St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church

2012-02-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Presentation of Our Lord

and Savior Jesus Christ into the Temple

(February 2nd)

     The presentation or the meeting of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is commemorated on February 2nd.
     Simeon was a just man who had been awaiting the salvation of God for a long time. According to tradition, he was translating the passage in the Scriptures where Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah was to be born of a Virgin. Simeon wanted to change the word “Virgin” to “Young woman”, but an angel stopped his hand and foretold him that he would not see death before seeing the Messiah born of the Virgin.
      According to the Law of Moses, every first born male was to be presented into the temple to be devoted to God on the fortieth day after birth, so the Mother of God brought the Newborn Jesus into the temple. Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit; he took the Child into his aged arms and he blessed God by saying: “Lord, now lettest Thou servant depart in peace, according to Thy word…” (Luke 2:25-32).
     The Orthodox ChurchThe Orthodox Church has kept this tradition of the Churching of the mother and newborn child on the fortieth day.

February 5, 2012

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

Sunday after the Presentation of our Lord

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of the Presentation, Tone1
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Presentation , Tone 1

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

Epistle: II Timothy: 3:10-15

Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14

Pharisee and Publican

Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14

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

Sunday of Publican and Pharisee (Theme)

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

Did you know?

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

February 12, 2012

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2
Troparion of St. Meletios, Tone 4
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Prodigal Son, Tone 3

Epistle: I Cor. 6:12-20

Gospel: Luke 15: 11-32

The Prodigal Son

Gospel: Luke 15:11-32

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

The prodigal Son (Theme)

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

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Sunday of Meat Fare

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Meat Fare, Tone 1

Epistle: I Cor. 8:8 to 9:2

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Meat Fare Sunday

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

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

Sunday of Meat-Fare (Theme)

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

Did you know?

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

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday of Cheese Fare

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Cheese Fare Sunday, Tone 6

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

Epistle: Roman 13:11 to 14:4

Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21

Cheese Fare Sunday

Gospel: Matthew: 6:14-21

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

Sunday of Cheese Fare or Sunday of Forgiveness

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

Monday February 27th

the Holy and Great Lenten Journey begins

Sunday, March 4, 2012

First Sunday of Lent

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5
Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8
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.

Epistle: Hebrews 11: 24-26, 32-40

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Great Lent

(Forty Days of Fasting)

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.

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life!

Take from me the spirit laziness,

meddling, ambition and vain talk.

But give me a spirit of prudence,

humility, patience, and love.

Yes Lord and King grant me

To see my own sins and faults

And not judge my brother.

For you are blessed

forever and ever. Amen.

Why this short prayer of St. Ephrem is important during the entire Lenten Worship?
Because it enumerates in unique way all the negative and positive elements of repentance and constitutes a “check list” for our individual Lenten effort.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Second Sunday of Lent

Commemoration of St. Gregory Palamas, Bishop of Thessalonica

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6
Troparion of St. Gregory, Tone 8

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-2:3

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Third Sunday of Lent

The Adoration of the Holy Cross

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7
Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-5:6

Gospel: Mark 8: 34 to end; 9:1

Mid-Lent: The Veneration of the Cross

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).

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Commemoration of St. John the Ladder

And Feast of the Annunciation of the Holy Theotokos

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8
Troparion of St. John, Tone 8

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.

Troparion of the Annunciation , Tone 4
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Annunciation, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18

Gospel: Luke: 1:24-38

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

The Ladder of Divine Ascent

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.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of St. Mary, Tone 8

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion for the Sundays of Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14

Gospel: Mark 10: 32-45

Commemoration of St Mary of Egypt

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.
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.

2011-11-22T20:22:00.001-08:00

Sunday
December 4, 2011
25th Sunday after Pentecost
The Holy Great-martyr Barbara and St. John of Damascus

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8
Troparion of St. Barbara, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26- December24)

Epistle: Gal. 3:23; 4:1-5
Gospel: Luke 13: 10-17

St. Barbara

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.

St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker

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.

Sunday
December 11, 2011
26th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of the Forefathers

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of Forefathers, Tone 2
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26-December 24)

Epistle: Col. 5:4-11
Gospel: Luke 14: 16-24

The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

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).
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.”

Christ is born!
Glorify Him!

Sunday
December 18, 2011
27th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday before the Nativity
(Sunday of Genealogy)

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2
Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone 4
Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 2
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26 – December 24)

Epistle: Hebrews 11: 9-10; 17:23, 32-40
Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-25

Sunday
January 1, 2012
28th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed,

David the Prophet and King,

and James the Brother of the Lord

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6
Troparion of the Sunday after Nativity, Tone 4
Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of Nativity, Tone 3

Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23

FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY

     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.
     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.
     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.
     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!

-His Eminence Archbishop Lorenzo

The New Disciples of Christ
Writing by Valerie David
(Sunday school)

     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.
     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.
     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.)
     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”.
     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.

Valerie David

November 18, 2011

2011-10-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.

Sunday
October 2, 2011
16th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7
Troparion of St. Cyprian, Tone 4
Troparion of St .Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Corinthians 6:1-10
Gospel: Luke 6: 31-36

Proshora and Antidoron

It is customary that someone in the Orthodox congregation brings homemade bread for the Eucharistic ceremony. This bread is called Prosphora.

