Sunday Bulletin 01/02/22

Christ is Born! Christos Razdajetsja!

Glorify Him! Slavite Jeho!

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Jan. 02 – Sunday before Theophany           

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Jan. 03 – Malachi, Prophet

No Services

Tuesday, Jan. 04 – Synaxis of the 70 Holy Apostles         

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Jan. 05 – Vigil of Theophany    

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Vesperal-Divine Liturgy & Great Blessing of Water (holyday of obligation)

8:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Jan. 06 – Theophany of Our Lord       

8:30 AM          Matins

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Jan. 07 – Synaxis of John the Baptist            

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Jan. 08 – Saturday after Theophany         

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Jan. 09 – Sunday after Theophany          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, 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, Denise Painter, Austin Pearce, 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: $1,504.44; Candles: $33.00; Online: $205.00; VC Outreach: $360.00; Christmas: $3,975.00

Total: $6,077.44 / Attendance- PSM: 12/24: 40; 12/25: 47; 12/26: 70 VCO: 51

 

The Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

On the eighth day after His Nativity, our Lord Jesus Christ was circumcised in accordance with the Old Testament Law. All male infants underwent circumcision as a sign of God’s Covenant with the holy Forefather Abraham and his descendants [Genesis 17:10-14, Leviticus 12:3].

After this ritual, the Divine Infant was given the name Jesus, as the Archangel Gabriel declared on the day of the Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos [Luke 1:31-33, 2:21]. The Fathers of the Church explain that the Lord, the Creator of the Law, underwent circumcision in order to give people an example of how faithfully the divine ordinances ought to be fulfilled. The Lord was circumcised so that later no one would doubt that He had truly assumed human flesh, and that His Incarnation was not merely an illusion, as certain heretics had taught.

In the New Testament, the ritual of circumcision gave way to the Mystery of Baptism, which it prefigured [Colossians 2:11-12]. Accounts of the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord continue in the Eastern Church right up through the fourth century. The Canon of the Feast was written by Saint Stephen of the Saint Savva Monastery.

In addition to circumcision, which the Lord accepted as a sign of God’s Covenant with mankind, He also received the Name Jesus [Savior] on the eighth day after His Nativity as an indication of His service, the work of the salvation of the world [Matthew 1:21; Mark 9:38-39, 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 3:6, 16; Philippians 2:9-10]. These two events — the Lord’s Circumcision and Naming — remind Christians that they have entered into a New Covenant with God and “are circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ” [Colossians 2:11]. The very name “Christian” is a sign of mankind’s entrance into a New Covenant with God.

-Published by the OCA

“He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” Answering God’s call for your life is the way for us to genuinely respond to our baptism. Are you thinking about whether you may be called to ordination, consecrated or monastic life?  Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy: The History of the Ecumenical Councils Webinar

​God With Us Online is hosting a series of live webinars on the history of the Ecumenical councils.  Rev. Christiaan Kappes will relay the breathtaking story of the battle of the Holy Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils to preserve the integrity of the faith against heresy in the decisive first centuries of Church history. Wednesdays: January 12-26, February 9-16 from 8:00-9:00 PM ET. Register online: godwithusonline.org/events/orthodoxy-heterodoxy

Jan. 01 The circumcision of Our Lord and the Commemoration Our Holy father Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia

The circumcision of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. Coming eight days after the birth of Christ, this feast commemorates his naming and his becoming a member of the Covenant of Moses. 

Troparion

O Jesus, although You are seated on a fiery throne with the eternal Father and Your divine Spirit, You were pleased to be born of a virgin maiden, your Mother who has never known man. Therefore, as man You were also circumcised when You were eight days old. Glory to Your most noble decision! Glory to Your salvation! Glory to Your humility! You alone love mankind.

Kontakion 

The Lord of all endures circumcision and being good, He cuts away the sins of mortals. Today He grants salvation to the world, and the bishop Basil, the Creator’s morning star, rejoices; he has initiated into the mysteries of Christ.

Epistle

Colossians 2: 8-12

Brothers and sisters: See to it that no one deceives you through any empty, seductive philosophy that follows mere human traditions, a philosophy based on cosmic powers rather than on Christ.

