tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87388268049332199672024-03-14T05:43:11.879-07:00St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox ChurchSt. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-38228696082033223262013-04-25T10:46:00.000-07:002013-06-02T19:33:58.591-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;"> Sunday, April 28, 2011</span><br />
<span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">Palm Sunday</span></div>
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<ul style="font-weight: bold;">
<li>Troparion of Lazarus (Tone1)</li>
</ul>
O Christ God, when thou didst raise Lazarus from the dead, before thy passion, did confirm the universal resurrection.<br />
Wherefore, we like Babes carry the palms of triumph and victory, and cry unto thee, O Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.<br />
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<ul style="font-weight: bold;">
<li>Troparion of Palm Sunday (Tone 4)</li>
</ul>
O Christ God, when we were buried with Thee in Baptism, we became deserving of thy Resurrection to immortal life. Wherefore, we praise thee, crying, Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.<br />
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<ul style="font-weight: bold;">
<li>Kontakion for Palm Sunday (Tone 4)</li>
</ul>
In Heaven He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who come to recall Adam."<br />
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<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Epi</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">stle: Philippians 4:4-9<br />Gospel: John 12:1-18</span></div>
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<span style="color: #993399;">Palm Sunday</span><br />
(The entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem)</div>
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It was a custom of the Jewish people to greet high ranking officials with the palm branches. After He raised Lazarus form the dead, the Jews believed that Jesus was coming as the expected Messiah. They thought He would free them from the Roman Soldiers.<br />
On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the law, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, people greeted Him with palm branches in theirs hands and spread their cloaks before Him on the road as a sign of respect and victory. They cried out: “Hosanna in the Highest, blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” The word Hosanna means “Save, I pray,” or “Save, now.”<br />
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Palm Sunday is the beginning of our journey to Holy Pascha.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> The Holy Week:</span></div>
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The last week of Christ’s earthly life is called Passion Week or Holy Week.<br />
In the Orthodox churches the services that are held on the evening of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday are called the Bridegroom Services.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp8M3eGBV6MxzWFx1OcAcXkPL12JteqWUvH7AvFgDOayCFs3S9UWkOl4mCoo5TjhrsA7x54y8ql0eAOHRx-s8-PUD7PzdP3zaFuL4V3qmIUb6gP-Pm9jjaSdRrjgHRmEZpW6Z9sDr4nbU/s1600/St.+Joseph+the+All+Comely.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594739428053136322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp8M3eGBV6MxzWFx1OcAcXkPL12JteqWUvH7AvFgDOayCFs3S9UWkOl4mCoo5TjhrsA7x54y8ql0eAOHRx-s8-PUD7PzdP3zaFuL4V3qmIUb6gP-Pm9jjaSdRrjgHRmEZpW6Z9sDr4nbU/s200/St.+Joseph+the+All+Comely.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 156px;" /></a><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Sunday evening:</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: ( Kindness and love for Christ)</span><br />
We commemorate the story of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who was betrayed by his brothers and was sold into slavery. After much suffering, there came triumph for him in Egypt. He is an image of Christ. Also the Gospel reading gives us the example of the barren fig tree that was cursed and withered. What does not bear fruit in Christ will be destroyed. The Kingdom is coming and those who are not ready will be left out. It connects us to the past which is the Old Testament and the future that is our own lives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx9k-1eMssxnCck6DVNDCAimvehut38IFzHg3Fg6gAomojuoi5cQbsEYZEMazb7-GCGnfQ9GUGtjC_FtG3hZ9AsFPkkcSZXl8tRswwg97wWnx565N0HqUBJE5UJoArhHh6Ztq3NyJBgFi/s1600/Virgins.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594739857830635330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx9k-1eMssxnCck6DVNDCAimvehut38IFzHg3Fg6gAomojuoi5cQbsEYZEMazb7-GCGnfQ9GUGtjC_FtG3hZ9AsFPkkcSZXl8tRswwg97wWnx565N0HqUBJE5UJoArhHh6Ztq3NyJBgFi/s200/Virgins.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 166px;" /></a><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Holy Monday evening: </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: (preparation)</span><br />
We commemorate the parable of the ten virgins. We should not forget about the end of our life. We should be prepared at every moment, like the wise virgins, not like the virgins who were not prepared. Whereby, Jesus told them to go back because they were not ready to meet the Lord. Remember, that we as Christians should be ready and prepared always in our Christian life because we never know when the Bridegroom (Christ) will come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6QeTaIGR0FgmHL7j8CnU0W_4W_c27tsiL94STjMTjRwZFM79Q9vKETaTZXzD30-XqLg_It357qvsiSlPRX00SgWMYHuivVm6dHBAF66nzB973mPfSwdy9UA0wUiJpgNzIb2N-dtj79U1/s1600/A-406.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594740634803330274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6QeTaIGR0FgmHL7j8CnU0W_4W_c27tsiL94STjMTjRwZFM79Q9vKETaTZXzD30-XqLg_It357qvsiSlPRX00SgWMYHuivVm6dHBAF66nzB973mPfSwdy9UA0wUiJpgNzIb2N-dtj79U1/s200/A-406.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 146px;" /></a><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Holy Tuesday evening: </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: (Repentance)</span><br />
We commemorate the events of the anointing of our Lord by a sinful woman, who anointed Jesus with precious myrrh and washed His feet with her hair. Her action of love is in contrast to that of Judas who betrayed the Master for thirty pieces of silvers. Because the betrayal took place on Wednesday, we have received the tradition to fast on Wednesday throughout the year. It is time to reflect upon our sinfulness and ask for repentance.<br />
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Holy W</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2GPGOZCn9ZIDpJ6U5gPJ8wzR8SW9cQGC3YTUoy3W7QRJXQGuMG6L7MsLdTGiGT3aYdZCQNs3tvaqfcpDDgPm0jRpcFuTweG5SroyoNCnX5hSCObbm1zkTMYI4p1s7M8WgGUMRn3nTjxQ/s1600/f75.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594741737201833410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2GPGOZCn9ZIDpJ6U5gPJ8wzR8SW9cQGC3YTUoy3W7QRJXQGuMG6L7MsLdTGiGT3aYdZCQNs3tvaqfcpDDgPm0jRpcFuTweG5SroyoNCnX5hSCObbm1zkTMYI4p1s7M8WgGUMRn3nTjxQ/s200/f75.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 136px;" /></a><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">ednesday evening (Holy Unction): </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: Healing</span><br />
The Sacrament of Holy Unction, one of the seven sacraments of the Church is celebrated this day. It signifies healing for every sick person. Worshippers are anointed with the sanctified oil for the healing of body and soul.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxDEUhHx77PVk3so2GoGRe12E3hddmJG1_3SRnNZFWRFRfSjKNyKRBM3zz_pKbKw-0K3NdT9Zr2otx3t8TCF0rGOzskfw7u-ZpZIvruFaNC_i1WMCjtckQHLs-g9yhguXNbHI9lKZr9tB/s1600/Sinai13thcCrucifixion.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594741995010445090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxDEUhHx77PVk3so2GoGRe12E3hddmJG1_3SRnNZFWRFRfSjKNyKRBM3zz_pKbKw-0K3NdT9Zr2otx3t8TCF0rGOzskfw7u-ZpZIvruFaNC_i1WMCjtckQHLs-g9yhguXNbHI9lKZr9tB/s200/Sinai13thcCrucifixion.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 118px;" /></a><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Holy Thursday evening: </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: The Holy Passion of Christ-Crucifixion</span><br />
We celebrate the Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He willingly endured the cross and the Death to take away our sins and save us. As we listen to the twelve Gospel readings in which we experience the entire story of his suffering and crucifixion. The Hymns we here focus on a great contrast. Christ, who is our God, is treated as a lowly criminal. Each of the Hymns compares ideas of Christ’s glory with details of His suffering. After the fifth Gospel reading, the Procession of the Cross takes place inside the Church while we sing:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">Holy Thursday Evening (The 15th Antiphon)</span><br />
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Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.<br />
Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.<br />
Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.<br />
A crown of thorns crowns Him, who is the King of the angels.<br />
He is wrapped in the purple robe of mockery, who wraps the heavens with clouds.<br />
He receives smitings, who freed Adam in the Jordan.<br />
He is tranfixed with nails, Who is the Son of the Virgin.<br />
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.<br />
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.<br />
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.<br />
Show us also Thy glorious resurrection!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzpptjElj7ATpFjXgskpuw3Gqymqjd_eGfIVCq3KR0IQCRhVgFeXRW16XA5-rCUofbwGs-RaOuDOqvIrRuVoAwv96T9FeVSv7pWnXSN_R7f6kVHs7tDmFJTurdqzSlyengBC_gaPXHPl7/s1600/Icon.HolyBurial.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594742270611604930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzpptjElj7ATpFjXgskpuw3Gqymqjd_eGfIVCq3KR0IQCRhVgFeXRW16XA5-rCUofbwGs-RaOuDOqvIrRuVoAwv96T9FeVSv7pWnXSN_R7f6kVHs7tDmFJTurdqzSlyengBC_gaPXHPl7/s200/Icon.HolyBurial.gif" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 162px;" /></a><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Holy Friday evening: </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: Lamentations</span><br />
The lamentations tell of the passion, death and burial of Christ but with the assurance and joy of His coming Resurrection. The faithful follow in a procession of the Epitaphios around the Church singing “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us.” On that night Christ confronts death, we learn that we are all made for life. He has filled it with life; He has taken its power and transformed death from a tragedy and into a joyful new beginning by his death.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiZGJ-mhyZ8tJ0UKNwPllRy31fJRxnIgaKm_bF9yKX06EIXbnMunQHDRwWPJUN5cu2EaaLThMEkEUwQ2BEggyiUb04IKiKCZrAL4z8Syv8tUqri22Ns58_m5Wkuktv2qC5wwpYUeizK1-/s1600/02356_resurrection.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594743109717749762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiZGJ-mhyZ8tJ0UKNwPllRy31fJRxnIgaKm_bF9yKX06EIXbnMunQHDRwWPJUN5cu2EaaLThMEkEUwQ2BEggyiUb04IKiKCZrAL4z8Syv8tUqri22Ns58_m5Wkuktv2qC5wwpYUeizK1-/s200/02356_resurrection.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 155px;" /></a><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Holy Saturday Evening: </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: Resurrection</span><br />
At midnight, the Church is darkened, the Priest is standing before the Holy Altar, lights a white candle from the eternal vigil light; Everyone joins together as the light is passed to each person in the church; and exiting from the Royal Doors, We celebrate Christ’s glorious Resurrection holding the candles high and singing:<br />
“Christ is risen from the death, O Christ is risen from the death, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa1rreRPG0hTchWO4gu0ZNnfUB9LD4kLfx2nZSo4VHx_0SfOG1ZgHh1rBpz2mfDXKOZ3H51BlHjduhqB2Dw1iH37YrRHqWPyuvKCW79vExHcC6BbaM8ai1zQcUQqIlH986NNw6H853zI_/s1600/Risen+Christ+Icon.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594743541482556050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa1rreRPG0hTchWO4gu0ZNnfUB9LD4kLfx2nZSo4VHx_0SfOG1ZgHh1rBpz2mfDXKOZ3H51BlHjduhqB2Dw1iH37YrRHqWPyuvKCW79vExHcC6BbaM8ai1zQcUQqIlH986NNw6H853zI_/s200/Risen+Christ+Icon.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 154px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is the Day of all Days and the Feast of Feast!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Pascha Sunday (Vespers):</span> we will read the Gospel in many languages to show or to tell the good news of Christ’s saving resurrection is for all people in the world.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Did you know?</span><br />
In the Orthodox Church, it is a custom to greet each other from the day of resurrection until Ascension Day by saying: <span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Some of the Paschal greetings in different languages are:</span><br />
English: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!<br />
Slavonic: Kristos Voskresey! Voyistino Voskresey!<br />
Ukrainian: Hrystos voskres! Voistiny voskres!<br />
Russian: Kristos voskres! Voistiny voskres!<br />
Romanian: Kristos A Inviat! Adeverat A Inviat!<br />
Arabic: Al Maseeh Qam! Haqan Qam!<br />
Serbian: Hristos Voskresie! Voistsinu Vaskrse<br />
Greek: Kristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!<br />
Albanian: Krishti Eshte Gjalle<br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
May 12, 2013</div>
<div style="color: purple;">
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Sunday of St. Thomas</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p_CDwoANieGothgzE0Pz4wPTp4d6Gw1-35p41TYZjv6wWPufoFUO3f-LI_YxofYC-8wMnN0r8Y8e4Pc121UhvrlRvfma4iKnD_rcdl6DisZry-x5xWnlATCu6uwOiil6nY8F01FzFyj4/s1600/4764238076_7ee353d9b2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p_CDwoANieGothgzE0Pz4wPTp4d6Gw1-35p41TYZjv6wWPufoFUO3f-LI_YxofYC-8wMnN0r8Y8e4Pc121UhvrlRvfma4iKnD_rcdl6DisZry-x5xWnlATCu6uwOiil6nY8F01FzFyj4/s200/4764238076_7ee353d9b2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of St Thomas Sunday, Tone 7</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While the tomb was sealed, Thou
didst shine forth from it, O Light. While the doors were closed, Thou
didst come in to Thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all,
renewing in us through them an upright Spirit, according to the
Greatness of Thy mercy.</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When thou didst descend into the
grave, O Immortal, Thou didst destroy the power of Hades. In victory
didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the myrrh-bearing
women, granting peace to Thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of
the fallen.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Acts 5: 12-20</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 20: 19-31</span></div>
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">May 19</span>, 2013</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women and </div>
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Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n4hlLN752cUdIYodMnBZjOuLY1C8Ndd65HvbNo_NXFZwzmfYAA8HQismKrebM7wR7TejJas7Z_dOQLuNugtsaNquqAmw4wjvsHxkAi_gMs1BGxtfGOsrEcwmBrJcOZcWispxwK-tyw_Z/s1600/Myrrhbearing_Women.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n4hlLN752cUdIYodMnBZjOuLY1C8Ndd65HvbNo_NXFZwzmfYAA8HQismKrebM7wR7TejJas7Z_dOQLuNugtsaNquqAmw4wjvsHxkAi_gMs1BGxtfGOsrEcwmBrJcOZcWispxwK-tyw_Z/s200/Myrrhbearing_Women.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
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<li>Troparion for the Sunday of the Myrrh bearing Women, Tone 2</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Glory to the Father, and to the
Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Pious Joseph, having brought down Thy
pure body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen, embalmed it with
ointment, provided for it, and laid it in a new tom. But thou didst
verily rise after three days, O Lord, granting the world the great
mercy.</div>
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Both now and ever, and unto ages if ages, Amen.</div>
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Verily,
the angel came to the tomb and said to the ointment bearing women
Ointments is meet for the dead, but Christ is shown to be remote form
corruption. But cry ye, the Lord is risen, granting the world the great
mercy.</div>
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<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When thou didst descend into the
grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst
thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing
women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of
the fallen.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Acts 6: 1-7</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Mark 15: 43-16:8</span></div>
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<b>Sunday </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>May 26, 2013</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
Sunday of the Paralytic<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdY_8C01awjSrU-RI62F0yT9P1t2P00N6oa1iRyqIof9OWBfUoiKr5aHPX4r0IvltYYQoRkYIgHab3L4viDFvFYCMcf3EjqHEKOJBDbscyPoYjkDlYO5PPdbKSDyU-TnH4kT_2GxztP2B/s1600/sunday-of-the-paralytic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdY_8C01awjSrU-RI62F0yT9P1t2P00N6oa1iRyqIof9OWBfUoiKr5aHPX4r0IvltYYQoRkYIgHab3L4viDFvFYCMcf3EjqHEKOJBDbscyPoYjkDlYO5PPdbKSDyU-TnH4kT_2GxztP2B/s200/sunday-of-the-paralytic.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When thou didst descend into the
grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of Hades. In victory didst
thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing
women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of
the fallen.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Act 9:32-42</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 5:1-15</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Wednesday, May 29, 2013 </b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
Feast of Mid-Pentecost</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DZYVlYQlf9q-a6QYWfurJSdDHCl8p1W3Rnss5mdLOAii9zfD_z3SvrfUiyCl2SAUzDEhWUlUfcoxPRihzljhspUW7gpxdwHdq1GwLW3hg1__bT3YSM8mshtsMgb9WJirdOdKMFa72IgV/s1600/200px-Prepoloveniye_(meso-pentecost).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DZYVlYQlf9q-a6QYWfurJSdDHCl8p1W3Rnss5mdLOAii9zfD_z3SvrfUiyCl2SAUzDEhWUlUfcoxPRihzljhspUW7gpxdwHdq1GwLW3hg1__bT3YSM8mshtsMgb9WJirdOdKMFa72IgV/s200/200px-Prepoloveniye_(meso-pentecost).png" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>June 2, 2013</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlFLA2WgBUDa_F3i7rYCLTeIEKbkkTO6zCcK2RI4FkgmIxbhCm6gzdhuE3q8Re4kCy9j5qXt7FzoUDRfcgGpLFyFPEdDbYMxaS2NCDP6Su0KtY0aLCDlc29vsWfI374lFvw0pi-SnUh9-/s1600/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlFLA2WgBUDa_F3i7rYCLTeIEKbkkTO6zCcK2RI4FkgmIxbhCm6gzdhuE3q8Re4kCy9j5qXt7FzoUDRfcgGpLFyFPEdDbYMxaS2NCDP6Su0KtY0aLCDlc29vsWfI374lFvw0pi-SnUh9-/s200/12.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having learned the joyful message
of the resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord
cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news
to the disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen,
granting the world great mercy</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion for Mid-Pentecost, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the midst of the Feast, O
Saviour, give thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of true
worship; for thou dist call out to all, saying: Who ever is thirsty, let
him come to me and drink. Wherefore, O Christ our God, Fountain of
life, glory to thee..</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When thou didst descend into the
grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst
thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing
women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of
the fallen.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Act 11:19-30</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 4:5-42</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>June 9, 2013</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
Sunday of the Blind Man<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwByOaQ_q8OkxtZtrzSfvmOSTHyJNIREUgVXImjw7ejAQ7n_mwnmLyXuHNyyVAXcesnrbGxisOiL50u6SqvMh_2IpOrPfx-BNpThphl5YtqNu59ddUvWYCt-npQ8vQETU1dD12GPOkn2w/s1600/miracle-sunday-of-the-blind-man-sixth-sunday-of-pascha-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwByOaQ_q8OkxtZtrzSfvmOSTHyJNIREUgVXImjw7ejAQ7n_mwnmLyXuHNyyVAXcesnrbGxisOiL50u6SqvMh_2IpOrPfx-BNpThphl5YtqNu59ddUvWYCt-npQ8vQETU1dD12GPOkn2w/s200/miracle-sunday-of-the-blind-man-sixth-sunday-of-pascha-01.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let us believers praise and
worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the
Virgin for our salvation; for he took pleasure in ascending the Cross in
the flesh to suffer death and to raise the dead by his glorious
Resurrection.</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When thou didst descend into the
grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst
thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing
women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of
the fallen.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Act 16:16-34</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 9: 1-38</span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">June 16</span>, 2013</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
Holy Fathers of the First Council of Nicea<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH25CdcdUKFI79kcCUILtaSEGPYilA3BEZa8wX1yFMRqXDOwikxrz0TYLeBmpqP8Z4GtTSrBl3KnmWdTEHOgpLkFKQzoBSAR9oABueND-kHa5KOLzZq0v5dAoIbLacxKr04Xtrf8NZ_8X/s1600/nicaea_icon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH25CdcdUKFI79kcCUILtaSEGPYilA3BEZa8wX1yFMRqXDOwikxrz0TYLeBmpqP8Z4GtTSrBl3KnmWdTEHOgpLkFKQzoBSAR9oABueND-kHa5KOLzZq0v5dAoIbLacxKr04Xtrf8NZ_8X/s200/nicaea_icon.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</li>
<li>Troparion of the Ascension, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Ascension, Tone 6</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistles: Acts 20-16-18, 28-36</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Jn. 17: 1-13</span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>June 23, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
Sunday of Pentecost<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-Ow1ixERXsEJSQdhAq-3u17s2QE7xVyS6GTlPucznqAWogWjciD1gNPmtteUIhgyqlIEc39YNAPdukczsVAfjjGptEzchqssfBTFuutngUhsAX5oDSaO1ARRQY6nBkUxDyzsdpU_ye6h/s1600/pentecost.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-Ow1ixERXsEJSQdhAq-3u17s2QE7xVyS6GTlPucznqAWogWjciD1gNPmtteUIhgyqlIEc39YNAPdukczsVAfjjGptEzchqssfBTFuutngUhsAX5oDSaO1ARRQY6nBkUxDyzsdpU_ye6h/s200/pentecost.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of the Feast, </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Feast, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Acts 2:1-11</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Jn. 7:37-52, 8:12</span></div>
St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-39917856508254720422013-02-23T17:58:00.003-08:002013-02-23T18:05:14.899-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>February 3, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sunday after Pentecost and</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sunday after the Presentation of our Lord</b></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of the presentation, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Presentation , Tone 1 </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thou O Christ God, who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s<b> </b>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. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: I Timothy: 4:9-15 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>February 10, 2013 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sunday after Pentecost and </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>St. Kharalampos </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Kharalampos, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: II Timothy 2: 1-10 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>February 17, 2013 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b> Sunday of the Canaanite Woman </b></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Theodore, Tone 2 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, </li>
<li>Tone 4 Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: II Cor. 6: 16-18, 7:1 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28 </b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>February 24, 2013 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. John, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Pharisee and the Publican, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: II Cor. 4: 6-15 <br />Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14 </b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Pharisee and Publican </span><br /><span style="color: red;">Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14 </span></b><br />
</div>
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”.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b> Sunday of Publican and Pharisee (Theme)</b></span></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Did you know? </b></span></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>March 3, 2013 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sunday of the Prodigal Son </b></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Prodigal Son, Tone 3 </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: I Cor. 6:12-20 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Luke 15: 11-32 </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">The Prodigal Son </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 </span></b></div>
<br />
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. <br />
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. <br />
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”.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>The Prodigal Son (Theme) </b></span></div>
<br />
The second Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The Theme of this parable is <b>repentance</b> which offers hope to those who have fallen into great hopelessness over their sins thinking that there is no <b>forgiveness</b>. God is love and we are blessed for his greatest compassion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">March 10, 2013 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sunday of Meat Fare </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Meat Fare Sunday, Tone 1 </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: I Cor. 8:8 to 9:2 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Meat Fare Sunday </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 </span></b></div>
<br />
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. <br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday of Meat-Fare (Theme) </span></b></div>
<br />
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 <b>last judgment</b>? The answer is Love.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Did you know? </b></span></div>
<br />
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 “<b>Saturday of Souls</b>”. 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.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;"> March 17, 2013 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday of Cheese Fare </span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8 </li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Cheese Fare Sunday, Tone 6 </li>
</ul>
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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. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Roman 13:11-14:4 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Cheese Fare Sunday</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"> Gospel: Matthew: 6:14-21 </span></b></div>
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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). <br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday of Cheese Fare or Sunday of Forgiveness </span></b></div>
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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. <br />
The Orthodox Church wants us to prepare and invites 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. <br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">March 24, 2013 </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b> First Sunday of Lent </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sunday of Orthodoxy</b> </span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1 </li>
<li>Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2 </li>
</ul>
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O Christ our God, begging forgiveness of our sins, we venerate your pure image, O Good One. Of Your own will You condescended to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh and delivered those you created from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, thankfully we cry out: When You came to save the world You filled all things with joy, O our Savior. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion fo the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
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To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Hebrews 11: 24-26, 32-40 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: John 1:43-51 </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Great Lent (Forty Days of Fasting) </b></span></div>
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Great Lent is the time for <b>self-examination</b>, a time for <b>prayer and almsgiving</b>, <b>a time for repentance</b> and a time of <b>abstinence from certain types of food</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Prayer of St. Ephrem </span></b></div>
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O Lord and Master of my life! </div>
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Take from me the spirit laziness, </div>
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meddling, ambition and vain talk. </div>
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But give me a spirit of prudence, </div>
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humility, patience, and love. </div>
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Yes Lord and King </div>
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grant me To see my own sins and faults </div>
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And not judge my brother. </div>
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For you are blessed forever and ever. Amen.</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Why this short prayer of St. Ephrem is important during the entire Lenten Worship? </b></span></div>
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Because it enumerates in unique Way all the negative and positive elements of repentance and constitutes a “check list” for our individual Lenten effort.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>March 31, 2013 </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b> Second Sunday of Lent </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Commemoration of St. Gregory Palamas, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Bishop of Thessalonica </b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Gregory, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
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O Gregory, the miracle worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the church, Holiness of monastic, invincible defender of Theologians, the Pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace. Intercede forever that our souls be saved. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
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To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-2:3 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">April 7, 2013 </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Third Sunday of Lent </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Adoration of the Holy Cross </b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3 </li>
<li>Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1 </li>
</ul>
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O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance, granting our believing kings victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Cross preserving thy common wealth. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
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To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-5:6 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Mark 8: 34 to end; 9:1 </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Mid-Lent: The Veneration of the Cross </span></b></div>
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Now we are in Mid-Lent, our effort begins to felt; we need all kind of help and encouragement. We are now at the top of the hill and we’ve reached the half way point as we descend to the bottom of the hill and into the valley of Holy Week and the Passion Week of our Lord. At Mid-Lent, we still receive our spiritual energy and revitalizing ourselves to continue our pilgrimage to Holy Week and Holy Pascha. Jesus said: “If anybody would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>April 14, 2013 </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Fourth Sunday of Lent </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Commemoration of St. John the Ladder </b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. John, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
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With the Rivers of your tears, you have made fertile the barren desert. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit of hundred- fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, intercedes to Christ our God to save our souls. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion for the Sundays of Lent, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
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To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Hebrews 6: 13-20 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Mark 9: 17-30 </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Fourth Sunday of Great Lent </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>The Ladder of Divine Ascent </b></span></div>
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St. John Climacus wrote the book bearing the name "The Ladder of Divine Ascent". It talks about our journey to Heaven involving steps. The 30 steps represent the Great Lent. The icon shows how difficult is to climb to Heaven. It shows monks on the ladder, the demons are trying to pull them off, the mouth of Hades are swallowing up those who have fallen off, the angels are lamenting over those, who have fallen, and people on the earth are praying for those on the ladder. Also, the icon depicts Christ at the top of the ladder, waiting for our entrance to His holy Kingdom. St. John Climacus is at the top of the ladder and the one with white robe behind St. John is probably the Archbishop Antonios. Every step that we make during Great Lent is our own sacrifice that we give to God, thus when we do this it becomes our own ladder to Heaven like as St John Climacus.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">April 21, 2013 </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Fifth Sunday of Lent </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt </b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Mary, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
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Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O righteous Mother Mary; for thou didst carry the cross and followed Christ. By example and precept, thou didst teach us to ignore the body, </div>
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because it is perishable, and to attain to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion for the Sundays of Lent, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
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To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Mark 10: 32-45 </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Commemoration of St Mary of Egypt </b></span></div>
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Mary the Egyptian lived in Alexandria as a prostitute. At the age of 29, out of curiosity she joined a group of pilgrims bound for the Holy Land. While sailing with the pilgrims on the ship, Mary did not cease from sinning. On getting to Jerusalem, she joined the pilgrims who were heading for the church of Christ's Resurrection. People were entering the church in a large throng, but Mary was stopped at the entrance by an invisible hand and could not enter it by any efforts. Here she understood that the Lord was not permitting her to enter into the holy place because of her impurity. Feeling of profound repentance, she began to entreat God to forgive her sins, promising to correct her life. The Theotokos icon told her to go to Jordan, where she would find rest. She begged the Theotokos to plead for her before God. Mary poured out abundant tears at the Lord's Tomb and went out of the church a completely different person.<br />
In the Jordanian Desert, she lived the rest of her life in repentance, complete solitude, fasting and prayer. A monk named Zosima (Zosimus) met her and heard her story. He brought her Holy Communion. She asked him to return the next year. When he returned, he found her dead, with instructions for her burial written in the sand next to her. The Elder Zosima, who lived in the Jordanian monastery of the prophet John the Forerunner, was struck by her holiness during her life. He saw her once during prayer as if raised up above the earth, and another time walking over the river Jordan, as if on dry land. Thus, from a great sinner, Venerable Mary became, with God's help, a very great saint and left such a striking example of repentance.St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-13801423439990327472012-12-22T14:32:00.001-08:002012-12-22T14:32:10.410-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">December 2, 2012</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">26th Sunday after Pentecost</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of the prophet Habakkuk, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 </li>
<li>(Sung from November 26- December24)</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Eph 5: 9-19</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 17: 14-23<br /><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">St. Barbara</span></b></div>
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(Commemorated on Dec.4th)<br /><br /></div>
