appreciated:  http://www.thedecanifund.org/ 

From the heart, I thank you. 

Kalo Pascha to all!    

                                                           

Your sister in Christ,

Pres. Candace