In Christ the fullness of deity resides in bodily form. Yours is a share of this fullness, in him who is the head of every principality and power. You were also circumcised in him, not with the circumcision administered by hand, but with Christ’s circumcision which strips off the carnal body completely. In baptism you were not only buried with him but also raised to life with him because you believed in the power of God who raised him from the dead. 

Gospel 

Luke 2: 20-21 & 40-52

At that time the shepherds returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, in accord with what had been told them. When the eighth day arrived for his circumcision, the name Jesus was given to the child, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 

The child grew in size and strength, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. His parents used to go every year to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when Jesus was twelve they went up for the celebration as was their custom… As they were returning at the end of the feast, the child Jesus remained behind unknown to his parents. Thinking he was in the party, they continued their journey for a day, looking for him among their relatives and acquaintances. Not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him. On the third day they came upon him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him was amazed at his intelligence and his answers. 

When his parents saw him they were astonished, and his mother said to him: “Son, why have you done this to us? You see that your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.” Jesus said to them: ‘Why did you search for me? Did you not know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not grasp what he said to them.

Jesus went down with them then, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother meanwhile kept all these things in memory. Jesus, for his part, progressed steadily in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.

 

Our Holy father Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, who is called “great” in learning and wisdom. He taught meditation on the Scripture and manual work in obedience and fraternal love to his monks, and established a way of life for them in the Rules he wrote. He taught the faithful by his excellent writings and shone forth by his pastoral care for the poor and sick.

Troparion 

Your voice resounds to the whole world which has received your word of instruction in divine dogmas. You explained the nature of creation and gave rules to order human conduct. O royal priest, O venerable father Basil, beg Christ our God to grant us His great mercy. 

Kontakion 

You have appeared as the unshakable foundation of the Church, leading all mortals to safe pasture in the Lord, and confirming them by your teachings, O venerable Basil, revealer of heavenly mysteries.

Epistle 

Hebrews 7: 26 thru 8: 2

Brothers and sisters: It was fitting that we should have such a high priest [as Jesus]: holy innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. Unlike other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself. For the law sets up as high priests men who are weak, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints as priest the Son, made perfect forever.

The main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, minister of the sanctuary and of that true tabernacle set up, not by man, but by the Lord.

Gospel 

Luke 6:17-23

At that time, coming down the mountain with the twelve, Jesus stopped at a level stretch where there were many of his disciples; a large crowd of people was with them from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coast of Tyre and Sidon, people who came to hear him and be healed of this diseases. Those who were troubles with unclean spirits were cured; indeed, the whole crowd was trying to touch him because power went out from him which cured all. Then, raising his eyes to his disciples, he said: “Blest are you poor, the reign of God is yours. Blest are you who hunger; you shall be filled. Blest are you who are weeping; you shall laugh. Blest shall you be when men hate you, and proscribe your name as evil because of the Son of Man. On the day they do so, rejoice and exult, for your reward shall be great in heaven.”

 

Icon images courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – www.ecpubs.com

The Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

On the eighth day after His Nativity, our Lord Jesus Christ was circumcised in accordance with the Old Testament Law. All male infants underwent circumcision as a sign of God’s Covenant with the holy Forefather Abraham and his descendants [Genesis 17:10-14, Leviticus 12:3].

After this ritual, the Divine Infant was given the name Jesus, as the Archangel Gabriel declared on the day of the Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos [Luke 1:31-33, 2:21]. The Fathers of the Church explain that the Lord, the Creator of the Law, underwent circumcision in order to give people an example of how faithfully the divine ordinances ought to be fulfilled. The Lord was circumcised so that later no one would doubt that He had truly assumed human flesh, and that His Incarnation was not merely an illusion, as certain heretics had taught.

In the New Testament, the ritual of circumcision gave way to the Mystery of Baptism, which it prefigured [Colossians 2:11-12]. Accounts of the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord continue in the Eastern Church right up through the fourth century. The Canon of the Feast was written by Saint Stephen of the Saint Savva Monastery.

