Sunday Bulletin 08/14/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Aug. 13  –  Maximus the Confessor, Venerable       

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Aug. 14  –  10th Sunday after Pentecost         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

4:00 PM          Vesper-Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos (Day of Obligation)  — Blessing of Flowers, herbs, and medications

Wednesday, Aug. 17  –  Myron, Martyr   

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

9:30 AM          Photina Prayer Walk

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy     +Holy Souls

7:45 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Aug. 20  –  Samuel, Prophet; Stephen, King of Hungary       

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Aug. 21  –  11th Sunday after Pentecost      

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

PRAYER REQUESTS

(Please resubmit or submit names to admin@ByzantineLA.com)

Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, all the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $4,948.00; Candles: $93.47; Weekly Socials: $201.50; Online: $337.50; Santa Paula: $210.00; Married Priest Subsistence: $20.00; Special Gift: $440.00

Total: $6,600.47 / Attendance- PSM: 90 VCO: 60

“Nothing will be impossible for you!” Jesus taught his disciples to pray and to fast with faith. In that faith, nothing would be impossible for them. This is still true today. To see this more clearly, we need people of faith to serve the Church as priests, deacons, subdeacons, monks and nuns. If God may be calling you to this life, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Dormition of the Theotokos – August 15

“Dormition” means “falling asleep” (cf. “dorm” room).  In Greek the feast is called “Koimisis” which is the root of our English word “cemetery”.  Tradition teaches that the Theotokos died (the ancient icon shows a resurrected Jesus standing beside her body and holding her soul in His arms) at a ripe old age being cared for by her adopted son John the Theologian (“Behold your son” John 19:26).  The other Apostles were mystically gathered to be at her passing.  Thomas was late (again) though and when he arrived he asked that her tomb be opening so that he could venerate her body.  When they opened the tomb, her body was gone, having been assumed into heaven.  All that was left in the tomb was flowers, one of the reasons we bless flowers on this feast.

Here’s a blog about it with activities to celebrate with your family:  https://bit.ly/3Qb0Is5

Eparchial Appeal Update

The Annual Eparchial Appeal is underway! You can use the instructions you received from the bishop, or you can visit our parish’s donation page here:  https://ephx.org/st-marys-eparchial-appeal/  We are working to support our Eparchy as a community, so please prayerfully discern what you can give, and I know we will meet and exceed our goal (we get a large percentage back) if we have full participation. Thank you for your generosity!  Donations are being accepted through Sept. 30. So far, we have raised $9,910.00 of our $25,544.72 goal.   We need to raise $15,634.72 to meet our goal. Thank you to those who have contributed: Bates, Chirdon, Clemens, Cook, Crans, Golya, Herrera, Jimenez, Kieselhorst, Koman-Keogh, Michnya, Mina, Fr. O’Loughlin, O’Neill Onufrak, Patzwahl, Reichert, Summe, Theisen, Wiggins, P. Zimmerman, and W. Zimmerman

Mark Your Calendars

Cantor Training:  If you would like to learn how to read the Epistle or help cantor the Divine Liturgy, join Father Michael, Steve Petach and Matt Wiggins for a kick-off reader/cantor class.  We will meet after all of our usual post-liturgy events on Sunday, August 21.

In the meantime, we highly recommend you go through the free online cantor classes hosted by the Metropolitan Cantor Institute.  You can find more information in the “Classes for Everyone” section of this page:  https://mci.archpitt.org/classes/index.html

Ask Father Michael if you have any questions, and please let him know if you are going through these recommended classes.

Altar Server Training (Date Changed)

Any boy or man who would be interested in serving at the altar, or is already doing so, join us for an upcoming server training.  We will meet after the usual post-liturgy events on Sunday, September 4th.  

 

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) 307-5182 – 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

Aug. 13 Our Venerable Father Maximos the Confessor

Our venerable father Maximos the Confessor was the hegumen of Chrysopolis near Constantinople. He was notable for his teaching and zeal for the Catholic truth. When he vigorously fought against the Monothelites, he had his right hand cut off by the heretical emperor Constans. Along with two of his disciples, both named Anastasius, after a harsh imprisonment and many tortures, Maximos was exiled to the region of Lazica and rendered his spirit to God in the year 662.

