At Mid-Feast, give Thou my thirsty soul to drink

“Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!”
      
“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.”

Dear Friends,

I recently received this letter and thought I would share it with you:

“Father Bless, I wanted to write and thank you for your April pastoral letter. Unfortunately, I was unable to receive the handmade Pascha (Easter) card, much to my regret.  I have really enjoyed your Sunday school students' cards over these past years, and I always struggle with how to respond, so touching they are to me. This new facility is a good, safe place in which to stay.  Most of my day is spent in quiet reflection, preparing myself for the future.  I pray a lot and would ask that you please pray for me, that I will find the strength and discipline to continue to grow as a Christian.  Many of those around me hate our Lord and their destructiveness is awful to watch.  It is sad to me to see so many so lost. Thanks again for keeping me on your mailing list.

In Christ, George" (from Oregon)

George has been receiving my pastoral letters since 2006.  He grew up as an Orthodox Christian but lost his way due to drugs.  The Pascha card he is referring to is one of the ones that children around the United States make special for our prisoners.  The response from these prisoners is overwhelming.  The innocent wishing of these “hardened prisoners” is to have a “bright Easter”.

I want to thank all of you who have made it possible to continue this ministry.  May our Risen Lord continue to bless you all as you pray for those in prison.

May the beauty of heaven consume you!

Fr. David