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 XC and NI KA 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.

The Holy bread is not Holy Communion

1. The Holy bread (Antidoron) is not Holy Communion and it is blessed.
2. We should treat the Holy bread with respect (It should be eaten carefully so the crumbs do not fall.)
3. Anyone can receive the Holy bread (Antidoron) at the end of the Liturgy.
4. Only Orthodox faithful who have prepared themselves through fasting, confession and prayer can receive Holy Communion.

Sunday
October 9, 2011
17th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8
Troparion of the Apostle James, Tone 3
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion os the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: II Cor. 6:16 to 7:1
Gospel: Luke 7:11-16

Why is incense burned in the Orthodox Church?

Incense is the sap of the frankincense tree, dried and burned in church as an offering to God.

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.

The offering of incense has been related to the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle.

When the priests incense the Church at any time, the faithful should be standing.

Sunday
October 16, 2011
17th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of 7th Ecumenical Council

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Titus 3:8-15
Gospel: Luke8: 5-15

Did you know?

The service of the Holy Fathers is always on Sunday.

1.       The First service is commemorated on the 7th Sunday after Pascha in memory of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council.

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.

3.     The Third service is commemorated on the Sunday closest to October eleventh in memory of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council.

During the Divine Liturgy we sing the following Troparion:

“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”.

Sunday
October 23, 2011
19th Sunday after Pentecost
Apostle James brother of the Lord

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2
Troparion of St. James, Tone 4
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Gal. 1: 11-19
Gospel: Luke 8: 26-39

Holy Glorious Demetrius
(Commemorated on October 26th)

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.

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.

Sunday
October 30, 2011
20th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3
Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Troparion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Gal 1:11-19
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said: "Lift up your Cross
and follow me."

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.

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

[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”.

Sunday school Questions of the month
1. For what soul did St. Michael battle against the devil?
2. When does the Christmas fast begin?

Sunday
November 6, 2011
21th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4
Troparion of St. Paul, Tone 3
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Titus 3: 8-15
Gospel: Luke 8: 41-56

Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael
and Gabriel and the Bodiless Powers
(Commemorated on November 8th)

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.

The name Michael means or "Who is like God”. Archangel Michael was mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments:

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

Our patron Saint of the Church is Archangel Michael whose memory we celebrate today (November 8th). Let us all sing the following Troparion:

"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."

Sunday
November 13, 2011
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Feast of St. John Chrysostom

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5
Troparion of , Tone 8 St. John, Tone 8
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Heb. 7:26-28; 8:1-2
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

Division of Angels

Nature of Angels

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.

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.

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,
"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".

Sunday
November 20, 2011
23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6
Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Ephesians 2: 4-10
Gospel: Luke 12:16-21

The Feast of the Presentation
of the Theotokos into the Temple

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.

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.

The Feast of Presentation of the Theotokos into the temple is commemorated on November 21st.

Sunday
November 27, 2011
24th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7
Troparion of St. James
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3

Epistle: Eph. 2:14 to end
Gospel: Luke 18: 18-27

Did you know?

Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.

Fasting is the time for self-examination, prayer, repentance, and abstinence from certain types of food.

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”.

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.

2011-07-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Rom 5:1-10
Gospel: Matt 6:22-33

Sunday
July 11, 2010
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Rom 6:18-23
Gospel: Matt 8: 5-13

Sunday
July 17, 2011
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4
Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 8
Troparion of St. Marina, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Titus 3:8-15
Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19

The Prophet Elias
(Celebrated July 20th)

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.
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.
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.
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).
Jews, Christians and Moslems 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.
St Elias is commemorated on July 20th.

Sunday of the Holy Fathers
of the 4th Ecumenical Council

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.

Sunday
July 24, 2011
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5
Troparion of St. Christina, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Rom 12:6-14
Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

Saint Joachim and Saint Anna
(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

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.
The Dormition of the Mother of the Theotokos (Anna) is commemorated on Jul 25th.

Sunday
July 31, 2011
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6
Troparion of St. Eudokimos, Tone 4
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Romans 15:1-7
Gospel: Matthew 9:27-35

Sunday
August 7, 2011
Eight Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday after the Feast of the Transfiguration

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 7
Troparion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7

Epistle: I Corinthians 1: 10-17
Gospel: Matthew 14: 14-22

The Transfiguration and the Divine Liturgy

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.
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.

Sunday
August 14, 2011
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
The Pre-Feast of the Falling Asleep
of our Lady The Most Holy Theotokos

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8
Troparion of the Pre-Feast of the Dormition, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Pre-Feast of the Dormition, Tone 4

Epistle: I Cor. 3:9-17
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34

The Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos

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.

Was Mary’s Body Taken Up to Heaven?

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.
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.

Sunday
August 21, 2011
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday after the Dormition of the Theotokos

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of the Dormition, Tone 1
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Dormition, Tone 2

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23

Did you know?

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.

Why do we Honor the Mother of God?

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.”

Sunday
August 28, 2011
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: I Cor. 9: 2-12
Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35

Saint Joachim and Saint Anna
(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

2011-06-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2011
Holy Fathers of the first Council of Nicea

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6
Troparion of the Ascension, Tone 4
Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Ascension, Tone 6

Epistle: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36
Gospel: John 17:1-13

Sunday of the Holy Fathers

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.

