On December 16th, in recognition of the Name Day of St. Modestos, Father Alex and the children of Holy Mother of God hosted the community with a pet blessing. We had close to 80 animals—dogs, cats and one rabbit—receive blessings from Fr. Alex Chetsas. Many of the attendees were our parishioners, but about ¼ were visiting members of the community. Representatives from the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center were on hand to provide information on volunteer opportunities and with animals in need of a loving home.

St. Modestos, a third century Saint, viewed animals as sublime and mysterious gifts from God and would often bless the livestock of the faithful—praying for their health and survival and glorifying in the vastness and beauty of all God made.