Today our MOYA community came together for a day filled with prayer, fellowship, and spiritual reflection.
We began the day by gathering for a beautiful morning liturgy, offering our prayers and giving thanks to God together as one family. The service set a peaceful and reverent tone for the day, reminding us that at the heart of all we do is Christ.
After liturgy, we stayed on the church grounds where we enjoyed games of volleyball and badminton, spending time together in laughter, encouragement, and friendly competition. Following the games, we gathered for a delicious BBQ, lovingly prepared by some of our very own members. Sharing a meal in the warmth of the afternoon sun was the perfect way to round out a morning filled with prayer, friendship, and connection.
Later in the afternoon, we set off on a scenic hike to Mason Falls, walking together through the beauty of God’s creation. The hike gave us a chance to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the blessings of nature and fellowship.
After the hike, we paused for a short but deeply meaningful spiritual talk with Father Gavril. Reflecting on the morning’s Gospel reading from John 3:22–33, Father spoke about the vital importance of humility in the life of an Orthodox Christian. He reminded us that pride can easily cloud our hearts and lead us into darkness, distancing us from God and one another. By contrast, true humility allows Christ to work within us — guiding us toward the light, toward love, and toward true life.
In the Acts it is said that when Saint Peter and Saint John saw a beggar, Peter said to him: “Silver and gold I have none, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
And in the Gospel we read how Saint John the Baptist says of Christ that he is the Light, and “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Pride is the first and greatest sin and defiles our heart and darkens our mind, making us slaves to the ego and having no light in our mind to reason correctly.
We Christians have the name of God as strength and light, and that is a short prayer of Jesus: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” which brings grace and light to our mind to think well and correctly. That prayer is short and we can always repeat it in our mind. When it is difficult for us, but also good, but also when we have to make an important decisions. And likewise, when we are angry, let’s not rush, let’s first say a few Jesus prayers to ourselves and then speak with a clear mind.
The day left us feeling nourished — both spiritually and physically — and strengthened the bonds of faith and fellowship that make the MOYA community so special.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to many more days spent in prayer, growth, and unity!