 

Troparion

Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, luminary for the world, inspired adornments of monks, O wise Maximos, harp of the Spirit, you enlightened with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Taking its abode within your heart, the thrice-brilliant light made you a chosen vessel. It has revealed heavenly things in you, O blessed saint. You made deep and complicated ideas clear to us, and you preached the eternal Trinity to everyone, O Maximos. 

 

Epistle

Romans 15: 30-33

    Brothers and sisters, I beg you, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of the Spirit, join me in the struggle by your prayers to God on my behalf. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea, and that the offerings I bring to Jerusalem may be well received by the saints there; so that, God willing, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in spirit by your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 17:24 – 18:4

    At that time the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does your master not pay the temple tax?” “Or course he does,” Peter replied. Then Jesus on entering the house asked, without giving him time to speak: “What is your opinion, Simon? Do the kings of the world take tax or tolls from their sons, or foreigners?” When Peter replied, “From foreigners,” Jesus observed: “Then their sons are exempt. But for fear of disedifying the collectors go to the lake, throw in a line, and take out the first fish you catch. Open its mouth and you will discover there a coin worth twice the temple tax. Take it and give it to them for you and me.”

    Just then the disciples came up to Jesus with the questions, “Who is of greatest importance in the kingdom of God?” Jesus called a little child over and stood him in their midst and said: “I assure you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of God. Whoever makes himself lowly, becoming like this child, is of greatest importance in that heavenly reign.”

 

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

 

Aug. 12 The Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetus

The holy martyrs Photius and Anicetus bore witness to the Christian faith before the emperor Diocletian(284-305). Both of them were tortured, and then imprisoned for three years. Eventually they were thrown into an enormous burning furnace in the year 305. 

 

Troparion

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received their incorruptible crowns from You. With Your strength, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

You crushed the rage of vicious torturers by your brave endurance of their torments. Now you rejoice in the courts of heaven, O blessed martyrs Photius and Anicetus. You are blessed forever and ever, praying for those who honor you. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 1: 12-20

    Brothers and sisters: Conscience gives testimony to the boast that in our behavior toward all and especially toward you we have always acted from God-given holiness and candor; this has been prompted, not by debased human wisdom, but by God’s goodness. We never write anything that you cannot read and understand. I hope that, just as you know us to a certain degree already, you will in time come to know us well, and will recognize that we shall be your boast, and you ours, on the day of our Lord Jesus. 

    Confident as I am about this, I wanted to visit you first so that a double grace might be yours. I planned to visit you, both on my way to Macedonia and on my return, that I might receive your help on my journey to Judea. DO you suppose that in making those plans I was acting insincerely? Or that my plans are so determined by self-interest that I change my mind from one minute to the next? As God keeps his word, I declare that my word to you is not “yes” one minute and “no” the next. Jesus Christ, whom Silvanus, Timothy, and I preached to you as Son of God, was not alternately “yes” and “no”; he was never anything but “yes.” Whatever promises God has made have been fulfilled in him; therefore it is through him that we address our Amen to God when we worship together. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 22: 23-33

    At that time some Sadducees, who hold there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question: “Teacher, Moses declared, ‘If a man dies without children, his brother must take the wife and produce offspring for his brother.’ Once there were seven brothers. The eldest died after marrying, and since he had no children, left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second, the third, and so on, down to the seventh. Last of all the woman died too. At the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since all seven of them married her?” Jesus replied: “You are badly misled because you fail to understand the Scriptures and the power of God. When people rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but live like angels in heaven. As to the fact that the dead are raised, have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob’? He is the God of the living, not of the dead.” The crowds who listened were spellbound by his teaching. 

