THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

Transcription

1 THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST - -'.,, --.". - -" \, ;;- - f,,,t- --. ',te,'.';''' Icon ifthe Circumcision and Saint Basil the Great --January 1st

2 ~ SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church /Assumption SV.M. 131 North Beech Street, Mount Carmel, Pa Rectory Church Hall Prayer Line: Louise Cuff Eleanor Stebila Louise Troyan Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Hutsko, Pastor Please notify the rectory office if you or a loved one is hospitalized or admitted to a nursing home. Rectory Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 1sl Collection: Candles 2 nd Collection: Regular Offering Circumcision of Our lord January 1,2012 Saturday Sunday : 15 PM Confessions Sunday After Theophan'l 4:00 PM + John & Helen Cheddar req. 8: 15 AM Confessions by Son, Joseph Sunday Feast of St. Basil the Great! 9: 15 AM Charles & Justina Eisenhart's 25 th Wedding Anniversary req. by Ruth. & Cassandra Martz Circumcision of Our Lord 8: 15 AM Confessions Assumption B.V.M. 9: 15 AM For the Parishioners Sunday Monday Feast of St. Basil the 8:00 AM + John Lynn req. by Centralia Great/Circumcision of Our Lord American Legion Post 608 Tuesday :30 AM Confession 11 :00 AM For the Parishioners No Divine Liturgy Friday Wednesday Theophany of Our Lord 8:00 AM + Andrew Stelma, Sr. req. by Holy Day of Obligation Dave & Jo Ann Shinskie Thursday Theophany of Our Lord Blessing of Water 9:00 AM + John Lynn req. by Dorothy Shemonski Holy Day of Obligation Sunday Blessing of Water Sunday After Theophany 6:00 PM + Monica Pesarchick req. by 10:30 AM Confessions SS. Peter & Paul Altar Rosary Society 11 :00 AM + Andrew Kriesher req. by Friday Anna Budraitis Theophany of Our Lord No Divine Liturgy See Assumption B.V.M. Saturday A Healthy and HaQRY New Year to Everyone!! 8:00 AM + Debbie Moser Ford req. by Gloria Howard 3: 15 PM Confessions 4.00 PM For the Parishioners

3 Welcome: We the people of SS. Peter & Paul/Assumption Churches, are a catholic community that worships God, spreads the Good News of Christ, and serves those in need. Come into the house. Bring all you are, no need to check your failures at the door. There are no perfect people here. You are invited: come. Come in seeking, come in wondering, come in hurting. Come into this house of companionship and compassion. Come in. You are welcome here. 55. Peter & Paul/Assumption Churches open their doors to you. Candle Sponsors: Several parishioners have inquired about sponsoring the main candles in our church for various intentions. I've seen this done in other parishes and think it's a wonderful idea. As such, we are making the following candles available to be sponsored for the entire year of 2012 at the cost of $ each: Candles on the tetrapod (2) Candles on the main altar (2) Candles on the preparation altar (2) Icon of Jesus Christ sponsored Icon of our Blessed Mother sponsored Icon of 51. Nicholas Icon of St. John the Baptist sponsored If you are interested in sponsoring one Daily Litur~Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest! Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest of your souls. For my yoke is easy and My or more of these candles for a special intention, or would like more information, please call the rectory office during business hours and we will be glad to help. Sponsors and Intentions will be framed and on display in the vestibule burden light. "Mt. 11, All are for the entire year. invited to be refreshed by the Lord on a daily basis by attending Divine Liturgy and receiving the Holy Eucharist! What a beautiful way to start the day! Your participation on a daily basis allows Jesus to refresh and renew your life as Candle Sponsor for the Year 2012: 55. Peter & Paul Church only he can. Halm}' New Year: I would like to extend greetings for a Healthy, Prosperous, and Happy New Year to all of my parishioners and friends. May God Bless You! Assumption B.V.M. Church: Assumption Church Eternal Candle for Calendar Year 2012 for + John Lynn by Wife, Anna, & son, Ken & Family,.

