St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church

Announcements
+ Last updated on Dec 5, 2009 +

• Merry Christmas and Happy New year! May the Lord bless us with good tidings so we will have a prosperous upcoming New Year. Our Christmas Eve Liturgy went very well; we had a good attendance and a beautiful party. Santa came, and the children had a wonderful time.

• Thanks to all who helped at the Christmas Sunday school play rehearsals. We had the play after Christmas Liturgy, and it was wonderful to see the children act, wearing their costumes. Remember what the children told us during the play, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Please keep that in mind in this busy world we live in and why we came into existence.

• Please read the article about Theophany. It is self explanatory. We need not remind you how important it is to attend Liturgy that day. Our Holy Theophany Liturgy will be on January 10th even though it is celebrated on January 6th. If anyone would like a house blessing, please call Fr. Mark or Fr. Liviu.

• Bible study will take place on January 31. Please remember Father Mark takes plenty of time each bible study so parishioners can acquire a better understanding about the Old and New Testament. Sometimes he feels he is wasting people’s time because no one asks him questions during the session. Please feel free to ask questions. Don’t be shy; we are all one family at St. Michael and trying to learn more about God. Next Bible Study we will discuss St. Luke.
  
  

Pre-Lent begins February 8th Last day to consume meat, Feb. 7th (Meat Fare Sunday)
Great Lent begins February 15th and ends April 3rd.

Calendar
January - February and March 2010

January 3
Sunday before Epiphany and after
Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Wednesday, January 6
Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

January 10
The Leave taking of the Feast of Epiphany

January 17
Commemoration of St. Gregory the Theologian

January 24
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

January 31
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
the Sunday before the Presentation of Our Lord into the Temple

Tuesday, February 2
Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

February 7
Sunday of the Meat Fare
Sunday after the Presentation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

February 14
Sunday of Cheese Fare

February 21
First Sunday of Lent
Sunday of the Orthodoxy

February 28
Second Sunday of Lent
Commemoration of St Gregory Palamas, Bishop of Thessalonica

March 7
Third Sunday of Lent
The Adoration of the Holy Cross

March 14
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Commemoration of St. John the Ladder

March 21
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt

The Presentation of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ into the Temple

The presentation or the meeting of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is commemorated on February 2nd.

Simeon was a just man who had been awaiting the salvation of God for a long time. According to tradition, he was translating the passage in the Scriptures where Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah was to be born of a Virgin. Simeon wanted to change the word “Virgin” to “Young woman”, but an angel stopped his hand and foretold him that he would not see death before seeing the Messiah born of the Virgin.

According to the Law of Moses, every first born male was to be presented into the temple to be devoted to God on the fortieth day after birth, so the Mother of God brought the Newborn Jesus into the temple. Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit; he took the Child into his aged arms and he blessed God by saying: “Lord, now lettest Thou servant depart in peace, according to Thy word…” (Luke 2:25-32).

The Orthodox ChurchThe Orthodox Church has kept this tradition of the Churching of the mother and newborn child on the fortieth day.

Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

• Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8

From the heights thou didst descend, O compassionate One, and thou didst submit to the three-day burial; that thou might deliver us from passion. Thou art our life and our resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee.

• Troparion of St. Xenia, Tone 8

God image was perfectly preserved in you, O mother, for taking up the Cross you followed Christ. You taught us by example to overlook a flesh, a passing thing, but to see the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary your Spirit rejoices with the angels.

• Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

O Commanders of the Heavenly Hosts, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before You, crying: " Deliver us from all danger as commanders of the powers on high."

• Kontakion of the Presentation, Tone 1

Thou O Christ God, who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin's womb, and as is meet, didst bless Simeon's arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle: II Timothy 3:10-15
Gospel: Luke 18:10-14

Pharisee and Publican
Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14

The Publican and the Pharisee went up into the temple to pray, the Pharisee said: “I am not as other men are unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican. I fast twice in the week and I give tithes of all I possess.” The publican was standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but he beat his breast and said: “God be merciful to me sinner.” Jesus affirms that it was the publican who went down to his house justified rather then the Pharisee and He states:” For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted”.

Sunday of Publican and Pharisee (Theme)

The first Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of Publican and the Pharisee. The Theme of this parable is repentance. Before entering Great Lent in humility and repentance, we can achieve a deeper communion with God as we receive His forgiveness and His blessing by guiding us to richer spiritual life.

Did you know?

The Orthodox Church considered the week that follows the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee as a non-fasting week. All foods are allowed on everyday of the week, as well as Wednesday and Friday. This exemption from fasting is offered to us as a way of representing that Great Lent is forthcoming.

Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
and the Sunday before the Presentation of Our Lord into the Temple

• Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding thy most pure Body, thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world; for which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto thee, O Giver of life: Glory to thy resurrection, O Christ! Glory to thy kingdom! Glory to thy providence, O thou who alone art the Lover of mankind.

