On this sacred Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, we rejoice in witnessing a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Panagia Chapel at the Alexios Retreat Center in Salem, South Carolina. As these newly installed icons begin to adorn the holy space, we give thanks to God for the realization of a long-held dream of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios.
The beautiful iconography depicted in the photo collage below marks an important step toward the completion of a chapel that will serve generations of faithful Orthodox Christians seeking prayer, spiritual renewal, and communion with God. These sacred images proclaim the Gospel in color and form, reminding all who enter that heaven touches earth through the worship of the Church.
On this feast day, the Holy Cross also reminds us that great accomplishments are rarely achieved alone. The continued growth and beautification of the Alexios Retreat Center stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when our Metropolis family works together in faith, love, and unity.
Through the prayers, stewardship, vision, and sacrificial support of our 75 parishes, ministries, clergy, and faithful throughout the Metropolis of Atlanta, we are able to accomplish far more together than any one of us could achieve individually.
This achievement is also a beautiful reminder of continuity in leadership and purpose. The visionary dream planted and nurtured for many years by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios continues to flourish under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos.
Faithfully building upon the strong foundation established by his predecessor, Metropolitan Sevastianos remains committed to bringing the long-term vision of the Alexios Retreat Center to completion, ensuring that this sacred place will continue to inspire and serve future generations of Orthodox Christians.
As we behold these sacred icons, we offer heartfelt gratitude to God, to His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios for his enduring vision, to His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos for his steadfast leadership in carrying that vision forward, and to all who continue to support this holy endeavor.
May the Lord grant strength, wisdom, and abundant blessings for the completion of this sacred project, and may the Panagia Chapel become a beacon of prayer, peace, and spiritual transformation for countless souls in the years to come.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
May the power of the Holy Cross continue to guide and unite us as we labor together for the glory of God and the building up of His Holy Church.
As today's iconography installation beautifully demonstrates, when we work together as one Metropolis family, Christ enables us to accomplish far more than any of us could ever achieve alone.
On Tuesday, September 15, His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos and our Metropolis staff welcomed the four iconographers to the Metropolis Office before their departure to Greece.