18th Sunday after Pentecost

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Oct. 04 – 18^th Sunday after Pentecost      

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Oct. 05         

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Wednesday, Oct. 07   

 7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Thursday, Oct. 08       

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer             

12:05 PM        6^th Hour Prayer

Friday, Oct. 09            

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Saturday, Oct. 10        

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Oct. 11 – Fathers of the 7^th Ecumenical Council         

8:30 AM          Matins                                   

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $960.00; Candles: $52.00; Holydays: $200.00

Total: $1,212.00 / Attendance 72

UPCOMING SPECIAL COLLECTION

Sunday October 18^th is the special collection for the Eparchial Priest’s Health Insurance Fund. This collection assists in the cost of funding health insurance for the priests in the Eparchy of Phoenix.

Praying throughout the Day: (3 of 4 daily prayer resource bulletin inserts) 

Trisagion Prayers

“Trisagion” means “Thrice Holy” and refers to the “Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal…” in this series of prayers. The series itself though has a climax in the “Our Father.” This is the most important part of the series because it is the prayer Our Lord himself taught us (Matthew 6:9). These Trisagion prayers are the introduction to almost any Byzantine Catholic liturgical service and conclude with either the “Our Father” or the “Call to Prayer” (Come, let us worship our King and God…)

Trisagion Prayers:

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to you, our God, glory to you.

Heavenly King Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious one.

Throughout Pascha, the following is said instead of “Glory to you” and “Heavenly King”:

Christ is risen from the dead! By death he trampled Death; and to those in the tombs he granted life. (Three times)

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us (Three times)

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

(Some traditions omit this “doxology” if there is not a priest present to say it.)

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Come, let us worship our King and God.

Come, let us worship Christ, our King and God.

Come, let us worship and bow before the only Lord Jesus Christ the Kind and our God.

17th Sunday after Pentecost

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Sept. 27  –  17^th Sunday after Pentecost        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy: 

Monday, Sept. 28       

 7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Wednesday, Sept. 30  –  Vigil of the Protection of the Theotokos 

6:30 PM          Vespers

7:30 PM          Divine Liturgy 

Thursday, October 01  –  Protection of the Theotokos

7:30 AM          Matins 

Friday, October 02      

7:30 AM          Matins

Saturday, October 03  

8:30 AM          Matins

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, October 04  –  18^th Sunday after Pentecost    

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,890.00; Candles: $28.00; Holydays: $70.00; Church Improvements: $50.00; Gift Shop: $90.00; Online: $250.00; Disaster Relief: $2,035.00

Total: $4,413.00 / Attendance 86

 

PETER’S PENCE SPECIAL COLLECTION

Next Sunday, October 4th, is the make-up special collection for Peter’s Pence originally scheduled in June.

 

Praying throughout the Day: (2 of 4 daily prayer resource bulletin inserts) 

Prayer for the Morning:

We thank You, Lord our God, for You have wakened us from sleep, and have filled our lips with praise that we might worship You and call upon your holy name. We beg of your compassion that you have always shown towards us, hear us now and send help to those who stand before your holy glory awaiting your abundant mercy. O Lord, grant that those who serve you in fear and love may praise your ineffable goodness.

[Psalms for the morning: 3, 37(38), 62(63), 87(88), 102(103), 142(143), 50(51), 148, 149(150)]

Prayers for Mid-day:

O good God, in all times and places you are worshipped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all to repentance through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of your commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, set right our minds, cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble and distress; surround us with your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may obtain oneness of faith and the knowledge of your unspeakable glory. For you are blessed, forever and ever. Amen.

[Psalms for mid-day: 53(54), 54(55), 90(91)]

Prayers for the Evening:

O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Father Immortal, the heavenly, holy, blessed One, O Jesus Christ: Now that we have reached the setting of the sun, and see the evening light, we sing to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody to you, O Son of God, the Giver of Life. Therefore, the universe sings your glory.

[Psalms for the evening: 103(104), 140(141), 141(142), 129(130)]

 

If a psalm number is followed by one in parenthesis, the first is the numbering of the psalm as you would find in in a Byzantine prayer book. The second number (in parenthesis) is the numbering of the psalm as you find it in most modern translations of the bible. (Usually one number higher.) If there is not a second number in parenthesis, then both your Byzantine prayer book and your modern bible will have the same number for that psalm.

 

Sunday After the Exaltation of the Cross

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Sept. 20 – Sunday after Exaltation of the Cross         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

Saturday, Sept. 26       

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Sept. 27 – 17^th Sunday after Pentecost         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

 

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,199.00; Candles: $21.50; Holydays: $20.00; Gift Shop: $140.00; Online: $200.00

Total: $1,580.50 / Attendance 58

 

EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF COLLECTION

The American bishops of the Catholic Church have asked parishes to take up an optional collection to assist those suffering because of the wildfires, Hurricane Laura, and other recent disasters.  If you are able to willing to donate, please identify the donation (check or online through “donorbox”) as going to “Disaster Relief”.  The donations will support Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services.  Thank you for your generosity!  You will find the official request posted on the bulletin board by the small hall entrance.