Barbara is listed in some Churches as one of fourteen auxiliary saints and is sometimes referred to as holy “Helpers”. In the Orthodox Church she is known as the saint of artillerymen and firemen, but more commonly known as the saint of hazardous occupations. Born in the early third century, she was raised by her pagan father named Dioskoros who shielded her from the world. Dioskoros practiced idolatry with a passion and was convinced that Christianity was evil. He vowed that his daughter never convert to Christianity or be around Christians. However, Barbara managed to come to the light of Jesus Christ by a local monk and was baptized. Barbara told her father about her conversion and said to him the only way to salvation for her and for her father was accepting that Jesus Christ is the son of God and her Savior. Dioskoros after hearing his daughter pledge to Christ, the love he had for her turned to hatred. During the reign of Maximianus (A.D. 235), they were still persecuting Christians. Dioskoros with vengeance in his heart for his daughter reported her to the province. Because she did not deny Christ as her Savior, Barbara was beheaded. One account has it that her father beheaded her himself. God’s act of vengeance to Dioskoros, he was killed by a bolt of lightning on his way back from his daughter execution. In some Churches because of how she died, today St. Barbara is honored as the safeguard against sudden death.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Sunday</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>December 9, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>27th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Conception of St. Anne, Mother of the Theotokos </b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of the Righteous Anne, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3<br />(Sung from November 26-December 24)</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 4: 22-27</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 13: 10-17</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>(Commemorated on Dec. 6th)<br /><br /></b></span></div>
St. Nicholas was born in Myra, Asia Minor, now called Turkey and became bishop of Myra. We do not know very much the early day of St. Nicholas. After his parents died, he inherited a lot of money. He thought of other people that were less fortunate then himself, especially the poor. One particular story regarding Nicholas is about a father with three daughters who didn’t have enough food to feed them. St. Nicholas heard about his troubles and wrapped some gold coins and threw them in an open window in the father’s house. The next morning, the family found the gold, but they didn’t know who to thank, so they thanked God for their gift! St. Nicholas never wanted to be thanked for his generosity and charity. When he was discovered giving gifts, he would tell the person “Don’t tell anyone about the gifts, let it be our secret”. He also told them, “Please don’t thank me, thank God”. Unfortunately in today’s modern world we live in, the children in our society, forget or don’t know about the good gestures what St. Nicholas did. Mostly they are fascinated by the famous poem written by Clement Moore in 1823, “The Night before Christmas” and who will receive the best gift for being a good boy or girl. Thus, the meaning of St. Nicholas or Santa Clause dropping gifts at night at children’s homes, not to be thanked, but thank only God, is lost! St. Nicholas continued his life helping the poor, and after he died, the church called him St. Nicholas “The Champion of the People”. He is also referred to as, “St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker” (person who works wonders or performs miracles). Children around the world love him because of his great love he had for children, and his great Christian faith in God. They know of him, how he taught people to love and help each other as Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior did. In Holland, they called him Sinter, meaning Saint and Claes meaning Nicholas, thus his name years later was changed to Santa Clause. We celebrate his feast day December 6th. <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Sunday</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>December 16, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>28th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b> Sunday of the Forefathers</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of the Forefathers, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3<br />(Sung from November 26 – December 24)</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Col. 3: 4-11</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Luke 14: 16-24 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ</span></b></div>
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This Feast Day is an important day in the Christian Church. It is also called the Incarnation of Jesus Christ which means become human like us in Christ’s second nature, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14).<br />
We should also remember that our Savior Jesus Christ emptied Himself of his divine glory and humiliated Himself to accept the human condition. These conditions knowing that he died for us, then resurrected so that we may have everlasting life in the kingdom of God. The son of God “begotten not made” is Unlike Adam who was created by God the Father. Jesus Christ our Lord who is uncreated, He is one of the Trinity, the Son of the Father and coeternal. Jesus assumes the destiny of the first man and gives us a second chance to have everlasting life. We know the story about the birth of Jesus. We’ve heard about it over and over since we were children. Yet, no matter how many times we hear about the Nativity, keep in mind how much God still loves us. “For God so loved the world He gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). He sent His Son to teach us and to become most of all Christians or followers of Christ. So when we light the Christmas tree and exchange gifts, remember the most important gift on Christmas Day that gift of course is the gift of Love God gave to us, Jesus Christ our Lord. And let us not forgot the real reason for the season because “Jesus is the reason for the season.” <br />
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<i><span style="color: red;"><b>Christ is born!</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;"><b> Glorify Him!</b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday 23, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>29th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday before the Nativity </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">(Sunday of Genealogy)</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3<br />(Sung from November 26 – December 24)</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10; 17: 23, 32-40Col. 3: 4-11</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday 30, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>30th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Sunday after the Nativity of Christ</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">David the Prophet and King, and </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">James the Brother of the Lord</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
<li>Troparion of the Sunday after Nativity, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of Nativity, Tone 3</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY</span></b></div>
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The Feast of the Theophany ("Manifestation of God") takes its name from the event of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in which the fullness of the Holy Trinity is revealed. At the moment of the baptism the Father's voice is heard, calling Jesus his "Beloved Son" and the Holy Spirit is seen descending on Him in the form of a dove. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity - Three Persons in One God - is thus proclaimed to all! This teaching is fundamental to the Orthodox Christian faith: our faith is based on the truth of who God is - any other concept of God is mistaken as it takes people away from who He really is. <br /><br />
Doctrine in the Orthodox Church is not abstract: it is a lived reality and basic to our spirituality, our way - the true way - of relating to God as a Church and as individuals. Our lives as Christians are an internalization and a manifestation of the Holy Trinity who dwells within us: the Person of the Holy Spirit sanctifies us and brings us into the life of the Person of the Son, Jesus Christ. In turn, Christ brings us into the Person of the Father. That is why we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of the Son to the heavenly Father. That is why the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) of the Church are nothing less than the life of the Holy Spirit being poured into our lives by the Father in the name of his Beloved Son.<br /><br />
The baptismal rite performed by Saint John the Baptist, in which the Holy Trinity is revealed, prefigures the later Christian mystery of Baptism in which each individual is brought into the life of the Trinity. Just as our Lord began his ministry among men with his baptism, so we begin our lives as Christians with Baptism. The baptism performed by Saint John was a rite of repentance: our Baptism is an act of repentance which turns us away from sin to the life of God's grace and holiness.<br /><br />
May our participation in the Sanctification of the Waters, done during the Liturgy of the Feast of the Theophany, be for all of us a renewal of our life in the Trinity and a commitment on our part to dedicate ourselves to our Lord Jesus Christ, who saves us a draws all men to Himself!<br />
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-His Eminence Archbishop Lorenzo</div>
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<b>The New Disciples of Christ</b></div>
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<b>Writing by Valerie David </b></div>
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<b>(Sunday school)</b></div>
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We as Christians are Christ’s latest disciples. Each time a newly converted Christian comes into Jesus’ circle of Christianity, you might say it’s another feather in his cap, which means the continuation of Christ’s discipleship. As the new disciples of Christ, we are called to repent, spread God’s message, and make ready for the Kingdom of Heaven.<br /><br />
Since we are his disciples, like Jesus first disciples who were called to spread God’s message or Good news, we must first repent. Saint John the Baptist tells us: “Repent ye; for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”(Matthew 3:2.) Why did St. John preach about repentance? Repentance is one of the keys. The central teaching of our church is the forgiveness of our sins in Christ. <br /><br />
When Christ built the new foundation (the Christian faith) with his disciples, he wanted that foundation to continue and to be strong forever. The birth of the church begins at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Christ. As the Holy Spirit dwelled in his disciples, we believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in us to keep that foundation strong today with his new disciples. Christ himself had often talked about the Holy Spirit. “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. ” (Matthew 10:19-20.) With the phrase “in Christ” Saint Paul tells us that Christians live a new life in Christ. In the Orthodox Church, at Baptisms, we say were dead unto Christ and have put on Christ. Christ lives in us and is a part of us each time when we spread the good news (the New Testament.) The purpose of the “good news”, as it was with the disciples of Christ and as it is in today’s world with us, is to teach not only the Gospel to other Christians, but to teach the non-Christians that hopefully they will see the Light (Christ.)<br /><br />
We, the new generation of disciples, come from a lineage over two thousand years ago bases its Christian principles on love and forgiveness. Faith is the key, not only in spreading God’s word, but to have eternal life in the Kingdom of God. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5: 16.) Fr. Mark often mentions in his sermons around Christmas time that “Jesus is the reason for the season” because lately we are constantly hearing during this time when we say Merry Christmas to non-Christians we are offending them. He thinks this is a lot of nonsense and political correctness and when we believe that we are offending them, it just puts Christ in second place because then we become tolerant of these other religions which are wrong. Instead Fr. Mark tells us we should be cordial and they (non-Christians) should become tolerant of us so that they can come to “the Light”. <br /><br />
The purpose of the Gospels, such as the gospel of Matthew, is basically to tell us that Jesus Christ is not just a man, but the anointed one, or Messiah, the Son of God, Savior, and lastly the Lord and God. Jesus’ disciples as we know were “called.” Andrew being the first called, and the other eleven, were to continue Christ’s teachings after his Ascension. As Christ gave the keys to Peter, because he answered the question “who am I”, Peter answered “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” To understand why Jesus gave Peter the keys, Jesus wanted to build this new foundation brick by brick, and of course those bricks were going to be the new Christians, or disciples. In other words, without this foundation or new Christian faith, there would be no roof to complete his mission. Now it is up to us, as disciples of Christ, to continue his mission. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28: 20.) If we want to become disciples of Christ, we have to accept that the Christian faith is the champion of faiths and Christ is indeed King of Kings.<br />
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-Valerie David</div>
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<br />St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-73409363588092912542012-10-24T14:46:00.002-07:002012-10-24T14:46:24.624-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>October 7, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>18th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Sergios and Bacchos, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St .Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Corinthians 9:6-11</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Luke 7:11-16</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Proshora and Antidoron</b></span></span></div>
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It is customary that someone in the Orthodox congregation brings homemade bread for the Eucharistic ceremony. This bread is called Prosphora.<br />
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Prosphora is a Greek word which means an offering to God and it also represents Jesus Who is the Bread of life. The middle part of the bread is stamped with the abbreviations IC and XC which means Jesus Christ Conquers. During the Divine Liturgy, this square part is cut out in special way, which will be changed into the Body of Christ and it is called the Lamb of God. After partaking Holy Communion and at the end of the Liturgy, The left over of the bread (Antidoron) is distributed among the faithful who have not taken Communion. <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>The Holy bread is not Holy Communion</b></span></div>
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1. The Holy bread (Antidoron) is not Holy Communion and it is blessed. <br />
2. We should treat the Holy bread with respect (It should be eaten carefully so the crumbs do not fall.)<br />
3. Anyone can receive the Holy bread (Antidoron) at the end of the Liturgy. <br />
4. Only Orthodox faithful who have prepared themselves through fasting, confession and prayer can receive Holy Communion.<br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>October 14, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>19th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Sunday of the Holy Fathers of 7th Ecumenical Council</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion o<b><span style="font-size: small;">f</span></b> the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Titus: 3: 8-15</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 8: 5-15</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Did you know?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>The service of the Holy Fathers is always on Sunday.</b></span></div>
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1. The First service is commemorated on the 7th Sunday after Pascha in memory of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council.<br />
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2. The second service is commemorated on the Sunday closest to July 16th in memory of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils.<br />
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3. The Third service is commemorated on the Sunday closest to October eleventh in memory of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council.<br />
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During the Divine Liturgy we sing the following Troparion:<br />
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“Thou, O Christ , art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true faith, O most merciful one, glory be to Thee”.<br />
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<b> Sunday</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>October 21, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Hilarion, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 8: 26-39</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Why is incense burned in the Orthodox Church?</span></b></div>
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Incense is the sap of the frankincense tree, dried and burned in church as an offering to God.<br />
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It reminds us that our prayers should go up to heaven as the smoke of incense and it also enhances all our senses (smell) during the Divine Liturgy. <br />
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The offering of incense has been related to the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle. <br />
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When the priests incense the Church at any time, the faithful should be standing.<br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>October 28, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Twenty- First Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 2:16-20</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 8: 41-56</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Holy Glorious Demetrius</b></span></div>
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<b>(Commemorated on October 26th)</b></div>
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St Demetrius was born in the city of Salonica or Thessalonica. He was a most pious son of noble and devout parents who kept their faith secret because Christians were persecuted and killed during the first three centuries. Demetrius was in the military service and when the Emperor Maximian first came to Salonica in 290, he raised Demetrius to a high rank (Proconsul) and he ordered him to put to death anyone who calls on the name of Christ, but Demetrius used his post to proclaim the Gospel. When the Emperor found out that he was Christian, he arrested him immediately.<br />
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The gladiatorial game was on in the city of Salonica and it seems that one of the favorites of the arena, admired by the Emperor, was a giant man named Lyaios who no one could defeat. A young Christian named Nestor decided to take on the challenge and fight Lyaios. He first visited his friend Demetrius in prison and when he received his blessings; he sealed himself with the sign of the Cross and went to battle. He engaged Lyaios in combat shouting: “God of Demetrius, help me!” and then he smote him with a mortal blow. The Emperor was furious and had the young Christian put to death then he ordered the death of Demetrius who was executed without delay. Christians secretly took Demetrius body and buried him. Healing myrrh flowed from his grave by which many of the sick were healed. A Church was built over his grave.<br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>November 4, 2012 </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>22nd Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
<br /><ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Ionikios, Tone 8 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal 6: 11-15</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 16: 19-31</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Did you know?</b></span></div>
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Christmas Fast begins on November 15th. </div>
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Fasting is the time for self-examination, prayer, repentance, and abstinence from certain types of food. <br />
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Keep the Spirit of Christmas in your heart and mind. Don’t let Christmas shops make you to forget about the Holy Day of Christmas. Remember: “Jesus is the reason for the season”. <br />
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Strong faith begins with teaching. Teach your children about our Orthodox faith and bring them to church every Sunday, so their faith will grow stronger. Faith doesn’t end every Sunday after Church but it continues each day in the heart, soul and body of each believer to their homes.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Jesus said:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b> "Lift up your Cross and follow me."</b></span></div>
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Over four thousands Christians in the city of Nijran were slain in many ways in 523. They were thrown in pits, burned to death, and beheaded. Even though, our Holy martyrs never tried to renounce Christ; they wanted to die for the sake of Him. <br />
Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:24-27<br />
[Our Holy Martyrs believed that Jesus is God the word; He came into the world to save the world and to save sinners so they will have eternal life into the Kingdom of God for those who believe in Him; He was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary; He sacrificed, died for us ,and on the third day he was resurrected. Also, they believed that the Son of God will come again in His glory of His Father to recompense them]. Neither threatening nor death could terrify them or make them give up the Orthodox Christian faith.] We, as Orthodox Christians, believe this to be true and are a part of our Holy Creed, “The Proclamation of our faith”.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.</span></b></span></div>
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b> November 11, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>23rd Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6</li>
<li>Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: II Cor. 4:6-15 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 10: 25-37 </b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">and Gabriel and the Bodiless Powers </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">(Commemorated on November 8th) </span></b></div>
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The name Gabriel means “mighty one of God”. Archangel Gabriel was mentioned as messenger of God’s providence, the attendant of miracles and divine Mysteries. He appeared to the parents of St. John the Baptist, Joachim and Anna, the righteous Joseph, and also to the Theotokos. We pray to Archangel Gabriel whenever we have been abandoned by others and there is no place to go. We pray that by his prayer the Lord would guide us and place our life upon the path of salvation. <br />
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The name Michael means or "Who is like God”. Archangel Michael was mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments: <br />
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1. In the book of Revelation, it was Michael and his army of angels who fought the dragon and his false companions during the fall of angels and before the fall of man. (Rev 12:7-9) <br />
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2. It was Michael who appeared as the Commander Chief of the Lord’s army after he stood by Joshua during his first encounter with his enemies in the land of Canaan. (Joshua 5:13-15) <br />
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3. It was Michael who was sent by God to stop His command that Abraham should sacrifice the life of his son (Isaac). (Gen 22:11-12) <br />
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4. It was Michael who battled the devil for the soul of Moses. When the devil claimed that Moses had killed an Egyptian, his soul was defended and saved by Archangel Michael. (Jude 1:9) <br />
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5. During the fall of Babylon kingdom, Michael appeared to the Prophet Daniel who received a prophecy of assistance that would be provided by Archangel Michael to the People of God. (Dan 12 V1) <br />
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The divine Scriptures call Archangel Michael "prince and leader of the Lord’s army". The Orthodox Church venerates Him as a guardian, a combatant against the devil and heresy, and an indestructible shield for the Holy Church and the Orthodox Faithful. <br />
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Our patron Saint of the Church is Archangel Michael whose memory we celebrate today (November 8th). Let us all sing the following Troparion: <br />
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"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." <br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>November 18, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>24th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7</li>
<li>Troparion of the Fore-feast, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Fore-feast, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Ephesians 2: 14-22 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke. 12: 16-21</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Division of Angels </b></span></div>
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The word angel means Messenger. The angels were created by God to serve Him and glorify Him, and also to serve human mankind. The number of angels is not defined in the Holy Scriptures but they are divided into three ranks: <br />
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1.The first rank is made up of the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. <br />
2. The second rank is made up of Dominions, Hosts and Powers. <br />
3. The third rank is made up of Principalities, Archangels and Angels. <br />
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Among all the angels come the familiar seven Archangels which include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and the fallen Lucifer. <br />
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The divine scripture tells us that loyal angels will continue in the service of God, while evilness angels will be thrown in the lake of fire. Faithful angels were not subject to evil anymore and their relationship with God became stronger.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Nature of Angels </b></span></div>
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The angels take different forms and they may appear as either male or female, but they are neither. So, they have their own specific external appearance and they have a light body. Compared to humans, they are bodiless, but compared to God, they have a body. <br />
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Before the fall of man, Adam and Eve were living in Heaven with the angels and they were sharing with them in giving glory and thanks to God. Now, the angels are higher than human so that is why we can’t see them on earth. <br />
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God had created all His angels to be equal and free. He also made them Holy and Spiritual. However, in possessing the power of free will, some of them began to move further away from God, and because they rebelled against Him, they were cast out of Heaven and wandered on earth. The Archangel Michael and his loyal angels resisted the devil with his false companions, and a war broke out of Heaven, <br />
"Now war arose in Heaven, Michael and His angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in Heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world -- he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him". <br />
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<b>Sunday </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>November 25, 2012</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><b>25th Sunday after Pentecost</b></span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8 </li>
<li>Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Catherine, Tone 5</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 3:23-29; 4: 1-5 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 18:18-27</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos into the Temple </span></b></div>
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Joachim and Anna were a very old couple who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna never became pregnant. Frequently, they prayed to God asking Him to give them a child. They also pledged to dedicate the child to His service. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later, they had a baby girl and named her Mary. <br />
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As they had promised, Anna and Joachim brought Mary to the temple at three years of age where she was consecrated. First, she was presented to the High Priest (Zacharias) who brought her into the Holy of Holies—a place where only the High Priest was permitted to enter once a year. He placed her on the steps of the altar and the grace of the Lord descended upon her. The Virgin Mary danced joyfully and then she was raised in the temple where she studied and served in the temple until the age of 14. After that, she was betrothed to Joseph of Nazareth. It was there that an angel appeared to her and told her that she would be the mother of Jesus. <br />
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The Feast of Presentation of the Theotokos into the temple is commemorated on November 21st. <br />
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<br />St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-62941689137353221142012-07-20T20:47:00.000-07:002012-07-20T20:47:13.380-07:00<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>July 1, 2012</b></div>
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<b>Fourth Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
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<b>St. Cosmas and Damian</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: roman 6:18-23</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13</b></span><br />
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<b>How to make the Sign of the Cross properly?</b></div>
Put your thumb and the first two fingers of your right hand together. The other two fingers should be bent and touching the palm of your hand.<br />
Reverently, touch your forehead with your right hand, which signifies, that God is in our mind. Then, touch your chest, which means that God is in our heart, and finally, touch your right shoulder then the left shoulder, which signifies that God is in our soul. <br />
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<b>July 8, 2012</b></div>
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<b>Fifth Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Procopios, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: roman 10:1-105</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1</b></span><br />
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SERMON ON HOLY COMMUNION</div>
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Motto: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mat.4: 4; Deut.8: 3).<br />
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Dearly beloved in Christ,<br />
Have you ever heard these biblical words? Yes, they were asserted by Christ when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. In asserting these words, Jesus withstood the temptation of sin since, as God and Man He lived in perfect harmony with the will of His Father. Notice, Jesus agrees that food is necessary for living. In fact, He does say that we all need “our daily bread” (Mat.6: 11), to sustain the process of life. But what Christ is saying in the verse with which I began the sermon is that food alone does not satisfy the hungers of a human being. Why not? Because food satisfy the body only but the soul is to be fed, also. <br />
The question arises: Does the world have food for the soul? I want to share with you a story that will answer this question. When the first Orthodox Christians came to America, they first got jobs in the mines, stores, steel plants and mills, because they had a physical hunger. But after a while they experienced a different kind of hunger: a hunger of the soul for God. They missed their churches and worship services. They missed the mysteries, the loving fellowship of the Christian community. So you know what they did, don’t you? They organized parishes and built churches, they called priests to minister to their spiritual needs, to provide nourishment for their souls. Now they fully realized that human beings cannot live on bread alone, and that the world has no food for the soul!<br />
One may ask: What is the food God has provided for our souls? Listen to these words of Christ: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (John6: 51). In clear words Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, identified Himself with that spiritual food for the proper growth of the human personality. It is Christ, the bread of life, offered us in the Holy Eucharist. Now, since there is so much misunderstanding about the peak of our spiritual life, that is, the partaking of the Holy Eucharist, in my sermon of today I will share with you very concisely the teaching of our Orthodox Church on the Mystery of Eucharist.<br />
The Eucharist, which means thanksgiving, is the Mystery in which the bread and wine of offering are changed by the Holy Spirit into the true Body and Blood of Christ, and then the faithful partake of it for a most intimate union with Christ and eternal life. The Body and Blood of Christ are called the “Bread of Heaven and the Cup of life” or “Cup of salvation.” They are also called “the Holy Mysteries” or “the Bloodless Sacrifice.” The Holy Eucharist is the greatest Mystery of our Faith.<br />
Our Savior Jesus Christ pre-indicated the future establishment of this great Mystery when He said: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day…He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me and I in him” (John6: 53-54; 56). The very establishment of the Mystery is set forth in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and then is repeated by St. Paul.<br />
In St. Matthew’s gospel, we read: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, ‘Drink from it all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins’” (Mat.26: 26-28; see also Mark14: 22-25; Luke22: 19-20; I Cor.11: 23-24). The words of Christ at the Mystical Supper are very clear and do not allow any other interpretation apart from the most direct one. They were given to the Apostles and mean that we receive the true Body and the true Blood of Christ.<br />
Having given communion to His disciples, the Lord Jesus commanded: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke22: 19). This bloodless sacrifice must be performed “till He comes” (I Cor.11: 26), as the Apostle Paul teaches, that is, until Christ’s Second Coming. The Eucharist was received by the Church from the first days as the greatest Mystery. The institution of it is preserved with the greatest reverence. It will be performed until the end of the world. For the first thousand years of Christian history, when the Church was undivided, the holy gifts of the Body and Blood of Christ were received as just that: His Body and Blood! The Church taught that this is a Mystery: the bread is truly Christ’s Body, and that which is in the chalice is truly Christ’s Blood, but one cannot say how they become so.<br />
We do not even try, as the Roman Catholic Church does, to explain the unexplainable! St. Paul instructs with what reverence and preparatory self-testing we must approach the Mystery: “Therefore whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s Body” (I Cor.11: 27-29). <br />
In the Mystery of Holy Eucharist, when the priest, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the offered gifts, blesses them, the bread and wine are actually changed into the Body and Blood of Christ by the coming down of the Holy Spirit. After this moment, even if we continue to see bread and wine on the Holy Table, in their very essence, invisibly for our physical eyes, in front of us is the true Body and Blood of Christ, under the form of bread and wine.<br />
I cannot stress enough that the sanctified Gifts are not only signs or symbols reminding the faithful of the salvation, as the Protestant reformer Zwingli taught. Also, it is not only by His activity and power that Christ is present in them, as Calvin, another reformer, taught. By the same token, Christ is not only co-present in panem, cum panem, sub panem, “in the bread, under the form of bread, with the bread,” as Luther taught. They all were dead wrong!<br />
The consecrated Gifts in the Mystery of the Eucharist are changed into the true Body and Blood of Christ! This is the teaching of the Orthodox Faith! This is the unchanged teaching of The Church for two millennia. Here is what the holy Fathers who participated in the First Ecumenical Synod professed: “At the Divine Table we should not see simply the bread and the cup which have been offered, but raising our minds on high, we should with faith understand that on the sacred Table lies the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world, Who is offered as a Sacrifice by the priests; and truly receiving His precious Body and Blood, we should believe that this is a sign of our resurrection.”<br />
In order to explain the possibility of such transformation of the Eucharistic elements into the Body and Blood of Christ, St. John Damascene indicates how the bread and wine or water taken by us as food are converted “in a way unknown to us” into our own body.<br />
My friends: <br />
Here are my questions: Do you approach the chalice when the priest invites you to do so “with fear of God, with faith and with love?” Are you a frequent partaker of Holy Communion? If you are not, I do remind you of these words of Christ: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you!” (John6: 53). Yes, we are spiritually dead if we fail to do so! Yes, we cannot live by bread alone, we need to feed ourselves with the spiritual food “the bread of life…the bread which comes down from heaven that one may eat of it and not die” (John6: 48; 50). This bread cannot be offered by this world, but by the Church! It is the Holy Eucharist, the very Body and Blood of Christ!<br />
There is a well known case study in medical journals that emphasizes the need for spiritual food. A number of years ago, there was a large foundling home in South America. Some one hundred babies were there, ranging in age from six months to three years. The institution provided normal care for the youngsters. There was nourishing food to eat, clean clothing to wear, and adequate medical facilities for the sick. Yet something was missing. Over a period of time the children became restless, listless and hopeless. There was no joy and radiant life. Something was wrong!<br />
It was discovered that the children were not being loved. The nurses were so busy that they did not lovingly cuddle their charges. Once they started to do this, a gradual change came over them. As they showered their affection on them, as they kissed them and held them close, as they sang to them and spoke to them, as they simply loved them they changed. This was nourishment for their souls! This was the food that had been denied them!<br />
