Sunday Bulletin 12/04/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 3  –  Zephaniah, Prophet     

4:15 PM          Outreach Vespers in Santa Paula

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Dec. 4  –  26th Sunday after Pentecost        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Dec. 5  –  Sabbas, Venerable      

5:00 PM          Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness

5:30 PM          Vespers

6:30 PM          Vigil Divine Liturgy (St. Nicholas of Myra)

Tuesday, Dec. 6  –  Nicholas of Myra, Archbishop      

6:30 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy   Nicholas, Faith, and Luna Escuela from Anna Escuela

Wednesday, Dec. 7  –  Ambrose, Archbishop     

5:30 PM          Vespers

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy    Church Support Staff from Rick White

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Thursday Dec. 8  –  Maternity of the Holy Anna      

6:30 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy   Sobocinnski Family from Marcia

Saturday, Dec. 10  –  Mennas and Others, Martyrs     

4:15 PM          Outreach Vespers in Santa Paula

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Dec. 11  –  Sunday of the Forefathers       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

11:30 AM        St. Nicholas Day Potluck

*Add first names to this prayer service by emailing niemirick@gmail.com

MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE (Confession)

St. Mary’s: Sundays 8:45 AM or by appointment

Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

The Carlin Family, Michael Hefferon, Shirley Kunze, Michael Mina, Peter Mina, Fr, John Mina, Mila Mina, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fern Bonowicz, Shannon O’Neill, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,876.00; Candles: $86.00; Online: $30.00; Santa Paula: $545.00

Total: $2,537.00 / Attendance- PSM: 75; VCO: 80  

 

 NATIVITY OF OUR LORD – LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Proto-Cathedral:

12/24   6:30 PM          Vespers

12/25   8:30 AM          Matins 

            9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

12/26:  6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy (Synaxis of the Theotokos)

12/27:  8:30 AM          Divine Liturgy (Proto-Martyr Stephen)

Santa Paula Outreach:

12/24:  5:00 PM          Vesper/Divine Liturgy

            7:30 PM          Christmas Compline

Saint Nicholas Day Celebration

This year we will celebrate St. Nicholas Day on Sunday Dec. 11 with a potluck lunch and a visit from Saint Nicholas himself for the children! Sign-up sheets are in the small hall. Please sign-up by Dec. 4 so we have an accurate headcount (especially if you are bringing children). We are celebrating with the Romanians. Liturgy is at the regular time of 9:30am.

The Outreach in Santa Paula will celebrate Saturday Dec. 10 after Divine Liturgy that evening. St. Nicholas will also make a visit there.

Christ Pontocrator

In the dome, the highest point, of a Byzantine temple, is the icon of Christ the “Pontocrator”. In Greek this means “Ruler of All” or “All-Mighty”. It is a title taken directly from the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX) and the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 6:18 and various places in the book of Revelation. The closed book of the Gospels represents judgement and the blessing hand represents mercy, thus revealing that God is both perfectly just and perfectly merciful.

Philip’s Fast

We are within the 40-day fast preparing our minds, souls and bodies for the Nativity of Our Lord.  Please join our parish and Church in intensifying and focusing your prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for this glorious feast. 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

On December 18th, Carolina Chirdon will be giving a tour of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Atrium.  CGS is our new catechism program starting soon. We are still in need of some items required for the program. Here is a link to the Wishlist Carolina put together: CGS Wishlist Thank you for your continuing generosity!

 

“Get up and go your way. Your faith has healed you!” The faith of the healed leper who returned to thank Jesus is a model of thanksgiving and love for God. Our Lord works through the faith of those who love him and serve His body, the Church. Is a life of service and faithfulness to God and His Church as a priest, deacon, subdeacon, monk or nun something that may be for you? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Dec. 3 The Holy Prophet Zephaniah

The holy prophet Zephaniah announced the destruction of the ungodly on the day of the wrath of the Lord and strengthened the host of poor and needy people in the hope of salvation. He was a native of Mount Sarabatha, from the tribe of Simeon. He lived and prophesied in the 7th century before Christ, at the time of Josiah the pious king of Judah. Zephaniah was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah. Having great humility and a pure mind raised in God, he was found worthy of discerning the future. He prophesied the day of the wrath of God and the punishment of Gaza, Ashkalon, Ashod, Ekron, Nineveh, Jerusalem, and Egypt. Foreseeing the advent of the Messiah, he enthusiastically exclaimed: “Sing. O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all thy heart, O daughter Jerusalem” (Zephaniah 3 14). This seer of mysteries entered into rest at his birthplace to await the General Resurrection and his reward from God. 