June 12, 2011
Sunday of Pentecost (Feast of the Holy Trinity)

Troparion for Pentecost, Tone 8
Kontakion for Pentecost, Tone 8

Epistle: Acts 2:1-11
Gospel: John 7:37-52, 8:12

Sunday of Pentecost
June 12th

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.

June 19, 2011
First Sunday after Pentecost
All Saints Sunday

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8
Troparion of the Saints, Tone 4
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Saints, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrew 11:33-12:2
Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30

All-Saints Sunday
(First Sunday after Pentecost)

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.

June 26, 2011
Second Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of St. David, Tone 8
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
ontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Romans 2:10-16
Gospel: Matthew4:18-23

Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul
(Celebrated on June 29th)

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. 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.

2011-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday
May 1, 2011
Sunday of St. Thomas

Troparion of St Thomas Sunday, Tone 7

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.

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: Acts 5: 12-20
Gospel: John 20: 19-31

Sunday
May 8, 2011
Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women and
Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2

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

Troparion for the Sunday of the Myrrh bearing Women, Tone 2

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.
Both now and ever, and unto ages if ages, Amen.
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.

Troparion of St. John, Tone 2

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: I John 4:12-19
Gospel: Mark 15: 43-16:8

Sunday
May 15, 2011
Sunday of the Paralytic

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3

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

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: Act 9:32-42
Gospel: John 5:1-15

Sunday
May 22, 2011
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4

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

Troparion for Mid-Pentecost, Tone 8

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..

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

Epistle: Act 11:19-30
Gospel: John 4:5-42

Sunday
May 29, 2011
Sunday of the Blindman

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

Epistle: Act 16:16-34
Gospel: John 9: 1-38

2011-04-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 17, 2011
Palm Sunday

Troparion of Lazarus (Tone1)

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.

Troparion of Palm Sunday (Tone 4)

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.

Kontakion for Palm Sunday (Tone 4)

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."

Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9
Gospel: John 12:1-18

Palm Sunday
(The entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem)

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.
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.”

Palm Sunday is the beginning of our journey to Holy Pascha.

The Holy Week:

The last week of Christ’s earthly life is called Passion Week or Holy Week.
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.

Sunday evening:
Theme: ( Kindness and love for Christ)
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.

Holy Monday evening:
Theme: (preparation)
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.

Holy Tuesday evening:
Theme: (Repentance)
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.

Holy Wednesday evening (Holy Unction):
Theme: Healing
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.

Holy Thursday evening:
Theme: The Holy Passion of Christ-Crucifixion
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:

Holy Thursday Evening (The 15th Antiphon)

Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.
Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.
Today is suspended upon the Tree, He who suspended the land upon the waters.
A crown of thorns crowns Him, who is the King of the angels.
He is wrapped in the purple robe of mockery, who wraps the heavens with clouds.
He receives smitings, who freed Adam in the Jordan.
He is tranfixed with nails, Who is the Son of the Virgin.
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.
Show us also Thy glorious resurrection!

Holy Friday evening:
Theme: Lamentations
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.

Holy Saturday Evening:
Theme: Resurrection
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:
“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.”

This is the Day of all Days and the Feast of Feast!
Pascha Sunday (Vespers): 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.

Did you know?
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!

Some of the Paschal greetings in different languages are:
English: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Slavonic: Kristos Voskresey! Voyistino Voskresey!
Ukrainian: Hrystos voskres! Voistiny voskres!
Russian: Kristos voskres! Voistiny voskres!
Romanian: Kristos A Inviat! Adeverat A Inviat!
Arabic: Al Maseeh Qam! Haqan Qam!
Serbian: Hristos Voskresie! Voistsinu Vaskrse
Greek: Kristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Albanian: Krishti Eshte Gjalle

2011-03-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

Great Lent (Forty days of fasting)
Great Lent is the time for self-examination, a time for prayer and alms-giving, a time for repentance and a time of abstinence from certain types of food.

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life!
Take from me the spirit of laziness,
Meddling, ambition and vain talk.
But give me a spirit of prudence,
Humility, patience, and love.
Yes, Lord and King, grant me
To see my own sins and faults
and not judge my brother.
For You are blessed
forever and ever. Amen.

Why does this short prayer of St. Ephrem is important during the entire Lenten worship?
Because it enumerates in unique way all the negative and positive elements of repentance and constitutes a "check list" for our individual Lenten effort.

Sunday, March 13, 2011
First Sunday of Lent
Sunday of Orthodoxy

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40
Gospel: John 1:43-51

First Sunday of Great Lent-Sunday of Orthodoxy

The Sunday of Orthodoxy 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. 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.

Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2 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.

Sunday, March 20, 2011
Second Sunday of Lent
The Commemoration of St. Gregory Palamas

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2
Troparion of St Gregory, Tone 8
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Sunday in Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-2:3
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

Sunday, March 27, 2011
Third Sunday of Lent
The Veneration of the Cross

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3
Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the five Sundays of Great Lent, Tone 8

Mid-Lent: The Veneration of the Cross 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. Jesus said “if anybody would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1 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.

Sunday, April 3, 2011
Fourth Sunday of lent
Commemoration of St John the Ladder

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4
Troparion of St John Climacus, Tone8
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the five Sundays of Great Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews: 6:13-20
Gospel: Mark 9:17-31

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent -The Ladder of Divine Ascent
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. 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.

