Letter of Good Standing Request
Receiving A “Letter Of Membership In Good Standing” For Godparents At Baptisms And Sponsors At Weddings
Receiving A “Letter Of Membership In Good Standing”
For Godparents At Baptisms And Sponsors At Weddings
What It Means to Be a Member in Good Standing at Saint Sophia Cathedral
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the Greek Orthodox Christian Church, the phrase “Member in Good Standing” is more than an administrative term—it speaks to your relationship with Christ and your active belonging to His Church. At The Cathedral of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Los Angeles, to be a member in Good Standing is to be able to say, with both confidence and joy: “I am a member of the Cathedral family.”
And like any healthy family, that relationship is built on connection, commitment, and care—not simply attendance or obligation. When someone asks me to write a letter affirming their “Good Standing”—perhaps to serve as a godparent or sponsor—it is essentially a letter of recommendation. And like any recommendation, it must be grounded in personal knowledge, shared spiritual life, and evidence of genuine participation.
If I don’t know the person, or if there is no visible relationship with the life of the Cathedral, the letter risks appearing transactional based merely on a donation. That is not reflective of the heart of our faith. However, in good faith, I can write such a letter if the person expresses a sincere desire to grow in that relationship and make a meaningful commitment of time, talent, and treasure. Therefore, the pledge of stewardship is one that aligns much like other priorities in life, such as a gym membership and devotion to using the facility, the monthly amount for a streaming service, or the cost of a cell phone plan.
What is Stewardship?
In Orthodox Christianity, stewardship is not a fee or a membership due. It is a joyful response to God’s blessings, and a way to say, "Thank you, Lord, for all that I have." A true steward offers their time, talents, and resources to support the work of the Church and to grow personally in the likeness of Christ.
Being a Member in Good Standing at Saint Sophia Means:
- Participating in the sacramental life of the Church
This includes:
- Attending the Divine Liturgy regularly, especially Sundays and feast days.
- Preparing for and receiving Holy Communion and Confession.
- Taking part in the sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, Unction, and others as appropriate.
Example: A family who attends Liturgy weekly and brings their children to receive Communion is actively living a sacramental life.
- Being known and present in the life of the parish
This involves:
- Engaging visibly in parish life—not only attending services, but also joining events, ministries, and educational offerings.
- Building authentic relationships with fellow parishioners and clergy.
Example: A parishioner who volunteers at the festival, joins a Bible study, or sings in the choir is known and present in the Church community.
- Offering a financial pledge that supports the ministries of the Cathedral
This reflects:
- A personal commitment to stewardship—offering a portion of one’s income with gratitude and intention.
- Supporting the operations and programs that sustain the spiritual life of the Cathedral.
Example: A young adult who pledges a stewardship commitment that equals the cost of a monthly gym membership, or a family that prayerfully sets aside a consistent gift each month, is supporting the Church with sincerity and purpose.
The Next Steps: Becoming More Fully a Member of the Cathedral Family
If you wish to become a member in Good Standing—or renew your commitment—here are your next steps:
- Complete a pledge card for the current year
Visit our website at saintsophia.org/stewardship to submit your pledge online or download a printable form. Your stewardship should reflect your blessings and be in balance with your other life priorities. You may also email [email protected] to request a pledge card.
- Attend services as often as you can
Our Sunday worship begins at 9:00 AM with Orthros, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. Feast days and special weekday services are also offered throughout the year. There is no substitute for being present with Christ and His people.
- Review our ministries and find your place
Visit saintsophia.org/ministries to explore our many opportunities to serve. Whether through outreach, youth ministry, choir, hospitality, or adult education—your talents can strengthen the Church family.
- Reach out and introduce yourself to me, Fr. Gary
As your Dean, it is a blessing to walk with you. Whether you are new to the Cathedral or have been attending for years, please introduce yourself. I would love to connect, hear your story, and help guide you deeper into the life of the Church. You can reach me directly at [email protected].
Saint Sophia is your home. And like any home, its beauty and strength come from the hearts within it. If you are not yet active but desire to be, I welcome you. Let us take the next steps—together in Christ, and together as family.
With gratitude,
Rev. Fr. Gary Kyriacou, Dean
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sophia
When requesting Letters of Membership in Good Standing, please do so at least 3-4 weeks before the ceremony.
