When the Homily is about Immunology

Saints of North America

A feast uniquely North American. Perhaps we should make a big deal of it, I think. It reminds us, as Fr. C did in his sermon yesterday that distant memories of "Holy Russia" or "Holy Athos" should not be allowed to rob us of the reality of saintliness right here and even NOW. At Vespers on Saturday I was particularly moved as we sang the stichira and were reminded that we are celebrating "Holy hierarchs, venerable monastics and glorious martyrs, pious men, women and children, both known and unknown." And then this:

The earth rejoices and the heavens are glad,
O venerable Saints of America,
praising your labors and lives,
your spiritual fortitude and purity of heart.
By driving away a multitude of demons
and enlightening many people
with the light of the Orthodox Faith
you have confirmed our land.

Rejoice, O mountains of Pennsylvania,
Leap for joy, O waters of the Great Lakes,
Rise up, O fertile plains of Canada,
for the elect of Christ who dwelt in you are glorified,
men and women who left their homes for a new land.
With faith, hope and patience as their armor,
they courageously fought the good fight.
Comforted by the beauty of the Orthodox Faith,
they labored in mines and mills, they tilled the land,
they braved the challenges of the great cities,
enduring many hardships and sufferings.
Never failing to worship God in spirit and truth,
and unyielding in devotion to His most pure Mother,
they erected many temples to His glory.
Come, O assembly of the Orthodox,
and with love let us praise the holy women, men and children,
those known to us and those known only to God,
and let us cry out to them:
Rejoice, All Saints of North America,
and pray to God for us.
Rejoice, O continent of North America,
illumined by the Holy Gospel.
Rejoice, every province, state, city, and town,
which raised up citizens of the heavenly Kingdom.

Holy North America? Why not? Were it not for the Apostles Fast this year it sounds like a terrific opportunity for a monstrous BBQ in the traditional American style. Next year...this year we settled for a fish-BQ.