Troparion of St. John Climacus, Tone 8: 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.

Sunday, April 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5
Troparion of St Mary of Egypt, Tone 8
Kontakion of usual Sunday

Epistle: Hebrews: 9:11-14
Gospel: Mark: 10:32-45

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent-St Mary of Egypt
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 repentance.

Troparion of St. Mary of Egypt, Tone 8 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.

2011-02-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday
February 6, 2011
17th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday after the Presentation of Our Lord into the Temple

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4
Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 1
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Presentation, Tone 1

Epistle: II Cor. 6:16 to end, 7:1
Gospel: Matthew: 15:21-28

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

The presentation or the meeting of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is commemorated on February 2nd.
Simeon was a just man who had been awaiting the salvation of God for a long time. According to tradition, he was translating the passage in the Scriptures where Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah was to be born of a Virgin. Simeon wanted to change the word “Virgin” to “Young woman” but an angel stopped his hand and foretold him that he would not see death before seeing the Messiah born of the Virgin.
According to the Law of Moses, every first born male was to be presented into the temple to be devoted to God on the fortieth day after birth, so the Mother of God brought the Newborn Jesus into the temple. Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit; he took the Child into his aged arms and he blessed God by saying: “Lord, now lettest Thou servant depart in peace, according to Thy word…” (Luke 2:25-32).
The Orthodox Church has kept this tradition of the Churching of the mother and newborn child on the fortieth day.

Sunday
February 13, 2011
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5
Troparion of St. Martinian, Tone 8
Troprion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Pharisee and the Publican, Tone 4

Epistle: II Timothy 3: 10-15
Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)

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

Sunday of publican and Pharisee

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

Did you know?

Sunday
February 20, 2011
Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6
Troparion of St. Leo, Tone 4
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Prodigal Son, Tone 3

Epistle: І Cor. 6:12-20
Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

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

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

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

Sunday
February 27, 2011
Sunday of Meat Fare

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Meat Fare Sunday, Tone 1

Epistle: І Cor. 8:8-9:2
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 (Meat Fare Sunday)

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

Sunday of Meat-Fare

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

Did you know?

On the Eve of the Sunday of Meat-Fare, the church commemorated all who have fallen asleep in the hope of Resurrection and it is called “Saturday of Souls”. It is a great day for prayers for our loved and departed members.

During his ministry, the Lord and 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.
Jesus gave us a new commandment that we shall love one another, also, he said to his disciples:” By this shall all know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
By praying for the dead, we ask God to remember them because we love them.

Sunday
March 6, 2011
Sunday of Cheese Fare

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of Cheese Fare Sunday, Tone 6

Epistle: Romans 13:11-14:4
Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare Sunday)

Sunday of Cheese Fare
or Sunday of forgiveness

The last Sunday prior to the beginning of Great Lent is the Sunday of Cheese Fare.
Now we enter the period of the fast forgiving one another so that God will forgive us.
The Orthodox Church wants us to prepare and invite us to reflect and consider the significance of 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 Repentance.

2010-12-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Nativity Fast begins Monday, November 15 to Friday, December 24

Sunday
December 5, 2010
28th Sunday after Pentecost
St. Saba the Sanctified of Jerusalem

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3
Troparion of St. Saba, Tone 8
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26- December24)

Epistle: Gal. 5:22-6:2
Gospel: Luke 13: 10-17

St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker

Sunday
December 12, 2010
29th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of the Forefathers and St. Spyridon

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4
Troparion of Forefathers, Tone 2
Troparion of St. Spyridon, Tone 1
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26-December 24)

Epistle: Ephesians 5: 8-19
Gospel: Luke 14: 16-24

The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Sunday
December 19, 2010
30th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday before the Nativity
( Sunday of Genealogy)

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5
Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 2
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3 (Sung from November 26 – December 24)

Epistle: Hebrews 11: 9-10; 17:23, 32-40
Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-25

Sunday
December 26, 2010
31st Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday after the Nativity of Christ
Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed,
David the Prophet and King,
and James the Brother of the Lord

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6
Troparion of the Sunday after Nativity, Tone 4
Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of Nativity, Tone 3

Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23

FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY

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.
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.
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.
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!

-His Eminence Archbishop Lorenzo

2010-11-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.

Sunday
November 7, 2010
24th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7
Troparion of St. Lazarus,
Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Eph. 2:14 to end
Gospel: Luke 8: 41-56

Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael
and Gabriel and the Bodiless Powers
(Commemorated on November 8th)

Sunday
November 14, 2010
25th Sunday after Pentecost
Feast of St. Philip the Apostle

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8
Troparion of the Apostle Philip, Tone 3
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Acts. 8:26-39
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

Division of Angels

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:

1. The first rank is made up of the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
2. The second rank is made up of Dominions, Hosts and Powers.
3. The third rank is made up of Principalities, Archangels and Angels.

Among all the angels come the familiar seven Archangels which include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and the fallen Lucifer.

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.
Nature of Angels
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.

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.

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,
"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".

