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/

Sunday Bulletin 11/14/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Nov. 14 – 25th Sunday after Pentecost         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 15 – Philip’s Fast Begins

Tuesday, Nov. 16 – Matthew, Apostle-Evangelist        

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Gregory Wonderworker, Bishop   

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Emmanuel Moleben

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Nov. 18 – Plato and Roman, Martyrs      

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Nov. 19 – Obadiah, Prophet           

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Nov. 20 – Gregory the Decapolite, Venerable       

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

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

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: $3,381.00; Candles: $74.51; Online: $610.00; VC Outreach: $60.00; Church Improvements: $200.00

Total: $4,325.51 / Attendance- PSM: 49 VCO: 48

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/

“Go and do likewise.” Our Lord teaches the rich young man that showing mercy to all is the way to best fulfill the two greatest commandments, of loving God and loving our neighbor. For each of us, to “go and do likewise” will look different based on our unique gifts from God. Some of us are called to show mercy by serving the Church as priests, deacons, monks and nuns. If that may be your calling, 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

Acquiring Spiritual Friendships

Acquiring Spiritual Friendships:

St. John tells us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15). So many of our friendships are with the world. St. Teresa of Avila offers the following guidelines for spiritual friendships, or friendships with God as the focus. Here are her suggestions on how to bring God’s love into our friendships

o   1. Attraction is not based merely on physical beauty or mere natural qualities

o   2. Friends find that they cannot be interested in anything unless it leads to God

o   3. Friendship is selfless

o   4. Friendship welcomes being admonished if we stray into the world or away from God

o   5. Friendship is permanent because it is based on He who does not change

o   6. Friendship must be experienced

 

Sunday Bulletin 11/08/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Nov. 7 – 24th Sunday after Pentecost           

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 8 – Archangel Michael and all the Angels          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy            Anna Tombazzi from her parents

7:30 PM          Fire Pit Social

Tuesday, Nov. 9 – Onesiphorus and Pophyrius, Martyrs          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Nov. 10 – Erastus and Others, Apostles   

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy            +Fr. Conon Timoney

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Nov. 11 – Menas, Victor & Vincent; Martyrs     

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Nov. 12 – Josaphat, Archbishop          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Nov. 13 – John Chrysostom, Archbishop       

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 14 – 25th 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, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,059.00; Candles: $71.27; Online: $5,370.00; VC Outreach: $200.00; Coffee Social: $34.00

Total: $6,734.27 / Attendance- PSM: 60 VCO: 47

Father Nathan and Family

As most of you know, Father Nathan is currently a priest of the Eparchy of Parma on loan to our Eparchy and the Proto-Cathedral.  The initial term was for one year, concluding November 1, 2021.  We have received word that his bishop and our administrator have agreed that he will be assigned here at the Proto-Cathedral for at least one more year.  Thanks be to God!  

Acquiring Spiritual Friendships:

St. John tells us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15). So many of our friendships are with the world. St. Teresa of Avila offers the following guidelines for spiritual friendships, or friendships with God as the focus. Here are her suggestions on how to bring God’s love into our friendships

o   1. Attraction is not based merely on physical beauty or mere natural qualities

o   2. Friends find that they cannot be interested in anything unless it leads to God

o   3. Friendship is selfless

o   4. Friendship welcomes being admonished if we stray into the world or away from God

o   5. Friendship is permanent because it is based on He who does not change

o   6. Friendship must be experienced

“Daughter, be of good cheer! Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Our merciful Savior brought healing to the ill because he loves us all. By dedicating our lives to more prayer and devotion to him through a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate, and monastic lives, this healing can be extended to the world. Is this something that may be in store for your future? 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

Blessed Theodore Romzha – Feast November 1

Unable to intimidate Bishop Romzha, the Soviets decided to liquidate him, and staged a highway accident. A military truck rammed the horse drawn carriage in which the Bishop was returning home from the rededication of the parish church of Lavki, near Mukachevo. Bishop Romzha was badly injured, but survived; and passersby took him to the hospital in Mukachevo where, after a few days, he began to regain his strength. Then suddenly, early on the morning of November 1, 1947, he was found dead.

The night before Bishop Romzha’s death, the director of the hospital and a strange nurse, who disappeared the next day, were seen entering the Bishop’s room about midnight. The Soviet authorities announced that Bishop Romzha died from injuries suffered in his highway accident; but a later investigation showed that he had, in fact, been poisoned.

Blessed Theodore Romzha was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 27, 2001. His relics are enshrined in Holy Cross Cathedral in Uzhorod, Transcarpathia.

(Read the whole bio at ww.eparchyofpassaic.com/romzha)

Sunday Bulletin 10/31/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Oct. 31 – 23rd Sunday after Pentecost         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 1 – Cosmas and Damian, Unmercenaries          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Tuesday, Nov. 2 – Akindynos and Others, Martyrs          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Nov. 3 – Acepsimas and Others, Martyrs     

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy            Intention of Fr. Nathan

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Nov. 4 – Joannicius, Venerable        

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Nov. 5 – Galaction and Episteme, Martyrs             

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Nov. 6 – Paul the Confessor, Archbishop         

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 7 – 24th 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, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,336.00; Candles: $48.85; Online: $370.00; VC Outreach: $90.00; Church Improvements: $50.00

Total: $1,924.85 / Attendance- PSM: 65 VCO: 33

Blessed Theodore Romzha – Feast November 1

Unable to intimidate Bishop Romzha, the Soviets decided to liquidate him, and staged a highway accident. A military truck rammed the horse drawn carriage in which the Bishop was returning home from the rededication of the parish church of Lavki, near Mukachevo. Bishop Romzha was badly injured, but survived; and passersby took him to the hospital in Mukachevo where, after a few days, he began to regain his strength. Then suddenly, early on the morning of November 1, 1947, he was found dead.