 

 

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

Aug. 11 The Holy Martyr Euplus

The martyr Archdeacon Euplus suffered in the year 308 under the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305- 311). He served in the Sicilian city of Catania. Always carrying the Gospel with him, St. Euplus preached constantly to the pagans about Christ. Once, while he read and explained the Gospel to the gathered crowd, they arrested him and took him to the governor of the city. St. Euplus confessed himself a Christian and denounced the impiety of idol-worship. For this, they sentenced him to torture. They threw the injured saint into prison, where he remained in prayer for seven days. The Lord made a spring of water flow into the prison for the martyr to quench his thirst. Brought to trial for a second time, strengthened and rejoicing, St. Euplus again confessed his faith in Christ and denounced the torturer for spilling the blood of innocent Christians. The judge commanded that the saint’s ears be torn off, and that he be beheaded. When they led the saint to execution, they hung the Gospel around his neck. Having asked for time to pray, the archdeacon began to read and explain the Gospel to the people, and many of the pagans listening came to believe in Christ. The soldiers beheaded the saint with a sword.

 

Troparion

You martyr Euplus, O Lord our God, in his struggle received an incorruptible crown from You. With Your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Carrying the law of Christ in your hands, O Euplus, you bravely confronted the enemy by crying out: I am ready and willing to be martyred. You bent your neck and they cut off your head. And thus you have completed your course. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 1: 1-7

Paul, by God’s will an apostle of Jesus Christ, and Timothy his brother, to the church of God that is at Corinth and to all the holy ones of the church who live in Achaia. Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Praised be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all consolation! He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from him. As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ so we share abundantly in his consolation. If we are afflicted it is for your encouragement and salvation, and when we are consoled it is for your consolation, so that you may endure patiently the same sufferings we endure. Our hope for you is firm because we know that just as you share in the sufferings, so you will share in the consolation. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 21: 43-46

The Lord said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will yield a rich harvest. The man who falls upon the stone will be smashed to bits; and he on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard these parables, they realized he was speaking about them. Although they sought to arrest him, they had reason to fear the crowds who regarded him as a prophet.

 

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

Aug. 10 The Holy Martyr and Archdeacon Lawrence of Rome

The holy martyr Lawrence was the Archdeacon for Pope Sixtus in Rome, and they suffered together in the year 258 under during the reign of the emperor Valerian (253-260). When St. Sixtus was arrested, he entrusted the treasures of the church with St. Lawrence to distribute to the poor. He went around the city on foot, helping clergy and impoverished Christians who were in hiding. When Valerian heard of these treasures, he had Lawrence brought before him, and demanded Lawrence give them to him. Instead of earthly treasure, Lawrence brought the emperor the poor, saying, “Behold the treasures of the Church.” He was thrown in prison, suffered many tortures, and received the unfading crown of martyrdom through fire. 

 

Troparion

Your martyr Lawrence, O Lord our God, in his struggle received an incorruptible crown from You. With Your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

Kontakion

Inflaming your heart with heavenly fire, you turned the fires of passion into cold ashes. O God-bearing martyr Lawrence, strength of martyrs, amid all your sufferings you cried out: Nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ. 

 

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 16: 4-12

    Brothers and sisters: It is fitting that I should go myself [to take your gift to Jerusalem, those whom you have chosen for the task] will accompany me. 

    I shall come to you after I have passed through Macedonia. If it is at all possible, I should like to remain with you for some time – even to spend the winter with you – that you may provide me with what I need for the rest of my journey. I do not want to see you just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. I intend to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost. A door has been opened wide for my work, but at the same time there are many opposed. If Timothy should come, be sure to put him at ease among you. He does the Lord’s work just as I do, so let no one treat him disdainfully. Rather, help him come to me by sending him on his way in peace. I am expecting him with the brethren. As for our brother Apollos, I urged him strongly to go to you with the brethren, but he did not wish to go at this time. He will go when circumstances are more favorable. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 21: 28-32

    The Lord said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What do you think of this case? There was a man who had two sons. He approached the elder and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ The son replied, ‘I am on my way sir’; but never went. Then the man came to his second son and said the same thing. This son said in reply, ‘No, I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. Which of the two did what the father wanted?” They said, “The second.” Jesus said to them, “Let me make clear that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came preaching a way of holiness, you put no faith in him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe in him. Yet even when you saw that, you did not repent and believe him.”

