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 

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