Sunday
November 21, 2010
26th Sunday after Pentecost
Feast of the Presentation of the Holy Theotokos in the Temple

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1
Troparion of the Presentation, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Heb. 9: 1-7
Gospel: Luke 10:38 to end 11:27-28

The Feast of the Presentation
of the Theotokos into the Temple

Sunday
November 28, 2010
27th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2
Troparion of St. Stephen, Tone 4
Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4
Kontakion Preparatory for the Nativity, Tone 3

Epistle: Eph. 6:10-17
Gospel: Luke 18: 18-27

Did you know?

Christmas Fast begins on November 15th.

Fasting is the time for self-examination, prayer, repentance, and abstinence from certain types of food.

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”.

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.

2010-10-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday School Question of the Month:

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?

Sunday
October 3, 2010
19th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2

Troparion of St. Dionysios Tone 4

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.

Troparion of St .Michael, Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

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.

Epistle: Corinthians 11: 31 to end; 12:1-9
Gospel: Luke 6: 31-36

Proshora and Antidoron

It is customary that someone in the Orthodox congregation brings homemade bread for the Eucharistic ceremony. This bread is called Prosphora.
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.

The Holy bread is not Holy Communion

Sunday
October 10, 2010
20th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3

Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4

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!

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion os the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Gal. 1:11-19
Gospel: Luke 7:11-16

Why is incense burned in the Orthodox Church?

Incense is the sap of the frankincense tree, dried and burned in church as an offering to God.
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.
The offering of incense has been related to the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle.
When the priests incense the Church at any time, the faithful should be standing.

Sunday
October 17, 2010
21st Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of 7th Ecumenical Council

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4

Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 8

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone4

Epistle: Titus 3:8-15
Gospel: Luke8: 5-15

Did you know?
The service of the Holy Fathers is always on Sunday.

1.The First service is commemorated on the 7th Sunday after Pascha in memory of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council.
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.
3.The Third service is commemorated on the Sunday closest to October eleventh in memory of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council.

The Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council is commemorated this year on October 17th. During the Divine Liturgy we sing the following Troparion:

“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”.

Sunday
October 24, 2010
22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5

Troparion of Arethas, Tone 1

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Gal. 6: 11-18
Gospel: Luke 8: 26-39

October 24
The Holy Great martyr Arethas and of his companions (522-523)
***NEW***

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.
In 523, it is estimated that more than 4000 Christians including Children, women and the elderly suffered martyrdom for Christ.

Sunday
October 31, 2010
23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6

Troparion of the Apostles, Tone 3

O Holy Apostles, intercede with God all-merciful that He may grant us the remission of our sins.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

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.”

Troparion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said: "Lift up your Cross
and follow me."
***NEW***

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.
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
[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”.

2010-09-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Announcements
+ Last updated on September 4th, 2010 +

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!
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.
Bible Study September 26th
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.

Calendar
September 2010

Wednesday, September 1
The Beginning of the Ecclesiastical (Church) Year
& St. Simon the Stylite

September 5
15th Sunday after Pentecost

Wednesday, September 8
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos
and Ever-Virgin Mary

September 12
16th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday Before the Elevation of the Cross and
Leave taking of the Nativity of the Theotokos

Thursday, September 14
The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

September 19
17th Sunday after Pentecost and
Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Friday, September 24
Holy Great Martyr Thekla

September 26
18th Sunday after Pentecost and
Repose of St. John the Theologian and Evangelist
...

Sunday
September 5, 2010
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6

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.

Troparion of the Prophet Zachariah, Tone 2

Verily, we celebrate the memory of thy Prophet Zachariah. Through him we implore thee, O Lord, save our souls

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4

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.

Epistle: II Cor. 4: 6-15
Gospel: Mark: 22: 35 to end

Sunday
September 12, 2010

Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross and
the Leave Taking of the Nativity of the Theotokos

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7

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.

Troparion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4

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.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Gal. 6: 11-18
Gospel: John 3: 13-17

...

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life- Giving Cross

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."

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.

...

Sunday
September 19, 2010

Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8

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

Troparion of the Cross, Tone 1

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.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Holy Cross, Tone 4

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.

Epistle: Gal. 2: 16-20
Gospel: Mark 8: 34-9:1
...

To Cross or Not To Cross
in the Church

To Cross: 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.
Not to Cross: 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.

...

Sunday
September 26, 2010

18th Sunday after Pentecost and
translation Apostle St. John the Theologian and Evangelist

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 1

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

Troparion of St. John the Evangelical, Tone 2

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.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

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.

Epistle: I John 4:12-19
Gospel: John 19:25-27; 21: 24-25

...

Is it proper or not proper to Light Candles during the Divine Liturgy?

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).

...

2010-08-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

Announcements
+ Last updated on August 7, 2010 +

We will have a Bible study on August 29th.

Calendar
August 2010

August 1
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost and
the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Friday, August 6
Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

August 8
11th Sunday after Pentecost and
Sunday afther the Feast of the Transfiguration

August 15
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Feast of the Falling Asleep of our Lady,
the Most Holy Theotokos

August 22
13th Sunday after Pentecost and
Sunday after the Dormition of the Theotokos

August 29
14th Sunday after Pentecost and
the beheading of St. John the Baptist

...

August 1, 2010

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

and the Procession of the precious and Life-giving Cross

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1

Troparion of the Cross, Tone 1

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.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7

Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so 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 world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.

Epistle: I Cor. 4:9-16

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23

...

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

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).

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.

Did You Know?

