Vision/Mission
Vision Statements
It is common for organizations to pause to assess or contemplate its vision. Leaders of organizations will bring members together to develop a vision statement. A vision statement is a powerful message that conveys an aspirational sense of purpose. It encapsulates the core objectives of an institution and inspires existing and prospective members.
The vision statement helps to define a strategy and can be used to evaluate key decisions (i.e. does this decision advance the vision or is it counter to the vision?)
Our Vision
“An Orthodox Christian family where we strive to support each other on our journey to salvation through Jesus Christ.”
We believe this statement encapsulates what we want to achieve. The Church's ultimate goal is salvation and we know that salvation is through Jesus Christ. We recognize it is a journey and that as an Orthodox family, we should be helping and supporting one another on that journey.
In an age of such uncertainty, people are struggling through life as they face considerable challenges on a daily basis. It is becoming more difficult to make sense of the world, and many fear what is to come. This need not be the case. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ tells us multiple times to “fear not” or “do not be afraid”. Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we need not be afraid as we face life’s challenges.
At Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church, we support one another as we each aspire to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship helps one through the challenges of this world, but more importantly, prepares us for the eternal life to come.
In order to develop a relationship with Jesus, we must understand who He is and what He taught. We believe that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” (Hebrews 3:18) and therefore to know who He is, we base our understanding on the Teachings of those who knew Him best, His Apostles. The Apostles taught the early Christian Church and passed down these Teachings verbally. Many of these teachings ultimately found their way into what would be the New Testament decades later.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is an authentic Biblical Faith that has been the rock of the New Testament Church of Pentecost for two millenia. Its teachings and prayers are God-given and timeless, uniting heaven and earth in sacred worship of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:15).
At Saint Anna, we aim to witness our Faith by living in accordance with the Gospel and the Apostles’ Teachings as “we worship in Spirit and Truth,” (John 4:24) and apply these lessons in our daily lives. The lessons further come alive through the Holy Sacraments that are offered in the Church. These Sacraments are administered by our Priest who was ordained by a Bishop who can trace his ordination lineage back to one of the Apostles who was ordained by Christ and the Holy Spirit. A Sacramental Life in the Church enriches our spirituality and helps us enjoy the fullness of our relationship with Jesus Christ as we witness our Faith. This full relationship enriches one's life and helps us to overcome our burdens. As the Lord Himself said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)
We encourage all parishioners to have a loving and daily relationship with God and to be inspired by the Holy Spirit in all that we do in His name (2 Corinthians 3:18). If you are struggling with the burdens of life, are looking for hope and seeking the Truth, come and see how developing a relationship with God will help you – All are Welcome!