05/25/2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On this Memorial Day, we pause with gratitude and reverence to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice reminds us that true love is not measured merely by words, but by the willingness to lay down one’s life for others. As our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us in the Holy Gospel: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Today, we honor those who answered that call of sacrificial love with courage, duty, and devotion.
The Holy Fathers remind us that love is most fully revealed through self-offering. Saint John Chrysostom wrote, “The foundation of all virtue is sacrifice.” In remembering our fallen heroes, we also remember the countless families who continue to carry the weight of loss with quiet strength and faith. May God grant comfort to every grieving heart and eternal memory to those who departed in service to others.
Throughout American history, leaders have recognized the sacred cost of freedom. Abraham Lincoln reminded our nation that we must remain “dedicated to the unfinished work” for which so many gave “the last full measure of devotion.” Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Their words continue to call us to gratitude, unity, and responsibility.
As Orthodox Christians, Memorial Day also becomes a moment of prayer. We pray that the Lord will grant rest to the souls of all the fallen where “there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting.” May their memory be eternal. And may we who remain strive to live with humility, compassion, faith, and love—honoring their sacrifice not only with remembrance, but with lives dedicated to God and to one another.
May God bless our departed heroes, their families, and all who serve our country with honor and sacrifice.
Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gadah