In addition to circumcision, which the Lord accepted as a sign of God’s Covenant with mankind, He also received the Name Jesus [Savior] on the eighth day after His Nativity as an indication of His service, the work of the salvation of the world [Matthew 1:21; Mark 9:38-39, 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 3:6, 16; Philippians 2:9-10]. These two events — the Lord’s Circumcision and Naming — remind Christians that they have entered into a New Covenant with God and “are circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ” [Colossians 2:11]. The very name “Christian” is a sign of mankind’s entrance into a New Covenant with God.

-Published by the OCA

Sunday Bulletin 12/26/21

Christ is Born! Christos Razdajetsja!

Glorify Him! Slavite Jeho!

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Dec. 26 – Sunday after Christmas; Sunday of David, Joseph, & James         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy: Sunday of David, James, and Joseph

4:30 PM          Vesperal-Divine Liturgy         Intentions of Fr. Nathan

Monday, Dec. 27 – Stephen, Protomartyr

No Services

Tuesday, Dec. 28 – 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia

No Services

Wednesday, Dec. 29 – Holy Innocents, Martyrs  

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy                +Fr. Conon Timoney

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Dec. 30 – Anysia, Venerable Martyr      

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Dec. 31 – Melany, Venerable           

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Vespers

Saturday, Jan. 01 – Circumcision of Our Lord & Basil the Great, Archbishop       

8:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Jan. 02 – Sunday before Theophany           

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, 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, Denise Painter, Austin Pearce, 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: $1,746.00; Candles: $21.00; Online: $6,005.00; VC Outreach: $5,733.00; Gift Shop: $70.00; Parish Socials: $17.00; Property Rental: $1,320.00; Retired Religious Fund: $100.00

Total: $15,012.00 / Attendance- PSM: 68

Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy: The History of the Ecumenical Councils Webinar

​God With Us Online is hosting a series of live webinars on the history of the Ecumenical councils.  Rev. Christiaan Kappes will relay the breathtaking story of the battle of the Holy Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils to preserve the integrity of the faith against heresy in the decisive first centuries of Church history. Wednesdays: January 12-26, February 9-16 from 8:00-9:00 PM ET. Register online: godwithusonline.org/events/orthodoxy-heterodoxy

Holiest of Families

The day after Christmas is always the feast of the Synaxis (meaning “Gathering”, referring to the congregation gathering again the day after a major feast) of the Theotokos.  The Sunday after Christmas is always the feast of the three relatives of Jesus- Joseph, David and James.  So rarely do we have the merging of these two feasts like we do this year, since Christmas is on a Saturday.  Rarely do we get to celebrate both Mary and Joseph together on the same day.  We also commemorate the flight into Egypt on December 26th, so we will be commemorating this holiest of families, together, and remembering that oftentimes families carry crosses not only individually, but together.  May we always have families, biological, chosen, and parish, with which to share our crosses, and the eventual resurrection!

“Out of Egypt I have called my son.” The righteous Joseph the betrothed was faithful to his calling, protecting Jesus and the Theotokos by journeying to Egypt and returning to Nazareth. Our Lord calls each one of us out of the spiritual Egypt of our lives so that we may live in the promised land meant for our lives. Is he calling you to a life of holy orders or monasticism?  Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

From Darkness to Light

The Gospel of John, Chapter 1, tells us that The Light of Christ came into darkness. The world was dark before the savior came. This fasting season moves from darkness to light in the Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ! Perhaps you are experiencing this already in your own life. The more that God wants you to experience the liturgical life the more you may find yourself looking forward to the Nativity. Many pastors have told me that on Good Friday, right before Resurrection Sunday, their lives suddenly get difficult: The pain prepares them to experience with greater depth the Resurrection. During this, our Winter Pascha, remember that there was darkness and then there was light. Do not focus on what is wrong, but on what God is going to make right, so you will abide in the light and not in the darkness.

