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  • Home
  • THE DIOCESE
    • WHO WE ARE >
      • Welcome from the Bishop
      • Where We've Been
      • Where We're Going
      • What is the Episcopal Church?
    • THE BISHOP >
      • Meet the Bishop
      • Bishop's Calendar
      • Bishop's Messages >
        • Bishop's Message Archive
      • Bishop's Bible Study
    • Diocesan Support Center
    • Our Churches
    • Our Schools
    • Our Camp
    • Supply Clergy
    • Governance >
      • Convention >
        • General Convention
        • Past Meetings of Convention
      • Commission on Ministry >
        • COM Overview
        • Discernment for Ministry
        • Ordination Process
      • Diocesan Council
      • Standing Committee
  • Ministries
    • A Cup of Cold Water
    • Committee on Native Hawaiian Ministry (CONHM)
    • Daughters of the King
    • Deacons
    • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
    • Iolani Guild >
      • Overview
      • Special Programs & Projects
      • Kamehameha IV Prayer Book
      • Scholarships
    • Missions Beyond the Church
    • Outreach
    • Prison Ministry
    • SPICE: Clergy Spouses
    • Worship Ministries >
      • Acolytes
      • Altar Guild
      • Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors
      • Worship Leaders
    • Youth & Campus Ministry >
      • Youth
      • College Campus Ministry
      • EYE20
      • Youth Design Team
  • EDUCATION
    • Christian Formation
    • Continuing Education
    • EfM: Education for Ministry
    • Godly Play
    • Red Cross Training
    • Safe Church Trainings
    • Teachings by Clergy
    • Waiolaihui'ia: Local Formation Program
  • RESOURCES
    • Forms & Documents
    • Bible Links Online
    • Church Pension Fund
    • COMMUNICATIONS >
      • Overview
      • Tech Stuff
      • Social Media
      • Online Tips
      • Media
      • Communications Blog
    • Grants >
      • Grant Opportunities
      • Chang Clergy Children's Fund
    • Lay Leadership >
      • Lay Leadership Resources
      • Coffee Hour
    • Lectionary Page
    • Licensed Ministries
    • Links to the Wider Church
    • Marriages in Hawaii
    • Music
    • Ordination Process
    • Parochial Report Stats
    • Planned Giving
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Safe Church
    • Stewardship
    • Supply Clergy
    • WORSHIP >
      • Worship
      • Online Worship
  • OPEN POSITIONS
    • Ordained
    • Come Serve in Hawaii Short Term
    • Lay
  • Contact
  • NEWS
    • Coronavirus
    • Holy Week 2020
    • NEWS WEBSITE
    • Diocesan Calendar
    • Community Calendars
    • Photo/Video Gallery
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BISHOP'S MESSAGES

Beginning in June, the Bishop's Wednesday Bible Study video messages will no longer appear on this page, but on his new Bible Study page HERE.

Latest Messages:

A Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Hawai'i
January 8, 2021

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The Bishop shares a special pastoral letter during these times of unrest.  Click on the image to view the letter, or click HERE.

January 6, 2021 - The Bishop addresses the unrest and rioting taking place at our Capitol and around the country.

Special Announcement: Honorary Canon at The Cathedral
December 27, 2020

​The Reverend Naim Stifan Ateek will be instituted as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi, on the Second Sunday of Christmas, January 3, 2021, during the Cathedral’s 10:00 AM liturgy. He will be joining the liturgy virtually from Texas. He is a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the founder of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. He has been an active leader in the shaping of the Palestinian liberation theology. Canon Ateek was to have been with us to speak and to be instituted as an Honorary Canon earlier in 2020. This was forestalled by the pandemic. This is our opportunity to honor his witness to the non-violent struggle for justice and reconciliation in Palestine/Israel.

You are welcome to join the service online at   facebook.com/thecathedralofstandrew/videos. A Facebook account is not needed to access a service live and to view videos of previously recorded Cathedral services.  READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

December 21, 2020 - In his annual Christmas message, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick reflects on Sister Ilia Delio's Christmas letter and Christina Rosetti's poem Christmastide. 

Bishop's Monday Message in the Third Sunday of Advent: The Song of Mary
December 14, 2020
Aloha my dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

In the lectionary for both the Third Sunday and the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church is given the option of saying (or singing) “The Song of Mary” (also known as the Magnificat [see The Book of Common Prayer, Canticle 15, page 91]) in place of a Psalm. This song of praise comes from the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55).

You’ll remember that it comes in the story before the birth of Jesus and while Mary is visiting her cousin, Elizabeth. It is Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s blessing and acclamation that Mary’s unborn child was the “Lord.” For the Church through history and for us today, “The Song of Mary” is a proclamation of God’s reign of justice, righteousness and peace. It is a statement of hope and joy.  READ MORE

December 7, 2020 - In his weekly Monday message, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick shares a reflection on the "missing" Psalm verses from this past Sunday's Liturgy.