 

Troparion

As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Zephaniah, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers. 

 

Kontakion

The Divine Spirit revealed you as shining brightly, O prophet Zephaniah, for you proclaimed the coming of God. Rejoice, therefore, O Daughter of Zion. Profess Him, O Jerusalem. Behold, your King, bearing salvation. 

 

Epistle

Galatians 3: 8-12

    Brothers and sisters: Because Scripture saw in advance that God’s way of justifying the Gentiles would be through faith, it foretold this good news to Abraham: “All nations shall be blessed in you.” Thus it is that all who believe are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

    All who depend on observance of the law, on the other hand, are under a curse. It is written, “Cursed is he who does not abide by everything written in the book of the law and carry it out.” It should be obvious that no one is justified in God’s sight by the law, for “the just man shall live by faith.” But the law does not depend on faith. Its terms are: “Whoever does these things shall live by them.”

 

Gospel

Luke 12: 32-40

    The Lord said, “Do not live in fear, little flock. It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms. Get purses for yourselves that do not wear out, a never-failing treasure with the Lord which no thief comes near nor any moth destroys. Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be.

    “Let your belts be fastened around your waists and your lamps be burning ready. Be like men awaiting their master’s return from a wedding, so that when he arrives and knocks, you will open for him without delay. It will go well with those servants whom the master finds wide-awake on his return. I tell you, he will put on an apron, seat them at table, and proceed to wait on them. Should he happen to come at midnight or before sunrise and find them prepared, it will go well with them. You know as well as I that if the head of the house knew when the thief was coming he would not let him break into his house. Be on guard, therefore. The Son of Man will come when you least expect him.”

 

 

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

 

Dec. 2 The Holy Prophet Habakkuk

The holy prophet Habakkuk was the son of Asaphat from the tribe of Simeon. He prophesied six hundred years before Christ, during the time of King Manasseh, and foretold the destruction of Jerusalem. When Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, attacked Jerusalem, Habakkuk sought refuge in the land of the Ishmaelites. Habakkuk also prophesied the liberation of Jerusalem and the time of the coming of Christ. He entered into rest in ripe old age and was buried at Kela. His relics were discovered during the reign of Theodosius the Great. 

 

Troparion

As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Habakkuk, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers. 

 

Kontakion

O Habakkuk speaking in behalf of God, you announced to the whole world the coming of God from the south and from a virgin. Standing on the divine watch, you received a message from a radiant angel: you announced the resurrection of Christ to the world. Therefore, we cry out to you: rejoice, radiant goodness of prophets. 

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 4: 4-8, 16

    Timothy, my son: Everything God created is good, nothing is to be rejected when it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by God’s word and by prayer.

    If you put these instructions before the brotherhood you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, reared in the words of faith and the sound doctrine you have faithfully followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths or old wives’ tales. Train yourself for the life of piety, for while physical training is to some extent valuable, the discipline of religion is incalculably more so, with its promise of life here and hereafter. 

    Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Persevere at both tasks. By doing so you will bring to salvation yourself and all who hear you.

 

Gospel

Luke 20: 19-26

    At that time the scribes and high priests tried to get their hands on Jesus, but they were afraid of the people. They were well aware that Jesus has told the parable [of the tenant farmers] with them in mind. Waiting their chance, they sent spies to Jesus in the guise of honest men to trap him in speech, so that they might then hand him over to the office and authority of the procurator. They put him this problem: “Teacher, we know that your words and your doctrine and completely forthright, that you are no respecter of persons but teach the way of God in truth. May we pay tax to the emperor or not?” Realizing their duplicity Jesus said, “Show me a coin. Whose inscription do you read?” “Caesar’s,” they replied, to which he said, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.” They were unable to trap him publicly in speech. His answer completely disconcerted them and reduced them to silence. 

