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

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.

Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

The feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God Into the Temple praises and glorifies God for His plan of salvation. God prepares for Himself a holy dwelling place. The Byzantine Church never tires of praising the Mother of God for her role in our salvation. She is called the “Heavenly Tabernacle” in the Kontakion of the Feast, and the “Living Tabernacle of God” in the Hirmos. She is given these titles because in her womb the Word of God has taken flesh and dwelt among us. Her body is the living tabernacle of the Incarnate Word and, through her, God has taken on our human nature and elevated us to become “sharers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1: 4). God, Who is beyond our reach and beyond our grasp, comes to dwell among us. This is God’s plan, and in the Virgin Mary, this plan of salvation was achieved.

In the Icon of the Entrance of the Mother of God, Mary is shown as a young girl being escorted to the Temple by her parents, Joachim and Anna. She is also accompanied by the holy virgins carrying candles. In all the icons of the Presentation, the High Priest greets the holy family at the entrance to the Temple.

The presentation into the temple is the main event, so the figures of the holy family and the High Priest are predominant. The Church honors the Virgin Mary as God-bearer (in Greek: Theotokos), the one who, in God’s plan of salvation, would give birth to God the Word. In the upper corner of some icons, the Virgin Mary is seen already seated in the Temple, and being cared for by the Angels. Thus, Mary, the young girl, is not only presented but also participates in the very task of her temple life. Through the Icon, we celebrate and share this mystery in the life of the Virgin.

Today is the Prelude of the benevolence of God, and the announcement of the salvation of Man. In the Temple of God, the Virgin is seen openly foretelling the Coming of Christ. Wherefore let us cry out in a loud voice: “Hail, O Fulfillment of the Creator’s Plan!”  (Troparion of the Entrance of the Theotokos)

From Godwithusonline.org

Sunday Bulletin 11/21/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Nov. 21 – Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 22 – Philemon and Others, Apostles         

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Tuesday, Nov. 23 – Amphilochius and Gregory, Bishops        

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Nov. 24 – Catherine, Great Martyr   

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Emmanuel Moleben

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Nov. 25 – Clement and Peter, Pope and Bishop       

8:30 AM          Thanksgiving Moleben

Friday, Nov. 26 – Alypius the Stylite, Venerable           

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Nov. 27 – James the Persian, Martyr       

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 28 – 27th 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: $1,782.00; Candles: $67.00; Online: $310.00; VC Outreach: $380.00; Church Improvements: $280.00; Holydays: $30.00; Socials: $30.00; Gift shop: $52.00

Total: $2,931.00 / Attendance- PSM: 61 VCO: 44

 

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

The feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God Into the Temple praises and glorifies God for His plan of salvation. God prepares for Himself a holy dwelling place. The Byzantine Church never tires of praising the Mother of God for her role in our salvation. She is called the “Heavenly Tabernacle” in the Kontakion of the Feast, and the “Living Tabernacle of God” in the Hirmos. She is given these titles because in her womb the Word of God has taken flesh and dwelt among us. Her body is the living tabernacle of the Incarnate Word and, through her, God has taken on our human nature and elevated us to become “sharers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1: 4). God, Who is beyond our reach and beyond our grasp, comes to dwell among us. This is God’s plan, and in the Virgin Mary, this plan of salvation was achieved.

In the Icon of the Entrance of the Mother of God, Mary is shown as a young girl being escorted to the Temple by her parents, Joachim and Anna. She is also accompanied by the holy virgins carrying candles. In all the icons of the Presentation, the High Priest greets the holy family at the entrance to the Temple.

The presentation into the temple is the main event, so the figures of the holy family and the High Priest are predominant. The Church honors the Virgin Mary as God-bearer (in Greek: Theotokos), the one who, in God’s plan of salvation, would give birth to God the Word. In the upper corner of some icons, the Virgin Mary is seen already seated in the Temple, and being cared for by the Angels. Thus, Mary, the young girl, is not only presented but also participates in the very task of her temple life. Through the Icon, we celebrate and share this mystery in the life of the Virgin.

Today is the Prelude of the benevolence of God, and the announcement of the salvation of Man. In the Temple of God, the Virgin is seen openly foretelling the Coming of Christ. Wherefore let us cry out in a loud voice: “Hail, O Fulfillment of the Creator’s Plan!”  (Troparion of the Entrance of the Theotokos)

From Godwithusonline.org

“…Tonight your soul is demanded of you.” We are not our own, and this is equally true of the blessings in our lives. Jesus speaks sternly of the need to understand this so that we can be “rich toward God”. If you are blessed with the richness of a calling from God to be a priest, deacon monk or nun, will you answer it with the same yes that we see in the Theotokos and the saints? To learn more, 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

Additional Philip’s Fast Resources

The Phillip’s Fast began Monday, Nov. 15th.  This 40-day fast in preparation for Christmas, like the others (The Great Fast etc.), involves prayer (our communication with God takes on a tone of anticipation), fasting (denying ourselves certain earthly goods so that we are yearning for Christ’s coming with our body as much as we are with our mind and spirit) and almsgiving (involving the wider community, especially the needy, in our preparations).  We “empty ourselves of ourselves” through these penitential actions so that we may be “filled up” with Christ when He comes as an infant.
 
