In December of 1621, pilgrim Edward Winslow, wrote to his friend recounting what would become one of America’s greatest traditions, the Thanksgiving Meal. His words show that the pilgrims clearly understood God’s central role as the Author of our gifts and blessings.
“… we might after a more special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors…many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted… And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want…”
But this offering of Thanksgiving to God did not originate with the Pilgrims. The Ancient Greeks, of course not yet understanding the One True God, celebrated Θεσμοφόρια (Thesmophoria), a 3-day feast to honor the goddess Demeter who, after the return of her daughter Persephone from Hades, restored the gift of agriculture to mankind.
Thanksgiving to God was a central to the Israelites and was attested to in the Torah (Leviticus 7) and is wonderfully captured in King David’s Psalm 103 (which is one of the 6 Psalms read during Sunday Matins).
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life …”
Jesus Himself illustrates the importance of giving proper thanks to God, once just before the Miracle of the Loaves (John 6) and also at the Last Supper (Matt 26, Mark 14).
So, on this Thanksgiving Day let us strongly resist the voices of those who, as they try to do with Christmas, would strip this important American Tradition of its religious origins. We as American Orthodox Christians have a sacred responsibility, through our royal priesthood, to “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9).
As we begin our Thanksgiving Feast let us not only preserve a wonderful American tradition but truly give thanks to the Author of all good things, for in the words of St. Paul, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31).
~ Father Angelo
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