A Letter from Father Constantine Zozos

The faithful of the Assumption Parish,

I greet you in the name of our Risen Lord, Xristos Anesti!

It has been weeks since I celebrated the joyous feast of Pascha with the faithful of Assumption. Not a day goes by that I do not think of your precious community. I was deeply moved by the hospitality afforded me throughout Holy Week. I would like to express my deep appreciation to all those who offered their time, talent and treasure to make Holy Week and Pascha special.

You truly are an exceptional parish of our Metropolis.  The potential for growth and an active, vibrant spiritual community is there for the making.  Truly, you deserve to have a shepherd to guide you on your spiritual journey. I pray that day will come soon. Your needs are not any different from those in other parishes I have had an opportunity to visit. Your personal challenges, your family concerns and those of a parish are real and personal. I was blessed to be able to listen, offer pastoral advice and in a humble way give some comfort to those I met.

I shared with you my own beginnings with my first parish in Santa Barbara.  At the time of my arrival the parish was made-up of 70 families, in a very, very small building whose clergy averaged a two year service. Within five years with the blessings of God and the hard work of this small parish built a beautiful new church complex, grew to be a vibrant active spirit filled parish of 250 families.  Even though many think that Santa Barbara is a wealthy city and that wealthy people built the parish, the truth is that they were people just like you, and that is no exaggeration. They were given a challenge; they stepped up, met it head on with confidence, because they had hope and faith.  With a vision, a dedicated priest and the blessings of our Lord your Assumption Parish has the same potential to fulfill your dreams and meet your spiritual needs. As I mentioned you are not only the parish of Pocatello, but also the Parish of the Four Corners, and the Parish of Southeast Idaho. The dedication of all those parishioners who traveled distances throughout the week was a testimony to their deep abiding faith and their love for the Assumption Parish.  In addition, the anointing through Holy Chrism of two individuals is evidence of a growing community.

I marvel at the patience and deep abiding faith of a parish that has been without a full time priest and yet has sustained itself and has stayed productive (i.e. new parish office and meeting center.) I pray that you will continue to cultivate and bear good fruit  through your work and faith. Love and comfort each other, pay attention to the needs of your fellow parishioners. For many you are their family. Create opportunities to gather both socially and spiritually.  Take this occasion to reach out to the infirmed and those unable to join you at church. Help those who are new to your parish to feel part of a warm embracing community. From what I have experienced, Assumption is on the right path because God is with you.

I look forward to the time that I can return and visit with all of you once again. God bless you.

Xristos Anesti!

 
Father Constantine Zozos