Beloved: As we pray to God for “our daily bread,” let us remember that, as Orthodox Christians, this means food to sustain not only our bodies, but food to sustain our souls, also. Our sublime spiritual food is the Holy Eucharist! Let us not deprive ourselves of the power which is communicated to us in the eating and drinking of the Holy Gifts! However, let us not partake of them in willful disregard of the Lord, since it could result in sickness and death. Here is again St. Paul’s warning: “He who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself!” (I Cor.11: 29). Let us examine ourselves and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup to unite ourselves with Christ as a foretaste of the Kingdom, taking to heart His divine words: “Man shall not live by bread alone!” (Mat.4: 4). Try and remember: The Eucharist has always been the supreme act of thanksgiving and praise to God in His Church. So, come, “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm34: 8) Amen.<br />
<br />
Rev. Dr. Dumitru Macaila <br />
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<b>July 15, 2012</b></div>
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<b>Sixth Sunday after Pentecost </b></div>
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<b>Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
<li>Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Titus 3:8-15</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19</b></span><br />
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<b>Sunday of the Holy Fathers </b></div>
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On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, that is: the First Council, of the 318 Fathers who assembled in Nicaea in 325 to condemn Arius, who denied that the Son of God is consubstantial with the Father; the Fathers of the First Council also ordained that the whole Church should celebrate Pascha according to the same reckoning; the Second Council, of the 150 Fathers who assembled in Constantinople in 381 to condemn Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who denied the Divinity of the Holy Spirit; the Third Council, of the 200 Fathers who assembled in Ephesus in 431, to condemn Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who called Christ a mere man and not God incarnate; the Fourth Council, of the 630 who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches; the Fifth Council in 535, of the 165 who assembled in Constantinople for the second time to condemn Origen and Theodore of Mopsuestia, the teacher of Nestorius; the Sixth Council in 680, of the 170 who assembled in Constantinople for the third time, to condemn the Monothelite heresy, which taught that there is in Christ but one will, the divine; and the Seventh Council in 787, of the 350 who assembled in Nicaea for the second time to condemn Iconoclasm.<br />
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<b>July 22, 2012</b></div>
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<b>7th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Magdelene, Tone 1.</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Epistle: Roman 15: 1-7</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Matthew 9:27-35</span></b><br />
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<b>Did You Know?</b></div>
The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6.<br />
According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross. <br />
The event of the Transfiguration is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.<br />
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<b>July 29, 2012</b></div>
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<b>8th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 7</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7 </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: 1 Cor. 1:10-17</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 14: 14-22</b></span><br />
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<b>Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ </b></div>
Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times and He desired to give them full assurance, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. He took His three foremost disciples (Peter, James and John) and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as the light. there appeared the Prophets Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5). <br />
As Jesus and His disciples came down the mountain, He told them not to speak of what they had seen until He had risen from the dead.<br />
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<b>August 5, 2012</b></div>
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<b>9th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
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<b>Sunday before the Transfiguration</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of the Forefeast of the Transfiguration, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: I Corinthians 3:9-17</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34</b></span><br />
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<b>The Transfiguration and the Divine Liturgy</b></div>
The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6. This event is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.<br />
Jesus christ Showed Himself as God when He transfigured, performed miracles and resurrected from the dead.The transfirguration, which occurred on Mt. Tabor, happens in every Divine Liturgy. Through the Liturgy we are brought into the very presence of God. The Holy Spirit is present. He transforms our gifts of bread and wine into the very Body and Blood of Jesus. Jesus is present. Like the disciples on Mt. Tabor, we, too, fall on our faces before Him penitently expressing our unworthiness to stand in His Holy presence. But we also enjoy being in His presence. Like St. Peter we say. “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you will, let us stay here. Let us make three tents; one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias.” Also it is good to be with Jesus in the liturgy, to hear Him speak to us, to receive the Hoy Spirit and to receive Christ within us. It is the greatest “good” on earth. <br />
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<b>August 12, 2012</b></div>
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<b>10th Sunday after Pentecost </b></div>
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<b>and the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of the transfiguration, Tone 7</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4: 9-16</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 17: 14-23</b></span><br />
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<b>The Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos</b></div>
When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He announced this to her through an Angel three days beforehand. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their sorrow. Then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and then lay back upon her pillow. Thus she did surrender her spirit into the hands of her Son and Lord. As the Apostles took up the saintly body to its resting place, heavenly voices could be heard accompanying them on the way. Thomas the Apostle did not arrive in time for the burial, so the others led him to Mary’s tomb to view the remains of the beloved Virgin and when they arrived they discovered to their astonishment that the body was gone. <br />
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<b>Was Mary’s Body Taken Up to Heaven?</b></div>
The Orthodox Church believes that upon death, Mary’s body was translated to heaven. Upon coming to the grave and not finding her saintly body, the disciples became assuredly convinced that she ascended to heaven in the body. Like her son, Mary underwent physical death but her body, like His, was afterwards raised from the dead and she was taken up into heaven in her body as well as in her soul. We Honor the theotokos above all saints, we do not pray to Mary. We pray only to God. We ask the theotokos and the saints to pray for us.<br />
The name most often used for the mother of God is Theotokos or Godbearer because God chose her to bring His Son, Jesus into the world.<br />
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<b>August 19, 2012</b></div>
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<b>11th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
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<b>Leave-Taking of the Dormition </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion the Dormition, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Dormition, Tone 2</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: I Corinthians 9: 2-12</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 18: 23-35</b></span><br />
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<b>Why do we Honor the Mother of God?</b></div>
The name most often used for the mother of God is Theotokos or Godbearer. We honor the theotokos above all saints, we do not pray to Her. We pray only to God. We ask the theotokos and the saints to pray for us. <br />
The Incarnation (God becoming man in the person of Christ) was not only the work of God by His power and by His Spirit, but it was also the work of the will and faith of the Virgin. The Blessed Mother said yes to God. She bears her Son freely and with her full consent. This, then, is why we honor the Virgin so greatly and we sing for her: “it is truly meet to bless thee O theotokos, ever blessed and blameless, and the Mother of our God. More Honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious than the Seraphim who a Virgin gave birth to God the word: True Theotokos we magnify thee.”<br />
The Feast of the Fallen Asleep of the Mother of God is celebrated on August15<br />
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<b>August 26, 2012</b></div>
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<b>12th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: I Corinthians 15: 1-11</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Matthew 19: 16-20</span></b><br />
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<b>Saint Joachim and Saint Anna</b></div>
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<b>(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)</b></div>
So much attention is paid by Christians to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, sanctified in every conceivable way; that there is a tendency to overlook her parents. Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were a very old couple, who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna just never became pregnant. They prayed frequently to God asking Him to give them a child. One day Anna was walking in her garden when she discovered a nest of birds. This reminded her that she was childless, and she began to cry. She then prayed again to God for a child, and pledged to dedicate the child to His service. Joachim also prayed to God for a child. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later they had a baby girl and named her Mary. <br />
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<b>September 2, 2012</b></div>
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<b>13th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Mamas, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of the Archangel, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: I Cor. 16: 13-24</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42</span></b><br />
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<b>We should make the sign of the Cross:</b></div>
Every time, we enter or we leave the church.<br />
Every time, we pass in front of the Holy Altar.<br />
Every time, we venerate the icon, the cross, or the Holy Gospel.<br />
Every time, we hear or we say: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”<br />
In the beginning and end of the Divine Liturgy.<br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>We shouldn’t make the sign of the Cross:</b></div>
At the chalice after and before taking communion.<br />
Every time, we receive the blessings from a Priest or Bishop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>September 9, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>14th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b> Nativity of the Theotokos</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
<li>Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 6: 11-18</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: John 3:13-17</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>The Elevation of the Venerable and Life- Giving Cross</b></div>
<br />
The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross commemorates the discovery of the precious Cross which remained lost for nearly 400 years. It was discovered by St Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great in 395. She had her servants dig in the spot on Golgotha, where Jesus was put into the tomb. Saint Helen picked the spot because she smelled sweet basil which was growing there. She found the true cross between two other crosses, which belonged to the two thieves. She was able to identify the cross because it bore the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. Many miracles occurred through contact with the true Cross. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, “Lord have mercy.” <br />
The Cross is a very important Christian symbol, because it is symbolic of the crucifixion of Christ, and His suffering and death for the sins of the people of the world. During the Divine Liturgy, the Cross is carried in a procession. It is held up high in a tray of flowers and the herb basil. At the end of the service, the blessed flowers and basil are distributed to the people.<br />
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<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>September 16, 2012</b></div>
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<b>15th Sunday after Pentecost</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</li>
<li>Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone1</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Euphemia, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Holy Cross, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 2:16-20</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Mark 8:34-9:1</b></span> <br />
<br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>The Elevation of the Venerable and Life- Giving Cross</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Elevation of the Holy Cross is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on September 14. <br />
The true Cross of our Lord remained lost for nearly 400 years, and then it was discovered by St Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great in 395. As she searched on Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified, she was animated by the sweet odor emerging from the earth; she decided to dig in the spot. Shortly, Three Crosses, exactly alike, were found. The cross which bore the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”, was belonging to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The others crosses were belonging to the two thieves.<br />
<br />
Many miracles happened through contact with the true Cross. Tremendous gatherings were coming up to see, touch and kiss the Holy Cross, which was impossible. Patriarch Macarius lifted it on high for all the people to see. The people bowed down in worship and cried out:” Lord, have mercy!”<br />
During the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Cross is placed in a tray of flowers with some sweet basil, The Holy Cross is then lowered to the ground to show that it was buried for many years, and lifted up to celebrate its discovery. The whole congregation sings the following Troparion: “Save Thy people and bless<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>September 23, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>16th unday after Pentecost</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b> Conception of the Prophet and Frerunner, John the Baptist</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 7</li>
<li>Troparion of St. John, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 4: 22-27</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 5:1-11</b></span><br />
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<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>September 30, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>17th unday after Pentecost</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of the St. Gregory, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: II Cor. 6:16-7:1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 6: 31-36</b></span><br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>The Meaning of the Cross in the Orthodox Church</b></div>
<br />
The Cross is a very important Christian sign and symbol. It signifies the crucifixion of Christ Who suffered and died on the Cross for our salvation.<br />
Also, we venerate prayers to it. The power of the Holy Spirit comes down upon the Cross and drives away the evil sprits. <br />
After discovering the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, Christians from all over the world, kept with them fragments of wood which they believed were parts of the first Cross. They would pray and touch the wood when they become ill or when they were at risk. They believed that, by the power of God through the Cross, they would get better, stronger and they would be delivered from all danger.<br />
Fr. Mark often talks about the expression of “knock on wood” and how it originated in some of his sermons.St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-36386307031498925412012-06-10T06:53:00.003-07:002012-06-10T06:58:57.379-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"> Fast of the Apostles (Peter and Paul) begins June11 thru June 29th</span></b> </div>
<br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>June 3, 2012 </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of Pentecost </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Feast of the Holy Trinity </b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion for Pentecost, Tone 8 </li>
<li>Kontakion for Pentecost, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Acts 2:1-11 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 7:37-52, 8:12 </span></b></div>
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<b>Sunday of Pentecost </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pentecost is the “Descent of Holy Spirit”. This is the day that our Lord Jesus Christ promised to his disciples would happen. “When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place and suddenly a sound came from Heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting and there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed upon each one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-4). The fullness of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit is manifested with the Spirit coming to man. The disciples now the Apostles had received “the power from on high” had the responsibility to spread the Good News. They began to preach and bear witness to Jesus as the risen Christ, the King and Lord. Because the fullness of the Holy Spirit appeared in the room that day, Pentecost is also referred to as Trinity Day in the Orthodox Church. The tongues of fire over the Apostles heads were the tongues of many languages so they could speak the language of the country they were going to. </div>
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b> June 10, 2012 </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>First Sunday after Pentecost </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>All Saints Sunday </b></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8 </li>
<li>Troparion of the Saints, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Saints, Tone 8 </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Hebrew 11:33-12:2 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30 </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>All-Saints Sunday (First Sunday after Pentecost) </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to the memory of all the saints. The Holy Spirit joins the saints unites itself with them and acts with them to make the light shine in the world. Each saint becomes a stream or branch of the Holy Spirit. According to the Gospel, “out of his heart shall flow the rivers of living water” (John 7: 38). When we know how to act in the light of God, we as Christians become the container of the Holy Spirit. “Walk as children of the light. St Paul tells us for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. (Eph 5:9). When we sing the Beatitudes at the liturgy during the procession with the Gospel, we honor all the saints that have pleased God by what they have done such as faith, hope and love. Through the Beatitude hymn we sing, the faithful can reflect about the saints, the joy and comfort they bring to us as an intercession to Jesus. For they share and are part of the Kingdom of Heaven. </div>
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>June 17, 2012 </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Second Sunday after Pentecost </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1 </li>
<li>Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Romans 2:10-16 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew4:18-23 </b></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul (Celebrated on June 29th) </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With the help of Sts. Peter and Paul they both reestablished the confidence of the Christian nation and led them out of their hopeless state to an era of new prosperity. Keep in mind Christianity was still in its infancy. Out of all the disciples, Peter seems to be the most prominent. He ranks with St Paul without whom Christianity flourished and survived during the pagan era of false gods and spiritual persecution. The moving verse from the New Testament of St Matthew when Christ told Peter: “And I say to thee that thou art Peter and upon this rock, I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). St Paul conversion to Christianity began when he met our Lord on the road to Damascus. It was on this road he embraced Jesus the risen Messiah whom he set out to defeat. Christ spoke to him saying: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4) Thereafter he was called Paul, and devoted himself to the new Christian faith, announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>June 24, 2012 </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Third Sunday after Pentecost </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>The Nativity of the Holy Forerunner John the Baptist </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. John, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael</li>
<li>Tone 4 Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Rom. 13:11-14:1-4 </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Lk. 1:1-25. 57-68, 80</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Nativity of St. John the Baptist-June 24th </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
St. John was the son of
Zacharias, an elderly priest and Elizabeth. Holy Scriptures tells us
Elizabeth was barren because both of them were well advanced in years
(Luke 1:7). Scriptures also tells us Elizabeth fertility had been
restored by an act of God for her to conceive St. John the one to be the
forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ, and “The voice of the one crying
in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make his paths straight”
(Luke 3:4). It is important to mention that not only did St. John
baptize our Lord, but also whose birth was ordained by God to be the
part of the divine plan to pave the way for the Son of God Jesus
Christ. </div>
</div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-10760170378949272312012-04-08T13:50:00.001-07:002012-04-08T19:22:54.521-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b>April 8, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: red;">
Palm Sunday</div>
<div style="color: red;">
(Feast of the Entrance of the Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw-1SUXwBjNTCa2n4vnMHcohyd7lSgfD6YYk6Bk947oqO7nWdXNkcILY185LdfImY0FGXr89BrCj4kFueWmtyzXon35e_z9jVnGDzhEpG5RtJMkNyK1NYvHTjcxhlCl4F5_RSLpgxPSpu/s1600/theentryintojerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw-1SUXwBjNTCa2n4vnMHcohyd7lSgfD6YYk6Bk947oqO7nWdXNkcILY185LdfImY0FGXr89BrCj4kFueWmtyzXon35e_z9jVnGDzhEpG5RtJMkNyK1NYvHTjcxhlCl4F5_RSLpgxPSpu/s200/theentryintojerusalem.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of Lazarus (Tone1)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
O Christ God, when thou didst raise Lazarus from the dead, before thy passion, did confirm the universal resurrection. Wherefore, we like Babes carry the palms of triumph and victory, and cry unto thee, O Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of Palm Sunday (Tone 4)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
O Christ God, when we were buried with Thee in Baptism, we became deserving of thy Resurrection to immortal life. Wherefore, we praise thee, crying, Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kontakion for Palm Sunday (Tone 4)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In Heaven He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who come to recall Adam."</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 12:1-18</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Palm Sunday </b></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>(The entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a custom of the Jewish people to greet high ranking officials with the palm branches. After He raised Lazarus form the dead, the Jews believed that Jesus was coming as the expected Messiah. They thought He would free them from the Roman Soldiers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the law, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, people greeted Him with palm branches in theirs hands and spread their cloaks before Him on the road as a sign of respect and victory. They cried out: “Hosanna in the Highest, blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” The word "hosanna" means “Save, I pray,” or “Save, now.”</div>
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Palm Sunday is the beginning of our journey to Holy Pascha.</b></div>
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<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>The Great and Holy Week</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last week of Christ’s earthly life is called Passion Week or Holy Week.</div>
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In the Orthodox churches the services that are held on the evening of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday are called the Bridegroom Services.</div>
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<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Me6a1GDv6wthhBrdskv4BfQ6a1q-USaoLvu2gMmd_nw2emVPJncIoE_HZOb7_11CnEP_mLAVeG1X0gSYSo-T7-h0LWxTTOsi_Ubl-1m9op99pPYkZPHPR3ARsKsqOCov7Y7dwUpJXglm/s1600/A077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Me6a1GDv6wthhBrdskv4BfQ6a1q-USaoLvu2gMmd_nw2emVPJncIoE_HZOb7_11CnEP_mLAVeG1X0gSYSo-T7-h0LWxTTOsi_Ubl-1m9op99pPYkZPHPR3ARsKsqOCov7Y7dwUpJXglm/s200/A077.jpg" width="155" /></a><b>Sunday evening:</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<b>Theme: Kindness and love for Christ</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We commemorate the story of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who was betrayed by his brothers and was sold into slavery. After much suffering, there came triumph for him in Egypt. He is an image of Christ. Also the Gospel reading gives us the example of the barren fig tree that was cursed and withered. What does not bear fruit in Christ will be destroyed. The Kingdom is coming and those who are not ready will be left out. It connects us to the past which is the Old Testament and the future that is our own lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpUXiwNZnEyT9giQao4zabFaN4-MiirR5tdjbnpKjiip2ZdmBoMiu0M41txo0sE4cc1YBVDEtPi2Wg-MTKdv5QDTeERNUHkFbBd5ZyiRgusOljmORpvoZaZEnZOqDfspm-JL7WW_9WRjf/s1600/10+virgins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpUXiwNZnEyT9giQao4zabFaN4-MiirR5tdjbnpKjiip2ZdmBoMiu0M41txo0sE4cc1YBVDEtPi2Wg-MTKdv5QDTeERNUHkFbBd5ZyiRgusOljmORpvoZaZEnZOqDfspm-JL7WW_9WRjf/s200/10+virgins.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Holy Monday evening: </b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<b>Theme: Preparation</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We commemorate the parable of the ten virgins. We should not forget about the end of our life. We should be prepared at every moment, like the wise virgins, not like the virgins who were not prepared. Whereby, Jesus told them to go back because they were not ready to meet the Lord. Remember, that we as Christians should be ready and prepared always in our Christian life because we never know when the Bridegroom (Christ) will come.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6kmpMlZaFtdmyHPRID9hoBZTPqseAQQouT9XR9Kg9xzD8SRqo0LM87cdPXad9pqy3GuY933L0sFq2aEImm-xlrubDfPQaAEz157s62_r8CjbI4f5uaVCK7SrTfiypsS6zpvB_5SLFxP2/s1600/holy-week-wednesday-woman-of-bethany-who-annointed-jesus-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6kmpMlZaFtdmyHPRID9hoBZTPqseAQQouT9XR9Kg9xzD8SRqo0LM87cdPXad9pqy3GuY933L0sFq2aEImm-xlrubDfPQaAEz157s62_r8CjbI4f5uaVCK7SrTfiypsS6zpvB_5SLFxP2/s200/holy-week-wednesday-woman-of-bethany-who-annointed-jesus-01.jpg" width="166" /></a><b>Holy Tuesday evening: </b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<b>Theme: Repentance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We commemorate the events of the anointing of our Lord by a sinful woman, who anointed Jesus with precious myrrh and washed His feet with her hair. Her action of love is in contrast to that of Judas who betrayed the Master for thirty pieces of silvers. Because the betrayal took place on Wednesday, we have received the tradition to fast on Wednesday throughout the year. It is time to reflect upon our sinfulness and ask for repentance.</div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yzSOzbSz27rxh6cUpgEOLp66TmkP4muxMMnpu22tbJo2UcrvPT5MN8j0Ko0pNNVgzBK7tm7DHr649SuXaG9QQH4rIaX_ocwXOgFPDZ9sNpZp84tZXE3gIEbQgpVeoNSyhR3GgS7Ao_eX/s1600/4550017229_4bf8d011fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yzSOzbSz27rxh6cUpgEOLp66TmkP4muxMMnpu22tbJo2UcrvPT5MN8j0Ko0pNNVgzBK7tm7DHr649SuXaG9QQH4rIaX_ocwXOgFPDZ9sNpZp84tZXE3gIEbQgpVeoNSyhR3GgS7Ao_eX/s200/4550017229_4bf8d011fb.jpg" width="156" /></a><b>Holy Wednesday evening (Holy Unction): </b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: left;">
<b>Theme: Healing</b></div>
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The Sacrament of Holy Unction, one of the seven sacraments of the Church is celebrated this day. It signifies healing for every sick person. Worshippers are anointed with the sanctified oil for the healing of body and soul.</div>
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<b>Holy Thursday evening: </b></div>
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<b>Theme: The Holy Passion of Christ-Crucifixion</b></div>
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We celebrate the Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He willingly endured the cross and the Death to take away our sins and save us. As we listen to the twelve Gospel readings in which we experience the entire story of his suffering and crucifixion. The Hymns we hear focus on a great contrast. Christ, who is our God, is treated as a lowly criminal. Each of the Hymns compares ideas of Christ’s glory with details of His suffering. After the fifth Gospel reading, the Procession of the Cross takes place inside the Church while we sing:</div>
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Holy Thursday Evening (The 15th Antiphon) </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A crown of thorns crowns Him, who is the King of the angels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He is wrapped in the purple robe of mockery, who wraps the heavens with clouds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He receives smitings, who freed Adam in the Jordan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He is tranfixed with nails, Who is the Son of the Virgin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We worship Thy passion, O Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We worship Thy passion, O Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We worship Thy passion, O Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Show us also Thy glorious resurrection!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jhxwPyhW6VVnyNJw_a5uErb14xrrncdQ19fNTiBOeIh2kvGlyfmCIrxs0gCXGMACMV0diIMfiW3orzCLXjhYH_SWkgV87zLIAlWFr6nVxIz6_Az7UA92AVXnofmC8Wsxhyphenhypheniq0zpsXZcX/s1600/lamentation_ikon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jhxwPyhW6VVnyNJw_a5uErb14xrrncdQ19fNTiBOeIh2kvGlyfmCIrxs0gCXGMACMV0diIMfiW3orzCLXjhYH_SWkgV87zLIAlWFr6nVxIz6_Az7UA92AVXnofmC8Wsxhyphenhypheniq0zpsXZcX/s200/lamentation_ikon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Holy Friday evening: </b></div>
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<b>Theme: Lamentations</b></div>
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The lamentations tell of the passion, death and burial of Christ but with the assurance and joy of His coming Resurrection. The faithful follow in a procession of the Epitaphios around the Church singing “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us.” On that night Christ confronts death, we learn that we are all made for life. He has filled it with life; He has taken its power and transformed death from a tragedy and into a joyful new beginning by his death.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyze_V3_7x_ArHs3T2qQ-jf42mQKU_tSzIhZJ4Eam0egm9xceiCd_TnlGdsH8XGy1xqRWJNnhCWwJYId0ETWyf6UoyWealvTnvOLoRwOypQLxI-a906DdCYKkHIq1GDWXuK6VR3Vu6_ug1/s1600/046_resurrection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyze_V3_7x_ArHs3T2qQ-jf42mQKU_tSzIhZJ4Eam0egm9xceiCd_TnlGdsH8XGy1xqRWJNnhCWwJYId0ETWyf6UoyWealvTnvOLoRwOypQLxI-a906DdCYKkHIq1GDWXuK6VR3Vu6_ug1/s200/046_resurrection.jpg" width="154" /></a><b>Holy Saturday Evening: </b></div>
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<b>Theme: Resurrection</b></div>
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At midnight, the Church is darkened, the Priest is standing before the Holy Altar, lights a white candle from the eternal vigil light; Everyone joins together as the light is passed to each person in the church; and exiting from the Royal Doors, We celebrate Christ’s glorious Resurrection holding the candles high and singing:</div>
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“Christ is risen from the death, O Christ is risen from the death, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.”</div>
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<b>This is the Day of all Days and the Feast of Feast!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjpT8mojyENfqsTtZVcVrs-IaW0hc7CJ55nmw516Lag-zc5blrYVoHQ7OEePXGKKo3GIVzkPDCF7t0JU7GFwsHHYuegFQdb2PQ97_kmUZ-cVYQtmftJN6oNNMWcevRuXOl56eT07AnQ9v/s1600/display_image.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjpT8mojyENfqsTtZVcVrs-IaW0hc7CJ55nmw516Lag-zc5blrYVoHQ7OEePXGKKo3GIVzkPDCF7t0JU7GFwsHHYuegFQdb2PQ97_kmUZ-cVYQtmftJN6oNNMWcevRuXOl56eT07AnQ9v/s200/display_image.php.jpg" width="131" /></a><b>Pascha Sunday (Vespers): </b></div>
We will read the Gospel in many languages to show or to tell the good news of Christ’s saving resurrection is for all people in the world.<br />
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<b>Did you know?</b></div>
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In the Orthodox Church, it is a custom to greet each other from the day of resurrection until Ascension Day by saying: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!</div>
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Paschal greetings in different languages are:</div>
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English: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!<br />
Slavonic: Kristos Voskresey! Voyistino Voskresey!<br />
Ukrainian: Hrystos voskres! Voistiny voskres!<br />
Russian: Khristos voskres! Voistiny voskres!<br />
Romanian: Kristos A Inviat! Adeverat A Inviat!<br />
Arabic: Al Maseeh Qam! Haqan Qam!<br />
Serbian: Hristos Voskresie! Voistsinu Vaskrse<br />
Greek: Kristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!<br />
Albanian: Krishti Eshte Gjalle<br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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April 22, 2012</div>
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Sunday of St. Thomas<br />
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<li>Troparion of St Thomas Sunday, Tone 7</li>
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While the tomb was sealed, Thou didst shine forth from it, O Light. While the doors were closed, Thou didst come in to Thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them an upright Spirit, according to the Greatness of Thy mercy.</div>
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<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
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When thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal, Thou didst destroy the power of Hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to Thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Acts 5: 12-20</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 20: 19-31</span><br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<b>April 29, 2012</b></div>
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Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women and </div>
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Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n4hlLN752cUdIYodMnBZjOuLY1C8Ndd65HvbNo_NXFZwzmfYAA8HQismKrebM7wR7TejJas7Z_dOQLuNugtsaNquqAmw4wjvsHxkAi_gMs1BGxtfGOsrEcwmBrJcOZcWispxwK-tyw_Z/s1600/Myrrhbearing_Women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n4hlLN752cUdIYodMnBZjOuLY1C8Ndd65HvbNo_NXFZwzmfYAA8HQismKrebM7wR7TejJas7Z_dOQLuNugtsaNquqAmw4wjvsHxkAi_gMs1BGxtfGOsrEcwmBrJcOZcWispxwK-tyw_Z/s200/Myrrhbearing_Women.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
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<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
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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.</div>
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<li>Troparion for the Sunday of the Myrrh bearing Women, Tone 2</li>
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Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Pious Joseph, having brought down Thy pure body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen, embalmed it with ointment, provided for it, and laid it in a new tom. But thou didst verily rise after three days, O Lord, granting the world the great mercy.</div>
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Both now and ever, and unto ages if ages, Amen.</div>
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Verily, the angel came to the tomb and said to the ointment bearing women Ointments is meet for the dead, but Christ is shown to be remote form corruption. But cry ye, the Lord is risen, granting the world the great mercy.</div>
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<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
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<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
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When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Acts 6: 1-7</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Mark 15: 43-16:8</span><br />
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<b>Sunday </b></div>
