NOVEMBER 2025

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude in which we express appreciation for blessings received as well as personal relationships built on giving of ourselves and sharing with others.  As we begin the Holiday Season with celebration of Thanksgiving, we invite our wonderful GNN audience and followers to share their own special memories by posting them either to the Galaxy Facebook page or writing directly to us at: GalaxyMoonbeamNightSite@gmail.com

Thanksgiving is truly special among American holidays as its historic connection with the Pilgrims affirms in the words of Archbishop Iakovos (1911-2005) that it is the "birthday of America's soul."  Regardless of religious affiliation, when people gather together on Thanksgiving it is done with a spirit of Love and/or Charity.  With this in mind, we would like to share this Prayer of Thanksgiving offered by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann (1921-1983) following celebration of Divine Liturgy for what turned out to be his final time on Thanksgiving Day 1983.  This is appropriate as Fr. Schmemann's life and ministry was devoted to teaching, writing and preaching about the Holy Eucharist -- for the word "Eucharist" in Greek means "Thanksgiving."  In sharing the full text of this prayer, we at Galaxy Nostalgia Network wish each and every one of you in our wonderful audience - along with all those you have in mind - a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank You, O Lord!

"Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy.

Thank You, O Lord, for having accepted this Eucharist, which we offered to the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and which filled our hearts with the joy, peace and righteousness of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, O Lord, for having revealed Yourself unto us and given us the foretaste of Your Kingdom.

Thank You, O Lord, for having united us to one another in serving You and Your Holy Church.

Thank You, O Lord, for having helped us to overcome all difficulties, tensions, passions, temptations and restored peace, mutual love and joy in sharing the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, O Lord, for the sufferings You bestowed upon us, for they are purifying us from selfishness and reminding us of the “one thing needed;” Your eternal Kingdom.

Thank You, O Lord, for having given us this country where we are free to worship You.

Thank You, O Lord, for this school, where the name of God is proclaimed.

Thank You, O Lord, for our families: husbands, wives and, especially, children who teach us how to celebrate Your holy Name in joy, movement and holy noise.

Thank You, O Lord, for everyone and everything.

Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your deeds, and no word is sufficient to celebrate Your miracles.

Lord, it is good to be here! Amen!"