 

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

Aug. 09 The Holy Apostle Matthias

The holy apostle Matthias was born of the tribe of Judah, in Bethlehem. He studied with St. Simeon the God-receiver in Jerusalem. When the Lord went out to preach the Kingdom of God, Matthias joined the others who loved the Lord- for he himself loved Him with all his heart, and heard His words and witnessed His works with delight. Initially Matthias was numbered among the seventy lesser disciples of Christ. However, following the Resurrection of the Lord, the place of Judas being empty, the apostles drew lots and chose Matthias as one of the Twelve Great Apostles (Acts 1:23-26). Receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Matthias set out to preach the Gospel; first in Judah, and then in Ethiopia, where he endured great tortures for the sake of Christ. It is held that he preached throughout Macedonia, where they wanted to blind him; but he became invisible to his torturers, and thus escaped danger. The Lord appeared to him in prison, encouraged him, and freed him. Finally, he returned again to his work in Judea. There he was accused and brought to court before the high priest Ananias, before whom he fearlessly witnessed Christ. Ananias (the same who had slain the Apostle James) condemned Matthias to death. They led Matthias out, stoned him, and then decapitated him with an ax. This punishment was the Roman manner of killing a person who was sentenced to death, and the hypocritical Jews applied this method to Matthias to show he had been an enemy of Rome. Thus the great apostle of Christ reposed, and took up his habitation in the eternal joy of his Lord. 

 

Troparion

O holy Apostle Matthias, intercede with the merciful God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins. 

 

Kontakion

Your good tidings were more brilliant than the sun, and they have spread all over the world; they illumine the Church of the Gentiles with grace. Rejoice, O miracle-working apostle Matthias. 

 

Readings for the saint

Epistle

Acts 1: 12-17 & 21-26

    In those days they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive near Jerusalem–a mere sabbath’s journey away. Entering the city, they went  to the upstairs room where they were staying: Peter and John and James and Andrew; Phillip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus; Simon, the Zealot party member, and Judas son of James. Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer. There were some women in their company, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 

    At one point during those days, Peter stood up in the center of the brothers; there must have been a hundred and twenty gathered together. “Brothers,” he said, “the saying in Scripture uttered long ago by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David was destined to be fulfilled in Judas, the one who guided those that arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and he had been given a share in this ministry of ours. 

    “It is entirely fitting, therefore, that one of those who was of our company while the Lord Jesus moved among us, from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us, should be named as witness with us to his resurrection.” At that they nominated two, Joseph (called Barsabbas, also known as Justus) and Mathias. Then they prayed: “O Lord, you read the hearts of men. Make known to us which of these two you choose for this apostolic ministry, replacing Judas who deserted the cause and went the way he was destined to go.” They then drew lots between the two men. The choice fell to Matthias, who was added to the eleven apostles. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 1-6

At that time Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them the power and authority to overcome all demons and to cure diseases. He sent them forth to proclaim the reign of God and heal the afflicted. Jesus advised them: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking staff nor traveling bag; no bread, no money. No one is to have two coats. Stay at whatever house you enter and proceed from there. When people will not receive you, leave that town and shake its dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, spreading the good news everywhere and curing diseases. 

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15: 29-38

    Brothers and sisters: If the dead are not raised, what about those who have themselves been baptized on behalf of the dead? If the raising of the dead is not a reality, why be baptized on their behalf? And why are we continually putting ourselves in danger? I swear to you, brothers and sister, by the very pride you take in me, which I cherish in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I face death every day. If I fought those beasts in Ephesus for purely human motives, what profit was there for me? If the dead are not raised, [Scripture says] “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Do not be led astray any longer. “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Return to reason, as you ought, and stop sinning. Some of you are quite ignorant of God; I say it to your shame.

