Season's Greetings from Rev. John Calhoun, UM Missionary in Kyiv, Ukraine
Season's Greetings from Rev. John Calhoun, UM Missionary in Kyiv, Ukraine
January 7, 2019
Dear friends,
Happy holiday season to you! I pray that you and your loved ones have enjoyed a blessed celebration of Christmas, and a safe and joyful New Year!
It has been a blessing to celebrate the holiday season here in Kyiv, where both Western and Orthodox Christian communities have been gathering for traditional worship services to mark the holy season.
Yesterday I led an ecumenical worship service celebrating Epiphany, when the miracle of Christmas—God taking human flesh, incarnate in Jesus—was first revealed to the world. The Magi visited Jesus in Bethlehem, honored him as their Lord and King, and then went out to share this good news to the world. It was a privilege for me to preach, celebrate Holy Communion, and lead the gathered community in worship on this holy day.
And today, here in Ukraine and in Orthodox communities worldwide that follow the Julian calendar, faithful Christians are celebrating Christmas Day! Last night and throughout the day today around the country, Orthodox believers are gathering to give thanks to God for the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Every night throughout this holiday season here in Kyiv, thousands of people have gathered at St. Sophia’s Square, outside a cathedral dating back to the 11th century, to celebrate the season. As the lights of the tree and cathedral belfry shine brightly, we are reminded of the light of Christ that burst forth into the dark world on that first Christmas in Bethlehem.
As we enter this new year, I pray God’s blessings on you and your loved ones. May the joy of this season remain with you throughout the coming year. May the light of Christ shine brightly within you, so that you may be a witness of God’s love to the world. Through you, may others come to know Jesus our Lord, whose birth long ago in Bethlehem we celebrate in these holy days.
Yours in Christ,
John
Rev. John Calhoun
Coordinator of International Ministries, Kyiv, Ukraine
Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
jcalhoun@umcmission.org
GBGM Advance #13970Z