 

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

 

Dec. 1 The Holy Prophet Nahum

The Holy Prophet Nahum was born of the tribe of Simeon in a place called Elkosh on the far side of the Jordan. He lived about seven hundred years before Christ and prophesied the destruction of Nineveh about two hundred years after the prophet Jonah. Because of Jonah”s preaching, the Ninevites had repented, and God had spared them and not destroyed them. In time, however, they forgot God’s mercy and again became corrupt. The Prophet Nahum prophesied their destruction, and since there was no repentance, God did not spare them. The entire city was destroyed by an earthquake, flood, and fire, so that its location is no longer known. St. Nahum lived forty-five years and entered into rest in the Lord, leaving us a small book of his prophecies. 

 

Troparion

By the radiance of the vivifying Trinity and the enlightenment of the Spirit, you warned the idolatrous Ninevites of impending doom. You reaped the reward in martyrdom. Now that you stand amid angels before the Light of Triple Splendor and have come to possess the full sway of a prophet, pray for us who honor your memory.

 

Kontakion

Your pure heart was enlightened by the Spirit and became a vessel of radiant prophecy. Because you saw as present the events yet to come we honor you O blessed and glorious Prophet Nahum.  

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 3: 1-13

    Timothy, my son: You can depend on this: whoever wants to be a bishop aspires to a noble tak. A bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, of even temper, self-controlled, modest, and hospitable. He should be a good teacher. He must not be addicted to drink. He ought not to be contentious but, rather, gentle, a man of peace. Nor can he be someone who loves money. He must be a good manager of his own household, keeping his children under control without sacrificing his dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how can he take care of the church of God? He should not be a new convert, lest he become conceited and thus incur the punishment once meted out to the devil. He must also be well thought of by those outside the church, to ensure that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons must be serious, straightforward, and truthful. They may not overindulge in drink or give in to greed. They must hold fast to the divinely revealed faith with a clear conscience. They should be put on probation first; then, if there is nothing against them, they may serve as deacons. The women, similarly, should be serious, not slanderous gossips. They should be temperate and entirely trustworthy. Deacons may be married but once and must be good managers of their children and their households. Those who serve well as deacons gain a worthy place for themselves and much assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 

 

Gospel

Luke 20: 9-18

    The Lord told this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and went away for a long time. At vintage time he sent a servant to the tenant farmers to receive his share of the crop from them; but they beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent a second servant whom they also beat. Him too they sent away empty-handed, after treating him shamefully. He sent still a third, whom they likewise maltreated before driving him away. The owner of the vineyard asked himself, ‘What am I to do now? Perhaps if I send the son I love, they will respect him.’

    “But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they reflected, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.’ With that, they dragged him outside the vineyard and killed him. What fate do you suppose the owner of the vineyard has in store for them? I will tell you. He will make an end to those tenant farmers and give the vineyard to others.”

    When they heard this they said, “God forbid!” Jesus looked directly at them and said, “What do the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the keystone of the structure’? The man who falls on that stone will be smashed to pieces. It will make dust of anyone on whom it falls.”

 

 

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

 

 

Nov. 30 The Holy and Glorious Apostle Andrew, the First-Called

The holy and glorious apostle Andrew, the first-Called. Born in Bethsaida, he was the brother of Simon Peter and a fisherman with him. He was called first from the disciples of John the Baptist at the Jordan by the Lord Jesus. Andrew followed him and even brought his brother to the Lord. After Pentecost it is said that he preached the Gospel in Achaia and at Patrae was tied to a cross. The Church in Constantinople considers him their praiseworthy and remarkable patron. 

Troparian

Andrew, as the first-called of the apostles and brother Peter their leader, pray to the Master of All that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Let us praise Andrew the theologian, the namesake of courage, the first apostle, and follower of his brother Peter, their leader. For, as he called him in times of old, so now he calls us: Come, we have found the One Whom the world desires.