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<b>May 6, 2012</b></div>
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Sunday of the Paralytic</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdY_8C01awjSrU-RI62F0yT9P1t2P00N6oa1iRyqIof9OWBfUoiKr5aHPX4r0IvltYYQoRkYIgHab3L4viDFvFYCMcf3EjqHEKOJBDbscyPoYjkDlYO5PPdbKSDyU-TnH4kT_2GxztP2B/s1600/sunday-of-the-paralytic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdY_8C01awjSrU-RI62F0yT9P1t2P00N6oa1iRyqIof9OWBfUoiKr5aHPX4r0IvltYYQoRkYIgHab3L4viDFvFYCMcf3EjqHEKOJBDbscyPoYjkDlYO5PPdbKSDyU-TnH4kT_2GxztP2B/s200/sunday-of-the-paralytic.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
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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.</div>
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<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
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<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
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When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of Hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Act 9:32-42</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 5:1-15</span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, May 9, 2012 </b></div>
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Feast of Mid-Pentecost</div>
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<b>May 13, 2012</b></div>
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Sunday of the Samaritan Woman</div>
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<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li>
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Having learned the joyful message of the resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy</div>
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<li>Troparion for Mid-Pentecost, Tone 8</li>
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In the midst of the Feast, O Saviour, give thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of true worship; for thou dist call out to all, saying: Who ever is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Wherefore, O Christ our God, Fountain of life, glory to thee..</div>
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<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
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When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Act 11:19-30</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 4:5-42</span><br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
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<b>May 20, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: purple;">
Sunday of the Blind man</div>
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<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
</ul>
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Let us believers praise and worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for he took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death and to raise the dead by his glorious Resurrection.</div>
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<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
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<li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
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When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Act 16:16-34</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 9: 1-38</span><br />
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>May 27, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: purple;">
Holy Fathers of the First Council of Nicea</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</li>
<li>Troparion of the Ascension, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Ascension, Tone 6</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistles: Acts 20-16-18, 28-36</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Jn. 17: 1-13</span><br />
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<div style="color: red;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>June 3, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: purple;">
Sunday of Pentecost</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Troparion of the Feast, </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Feast, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Acts 2:1-11</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: Jn. 7:37-52, 8:12</span></div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-41794384882176919902012-02-02T19:46:00.000-08:002012-02-02T19:46:02.321-08:00<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>The Presentation of Our Lord</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b> and Savior Jesus Christ into the Temple</b></div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
(February 2nd)</div>
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
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</div>
The presentation or the meeting of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is commemorated on February 2nd. <br />
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.<br />
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).<br />
The Orthodox ChurchThe Orthodox Church has kept this tradition of the Churching of the mother and newborn child on the fortieth day.<br />
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>February 5, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday after the Presentation of our Lord </b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of the Presentation, Tone1</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Presentation , Tone 1</li>
</ul>
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<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: II Timothy: 3:10-15</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14</b></span></div>
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b> Pharisee and Publican </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14 </b></span></div>
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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”.<br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of Publican and Pharisee (Theme)</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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.<br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Did you know?</b></div>
<br />
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.<br />
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<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>February 12, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of the Prodigal Son </b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Meletios, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Prodigal Son, Tone 3</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: I Cor. 6:12-20</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke 15: 11-32</b></span></div>
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<br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>The Prodigal Son</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <b>Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 </b></span></div>
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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. <br />
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.<br />
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”.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>The prodigal Son (Theme)</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
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.<br />
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, February 19, 2012 </b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of Meat Fare </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Meat Fare, Tone 1</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: I Cor. 8:8 to 9:2</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46</b></span></div>
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b> Meat Fare Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46</b></span></div>
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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. <br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of Meat-Fare (Theme)</b></div>
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.<br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Did you know?</b></div>
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.<br />
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<div style="color: purple;">
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, February 26, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of Cheese Fare</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Cheese Fare Sunday, Tone 6</li>
</ul>
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.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Roman 13:11 to 14:4 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21</b></span></div>
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Cheese Fare Sunday</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Matthew: 6:14-21 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span></div>
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). <br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of Cheese Fare or Sunday of Forgiveness </b></div>
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.<br />
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 its particular Gospel lesson which is dedicated to some fundamental aspect of Repentance.<br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Monday February 27th </span></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the Holy and Great Lenten Journey begins</span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, March 4, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>First Sunday of Lent</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday of Orthodoxy</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
<li>Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2</li>
</ul>
O Christ our God, begging forgiveness of our sins, we venerate your pure image, O Good One. Of Your own will You condescended to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh and delivered those you created from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, thankfully we cry out: When You came to save the world You filled all things with joy, O our Savior.<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8<br />
To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Hebrews 11: 24-26, 32-40</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gospel: John 1:43-51</span></b></div>
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Great Lent</b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>(Forty Days of Fasting)</b></div>
Great Lent is the time for self-examination, a time for prayer and almsgiving, a time for repentance and a time of abstinence from certain types of food.<br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<b>Prayer of St. Ephrem </b></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
O Lord and Master of my life!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take from me the spirit laziness,</div>
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meddling, ambition and vain talk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But give me a spirit of prudence,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
humility, patience, and love.</div>
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Yes Lord and King grant me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To see my own sins and faults</div>
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And not judge my brother.</div>
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For you are blessed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
forever and ever. Amen.</div>
<br />
Why this short prayer of St. Ephrem is important during the entire Lenten Worship?<br />
Because it enumerates in unique way all the negative and positive elements of repentance and constitutes a “check list” for our individual Lenten effort.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, March 11, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Second Sunday of Lent</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Commemoration of St. Gregory Palamas, Bishop of Thessalonica</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Gregory, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
O Gregory, the miracle worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the church, Holiness of monastic, invincible defender of Theologians, the Pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace. Intercede forever that our souls be saved.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-2:3</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Mark 2:1-12</b></span></div>
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, March 18, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Third Sunday of Lent</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>The Adoration of the Holy Cross</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7</li>
<li>Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1</li>
</ul>
O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance, granting our believing kings victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Cross preserving thy common wealth.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-5:6</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Mark 8: 34 to end; 9:1</b></span></div>
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<b>Mid-Lent: The Veneration of the Cross</b></div>
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Now we are in Mid-Lent, our physical and spiritual effort begins to be felt; we need help and encouragement. We are now at the top of the hill and we’ve reached the half way point as we descend to the bottom of the hill and into the valley of Holy Week and the Passion Week of our Lord. At Mid-Lent, we receive our spiritual energy and revitalizing ourselves to continue our pilgrimage to Holy Week and Holy Pascha. Jesus said: “If anybody would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).<br />
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, March 25, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Fourth Sunday of Lent</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Commemoration of St. John the Ladder</b></div>
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<b>And Feast of the Annunciation of the Holy Theotokos </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. John, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
With the Rivers of your tears, you have made fertile the barren desert. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit of hundred- fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, intercedes to Christ our God to save our souls.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Annunciation , Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Annunciation, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Luke: 1:24-38</b></span></div>
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<b>Fourth Sunday of Great Lent</b></div>
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<b>The Ladder of Divine Ascent</b></div>
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St. John Climacus wrote the book bearing the name "The Ladder of Divine Ascent". It talks about our journey to Heaven involving steps. The 30 steps represent the Great Lent. The icon shows how difficult is to climb to Heaven. It shows monks on the ladder, the demons are trying to pull them off, the mouth of Hades are swallowing up those who have fallen off, the angels are lamenting over those, who have fallen, and people on the earth are praying for those on the ladder. Also, the icon depicts Christ at the top of the ladder, waiting for our entrance to His holy Kingdom. St. John Climacus is at the top of the ladder and the one with white robe behind St. John is probably the Archbishop Antonios. Every step that we make during Great Lent is our own sacrifice that we give to God, thus when we do this it becomes our own ladder to Heaven like as St John Climacus.<br />
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, April 1, 2012</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Fifth Sunday of Lent</b></div>
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<b>Commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Mary, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O righteous Mother Mary; for thou didst carry the cross and followed Christ. By example and precept, thou didst teach us to ignore the body, because it is perishable, and to attain to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion for the Sundays of Lent, Tone 8</li>
</ul>
To thee the Champion Leader, we thy flow dedicate, A vista victory and the Thanksgivings, as one's rescued of the sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou one, one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be due thou delivers us, that we may cry to thee, rejoiced thou Bride unwedded.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gospel: Mark 10: 32-45</b></span></div>
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<b>Commemoration of St Mary of Egypt</b></div>
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Mary the Egyptian lived in Alexandria as a prostitute. At the age of 29, out of curiosity she joined a group of pilgrims bound for the Holy Land. While sailing with the pilgrims on the ship, Mary did not cease from sinning. On getting to Jerusalem, she joined the pilgrims who were heading for the church of Christ's Resurrection. People were entering the church in a large throng, but Mary was stopped at the entrance by an invisible hand and could not enter it by any efforts. Here she understood that the Lord was not permitting her to enter into the holy place because of her impurity. Feeling of profound repentance, she began to entreat God to forgive her sins, promising to correct her life. The Theotokos icon told her to go to Jordan, where she would find rest. She begged the Theotokos to plead for her before God. Mary poured out abundant tears at the Lord's Tomb and went out of the church a completely different person. <br />
In the Jordanian Desert, she lived the rest of her life in repentance, complete solitude, fasting and prayer. A monk named Zosima (Zosimus) met her and heard her story. He brought her Holy Communion. She asked him to return the next year. When he returned, he found her dead, with instructions for her burial written in the sand next to her. The Elder Zosima, who lived in the Jordanian monastery of the prophet John the Forerunner, was struck by her holiness during her life. He saw her once during prayer as if raised up above the earth, and another time walking over the river Jordan, as if on dry land. Thus, from a great sinner, Venerable Mary became, with God's help, a very great saint and left such a striking example of repentance.<br />
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<br />St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-36025896277209204472011-11-22T20:22:00.001-08:002011-12-24T08:44:36.419-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">December 4, 2011</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span></b>25th Sunday after Pentecost<br />
<span style="color: red;">The Holy Great-martyr Barbara and St. John of Damascus</span><b><br /></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Barbara, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26- December24)</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Gal. 3:23; 4:1-5<br />Gospel: Luke 13: 10-17</span></b></div>
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<b>St. Barbara</b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"> Barbara is listed in some Churches as one of fourteen auxiliary saints and is sometimes referred to as holy “Helpers”. In the Orthodox Church she is known as the saint of artillerymen and firemen, but more commonly known as the saint of hazardous occupations. Born in the early third century, she was raised by her pagan father named Dioskoros who shielded her from the world. Dioskoros practiced idolatry with a passion and was convinced that Christianity was evil. He vowed that his daughter never convert to Christianity or be around Christians. However, Barbara managed to come to the light of Jesus Christ by a local monk and was baptized. Barbara told her father about her conversion and said to him the only way to salvation for her and for her father was accepting that Jesus Christ is the son of God and her Savior. Dioskoros after hearing his daughter pledge to Christ, the love he had for her turned to hatred. During the reign of Maximianus (A.D. 235), they were still persecuting Christians. Dioskoros with vengeance in his heart for his daughter reported her to the province. Because she did not deny Christ as her Savior, Barbara was beheaded. One account has it that her father beheaded her himself. God’s act of vengeance to Dioskoros, he was killed by a bolt of lightening on his way back from his daughter execution. In some Churches because of how she died, today St. Barbara is honored as the safeguard against sudden death. </span><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker</b></div>
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St. Nicholas was born in Myra, Asia Minor, now called Turkey and became bishop of Myra. We do not know very much the early day of St. Nicholas. After his parents died, he inherited a lot of money. He thought of other people that were less fortunate then himself, especially the poor. One particular story regarding Nicholas is about a father with three daughters who didn’t have enough food to feed them. St. Nicholas heard about his troubles and wrapped some gold coins and threw them in an open window in the father’s house. The next morning, the family found the gold, but they didn’t know who to thank, so they thanked God for their gift! St. Nicholas never wanted to be thanked for his generosity and charity. When he was discovered giving gifts, he would tell the person “Don’t tell anyone about the gifts, let it be our secret”. He also told them, “Please don’t thank me, thank God”. Unfortunately in today’s modern world we live in, the children in our society, forget or don’t know about the good gestures what St. Nicholas did. Mostly they are fascinated by the famous poem written by Clement Moore in 1823, “The Night before Christmas” and who will receive the best gift for being a good boy or girl. Thus, the meaning of St. Nicholas or Santa Clause dropping gifts at night at children’s homes, not to be thanked, but thank only God, is lost! St. Nicholas continued his life helping the poor, and after he died, the church called him St. Nicholas “The Champion of the People”. He is also referred to as, “St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker” (person who works wonders or performs miracles). Children around the world love him because of his great love he had for children, and his great Christian faith in God. They know of him, how he taught people to love and help each other as Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior did. In Holland, they called him Sinter, meaning Saint and Claes meaning Nicholas, thus his name years later was changed to Santa Clause. <b>We celebrate his feast day December 6th. </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">December 11, 2011</span></b><br />
26th Sunday after Pentecost<br />
<span style="color: red;">Sunday of the Forefathers </span></div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of Forefathers, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26-December 24)</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Col. 5:4-11<br />Gospel: Luke 14: 16-24</b></span></div>
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<b>The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ</b></div>
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This Feast Day is an important day in the Christian Church. It is also called the Incarnation of Jesus Christ which means become human like us in Christ’s second nature, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14).<br />
We should also remember that our Savior Jesus Christ emptied Himself of his divine glory and humiliated Himself to accept the human condition. These conditions knowing that he died for us, then resurrected so that we may have everlasting life in the kingdom of God. The son of God “begotten not made” (Unlike Adam who was created by God the Father). Jesus Christ our Lord who is uncreated, He is one of the Trinity, the Son of the Father and coeternal. Jesus assumes the destiny of the first man and gives us a second chance to have everlasting life. We know the story about the birth of Jesus. We’ve heard about it over and over since we were children. Yet, no matter how many times we hear about the Nativity, keep in mind how much God still loves us. “For God so loved the world He gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). He sent His Son to teach us and to become most of all Christians or followers of Christ. So when we light the Christmas tree and exchange gifts, remember the most important gift on Christmas Day that gift of course is the gift of Love God gave to us, Jesus Christ our Lord. And let us not forgot the real reason for the season because “Jesus is the reason for the season.” <br />
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<b>Christ is born!<br /> Glorify Him!</b></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"> Sunday</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>December 18, 2011</b></span><br />
27th Sunday after Pentecost<br />
<span style="color: red;"> Sunday before the Nativity </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">(Sunday of Genealogy)</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26 – December 24)</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Hebrews 11: 9-10; 17:23, 32-40<br />Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-25 </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>January 1, 2012</b></span><br />
28th Sunday after Pentecost</div>
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Sunday after the Nativity of Christ</div>
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Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, </div>
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David the Prophet and King, </div>
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<span style="color: red;">and James the Brother of the Lord</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6</li>
<li>Troparion of the Sunday after Nativity, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of Nativity, Tone 3</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19<br />Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23</b></span></div>
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<b>FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY</b></div>
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The Feast of the Theophany ("Manifestation of God") takes its name from the event of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in which the fullness of the Holy Trinity is revealed. At the moment of the baptism the Father's voice is heard, calling Jesus his "Beloved Son" and the Holy Spirit is seen descending on Him in the form of a dove. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity - Three Persons in One God - is thus proclaimed to all! This teaching is fundamental to the Orthodox Christian faith: our faith is based on the truth of who God is - any other concept of God is mistaken as it takes people away from who He really is. <br />
Doctrine in the Orthodox Church is not abstract: it is a lived reality and basic to our spirituality, our way - the true way - of relating to God as a Church and as individuals. Our lives as Christians are an internalization and a manifestation of the Holy Trinity who dwells within us: the Person of the Holy Spirit sanctifies us and brings us into the life of the Person of the Son, Jesus Christ. In turn, Christ brings us into the Person of the Father. That is why we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of the Son to the heavenly Father. That is why the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) of the Church are nothing less than the life of the Holy Spirit being poured into our lives by the Father in the name of his Beloved Son.<br />
The baptismal rite performed by Saint John the Baptist, in which the Holy Trinity is revealed, prefigures the later Christian mystery of Baptism in which each individual is brought into the life of the Trinity. Just as our Lord began his ministry among men with his baptism, so we begin our lives as Christians with Baptism. The baptism performed by Saint John was a rite of repentance: our Baptism is an act of repentance which turns us away from sin to the life of God's grace and holiness.<br />
May our participation in the Sanctification of the Waters, done during the Liturgy of the Feast of the Theophany, be for all of us a renewal of our life in the Trinity and a commitment on our part to dedicate ourselves to our Lord Jesus Christ, who saves us a draws all men to Himself!<br />
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-His Eminence Archbishop Lorenzo</div>
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<b>The New Disciples of Christ</b><br />
Writing by Valerie David <br />
(Sunday school)</div>
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We as Christians are Christ’s latest disciples. Each time a newly converted Christian comes into Jesus’ circle of Christianity, you might say it’s another feather in his cap, which means the continuation of Christ’s discipleship. As the new disciples of Christ, we are called to repent, spread God’s message, and make ready for the Kingdom of Heaven.<br />
Since we are his disciples, like Jesus first disciples who were called to spread God’s message or Good news, we must first repent. Saint John the Baptist tells us: “Repent ye; for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”(Matthew 3:2.) Why did St. John preach about repentance? Repentance is one of the keys. The central teaching of our church is the forgiveness of our sins in Christ. <br />
When Christ built the new foundation (the Christian faith) with his disciples, he wanted that foundation to continue and to be strong forever. The birth of the church begins at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Christ. As the Holy Spirit dwelled in his disciples, we believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in us to keep that foundation strong today with his new disciples. Christ himself had often talked about the Holy Spirit. “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” (Matthew 10:19-20.) With the phrase “in Christ” Saint Paul tells us that Christians live a new life in Christ. In the Orthodox Church, at Baptisms, we say were dead unto Christ and have put on Christ. Christ lives in us and is a part of us each time when we spread the good news (the New Testament.) The purpose of the “good news”, as it was with the disciples of Christ and as it is in today’s world with us, is to teach not only the Gospel to other Christians, but to teach the non Christians that hopefully they will see the Light (Christ.)<br />
We, the new generation of disciples, come from a lineage over two thousand years ago bases its Christian principles on love and forgiveness. Faith is the key, not only in spreading God’s word, but to have eternal life in the Kingdom of God. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5: 16.) Fr. Mark, often mentions in his sermons around Christmas time that “Jesus is the reason for the season” because lately we are constantly hearing during this time when we say Merry Christmas to non Christians we are offending them. He thinks this is a lot of nonsense and political correctness and when we believe that we are offending them, it just puts Christ in second place because then we become tolerant of these other religions which are wrong. Instead Fr. Mark tells us we should be cordial and they (non Christians) should become tolerant of us so that they can come to “the Light”. <br />
The purpose of the Gospels, such as the gospel of Matthew, is basically to tell us that Jesus Christ is not just a man, but the anointed one, or Messiah, the Son of God, Savior, and lastly the Lord and God. Jesus’ disciples as we know were “called.” Andrew being the first called, and the other eleven, were to continue Christ’s teachings after his Ascension. As Christ gave the keys to Peter, because he answered the question “who am I”, Peter answered “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” To understand why Jesus gave Peter the keys, Jesus wanted to build this new foundation brick by brick, and of course those bricks were going to be the new Christians, or disciples. In other words, without this foundation or new Christian faith, there would be no roof to complete his mission. Now it is up to us, as Disciples of Christ, to continue his mission. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28: 20.) If we want to become disciples of Christ, we have to accept that the Christian faith is the champion of faiths and Christ is indeed King of Kings.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
Valerie David</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
November 18, 2011 </div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-42662137101771681492011-10-21T20:00:00.000-07:002011-10-21T20:11:34.782-07:00<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">October 2, 2011</span></span></b><br />
16th Sunday after Pentecost</div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Cyprian, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St .Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Corinthians 6:1-10<br />Gospel: Luke 6: 31-36</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #3d85c6;">Proshora and Antidoron</b></span></div>
It is customary that someone in the Orthodox congregation brings homemade bread for the Eucharistic ceremony. This bread is called Prosphora. <br />
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Prosphora is a <i>Greek</i> word which means <i>an offering to God</i> and it also represents Jesus Who is the Bread of life. The middle part of the bread is stamped with the abbreviations <i>IC</i> <i>XC</i> and <i>NI KA</i> which means <i>Jesus Christ</i> <i>Conquers</i>. During the Divine Liturgy, this square part is cut out in special way, which will be changed into the Body of Christ and it is called the Lamb of God. After partaking Holy Communion and at the end of the Liturgy, The left over of the bread (<i>Antidoron</i>) is distributed among the faithful who have not taken Communion. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Holy bread is not Holy Communion</b></span></div>
1. The Holy bread (Antidoron) is not Holy Communion and it is blessed. <br />
2. We should treat the Holy bread with respect (It should be eaten carefully so the crumbs do not fall.)<br />
3. Anyone can receive the Holy bread (Antidoron) at the end of the Liturgy. <br />
4. Only Orthodox faithful who have prepared themselves through fasting, confession and prayer can receive Holy Communion. <br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;"> Sunday</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #3d85c6;">October 9, 2011</b></span><br />
17th Sunday after Pentecost</div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of the Apostle James, Tone 3 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion os the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: II Cor. 6:16 to 7:1<br />Gospel: Luke 7:11-16</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Why is incense burned in the Orthodox Church?</b></span></div>
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Incense is the sap of the frankincense tree, dried and burned in church as an offering to God.<br />
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It reminds us that our prayers should go up to heaven as the smoke of incense and it also enhances all our senses (smell) during the Divine Liturgy. <br />
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The offering of incense has been related to the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle. <br />
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When the priests incense the Church at any time, the faithful should be standing.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">October 16, 2011</span></span></b><br />
17th Sunday after Pentecost<br />
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of 7th Ecumenical Council</div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</li>
<li>Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Titus 3:8-15<br />Gospel: Luke8: 5-15</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did you know?</b></span></div>
<b><br />The service of the Holy Fathers is always on Sunday.</b><br />
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1. The First service is commemorated on the <b>7th Sunday after Pascha</b> in memory of the Holy Fathers of the <b>First Ecumenical Council</b>.<br />
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2. The second service is commemorated on the <b>Sunday closest to July 16th</b> in memory of the Holy Fathers of the <b>First Six Ecumenical Councils</b>.<br />
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3. The Third service is commemorated on the <b>Sunday closest to October eleventh</b> in memory of the Holy Fathers of the <b>7th Ecumenical Council</b>.<br />
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During the Divine Liturgy we sing the following Troparion:<br />
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“Thou, O Christ , art our God of exceeding praise </div>
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who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, </div>
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and through them didst guide us unto the true faith, </div>
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O most merciful one, glory be to Thee”.</div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">October 23, 2011</span></span></b><br />
19th Sunday after Pentecost<br />
<b><span style="color: orange;">Apostle James brother of the Lord</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li>
<li>Troparion of St. James, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Epistle: Gal. 1: 11-19<br />Gospel: Luke 8: 26-39</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Holy Glorious Demetrius<br />(Commemorated on October 26th)</b></span></div>
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St Demetrius was born in the city of Salonica or Thessalonica. He was a most pious son of noble and devout parents who kept their faith secret because Christians were persecuted and killed during the first three centuries. Demetrius was in the military service and when the Emperor Maximian first came to Salonica in 290, he raised Demetrius to a high rank (Proconsul) and he ordered him to put to death anyone who calls on the name of Christ, but Demetrius used his post to proclaim the Gospel. When the Emperor found out that he was Christian, he arrested him immediately.<br />
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The gladiatorial game was on in the city of Salonica and it seems that one of the favorites of the arena, admired by the Emperor, was a giant man named Lyaios who no one could defeat. A young Christian named Nestor decided to take on the challenge and fight Lyaios. He first visited his friend Demetrius in prison and when he received his blessings; he sealed himself with the sign of the Cross and went to battle. He engaged Lyaios in combat shouting: “God of Demetrius, help me!” and then he smote him with a mortal blow. The Emperor was furious and had the young Christian put to death then he ordered the death of Demetrius who was executed without delay. Christians secretly took Demetrius body and buried him. Healing myrrh flowed from his grave by which many of the sick were healed. A Church was built over his grave.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">October 30, 2011</span></b><br />