Fr. Nathan Symeon 

Sunday Bulletin 12/19/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Dec. 19 – Sunday before Christmas, Sunday of the Holy Fathers          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Dec. 20 – Ignatius, Bishop-Martyr       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Tuesday, Dec. 21 – Juliana, Martyr

No Services

Wednesday, Dec. 22 – Anastasia, Great Martyr   

6:30 PM          Emmanuel Moleben

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Dec. 23 – Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete      

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Dec. 24 – Vigil of Christmas; Eugenia, Martyr           

8:30 AM          Royal Hours

5:00 PM          Ventura County Vesperal-Divine Liturgy

5:00 PM          Vesperal-Divine Liturgy for Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 25 – Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Sunday, Dec. 26 – Sunday after Christmas; Sunday of David, James, and Joseph         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy: Sunday of David, James, and Joseph

4:30 PM          Vesperal-Divine Liturgy (Stephen the Protomartyr)         Intentions of Fr. Nathan

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, ,Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, 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, Denise Painter, Austin Pearce, 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: $1,028.00; Candles: $60.11; Online: $105.00; VC Outreach: $110.00; Holydays: $10.00; Christmas: $60.00; Flowers: $10.00; Retired Religious Fund: $630.00

Total: $2,013.11 / Attendance- PSM: 85 VCO: 49

 

Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy: The History of the Ecumenical Councils Webinar

​God With Us Online is hosting a series of live webinars on the history of the Ecumenical councils.  Rev. Christiaan Kappes will relay the breathtaking story of the battle of the Holy Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils to preserve the integrity of the faith against heresy in the decisive first centuries of Church history. Wednesdays: January 12-26, February 9-16 from 8:00-9:00 PM ET. Register online: godwithusonline.org/events/orthodoxy-heterodoxy

From Darkness to Light

The Gospel of John, Chapter 1, tells us that The Light of Christ came into darkness. The world was dark before the savior came. This fasting season moves from darkness to light in the Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ! Perhaps you are experiencing this already in your own life. The more that God wants you to experience the liturgical life the more you may find yourself looking forward to the Nativity. Many pastors have told me that on Good Friday, right before Resurrection Sunday, their lives suddenly get difficult: The pain prepares them to experience with greater depth the Resurrection. During this, our Winter Pascha, remember that there was darkness and then there was light. Do not focus on what is wrong, but on what God is going to make right, so you will abide in the light and not in the darkness.

Fr. Nathan Symeon 

 “They shall call his name Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”  The presence of God is seen through the salvation foretold in the Old Covenant, and is revealed through the Birth of Our Lord Jesus, Emmanuel. Our own lives can manifest the presence of God when we live according to our vocations. Are you being called to show God’s presence as a priest, deacon, monk or nun? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Sunday Bulletin 12/12/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Dec. 12 – Sunday of the Forefathers          

9:00 AM          Matins

10:00 AM       Divine Liturgy

12:00 PM        St. Nicholas Day Potluck

Monday, Dec. 13 – Eustratius & Others, Martyrs        

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Tuesday, Dec. 14 – Thrysus and Others, Martyrs       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Dec. 15 – Eleutherius, Bishop-Martyr  

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Emmanuel Moleben

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Dec. 16 – Haggai, Prophet       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Dec. 17 – Daniel, Great Prophet           

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Dec. 18 – Saturday Before Christmas; Sebastian and Others, Martyrs       

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Dec. 19 – Sunday Before Christmas; Sunday of the Holy Fathers          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, ,Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, 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, Denise Painter, Austin Pearce, 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: $3,304.00; Candles: $39.95; Online: $405.00; VC Outreach: $110.00; Holydays: $20.00; Church Improvements: $135.00; Christmas: $20.00; Flowers: $45.00; Retired Religious Fund: $1,025.00

Total: $5,103.95 / Attendance- PSM: 62 VCO: 44

 Retired Religious Collection

​You’ll find an envelope in your mailing, or just write “Retired Religious” on your check.  Thank you for your generosity!

Across the United States, hundreds of religious communities lack financial resources sufficient to meet the retirement and health-care needs of aging members. Many elder religious worked for years for small stipends, leaving a large gap in retirement savings. At the same time, fewer religious are able to serve in compensated ministry. Like many Americans, religious communities face the monumental challenge of funding eldercare. Additionally, today retired religious outnumber wage earners by nearly three to one.