 

Readings for the Apostle

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4: 9-16

     Brothers and sisters: As I see it, God has put us apostles at the end of the line, like men doomed to die in the arena. We have become like a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account. Ah, but in Christ you are wise! We are the weak ones, you the strong! They honor you, while they sneer at us! Up to this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless. We work hard at manual labor. When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation. We have become the world’s refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs. 

    I am writing you this way not to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children. Granted you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you have only one father. It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preachings of the gospel. I beg you, be imitators of me.

 

Gospel

John 1: 35-42

    At that time John was present with two of his disciples. As he watched Jesus walk by he said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard what he said, and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned around and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi (which means teacher), where do you stay?” “Come and see,” he answered. So they went to see where he was lodged, and stayed with him that day. (It was about four in the afternoon.)

    One of the two who had followed Jesus after hearing John was Simon Peter’s brother Andrew. The first thing he did was seek out his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah!” (This term means the Anointed.) Andrew brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at Simon and said, “You are Simon, son of John; your name shall be Cephas (which is rendered to Peter).”

 

Readings for the Day

Epistle

1 Timothy 1: 18-20; 2: 8-15

    Timothy, my son, I have a solemn charge to give you. This charge is in accordance with the prophecies made in your regard, and I give it to you so that under the inspiration of these prophecies you may fight the good fight, and hold fast to faith and good conscience. Some men, by rejecting the guidance of conscience, have made shipwreck of their faith, among them Hymenaeus and Alexander; these I have turned over to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme. 

    It is my wish, then, that in every place the men shall offer prayers with blameless hands held aloft, and be free from anger and dissension. Similarly, the women must deport themselves properly. They should dress modestly and Quietly, and not be decked out in fancy hairstyles, gold ornaments, pearls, or costly clothing; rather, as becomes women who profess to be religious, their adornment should be good deeds. A woman must learn in silence and be completely submissive. I do not permit a woman to act as teacher, or in any way to have authority over a man; she must be Quiet. For Adam was created first, Eve afterward; moreover, it was not Adam who was deceived but the woman. It was she who was led astray and fell into sin. She will be saved through childbearing, provided she continues in faith and love and holiness – her chastity being taken for granted. 

 

Gospel

Luke 20: 1-8

    At that time when Jesus was in the temple proclaiming the good news, the high priests and Pharisees, accompanied by the elders, approached him with the question, “Tell us, by what authority do you do these things? In other words, who has authorized you?” Jesus replied, “Let me put a question for you to answer: Did the baptism of John come from God or from men?” They held a brief conference during which someone said, “If we answer, ‘From God,’ he will say, ‘Then why do you not believe in it?’; whereas if we say, ‘From men,’ the people will stone us, so convinced are they that John was a prophet.” They ended by replying they did not know where it came from. Jesus said to them, “In that case, neither will I tell you by whose authority I act.”

 

 

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

 

Nov. 29 The Holy Martyr Paramon; The Holy Martyr Philemon; Our Venerable Father Acacius

The holy martyr Paramon was martyred in Bithynia in Asia Minor along with 370 other Christians during the persecution of the governor Aquilinus in the year 250.

The holy martyr Philemon was martyred at Ancyra in Galatia. It is said that in the persecution of Aurlian the emperor Philemon was taken to the fire. Then his feet and head were pierced with nails leading to his martyrdom.

Our venerable father Acacius, mentioned in “The Ladder”, was a novice living under an evil Elder. Through all of the abuse the Elder gave, Acacius was patiently trusting that the Lord would bring good out of evil. He died an early death and testified from the grave against the elder, who repented. 

 

Troparion 

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggle received 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 washed your soul clean from all impurity by following the divine mandates. This is how you endured your martyrdom. You refused to offer sacrifice to any idols; therefore, they pierced you with a spear. This is how you followed Christ. O all-blessed Paramon, pray for the world.

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 1: 8-14

    Timothy, my son, we know that the law is good, provided one uses it in the ways law is supposed to be used – that is, with the understanding that it is aimed, not at good men but at the lawless and unruly, the irreligious and the sinful, the wicked and the godless, men who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers, fornicators, sexual perverts, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and those who in othere ways flout the sound teaching that pertains to the glorious gospel of God–blessed be he–with which I have been entrusted.

