So [Elijah] went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he
went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 
The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread
and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.”
– 3 Kingdoms 17:5-6

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Arguably the most beautiful state in the country in which to take a road trip is the state of California. For those of us who will be taking some time to travel this summer for vacation, we will occasionally find ourselves in areas we have never been. In these times, we have our phones to locate places for us to eat, or we can go what is now the old fashioned way and follow signs that say, “food next right.” Either way, we will need direction, as we are in a place which we do not know.

This month, the Orthodox Church celebrates the prophet Elijah (Elias), who is famous for working many miracles, but there is one which is my favorite. When Elijah predicted that Israel would go through a famine because of their sins, the Lord told Elijah to go to a brook, where ravens would bring him food each day. Elijah did not know what was to transpire and when, but he did put his faith in God to tell him.  Elijah listened, and God directed him and sustained him in a very difficult and challenging time.

Let us allow this beautiful story to serve as a lesson for each of us and for our parish. We are preparing to embark on a journey through a place we have never been, in soon building a brand new church to move into. If we believe this to be God’s will, then our first responsibility is to listen to Him, knowing full well that He will guide us to the “sustenance” which we will need as well. 

With love Christ,

Father Niko Bekris
Proistamenos