 

Praying the Psalms: (1 of 4 daily prayer resource bulletin inserts) 

The Psalms are the prayer book of the church. According to tradition, all 150 psalms are prayed every week. This is done by grouping the psalms into sections called “Kathismata” and chanting one or more Kathismata during the various liturgies celebrated throughout the day.  (The psalms vary greatly in length. This system takes this into consideration and assigns generally the same number of verses per section.)  This weekly cycle is usually only done in monasteries, but it is important for all Christians to pray the psalms. One way to incorporate this tradition in a way that isn’t overwhelming is to break up the Kathisma further. Notice below that each Kathisma is broken up into three sections (“stases”). If you pray one of these stases everyday (psalms 1-3 on the first day, 4-6 on the second day etc.) you will pray all 150 psalms in 60 days.  

Kathisma 1	1-3	4-6	7-8
Kathisma 2	9-10 (9-11)	11-13 (12-14)	14-16 (15-17)
Kathisma 3	17 (18)	18-20 (19-21)	21-23 (22-24)
Kathisma 4	24-26 (25-27)	27-29 (28-30)	30-31 (31-32)
Kathisma 5	32-33 (33-34)	34-35 (35-36)	36 (37)
Kathisma 6	37-39 (38-40)	40-42 (41-43)	43-45 (44-46)
Kathisma 7	46-48 (47-49)	49-50 (50-51)	51-54 (52-55)
Kathisma 8	55-57 (56-58)	58-60 (59-61)	61-63 (62-64)
Kathisma 9	64-66 (65-67)	67 (68)	68-69 (69-70)
Kathisma 10	70-71 (71-72)	72-73 (73-74)	74-76 (75-77)
Kathisma 11	77 (78)	78-80 (79-81)	81-84 (82-85)
Kathisma 12	85-87 (86-88)	88 (89)	89-90 (90-91)
Kathisma 13	91-93 (92-94)	94-96 (95-97)	97-100 (98-101)
Kathisma 14	101-102 (102-103)	103 (104)	104 (105)
Kathisma 15	105 (106)	106 (107)	107-108 (108-109)
Kathisma 16	109-111 (110-112)	112-114 (113-116:9)	115-117 (116:10-118)
Kathisma 17	118:1-72 (119:1-72)	118:73-131 (119:73-131)	118:132-176 (119:132-176)
Kathisma 18	119-123 (120-124)	124-128 (125-129)	129-133 (130-134)
Kathisma 19	134-136 (135-137)	137-139 (138-140)	140-142 (141-143)
Kathisma 20	143-144 (144-145)	145-147 (146-147)	148-150

If you are using a Byzantine prayer book (that translates the Septuagint), follow the top numbering. If you are using a modern bible (that translates the Masoretic), use the bottom numbering in parentheses. 

Sunday Before the Exaltation of the Cross

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Sept. 13 – Sunday before Exaltation of the Cross          

8:30 AM          Matins 

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Sept. 14 – Exaltation of the Cross   

7:30 AM          Matins 

7:30 PM          Divine Liturgy

Saturday, Sept. 19       

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Sept. 20 – Sunday after Exaltation of the Cross       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

 

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $3,236.00; Candles: $26.00; Holydays: $50.00; Online: $360.00; Church Improvements: $170.00; Disaster Relief: $1,000.00

Total: $4,842.00 / Attendance 51

 

EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF COLLECTION

The American bishops of the Catholic Church have asked parishes to take up an optional collection to assist those suffering because of the wildfires, Hurricane Laura, and other recent disasters.  If you are able to willing to donate, please identify the donation (check or online through “donorbox”) as going to “Disaster Relief”.  The donations will support Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services.  Thank you for your generosity!  You will find the official request posted on the bulletin board by the small hall entrance.

Exalting the Symbol of My Pain

(The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is September 14th)

We see images of the Cross of Christ so frequently, that for many of us it has lost the power behind its meaning.  For those who loved Christ, or anyone who was executed on a cross, this image was incredibly traumatic; it immediately brought back memories of the worst moment in their life.  Why then, do we “exalt” it? Why does the priest raise it up for all to see just before the faithful do a prostration and venerate it?  

The reason reveals that we have two major options when it comes to dealing with our own past and future traumas.  Without embracing the Kerygma (the proclamation of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ) “moving on” from trauma generally means not letting that negative past experience debilitate this present day.  The event or experience is still seen as negative and unfortunate, but its effect has been dulled.  

If we do embrace the Kerygma, and let it build our faith and union with God, past traumas can not only be healed, but revealed as moments of evil that have been trampled by Christ, and used by Him to improve the life, and death, of those who embrace it.

