Membership in the Church is a Right

Membership in most organizations is a RIGHT, a privilege and an individual matter. Membership in the Church, however, is through the sacraments of baptism and chrismation by which an individual becomes a member of the Body of Christ. To be a fully active member of any organization one must complete all responsibilities, including voting. To become a voting member of a parish, every individual must fulfil certain responsibilities which are "spelled out" in the Constitution and By-Laws of our Episcopate.

When my own parents immigrated to North America from Romania, they did so because they had FEW "rights" and fewer "privileges" in Romania. In North America, on the other hand, we have a great many "rights" but also definite obligations and responsibilities.

YOUNG PEOPLE, you have the "right" to active membership in your local parish youth organization. If your own parish does not have a youth group, talk to your priest about this and then write to the President of International AROY for information on how to organize a local AROY chapter. Work toward obtaining your local Charter from AROY. If your parish has a chapter of AROY, you should already be a member of it or become active in it. If you are not already a member, join today.

ADULTS, are you already a member of the Orthodox Brotherhood of the United States or the Orthodox Brotherhood of Canada? If not, look for the name and address of the President of the organization in the Solia Calendar and request membership information. JOIN the organization today and offer your talents, time and support to one of these organizations.

LADIES, we hope that you are a voting member of your parish's ladies' auxiliary. No?! Why not? Your participation will give you many blessings and benefits. Come and join your sisters in serving the Lord and his Holy Church. The membership dues are usually less than the cost of a dinner in a fast-food restaurant. Join today and help in the work of the Church - enjoy the privileges and the social activities. If your parish auxiliary is not an active member of International ARFORA, apply for membership today by fulfilling all the requirements the organization requires.

Through active voting in these parish auxiliaries, we can bring about those changes which we know are useful; and, by dedicated service we are blessed with the benefits of membership.

Your parish needs YOU as a voting member, assuming the full "rights" and privileges of parish membership. Accept your "fair share" of the work which needs to be accomplished in your parish. Volunteer to share the responsibilities with others in your parish. In this way you will be working to the glory of God in your local parish. As a responsible member of your parish, you become a responsible member of the whole Church. God loves a willing worker - one who accepts responsibilities. As an individual, fulfil your obligations and make yourself a worthy member of your Church.

REMEMBER, MEMBERSHIP IS A RIGHT - USE THAT "RIGHT" NOW