The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6th.

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.

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.

...

August 8, 2010

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

and the Sunday after the Feast of the Transfiguration

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2

Troparion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7

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. O Giver of life, Glory to You.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Transfiguration, Tone 7

Epistle: I Corinthians 9: 2-12

Gospel: Matthew 18: 23-35

...

The Transfiguration and the Divine Liturgy

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.

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.

...

August 15, 2010

Feast of the Falling Asleep

of our Lady The Most Holy Theotokos

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3

Troparion of the Dormition, Tone 1

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.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Dormition, Tone 2

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.

Epistle: Phil. 2: 5-11

Gospel: Luke 10: 38 to end; 11: 27-28

...

The Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos

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.

Was Mary’s Body Taken Up to Heaven?

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.

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.

...

August 22, 2010

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost and

the Sunday after the dormition of the Theotokos

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4

Troparion of the Dormition, Tone 1

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Dormition, Tone 2

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 16: 13-24

Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-42

...

Why do we Honor the Mother of God?

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.

...

August 29, 2010

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost and

the beheading of St. John the Baptist

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5

Troparion of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Tone 2

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.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Acts 13: 25-33

Gospel: Mark 6: 14-30

...

Saint Joachim and Saint Anna

(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

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.

...

Thank you for visiting St. Michael the Archangel Website,
and we are hoping to see you this Sunday!

If you would like to contact us, please send an e-mail to StMichaelOC@yahoo.com,
or you can simply click “comments” below and leave a message right here on this page!

2010-07-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Announcements
+ Last updated on June 16, 2010 +

Happy 4th of July America and to our Parishioners at St. Michael Orthodox Church!!!!

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.

St. Andrew Day is celebrated July 4th. Happy St. Andrew Day for those of you who are named Andrew!

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.

There will be a possible Bible study July 25th. Since Fr. Mark will be out of town, the Archbishop may conduct the Bible study.

Calendar
July 2010

July 4
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
St. Andrew of Crete

July 11
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Great Martyr Euphemia the all-praised

July 18
Eight Sunday after Pentecost
The Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council

Tuesday, July 20
The Prophet Elias

July 25
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
The Dormition of the righteous Anna

...

The Prophet Elias
(Celebrated on July 20th)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

St Elias is commemorated on July 20th.

...

July 4, 2010
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5

Troparion of St. Andrew, Tone 4

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

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.

Epistle: Rom. 12: 6-14
Gospel: Mt. 9: 1-8

...

St. Andrew
0f Crete

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.

...

July 11, 2010
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Great Martyr Euphemia the all-praised

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6

Troparion of St. Euphemia, Tone 4

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: II Cor. 6:1-10
Gospel: Matt. 9:27-35

...

St. Euphemia
(Commemorated on July 11th)

St. Euphemia was born in Chalcedon; she was the daughter of Senator Philophronos and Theodosia, both of whom were Christians.

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.
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.

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.

...

July 18, 2010
Eight Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 7

Troparion for the Holy Father, Tone 8

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

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.

Epistle: Titus 3:8-15
Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19

...

Sunday of the Holy Fathers
of the 4th Ecumenical Council

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.

...

July 25, 2010
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
The Dormition of the Righteous Anna

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8

Troparion of the Rightesous Anna, Tone 4

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.

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Righteous Anna, Tone 2

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.

Epistle: Gal. 4:22-29
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34

...

Saint Joachim and Saint Anna
(Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

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.

The Dormition of the Mother of the Theotokos (Anna) is commemorated on July 25th.

2010-06-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Announcements
+ Last updated on June 16, 2010 +

St. Peter and St. Paul Feast Day is May 31. 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.”

June 30th Archbishop Lorenzo Arrives. Please pray for a save trip for him!

Archbishop Lorenzo will arrive Wednesday, June 30th; there will be a Hierarchical Liturgy, Sunday, July 4th with his Eminence. 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?

Bible study is on Sunday, June 27th.
Sunday July 4th there will be a coffee hour immediately after Liturgy. Bring a desert if you like.

Calendar
June 2010

June 13
Third Sunday after Pentecost

June 20
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Thursday, June 24
Nativity of the Holy Forerunner John the Baptist

June 27
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Tuesday, June 29
Sts. Peter and Paul. Patron Saints of the
Patriarchate of Antioch

July 4
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

All-Saints Sunday
(First Sunday after Pentecost)

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.

Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul
(Celebrated on June 29th)

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).
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.

June 6, 2010
Second Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 1

Troparion of St. Hillarion, Tone 8

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Romans 2:10-16
Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23

June 13, 2010
Third Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 2

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Romans 5:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33

June 20, 2010
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 3

Troparion for Hieromartyr Methodius, Tone 4

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Romans 6:18-23
Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13

June 27, 2010
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 4

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Theotokos, Tone 4

Epistle: Romans 10:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1

2010-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Calendar
April - May
2010

April 18
Sunday of the Myrrh Beaing Women and
Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos

April 25
Sunday of Paralytic
and Apostle & Evangelist Mark

May 2
Second Sunday of the Samaritan Woman and
the Translation of the Relics of St. Athanasios the Great

May 9
Sunday of the Blindman

May 16
Holy Fathers of the First Council of Nicea

May 23
Sunday of Pentecost

May 30
First Sunday after Pentecost
All Saints Sunday

Announcements
+ Last updated on May12, 2010 +

May 9 th: 40 day memorial for Anton Alexeev mother, Olga Alexeev

May 16 th: 7 year memorial for Georgeta Ardelean Grand father, Toader .

