A Special Message From His Grace Bishop Mina To His Congregants
My dear beloved in Christ,
Peace and Grace from Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you all.
In recent times, it has become increasingly evident that the world is undergoing
significant transformations. These changes have raised concerns as they involve the
normalization of ideologies and behaviours that are contrary to Biblical morals and
Christian ethical values. Particularly troubling is the fact that these changes have begun
to impact even the most vulnerable among us, our children, both within educational
institutions and beyond.
Our Lord is clear about the importance of protecting children. In Matthew 18:6, Christ
says “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it
would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be
drowned in the depths of the sea.”
I want to begin by saying – we hear you; we are suffering with you and we will
overcome this trying time through Christ Jesus.
And whenever we are faced with challenges, the Lord always taught us to fast and pray.
For this reason, we have decided to offer up a special period of fasting from September
19 to 21, 2023 across our Diocese to first: renounce the Evil One and all the unclean
works he is spreading around us and to our children and second: to give us the wisdom
to teach our children the truth and protect their innocence and purity. Whenever we fast,
we also pray. Accordingly, we will hold special prayer meetings on September 19, 20
and 21 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m (each region in its local time). We will also dedicate the
Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in particular to pray for the protection of
our children and to pledge for their purity.
We know that each and everyone one of us is precious in the sight of the Lord and He
never leaves us alone. Through God’s grace, together, we will triumph over the snares
of the devil and conquer these movements of darkness. The Bible promises that Christ
is nearby throughout any trial. In 1 Peter 4:12-13, St. Peter says “Dear friends, do not
be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something
strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the
sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Please share this with your family and friends and welcome anyone to join us in this
time of fasting and prayer. Like the prayers of the people of Nineveh, we know that the
Lord will shine His face on us and grant us the patience and wisdom to share the
Gospel and spread the truth, speaking it in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Remember always that our children are His, and He will always protect and safeguard
them from harm. All of us, however, must also do our part to protect them.
This period of dedicated prayer and fasting is only the first step in what we will all
engage in.
We ask the Lord to grant us all His Peace and surround us with His protective hands.
You are all in my heart and my prayers always.
Bishop Mina,
Bishop of the Diocese of
Mississauga, Vancouver and Western Canada