    Perhaps someone will say, “How are the dead to be raised up? What kind of body will they have?” A nonsensical question! The seed you sow does not germinate unless it dies. When you sow, you do not sow the full blown plant, but a kernel of wheat or some other grain. God gives body to it as he pleases – to each seed its own fruition. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 21: 23-27

    At that time Jesus entered the temple precincts, and while he was teaching, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to him and said: “On what authority are you doing these things? Who has given you this power?” Jesus answered: “I too will ask a question. If you answer it for me, then I will tell you on what authority I do the things I do. What was the origin of John’s baptism? Was it divine or merely human?” They thought to themselves, “If we say ‘divine,’ he will ask us, ‘Then why did you not put faith in it?’; while if we say ‘merely human,’ we shall have reason to fear the people, who all regard John as a prophet.” So their answer to Jesus was, “We do not know.” He said in turn, “Then neither will I tell you on what authority I do the things I do.” 

 

 

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

 

Aug. 08 The Holy Confessor Emilian, Bishop of Cyzicus

St. Emilian, Bishop of Cyzicus, lived during the reign of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820). He was summoned together with the other bishops to the court of the emperor, who insistently urged the bishops to refrain from the veneration of holy icons. St. Emilian was the first to tell the emperor firmly that the question of the veneration of holy icons ought to be discussed and decided only within the Church by its spiritual leaders, and not at the imperial court. In the year 815 he was sent to prison for the Orthodox Faith, where he died as a confessor.

 

Troparion

Your life has shown you to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of gentleness, and a teacher of moderation. You acquired greatness through humility and wealth through poverty. O father and bishop Emilian, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

The Church recognizes you, O father Emilian, as an advocate of the most Holy Trinity, and she glorifies you with hymns of praise. You even laid down your life as proof of your devotion. For all of this we honor your memory. Deliver your servants from pagan invasions. 

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15: 12-19

    Brothers and sisters: Tell me, if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how is it that some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, Christ himself has not been raised. Ans of Christ has not been raised, our preaching is void of content and your faith is empty too. Indeed, we should then be exposed as false witnesses of God, for we have borne witness before him that he raised up Christ; but he certainly did not raise him up if the dead are not raised. Why? Because if the dead are not raised, your faith is worthless. You are still in your sins, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are the deadest of the dead. If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of men. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 21: 18-22

    At that time, as Jesus was returning to the city, he felt hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the roadside he went over to it, but found nothing there except leaves. He said to it, “Never again shall you produce fruit!”; and it withered up instantly. The disciples were dumbfounded when they saw this. They asked, “Why did the fig tree wither up so quickly?” Jesus said: “Believe me, if you trust and do not falter, not only will you do what I did to the fig tree, but if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ even that will happen. You will receive all that you pray for, provided you have faith.”

 

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

 

Aug. 7 The Holy Venerable Martyr Dometius

The holy venerable martyr Dometius lived in Persia during the 4th century. In his youth he was converted to the Faith by a Christian named Uaros. Forsaking Persia, St. Dometius withdrew to the frontier city of Nisibis (in Mesopotamia), where he was baptized in one of the monasteries, and also received the monastic tonsure. Fleeing the ill-will of some of the monks, St. Dometius moved to the monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in the city of Theodosiopolis. The monastery was under the guidance of an archimandrite named Urbelos, a strict ascetic. In this monastery St. Dometius was ordained a deacon, but when the archimandrite decided to have Dometius made a presbyter, the saint, considering himself unworthy, hid himself on a desolate mountain in Syria, in the region of Cyrrhus. Many pagans were brought to faith in Christ by St. Dometius. At one time, the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363) arrived in the area, found St. Dometius praying with his disciples in a cave, and walled them up alive inside. 

 

Troparion

Trained in asceticism on the mountain, you were able to defeat the assaults of the devil by the power of the Cross, O holy Dometius. With great courage, you faced the battle and crushed the hostile emperor with the sword of faith. O glorious monk and martyr, God crowned you for your asceticism and your good fight. 

 

Kontakion

You once turned from perishable goods and earthly thoughts which destroy. You became an inspiration for monks, O father Dometius, and you did not shake before the anger of the king who tried to turn you away from honoring Christ. You were killed for your valiant stand; and we sing a hymn of praise to your honor, remembering your death song: God is with me, and no one can prevail against me. 

