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
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

Earlier messages can be found on the archive page:

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