20th Sunday after Pentecost<br />
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Gal 1:11-19<br />Gospel: Luke 16:19-31</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jesus said: "Lift up your Cross <br />and follow me."</b></span></div>
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Over four thousands Christians in the city of Nijran were slain in many ways in 523. They were thrown in pits, burned to death, and beheaded. Even though, our Holy martyrs never tried to renounce Christ; they wanted to die for the sake of Him. <br />
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Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:24-27<br />
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[Our Holy Martyrs believed that Jesus is God the word; He came into the world to save the world and to save sinners so they will have eternal life into the Kingdom of God for those who believe in Him; He was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary; He sacrificed, died for us ,and on the third day he was resurrected. Also, they believed that the Son of God will come again in His glory of His Father to recompense them]. Neither threatening nor death could terrify them or make them give up the Orthodox Christian faith.] We, as Orthodox Christians, believe this to be true and are a part of our Holy Creed, “The Proclamation of our faith”.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sunday school Questions of the month</b></span><br />
1. For what soul did St. Michael battle against the devil?<br />
2. When does the Christmas fast begin? </div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br style="color: #3d85c6;" /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> November 6, 2011</span></span></b><br />
21th Sunday after Pentecost</div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Paul, Tone 3</li>
<li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Titus 3: 8-15 <br />Gospel: Luke 8: 41-56 </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael <br />and Gabriel and the Bodiless Powers </span><br />(Commemorated on November 8th) </b></div>
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The name Gabriel means “mighty one of God”. Archangel Gabriel was mentioned as messenger of God’s providence, the attendant of miracles and divine Mysteries. He appeared to the parents of St. John the Baptist, Joachim and Anna, the righteous Joseph, and also to the Theotokos. We pray to Archangel Gabriel whenever we have been abandoned by others and there is no place to go. We pray that by his prayer the Lord would guide us and place our life upon the path of salvation. <br />
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The name Michael means or "Who is like God”. Archangel Michael was mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments: <br />
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1. In the book of Revelation, it was Michael and his army of angels who fought the dragon and his false companions during the fall of angels and before the fall of man. (Rev 12:7-9) <br />
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2. It was Michael who appeared as the Commander Chief of the Lord’s army after he stood by Joshua during his first encounter with his enemies in the land of Canaan. (Joshua 5:13-15) <br />
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3. It was Michael who was sent by God to stop His command that Abraham should sacrifice the life of his son (Isaac). (Gen 22:11-12) <br />
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4. It was Michael who battled the devil for the soul of Moses. When the devil claimed that Moses had killed an Egyptian, his soul was defended and saved by Archangel Michael. (Jude 1:9) <br />
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5. During the fall of Babylon kingdom, Michael appeared to the Prophet Daniel who received a prophecy of assistance that would be provided by Archangel Michael to the People of God. (Dan 12 V1) <br />
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The divine Scriptures call Archangel Michael "prince and leader of the Lord’s army". The Orthodox Church venerates Him as a guardian, a combatant against the devil and heresy, and an indestructible shield for the Holy Church and the Orthodox Faithful. <br />
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Our patron Saint of the Church is Archangel Michael whose memory we celebrate today (November 8th). Let us all sing the following Troparion: <br />
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"O Commanders of the heavenly hosts, </div>
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we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us,</div>
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guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, </div>
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even as we fervently bow before You, crying: </div>
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“Deliver us from all danger as commanders of the powers on high." <br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">November 13, 2011</span></span></b><br />
22nd Sunday after Pentecost<br />
<b style="color: #3d85c6;">Feast of St. John Chrysostom</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5</li>
<li>Troparion of , Tone 8 St. John, Tone 8</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Heb. 7:26-28; 8:1-2 <br />Gospel: Luke 10:25-37 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Division of Angels </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
The word angel means Messenger. The angels were created by God to serve Him and glorify Him, and also to serve human mankind. The number of angels is not defined in the Holy Scriptures but they are divided into three ranks: <br />
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1. The first rank is made up of the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. <br />
2. The second rank is made up of Dominions, Hosts and Powers. <br />
3. The third rank is made up of Principalities, Archangels and Angels. <br />
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Among all the angels come the familiar seven Archangels which include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and the fallen Lucifer. <br />
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The divine scripture tells us that loyal angels will continue in the service of God, while evilness angels will be thrown in the lake of fire. Faithful angels were not subject to evil anymore and their relationship with God became stronger. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nature of Angels </b></span></div>
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The angels take different forms and they may appear as either male or female, but they are neither. So, they have their own specific external appearance and they have a light body. Compared to humans, they are bodiless, but compared to God, they have a body. <br />
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Before the fall of man, Adam and Eve were living in Heaven with the angels and they were sharing with them in giving glory and thanks to God. Now, the angels are higher than human so that is why we can’t see them on earth. <br />
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God had created all His angels to be equal and free. He also made them Holy and Spiritual. However, in possessing the power of free will, some of them began to move further away from God, and because they rebelled against Him, they were cast out of Heaven and wandered on earth. The Archangel Michael and his loyal angels resisted the devil with his false companions, and a war broke out of Heaven, <br />
"Now war arose in Heaven, Michael and His angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in Heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world -- he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him". <br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>November 20, 2011</b></span><br />
23rd Sunday after Pentecost</div>
<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6 </li>
<li>Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Ephesians 2: 4-10 <br />Gospel: Luke 12:16-21 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />The Feast of the Presentation <br />of the Theotokos into the Temple</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Joachim and Anna were a very old couple who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna never became pregnant. Frequently, they prayed to God asking Him to give them a child. They also pledged to dedicate the child to His service. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later, they had a baby girl and named her Mary. <br />
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As they had promised, Anna and Joachim brought Mary to the temple at three years of age where she was consecrated. First, she was presented to the High Priest (Zacharias) who brought her into the Holy of Holies—a place where only the High Priest was permitted to enter once a year. He placed her on the steps of the altar and the grace of the Lord descended upon her. The Virgin Mary danced joyfully and then she was raised in the temple where she studied and served in the temple until the age of 14. After that, she was betrothed to Joseph of Nazareth. It was there that an angel appeared to her and told her that she would be the mother of Jesus. <br />
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The Feast of Presentation of the Theotokos into the temple is commemorated on November 21st. <br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">November 27, 2011</span></b><br />
24th Sunday after Pentecost</div>
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<ul>
<li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7</li>
<li>Troparion of St. James</li>
<li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li>
<li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Epistle: Eph. 2:14 to end <br />Gospel: Luke 18: 18-27 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did you know? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b>Christmas Fast begins on November 15th. </b></div>
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Fasting is the time for self-examination, prayer, repentance, and abstinence from certain types of food. <br />
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Keep the Spirit of Christmas in your heart and mind. Don’t let Christmas shops prevent you to forget about the Holy Day of Christmas. Remember: “Jesus is the reason for the season”. <br />
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Strong faith begins with teaching. Teach your children about our Orthodox faith and bring them to church every Sunday, so their faith will grow stronger. Faith doesn’t end every Sunday after Church but it continues each day in the heart, soul and body of each believer to their homes. <br />
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<br />St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-35390880053213962662011-07-18T06:53:00.000-07:002011-07-18T07:09:58.071-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >July 3, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Third Sunday after Pentecost </span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Rom 5:1-10</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gospel: Matt 6:22-33</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">July 11, 2010</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Fourth Sunday after Pentecost </span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Rom 6:18-23<br />Gospel: Matt 8: 5-13<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">July 17, 2011</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Fifth Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 8</li><li>Troparion of St. Marina, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Titus 3:8-15</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Prophet Elias</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(Celebrated July 20th)</span><br /></div><br />Elias, also known as Elijah is a prophet of the Old Testament who lived in the ninth century before the Coming of Jesus Christ. Prophet Elias means the Lord is God. He was filled with passion for spreading the word of the Holy God. He lived in the wilderness and relied in God in everything. God entrusted him with different tasks to reestablish the worship of Him.<br />The King (Ashab), the Queen (Jezebel) and the people had abandoned worshiping Holy God for the idol of Baal. The prophet Elias fought the god Baal and strove to invigorate the belief in the one God of universe, preaching with passion to those whose faith waned and bringing many back into the fold. Jezebel intensified her efforts to disprove Elias, who had correctly predicted a three-year drought which ravaged the land and ruining the crops.<br />A challenge to test the powers of God and those of Baal was accepted by the Queen. Each side will call for fire to be ignited after placing of sacrifices at two altars, one to Baal and the other to God. The winner being the one whose fire lit first for his God. First, the Queen and her priests called forth the power to light the fire until they gave up in disgust, but the fire burst forth at the first prayer of the Prophet Elias. Finally, Prophet Elias called for an end to the drought and a heavenly rain descended, ending a three-year dry spell that had parched the land.<br />The end of the earthly life of Elias came mysteriously. As he was conversing with Eliseus on the hills of Moah, "a fiery chariot, and fiery horses parted them both asunder, and Elias went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (Kings. 2:11).<br />Jews, Christians and Moslems pay high honor to Elias; Carmelite monks<br />cherish the belief that their order was in some sense founded by him. Together with Moses, he appeared at Christ’s transfiguration.<br />St Elias is commemorated on July 20th.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday of the Holy Fathers<br />of the 4th Ecumenical Council<br /></div><br /><br />On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, that is:<br />the First Council, of the 318 Fathers who assembled in Nicaea in 325 to condemn Arius, who denied that the Son of God is consubstantial with the Father; the Fathers of the First Council also ordained that the whole Church should celebrate Pascha according to the same reckoning; the Second Council, of the 150 Fathers who assembled in Constantinople in 381 to condemn Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who denied the Divinity of the Holy Spirit; the Third Council, of the 200 Fathers who assembled in Ephesus in 431, to condemn Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who called Christ a mere man and not God incarnate; the Fourth Council, of the 630 who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches; the Fifth Council in 535, of the 165 who assembled in Constantinople for the second time to condemn Origen and Theodore of Mopsuestia, the teacher of Nestorius; the Sixth Council in 680, of the 170 who assembled in Constantinople for the third time, to condemn the Monothelite heresy, which taught that there is in Christ but one will, the divine; and the Seventh Council in 787, of the 350 who assembled in Nicaea for the second time to condemn Iconoclasm.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">July 24, 2011</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Sixth Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</li><li>Troparion of St. Christina, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Rom 12:6-14<br />Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Saint Joachim and Saint Anna<br />(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)<br /></div><br />So much attention is paid by Christians to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, sanctified in every conceivable way; that there is a tendency to overlook her parents. Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were a very old couple, who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna just never became pregnant. They prayed frequently to God asking Him to give them a child. One day Anna was walking in her garden when she discovered a nest of birds. This reminded her that she was childless, and she began to cry. She then prayed again to God for a child, and pledged to dedicate the child to His service. Joachim also prayed to God for a child. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later they had a baby girl and named her Mary.<br />The Dormition of the Mother of the Theotokos (Anna) is commemorated on Jul 25th.<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">July 31, 2011</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Seventh Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</li><li>Troparion of St. Eudokimos, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Romans 15:1-7<br />Gospel: Matthew 9:27-35<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >August 7, 2011</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Eight Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> Sunday after the Feast of the Transfiguration</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 7</li><li>Troparion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7 <br /><br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: I Corinthians 1: 10-17<br />Gospel: Matthew 14: 14-22<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Transfiguration and the Divine Liturgy<br /></div>The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6. This event is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.<br />Jesus Christ Showed Himself as God when he transfigured, performed miracles and resurrected from the dead. The transfiguration, which occurred on Mt. Tabor, happens in every Divine Liturgy. Through the Liturgy we are brought into the very presence of God. The Holy Spirit is present. He transforms our gifts of bread and wine into the very Body and Blood of Jesus. Jesus is present. Like the disciples on Mt. Tabor, we, too, fall on our faces before Him penitently expressing our unworthiness to stand in His Holy presence. But we also enjoy being in His presence. Like St. Peter we say. “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you will, let us stay here. Let us make three tents; one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias.” Also it is good to be with Jesus in the liturgy, to hear Him speak to us, to receive the Hoy Spirit and to receive Christ within us. It is the greatest “good” on earth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">August 14, 2011</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Ninth Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Pre-Feast of the Falling Asleep </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">of our Lady The Most Holy Theotokos</span><br /><br /></div><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8</li><li>Troparion of the Pre-Feast of the Dormition, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Pre-Feast of the Dormition, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: I Cor. 3:9-17</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34</span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos<br /></div> When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He announced this to her through an Angel three days beforehand. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their sorrow. Then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and then lay back upon her pillow. Thus she did surrender her spirit into the hands of her Son and Lord. As the Apostles took up the saintly body to its resting place, heavenly voices could be heard accompanying them on the way. Thomas the Apostle did not arrive in time for the burial, so the others led him to Mary’s tomb to view the remains of the beloved Virgin and when they arrived they discovered to their astonishment that the body was gone.<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />Was Mary’s Body Taken Up to Heaven?<br /></div>The Orthodox Church believes that upon death, Mary’s body was translated to heaven. Upon coming to the grave and not finding her saintly body, the disciples became assuredly convinced that she ascended to heaven in the body. Like her son, Mary underwent physical death but her body, like His, was afterwards raised from the dead and she was taken up into heaven in her body as well as in her soul. We Honor the theotokos above all saints, we do not pray to Mary. We pray only to God. We ask the theotokos and the saints to pray for us.<br />The name most often used for the mother of God is Theotokos or God bearer because God chose her to bring His Son, Jesus into the world.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">August 21, 2011</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Tenth Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday after the Dormition of the Theotokos</span></span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1</li><li>Troparion of the Dormition, Tone 1</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Dormition, Tone 2</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16<br />Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Did you know?<br /></div>The name most often used for the mother of God is Theotokos or God bearer. We honor the Theotokos above all saints, we do not pray to her. We pray only to God. We ask the Theotokos and the saints to pray for us.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Why do we Honor the Mother of God?<br /></div>The Incarnation (God becoming man in the person of Christ) was not only the work of God by His power and by His Spirit, but it was also the work, the will and the faith of the Virgin. The Blessed Mother said yes to God. She bears her Son freely and with her full consent. This, then, is why we honor the Virgin so greatly and we sing for her: “it is truly meet to bless thee O Theotokos, ever blessed and blameless, and the Mother of our God. More Honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious than the Seraphim. Who a Virgin gave birth to God the word: True Theotokos we magnify thee.”<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">August 28, 2011</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost </span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: I Cor. 9: 2-12<br />Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Saint Joachim and Saint Anna<br />(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)<br /></div> So much attention is paid by Christians to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, sanctified in every conceivable way; that there is a tendency to overlook her parents. Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were a very old couple, who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna just never became pregnant. They prayed frequently to God asking Him to give them a child. One day Anna was walking in her garden when she discovered a nest of birds. This reminded her that she was childless, and she began to cry. She then prayed again to God for a child, and pledged to dedicate the child to His service. Joachim also prayed to God for a child. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later they had a baby girl and named her Mary.St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-5902208507255543042011-06-18T17:25:00.000-07:002011-06-18T17:52:26.785-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">June 5, 2011<br />Holy Fathers of the first Council of Nicea<br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</li><li>Troparion of the Ascension, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Ascension, Tone 6</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36<br />Gospel: John 17:1-13<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sunday of the Holy Fathers<br /></div><br />On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, that is: the First Council, of the 318 Fathers who assembled in Nicaea in 325 to condemn Arius, who denied that the Son of God is consubstantial with the Father; the Fathers of the First Council also ordained that the whole Church should celebrate Pascha according to the same reckoning; the Second Council, of the 150 Fathers who assembled in Constantinople in 381 to condemn Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who denied the Divinity of the Holy Spirit; the Third Council, of the 200 Fathers who assembled in Ephesus in 431, to condemn Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who called Christ a mere man and not God incarnate; the Fourth Council, of the 630 who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches; the Fifth Council in 535, of the 165 who assembled in Constantinople for the second time to condemn Origen and Theodore of Mopsuestia, the teacher of Nestorius; the Sixth Council in 680, of the 170 who assembled in Constantinople for the third time, to condemn the Monothelite heresy, which taught that there is in Christ but one will, the divine; and the Seventh Council in 787, of the 350 who assembled in Nicaea for the second time to condemn Iconoclasm.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">June 12, 2011<br />Sunday of Pentecost (Feast of the Holy Trinity)<br /></div><ul><li>Troparion for Pentecost, Tone 8</li><li>Kontakion for Pentecost, Tone 8</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Acts 2:1-11<br />Gospel: John 7:37-52, 8:12<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday of Pentecost</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">June 12th</span><br /></div><br />Pentecost is the “Descent of Holy Spirit”. This is the day that our Lord Jesus Christ promised to his disciples would happen. “When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place and suddenly a sound came from Heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting and there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed upon each one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-4). The fullness of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit is manifested with the Spirit coming to man. The disciples now the Apostles had received “the power from on high” had the responsibility to spread the Good News. They began to preach and bear witness to Jesus as the risen Christ, the King and Lord. Because the fullness of the Holy Spirit appeared in the room that day, Pentecost is also referred to as Trinity Day in the Orthodox Church. The tongues of fire over the Apostles heads were the tongues of many languages so they could speak the language of the country they were going to.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">June 19, 2011<br />First Sunday after Pentecost<br />All Saints Sunday<br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8</li><li>Troparion of the Saints, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Saints, Tone 8</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Hebrew 11:33-12:2<br />Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">All-Saints Sunday<br />(First Sunday after Pentecost)<br /></div><br />Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to the memory of all the saints. The Holy Spirit joins the saints unites itself with them and acts with them to make the light shine in the world. Each saint becomes a stream or branch of the Holy Spirit. According to the Gospel, “out of his heart shall flow the rivers of living water” (John 7: 38). When we know how to act in the light of God, we as Christians become the container of the Holy Spirit. “Walk as children of the light. St Paul tells us for the fruit of light is found in all that is God and right and true. (Eph 5:9). When we sing the Beatitudes at the liturgy during the procession with the Gospel, we honor all the saints that have pleased God by what they have done such as faith, hope and love. Through the Beatitude hymn we sing, the faithful can reflect about the saints, the joy and comfort they bring to us as an intercession to Jesus. For they share and are part of the Kingdom of Heaven.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">June 26, 2011<br />Second Sunday after Pentecost<br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1</li><li>Troparion of St. David, Tone 8</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>ontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Romans 2:10-16<br />Gospel: Matthew4:18-23<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul<br />(Celebrated on June 29th)<br /></div><br />With the help of Sts. Peter and Paul they both reestablished the confidence of the Christian nation and led them out of their hopeless state to an era of new prosperity. Keep in mind Christianity was still in its infancy. Out of all the disciples, Peter seems to be the most prominent. He ranks with St Paul without whom Christianity flourished and survived during the pagan era of false gods and spiritual persecution. The moving verse from the New Testament of St Matthew when Christ told Peter: “And I say to thee that thou art Peter and upon this rock, I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18).<br />St Paul conversion to Christianity began when he met our Lord on the road to Damascus. It was on this road he embraced Jesus the risen Messiah whom he set out to defeat. Christ spoke to him saying: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4)<br />Thereafter he was called Paul, and devoted himself to the new Christian faith, announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord. St Paul conversion to Christianity began when he met our Lord on the road to Damascus. It was on this road he embraced Jesus the risen Messiah whom he set out to defeat. Christ spoke to him saying: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4)<br />Thereafter he was called Paul, and devoted himself to the new Christian faith, announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord.St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-4545636950426128732011-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:002011-04-30T15:10:34.952-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">May 1, 2011</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Sunday of St. Thomas</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Troparion of St Thomas Sunday, Tone 7</span></li></ul>While the tomb was sealed, Thou didst shine forth from it, O Light. While the doors were closed, Thou didst come in to Thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them an upright Spirit, according to the Greatness of Thy mercy.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</span></li></ul>When thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal, Thou didst destroy the power of Hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to Thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Acts 5: 12-20<br />Gospel: John 20: 19-31<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">May 8, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women and </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos</span><br /></div><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li></ul>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.<br /><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion for the Sunday of the Myrrh bearing Women, Tone 2</li></ul>Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Pious Joseph, having brought down Thy pure body from he tree, wrapped it in fine linen, embalmed it with ointment, provided for it, and laid it in a new tom. But thou didst verily rise after three days, O Lord, granting the world the great mercy.<br />Both now and ever, and unto ages if ages, Amen.<br />Verily, the angel came to the tomb and said to the ointment bearing women Ointments is meet for the dead, but Christ is shown to be remote form corruption. But cry ye, the Lord is risen, granting the world the great mercy.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Troparion of St. John, Tone 2<br /><br /></span></li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li></ul> When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: I John 4:12-19<br />Gospel: Mark 15: 43-16:8<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sunday </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">May 15, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of the Paralytic </span><br /></div><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li></ul> 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.<br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li></ul>When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of Hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Act 9:32-42<br />Gospel: John 5:1-15<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> May 22, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of the Samaritan Woman </span><br /></div><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li></ul>Having learned the joyful message of the resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy<br /><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion for Mid-Pentecost, Tone 8</li></ul>In the midst of the Feast, O Saviour, give thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of true worship; for thou dist call out to all, saying: Who ever is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Wherefore, O Christ our God, Fountain of life, glory to thee..<br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li></ul>When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Act 11:19-30<br />Gospel: John 4:5-42<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> May 29, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of the Blindman</span><br /></div><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</li></ul> Let us believers praise and worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for he took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death and to raise the dead by his glorious Resurrection.<br /><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4<br /><br /></li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</li></ul>When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Act 16:16-34</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gospel: John 9: 1-38</span></span><br /></div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-42832501736295942802011-04-12T08:47:00.000-07:002011-04-12T19:38:15.842-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Sunday, April 17, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Palm Sunday</span><br /></div><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of Lazarus (Tone1)</li></ul>O Christ God, when thou didst raise Lazarus from the dead, before thy passion, did confirm the universal resurrection.<br />Wherefore, we like Babes carry the palms of triumph and victory, and cry unto thee, O Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.<br /><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Troparion of Palm Sunday (Tone 4)</li></ul> O Christ God, when we were buried with Thee in Baptism, we became deserving of thy Resurrection to immortal life. Wherefore, we praise thee, crying, Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.<br /><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Kontakion for Palm Sunday (Tone 4)</li></ul>In Heaven He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who come to recall Adam."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epi</span><span style="font-size:85%;">stle: Philippians 4:4-9<br />Gospel: John 12:1-18<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Palm Sunday</span><br />(The entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem)<br /></div><br /> It was a custom of the Jewish people to greet high ranking officials with the palm branches. After He raised Lazarus form the dead, the Jews believed that Jesus was coming as the expected Messiah. They thought He would free them from the Roman Soldiers.<br /> On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the law, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, people greeted Him with palm branches in theirs hands and spread their cloaks before Him on the road as a sign of respect and victory. They cried out: “Hosanna in the Highest, blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” The word Hosanna means “Save, I pray,” or “Save, now.”<br /><br /> Palm Sunday is the beginning of our journey to Holy Pascha.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> The Holy Week:</span><br /></div><br /> The last week of Christ’s earthly life is called Passion Week or Holy Week.<br /> In the Orthodox churches the services that are held on the evening of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday are called the Bridegroom Services.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp8M3eGBV6MxzWFx1OcAcXkPL12JteqWUvH7AvFgDOayCFs3S9UWkOl4mCoo5TjhrsA7x54y8ql0eAOHRx-s8-PUD7PzdP3zaFuL4V3qmIUb6gP-Pm9jjaSdRrjgHRmEZpW6Z9sDr4nbU/s1600/St.+Joseph+the+All+Comely.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp8M3eGBV6MxzWFx1OcAcXkPL12JteqWUvH7AvFgDOayCFs3S9UWkOl4mCoo5TjhrsA7x54y8ql0eAOHRx-s8-PUD7PzdP3zaFuL4V3qmIUb6gP-Pm9jjaSdRrjgHRmEZpW6Z9sDr4nbU/s200/St.+Joseph+the+All+Comely.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594739428053136322" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;">Sunday evening:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: ( Kindness and love for Christ)</span><br />We commemorate the story of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who was betrayed by his brothers and was sold into slavery. After much suffering, there came triumph for him in Egypt. He is an image of Christ. Also the Gospel reading gives us the example of the barren fig tree that was cursed and withered. What does not bear fruit in Christ will be destroyed. The Kingdom is coming and those who are not ready will be left out. It connects us to the past which is the Old Testament and the future that is our own lives.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx9k-1eMssxnCck6DVNDCAimvehut38IFzHg3Fg6gAomojuoi5cQbsEYZEMazb7-GCGnfQ9GUGtjC_FtG3hZ9AsFPkkcSZXl8tRswwg97wWnx565N0HqUBJE5UJoArhHh6Ztq3NyJBgFi/s1600/Virgins.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx9k-1eMssxnCck6DVNDCAimvehut38IFzHg3Fg6gAomojuoi5cQbsEYZEMazb7-GCGnfQ9GUGtjC_FtG3hZ9AsFPkkcSZXl8tRswwg97wWnx565N0HqUBJE5UJoArhHh6Ztq3NyJBgFi/s200/Virgins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594739857830635330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Holy Monday evening: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: (preparation)</span><br />We commemorate the parable of the ten virgins. We should not forget about the end of our life. We should be prepared at every moment, like the wise virgins, not like the virgins who were not prepared. Whereby, Jesus told them to go back because they were not ready to meet the Lord. Remember, that we as Christians should be ready and prepared always in our Christian life because we never know when the Bridegroom (Christ) will come.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6QeTaIGR0FgmHL7j8CnU0W_4W_c27tsiL94STjMTjRwZFM79Q9vKETaTZXzD30-XqLg_It357qvsiSlPRX00SgWMYHuivVm6dHBAF66nzB973mPfSwdy9UA0wUiJpgNzIb2N-dtj79U1/s1600/A-406.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6QeTaIGR0FgmHL7j8CnU0W_4W_c27tsiL94STjMTjRwZFM79Q9vKETaTZXzD30-XqLg_It357qvsiSlPRX00SgWMYHuivVm6dHBAF66nzB973mPfSwdy9UA0wUiJpgNzIb2N-dtj79U1/s200/A-406.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594740634803330274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Holy Tuesday evening: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: (Repentance)</span><br />We commemorate the events of the anointing of our Lord by a sinful woman, who anointed Jesus with precious myrrh and washed His feet with her hair. Her action of love is in contrast to that of Judas who betrayed the Master for thirty pieces of silvers. Because the betrayal took place on Wednesday, we have received the tradition to fast on Wednesday throughout the year. It is time to reflect upon our sinfulness and ask for repentance.