    I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that he has made me his servant and judged me faithful. I was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, a man filled with arrogance; but because I did not know what I was doing in my unbelief, I have been treated mercifully, and the grace of our Lord has been granted me in overflowing measure, along with the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 

 

Gospel

Luke 19: 45-48

    At that time Jesus entered the temple and began ejecting the traders saying: “Scripture has it, ‘My house is meant for a house of prayer’ but you have made it ‘a den of thieves.’” He was teaching in the temple area from day to day. The chief priests and scribes meanwhile were looking for a way to destroy him, as were the leaders of the people, but they had no idea how to achieve it, for indeed the entire populace was listening to him and hanging on his words. 

 

 

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

 

Nov. 28 The Holy Venerable Martyr Stephen The Younger; The Holy Martyr Irenarchus

The holy venerable martyr Stephen the Younger was a monk and martyr, who, under Constantine Copronymus, was tortured by various punishments for the cult of sacred images and confirmed the Catholic truth by his shed blood. (767)

The holy martyr Irenarchus was a torturer in Sebaste in Armenia. He was converted to Christ by the steadfastness of Christian women martyrs. Under Diocletian the emperor and Maximus the governor, he was struck down with an ax in the 4th century. 

 

Troparion – Stephen

At first you were radiant with the light of fasting, but now you are more brilliant with your martyr’s blood. You burnt off the fog of those who spoke heresy, and showed the true glory of the orthodox faith. You have been glorified as a divine witness to Christ, O holy martyr Stephen.

 

Troparion – Irenarchus

Your martyr, Irenarchus, 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 – Stephen

O lover of feasts, in our hearts let us faithfully praise in hymns the divine Stephen, servant of the Holy Trinity, for he has honored the beautiful icons of the Master and His Mother together now, let us who rejoice lovingly sing to him; rejoice, O ever-glorious father. 

 

Kontakion – Irenarchus

May you have an abundance of peace, O martyr, for you laid hold of the enemy. You defeated that army of spiritual deception by the power of divine grace. You endured the most terrible sufferings. Now we beseech you to deliver from all harm those who keep your memory, O Irenarchus. 

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 1: 1-7

    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our savior and Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, my own true child in faith. May grace, mercy, and peace be yours from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

    I repeat the directions I gave you when I was on my way to Macedonia: stay on in Ephesus in order to warn certain people there against teaching false doctrines and busying themselves with interminable myths and genealogies, which promote idle speculations rather than that training in faith which God requires. 

    What we are aiming at in this warning is the love that springs from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. Some people have neglected these and instead have turned to meaningless talk, wanting to be teachers of the law but actually not understanding the words they are using, much less the matters they discuss with such assurance. 

 

Gospel

Luke 19: 37-44

    At that time as Jesus approached the descent from Mount Olivet, the entire crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God loudly for the display of power they had seen, saying: “Blessed is he who comes as king in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

    Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He replied, “If they were to keep silence, I tell you the very stones would cry out.”

    Coming within sight of the city, Jesus wept over it and said: “If only you had known the path to peace this day; but you have completely lost it from view! Days will come upon you when your enemies encircle you with a rampart, hem you in, and press you hard from every side. They will wipe you out, and leave not a stone on a stone within you, because you failed to recognize the time of your visitation.”

 

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

 

Nov. 27 The Holy Martyr James the Persian; Our Venerable Father Palladius

The holy martyr James was a noble at the Persian court at the end of the 4th century. He offered sacrifice to idols despite his baptism. His mother and wife reproached him, begging him to repent. Moved by their plea, James repented bitterly and returned to Christ. The king sentenced him to death by being cut to death, bit by bit, until the end. He praised God and forgave his persecutors till they cut off his head. His holy head was taken to Rome, and a part of his relics are venerated in Portugal, where his feast is kept on May 22. 

Our venerable father Palladius was born in Thessaloniki. He contended in asceticism in Alexandria at the end of the 6th and the beginning of the 7th century. His Service is sung at Compline.

