Giving thanks Today and Always
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN MISSOULA, MONTANA
Thanksgiving is a holiday that many people across the United States observe with family, food, and festivity. As an Orthodox Christian, it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the deeper spiritual meaning behind giving thanks, which resonates with our emphasis on gratitude toward God. While the roots of Thanksgiving in North America are often associated with history and cultural practices, the underlying principle of giving thanks aligns perfectly with Orthodox Christian teachings.
The Orthodox Call to Thanksgiving
In the Orthodox Christian tradition, gratitude is not just a yearly event or a passing feeling. It is a continuous and profound aspect of our spiritual lives. Throughout the Scriptures, we are reminded to give thanks in all things. St. Paul, in his letters, encourages us: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This is not just a seasonal sentiment but a call to live with an attitude of thanksgiving every day.
The act of giving thanks in the Orthodox Church is integral to our liturgical life. The Divine Liturgy, the central act of Orthodox worship, is essentially an offering of thanksgiving. The word “Eucharist,” which is used to describe the sacrament of Communion, comes from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning "thanksgiving." Each time we partake in the Holy Eucharist, we are offering our thanks to God for the gift of salvation, the life of Christ, and His presence among us. This is the ultimate act of gratitude.
Thanksgiving as an Act of Humility
One of the core values in Orthodox Christianity is humility. True thanksgiving comes from recognizing that every good thing in our life—our health, our relationships, our material blessings—is a gift from God. As Orthodox Christians, we acknowledge that we are dependent on God for all things. When we gather around the table to give thanks, we do so not just for the food before us but for the grace of God that sustains us in every moment.
The prayer of thanksgiving in the Orthodox tradition, especially before meals, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s provision: "O Lord, bless the food and drink of Your servants, for You are holy, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen." This prayer turns our attention away from ourselves and directs our focus to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives.
Gratitude for Family and Community
The Thanksgiving holiday also provides a special time to reflect on the importance of family and community—values that are cherished in the Orthodox Christian faith. The home is seen as a domestic church in Orthodox theology, and the family is considered the first place where we practice love, patience, and service. The feast we share on Thanksgiving is an opportunity to come together with loved ones, to strengthen bonds, and to express our gratitude for the gift of each other.
Additionally, the Orthodox Church emphasizes the communal aspect of faith. While individual thanksgiving is important, the Church is a body of believers who offer collective thanksgiving in worship. In this spirit, Thanksgiving can be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of being part of a wider Christian community, not just at church but also in our daily lives.
Thanksgiving and Service to Others
A key aspect of Thanksgiving is sharing what we have with others. In the Orthodox tradition, this aligns with the call to serve those in need. Jesus Christ Himself set the ultimate example of service, washing the feet of His disciples and calling us to serve one another with love. During the Thanksgiving season, Orthodox Christians are encouraged to reach out to those less fortunate, whether through food donations, charity drives, or offering help to those who are struggling.
In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes, “The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). The practice of giving generously to those in need is not only an act of kindness but also an acknowledgment of God’s generosity toward us.
Reflecting on God's Abundance
Finally, Thanksgiving invites us to reflect on the abundance of God's blessings in our lives. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to view all of creation as a gift from God. Every meal, every moment of joy, every opportunity for rest is an expression of God's love and provision. In our world, where we are often focused on what we lack, the season of Thanksgiving offers a reminder to pause and be grateful for what we have, both material and spiritual.
One of the most important aspects of Orthodox spirituality is the cultivation of gratitude as part of our relationship with God. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, we are constantly reminded to cultivate a thankful heart that acknowledges God’s presence in our lives.
As Orthodox Christians, we are called to live a life of thanksgiving, not just during a particular holiday, but as a daily practice. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s gifts, to express gratitude for the blessings of family, community, and health, and to serve others in love and humility. This holiday, though not originally part of the Church calendar, serves as a timely reminder of the call to offer continual thanks to God for His unceasing love and provision. In every season, we are to live with a heart of gratitude, always remembering that every good thing comes from above.
Let us celebrate Thanksgiving not just as a cultural tradition but as an act of worship—a time to give thanks to God for all that He has done for us, through Christ, and to share His love with those around us.