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Holy W</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2GPGOZCn9ZIDpJ6U5gPJ8wzR8SW9cQGC3YTUoy3W7QRJXQGuMG6L7MsLdTGiGT3aYdZCQNs3tvaqfcpDDgPm0jRpcFuTweG5SroyoNCnX5hSCObbm1zkTMYI4p1s7M8WgGUMRn3nTjxQ/s1600/f75.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2GPGOZCn9ZIDpJ6U5gPJ8wzR8SW9cQGC3YTUoy3W7QRJXQGuMG6L7MsLdTGiGT3aYdZCQNs3tvaqfcpDDgPm0jRpcFuTweG5SroyoNCnX5hSCObbm1zkTMYI4p1s7M8WgGUMRn3nTjxQ/s200/f75.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594741737201833410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">ednesday evening (Holy Unction): </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: Healing</span><br />The Sacrament of Holy Unction, one of the seven sacraments of the Church is celebrated this day. It signifies healing for every sick person. Worshippers are anointed with the sanctified oil for the healing of body and soul.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxDEUhHx77PVk3so2GoGRe12E3hddmJG1_3SRnNZFWRFRfSjKNyKRBM3zz_pKbKw-0K3NdT9Zr2otx3t8TCF0rGOzskfw7u-ZpZIvruFaNC_i1WMCjtckQHLs-g9yhguXNbHI9lKZr9tB/s1600/Sinai13thcCrucifixion.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxDEUhHx77PVk3so2GoGRe12E3hddmJG1_3SRnNZFWRFRfSjKNyKRBM3zz_pKbKw-0K3NdT9Zr2otx3t8TCF0rGOzskfw7u-ZpZIvruFaNC_i1WMCjtckQHLs-g9yhguXNbHI9lKZr9tB/s200/Sinai13thcCrucifixion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594741995010445090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Holy Thursday evening: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: The Holy Passion of Christ-Crucifixion</span><br />We celebrate the Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He willingly endured the cross and the Death to take away our sins and save us. As we listen to the twelve Gospel readings in which we experience the entire story of his suffering and crucifixion. The Hymns we here focus on a great contrast. Christ, who is our God, is treated as a lowly criminal. Each of the Hymns compares ideas of Christ’s glory with details of His suffering. After the fifth Gospel reading, the Procession of the Cross takes place inside the Church while we sing:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Holy Thursday Evening (The 15th Antiphon)</span><br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://www.google.com/reader/ui/3523697345-audio-player.swf?audioUrl=http://audiopoisk.com/files/hor-moskovskogo-sretenskogo-monastira/dnes_-visit-na-dreve-635784.mp3?listen=1" height="27" width="300"></embed><br /><br /><br />Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.<br />Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.<br />Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.<br />A crown of thorns crowns Him, who is the King of the angels.<br />He is wrapped in the purple robe of mockery, who wraps the heavens with clouds.<br />He receives smitings, who freed Adam in the Jordan.<br />He is tranfixed with nails, Who is the Son of the Virgin.<br />We worship Thy passion, O Christ.<br />We worship Thy passion, O Christ.<br />We worship Thy passion, O Christ.<br />Show us also Thy glorious resurrection!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzpptjElj7ATpFjXgskpuw3Gqymqjd_eGfIVCq3KR0IQCRhVgFeXRW16XA5-rCUofbwGs-RaOuDOqvIrRuVoAwv96T9FeVSv7pWnXSN_R7f6kVHs7tDmFJTurdqzSlyengBC_gaPXHPl7/s1600/Icon.HolyBurial.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzpptjElj7ATpFjXgskpuw3Gqymqjd_eGfIVCq3KR0IQCRhVgFeXRW16XA5-rCUofbwGs-RaOuDOqvIrRuVoAwv96T9FeVSv7pWnXSN_R7f6kVHs7tDmFJTurdqzSlyengBC_gaPXHPl7/s200/Icon.HolyBurial.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594742270611604930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Holy Friday evening: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: Lamentations</span><br />The lamentations tell of the passion, death and burial of Christ but with the assurance and joy of His coming Resurrection. The faithful follow in a procession of the Epitaphios around the Church singing “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us.” On that night Christ confronts death, we learn that we are all made for life. He has filled it with life; He has taken its power and transformed death from a tragedy and into a joyful new beginning by his death.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiZGJ-mhyZ8tJ0UKNwPllRy31fJRxnIgaKm_bF9yKX06EIXbnMunQHDRwWPJUN5cu2EaaLThMEkEUwQ2BEggyiUb04IKiKCZrAL4z8Syv8tUqri22Ns58_m5Wkuktv2qC5wwpYUeizK1-/s1600/02356_resurrection.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiZGJ-mhyZ8tJ0UKNwPllRy31fJRxnIgaKm_bF9yKX06EIXbnMunQHDRwWPJUN5cu2EaaLThMEkEUwQ2BEggyiUb04IKiKCZrAL4z8Syv8tUqri22Ns58_m5Wkuktv2qC5wwpYUeizK1-/s200/02356_resurrection.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594743109717749762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Holy Saturday Evening: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme: Resurrection</span><br />At midnight, the Church is darkened, the Priest is standing before the Holy Altar, lights a white candle from the eternal vigil light; Everyone joins together as the light is passed to each person in the church; and exiting from the Royal Doors, We celebrate Christ’s glorious Resurrection holding the candles high and singing:<br />“Christ is risen from the death, O Christ is risen from the death, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.”<br /></div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa1rreRPG0hTchWO4gu0ZNnfUB9LD4kLfx2nZSo4VHx_0SfOG1ZgHh1rBpz2mfDXKOZ3H51BlHjduhqB2Dw1iH37YrRHqWPyuvKCW79vExHcC6BbaM8ai1zQcUQqIlH986NNw6H853zI_/s1600/Risen+Christ+Icon.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa1rreRPG0hTchWO4gu0ZNnfUB9LD4kLfx2nZSo4VHx_0SfOG1ZgHh1rBpz2mfDXKOZ3H51BlHjduhqB2Dw1iH37YrRHqWPyuvKCW79vExHcC6BbaM8ai1zQcUQqIlH986NNw6H853zI_/s200/Risen+Christ+Icon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594743541482556050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is the Day of all Days and the Feast of Feast!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Pascha Sunday (Vespers):</span> we will read the Gospel in many languages to show or to tell the good news of Christ’s saving resurrection is for all people in the world.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Did you know?</span><br />In the Orthodox Church, it is a custom to greet each other from the day of resurrection until Ascension Day by saying: <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;">Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Some of the Paschal greetings in different languages are:</span><br />English: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!<br />Slavonic: Kristos Voskresey! Voyistino Voskresey!<br />Ukrainian: Hrystos voskres! Voistiny voskres!<br />Russian: Kristos voskres! Voistiny voskres!<br />Romanian: Kristos A Inviat! Adeverat A Inviat!<br />Arabic: Al Maseeh Qam! Haqan Qam!<br />Serbian: Hristos Voskresie! Voistsinu Vaskrse<br />Greek: Kristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!<br />Albanian: Krishti Eshte GjalleSt. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-25732207824691035572011-03-12T19:03:00.000-08:002011-03-14T10:20:24.580-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Great Lent</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(Forty days of fasting)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Great Lent is the time for </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">self-examination</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">, a time for </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">prayer</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> and</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> alms-giving</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">, a time for </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">repentance</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> and a time of </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">abstinence</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> from certain types of food. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Prayer of St. Ephrem<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> O Lord and Master of my life!<br />Take from me the spirit of laziness,<br />Meddling, ambition and vain talk.<br />But give me a spirit of prudence,<br />Humility, patience, and love.<br />Yes, Lord and King, grant me<br />To see my own sins and faults<br />and not judge my brother.<br />For You are blessed<br />forever and ever. Amen.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Why does this short prayer of St. Ephrem is important during the entire Lenten worship?<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Because it enumerates in unique way all the negative and positive elements of repentance and constitutes a "check list" for our individual Lenten effort. </span><br /></span><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 13, 2011</span><br />First Sunday of Lent<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of Orthodoxy </span><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Epistle: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Gospel: John 1:43-51</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH6PE8v2mHTY-shNLoMrPxWOcwmhwr4LlyJoyAqn6WMz8wcB0lIJ8ohQWq7NZ5Oh3b4NBJmz9gUWtmW9lPVtp1H9rGmbYwzvyNm8ScNpt3ghdlae6LqD80gX_MG-DMtq6Ys1gUXHku_FA/s1600/sundayorthodoxy.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH6PE8v2mHTY-shNLoMrPxWOcwmhwr4LlyJoyAqn6WMz8wcB0lIJ8ohQWq7NZ5Oh3b4NBJmz9gUWtmW9lPVtp1H9rGmbYwzvyNm8ScNpt3ghdlae6LqD80gX_MG-DMtq6Ys1gUXHku_FA/s320/sundayorthodoxy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583408745464273362" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">First Sunday of Great Lent-Sunday of Orthodoxy </span></div></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Sunday of Orthodoxy</span> is celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent. On this day, our holy Orthodox Church commemorate the victory of Orthodoxy over heresies and the return of the icons to the churches after hundred years of cruel persecution against the holy icons and the Christian Orthodox faithful who venerated them. Icons were removed, cast into rivers or burned. Also, many bishops, Priests and faithful suffered and put to death for venerating the holy icons. In the year 842, the emperor Theophilus and his wife the Empress Theodora put end to the persecution and the holy icons were restored.</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">On the Sunday of orthodoxy, Orthodox clergies and Faithful from all over the world will have a procession around the Church triumphantly carrying icons to venerate the Holy icons especially, of the Savior, the Mother of God, the Saints and all the martyrs who shed their blood to protect and save our holy icons. In the Orthodox Church, we venerate the icons, but we don’t worship them. We only worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">O Christ our God, begging forgiveness of our sins, we venerate Your pure image O Good One. Of Your own will You condescended to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh and delivered those you created from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, thankfully we cry out: When You came to save the world, You filled all things with joy, O our Savior.<br /><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 20, 2011</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Second Sunday of Lent</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">The Commemoration of St. Gregory Palamas</span> </div><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of St Gregory, Tone 8</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Kontakion of the Sunday in Lent, Tone 8</span></li></ul> <div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-2:3</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Gospel: Mark 2:1-12<br /><br /></span> </span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 27, 2011</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Third Sunday of Lent</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><br />The Veneration of the Cross</span> </div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span> <ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Kontakion of the five Sundays of Great Lent, Tone 8</span></li></ul> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44WDEx05XLcXas5WbjrIjJM7iPk9cv5Rkb6lenPfgI1e0qFnSZtLB5g-lfPRyFaBI5Y_zx21Y6OeCuZ0nWZZrRvGaddeSCNp9PlukKk5sAaQ0p2ZixyTJUnh-IhIUjeJEN7U9mXqWlKTu/s1600/2372902716_2419a863e3.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44WDEx05XLcXas5WbjrIjJM7iPk9cv5Rkb6lenPfgI1e0qFnSZtLB5g-lfPRyFaBI5Y_zx21Y6OeCuZ0nWZZrRvGaddeSCNp9PlukKk5sAaQ0p2ZixyTJUnh-IhIUjeJEN7U9mXqWlKTu/s200/2372902716_2419a863e3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583410277726547874" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Mid-Lent: The Veneration of the Cross</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Now we are in Mid-Lent, we begin to feel our efforts of fasting. We need all kinds of help and encouragement. The best place to find that help and encouragement is through the prayers of Jesus Christ our Lord. We are now at the top of the hill and we’ve reached the half way point as we descend to the bottom of the hill and into the valley of Holy Week and the Passion Week of our Lord. At Mid-Lent we still receive our spiritual energy and revitalizing ourselves to continue our pilgrimage to Holy Week and Holy Pascha.</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Jesus said “if anybody would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1 </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance, granting our believing kings victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Cross preserving thy common wealth.<br /><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;"> Sunday, April 3, 2011</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Fourth Sunday of lent </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> <br />Commemoration of St John the Ladder</span><br /></div> <ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of St John Climacus, Tone8</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Kontakion of the five Sundays of Great Lent, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span> <div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Epistle: Hebrews: 6:13-20</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Gospel: Mark 9:17-31<br /><br /></span></span><img src="file:///C:/Users/WINDOW%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqyoJnP-jAPKT_mVT3LYLDw6fts1FWJOSUqJ_Ox8yD6yIWXP7VMgVCZF4t2tAbYd9Jgwp0sADgtWpxz2G0bmt0jhlCIOa5Vp9pWEDX7IoNnK7nEpzyDzUmSHT_rNHCK_pXvaK95k1mAgK/s1600/ladder-of-divine-ascent.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqyoJnP-jAPKT_mVT3LYLDw6fts1FWJOSUqJ_Ox8yD6yIWXP7VMgVCZF4t2tAbYd9Jgwp0sADgtWpxz2G0bmt0jhlCIOa5Vp9pWEDX7IoNnK7nEpzyDzUmSHT_rNHCK_pXvaK95k1mAgK/s200/ladder-of-divine-ascent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583410788559384482" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Fourth Sunday of Great Lent</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"> -The Ladder of Divine Ascent </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />St. John Climacus wrote the book bearing the name "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." It talks about our journey to Heaven involving steps. The 30 steps represent the Great Lent. The icon shows how difficult it is to climb to Heaven. It shows monks on the ladder, the demons are trying to pull them off, the mouth of Hades are swallowing up those who have fallen off, the angels are lamenting over those who have fallen, and people on the earth are praying for those on the ladder. Also, the icon depicts Christ at the top of the ladder, waiting for our entrance to His holy Kingdom. St. John Climacus is at the top of the ladder. The one with white robe behind St. John is probably the Archbishop Antonios. </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Every step that we make during Great Lent is our own sacrifice that we give to God, thus when we do this it becomes our own ladder to Heaven.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Troparion of St. John Climacus, Tone 8:</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">With the Rivers of your tears, you have made fertile the barren desert. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit of hundred- fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, intercedes to Christ our God to save our souls.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Sunday, April 10, 2011</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Fifth Sunday of Great Lent</span> </div><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Troparion of St Mary of Egypt, Tone 8</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Kontakion of usual Sunday</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Hebrews: 9:11-14</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Gospel: Mark: 10:32-45 </span></span> </span><br /><br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXS4HbUzxFmxTa93Hf_FCJE3n5ivgOkGguOr7tadctqiKv7wNXXEDDuesXgsPN9Bbk4qk8NSCsPZFATwtgvFpSijmMX2747C9JHHCq8GuxN24EDZK1zihugeUDu_3ydszCwpn4PJ1fkiN/s1600/mary_of_egypt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXS4HbUzxFmxTa93Hf_FCJE3n5ivgOkGguOr7tadctqiKv7wNXXEDDuesXgsPN9Bbk4qk8NSCsPZFATwtgvFpSijmMX2747C9JHHCq8GuxN24EDZK1zihugeUDu_3ydszCwpn4PJ1fkiN/s200/mary_of_egypt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583411125227812146" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Fifth Sunday of Great Lent-St Mary of Egypt<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Mary the Egyptian lived in Alexandria as a prostitute. At the age of 29, out of curiosity she joined a group of pilgrims bound for the Holy Land. While sailing with the pilgrims on the ship, Mary did not cease from sinning. When she got to Jerusalem, she joined the pilgrims who were heading for the church of Christ’s Resurrection. People were entering the church in a large throng, but Mary was stopped at the entrance by an invisible hand and could not enter it by any efforts. Here she understood that the Lord was not permitting her to enter into the holy place because of her impurity. Feeling profound repentance, she began to entreat God to forgive her sins, promising to correct her life. She saw an icon of the Theotokos who told her to go to Jordan where she would find rest. She begged the Theotokos to plead for her before God. She poured out abundant tears at the Lord’s tomb, and she went out of the church a different person. In the Jordanian Desert, she lived the rest of her life in repentance, in complete solitude, in fasting and prayer. A monk named Zosima (Zosimus) met her and heard her story. He brought her Holy Communion and she asked him to return the next year. When he returned he found her dead, with instructions for her burial written in the sand next to her. The Elder Zosima, who lived in the Jordanian monastery of the prophet John the Forerunner, was struck by her holiness during her life. He saw her once during prayer as if raised up above the earth, and another time walking over the river Jordan, as if on dry land. Thus, from a great sinner, Venerable Mary became, with God’s help, a very great saint and left such a striking example of <span style="font-weight: bold;">repentance</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Troparion of St. Mary of Egypt, Tone 8</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">God’s image was perfectly preserved in you, O Mother. For taking up the Cross you followed Christ. You taught us by example to disdain the flesh, a passing thing, but to see the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your spirit rejoices with the angels. </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"></span></div><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-87115057756927788102011-02-05T13:38:00.000-08:002011-02-05T13:50:04.588-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">February 6, 2011</span><br />17th Sunday after Pentecost<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday after the Presentation of Our Lord into the Temple</span><br /></div><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 1</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Presentation, Tone 1</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: II Cor. 6:16 to end, 7:1<br />Gospel: Matthew: 15:21-28<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into the Temple</span><br /><br /></div>The presentation or the meeting of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is commemorated on February 2nd.<br />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.<br />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).<br />The Orthodox Church has kept this tradition of the Churching of the mother and newborn child on the fortieth day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">February 13, 2011</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee </span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5</li><li>Troparion of St. Martinian, Tone 8</li><li>Troprion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Pharisee and the Publican, Tone 4</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Epistle: II Timothy 3: 10-15<br />Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)</span><br /></div>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.”<br />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”.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of publican and Pharisee<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The first Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of Publican and the Pharisee.</span><br />The Theme of this parable is <span style="font-weight: bold;">repentance</span>. Before entering Great Lent in <span style="font-weight: bold;">humility</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">repentance</span>, we can achieve a deeper communion with God as we receive His forgiveness and His blessing by guiding us to richer spiritual life.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Did you know?</span><br /></div>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.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">February 20, 2011</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of the Prodigal Son</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6</li><li>Troparion of St. Leo, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Prodigal Son, Tone 3</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: І Cor. 6:12-20<br />Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son) <br /></span></div>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.<br />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”.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of the Prodigal Son<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The second Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son.</span><br />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.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">February 27, 2011</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of Meat Fare</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of the Meat Fare Sunday, Tone 1</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: І Cor. 8:8-9:2<br />Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 (Meat Fare Sunday)<br /></span></div>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.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of Meat-Fare<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The third Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of Meat Fare or Last Judgment.</span><br />The Theme of the parable is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Love</span>. When Christ comes to judge us, what will be the principle of His<span style="font-weight: bold;"> last judgment</span>? The answer is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Love</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Did you know?</span><br /></div>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 “<span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday of Souls</span>”. It is a great day for prayers for our loved and departed members.<br /><br />During his ministry, the Lord and Saviour 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.<br />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.”<br />By praying for the dead, we ask God to remember them because we love them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">March 6, 2011</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of Cheese Fare</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of Cheese Fare Sunday, Tone 6</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Romans 13:11-14:4<br />Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare Sunday)<br /></span></div>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).<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday of Cheese Fare</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> or Sunday of forgiveness</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The last Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of Cheese Fare.</span><br />Now we enter the period of the fast <span style="font-weight: bold;">forgiving </span>one another so that God will forgive us.<br />The Orthodox Church wants us to prepare and invite us to reflect and consider the significance of the 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 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Repentance</span>.St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-83801882710373771872010-12-11T07:07:00.000-08:002010-12-11T07:37:45.457-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Nativity Fast begins Monday, November 15 to Friday, December 24</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">December 5, 2010</span><br />28th Sunday after Pentecost<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">St. Saba the Sanctified of Jerusalem</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</li><li>Troparion of St. Saba, Tone 8 </li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26- December24)<br /></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Gal. 5:22-6:2<br />Gospel: Luke 13: 10-17<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker<br /><br /></div>St. Nicholas was born in Myra, Asia Minor, now called Turkey and became bishop of Myra. We do not know very much the early day of St. Nicholas. After his parents died, he inherited a lot of money. He thought of other people that were less fortunate then himself, especially the poor. One particular story regarding Nicholas is about a father with three daughters who didn’t have enough food to feed them. St. Nicholas heard about his troubles and wrapped some gold coins and threw them in an open window in the father’s house. The next morning, the family found the gold, but they didn’t know who to thank, so they thanked God for their gift! St. Nicholas never wanted to be thanked for his generosity and charity. When he was discovered giving gifts, he would tell the person “Don’t tell anyone about the gifts, let it be our secret”. He also told them, “Please don’t thank me, thank God”. Unfortunately in today’s modern world we live in, the children in our society, forget or don’t know about the good gestures what St. Nicholas did. Mostly they are fascinated by the famous poem written by Clement Moore in 1823, “The Night before Christmas” and who will receive the best gift for being a good boy or girl. Thus, the meaning of St. Nicholas or Santa Clause dropping gifts at night at children’s homes, not to be thanked, but thank only God, is lost! St. Nicholas continued his life helping the poor, and after he died, the church called him St. Nicholas “The Champion of the People”. He is also referred to as, “St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker” (person who works wonders or performs miracles). Children around the world love him because of his great love he had for children, and his great Christian faith in God. They know of him, how he taught people to love and help each other as Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior did. In Holland, they called him Sinter, meaning Saint and Claes meaning Nicholas, thus his name years later was changed to Santa Clause. We celebrate his feast day December 6th.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">December 12, 2010</span><br />29th Sunday after Pentecost<br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday of the Forefathers and St. Spyridon</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of Forefathers, Tone 2</li><li>Troparion of St. Spyridon, Tone 1</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26-December 24)<br /></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Ephesians 5: 8-19<br />Gospel: Luke 14: 16-24<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ<br /></div><br />This Feast Day is an important day in the Christian Church. It is also called the Incarnation of Jesus Christ which means become human like us in Christ’s second nature, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14).<br />We should also remember that our Savior Jesus Christ emptied Himself of his divine glory and humiliated Himself to accept the human condition. These conditions knowing that he died for us, then resurrected so that we may have everlasting life in the kingdom of God. The son of God “begotten not made” (Unlike Adam who was created by God the Father). Jesus Christ our Lord who is uncreated, He is one of the Trinity, the Son of the Father and coeternal. Jesus assumes the destiny of the first man and gives us a second chance to have everlasting life. We know the story about the birth of Jesus. We’ve heard about it over and over since we were children. Yet, no matter how many times we hear about the Nativity, keep in mind how much God still loves us. “For God so loved the world He gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). He sent His Son to teach us and to become most of all Christians or followers of Christ. So when we light the Christmas tree and exchange gifts, remember the most important gift on Christmas Day that gift of course is the gift of Love God gave to us, Jesus Christ our Lord. And let us not forgot the real reason for the season because “Jesus is the reason for the season.”<br /><br />Christ is born!<br /> Glorify Him!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">December 19, 2010</span><br />30th Sunday after Pentecost<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Sunday before the Nativity </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">( Sunday of Genealogy)</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5</li><li>Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 2</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26 – December 24)<br /></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Hebrews 11: 9-10; 17:23, 32-40<br />Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-25<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">December 26, 2010</span><br />31st Sunday after Pentecost<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Sunday after the Nativity of Christ</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed,<br />David the Prophet and King,<br />and James the Brother of the Lord</span><br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6</li><li>Troparion of the Sunday after Nativity, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li><li>Kontakion of Nativity, Tone 3</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19<br />Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY<br /></div> <br />The Feast of the Theophany ("Manifestation of God") takes its name from the event of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in which the fullness of the Holy Trinity is revealed. At the moment of the baptism the Father's voice is heard, calling Jesus his "Beloved Son" and the Holy Spirit is seen descending on Him in the form of a dove. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity - Three Persons in One God - is thus proclaimed to all! This teaching is fundamental to the Orthodox Christian faith: our faith is based on the truth of who God is - any other concept of God is mistaken as it takes people away from who He really is.<br />Doctrine in the Orthodox Church is not abstract: it is a lived reality and basic to our spirituality, our way - the true way - of relating to God as a Church and as individuals. Our lives as Christians are an internalization and a manifestation of the Holy Trinity who dwells within us: the Person of the Holy Spirit sanctifies us and brings us into the life of the Person of the Son, Jesus Christ. In turn, Christ brings us into the Person of the Father. That is why we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of the Son to the heavenly Father. That is why the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) of the Church are nothing less than the life of the Holy Spirit being poured into our lives by the Father in the name of his Beloved Son.<br />The baptismal rite performed by Saint John the Baptist, in which the Holy Trinity is revealed, prefigures the later Christian mystery of Baptism in which each individual is brought into the life of the Trinity. Just as our Lord began his ministry among men with his baptism, so we begin our lives as Christians with Baptism. The baptism performed by Saint John was a rite of repentance: our Baptism is an act of repentance which turns us away from sin to the life of God's grace and holiness.<br />May our participation in the Sanctification of the Waters, done during the Liturgy of the Feast of the Theophany, be for all of us a renewal of our life in the Trinity and a commitment on our part to dedicate ourselves to our Lord Jesus Christ, who saves us a draws all men to Himself!<br /><br />-His Eminence Archbishop LorenzoSt. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-27848675788147350832010-11-11T19:11:00.000-08:002010-11-11T19:22:10.909-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;"> November 7, 2010</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">24th Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7 </li><li>Troparion of St. Lazarus,</li><li>Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4 </li><li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li></ul></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Eph. 2:14 to end<br />Gospel: Luke 8: 41-56<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">and Gabriel and the Bodiless Powers </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(Commemorated on November 8th) </span><br /><br /></div>The name Gabriel means “mighty one of God”. Archangel Gabriel was mentioned as messenger of God’s providence, the attendant of miracles and divine Mysteries. He appeared to the parents of St. John the Baptist, Joachim and Anna, the righteous Joseph, and also to the Theotokos. We pray to Archangel Gabriel whenever we have been abandoned by others and there is no place to go. We pray that by his prayer the Lord would guide us and place our life upon the path of salvation.<br /><br />The name Michael means or "Who is like God”. Archangel Michael was mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments:<br /><br />1. In the book of Revelation, it was Michael and his army of angels who fought the dragon and his false companions during the fall of angels and before the fall of man. (Rev 12:7-9)<br /><br />2. It was Michael who appeared as the Commander Chief of the Lord’s army after he stood by Joshua during his first encounter with his enemies in the land of Canaan. (Joshua 5:13-15)<br /><br />3. It was Michael who was sent by God to stop His command that Abraham should sacrifice the life of his son (Isaac). (Gen 22:11-12)<br /><br />4. It was Michael who battled the devil for the soul of Moses. When the devil claimed that Moses had killed an Egyptian, his soul was defended and saved by Archangel Michael. (Jude 1:9)<br /><br />5. During the fall of Babylon kingdom, Michael appeared to the Prophet Daniel who received a prophecy of assistance that would be provided by Archangel Michael to the People of God. (Dan 12 V1)<br /><br />The divine Scriptures call Archangel Michael "prince and leader of the Lord’s army". The Orthodox Church venerates Him as a guardian, a combatant against the devil and heresy, and an indestructible shield for the Holy Church and the Orthodox Faithful.<br /><br />Our patron Saint of the Church is Archangel Michael whose memory we celebrate today (November 8th). Let us all sing the following Troparion:<br /><br />"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."<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">November 14, 2010</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">25th Sunday after Pentecost</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Feast of St. Philip the Apostle</span><br /><br /></div><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8</li><li>Troparion of the Apostle Philip, Tone 3</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li><li>Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Acts. 8:26-39<br />Gospel: Luke 10:25-37<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Division of Angels<br /><br /></div>The word angel means Messenger. The angels were created by God to serve Him and glorify Him, and also to serve human mankind. The number of angels is not defined in the Holy Scriptures but they are divided into three ranks:<br /><br />1. The first rank is made up of the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.<br />2. The second rank is made up of Dominions, Hosts and Powers.<br />3. The third rank is made up of Principalities, Archangels and Angels.<br /><br />Among all the angels come the familiar seven Archangels which include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and the fallen Lucifer.<br /><br />The divine scripture tells us that loyal angels will continue in the service of God, while evilness angels will be thrown in the lake of fire. Faithful angels were not subject to evil anymore and their relationship with God became stronger.<br />Nature of Angels<br />The angels take different forms and they may appear as either male or female, but they are neither. So, they have their own specific external appearance and they have a light body. Compared to humans, they are bodiless, but compared to God, they have a body.<br /><br />Before the fall of man, Adam and Eve were living in Heaven with the angels and they were sharing with them in giving glory and thanks to God. Now, the angels are higher than human so that is why we can’t see them on earth.<br /><br />God had created all His angels to be equal and free. He also made them Holy and Spiritual. However, in possessing the power of free will, some of them began to move further away from God, and because they rebelled against Him, they were cast out of Heaven and wandered on earth. The Archangel Michael and his loyal angels resisted the devil with his false companions, and a war broke out of Heaven,<br />"Now war arose in Heaven, Michael and His angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in Heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world -- he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him".<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">November 21, 2010</span><br />26th Sunday after Pentecost<br />Feast of the Presentation of the Holy Theotokos in the Temple<br /></div><br /><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1 </li><li>Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 4 </li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li><li>Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4 </li></ul><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Heb. 9: 1-7<br />Gospel: Luke 10:38 to end 11:27-28<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">The Feast of the Presentation<br />of the Theotokos into the Temple<br /><br /></div>Joachim and Anna were a very old couple who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna never became pregnant. Frequently, they prayed to God asking Him to give them a child. They also pledged to dedicate the child to His service. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later, they had a baby girl and named her Mary.<br /><br />As they had promised, Anna and Joachim brought Mary to the temple at three years of age where she was consecrated. First, she was presented to the High Priest (Zacharias) who brought her into the Holy of Holies—a place where only the High Priest was permitted to enter once a year. He placed her on the steps of the altar and the grace of the Lord descended upon her. The Virgin Mary danced joyfully and then she was raised in the temple where she studied and served in the temple until the age of 14. After that, she was betrothed to Joseph of Nazareth. It was there that an angel appeared to her and told her that she would be the mother of Jesus.<br /><br />The Feast of Presentation of the Theotokos into the temple is commemorated on November 21st.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">November 28, 2010</span><br />27th Sunday after Pentecost<br /></div><br /><ul><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</li><li>Troparion of St. Stephen, Tone 4</li><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4 </li><li>Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 </li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Eph. 6:10-17<br />Gospel: Luke 18: 18-27<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Did you know? </span><br /><br /></div>Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.<br /><br />Fasting is the time for self-examination, prayer, repentance, and abstinence from certain types of food.<br /><br />Keep the Spirit of Christmas in your heart and mind. Don’t let Christmas shops prevent you to forget about the Holy Day of Christmas. Remember: “Jesus is the reason for the season”.<br /><br />Strong faith begins with teaching. Teach your children about our Orthodox faith and bring them to church every Sunday, so their faith will grow stronger. Faith doesn’t end every Sunday after Church but it continues each day in the heart, soul and body of each believer to their homes.St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-44288058242284318282010-10-17T14:21:00.000-07:002010-10-20T06:06:27.768-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span">S</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">u</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">d</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">y</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span"> S</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">c</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span">h</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">o</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Q</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">uestion of the Month</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span">:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Do you know what our Holy martyrs replied when the Jewish ruler (Dunaan) demanded that Christians should renounce Jesus Christ because he was crucified as a man not as God?<br /><b><br /></b></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sunday</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">October 3, 2010</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">19th Sunday after Pentecost</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of St. Dionysios Tone 4 </span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O Holy Hieromartyr Dionysios, master of unction, measured in all things, clothed with a straight conscience as befits a priest: thou drewest ineffable truths from the Vessel of Election. Thou hast kept the faith and completed a course equal to His. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of St .Michael, Tone 4 </span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">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.”<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Epistle: Corinthians 11: 31 to end; 12:1-9<br />Gospel: Luke 6: 31-36<br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span">Proshora and Antidoron</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />It is customary that someone in the Orthodox congregation brings homemade bread for the Eucharistic ceremony. This bread is called Prosphora.<br />Prosphora is a Greek word which means an offering to God and it also represents Jesus Who is the Bread of life. The middle part of the bread is stamped with the abbreviations IC and XC which means Jesus Christ Conquers. During the Divine Liturgy, this square part is cut out in special way, which will be changed into the Body of Christ and it is called the Lamb of God. After partaking Holy Communion and at the end of the Liturgy, The left over of the bread (Antidoron) is distributed among the faithful who have not taken Communion.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>The Holy bread is not Holy Communion</b><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />1. The Holy bread (Antidoron) is not Holy Communion and it is blessed.<br />2. We should treat the Holy bread with respect (It should be eaten carefully so the crumbs do not fall.)<br />3. Anyone can receive the Holy bread (Antidoron) at the end of the Liturgy.<br />4. Only Orthodox faithful who have prepared themselves through fasting, confession and prayer can receive Holy Communion.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Sunday<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">October 10, 2010</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />20th Sunday after Pentecost<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4 </span></li></ul> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Victorious martyrs of the Lord, blessed is the earth that received thy blood! Holy are the heavenly places that opened to thy soul! Thou didst vanquish the enemy in battle, proclaiming Christ with courage! Intercede with Him, we pray, that He may save our souls!<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">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.”<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Kontakion os the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19<br />Gospel: Luke 7:11-16<br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span">Why is incense burned in the Orthodox Church?<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Incense is the sap of the frankincense tree, dried and burned in church as an offering to God.<br />It reminds us that our prayers should go up to heaven as the smoke of incense and it also enhances all our senses (smell) during the Divine Liturgy.<br />The offering of incense has been related to the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle.<br />When the priests incense the Church at any time, the faithful should be standing.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Sunday<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">October 17, 2010</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />21st Sunday after Pentecost<br />Sunday of the Holy Fathers of 7th Ecumenical Council<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Thou, O Christ , art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true faith, O most merciful One, glory be to Thee.<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">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.”<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone4 </span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Epistle: Titus 3:8-15<br />Gospel: Luke8: 5-15<br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Did you know?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br />The service of the Holy Fathers is always on Sunday.</b><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />1.The First service is commemorated on the 7th Sunday after Pascha in memory of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council.<br />2.The second service is commemorated on the Sunday closest to July 16th in memory of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils.<br />3.The Third service is commemorated on the Sunday closest to October eleventh in memory of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council.<br /><br />The Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council is commemorated this year on October 17th. During the Divine Liturgy we sing the following Troparion:<br /><br />“Thou, O Christ , art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true faith, O most merciful one, glory be to Thee”.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Sunday<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">October 24, 2010</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />22nd Sunday after Pentecost<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5 </span></li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of Arethas, Tone 1 </span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O Lord, by the sufferings of the saints, which they endured for thy sake, have compassion and heal all the sufferings of us who implore thee, who art alone the Lover of mankind.<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">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.”<br /><br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4<br /></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Epistle: Gal. 6: 11-18<br />Gospel: Luke 8: 26-39<br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span">October 24<br />The Holy Great martyr Arethas and of his companions (522-523)<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">NEW</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">St. Arethas was the leader of the Christian city of Nijran in Arabia. Dunaan was a Jewish ruler and an enemy of Christ. When Dunaan took power in the country of the Himyarite tribe in Arabia, he decided to eliminate Christianity from the land. First, he took over the city of Zafar, and then he turned to Nijran where he was unable to penetrate the defenses of this city so nobly inspired by the courageous St. Arethas. The treacherous Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but he would just collect a tribute from Nijran. Not taking advice from their leader St. Arethas, the residents of Nijran put their trust in Dunaan and opened the gate of the city peacefully. The very next day, Dunaan ordered his soldiers to drag St. Arethas, his wife and his two daughters before the conqueror. Forced to witness the execution of his own two daughters, St. Arethas refused to join his army and to renounce Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. When Dunaan asked the Holy martyrs to renounce Christ because He was Crucified as a man and not as God, St. Arethas replied: “We shall not abjure (renounce) Christ, since He is Life for us. To die for Him is to find Life”. Together with his wife were beheaded after that.<br />In 523, it is estimated that more than 4000 Christians including Children, women and the elderly suffered martyrdom for Christ.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sunday</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">October 31, 2010</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">23rd Sunday after Pentecost</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6</span></li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Apostles, Tone 3 </span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O Holy Apostles, intercede with God all-merciful that He may grant us the remission of our sins.<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O Command ers 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.”<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Troparion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10<br />Gospel: Luke 16:19-31<br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Jesus said: "Lift up your Cross<br />and follow me."<br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">NEW</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Over four thousands Christians in the city of Nijran were slain in many ways in 523. They were thrown in pits, burned to death, and beheaded. Even though, our Holy martyrs never tried to renounce Christ; they wanted to die for the sake of Him.<br />Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:24-27<br />[Our Holy Martyrs believed that Jesus is God the Word; He came into the world to save the world and to save sinners so they will have eternal life into the Kingdom of God for those who believe in Him; He was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary; He sacrificed, died for us, and on the third day he was resurrected. Also, they believed that the Son of God will come again in His glory of His Father to recompense them]. Neither threatening nor death could terrify them or make them give up the Orthodox Christian faith.] We, as Orthodox Christians, believe this to be true and are a part of our Holy Creed, “The Proclamation of our faith”.<br /><br /></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span> </div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-82748914732120239492010-09-04T07:34:00.000-07:002010-09-15T16:34:37.998-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Announcements
<br />+ Last updated on September 4th, 2010 +
<br /></div>
<br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>It was wonderful having His Eminence Archbishop Lorenzo with us for the summer; he remarked how nice it was to see everyone again. Once again, we will be blessed upon his return September 30th. His Eminence will be in Findlay for his nephew’s wedding. The Sundays the Archbishop will be at St. Michael's are: October 3rd and 10th. We hope to see you in church for the Hierarchical liturgies and these blessed events. We will let you know if there will be a coffee hour for these Sundays. Stay Tuned!
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<br /></li><li>Sunday school will start September 12th. Professor Frederick Price will continue to teach our children about Orthodox Christianity. Mr. Price is a good and loyal friend to Fr. Mark and a big help for our Sunday school. We are very blessed to have him as a teacher at St. Michael's Orthodox Church. We pray he will be with us for a long time to come.
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<br /></li><li>Bible Study September 26th
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<br /></li><li>Summer will end September 21st. We welcome the new church year and begin the new season of autumn. Fr. Mark promises more spiritual and invigorating bible studies. Let’s have a great turn out and learn more about our Orthodox Christianity.
<br /></li></ul>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Calendar</span> </strong>
<br /><strong style="font-weight: bold;"></strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><strong>September 2010 </strong></span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><strong></strong> </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, September 1</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The Beginning of the Ecclesiastical (Church) Year
<br />& St. Simon the Stylite</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">September 5</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">15th Sunday after Pentecost</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, September 8</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">and Ever-Virgin Mary</span>
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"> </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">September 12</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">16th Sunday after Pentecost </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sunday Before the Elevation of the Cross and
<br />Leave taking of the Nativity of the Theotokos
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Thursday, September 14</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross</span>
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">September 19</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">17th Sunday after Pentecost and </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 24</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Holy Great Martyr Thekla</span></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">September 26</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">18th Sunday after Pentecost and </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Repose of St. John the Theologian and Evangelist </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >... </span></span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >
<br />
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font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday</span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">September 5, 2010</span></span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost</span>
<br />
<br /></div><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</li></ul>When Mary stood at thy grave, looking for the sacred Body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted there by. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world. O thou who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to thee.
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Prophet Zachariah, Tone 2</li></ul>Verily, we celebrate the memory of thy Prophet Zachariah. Through him we implore thee, O Lord, save our souls
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li> Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul>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.”
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul>Joachim and Anna were free from the reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death, O immaculate One, by Thy Holy Nativity, which also Thy people do celebrate, having been redeemed form the guilt of trespasses crying aloud to Thee: The barren one give birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: II Cor. 4: 6-15
<br />Gospel: Mark: 22: 35 to end
<br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday</span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">September 12, 2010</span>
<br /></span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross and </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">the Leave Taking of the Nativity of the Theotokos</span>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7</li></ul>Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross, thou didst open Paradise to the thief; thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine apostles proclaim a warning that thou hadst risen, O Christ, granting to the world the great mercy.
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul>Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from You dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessing, abolishing death, He granted us eternal life.
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul>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.”
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul>Joachim and Anna were free from the reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death, O immaculate One, by Thy Holy Nativity, which also Thy people do celebrate, having been redeemed form the guilt of trespasses crying aloud to Thee: The barren one give birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Gal. 6: 11-18
<br />Gospel: John 3: 13-17
<br />
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >...</span> </div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Elevation of the Venerable and Life- Giving Cross
<br /></div>
<br />The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross commemorates the discovery of the precious Cross which remained lost for nearly 400 years. It was discovered by St Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great in 395. She had her servants dig in the spot on Golgotha, where Jesus was put into the tomb. Saint Helen picked the spot because she smelled sweet basil which was growing there. She found the true cross between two other crosses, which belonged to the two thieves. She was able to identify the cross because it bore the inscription: "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews". Many miracles occurred through contact with the true Cross. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy."
<br />
<br />The Cross is a very important Christian symbol, because it is symbolic of the crucifixion of Christ, and His suffering and death for the sins of the people of the world. During the Divine Liturgy, the Cross is carried in a procession. It is held up high in a tray of flowers and the herb basil. At the end of the service, the blessed flowers and basil are distributed to the people.
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...</span></span></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">September 19, 2010
<br /></span>
<br />Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross
<br /></div>
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8</li></ul>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.
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<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li> Troparion of the Cross, Tone 1</li></ul>O Lord Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting our believing Kings victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving thy common wealth.
<br />
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li> Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul>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.”
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<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li> Kontakion of the Holy Cross, Tone 4</li></ul>Do Thou, who of Thine own good will wast lifted up upon the Cross, O christ, our God, bestow Thy bounties upon the new nation which is called by Thy Name; make glad in thy might those who lawfully govern, that with them we may be led to victory over our adversaries, having in thine aid a weapon of peace and trophy invincible.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Gal. 2: 16-20
<br />Gospel: Mark 8: 34-9:1
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >...</span>
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">To Cross or Not To Cross
<br />in the Church
<br /></div>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">To Cross:</span> We Cross ourselves every time the priest says: “In the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit”; at the beginning and end of the Divine Liturgy; entering or exiting the church; passing in front of the Holy Altar; before venerating the icons, the cross, or the Holy Gospel.
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Not to Cross:</span> It is not proper to cross ourselves when we approach the chalice before or after taking Communion. We shouldn’t cross ourselves when the priest blesses saying, “Peace be to all” or when we are receiving the blessing from a priest or Bishop. Instead, it is appropriate to kiss the right hand of the Bishop or Priest.
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...</span></span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday
<br />September 26, 2010
<br /></span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">18th Sunday after Pentecost and</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> translation Apostle St. John the Theologian and Evangelist</span>
<br /></div>
<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1</li></ul>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.
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<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St. John the Evangelical, Tone 2</li></ul>O Apostle, speaker of divinity, the beloved of less in argument; for he on whose bosom thou didst lean accepteth thee as an intercessor. Beseech him, asking for us safety and Great Mercy.
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<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul>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.”
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<br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul>O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned, but be thou quick O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O theotokos, them that honor thee.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: I John 4:12-19
<br />Gospel: John 19:25-27; 21: 24-25
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >...</span> </div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Is it proper or not proper to Light Candles during the Divine Liturgy?
<br />
<br /></div>Lighting candles is an important part of our Orthodox faith. We light candles as we pray, making an offering to accompany our prayers. The best time to light candles is when you enter the church. It is not proper to light candles during the Epistle or Gospel readings, during the little or Great Entrances, the sermon, and most of the times when the faithful are standing. If you find yourself arriving to church after the Liturgy has begun, a good rule of thumb is: wait for everyone to sit and then light candles (unless everyone is sitting for the sermon).
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...</span></span>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-3279282752724074842010-08-07T15:58:00.000-07:002010-08-07T16:50:39.648-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Announcements
<br />+ Last updated on August 7, 2010 +
<br /></div>
<br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>We will have a Bible study on August 29th. </li></ul>
<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Calendar</span> </strong>
<br /><strong></strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><strong>August 2010 </strong></span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><strong></strong> </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">August 1</span>
<br />Tenth Sunday after Pentecost and
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">the Precious and Life-Giving Cross</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Friday, August 6</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">August 8</span>
<br />11th Sunday after Pentecost and
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday afther the Feast of the Transfiguration
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">August 15</span>
<br />12th Sunday after Pentecost
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Feast of the Falling Asleep of our Lady,
<br />the Most Holy Theotokos</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">August 22</span>
<br />13th Sunday after Pentecost and
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday after the Dormition of the Theotokos</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">August 29</span>
<br />14th Sunday after Pentecost and
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">the beheading of St. John the Baptist
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >...
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mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">August 1, 2010</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">Tenth Sunday after Pentecost</p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">and the Procession of the precious and Life-giving Cross</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Cross, Tone 1</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">O Lord Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting our believing Kings victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving thy common wealth.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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.”</p> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7 </span></span><span style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span></span> </span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so<span style=""> </span>far as they were able, beheld thy glory, O Christ our God: so that, when they should see thee crucified, they would remember that thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the<span style=""> </span>world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: I Cor. 4:9-16</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">...</span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times and He desired to give them full assurance, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. He took His three foremost disciples (Peter, James and John) and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as the light. There appeared the Prophets Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As Jesus and His disciples came down the mountain, He told them not to speak of what they had seen until He had risen from the dead.</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Did You Know?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6th.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The event of the Transfiguration is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.</p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">...
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">August 8, 2010</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost</p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>and the Sunday after the Feast of the Transfiguration </p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">You were transfigured on the mount, Christ God, revealing Your Glory to Your disciples, in so far they could comprehend. Illuminate us sinners also with Your ever lasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos.<span style=""> </span>O Giver of life, Glory to You.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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.”</p> <ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7</span><span style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span> </span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so<span style=""> </span>far as they were able, beheld thy glory, O Christ our God: so that, when they should see thee crucified, they would remember that thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the<span style=""> </span>world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: I Corinthians 9: 2-12</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gospel: Matthew 18: 23-35</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >...</span>
<br /></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Transfiguration and the Divine Liturgy</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6th. This event is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jesus Christ Showed Himself as God when he transfigured, performed miracles and resurrected from the dead. The transfiguration, which occurred on Mt. Tabor , happens in every Divine Liturgy. Through the Liturgy we are brought into the very presence of God. The Holy Spirit is present. He transforms our gifts of bread and wine into the very Body and Blood of Jesus. Jesus is present. Like the disciples on Mt. Tabor , we, too, fall on our faces before Him penitently expressing our unworthiness to stand in His Holy presence. But we also enjoy being in His presence.<span style=""> </span>Like St. Peter we say. “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you will, let us stay here. Let us make three tents; one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias.” Also it is good to be with Jesus in the liturgy, to hear Him speak to us, to receive the Hoy Spirit and to receive Christ within us. It is the greatest “good” on earth.
<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">August 15, 2010</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">Feast of the Falling Asleep</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">of our Lady The Most Holy Theotokos</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Dormition, Tone 1</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">In thy birth-giving, O Theotokos, thou didst keep and preserve virginity; and in thy falling asleep thou hast not forsaken the world; for thou wast translated into life, being the Mother of Life. Wherefore by thine intercessions, deliver our souls from death.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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.”</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Kontakion of the Dormition, Tone 2</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">Verily the Theotokos, who is ever watchful in intercessions, who is never rejected, neither tomb nor death could control. But being the Mother of Life, he who dwelt in her ever virgin womb did translate her to life.</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Phil. 2: 5-11</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gospel: Luke 10: 38 to end; 11: 27-28</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">...</span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He announced this to her through an Angel three days beforehand. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives , where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their sorrow. Then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and then lay back upon her pillow.<span style=""> </span>Thus she did surrender her spirit into the hands of her Son and Lord. As the Apostles took up the saintly body to its resting place, heavenly voices could be heard accompanying them on the way. Thomas the Apostle did not arrive in time for the burial, so the others led him to Mary’s tomb to view the remains of the beloved Virgin and when they arrived they discovered to their astonishment that the body was gone.</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Was Mary’s Body Taken Up to Heaven?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Orthodox Church believes that upon death, Mary’s body was translated to heaven.<span style=""> </span>Upon coming to the grave and not finding her saintly body, the disciples became assuredly convinced that she ascended to heaven in the body. Like her son, Mary underwent physical death but her body, like His, was afterwards raised from the dead and she was taken up into heaven in her body as well as in her soul. We Honor the Theotokos above all saints, we do not pray to Mary. We pray only to God. We ask the Theotokos and the saints to pray for us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The name most often used for the mother of God is Theotokos or God bearer because God chose her to bring His Son, Jesus into the world.</p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...</span></span>
<br /></p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">August 22, 2010</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost and
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">the Sunday after the dormition of the Theotokos</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">Having learned the joyful message of the resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of the Dormition, Tone 1</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">In thy birth-giving, O Theotokos, thou didst keep and preserve virginity; and in thy falling asleep thou hast not forsaken the world; for thou wast translated into life, being the Mother of Life. Wherefore by thine intercessions, deliver our souls from death.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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.”</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Kontakion of the Dormition, Tone 2</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">Verily the Theotokos, who is ever watchful in intercessions, who is never rejected, neither tomb nor death could control. But being the Mother of Life, he who dwelt in her ever virgin womb did translate her to life.</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: 1 Corinthians 16: 13-24</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-42</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">...</span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Why do we Honor the Mother of God?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The name most often used for the mother of God is Theotokos or God bearer. We honor the Theotokos above all saints, we do not pray to Her. We pray only to God. We ask the Theotokos and the saints to pray for us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Incarnation (God becoming man in the person of Christ) was not only the work of God by His power and by His Spirit, but it was also the work, the will and the faith of the Virgin.<span style=""> </span>The Blessed Mother said yes to God. She bears her Son freely and with her full consent. This, then, is why we honor the Virgin so greatly and we sing for her: “it is truly meet to bless thee O Theotokos, ever blessed and blameless, and the Mother of our God. More Honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious than the Seraphim. Who a Virgin gave birth to God the word: True Theotokos we magnify thee.”</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">August 29, 2010</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost and
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">the beheading of St. John the Baptist</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">Let us believers praise and worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for he took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death and to raise the dead by his glorious Resurrection.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Troparion of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Tone 2</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">The memory of the righteous is in praise. And Thee, Forerunner, the testimony of the Lord sufficeth; for in truth thou hast been revealed as nobler than all the Prophets, for having been considered worthy to baptize in the running waters him who was preached. Therefore thou didst strive for the truth happily. Thou didst proclaim to those in hades God appearing in the body, the Lifter up of the sin of the world, who granteth us the Great Mercy.</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">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.”</p> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">Joachim and Anna were free from the reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death, O immaculate One, by Thy Holy Nativity, which also Thy people do celebrate, having been redeemed form the guilt of trespasses crying aloud to Thee: The barren one give birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.</p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Acts 13: 25-33</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gospel: Mark 6: 14-30</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >...</span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saint Joachim and Saint Anna</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>So much attention is paid by Christians to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, sanctified in every conceivable way; that there is a tendency to overlook her parents.<span style=""> </span>Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were a very old couple, who lived in the small town of Nazareth . They wanted a child very much, but Anna just never became pregnant. They prayed frequently to God asking Him to give them a child. One day Anna was walking in her garden when she discovered a nest of birds. This reminded her that she was childless, and she began to cry. She then prayed again to God for a child, and pledged to dedicate the child to His service. Joachim also prayed to God for a child. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later they had a baby girl and named her Mary.</p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Thank you for visiting St. Michael the Archangel Website, </span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">and we are hoping to see you this Sunday!</span>
<br />
<br />If you would like to contact us, please send an e-mail to <a href="mailto:stmichaeloc@yahoo.com">StMichaelOC@yahoo.com</a>,
<br />or you can simply click “comments” below and leave a message right here on this page!