• Troparion of Sts. Cyros and John, Tone 3

• Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

O Commanders of the Heavenly Hosts, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before You, crying: " Deliver us from all danger as commanders of the powers on high."

• Troparion of St.Gregory, Tone 4

Thy righteous acts have manifested thee to thy flock as a model of faith, a reflection of humility, and a teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Gregory. Therefore, through humility thou hast achieved exaltation, and through poverty, riches. Intercede thou with Christ God to save our souls.

• Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

O Commanders of the Heavenly Hosts, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before You, crying: " Deliver us from all danger as commanders of the powers on high."

• Kontakion of the Presentation, Tone 1

Thou O Christ God, who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin's womb, and as is meet, didst bless Simeon's arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle: 1 Cor. 6: 12-20
Gospel: Luke 15: 11-32

The Prodigal Son
Gospel: Luke 15:11-32

There was a man who had two sons. One day the younger asks his father to give him his share of property. The Father gave him half of his money. In a little while, the younger son
There was a man who had two sons. One day the younger asks his father to give him his share of property. The Father gave him half of his money. In a little while, the younger son gathered all together and took his journey into a far country, and there had spent all his money. He was forced to work for a farmer feeding his pigs. A severe famine came, but he had nothing and fell into a great need.
One day he came to himself and said: “How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger”. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him: “I have sinned against heaven, and am no more worthy to be called thy son, make me as on of thy hired servants”. Then he arose and came to his father who had compassion on him. Rapidly, the father ran to embrace and kiss his youngest son. He asked his servants to bring forth the best robe to put it on him and he asked them too to put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet.
Now, the older son becomes angry and he told his father that he was faithful to him for many years and yet the father never gave him the opportunity for such feasting. The father said to him:” You are always with me and all that I have is yours. It was meet that we should make merry and be glad for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found”.

The prodigal Son (Theme)

The second Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The Theme of this parable is repentance which offers hope to those who have fallen into great hopelessness over their sins thinking that there is no forgiveness. God is love and we are blessed for his greatest compassion.

Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday of Meat Fare and
Sunday after the Presentation of Our Lord into the Temple

• Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2

When thou didst submit thyself unto death, O thou death less and immortal One, then thou didst destroy hell with thy godly power; and when thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of heaven did cry aloud unto thee: O Christ, thou Giver of life, Glory to thee.

• Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace; for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous old man, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, who granteth us Resurrection.

• Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

O Commanders of the Heavenly Hosts, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before You, crying: " Deliver us from all danger as commanders of the powers on high."

• Kontakion of the Presentation, Tone 1

Thou O Christ God, who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle: I Cor. 8:8 to 9:2
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Meat Fare Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

When the Son of man shall come in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one form another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the word; For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these of my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”: For I was hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or a thirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, verily I say unto you, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And “these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Sunday of Meat-Fare (Theme)

The third Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of Meat Fare or Last Judgment. The Theme of the parable is Love. When Christ comes to judge us, what will be the principle of His last judgment? The answer is Love.

Did you know?

On the Eve of the Sunday of Meat-Fare, the church commemorated all who have fallen asleep in the hope of Resurrection and it is called “Saturday of Souls”. It is a great day for prayers for our loved and departed members. During his ministry, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preached about love, so Christianity became the religion of love. We are always steeped in our daily sins that we can break this love easily, and the only way to return to God is “love” because God is love. Jesus gave us a new commandment that we shall love one another, also, he said to his disciples:” By this shall all know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” By praying for the dead, we ask God to remember them because we love them.

Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday of Cheese Fare

• Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm: he hath trampled death by death, and became the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the great mercy.

• Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

O Commanders of the Heavenly Hosts, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before You, crying: " Deliver us from all danger as commanders of the powers on high."

• Kontakion of the Cheese Fare Sunday, Tone 6
  

O Thou who guidest to wisdom and givest understanding and intelligence, the Instructor of the ignorant and Helper of the poor, strengthen my heart granting it understanding, O Master. Give me word, o Word of the Father; for behold I shall not refrain my lips from crying to Thee, O merciful One, have mercy upon me who am fallen.

Epistle: Rmans 13:11 to 14:4
Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21

(Cheese Fare Sunday)
Gospel: Matthew: 6:14-21

The Gospel reading of this Sunday gives advice on fasting. When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:16-18).

Sunday of Cheese Fare or Sunday of Forgiveness

The last Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of Cheese Fare. Now we enter the period of the fast forgiving one another so that God will forgive us.
The Orthodox Church wants us to prepare and invite us to reflect and consider the significance of Lent before we can practice it. Keep in mind that each Sunday has his particular Gospel lesson which is dedicated to some fundamental aspect of Repentance.

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