What’s your resolution?
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Missoula, Montana
As we draw near to the New Year, many of us are thinking about the resolutions we would like to make. The turning of the calendar marks a moment of reflection, a fresh start where we can contemplate the past year, learn from our experiences, and set new intentions. In our secular society, this is often a time to commit to personal goals—such as losing weight, exercising more, or improving finances. But as an Orthodox Christian priest, I would like to invite you to reflect more deeply on New Year's resolutions, with a focus on spiritual growth and the inner transformation that can come from a commitment to Christ.
The Root of True Change: Repentance and Renewal
In the Orthodox Church, we believe in the importance of continual spiritual renewal. The process of repentance (metanoia) is not confined to a specific season but is a lifelong journey. It is not simply about regret for past mistakes, but about a radical turning of our heart and mind toward God. This is the real essence of change—moving away from sin and toward the grace of God.
As we set resolutions for the year ahead, it is helpful to remember that true renewal begins from within, and it involves not just our outer actions, but the transformation of our hearts. So, rather than focusing only on external goals, let us use this time to reflect on our relationship with God.
Set Spiritual Goals: Drawing Near to Christ
The Orthodox faith teaches that our salvation is a lifelong process of drawing nearer to Christ. So, as we look forward to a new year, I encourage you to set resolutions that help foster this growth in Christ:
Prayer and Fasting: The foundation of our Christian life is prayer. This year, I invite you to commit to regular personal prayer. Even if it’s just five minutes in the morning or before bed, set aside time to connect with God. Prayer draws us closer to Him and fills us with His peace. Alongside prayer, consider the discipline of fasting. Fasting, in its many forms, teaches us self-control and helps us focus our hearts and minds on God rather than worldly distractions.
Attend the Divine Services Regularly: The Church is not just a place we visit once in a while; it is the community where we are nourished by the sacraments and united in prayer. Attending services regularly, especially the Divine Liturgy, strengthens our faith and gives us grace. As we receive the Eucharist, we are filled with Christ’s body and blood, which renews us spiritually. Make it a priority this year to attend services more regularly, if you are able.
Love and Forgiveness: As Orthodox Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and forgive those who have wronged us. In this New Year, think about the relationships in your life. Are there places where you need to ask for forgiveness? Are there people you need to forgive? True spiritual growth involves healing the wounds in our relationships and seeking peace.
Read the Scriptures: The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Reading the Bible daily is essential for our spiritual nourishment. Start with a manageable portion of Scripture—perhaps a chapter a day—and allow it to penetrate your heart. Through the Scriptures, we encounter God’s voice and receive wisdom that leads to salvation.
Serve Others: Christ came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). This year, let us look for opportunities to serve others, whether within the Church or in the wider community. Acts of charity, kindness, and selflessness are powerful ways to imitate Christ. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, visiting the sick, or simply being present to someone in need, serving others helps us grow in humility and love.
Embrace the Spirit of the New Year
The New Year presents an opportunity for us to start anew, but it is not a time to rely solely on our own strength to make changes. We are reminded that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). As we make resolutions for the year ahead, let us remember that it is God who works in us, both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Our resolutions must be made in cooperation with the grace of God, acknowledging that we are weak, but He is strong.
Let us also be gentle with ourselves. The journey of spiritual growth is not always linear, and we will face setbacks and challenges. But what matters is that we continually turn to God, who is full of mercy and love. Through repentance, faith, and obedience to His commandments, we will find true peace and joy.
A Prayer for the New Year
As we begin this New Year, let us offer a prayer together:
"Lord, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, we humbly ask for Your guidance and strength. Help us to make resolutions that bring us closer to You, that we may grow in holiness and reflect Your love to the world. Grant us the grace to repent of our sins, to forgive others, and to love as You have loved us. May this year be one of spiritual renewal, as we seek to walk more closely with You. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all the saints, we place our hopes and our plans in Your hands. For to You belong all glory , honor and worship, to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
As you embark on this New Year, remember that each moment is an opportunity for growth. May this year be a time of deepening your relationship with God and reflecting His love to those around you.