Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Oslo
Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, the “beloved physician,” faithful companion of the Apostles Paul and Cleopas, inspired author, and devoted missionary.
In his Gospel, Saint Luke proclaims Christ as the Savior of all humanity and especially emphasizes God’s mercy toward sinners, the suffering, the poor, and the forgotten.
In the Acts of the Apostles, he describes the continuing work of Christ through the Holy Spirit and the missionary expansion of the Church “to the ends of the earth.”
His life teaches us that every Christian is called to become a living witness to the Gospel through faith, love, service, and self-sacrifice.
Saint Luke also preserves for us the sacred account of the Annunciation, which has special meaning as we celebrate the Divine Liturgy in our Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Oslo.
Through the humble and free response of the Virgin Mary—“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”—the Son of God entered human history for our salvation.
There is a profound connection between the Annunciation and Pentecost; at the Annunciation, the Holy Spirit overshadowed the Theotokos, while at Pentecost the same Spirit descended upon the Apostles, empowering the Church to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.
With paternal joy, we congratulate the parish priests, the Reverend Fathers Georgios Kanakaris and Maxim Lesage, the members of the Parish Council, the Philoptochos Society, the youth ministries, and all the volunteers who labor tirelessly and selflessly for the progress of our Metropolitan Church and all five of our parishes in Norway.
We pray that the final phase of the church’s restoration—the renovation of the restrooms and parish fellowship hall—will soon be completed. This is truly your work and achievement.
Twelve years ago, we began with one church and no resident priest; today, by the grace of God, we have five parishes and three devoted clergymen serving throughout Norway.
May Saint Luke and the Most Holy Theotokos continue to guide, protect, and strengthen this blessed ministry. Amen!