As you saw in last Sunday’s bulletin, Bishop Kurt offers three more reflections on why we fast:

-First, we fast to partake of the Food of Paradise. Christ came to restore paradise to us and so we eat the food of paradise in conformity with this gift He gives us.  (Adam and Eve didn’t eat meat in Eden: Genesis 1:29)

-Second, we fast for Healing. The demons of physical and spiritual affliction can be driven out only by prayer and fasting, as Jesus indicated when the apostles asked why they could not drive out the demon from the child in Mark 9:29.

-And third, we fast to conform to the will of God. Our life of faith in Christ is to follow Him. We fulfill His will for us by taking up our cross that, in dying ourselves, we will be raised up. Fasting is the way we learn to conform our daily lives to this, His will.

 

I’ve provided some resources to help you embrace this fasting season:
 
This book by Orthodox priest, Father Thomas Hopko is an excellent guide for adults:  https://svspress.com/winter-pascha-the/
Here’s some excerpts from this book if you can’t purchase the whole thing:  http://ww1.antiochian.org/winter-pascha
-Our Byzantine Melkite brothers and sisters put together a great resource for walking through the Philip’s Fast with a family.  This was produced back in 2020, so some of the dates, will be off by a few days, but it is great resource nonetheless. It is meant to be printed out, but it can be read from a screen as well.
 -An article with ideas for family participation in the Phillip‘s Fast including a Byzantine Jesse Tree:

Suggestions for Intensifying/Adapting PRAYER

 
-Incorporate a tone of anticipation into your daily prayer.  Here is the Troparion for the Pre-feast of the Nativity of our Lord:
 

“Bethlehem, make ready, Eden has been opened for all.  Ephrathah, prepare yourself, for the Tree of Life has blossomed from the Virgin in the cave.  Her womb has become a spiritual paradise in which divinity was planted.  If we partake of it, we shall live and not die like Adam.  Christ is born to raise up the likeness that had fallen.”

-You can also incorporate the scripture readings heard once a week at the Emmanuel Moleben.  I’ve listed them below.
–The 15 Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) are traditionally associated with pilgrimage.  They can be prayed as we make this spiritual pilgrimage towards the Nativity of Our Lord.

Suggestions for intensifying/adapting FASTING:

-The traditional and suggested regulations for fasting are as follows:{From the Typicon (The guide book for the prayer structure of the Church)}:
“The 40 day preparation for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) begins Nov 15.  During this fast it was the custom to observe a “strict abstinence” (no meat, dairy, wine or oil) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and a lesser abstinence (wine and oil allowed) on Tuesday and Thursday.  The fast is observed more strictly from Dec. 10 (in some traditions) or from Dec. 20 (in other traditions), with daily strict abstinence, and wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday.  The Ruthenian Metropolia has identified this period as a penitential season.   This fast may be observed voluntarily, partially or in its entirety.”

Suggestions for intensifying/adapting ALMSGIVING:

More intensely give your “time, talent and/or treasure” to those in need (almsgiving);  Keep an eye on the bulletin for parish sponsored almsgiving opportunities.  You can also call a friend or family member that you normally struggle to spend time with, and/or put a bit extra in the collection plate.
Week One:
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 49: 2-8, 10
Epistle:James 5: 7-10
Gospel:Matthew 1: 1-17

Week Two:
Old Testament Reading:Isaiah 7: 10-14
Epistle:1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
Gospel:Matthew 1: 18-24

Week Three:
Old Testament Reading:Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25
Epistle:Philippians 4: 4-7
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

Week Four:
Old Testament Reading:Jeremiah 23: 5-8
Epistle:Romans 1: 1-17
Gospel:Luke 1: 26-38

Week Five:
Old Testament Reading:Zephaniah 3: 14-18
Epistle: Romans 16: 25-27
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Week Six:
Old Testament Reading:1 Samuel 1: 24-28​
Epistle:Hebrews 10: 5-10
Gospel:Luke 1: 46-56

Week Seven:
Old Testament Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4, 23-24
Epistle:Titus 3: 4-7
Gospel:Luke 1: 57-66

Philip’s Fast

The 40-day fasting period that prepares our minds, souls, and bodies for the Nativity of Our Lord begins Monday, Nov. 15th. I’ll be sending out my own thoughts on the fast in an email to the parish, but here are some reflections from Bishop Kurt that I found helpful.

Why do we fast? There are three important reasons why we fast:

First, we fast to partake of the Food of Paradise. Christ came to restore paradise to us and so we eat the food of paradise in conformity with this gift He gives us.

Second, we fast for Healing. The demons of physical and spiritual affliction can be driven out only by prayer and fasting, as Jesus indicated when the apostles asked why they could not drive out the demon from the child in Mark 9:29.

And third, we fast to conform to the will of God. Our life of faith in Christ is to follow Him. We fulfill His will for us by taking up our cross that, in dying ourselves, we will be raised up. Fasting is the way we learn to conform our daily lives to this, His will.

Even if we find it very difficult to keep this abstinence, the spirit of the fast is always recommended – that we abstain from things that are extremely pleasing or excessive and practice penance. More time should be allowed for prayer, attending services and for acts of charity to others.

You can find the whole article at https://www.sscyrilmethodius.org/byzantine-fasting/