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.

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!

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.

Sunday of Pentecost
(May 23rd)

Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
and the Translation of the Relics of St. Athanasius the Great

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4

Troparion for Mid-Pentecost, Tone 8

Troparion of St. Athanasios, Tone 3

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

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

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16
Gospel: John 4:5-42

Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday of the Blindman

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: Act 16:16-34
Gospel: John 9: 1-38

Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday Ascension
Holy Fathers of the Council of Nicea

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 6

Troparion of the Ascension, Tone 6

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Ascension, Tone 6

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.

Epistle: Act 20: 16-18, 28-36
Gospel: John 17:1-13

Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday of Pentecost

Troparion of Pentecost, Tone 8

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.

Kontakion of Pentecost, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: Act 2: 1-11, 28-36
Gospel: John 7: 37-52, 8:12

Sunday, May 30, 2010
First Sunday After Pentecost
All Saints Sunday

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 8

Troparion of the Saints, Tone 4

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of the Saints, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: Heb. 11: 33-12:2
Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30

2010-05-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Announcements
+ Last updated on May12, 2010 +

May 9 th: 40 day memorial for Anton Alexeev mother, Olga Alexeev

May 16 th: 7 year memorial for Georgeta Ardelean Grand father, Toader .

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.

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!

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.

Sunday of Pentecost
(May 23rd)

Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women
and Sts. Joseph pf Arimathea and Nicodemos

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 2

Troparion for the Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women, Tone 2

Troparion of St Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

Epistle: Act 6:1-7
Gospel: Mark 15: 43-16:8

Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday of the Paralytic & Apostle and Evangelist Mark

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 3

Troparion of the Apostle Mark, Tone 3

O Holy Apostle Mark, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

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.

Epistle: 1 Peter 5:6:14
Gospel: John 5:1-15

2010-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is the Day of all Days

and the Feast of Feasts!

CHRIST IS RISEN!

TRULY HE IS RISEN!

Calendar
Holy week Services, 2010

Sunday, March 28 - Church
Palm Sunday
11:45 a.m.

Wednesday, March 31 - Rectory
Holy Wednesday
7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 1 - Church
Holy Thursday
7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 2 - Church
Holy Friday
7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 3 - Church
Holy Saturday
8:15 p.m.

Sunday, April 4 - Church
Holy Pascha
1:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 11 - Church
Thomas Sunday
11:45 a.m.

Announcements
+ Last updated on March 28, 2010 +

We invite you and your Friends to join us at Church for Palm Sunday, Holy week services and to celebrate Holy Pascha on Saturday, April 3rd-4th, immediately after the service at the Church Hall; we will have our annual Holy Pascha Breakfast. Don’t forget to bring your Easter Basket or a dish if you like. We will also, bless your baskets Sunday afternoon right after the service. Happy Easter!

Message from Fr. Mark, Fr. Liviu and Dn. Johnny: Holy Pascha is on April 4th 2010; we cannot tell you how important attending services for the Holy Week are. The Passion of our Lord happens once a year. Between Nativity (Christmas) and Pascha (Easter), Holy Week reveals to us what our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ had to endure, so that we could have eternal life in the Kingdom of God. “He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish.” (John 11:26). Of course, Pascha completes this cycle, and it is the icing on the cake, so to speak. Christmas and Pascha are our second chance to have eternal life into the Kingdom, since God destroyed the Earth by the flood. Again, we celebrate Holy Week once a year, so please try to give up your time for the Lord as He gave Himself up for us, so that we could have eternal salvation. Remember the time we give for Him is only a drop in the bucket for what He did for us.

As we approach Palm Sunday (Christ triumphal into Jerusalem). Even though this Sunday is a joyful occasion, please keep in mind that our fast doesn’t end on Palm Sunday, but starts a stricter fast during the Passion Week of our Lord. Remember, abstinence from dairy and meat during lent and Holy week is one way growing closer to God in the process of our spiritual cleansing and growth. “And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked him privately, Why could we not cast it out? So He said to them, This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29.

Bible Study is canceled because of Palm Sunday; our next Bible Study will be Sunday, April 25^th.

Sunday, March 28, 2010
Palm Sunday

Troparion of Lazarus, Tone 1

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.

Troparion of Lazarus, Tone 4

Kontakion of Palm Sunday, Tone 4

Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9
Gospel: John 12:1-18

The entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem

It was a custom of the Jewish to greet people of high rank with branches of Palms. The Jews believed that Jesus was coming as the expected Messiah after he raised Lazarus form the dead. They thought He would free them from the Roman Soldiers too. On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the law, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, people greet Him with palm branches in theirs hands and spread their cloaks before Him on the road as a sign of respect and victory over the devil and the death. 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.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of our journey to Holy Pascha.

Holy Passion Week:

The last week of Christ’s life is called Passion Week or Holy Week. In the Orthodox churches, services are held from the evening of Palm Sunday to Great Holy Saturday. The Services which are held on the evening of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday are called the Bridegroom prayer.