4 Your 5tewardshiQ.;. We thank you for your generous financial support of our parish communities. The following donations were deposited from last Sunday's collection. Weekly Parish Financial Report: 55. Peter & Paul Church Altar Flowers: Altar flowers can be sponsored weekly for $30.00 per arrangement. Parishioners can sponsor these flowers in Memory of a loved one, or for any occasion. Anyone interested in sponsoring flowers may call , or visit the rectory office. Sunday Income... Financials will be included in next week's bulletin Expenses... Sunday Income Assumption BVM Sunday... Financials will be included in next week's bulletin Income Expenses... Sunday Income Altar Rosary 50ciet~Altar Rosary Society Sunday will be held on January 8, All members are asked to join in praying the Rosary before liturgy, A Beautiful Prayer Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask for receive the Holy Eucharist as a group and attend a short meeting immediately after liturgy. New members are being welcomed into the society. Dues for the Altar Rosary Society membership are $5.00. reward; except to know that I am doing your will. Saint Ignatius of Loyola 55. Peter & Paul Rebuilding Fund Donations: Holy Name 50ciePl:.. Holy Name Society Sunday will be held on Sunday, January 15, All member are urged Assumption B.V.M. Donations: to pray together, receive the Holy Eucharist as a group and attend a short meeting after Divine Liturgy.

5 2012 Offering.:...The 2012 Church Envelopes are in the vestibule of the Churches. Every married couple or single person 18 years or over is to be registered and receive envelopes. To be considered a member of our parishes, SS. Peter & Paul or Assumption B.V.M. Churches regular attendance and use of Religion Classes: Religion classes are church envelopes is required. If you are held at SS. Peter & Paul Church on Monday evenings from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All children from pre-school age to 8 th grade are encouraged to attend. Children receiving the Sacrament of Penance/Holy Communion in Calendar Year must attend these classes. Registration forms are available. If you have any questions please contact Christine Bogner at Classes will resume on January 9, ill and/or aged let Father Michael know. The neglect of regular church attendance and regular use of church envelopes can lead to difficulties at the time of baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc. If you have used your 2011 envelopes faithfully, no action is needed. If you did not receive church envelopes in 2011 and would like to receive 2012 offering envelopes, please call the church office at during regular office hours. If you have not received your 2012 envelope packet Written Requests: Starting January 1, 2012 in order for us to be certain that your requests for Altar Flowers, donations to the churches of any sort, or any other information, requests that you want to offer, or anything to be placed in the bulletin should be in writing, placed please contact the church office during regular office hours. In order for us to ypdate our records...,please utilize the registration card in the front of'lour 2012 envelope packet. and deposit it in the collection basket. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. in an envelope and dropped off at the rectory office during regular office hours, or placed in the collection basket with the appropriate notation of what the intent is. All requests should be received in the church office by the Monday of the preceding week to be includeci in the bulletin. You may also mail it to the church office. By doing this it should avoid any confusion in the future and we will be able to address your request accordingly. Thank you.