 

Troparion – James

You astonished everyone by enduring horrible torture with great patience, O long-suffering one. As the evil assembly performed the slaughter, you uttered prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord. Through your suffering you received your crown, and went up to the throne of the heavenly King, Christ God. O James, pray to Him to save our souls.

 

Troparion – Palladius

In you, O father, the divine image was strictly preserved; taking up your cross you followed Christ. You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. Therefore, O venerable Palladius, your soul rejoices with the angels. 

 

Kontakion – James

You believed your good wife, O patient guide, and were awed by the dread judgment of God. You despised the commands and threats of the Persians, O James, and as they cut your body as though a vine, you were revealed an honorable martyr.

 

Kontakion – Palladius

You gained God by prayer and fasting, by living a God-directed monastic life. You were a pure offering to the Holy Spirit and a shining example of virtuous deeds to the faithful. You enlighten all who look to you, and so we are led to sing: Glory to Christ who exalted you! Glory to Him who strengthened you! Glory to Him who heals all through you!

 

Epistle

Ephesians 4: 1-6

    Brothers and sisters: I plead with you, then, as a prisoner for the Lord, to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect humility, meekness, and patience, beating with one another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given to all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all. 

 

Gospel

Luke 13: 10-17

    At that time on a sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues. There was a woman there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit which drained her strength. She was badly stooped–quite incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said, “Woman, you are free of your infirmity.” He laid his hand on her, and immediately she stood up straight and began thanking God.

    The chief of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus should have healed on the sabbath, said to the congregation, “There are six days for working. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath.” The Lord said in reply, “O you hypocrites! Which of you does not let his ox or ass out of the stall on the sabbath to water it? Should not this daughter of Abraham here who has been in the bondage of Satan for eighteen years have been released from her shackles on the sabbath?” At these words, his opponents were covered with confusion; meanwhile, everyone else rejoiced at the marvels Jesus was accomplishing. 

 

 

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

 

Sunday Bulletin 11/27/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Nov. 26  –  Alypius the Stylite, Venerable    

4:15 PM          Outreach Vespers in Santa Paula

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Nov. 27  –  25th Sunday after Pentecost     

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 28  –  Stephen, Venerable Martyr    

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness

Wednesday, Nov. 30  –  Andrew, Apostle

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

9:30 AM          Photina Prayer/ Litter Pick-up Walk

5:45 PM          Outreach Reader Vespers in Santa Paula

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy    Sarah Jimenez & the “Andrews” of the parish

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Dec. 3  –  Zephaniah, Prophet       

4:15 PM          Outreach Vespers in Santa Paula

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Dec. 4  –  26th Sunday after Pentecost        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

*Add first names to this prayer service by emailing niemirick@gmail.com

MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE (Confession)

St. Mary’s: Sundays 8:45 AM or by appointment

Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

The Carlin Family, Michael Hefferon, Shirley Kunze, Michael Mina, Peter Mina, Fr, John Mina, Mila Mina, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fern Bonowicz, Shannon O’Neill, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,169.00; Candles: $30.93; Online: $80.00; Santa Paula: $354.00; Church Improvements: $25.00

Total: $1,658.93 / Attendance- PSM: 51; VCO: 65  

 

Saint Nicholas Day Celebration

This year we will celebrate St. Nicholas Day on Sunday Dec. 11 with a potluck lunch and a visit from Saint Nicholas himself for the children! Sign-up sheets are in the small hall. Please sign-up by Dec. 4 so we have an accurate headcount (especially if you are bringing children). We are celebrating with the Romanians. Liturgy is at the regular time of 9:30am.

The Outreach in Santa Paula will celebrate Saturday Dec. 10 after Divine Liturgy that evening. St. Nicholas will also make a visit there.