So the exaltation and veneration of the cross of Christ is a “thank you” for Jesus’s utter transformation of sin and death into charity and Life, and a ritual of hope for that same action to be imposed on our own traumas.  So whenever we see the image of the cross in our homes, around our neck, held by a preacher, or surrounded by flowers on the tetrapod, our prayerful response should be both a gracious “thank you” for Christ’s trampling of death and granting of Life, and a hope-filled “please” that He will help me realize the He will do the same “trampling” and “granting” to my current anxieties. 

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Sept. 06 – 14th Sunday after Pentecost

8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, Sept. 07

6:30 PM Vespers
7:30 PM Divine Liturgy: Birth of the Theotokos

Thursday, Sept. 10

7:30 AM Morning Prayer

Friday, Sept. 11

7:30 AM Morning Prayer

Saturday, Sept. 12

6:30 PM Vespers

Sunday, Sept. 13 – Sunday before the Exaltation of the Cross

8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender, Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow, Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak, Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike, Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins, Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1085.00; Candles: $30.00; Holy days: $45.00; Gift Shop: $20.00
Total: $1180.00 / Attendance 58

EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF COLLECTION

The American bishops of the Catholic Church have asked parishes to take up an optional collection to assist those suffering because of the wildfires, Hurricane Laura, and other recent disasters. If you are able to willing to donate, please identify the donation (check or online through “donorbox”) as going to “Disaster Relief”. The donations will support Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services. Thank you for your generosity! You will find the official request posted on the bulletin board by the small hall entrance.

Nativity of the Theotokos (Mother of God)

The great feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8) is one of the 12 great feasts of the church year. You will often find these 12 feasts represented by icons on the second layer of the church iconostasis. Pascha, the greatest feast of the year, is in a class all its own and so is not usually one of the 12. The Nativity of the Theotokos is also the first major feast of the new church year. The next one will be the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross on September 14.
According to the second century document, the Protoevangelium of Saint James, the Theotokos was born to Joachim and Anna after they had given up hope of having a child. They were observant and generous Jews, but they were mocked for being childless. They had prayed for a child fervently for years, and just before conceiving the Theotokos they began to despair. Angels appeared to each of them sharing the news that God was going to gift to them a baby girl who would be “spoken of in all the world”.
We are an essential part of this prophecy that the Theotokos be “spoken of” and it is important that we do this in each of our parts of the world. Be creative in the living out of the prophecy! Celebrate this feast with the rest of the parish (in person or through the livestream). Bring flowers to your own icons of the Theotokos, any of the many icons of her were have here at St. Mary’s, or even to a statue or shrine that may be in your neighborhood. Read the Protoevanglium of St. James (https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm) and tell this story to those with whom you share your faith. Finally, be sure to call upon the Theotokos when you could use her motherly care. This is the oldest know Marian Hymn. Pray it often:
Beneath your compassion we take refuge, O Virgin Theotokos. Despise not our prayers in our need, but deliver us from dangers, for you alone are pure and blessed.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, August 30 – 13^th Sunday after Pentecost     

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Saturday September 5

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, September 6 – 14^th Sunday after Pentecost

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

 

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $826.00; Candles: $19.00; Covid Supplies: $50.00

Total: $895.00 / Attendance 56

 

SCHEDULE CHANGE

After consulting those who attend Saturday evening Vespers, we are moving that service to 6:30pm beginning Sept. 5th.  Come join us for this beautiful beginning of the Sunday celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

 

STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

As I write this it is the feast of Abba Moses the Ethiopian (Aug. 28).  He has become one of my favorite saints.  The longer I lead communities (I am going on 16 years as a pastor) the more I realize that true leadership comes from trusting and loving both courageous vulnerability and deep strength.  Christ tells Paul that true strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9). 

For those who are seeking authenticity, there is an unmistakable strength in a leader who knows their own weaknesses (and receives from Our Lord the serenity, courage, and wisdom to confront them) and therefore has the needed humility and confidence to guide their own lives as well as that of others.  

Abba Moses began his journey to sainthood as a thief and murderer who committed “every kind of evil”.  He was a pagan sun-worshipper who also sincerely sought knowledge of the one true creator and sustainer of the world.  Christ, the true God used this sincerity in Abba Moses to direct him to a monastery where the true God was encountered and worshipped daily.  Moses’ conversion was near immediate, but he struggled with temptations to return to the pleasures of his old ways for the rest of his life.  He maintained dominance over these temptations through his complete transparency to his spiritual father, and his spiritual father was patient enough to hear about Moses’ daily struggles with the same sins without getting weary or frustrated.   

I hope all of you have experienced, as I certainly have, leaders (mothers, fathers, teachers, law enforcement, civil authorities pastors, bishops etc.) who make true and empowering vulnerability look attractive.  

Abba Moses the Ethiopian (also called “The Robber”, “The Strong” and “The Black”) intercede before the throne of Christ our God to save our souls!

Find more info on Abba Moses at: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/moses-the-black-706