November 30, 2020 - ​The Bishop shares an Advent Reflection with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Isaiah, and a call to help those most in need during these times.

November 25, 2020 - Bishop's Thanksgiving Message 2020 (To view the text of the message along with special Diocesan activities for Thanksgiving, click HERE.)

November 16, 2020 - Special Monday Message from the Bishop: A Note of Thanks
“There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; and there are different ministries and the same Lord; and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Aloha my dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

We are now just over three weeks after the first all virtual Diocesan Convention and two weeks after the most contentious election in modern United States history. All of that during the greatest pandemic since the early Twentieth Century. These have been “interesting” times.

Our life goes on in new ways. Things are not as they were a year ago. Our life continues, however, together as God’s people. The new Church year will be upon us soon on the First Sunday of Advent (November 29th), then Christmas and 2021.

Before the new liturgical year begins, I want to share my gratitude with some of those that helped the Diocese and especially during the months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
​READ FULL MESSAGE

November 9, 2020 - The Bishop shares a post-election reflection with wisdom from Abraham Lincoln, the Letter of James, and Ecclesiasticus.

October 30, 2020 - As election day nears, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick shares a reflection on these contentious times, and Scripture from Micah "to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God."

October 26, 2020- The Bishop's Convention Address

October 19, 2020 - The Bishop shares his Convention Sermon

SPECIAL MESSAGE: CONFLICT & BONHOEFFER
October 7, 2020

​My dear Siblings in Christ,

We live in anxious times. I have received emails from folk that I do not know, about the upcoming election. Frankly, I have replied to all that I do not personally know and explicitly asked them to not send their personal opinions to me regardless of their perspective or position on issues or candidates. One person responded with ire and vitriolic castigation for depriving him of his right to free speech. He noted that in all the churches and denominations that he had sent his missive, I was the first to ask to be removed from his mailing list. I suspect that others just ignored him. He did agree to remove my name with a summary judgement of my soul and my Diocese. To be honest, I just don’t want to hear from outside my Diocese or the Episcopal Church. I did, however, say a prayer for the gentleman. 

Now, I am hearing from clergy and lay members of the Diocese. Some are upset with President Trump and the way he has handled the COVID-19 crisis in the nation and most recently in the White House itself. Others are fearful to say that they support the President because of the response from their fellow Episcopalians. Many of us are fatigued by the words of anger and lack of respect. There is worry about the future. Life is weighed down by “stay at home orders,” wearing masks, social distancing, illness, and fear of the pandemic and its consequences both physically and economically.  READ MORE

SPECIAL MESSAGE: THE PRESIDENT & COVID-19
October 2, 2020

TO: The Diocese of Hawaiʻi and the Episcopal Church in Micronesia

With the news that President and Mrs. Trump have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, I urge all congregations to remember them and all others throughout the world who have tested positive, and especially those who have fallen gravely ill, during the Prayers in the worship services of our churches (in the private prayers of all Episcopalians). 

Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We also should continue our prayers for medical staffs, scientists and others who care for those infected, and the most vulnerable, and are working to end this pandemic in a safe and effective manner.

Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for effective treatments and vaccines. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We must also remember the over 200,000 citizens of the United States (including those individuals related to Episcopal churches in Hawaiʻi and Micronesia) and over 1,000,000 world-wide who have died due to COVID-19 related complications.

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And be sure to pray for the families and friends of those who have died.

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
​

My dear siblings in Christ Jesus, please stay safe: Wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and sanitize your environment.

Your brother in Christ Jesus,

Bob+

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
Bishop Diocesan 
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

Bishop-in-Charge
The Episcopal Church in Micronesia

September 28, 2020 - The Bishop addresses the divisive climate in our nation today and reflects on the writings of Augustine.

September 21, 2020 - The Bishop reflects on Philippians 4:4-7; a reminder to faithfully do our part during the pandemic and that all will be well.

September 14, 2020 - The Bishop shares a note of thanks and encouragement to all in the Diocese, especially as we continue to navigate life through a pandemic.

September 7, 2020 - The Bishop shares the sermon he delivered at The Cathedral of St. Andrew this past Sunday, addressing how we live in this broken world.

