Not long ago, after reading another round of articles (see here and here) describing "the rise of the nones" – the rapid increase in Americans professing no connection with a religion – I remembered some words spoken by our former bishop, Metropolitan Gregory, at his enthronement in 2012. He said he believed that, as faith continues to ebb in our society, the Church will become "an Ark" for those serious about their salvation.

I believe this wholeheartedly. As in the days of Noah, there may be few who choose to leave the growing emptiness around us and enter the Ark of the Church: but, for now, it stands ready to receive us all.

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 Image: The Church as Mystical Ark