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 3: 9-17

    Brothers and sisters: [Apollos and I] are God’s co-workers, while you are his cultivation, his building. Thanks to the favor God showed me I laid a foundation as a wise master-builder might do, and now someone else is building upon it. Everyone, however, must be careful how he builds. No one can lay a foundation other than the one that has been laid, namely Jesus Christ. If different ones build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or straw, the work of each will be made clear. The Day will disclose it. That day will make its appearance with fire, and fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If the building a man has raised on this foundation still stands, he will receive his recompense; if a man’s building burns, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as one fleeing from fire. 

    Are you not aware that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, and you are that temple. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 14: 22-34

    At that time while dismissing the crowds, Jesus insisted that his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side of the lake. When he had sent them away, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray, remaining there alone as evening drew on. Meanwhile the boat, already several hundred yards out from shore, was being tossed about in the waves raised by strong headwinds. At about three in the morning, Jesus came walking toward them on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It is a ghost!” they said, and in their fear they began to cry out. Jesus hastened to reassure them: “Get hold of yourselves! It is I. Do not be afraid!” Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you across the water.” “Come!” Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water, moving toward Jesus. But when he perceived how strong the wind was, becoming frightened, he began to sink and cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus at once stretched out his hand and caught him. “How little faith you have!” he exclaimed. “Why did you falter?” Once they had climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat showed him reverence, declaring, “Beyond doubt you are the Son of God.” After making the crossing they reached the shore at Gennesaret. 

 

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

Sunday Bulletin 08/07/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Aug. 6 – The Transfiguration of Our Lord          

8:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Aug. 7 – 9th Sunday after Pentecost           

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Aug. 8 – Emilian, Bishop-Confessor          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Wednesday, Aug. 10 – Lawrence, Archdeacon-Martyr   

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy            +Edward Parrot from Jerome Parrot

7:45 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Aug. 13 – Maximus the Confessor       

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Aug. 14 – 10th Sunday after Pentecost        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

4:00 PM          Vesper-Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos + the Blessing of Flowers, herbs, and medication (holyday of obligation)

PRAYER REQUESTS

(Please resubmit or submit names to admin@ByzantineLA.com)

All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $884.00; Candles: $84.80; Coffee Social: $33.50; Online: $247.50; Santa Paula: $210.00

Total: $1,459.80 / Attendance- PSM: 71 VCO: 50

 

“Take heart! It is I! Do not be afraid.”  Our Lord came to his disciples walking on water, and he called Peter to do the same. In fear and faith, he answered Jesus’ call. Is he calling you to follow him as a priest, deacon, monk, or nun? Answering with your own fear and faith may be a blessing to you and to our Church. Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

 

Maximus the Confessor – August 13

Maximus the Confessor was a philosopher and politician turned monk and theologian in the early 7th century.  By “confessor” we mean that he suffered greatly for the faith but wasn’t actually killed.  He was a champion of the teaching that Jesus Christ had both a human and divine wills to accompany his human and divine natures.  At that time, both the Patriarch of Constantinople and the emperor disagreed with him, and so his tongue was cut out to prevent him from speaking, and his right hand was cut off to prevent him from writing.  He was sent into exile in modern day Georgia and died shortly after.  He was vindicated at the 6th Ecumenical Council, and is considered a great saint by both the Catholic and Orthodox churches.  Venerable Father and Confessor Maximus pray to God for us!

 

Eparchial Appeal Update

The Annual Eparchial Appeal is underway! You can use the instructions you received from the bishop, or you can visit our parish’s donation page here:  https://ephx.org/st-marys-eparchial-appeal/  We are working to support our Eparchy as a community, so please prayerfully discern what you can give, and I know we will meet and exceed our goal (we get a large percentage back) if we have full participation. Thank you for your generosity!  Donations are being accepted through Sept. 30. So far, we have raised $9,910.00 of our $25,544.72 goal.   We need to raise $15,634.72 to meet our goal. Thank you to those who have contributed: Bates, Chirdon, Clemens, Cook, Crans, Golya, Herrera, Jimenez, Kieselhorst, Koman-Keogh, Michnya, Mina, Fr. O’Loughlin, O’Neill Onufrak, Patzwahl, Reichert, Summe, Theisen, Wiggins, P. Zimmerman, and W. Zimmerman

 

Mark Your Calendars

Cantor Training:  If you would like to learn how to read the Epistle or help cantor the Divine Liturgy, join Father Michael, Steve Petach and Matt Wiggins for a kick-off reader/cantor class.  We will meet after all of our usual post-liturgy events on Sunday, August 21.