The night before Bishop Romzha’s death, the director of the hospital and a strange nurse, who disappeared the next day, were seen entering the Bishop’s room about midnight. The Soviet authorities announced that Bishop Romzha died from injuries suffered in his highway accident; but a later investigation showed that he had, in fact, been poisoned.

Blessed Theodore Romzha was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 27, 2001. His relics are enshrined in Holy Cross Cathedral in Uzhorod, Transcarpathia.

(Read the whole bio at ww.eparchyofpassaic.com/romzha)

 “Return to your house and proclaim what great things God has done for you.” Our healing Lord brings redemption and breaks the chains of sin, demonic possession and anything else that may be in our way to grow in holiness. Do you have a story of salvation that can be shared with the world by responding to it with a life in the monastic or ordained life? To learn more about this, 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

And Who Is My Neighbor

A special obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbor of absolutely every person, and of actively helping him when he comes across our path, whether he be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign laborer unjustly looked upon, a refugee, a child born of an unlawful union and wrongly suffering from a sin he did not commit, or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience by recalling the voice of the Lord: “As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me.”

Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, or willful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children, as well as disgraceful working conditions, where men are treated as mere tools for profit, rather than as free and responsible persons; all these things and others of their like are infamies indeed. They poison human society, but they do more harm to those who practice them than to those who suffer from the injury. Moreover, they are a supreme dishonor to the Creator…

Since all men possess a rational soul and are created in God’s likeness, since they have the same nature and origin, have been redeemed by Christ, and enjoy the same divine calling and destiny, the basic equality of all must receive increasingly greater recognition.

True, all men are not alike from the point of view of varying physical power and the diversity of intellectual and moral resources. Nevertheless, with respect to the fundamental rights of the person, every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on sex, race, color, social condition, language, or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s intent.

-Documents of Vatican II, The Church Today

Sunday Bulletin 10/24/21

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Oct. 24 – 22nd Sunday after Pentecost          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Oct. 25 – Marcian and Martyrius, Martyrs         

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Tuesday, Oct. 26 – Demetrius, Great Martyr         

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Oct. 27 – Nestor, Martyr   

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy            +Fr. Conon Timony

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Oct. 28 – Paraskevia, Martyr       

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Oct. 29 – Anastasia, Venerable Martyr            

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Oct. 30 – Zenobius and Zenobia, Martyrs        

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Oct. 31 – 23rd 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, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $916.00; Candles: $35.14; Online: $1,110.00; VC Outreach: $287.00; Church Improvements: $100.00

Total: $2,448.14 / Attendance- PSM: 60 VCO: 30

 And Who is My Neighbor?

A special obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbor of absolutely every person, and of actively helping him when he comes across our path, whether he be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign laborer unjustly looked upon, a refugee, a child born of an unlawful union and wrongly suffering from a sin he did not commit, or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience by recalling the voice of the Lord: “As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me.”

Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, or willful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children, as well as disgraceful working conditions, where men are treated as mere tools for profit, rather than as free and responsible persons; all these things and others of their like are infamies indeed. They poison human society, but they do more harm to those who practice them than to those who suffer from the injury. Moreover, they are a supreme dishonor to the Creator…

Since all men possess a rational soul and are created in God’s likeness, since they have the same nature and origin, have been redeemed by Christ, and enjoy the same divine calling and destiny, the basic equality of all must receive increasingly greater recognition.

True, all men are not alike from the point of view of varying physical power and the diversity of intellectual and moral resources. Nevertheless, with respect to the fundamental rights of the person, every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on sex, race, color, social condition, language, or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s intent.

-Documents of Vatican II, The Church Today [Guild]

“If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone rises from the dead.” Abraham spoke to the rich man to emphasize to him and to us that we have many words of truth that show us the right way to live our lives. In his mercy, Our Lord calls men and women to be those modern day prophets by living as priests, deacons, monks and nuns. Is this something the Lord may be doing in your life? If so, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

A Little More Courageously

I’m currently in Albuquerque, NM, the city in which I grew up. I’m here for my childhood pastor’s 40th anniversary of ordination. At this event, I’ve naturally done some reflecting on the beginnings of my Byzantine Catholic faith, what it means to be a priest, and thanked God for this good man and priest in my life. I’ll speak about these reflections later, but I want to share something I didn’t expect to reflect upon during this trip. I’m staying with a friend that I haven’t seen in years. He picked me up from the airport, took me to one of my old haunts for lunch, and then drove me to his new house. As we drove into his neighborhood, I had very intense nostalgia and wondered if this was the neighborhood that I lived in when I was very young. I texted my parents and found that we lived on that very block when I was four years old.

I walked to the neighborhood park and all the memories of bike riding, sledding, and evening walks with my family flooded my mind. Since I was so young when I formed these memories, I immediately reflected upon how a major part of all these memories was the reality of being taken care of. I wasn’t old enough to go to the park alone, so I was always being guided, guarded, and kept safe. 39 years later, the guardians I’m aware of have become Our Lord, the Theotokos, the Archangel Michael etc., but these guardians are too easy to forget since I don’t perceive them the same way. I felt encouraged to thank these ever-present Guardians, acknowledge their presence more often, and live a little more courageously because of this renewed awareness.

-Fr. Michael