Troparion of the Bridegroom

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh at midnight, and blessed is the servant whom he shall find awake. But he whom he shall find neglectful, is verily unworthy. Behold, therefore, my soul, beware, lest thou fallest into deep slumber, and the door of the kingdom be closed against thee, and thou be delivered to death. But be thou wakeful, crying, Holy! Holy! Holy! Art thou, O God. Through the intercessions of the in corporals, have mercy upon us.

Each day of Holy Week has its own particular theme:

Palm Sunday evening theme: Kindness and love for Christ

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 (Matthew 21: 18-20). 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.

Holy Monday evening theme: Preparation

We commemorate the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13). We should not forget about the end of our life. But we should be prepared at every moment, like the wise virgins, so that we may meet the Bridegroom (Christ). This point out that we as Christians should be ready and prepared always in our Christian life because we never know when the bridegroom (Christ) will come.

Holy Tuesday evening theme: Repentance

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 (Matthew 26: 6-13). 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.

Holy Wednesday evening theme: Healing

The Sacrament of Holy Unction, one of the seven sacraments of the Church, is celebrated this day. It meant to bring healing for every sick person. Worshippers are anointed with the sanctified oil for the healing of body and soul.

Holy Thursday evening theme: The Holy Passion of Christ-Crucifixion

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. 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:

Holy Thursday Evening (The 15th Antiphon)

Today, He is suspended on a tree who suspended the earth over the waters.
Today, He is suspended on a tree who suspended the earth over the waters.
Today, He is suspended on a tree who suspended the earth over the waters.
A crown of thorns was placed on the head of the king of angels.
He who wore a false purple robe covered the heavens with clouds.
He was smitten who in the Jordan delivered Adam.
The Groom of the church was fastened with nails,
and the Son of the Virgin was pierced with a spears.
Thy sufferings we adore, O Christ.
Thy sufferings we adore, O Christ.
Thy sufferings we adore, O Christ.
Make us to be hold Thy glorious Resurrection.

Holy Friday evening theme: Lamentations

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 tragic and into a joyful beginning.

Holy Saturday evening theme: Resurrection

At midnight, the Church is darkened, the Priest, 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:

“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.”

Pascha Sunday (Vespers):

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. In the Orthodox Church, it is a custom to greet each other from the day of resurrection until Ascension Day by saying:

English: CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!
Slavic: KRISTOS VOSKRESYE! VOYISTINO VOSKRESYE!
Ukrainian: HRYSTOS VOSKRES! VOISTYNU VOSKRES!
Russian: KRISTOS VOSKRES! VOISTINU VOSKRES!
Romanian: KRISTOS A INVIAT! ADEVERAT A INVIAT!
Arabic: AL MASEEH QAM! HAQAN QAM!
Greek: KRISTOS ANESTI! ALITHOS ANESTI!
Albanian: KRISHTI ESHTE GJALLE!
Serbian: HRISTOS VASKRESIE! VOISTSINU VASKRSE!

Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday of Thomas

Troparion of St. Thomas, Tone 7

Kontakion of Easter, Tone 8

Epistle: Acts 5:12-20
Gospel: John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

2010-02-20T11:54:00.000-08:00

Announcements
+ Last updated on February 20, 2009 +

Bible Study wil take place on February 28th and March 28th.

The first Akathist service begins Friday, February 19th and the last one will end on Friday, March 19th at the rectory at 7:30p.m.

Calendar
February and March 2010

February 21
First Sunday of Lent
Sunday of the Orthodoxy

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

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

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

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

Sunday, February 21, 2010
First Sunday of Lent
Sunday of Orthodoxy

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 4

Troparion of the First Sunday in Lent, Tone 2

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion fo the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 11: 24-26, 32-40
Gospel: John 1:43-51

Great Lent
(Forty Days of Fasting)

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.

Prayer of St. Ephrem
O Lord and Master of my life!
Take from me the spirit laziness,
meddling, ambition and vain talk.
But give me a spirit of prudence,
humility, patience, and love.
Yes Lord and King grant me
To see my own sins and faults
And not judge my brother.
For you are blessed
forever and ever. Amen.

Why this short prayer of St. Ephrem is important during the entire Lenten Worship? Because it enumerates in unique Way all the negative and positive elements of repentance and constitutes a “check list” for our individual Lenten effort.

Sunday, February 28, 2010
Second Sunday of Lent
Commemoration of St. Gregory Palamas,
Bishop of Thessalonica

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 5

Troparion of St. Gregory, Tone 8

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-2:3
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

Sunday, March 7, 2010
Third Sunday of Lent
The Adoration of the Holy Cross

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 6

Troparion of the Holy Cross, Tone 1

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.

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-5:6
Gospel: Mark 8: 34 to end; 9:1

Mid-Lent: The Veneration of the Cross

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).

Sunday, March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Commemoration of St. John the Ladder

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 7

Troparion of St. John, Tone 8

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion for the Sundays of Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 6: 13-20
Gospel: Mark 9: 17-30

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent
The Ladder of Divine Ascent

Sunday, March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt

Troparion of the Resurrection, Tone 8

Troparion of St. Mary, Tone 8

Troparion of St. Michael, Tone 4

Kontakion for the Sundays of Lent, Tone 8

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14
Gospel: Mark 10: 32-45

Commemoration of St Mary of Egypt