O Lord, grant that with Your peace I may greet all that this day is to bring. Grant me grace to surrender myself completely to Your holy will. In every hour of this day instruct me and guide me in all things. Teach me to accept tranquility whatever tidings I may receive during this day, in the firm belief that Your holy will governs all. Govern my thoughts and feelings in all that I do and say. When unforeseen things occur, let me not forget that all is overseen by You. Teach me to behave sincerely and reasonably toward everyone, so that I may bring confusion and sorrow to no one. Bestow on me, O Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day and to bear my part in its events. Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to suffer, to forgive, and to love. Amen.
Sunday Bulletin 1/23/22
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan. 23 – 35th Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
Tuesday, Jan. 25 – Gregory the Theologian, Bishop
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Wednesday, Jan. 26 – Xenophon & Mary, Venerables
6:30 PM Divine Liturgy +Fr. Conon Timoney
7:30 PM Fire-pit Social
Thursday, Jan. 27 – Translation of the Relics of John Chrysostom
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Friday, Jan. 28 – Ephrem the Syrian, Venerable
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Compline
Saturday, Jan. 29 – Translation of the Relics of Ignatius, Martyr
5:00 PM Ventura County Divine Liturgy
6:30 PM Vespers
Sunday, Jan. 30 – Sunday of Zaccheus
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: $1,738.60; Candles: $72.00; Online: $125.00; VC Outreach: $495.65; Parish Socials: $25.00; Initial Offering: $5.00; Holydays: $120.00; Coffee Shop fund: $6,000.00; All Souls: $30.00
Total: $8,611.25 / Attendance- PSM: 63 VC: 64
House Blessings
It is a tradition to receive a house blessing every year after the feast of Theophany. You will find sign up sheets for this year’s house blessing in the small hall.
2021 Contribution Statements
2021 contribution statements will NOT be printed unless requested. Please see Anne Seabright or email the office for a paper copy. If you have not received your statement, your email address is not on file with the office, please email admin@byzantineLA.com
God With Us Online
Check the flyer on the bulletin boards for God With Us Online’s Spring curriculum. All courses are offered as live webinars, and are free of charge. Register today: EasternCatholic.org/events
A Prayer for the Begging of the Day from St. John of Kronstadt
O Lord, grant that with Your peace I may greet all that this day is to bring. Grant me grace to surrender myself completely to Your holy will. In every hour of this day instruct me and guide me in all things. Teach me to accept tranquility whatever tidings I may receive during this day, in the firm belief that Your holy will governs all. Govern my thoughts and feelings in all that I do and say. When unforeseen things occur, let me not forget that all is overseen by You. Teach me to behave sincerely and reasonably toward everyone, so that I may bring confusion and sorrow to no one. Bestow on me, O Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day and to bear my part in its events. Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to suffer, to forgive, and to love. Amen.
“…even the little dogs eat the crumbs from their masters’ table.” Today’s encounter between the Canaanite woman and our Lord shows us what hunger for salvation looks like. The entire world seeks fulfillment that comes to us through union with God. Is He calling you to serve and show this mystical reality by serving as a monk or nun, or through a life in the holy orders? Reach out to 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
The Veneration of the venerable Chains of St. Peter (Jan. 16)
The OCA notes “The Veneration of the Honorable Chains of the Holy and All-Praised Apostle Peter: In about the year 42, on the orders of Herod Agrippa, the Apostle Peter was thrown into prison for preaching about Christ the Savior. In prison, he was held secure by two iron chains. During the night before his trial, an angel of the Lord removed these chains from the Apostle Peter and led him out from the prison (Acts 12:1-11). Christians who learned of the miracle took the chains and kept them as precious keepsakes. For three centuries, the chains were kept in Jerusalem, and those who were afflicted with illness and approached them with faith received healing. Patriarch Juvenal (July 2) presented the chains to Eudokia, wife of the emperor Theodosius the Younger, and she in turn transferred them from Jerusalem to Constantinople in either the year 437 or 439. Eudokia sent one chain to Rome to her daughter Eudoxia (the wife of Valentinian), who built a church on the Esquiline hill dedicated to the Apostle Peter and placed the chain in it. There were other chains in Rome, with which the Apostle Peter was shackled before his martyrdom under the emperor Nero. These were also placed in the church. On January 16, the chains of Saint Peter are brought out for public veneration.”
