Friday, March 28, 2008

March 30: The Third Sunday of Great Lent
The Veneration of the Holy and Life Giving Cross


The Third Sunday of Lent is that of the Veneration of the Cross. The cross stands in the midst of the church in the middle of the lenten season not merely to remind men of Christ's redemption and to keep before them the goal of their efforts, but also to be venerated as that reality by which man must live to be saved. "He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Mt.10:38). For in the Cross of Christ Crucified lies both "the power of God and the wisdom of God" for those being saved (1 Cor.1:24).

Both the Adult and Children's Lenten Study Classes will meet at 9:15 AM, followed by the Veneration of the Cross and Typika at 10:00 AM.

Share the joy of Orthodox Christianity - invite a friend to "Come and See!"

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts...

...will be served by Father Matthew Jackson on Wednesday evening, March 26, at 6:00 PM.

For more information about this important Lenten service, see Fr Thomas Hopko's description here.

We'll share a light Lenten meal after the Liturgy, so if you are able, bring something to share.

The service is entirely in English and visitors are always welcome.

"Come and See!"

Saturday, March 15, 2008

March 16: The Triumph of Orthodoxy
Father Matthew Jackson will visit us on Sunday, March 16, to serve Typika with Holy Communion at 3:00 PM. Typika will be followed by the Office appointed for Orthodoxy Sunday - be sure to bring an icon of your patron saint to carry in procession. If you don't have one, we will have one for you.

Also, mark your calendars for our first Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts during this Lenten season, which Father Matthew will serve on Wedensday evening, March 26, at 6:00 PM.

A light Lenten meal will follow - bring something to share!

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

March 9: Forgiveness Sunday
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise


Christian Education classes for children and adults will meet at 9:15 AM. Third Hour Prayers begin at 9:45 AM, followed by Typika at 10:00 AM with the Ceremony of Forgiveness.

On the Eve of the Great Fast, the Church reminds us of Adam and Eve's expulsion from Paradise. God commanded Adam to fast (Gen. 2:16), but he did not obey. Because of their disobedience, Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden and lost the life of blessedness, knowledge of God, and communion with Him, for which they were created. Both they and their descendants became heirs of death and corruption.

Let us consider the benefits of fasting, the consequences of disobedience, and recall our fallen state. We are invited to cleanse ourselves of evil through fasting and obedience to God. Our fasting should not be a negative thing, a mere abstention from certain foods. It is an opportunity to free ourselves from the sinful desires and urges of our fallen nature, and to nourish our souls with prayer, repentance, to participate in church services, and partake of the life-giving Mysteries of Christ.

At Forgiveness Vespers we sing: "Let us begin the time of fasting in light, preparing ourselves for spiritual efforts. Let us purify our soul, let us purify our body. As we abstain from food, let us abstain from all passion and enjoy the virtues of the spirit…." - from the Menologion at oca.org

Kontakion - Tone 6

Master, Teacher of wisdom,
Bestower of virtue,
you teach the thoughtless and protect the poor:
Strengthen and enlighten my heart.
Word of the Father,
let me not restrain my mouth from crying to you:
Have mercy on me, a transgressor,
O merciful Lord!