Sunday of the Forefathers

This and next Sunday intensify our preparation for Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord.  Since Christmas is the revelation of God becoming a human, these Sundays commemorate all the humans that prepared the way for this revelation.  This “Sunday of the Forefathers”, two Sundays before the Nativity, commemorates Adam, Seth, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Daniel etc.  We remember all those who carried the torch of the promise made by God that he would send a messiah.  We call these righteous forefathers the “ancestors of the church.”   Many hymns were written specifically for these Sundays, and we pray them at Matins and Vespers.  Next Sunday, the scope of our remembrance is broadened to include all of those who came before Christ, and we will hear his human genealogy as the Gospel of the day.  Blessed Fast and time of preparation for the glorious feast of the birth of Our Lord!  

Thank You!

With two feasts, hosting a young adult gathering, and the weekend celebration of St. Nicholas, it’s been a very busy week at the parish, and we are looking forward to even more beautiful busy-ness through Christmas and Theophany.  Thank you to all who have helped these celebrations flow according to the Will of Our Lord. 

“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled.” Our gracious Lord seeks to bring all people who are willing to his heavenly banquet. His servants are called to reach out to the ends of the earth so that his house may be filled. While this is the calling of all Christians, those called to the priesthood, diaconate, minor orders, monastic and religious life do so in a special way. If this may be your calling, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Returning to our Eastern Identity

During the past few hundred years, the Easter Catholic Churches have had to fight for their Eastern heritage. One of the difficulties has been our question, “how can we be both Eastern in our theology, spirituality, and liturgical life, while at the same time being in communion with Rome?” During the past sixty years (at least), we have been making great strides forward. The Magisterium, our bishops, and the faithful have been encouraged to return to our traditions and many of us have been joyous to do just that. The importance of total immersion in our faith is nothing less than an impetus for us to truly live our Eastern traditions to the totality of our lives in Christ. The Nineteenth century saw the rise of the Ressourcement in the Western Churches and the Neo-Patristic revival in the Eastern Churches, basically moving back to the sources of our faith. In this same century, Fr. George Florovsky offered the following way forward. He called the East to,

A prayerful entry into the Church, a fidelity to Revelation, a return to the Fathers, a free encounter with the West. The way of history has still not been fully travelled; the history of the church is not yet finished. The road is open though difficult…It is a mysterious way of spiritual labor (Podvig), a way of secret and silent labor in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit.

Here we find the crux of the matter; it is not just a return to the sources, but a life of prayer as we engage our whole faith. May your Christmas fast be blessed!

In Christ,

Fr. Nathan Symeon 

Sunday Bulletin 12/05/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Dec. 05 – 28th Sunday after Pentecost          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Dec. 06 – St. Nicholas of Myra, Archbishop       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy            Mariah Hamdi from Rick White

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Wednesday, Dec. 08 – Maternity of the Holy Anna  

8:30 AM          Festal Matins

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy            Katie & Liam Kelly from Rick White

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Dec. 09 – Patapius, Venerable      

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Dec. 10 – Mennas and Others, Martyrs          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Dec. 11 – Daniel the Stylite, Venerable & Spiridon, Wonderworker-Bishop      

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Dec. 12 – Sunday of the Forefathers      

9:00 AM          Matins

10:00 AM          Divine Liturgy 

12:00 PM         St. Nicholas Day Celebration

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, ,Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, 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, Austin Pearce, 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: $1,899.00; Candles: $24.04; Online: $205.00; VC Outreach: $498.46; Socials: $26.00; Giftshop: $40.00; Eparchial Appeal Rebate: $7,555.06

Total: $10,247.56 / Attendance- PSM: 60 VCO: 44

 

St. Nicholas Day Celebration Potluck

We will celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas Archbishop of Myra (Dec. 6) on Sunday December 12th with a joint liturgy with St. Mary’s Romanian church at 10am followed by a potluck luncheon. There will be a special visit from St. Nicholas for the children. Sign-up sheets are in the small hall.