Why do we venerate chains? All of us are chained to things, other people, our hobbies, our friends, families, and even enemies. But there is nothing more glorious than to be a prisoner of Christ! The Apostle Paul calls these “the bonds of the gospel.” (c.f Philemon 1:13; and Acts 28:20). To be bound by the Gospel means total freedom to be what God has made us to be. Indeed, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed!” (John 8:36). Paradoxically, to be a slave to God is to be totally free because true freedom is freedom as God created it to be, freedom to become partakers of the Gospel, of the Divine Nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
Sunday Bulletin 01/16/22
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan. 16 – 34th Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
Monday, Jan. 17 – Anthony the Great, Venerable
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
Tuesday, Jan. 18 – Athanasius & Cyril, Archbishops
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Wednesday, Jan. 19 – Marcarius, Venerable
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
6:30 PM Divine Liturgy +Fr. Conon Timoney
7:30 PM Fire-pit Social
Thursday, Jan. 20 – Euthymius the Great, Venerable
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Friday, Jan. 21 – Maximus the Confessor, Venerable
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Compline
Saturday, Jan. 22 – Timothy, Apostle and Anastasius, Martyr
5:00 PM Ventura County Divine Liturgy
6:30 PM Vespers
Sunday, Jan. 23 – 35th 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, 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: $1,357.00; Candles: $93.50; Online: $595.00; VC Outreach: $270.00; Church Improvements: $95.00; Parish Socials: $5.00; Initial Offering: $15.00; Holydays: $160.00
Total: $2,590.50 / Attendance- PSM: 64 VCO: 29
House Blessings
It is a tradition to receive a house blessing every year after the feast of Theophany. You will find sign up sheets for this year’s house blessing in the small hall.
2021 Contribution Statements
2021 contribution statements will NOT be printed unless requested. Please see Anne Seabright or email the office if this is the case. If your email address is not on file with the church, please email admin@byzantineLA.com to ensure you receive your statement.
The Veneration of the venerable Chains of St. Peter (Jan. 16)
The OCA notes “The Veneration of the Honorable Chains of the Holy and All-Praised Apostle Peter: In about the year 42, on the orders of Herod Agrippa, the Apostle Peter was thrown into prison for preaching about Christ the Savior. In prison, he was held secure by two iron chains. During the night before his trial, an angel of the Lord removed these chains from the Apostle Peter and led him out from the prison (Acts 12:1-11). Christians who learned of the miracle took the chains and kept them as precious keepsakes. For three centuries, the chains were kept in Jerusalem, and those who were afflicted with illness and approached them with faith received healing. Patriarch Juvenal (July 2) presented the chains to Eudokia, wife of the emperor Theodosius the Younger, and she in turn transferred them from Jerusalem to Constantinople in either the year 437 or 439. Eudokia sent one chain to Rome to her daughter Eudoxia (the wife of Valentinian), who built a church on the Esquiline hill dedicated to the Apostle Peter and placed the chain in it. There were other chains in Rome, with which the Apostle Peter was shackled before his martyrdom under the emperor Nero. These were also placed in the church. On January 16, the chains of Saint Peter are brought out for public veneration.”
Why do we venerate chains? All of us are chained to things, other people, our hobbies, our friends, families, and even enemies. But there is nothing more glorious than to be a prisoner of Christ! The Apostle Paul calls these “the bonds of the gospel.” (c.f Philemon 1:13; and Acts 28:20). To be bound by the Gospel means total freedom to be what God has made us to be. Indeed, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed!” (John 8:36). Paradoxically, to be a slave to God is to be totally free because true freedom is freedom as God created it to be, freedom to become partakers of the Gospel, of the Divine Nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
God With Us Online
Check the flyer on the bulletin boards for God With Us Online’s Spring curriculum. All courses are offered as live webinars, and are free of charge. Register today: EasternCatholic.org/events
“Your faith has healed you.” Jesus heard the pleas for him to have mercy on the blind man on the road near Jericho. He meets us wherever we are in life, to bring us the healing that we so dearly need, especially when we cry out in faith. Priests, deacons, monks and nuns bring the presence of Jesus to the world. Could this be your calling? To find out more, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org
Sunday Bulletin 01/09/22
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan. 09 – Sunday after Theophany
8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
Monday, Jan. 10 – Gregory of Nyssa, Bishop
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Tuesday, Jan. 11 – Theodosius, Venerable
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Wednesday, Jan. 12 – Tatiana, Martyr
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
6:30 PM Divine Liturgy +Fr. Conon Timoney
7:30 PM Fire-pit Social
Thursday, Jan. 13 – Hermolaus and Stratonicus, Martyrs
8:30 AM Matins
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Friday, Jan. 14 – Venerable Fathers of Sinai and Raitho
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Compline
Saturday, Jan. 15 – Paul and John, Venerables
5:00 PM Ventura County Divine Liturgy
6:30 PM Vespers
Sunday, Jan. 16 – 34th 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, 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: $3,718.00; Candles: $30.10; Online: $330.00; VC Outreach: $60.00; Holydays: $100.00; Church Improvements: $135.00; Parish Socials: $49.00; Initial Offering: $15.00
Total: $4,437.10 / Attendance- PSM: 65
What to do with your blessed Jordan water
We’ve all heard the stats…humans are about 60% water (babies at birth are about 78% water, adult women about 55-60% and adult men about 60-65%) and the earth is about 71% water. Water can kill, or sustain life. The church has acknowledged the obvious importance of water and uses it to manifest the cleansing, grave, vital, and sustaining reality of the Church and Christ.
