School Reopening Kalpana and Prayer for the Start of a New Academic Year
DSWA/C/11/2015 August 14, 2015
Blessings to all our Cor-Episcopoi, Priests, Deacons, and all the faithful, especially our dear students,
Dearly Beloved,
As the start of a new academic year approaches, we take this opportunity to remind all our children of your commitment and responsibilities as children of God. Decision making in every moment and aspect of our lives is vital to our growth as Disciples of Christ. The friends we make, the habits we develop, and the interests we achieve, all direct our future path. The book of Proverbs (1:2-7) reminds us of what it means to be instructed in wisdom so that the decisions we make reflect the life of what it means to be a true Christian. Education should not be mere acquiring of knowledge but a growth in wisdom. We pray that all our students be filled with wisdom to make right decisions that are pleasing to God.
This year’s diocesan family conference theme, “The Home: A Church” is a good reminder that our homes should be reflective of a church. You must uphold your family life by developing and maintaining a positive relationship with each member of the family. This relationship should reflect a divine atmosphere and create opportunities for growing in wisdom. We remind all our students that family, personal prayer and reading of the Scriptures should not be missed on any given day. We urge all our children to dedicate yourselves whole-heartedly to your studies, carry enthusiasm that builds up character, and commit yourself to a spiritual life that is the foundation for all learning. We exhort our youth to abstain from experimenting with alcohol and drugs as these distract us from true fellowship with Christ. Surround yourselves with individuals and friends who will lead you on the path of salvation towards the Kingdom of God. Lastly, we remind our students of the respect that is due to your teachers, elders, and parents.
We take this opportunity to extend our love and blessings to all our beloved students for the new academic year, and we assure you of our continuous prayers.
May the intercessions of St. Mary, the Mother of God, St. Thomas, the Apostle to India, the saints of Malankara, Mar Gregorios and Mar Dionysius, and all the holy saints, be a fortress for us all.
Your Shepherd in Christ,
Metropolitan Alexios Mar Eusebius