Our icon for the Eparchial Family & Life Office is of the Holy Family and their heritage. Both family lines; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Jesse, King Boaz, Ruth, King Solomon, King Judah, Joachim & Anna, Jacob (Father of Joseph) and the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and Jesus). Thus, emphasising; The Holy Family’s importance, the Domestic Royal Church, communio personarum – communion of persons, the Kingship, the Kingdom, Seat of Wisdom, Obedience and the importance of each person in the family as each one has their roots and heritage. The immediate family (cimja – parents & child; close family) just as equally important as the grandparents and great grandparents (rodyna – the larger family); the line of ancestors/heritage who created the whole family. This icon shares and highlights how large the family really is, emphasising the many levels of ministry for each group in the family between children, parents, spouses and the elderly; all sharing the legacy and richness of family ties with heritage and blessing.
- Bishop Bryan Bayda