In the meantime, we highly recommend you go through the free online cantor classes hosted by the Metropolitan Cantor Institute.  You can find more information in the “Classes for Everyone” section of this page:  https://mci.archpitt.org/classes/index.html

Ask Father Michael if you have any questions, and please let him know if you are going through these recommended classes.

Altar Server Training (Date Changed)

Any boy or man who would be interested in serving at the altar, or is already doing so, join us for an upcoming server training.  We will meet after the usual post-liturgy events on Sunday, September 4th.  

 

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) 307-5182 – 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

Aug. 06 The Transfiguration of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ

The Transformation of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ in which Jesus Christ, beloved and only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, manifested his glory in the presence of the holy Apostles Peter, James, and John, with the Law and the prophets bearing witness in the persons of Moses and Elijah. This was done so that, while sharing the servile humility of our state he might intimate our glorious restoration through grace. Thus it might be announced to the ends of the earth that the image of God, in which humanity was created, even as it was corrupted in Adam, would be restored in Christ. 

 

Troparion

You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, revealing as much of Your glory to Your disciples as they could behold.  Through the prayers of the Theotokos, let Your everlasting light shine upon us singers. O Giver of Light, glory to You!

 

Kontakion

You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Your disciples beheld as much of Your glory as they could bear, that when they would see You crucified they would understand that You suffered willingly, so they would preach to the world that You are truly the radiance of the Father. 

 

Epistle

2 Peter 1: 10-19

    Brothers and sisters, be solicitous to make your call and election permanent; surely those who do so will never be lost. On the contrary, your entry into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for.   

    I intend to recall these things to you constantly, even though you already understand and are firmly rooted in the truth you possess. I consider it my duty, as long as I live, to prompt you with this reminder. I know, by the indications our Lord Jesus Christ has given me, how close is the day when I must fold my tent. I shall press to have you recall these things frequently after my departure. It was not by way of cleverly concocted myths that we taught you about the coming in power of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we were eyewitnesses of his sovereign majesty. He received glory and praise from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him out of the majestic splendor: “This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests.” We ourselves heard this said from heaven while we were in his company on the holy mountain. Besides, we possess the prophetic message as something altogether reliable. Keep your attention closely fixed on it, as you would on a lamp shining in a dark place until the first streaks of dawn appear and the morning star rises in your hearts. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 17: 1-9

    At that time Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before their eyes. His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how good that we are here! With your permission I will erect three booths here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Out of the cloud came a voice which said, “This is my beloved Son on whom my favor rests. Listen to him.” When they heard this the disciples fell forward on the ground, overcome with fear. Jesus came toward them and laying his hand on them, said, “Get up! Do not be afraid.” When they looked up they did not see anyone but Jesus. As they were coming down the mountainside Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone of the vision until the Son of Man rises from the dead.”

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Romans 14: 6-9

    Brothers and sisters: The man who observes the day does so to honor the Lord. The man who eats does so to honor the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. The man who does not eat abstains to honor the Lord, and he too gives thanks to God. None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master. While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die we die as his servants. Both in life and in death we are the Lord’s. That is why Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 15: 32-39

    At that time Jesus called his disciples to him and said: “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd. By now they have been with me for three days, and have nothing to eat. I do not wish to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” His disciples said to him, “How could we ever get enough bread in this deserted spot to satisfy such a crowd?” But Jesus asked them, “How many loaves of bread do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” Then he directed the crowd to seat themselves on the ground. He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. All ate until they were full. When they gathered up the fragments left over, these filled seven hampers. The people who were fed numbered four thousand, apart from women and children. Then, after he had dismissed the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the district of Magadan. 

 

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