Returning to our Eastern Identity

During the past few hundred years, the Easter Catholic Churches have had to fight for their Eastern heritage. One of the difficulties has been our question, “how can we be both Eastern in our theology, spirituality, and liturgical life, while at the same time being in communion with Rome?” During the past sixty years (at least), we have been making great strides forward. The Magisterium, our bishops, and the faithful have been encouraged to return to our traditions and many of us have been joyous to do just that. The importance of total immersion in our faith is nothing less than an impetus for us to truly live our Eastern traditions to the totality of our lives in Christ. The Nineteenth century saw the rise of the Ressourcement in the Western Churches and the Neo-Patristic revival in the Eastern Churches, basically moving back to the sources of our faith. In this same century, Fr. George Florovsky offered the following way forward. He called the East to,

A prayerful entry into the Church, a fidelity to Revelation, a return to the Fathers, a free encounter with the West. The way of history has still not been fully travelled; the history of the church is not yet finished. The road is open though difficult…It is a mysterious way of spiritual labor (Podvig), a way of secret and silent labor in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit.

Here we find the crux of the matter; it is not just a return to the sources, but a life of prayer as we engage our whole faith. May your Christmas fast be blessed!

In Christ,

Fr. Nathan Symeon 

 

“Get up and go your way. Your faith has healed you!”  The faith of the healed leper who returned to thank Jesus is a model of thanksgiving and love for God. Our Lord works through the faith of those who love him and serve His body, the Church. Is a life of service and faithfulness to God and His Church as a priest, deacon, monk or nun something that may be for you? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Sunday Bulletin 11/28/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Nov. 28 – 27th Sunday after Pentecost       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 29 – Paramon and Philemon, Martyrs        

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Tuesday, Nov. 30 – Andrew Apostle        

No Services

Wednesday, Dec. 01 – Nahum, Prophet   

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Emmanuel Moleben

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Dec. 02 – Habakkuk, Prophet       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Dec. 03 – Zephaniah, Prophet           

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Saturday, Dec. 04 – Barbara, Great Martyr & John Damascene       

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Dec. 05 – 28th 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, ,Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, 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, Austin Pearce, 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: $985.00; Candles: $80.52; Online: $908.00; VC Outreach: $40.00; Socials: $20.00; Special gift: $50,000.00

Total: $52,033.52 / Attendance- PSM: 95 VCO: 49

St. Nicholas Day Celebration Potluck

We will celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas Archbishop of Myra (Dec. 6) on Sunday December 12th with a joint liturgy with St. Mary’s Romanian church at 10am followed by a potluck luncheon. There will be a special visit from St. Nicholas for the children. Sign-up sheets are in the small hall.

Saint Stories for Families

Holy Apostle Andrew – November 30

Andrew is one of the 12 Apostles who followed Jesus during the 3 years he taught, healed and cast out demons before he died on the cross.  Andrew was originally a follower of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John.  We call Andrew the “First Called” because he left John to follow Jesus after John first said “Behold the Lamb of God” when referring to Jesus.  You can read about this in John 1:35 ff.  After Jesus died, rose, ascended, and sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Andrew traveled to many countries sharing the gospel (“good news”) about Jesus and His Church.  Important for us Byzantines, he traveled to Byzantium and established the church there, and also to Kiev, in modern day Ukraine, where our Rusyn (“Ruthenian”) traditions come from.  Andrew was killed on an x-shaped cross in Patras in Greece after leading many of the locals to faith in Christ.

 “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity!” As the Physician of souls and bodies, our Lord shows mercy to the woman who had an infirmity for eighteen years. His healing can restore any brokenness, and the life in Christ allows us to bring his healing to the world. Are you being called to do so through the priestly, diaconal, monastic or religious life? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

 

THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC EPARCHY OF PHOENIX subscribes to the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

adopted by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.  The Eparchy, within all its parishes, institutions and programs, is committed to assuring a safe environment in ministry for its children and young people that conforms to the Charter requirements. 

For information regarding the Eparchial Safe Environment Program, please contact:
Dcn. Michael Hanafin: Safe Environment Program Coordinator

Cell: (480) 387-5182 – Email: dcnhanafin@ephx.org
Sbdcn. Paul F. Kilroy: Asst. Safe Environment Program Coordinator
Office: (602) 861-9778 – Cell: (702) 498-5972 – Email: sbdcnkilroy@ephx.org
Dr. Caroline Bonham: Victim Assistance Coordinator 

Cell: (505) 314-3943 – Email: victimassistanceofphoenix@gmail.com