Saturday, May. 17 – Andronicus and Others, Apostles
5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy
Sunday, May. 18 – Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
8:00 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
Monday, May. 19 – Patrick, Bishop-Martyr
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
Tuesday, May. 20 – Thaleleus, Martyr
6:30 PM Akathist* and Discussion for Addictions & Mental Illness, in person and on Zoom (link on website)
Wednesday, May. 21 Constatine and Helen – Equals to the Apostles
6:30 PM Divine Liturgy
7:30 PM Firepit Social
Thursday, May. 22 – Basiliscus, Martyr
6:30 PM Neighborhood Bible Study
Saturday, May. 24 – Simeon, Venerable
5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy
Sunday, May. 25 – Sunday of the Man Born Blind
8:00 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
*Add first names to this prayer service by emailing niemirick@gmail.com
St. Mary’s: Sundays 8:45 AM or by appointment
Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment
(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, Shannon O’Neill, Fern Bonowicz, Stephen Petach, Jenny Roman, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s
The Church has given the woman in today’s Gospel passage the name “Photina”. Her name means “light” because she is both enlightened herself, and directs the whole town back to Christ who is the Light of Life.
What does it mean that she is enlightened? First, remember we are in the Paschal season, so the neophytes (newly baptized) called the “Newly Enlightened” are discovering the many fruits of what it means to have:
-died to the old self to live for Christ – Colossians 3:3
-put off the old man and put on the new – Ephesians 4:22
-been called to offer mercy, not fruitless sacrifice – Matthew 9:13/ Hosea 6:6
-guided to embrace a neediness before God, sorrow for injustice, humility, yearning for God’s Way, forgiveness, courage in God’s Will, and a willingness to be a beacon of Truth in a world that exalts power and control – Matthew 5
The Samaritan Woman, before encountering Christ, was living a life of discontent and shame. After Christ, she has rest, contentment, healing and confidence. When Christ enlightened her (Christ giving her “living Water” points to baptism) she has discovered the one relationship that will fulfill her neediness, knows how to interact with the Divine, and has the confidence to become fearless before evil. She is no longer deceived, but rather has found the Truth and is changing her life as a result.
She then enlightens the whole town by refusing to hoard the Gift she has received, but rather knows that that Gift is only amplified when it continues to be given, and so becomes a witness to the healing power of God.
“We have heard for ourselves and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world, the Christ.” The saving love of Christ quenched the thirst of the Samaritan woman. He wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Are you open to bringing that saving love to the world by becoming a priest, deacon, monk or nun? Contact the Vocations Office at 602-861-9778 or email: vocations@ephx.org
Collection: $2,060.00; Online: $351.00; Santa Paula: $ 799.17; Candles: $49.67; Parish Socials: $35.00;
Total: $3,294.84 / Attendance – PSM: 99 HAR: 92
Monday, May 19 –
