Saturday, Jan. 28 – Ephrem the Syrian, Venerable
5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Vespers-Divine Liturgy
Sunday, Jan. 29 – Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
Monday, Jan. 30 – The Three Holy Hierarchs
8: 30 AM Morning Prayer
5:30 PM Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness
6:30 PM Divine Liturgy for the Three Holy Hierarchs
Wednesday, Feb. 1 – Tryphon, Martyr
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
5:30 PM Vespers
6:30 PM Divine Liturgy: Vigil of the Meeting of Our Lord with Simeon and Anna Katie, Liam, Lucas & the whole Kelly Family from Rick White
7:45 PM Firepit Social
Saturday, Feb. 4 – Isidore, Venerable
5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy
6:30 PM Reader Vespers
Sunday, Feb. 5 – Sunday of the Prodigal Son
8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
*Add first names to this prayer service by emailing niemirick@gmail.com
St. Mary’s: Sundays 8:45 AM or by appointment
Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment
(Please resubmit or submit names to admin@ByzantineLA.com)
The Carlin Family, Michael Hefferon, Shirley Kunze, Michael Mina, Peter Mina, Fr, John Mina, Mila Mina, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Shannon O’Neill, Fern Bonowicz, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s
Collection: $2,361.00; Online: $310.00; Santa Paula: $1,893.00; Christmas: $250.00; Parish Socials: $286.00; Property Rental: $2,000.00; Insurance Payout: $4,648.00
Total: $11,748.00 / Attendance PSM: 65
The entryway of the church, separated in our church by a wood and glass screen, mimics the Old Testament Court of the Gentiles. In a Christian temple, this is where the catechumens and penitents would stand during the first part of the Divine Liturgy. In both old and new testaments, this was a place to be formed, discern, and await full participation in the community. During vespers before major feasts, the entire community leaves the nave and joins those in the narthex since vespers is always a preparation for Communion, namely the Eucharist that will be received the next day.
Today in the Gospel we are reminded that there are two “ways” in which we can walk in this life and the outcome or goal of those ways are strikingly different. The first of those “ways” is the way of the world, in which financial success and reputation are prioritized and the ultimate goal is personal aggrandizement, no matter the “way” in which it is attained. The second “way” is the way of God, in which charity and honesty are not only prioritized, but are the way and the goal as well.
In other words, the second “way,” the way of God, is a good in itself, for this “way” is the life of God or eternal life. Following this second “way” leads one to look beyond themselves and live in a way that is always oriented toward others. Just as God the Father, from all eternity, poured out his life in love to the Son, so the one who walks this second “way” lives a life which is a constant act of self-giving love.
Please notice that both “ways” have an interior and hidden aspect that greatly affects which path or “way” that we walk in this life and ultimately it greatly affects how we will live forever. While one may outwardly appear to be walking in the “way” of God, as the Pharisee in the Gospel must have appeared to those around him, it is possible for that person to actually be walking the opposite path in life due to the hidden or interior disposition of his heart. From God With Us Online
“O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” The Publican prayed simply for mercy, and our Byzantine prayer services begin with these simple words. Do you want to receive and share this mercy by giving your life to prayer as a religious, monastic, priest or deacon? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org
Saturday, January 28 –