<br /></p>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></div></div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-81697326096195894662010-07-01T13:48:00.000-07:002010-07-03T19:05:25.230-07:00<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span>
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Announcements</span>
<br /></strong><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" >+ Last updated on June 16, 2010 +
<br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><ul style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy 4th of July America and to our Parishioners at St. Michael Orthodox Church!!!!</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ></span><ul style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Welcome Archbishop Lorenzo! We are happy that you are here with us especially celebrating liturgy this first Sunday July 4th and your presence on our Independence Day.</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ></span><ul style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">St. Andrew Day is celebrated July 4th. Happy St. Andrew Day for those of you who are named Andrew!</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ></span><ul style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">St. Elias Day is celebrated July 20th. Many families named their children Elias, Elie or Elize after saint Elias, and there is a custom in some churches, that if you carry the name of a saint they announce it or they call you to wish you a happy names day. Families whose children carry the name of the saint can celebrate by making cake or passing some candy or desert. Don’t be afraid to call someone who carries the name of a saint to wish him or her a happy names day. If you carry a name of a saint, you are not just lucky but blessed. </span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ></span><ul style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">There will be a possible Bible study July 25th. Since Fr. Mark will be out of town, the Archbishop may conduct the Bible study. </span></li></ul>
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Calendar</span>
<br /></strong><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255);font-size:130%;" ><strong>July 2010
<br /></strong>
<br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">July 4</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">
<br />Sixth Sunday after Pentecost</span>
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">St. Andrew of Crete</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">July 11</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">
<br />Seventh Sunday after Pentecost</span>
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Great Martyr Euphemia the all-praised</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">July 18</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">
<br />Eight Sunday after Pentecost</span>
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Tuesday, July 20</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">
<br />The Prophet Elias
<br /></span>
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">July 25</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">
<br />Ninth Sunday after Pentecost</span>
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Dormition of the righteous Anna
<br />
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255);font-size:180%;" >...</span>
<br />
<br /></div></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">The Prophet Elias
<br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">(Celebrated on July 20th)</span>
<br /></strong>
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Elias, also known as Elijah is a prophet of the Old Testament who lived in the ninth century before the Coming of Jesus Christ. Prophet Elias means </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">the Lord is God</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">. He was filled with passion for spreading the word of the Holy God. He lived in the wilderness and relied in God in everything. God entrusted him with different tasks to reestablish the worship of Him. </span>
<br />
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The King (Ashab), the Queen (Jezebel) and the people had abandoned worshiping Holy God for the idol of Baal. The prophet Elias fought the god Baal and strove to invigorate the belief in the one God of universe, preaching with passion to those whose faith waned and bringing many back into the fold. Jezebel intensified her efforts to disprove Elias, who had correctly predicted a three-year drought which ravaged the land and ruining the crops.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">A challenge to test the powers of God and those of Baal was accepted by the Queen. Each side will call for fire to be ignited after placing of sacrifices at two altars, one to Baal and the other to God. The winner being the one whose fire lit first for his God. First, the Queen and her priests called forth the power to light the fire until they gave up in disgust, but the fire burst forth at the first prayer of the Prophet Elias. Finally, Prophet Elias called for an end to the drought and a heavenly rain descended, ending a three-year dry spell that had parched the land.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The end of the earthly life of Elias came mysteriously. As he was conversing with Eliseus on the hills of Moah, "a fiery chariot, and fiery horses parted them both asunder, and Elias went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (Kings. 2:11).</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Jews, Christians and Muslims pay high honor to Elias; Carmelite monks cherish the belief that their order was in some sense founded by him. Together with Moses, he appeared at Christ’s transfiguration.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">St Elias is commemorated on July 20th.</span>
<br />
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">...
<br />
<br /></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">July 4, 2010</span></span></span> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
<br />
<br /></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Let us believers praise and worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for he took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death and to raise the dead by his glorious Resurrection.
<br /></span>
<br /><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of St. Andrew, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >The truth of your dealings our Father and bishop Andrew, Showed you to your flock as a standard of faith, as the image of gentleness and as a teacher of self-discipline. By lowliness, you attained to the heights, by poverty to great riches. Therefore, we beseech you, pray to Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.
<br />
<br /></span><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.”
<br />
<br /></span><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant, O despise not the Suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cries unto thee. Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Epistle: Rom. 12: 6-14</span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Gospel: Mt. 9: 1-8</span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ></span></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">...</span></span></div></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div>
<br /></div></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"><strong>St. Andrew
<br /></strong></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"><strong>0f Crete</strong>
<br />
<br /></div></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="justify"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"></div></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>St. Andrew of Crete was born in the city of Damascus from a pious Christian family. He was mute until seven years of age. When he received his first Holy Communion, he began to speak. After that, he studied the Holy Scripture. At age of fourteen, he went to the monastery of St. Sava where he became a monk. St. Andrew was known for his virtue, his profound knowledge of theology and Orthodox doctrine. On the Island of Crete and during the reign of Justinian, he was ordained as a bishop where he served as a teacher and theologian. He wrote many liturgical hymns. St. Andrew died in the year 712 or 726.</strong></span>
<br /></span></div></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">...
<br />
<br /></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">July 11, 2010</span></span></span> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Seventh Sunday after Pentecost</span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Great Martyr Euphemia the all-praised
<br />
<br /></div></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >When Mary stood at thy grave, looking for the sacred Body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted there by. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world. O thou who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to thee.
<br />
<br /></span><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of St. Euphemia, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Thy awe, O Jesus, doth cry unto thee with a loud voice saying: My bride, I long for thee and in struggles seek thee. I am crucified and buried with thee in thy baptism. And for thee I do suffer until I reign with thee. I die for thee that I may live in thee. Then as a sacrifice without blemish receive her who for thy sake was slain. Through her intercessions, therefore, since thou art merciful, save our souls.
<br />
<br /></span><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.”
<br />
<br /></span><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant, O despise not the Suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cries unto thee. Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
<br />
<br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Epistle: II Cor. 6:1-10</span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Gospel: Matt. 9:27-35</span></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">...</span></span>
<br />
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">St. Euphemia
<br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">(Commemorated on July 11th)</span>
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"></span></strong></div>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ></span></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >St. Euphemia was born in Chalcedon; she was the daughter of Senator Philophronos and Theodosia, both of whom were Christians.
<br />
<br />Priscus who was the governor of Chalcedon ordered all the residents of his city to appear at the pagan festival to worship and offer sacrifice to the statue named Ares. Anyone who would fail to appear will face torments and tortures death.
<br />Refusing to obey his order, the young Euphemia was one of the 49th Christians who were hidden in one house and deciding to pray secretly and only to the true God.
<br />
<br />In a while, the hiding place was discovered, and they all were brought before Priscus. They were subjected to various tortures and torments, but none of them abandon their faith nor accept to offer sacrifices to the pagan (Ares). Priscus didn’t know how to force these Christians to offer sacrifice to his idol and he sent them all to the emperor Dopcletian to be persecuted except the young girl Euphemia who was left alone hoping that she would give up her faith. St. Euphemia prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ and asked him that He would strengthen her. Many miracles happened while she was subjected to all kinds of tortures and torments. Finally, she died. A magnificent church was built over the grave of the Great Martyr Euphemia. The sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council took place in the year 451 at this church.
<br />
<br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">...
<br />
<br /></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">July 18, 2010</span></span></span> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Eight Sunday after Pentecost</span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council
<br />
<br /></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span>
<br /></div></div><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 7</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross, thou didst open Paradise to the thief; thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine apostles proclaim a warning that thou hadst risen, O Christ, granting to the world the great mercy.</span>
<br />
<br /><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Thou, O Christ , art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true faith, O most merciful one, glory be to Thee.</span>
<br />
<br /><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">O Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we the unworthy beseech </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">fervently bow before You, crying: “Deliver us from all danger as </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">commanders of the powers on high.”</span>
<br />
<br /><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">mediation unto the creator most constant, O despise not the </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. </span>
<br />
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Epistle: Titus 3:8-15 </span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19
<br />
<br /></span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">...
<br />
<br /></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"><strong>Sunday of the Holy Fathers
<br />of the 4th Ecumenical Council
<br /></strong></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span>
<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" equiv="Content-Type"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CSandro%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CSandro%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CSandro%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; panose-1:3 15 7 2 3 3 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:script; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"></span></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"></span></div></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, that is: </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">the First Council, of the 318 Fathers who assembled in Nicaea in 325 to condemn Arius, who denied that the Son of God is consubstantial with the Father; the Fathers of the First Council also ordained that the whole Church should celebrate Pascha according to the same reckoning; the Second Council, of the 150 Fathers who assembled in Constantinople in 381 to condemn Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who denied the Divinity of the Holy Spirit; the Third Council, of the 200 Fathers who assembled in Ephesus in 431, to condemn Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who called Christ a mere man and not God incarnate; the Fourth Council, of the 630 who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches; the Fifth Council in 535, of the 165 who assembled in Constantinople for the second time to condemn Origen and Theodore of Mopsuestia, the teacher of Nestorius; the Sixth Council in 680, of the 170 who assembled in Constantinople for the third time, to condemn the Monothelite heresy, which taught that there is in Christ but one will, the divine; and the Seventh Council in 787, of the 350 who assembled in Nicaea for the second time to condemn Iconoclasm.</span>
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<br /></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">July 25, 2010</span></span></span> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Ninth Sunday after Pentecost</span></span>
<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">The Dormition of the Righteous Anna
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li>Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8</li></ul>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.
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<br /><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li>Troparion of the Rightesous Anna, Tone 4</li></ul>O Godly-minded Anne, thou didst give birth to the Theotokos, the spotless Mother of Life. Wherefore, thou hast been translated now in gladness to thy heavenly end, which is the abode of all who rejoice, seeking forgiveness of sins for those we who eagerly honor thee, O ever-blessed one.
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<br /><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li>Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</li></ul>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.”
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<br /><ul style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><li>Kontakion of the Righteous Anna, Tone 2</li></ul>Let us celebrate with faith, the memory of righteous ancestors of Christ, requesting their help in faith for our deliverance from all tribulation, we who cry unto thee, be with us O Lord as thou were pleased to gloriy them.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Gal. 4:22-29
<br />Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34
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<br /></span></div></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">...
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<br /></span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"><strong>Saint Joachim and Saint Anna
<br />(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
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<br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">So much attention is paid by Christians to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, sanctified in every conceivable way; that there is a tendency to overlook her parents. Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were a very old couple, who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna just never became pregnant. They prayed frequently to God asking Him to give them a child. One day Anna was walking in her garden when she discovered a nest of birds. This reminded her that she was childless, and she began to cry. She then prayed again to God for a child, and pledged to dedicate the child to His service. Joachim also prayed to God for a child. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later they had a baby girl and named her Mary. </span>
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<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Dormition of the Mother of the Theotokos (Anna) is commemorated on July 25th.</span>
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<br />St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-89119576031700567722010-06-07T13:04:00.000-07:002010-06-19T06:12:01.883-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CSandro%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml">
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Announcements</span>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">+ Last updated on June 16, 2010 + </span>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">St. Peter and St. Paul Feast Day is May 31.</span> The Fast begins May 31 thru June 29. Since Father’s Day falls during the fast, Archbishop Lorenzo gave us dispensation so we can enjoy the Holiday. Even though we have dispensation for Father’s Day, please keep in mind what St. Peter and St. Paul had to endure during the early days of Christianity and because of them not only was the beginning of Christianity possible but also the beginning of Orthodoxy (Acts 11:22). “In Antioch, they were first called Christians.”</li></ul><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">June 30th Archbishop Lorenzo Arrives. Please pray for a save trip for him!</span> </li></ul><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Archbishop Lorenzo will arrive Wednesday, June 30th; there will be a Hierarchical Liturgy, Sunday, July 4th with his Eminence.</span> Let’s have a good turn out for the Archbishop; bring a friend if you like that Sunday and enjoy this blessed event. Even though the 4th is on Sunday, (Fourth of July holiday), there will be plenty of time for celebrating the holiday. Remember the fireworks start at night. We as Orthodox Christians need to keep in mind our continued love and devotion for our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday and everyday. Don’t forget what God the Father did for us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son”. We pray that you join us July 4th with our beloved Archbishop, not only for the celebration of Independence Day, but for the celebration of our Lord (The Divine Liturgy). When we have to fit God into to our schedule because the holiday falls on Sunday, we are only cheating ourselves out of the Lord banquet (The Holy Eucharist). Imagine if we ask for the Lords, help when we need him and he answers us: “I’ll see if I can fit it into my schedule”, how would we feel?</li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><li>Bible study is on Sunday, June 27th.
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<br /></li><li>Sunday July 4th there will be a coffee hour immediately after Liturgy. Bring a desert if you like.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Calendar</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >June 2010 </span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">June 13</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third Sunday after Pentecost</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">June 20</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fourth Sunday after Pentecost</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Thursday, June 24</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Nativity of the Holy Forerunner John the </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Baptist</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">June 27</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fifth Sunday after Pentecost</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, June 29</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sts. Peter and Paul. Patron Saints of the
<br />Patriarchate of Antioch</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">July 4</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sixth Sunday after Pentecost</span>
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<br /></div></div></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">
<br />All-Saints Sunday</span>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(First Sunday after Pentecost)</span></span>
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<br />Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to the memory of all the saints. The Holy Spirit joins the saints unites itself with them and acts with them to make the light shine in the world. Each saint becomes a stream or branch of the Holy Spirit. According to the Gospel, “out of his heart shall flow the rivers of living water” (John 7: 38). When we know how to act in the light of God, we as Christians become the container of the Holy Spirit. “Walk as children of the light," St Paul tells us, "for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true." (Eph 5:9). When we sing the Beatitudes at the liturgy during the procession with the Gospel, we honor all the saints that have pleased God by what they have done such as faith, hope and love. Through the Beatitude hymn we sing, the faithful can reflect about the saints, the joy and comfort they bring to us as an intercession to Jesus. For they share and are part of the Kingdom of Heaven.
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul
<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >(Celebrated on June 29th)</span>
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<br />With the help of Sts. Peter and Paul they both reestablished the confidence of the Christian nation and led them out of their hopeless state to an era of new prosperity. Keep in mind Christianity was still in its infancy. Out of all the disciples, Peter seems to be the most prominent. He ranks with St Paul with whom Christianity flourished and survived during the pagan era of false gods and spiritual persecution. The moving verse from the New Testament of St Matthew when Christ told Peter: “And I say to thee that thou art Peter and upon this rock, I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18).
<br />St Paul conversion to Christianity began when he met our Lord on the road to Damascus. It was on this road he embraced Jesus, the risen Messiah whom he set out to defeat. Christ spoke to him saying: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4) Thereafter he was called Paul, and devoted himself to the new Christian faith, announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">June 6, 2010</span></span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">
<br />Second Sunday after Pentecost</span></span>
<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.
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<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" > Troparion of St. Hillarion, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved, O righteous Mother Hillarion; for thou didst carry the Cross and followed Christ. By example and precept, thou didst teach us to ignore the body because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.
<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" > Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.”
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<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" > Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >
<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Epistle: Romans 2:10-16</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br />Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23</span></span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">June 13, 2010</span></span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Third Sunday after Pentecost</span></span></span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.
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<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.”
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<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >Epistle: Romans 5:1-10</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >
<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >June 20, 2010</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Fourth Sunday after Pentecost</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.
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<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion for Hieromartyr Methodius, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Thou hast become like the Apostles in their states, a successor to their throne, finding indeed the intelligential ladder, O thou God inspired. Therefore, thou hast followed the Word of God in righteousness and striven unto blood for the Faith. O Martyr among priest Methodius. Intercede with Christ God to save our souls.
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<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >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.”
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<br /></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >Epistle: Romans 6:18-23</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >
<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">June 27, 2010</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">
<br />Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
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<br /></span> </div> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Having learned the joyful message of the resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.
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<br /></span> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">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.”
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<br /></span> <ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices, of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" > </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Romans 10:1-10</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br />Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1</span></span> </div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-67864986741116234272010-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:002010-05-12T08:00:11.921-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Calendar</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">April - May </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >April 18 </span><br />Sunday of the Myrrh Beaing Women and<br />Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >April 25 </span><br />Sunday of Paralytic<br />and Apostle & Evangelist Mark<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />May 2</span><br />Second Sunday of the Samaritan Woman and<br />the Translation of the Relics of St. Athanasios the Great<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >May 9</span><br />Sunday of the Blindman<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >May 16</span><br />Holy Fathers of the First Council of Nicea<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />May 23</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Sunday of Pentecost</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >May 30 </span><br />First Sunday after Pentecost<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">All Saints Sunday</span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Announcements<br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >+ Last updated on May12, 2010 + </span><br /></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >May 9 th: 40 day memorial for Anton Alexeev mother, Olga Alexeev</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >May 16 th: 7 year memorial for Georgeta Ardelean Grand father, Toader .</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >A reminder: His Eminence Archbishop Lorenzo will arrive to the U.S in the end of June. We will keep you updated on the actual date. We want a good turn out for the Archbishop's first Sunday and every Sunday at St. Michael during his visits with us. Let’s show his Eminence how much we love and care for him.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >We are sorry regarding the passing away of Fr. Lynn this month, former Pastor of St. Andrew Episcopal church. He was a good friend to Fr. Mark. He will be sadly missed by the whole congregation of St. Michael. May his memory be eternal!</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >May 25 th : Congratulations to Valerie David, graduating from St. Clement School. Next year, she will attend St. Mary Catholic Central High school. God grant you many years Valla.</span></li></ul><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Sunday of Pentecost</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >(May 23rd)<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Pentecost is the “Descent of Holy Spirit”. This is the day that our Lord Jesus Christ promised to his disciples would happen. “When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place and suddenly a sound came from Heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting and there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed upon each one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-4). The fullness of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit is manifested with the Spirit coming to man. The disciples now the Apostles had received “the power from on high” had the responsibility to spread the Good News. They began to preach and bear witness to Jesus as the risen Christ, the King and Lord. Because the fullness of the Holy Spirit appeared in the room that day, Pentecost is also referred to as Trinity Day in the Orthodox Church. The tongues of fire over the Apostles heads were the tongues of many languages so they could speak the language of the country they were going to.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Sunday, May 2, 2010</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday of the Samaritan Woman<br />and the Translation of the Relics of St. Athanasius the Great</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Having learned the joyful message of the resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion for Mid-Pentecost, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >In the midst of the Feast, O Saviour, give thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of true worship; for thou dist call out to all, saying: Who ever is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Wherefore, O Christ our God, Fountain of life, glory to thee..</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of St. Athanasios, Tone 3</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Thou best shown Thyself, O God inspired Athanasios, as a guide to the Orthodox faith, a teacher of true worship and purity, O star of the universe and companion of the bishop, O wise One. Through Thy light thou best enlightened all O harp of the Spirit. Therefore, intercede with Christ God to save our soul.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >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." </span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >When thou didst descend into the grave, immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Gospel: John 4:5-42</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Sunday, May 9, 2010</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday of the Blindman<br /><br /></span></div><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Let us believers praise and worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for he took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death and to raise the dead by his glorious Resurrection.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >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." </span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >When thou didst descend into the grave, Immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Epistle: Act 16:16-34</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Gospel: John 9: 1-38</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Sunday, May 16, 2010</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday Ascension</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Holy Fathers of the Council of Nicea</span><br /><br /></div><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >When Mary stood at thy grave, looking for the sacred Body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted there by. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world. O thou who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to thee.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of the Ascension, Tone 6</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God, and hast caused Thy disciples to rejoice in the promise of the Spirit, and they were confirmed through the blessing that Thou art the son of God , the deliverer of the world.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >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." </span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Kontakion of the Ascension, Tone 6</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >When Thou didst fulfill Thy dispensation for our sakes, uniting the terrestrials with celestials, thou didst ascend in glory, O Chist our God, in separable in space, but constant without separation and crying unto Thy beloved: I am with you, and no one shall be against you.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Epistle: Act 20: 16-18, 28-36</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Gospel: John 17:1-13</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Sunday, May 23, 2010</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday of Pentecost</span><br /><br /></div><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of Pentecost, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise, having sent upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them Thou hast fished the universe, O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Kontakion of Pentecost, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >When the Most High descended confusing tongues, He divided the nations; but when He distributed the fiery tongues, He called all to on unity. Wherefore, in unison, we glorify the most Holy Spirit. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Epistle: Act 2: 1-11, 28-36</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Gospel: John 7: 37-52, 8:12</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Sunday, May 30, 2010</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">First Sunday After Pentecost<br />All Saints Sunday<br /><br /></span></div><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >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.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of the Saints, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Thy church O Christ God hath regaled herself in the blood of thy martyrs throughout all the world as in porphyry and purple. Through them she lifteth her voice crying. Turn with thy compassion to thy people and grant peace to thy city. And to our souls the Great Mercy.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >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." </span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Kontakion of the Saints, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >As the first fruits of nature to the Lord of creation, the world offers to thee, O Lord, the divinely inspired martyrs. By their entreaties of Thy mercy, preserve Thy Church and establish her in peace, through the supplication of Thy Virgin Mother.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Epistle: Heb. 11: 33-12:2</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30</span><br /></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><br /></span></div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8738826804933219967.post-73181630560507895792010-05-12T06:56:00.000-07:002010-05-12T07:17:46.067-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Calendar</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">April - May </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >April 18 </span><br />Sunday of the Myrrh Beaing Women and<br />Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >April 25 </span><br />Sunday of Paralytic<br />and Apostle & Evangelist Mark<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />May 2</span><br /> Second Sunday of the Samaritan Woman and<br />the Translation of the Relics of St. Athanasios the Great<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >May 9</span><br /> Sunday of the Blindman<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >May 16</span><br /> Holy Fathers of the First Council of Nicea<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />May 23</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Sunday of Pentecost</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >May 30 </span><br />First Sunday after Pentecost<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">All Saints Sunday</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Announcements<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">+ Last updated on May12, 2010 + </span> <br /></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">May 9 th: 40 day memorial for Anton Alexeev mother, Olga Alexeev</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">May 16 th: 7 year memorial for Georgeta Ardelean Grand father, Toader .</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">A reminder: His Eminence Archbishop Lorenzo will arrive in the U.S the end of June. We will keep your updated on the actual date. We want a good turn out for the Archbishop his first Sunday and every Sunday at St. Michael during his visits with us. Let’s show his Eminence how much we love and care for him.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">We are sorry regarding the passing away of Fr. Lynn this month, former Pastor of St. Andrew Episcopal church. He was a good friend to Fr. Mark. He will be sadly missed by the whole congregation of St. Michael. May his memory be eternal!</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">May 25 th : Congratulations for Valerie David, graduated from St. Clement School. Next year, she will attend St. Mary Catholic Central High school. God grant you many years Valla.</span></li></ul><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunday of Pentecost</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">(May 23rd)<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Pentecost is the “Descent of Holy Spirit”. This is the day that our Lord Jesus Christ promised to his disciples would happen. “When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place and suddenly a sound came from Heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting and there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed upon each one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-4). The fullness of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit is manifested with the Spirit coming to man. The disciples now the Apostles had received “the power from on high” had the responsibility to spread the Good News. They began to preach and bear witness to Jesus as the risen Christ, the King and Lord. Because the fullness of the Holy Spirit appeared in the room that day, Pentecost is also referred to as Trinity Day in the Orthodox Church. The tongues of fire over the Apostles heads were the tongues of many languages so they could speak the language of the country they were going to.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-size: 130%;">Sunday, April 18, 2010</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women<br />and Sts. Joseph pf Arimathea and Nicodemos<br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">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.</span><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Troparion for the Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women, Tone 2</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Pious Joseph, having brought down Thy pure body from he tree, wrapped it in fine linen, embalmed it with ointment, provided for it, and laid it in a new tom. But thou didst verily rise after three days, O Lord, granting the world the great mercy.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Both now and ever, and unto ages if ages, Amen.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Verily, the angel came to the tomb and said to the ointment bearing women Ointments is meet for the dead, but Christ is shown to be remote form corruption. But cry ye, the Lord is risen, granting the world the great mercy.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">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." </span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> When thou didst descend into the grave, Immortal, thou didst destroy the power of hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Epistle: Act 6:1-7</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Gospel: Mark 15: 43-16:8</span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-size: 130%;">Sunday, April 25, 2010</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sunday of the Paralytic & Apostle and Evangelist Mark</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> 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.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Troparion of the Apostle Mark, Tone 3</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">O Holy Apostle Mark, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.</span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">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." </span><br /><br /><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">When thou didst descend into the grave, Immortal, thou didst destroy the power of Hades. In victory didst thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming "rejoice" to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to thine apostles and bestowing resurrection of the fallen.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Epistle: 1 Peter 5:6:14</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Gospel: John 5:1-15</span><br /></span></div>St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Mission - Diocese of Findlay, Metropolia of the diaspora of the Ukrainian Autocephaloushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799064398281470565noreply@blogger.com0