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With sin thus holding everyone in subjection, and having spread out over the whole world like a mist, the saints besought the Word of God to come to us to illumine the minds of all with his saving light. Indeed, they cried aloud, “Send forth your light and your truth!” There was sent forth to us, therefore, “the true light that enlightens every human being coming into the world,” meaning God, the Word of God. Having assumed our likeness, he is born by means of the holy Virgin and saves the human race, bringing nature back to its primitive incorruption, and, as Paul says, by opening for us an unknown way, he has joined earthly things to heavenly, having broken down the dividing wall, and abolished the hostility of the commandments and ordinances, so that even the blessed angels, astonished at this, said, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men.” – Cyril of Alexandria, Festal Letter 2.8
Dear Ones-
May our hearts rejoice with the angels this Christmas season and proclaim “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men!” Reading these words of St Cyril keeps my heart saying “Amen, amen!” When we celebrate Christ’s birth we rejoice in a love so intimate and so beyond the imagination even of the angels, that in Christ’s incarnation our likeness is assumed and our earthly things are now joined with the heavenly.
Indeed these angelic words of praise are close with us throughout the year: the foundation of our doxologies in the church and intended to form in our hearts unceasing praise. As we reflect on the entire year of 2018, the Moores have much to rejoice in:
- The completion of three years at St Vladimir’s Seminary and saying goodbye to dear classmates and their families, beloved seminary staff, and warm friends from our parish assignment at Sts Peter and Paul in South River, NJ.
- Fr Chris’s first visit to Africa through the OCMC mission trip to Uganda with fellow seminary students.
- Gaining experience and perspectives at some summer conferences: Lausanne Orthodox Initiative and the Small Parish Forum.
- The huge blessing of our family being commissioned by Metropolitan Tikhon, all the concelebrating bishops, and all the clergy and people at the All-American Conference of the Orthodox Church in America this July in St Louis.
- Fr Chris’s month in South Korea: learning from and about the Korean Orthodox Church and its people, visiting the city of Ulsan where we plan to live and serve.
- Jen’s parents graciously offering us a place to land after seminary and the joys of being close to family in these months of transition.
- Andrew and Gideon growing older and experiencing new things like swim lessons and preschool, and having a blast with grandparents and cousins.
- Visiting parishes in Connecticut, Indiana, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee to connect and reconnect with friends and dear supporters as we work toward the goal of our family beginning life in South Korea.
Thank you for rejoicing with us in these things and being interested and involved in our lives! Our desire to move forward to this calling of missionary service remains on our hearts.
We have a vision of getting to South Korea as soon as possible and already have much to look forward to in 2019.
- Parish ministry at St Dionysios Church in Ulsan where we hope to provide a full-time priestly ministry, offering ourselves to the Koreans and expats who worship there. Offering liturgical services throughout the week, and non-liturgical events such as bible study, youth gatherings, parish-wide events, and fellowship opportunities.
- Learning how to be evangelical in our new context both for ourselves and our family, and also how to be evangelical as a whole parish.
- Laying the indispensable foundation of Korean language learning which will no doubt continue for years and years. Language is vital for communication, relationship building, and pastoring.
- Using our interests and education to build relationships through music opportunities and teaching English.
- Making family life a priority to encourage one another and build each other up as we anticipate the stresses of living in a new country where people act, think, and speak differently from what we are used to. Striving to keep Christ the center of our life through prayer and spiritual reading.
Would you help us by partnering with us in this vision of moving to South Korea and beginning ministry there? We are looking for individuals and parishes who will commit to pray for us regularly. It’s so encouraging to get word from you all that you are keeping us in prayer!
We are also seeking the Lord that He would provide those who would support us financially. By our current calculations, we are still well short of our goal for regular supporters in order to meet our anticipated monthly budgeted expenses. You can become an integral part of this ministry by investing $10, $25, $50, or $100 (and beyond!) per month. As we wrap up 2018 and look to 2019, please pray about if you are called to invest in this way. You can use this link to OCMC’s website to get started, or make a phone call to set up a donation.
And heartfelt thanks to all of you who support us so many ways.
We pray that the remembrance and experience of Immanuel will again bring you peace and lasting joy these days and always.
Merry Christmas!
Fr Chris & Mat Jen, Andrew, and Gideon
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