At the blessing of the Jordan water on Theophany, the priest asks our Lord to make the blessed water “a source of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, a deliverance from sins, an averting of diseases, unapproachable by hostile powers, filled with angelic strength. That all who draw from it and partake of it may have it for cleansing of souls and bodies, for healing of passions, for sanctification of homes, for every suitable purpose”.
So it’s important to acknowledge this great gift by actually using the water. Too many of us put the Jordan water we bring home in our icon corner and never touch it again. One beautiful tradition is to have a sip (or just a drip off an immersed fingertip) first thing in the morning so that holy water is the first thing we consume each day. We can also use it to trace a sign of the cross on our children, phones, steering wheel, front door, TV, pillow, gifts, and on our children’s media devices, backpacks, seats at table, and beds.
And there is even a traditional prayer to say before having that sip of holy water in the morning:
O Lord, my God, may I receive your holy water for the remission of my sins, the enlightenment of my mind, the strengthening of my soul and body, and the conquering of my passions and infirmities, according to your mercy that has no bounds, and through the prayers of your most pure Mother and all the saints. Amen.
Father Michael
House Blessings
It is a tradition to receive a house blessing every year after the feast of Theophany. You will find sign up sheets for this year’s house blessing in the back of the church this coming Sunday.
Daily Devotionals
We have begun a new project that makes daily prayer easier and more comprehensive. You will find daily posts featuring the saint, icon, troparion, kontakion, epistle and Gospel of the day on our parish website and social media. Daily posts are published on the website (byzantinela.com/daily-devotionals/) at 4pm the previous day (the liturgical day begins at sundown the previous day) and our parish Facebook (“Byzantine Catholic Proto-Cathedral of St. Mary” @ProtoCathedralSO) and Instagram (@st_marys_protocathedral) accounts at 6am.
“The people who sat in darkness saw a great light.” The Unapproachable Light of Christ showed himself to us. Our Lord may be calling you to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. If this may be the case, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org
What to do with your blessed Jordan water
We’ve all heard the stats…humans are about 60% water (babies at birth are about 78% water, adult women about 55-60% and adult men about 60-65%) and the earth is about 71% water. Water can kill, or sustain life. The church has acknowledged the obvious importance of water and uses it to manifest the cleansing, grave, vital and sustaining reality of the Church and Christ.
At the blessing of the Jordan water on Theophany, the priest asks our Lord to make the blessed water “a source of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, a deliverance from sins, an averting of diseases, unapproachable by hostile powers, filled with angelic strength. That all who draw from it and partake of it may have it for cleansing of souls and bodies, for healing of passions, for sanctification of homes, for every suitable purpose”.
So it’s important to acknowledge this great gift by actually using the water. Too many of us put the Jordan water we bring home in our icon corner and never touch it again. One beautiful tradition is to have a sip (or just a drip off an immersed finger tip) first thing in the morning so that holy water is the first thing we consume each day. We can also use it to trace a sign of the cross on our children, phones, steering wheel, front door, tv, pillow, gifts, and on our children’s media devices, backpacks, seats at table, and beds.
And there is even a traditional prayer to say before having that sip of holy water in the morning:
O Lord, my God, may I receive your holy water for the remission of my sins, the enlightenment of my mind, the strengthening of my soul and body, and the conquering fo my passions and infirmities, according to your mercy that has no bounds, and through the prayers of your most pure Mother and all the saints. Amen.
Father Michael
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
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