 

Platytera

The prominent icon in the center of the back wall of the altar area is called the Theotokos Platytera. This translates to “Mother of God, More Spacious than the Cosmos”. To understand this title, we must understand why the icon is placed there. The domed ceiling symbolizes the cosmos, and the linear walls of the nave symbolizes the created earth. Where these meet, the dome and the walls, heaven and earth, is the incarnation of Christ, who as God and man binds these two spaces. That’s why the Theotokos Platytera is usually shown pregnant with Our Lord. Mary’s hands are outstretched in prayer (and protection if she is holding a white cloth). Christ is shown inside of a mandorla, almond-shaped layers of blue and/or gold surrounding His body. This mandorla reveals that a mystery is present, something of heaven is touching earth, and we need the eyes of faith to perceive it. In this case, the mystery is that of a virgin pregnant with the God-Man; heaven has truly met earth. Hence, she is “more spacious than the cosmos”. Even the cosmos, created by God, cannot contain Him, but the Theotokos, in her pregnancy, did.

This icon is also sometimes called “Our Lady of the Sign” because it represents the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 that “the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the virgin is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”

This icon, because it represents Our Lord’s condescension and incarnation, and therefore our access to Him, is the focus of our reverence (along with the entire Holy Place, including the Eucharist in the Tabernacle) when we enter the Temple, and especially when we enter the Holy Place.

 

“Woman, you are freed from your infirmity!” As the Physician of souls and bodies, our Lord shows mercy to the woman who had an infirmity for eighteen years. His healing can restore any brokenness, and the life in Christ allows us to bring his healing to the world. Are you being called to do so through the priestly, diaconal, monastic or religious life? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

 

You can pick up the October issue of the GCU Magazine and the newest issue of the Joyful Light magazine from our seminary in the narthex of the Proto-cathedral.

Nov. 26 Our Venerable Father Alypius the Stylite; The Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George in Kiev

Our venerable father Alypius the Stylite was a deacon who died near the age of one hundred in the year 640 at Hadrianopolis in Paphlagonia. 

The Consecration of the Church of the Great Martyr George at Kiev: Beginning with the holy Prince Vladimir (July 15), it was the pious custom of Russian princes to build a church in honor of their patron saint. Thus, Saint Vladimir (in Baptism Basil) built at Kiev and Vyshgorod temples dedicated to Saint Basil the Great (Jan. 1). Prince Yaroslav the Wise (in Baptism George) started to build a church and men’s monastery in honor of his patron saint, the Holy Great Martyr George (Apr. 23).

Troparion – Alypius

You seem a terror unscalable to the devils, crippling them by the club of your effective prayers. You chase away passions by fasting. You are a firm support of the wavering. O venerable father Alypius, beg Christ God for the salvation of our souls. 

 

Troparion – George

Today the ends of the world bless you when you were filled with divine miracles, and the earth rejoices receiving your blood. The Christ-named people of the city of Kiev rejoice with joy by the consecration of your divine temple, O passion-bearer George, O chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit who is the pleaser of Christ. Pray to Him for those who enter your temple with faith and petitions, to grant cleansing of sins, peace to the world, and to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Alypius

The Church glorifies you and sings to you today, O Alypius, a perfect example of virtue and fight with love deliverance from fierce transgressions on your name day.

 

Kontakion – George

Having assembled in faith in the consecrated temple which God alone blessed to construction in your name, let us praise the divine crown-bearer and great-martyr of Christ, George, for you are one who reposes among the saints. 

 

Epistle

Galatians 1: 3-10

    Brothers and sisters: We wish you the favor and peace of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, to rescue us from the present evil age, as our God and Father willed – to him be glory for endless ages. Amen.

    I am amazed that you are so soon deserting him who called you in accord with his gracious design in Christ, and are going over to another gospel. But there is no other. Some who wish to alter the gospel of Christ must have confused you. For even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel not in accord with the one we delivered to you, let a curse be upon him! I repeat what I have just said: if anyone preaches a gospel to you other than the one you have received, let a curse be upon him!

    Whom would you say I am trying to please at this point – men or God? Is this how I seek to ingratiate myself with men? If I were trying to win man’s approval, I would surely not be serving Christ!

 

Gospel

Luke 10: 19-22a

    The Lord said to his disciples: “I have given you power to tread on snakes and scorpions and all the forces of the enemy, and nothing shall ever injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice so much in the fact that the devils are subject to you as that your names are inscribed in heaven.”

    At that moment Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: “I offer you praise, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to the merest children. Yes, Father, you have graciously willed it so.”

 

 

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