To view more of the Bishop's video messages, visit the Diocesan YouTube channel:
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The Rt. Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick

Past Messages

  • A Special Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Hawai'i, January 8, 2021
  • Special Message: Rioting at the Capitol, January 6, 2021
  • Special Announcement: Honorary Canon at The Cathedral, December 27, 2020
  • Bishop's Christmas Message 2020, December 21, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Message in the Third Sunday of Advent: The Song of Mary, December 14, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Psalm 85, December 7, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Advent, November 30, 2020
  • Bishop's Thanksgiving Message 2020, November 25, 2020
  • A Special Monday Message from the Bishop: A Note of Thanks, November 16, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Post-Election Reflection, November 9, 2020
  • Bishop's Election Message, October 30, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Convention Address, October 26, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Convention Sermon, October 19, 2020
  • Special Message: Conflict & Bonhoeffer, October7, 2020
  • Special Message: The President & COVID-19, October 2, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: On Augustine, September 28, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Philippians 4:4-7, September 21, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Thanks & Encouragement, September 14, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Cathedral Sermon, Living in a broken world, September 7, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Coping in a changing world, August 31, 2020
  • Special Message: Praying for Our World in Crisis, August 28, 2020
  • Special Announcement: Emergency Order, August 25, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Psalm 93, August 24, 2020
  • Thanking Our Clergy, Chronicle, August 21, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: "Why?" - A reflection on faith, August 17, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Strength in Scripture, August 10, 2020
  • Special Message from the Bishop on In-Person Worship, August 5, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Addressing "politics" in religion, August 3, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Lectio Divina Prayer, July 27, 2020
  • Special Message: Hurricane Douglas, July 25, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: St. Andrew's Baccalaureate Address, July 20, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Ordination of Stephen McPeek Sermon, July 13, 2020
  • Important Message from the Bishop: Worship & COVID Concerns, July 11, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Wise Words from Fr. Bray & Archbishop Temple, July 6, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Shame & Guilt, June 29, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Symbols & Faith, June 22, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message: Common Good, June 15, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message, June 8, 2020
  • Bishop's Friday Reflection, June 5, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message, June 1, 2020
  • Bishop's Pentecost Sermon (Video), May 31 2020
  • Bishop's Reflection on Racism, May 28, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message, May 27, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Monday Video Message, May 25, 2020
  • Special Announcement: Returning to public in-person worship, May 22, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message, May 20, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message, May 18, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message, May 13, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message, May 11, 2020
  • Bishop's Sermon, May 10, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message, May 6, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message, May 4, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message, April 29, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message, April 27, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message, April 22, 2020
  • Bishop's Monday Video Message, April 20, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message in Easter Week, April 15, 2020
  • Bishop Monday Video Message in Easter Week, April 13, 2020
  • Bishop's Easter Sermon (Video), April 12, 2020
  • Bishop's Good Friday Video Message, April 10, 2020
  • Bishop's Maundy Thursday Video Message, April 9, 2020
  • Bishop's Wednesday Video Message into Holy Week, April 8, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Monday Video Message into Holy Week, April 6, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Wednesday Video Message: 1 Peter, April 1, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Monday Video Message: Prayer, March 30, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Video Reflection on the Lordʻs Prayer, March 25, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Monday Video Update, March 23, 2020
  • Extension of Suspension to April 30, 2020, March 20, 2020 (Video & Text)
  • Suspension of Worship & Gatherings in Our Churches (March 16, 2020)(Video & Text)
  • A Thought from the Bishop at Noon Friday, March 13, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Response to the Presiding Bishopʻs Message on the Coronavirus, March 12, 2020
  • Important Message from the Bishop: Coronavirus Update, March 6, 2020
  • A Note from the Bishop on the Coronavirus, February 28, 2020
  • Bishopʻs Lenten Message 2020, February 26, 2020
  • Receiving Holy Communion in the Age of the "Corona Virus" and during the Flu Season, February 7, 2020
  • Prayers After the Diamond Head Tragedy, January 20, 2020
  • A New Year's Reflection for the Diocese of Hawai'i, January 3, 2020
  • Bishop's Christmas Message 2019, December 18, 2019
  • Bishop's Thanksgiving Message, November 27, 2019
  • A Message of Love and Solidarity, September 30, 2019
  • ​​Bishop's Reflection on Gilroy, El Paso & Dayton, August 9, 2019
  • A Teaching from the Bishop on Mauna a Wākea, July 21, 2019
  • May 24, 2019 - Upcoming Seminars
  • Bishop's Easter Message 2019 or Video version
  • Bishop's Christmas Message 2018
  • Bishop's Message on the Murders in Louisville & Pittsburgh, October 29, 2018
  • August 9, 2018 - Diocesan Guidelines on Receiving Holy Communion
  • June 2018 E-Chronicle - Our Identity as an Episcopal Church in Hawai'i
  • May 10, 2018 E-News - A Reflection on a Volcano and a Flood
  • Bishop's Easter Message 2018 (on YouTube)
  • March 2018 E-Chronicle - Reflections on Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation
  • Bishop's Lent Message 2018
  • February 2018 E-Chronicle - Prison Reform
  • On Human Error, January 14, 2018
  • Praying for our President, January 12, 2018​
Earlier messages can be found on the archive page:
Message Archive

ASK THE BISHOP

  • June 7, 2017 - Thoughts on Flags & Patriotic Songs in Church
  • December 2016 - Worshiping & Communion
  • April 2014 - Altar Guilds
  • February 2014- The Peace

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