6 :~~~::;-~::,:,:,:::,:::::;:,:::,:::::':':':':':':':::':':':::::::::':::O:':'::~ ~::~::::::. :':::::':::":::::::': '::::::.:::_':':'; _.:_._:_': :':'_':::. January 1 i Feast of Saint Basil the Great Saint Basil the Great was born about the end of the year 329 in Caesarea ofcappadocia, to a family renowned for their learning and holiness. His parents' names were Basil and Emily. His mother Emily (commemorated July 19) and his grandmother Macrina (Jan. 14) are Saints of the Church, together with all his brothers and sisters: Macrina, his elder sister (July 19), Gregory of Nyssa (Jan. I to), Peter of Sebastia (Jan. 9), and Naucratius. Basil studied in Ii. Constantnople under the sophist Libanius, then in Athens, where also he formed a friendship with the young Gregory, a fellow!::im:;.~':~ii.::~~i?~'~g~t.;i::'::;.; Cappadocian, later called "the Theologian." Through the good..., --,- '.-,--,.; '.' '.'.-, ','".--.,-",' '-",','--- -,.,... l'nfluence of hl's sl'ster Macrl'na (see July 19) he chose to embrace :"':""";""'''''....'.. ;,....'\',.,':., :~t::;::{:;:;::/::::::-~::;~~~~~~~~;~;.:;;: ;;.~;.;;;.~~~;.~.;;~~~~»~~..j>.~~~...~~;.~;.~... ".x,,,...,.,,<, <;_ - the ascetical life, abandoning his worldly career. He visited the monks in Egypt, in Palestine, in Syria, and in Mesopotamia, and upon returning to Caesarea, he departed to a hermitage on the Iris River in Pontus, not far from Annesi, where his mother and his sister Macrina were already treading the path of the ascetical life; here he also wrote his ascetical homilies. About the year 370, when the bishop of his country reposed, he was elected to succeed to his throne and was entrusted with the Church of Christ, which he tended for eight years, living in voluntary poverty and strict asceticism, having no other care than to defend holy Orthodoxy as a worthy successor of the Apostles. The Emperor Valens, and Modestus, the Eparch of the East, who were of one mind with the Arians, tried with threats of exile and of torments to bend the Saint to their own confession, because he was the bastion of Orthodoxy in all Cappadocia, and preserved it from heresy when Arianism was at its strongest. But he set all their malice at nought, and in his willingness to give himself up to every suffering for the sake ofthe Faith, showed himselfto be a martyr by volition. Modestus, amazed at Basil's fearlessness in his presence, said that no one had ever so spoken to him. "Perhaps," answered the Saint, "you have never met a bishop before." The Emperor Valens himself was almost won over by Basil's dignity and wisdom. When Valens' son fell gravely sick, he asked Saint Basil to pray for him. The Saint promised that his son would be restated if Valens agreed to have him baptized by the Orthodox; Valens agreed, Basil prayed, and the son was restored. But afterwards the Emperor had him baptized by Arians, and the child died soon after. Later, Valens, persuaded by his counsellors, decided to send the Saint into exile because he would not accept the Arians into communion; but his pen broke when he was signing the edict of banishment. He tried a second time and a third, but the same thing happened, so that the Emperor was filled with dread, and tore up the document, and Basil was not banished. The truly great Basil, spent with extreme ascetical practices and continual labours, at the helm ofthe church, departed to the Lord on the 1st ofjanuary, in 379. at the age offorty-nine. His writings are replete with wisdom and erudition, and rich are these gifts he set forth the doctrines concerning the mysteries both of the creation and of the Holy Trinity (see On the Holy Spirit). Because of the majesty and keenness of his eloquence, he is honoured as "the revealer of heavenly things" and "the Great." Saint Basil is also celebrated on January 30th with Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom with the Fesat known as the Three Holy Hierarchs.

7 January 6 Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord The Feast of Theophany is a celebration of an historic event, the Baptism of Christ. In addition, we celebrate all the different manifestations of God (Theophanies) to men in the Person of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. We celebrate in this Feast His mysterious union with humanity in the Church--a union of faith and love, engendering men to a new spiritual life in Baptism. The event of the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River (Mk. 1:9-11) serves to reveal this union in a clear and special manner. In accordance with the Gospel this is the first revelation of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirito-the Holy Trinity. The icon brings this revelation to us. At the top of the icon, the opening of heaven is symbolized by the segment of a circle. This circle signifies God's presence and witness at the event. Emanating from the circle are rays of light surrounding the Holy Spirit, depicted in the figure of a dove descending upon our Savior who is being baptized in the Jordan by John. In this graphic manner, the father and the Holy Spirit give testimony to the appearance of the Son of God in the flesh among mankind. In this icon, we are immediately drawn to the Person of Christ. He stands in the waters ofthe Jordan. The iconographic imagery expresses that not just a part, but the entire body of Christ is immersed in the Jordan in token of His burial; for in Colossians we read: "In baptism you were not only buried with Him but also raised to life with Him because you believed in the power ofgod Who raised Him from the dead." (2:12) The icon's illustration of the total immersion of Christ as well as His right hand blessing the waters signifies the sanctification and purification ofthe waters by Christ. No longer is water an image ofdeath, but an image of birth into a new life which we share with Christ Who took upon Himselfthe sins ofthe world. In Christ we celebrate that all ofcreation is renewed. A further illustration of our coming to share this new life in Christ is the symbol of Christ undergoing Baptism "clothed" in the nakedness ofadam, the Father ofall mankind. Through Christ's sanctification of the waters, He enables us to be raised up with Him and to put on the robes of incorruptibility. The role of John the Baptist is depicted by the placing of his right hand on the head of Christ---a gesture which has always been an integral part of the sacramental ritual of Baptism. With his left hand, John makes a gesture of prayer, symbolizing the trembling awe which overwhelmed him at the sight ofthe divine manifestation. Present in the icon are angels with their hands covered. Their heads are bowed as an indication ('ftheir role ofservice to God and their reverence for Him Whom they serve. The Icon of Theophany brings us visually and symbolically to the presence of the manifestation of God, the revelation of the Trinity, and the deep, spiritually rich significance of Himselfto Baptism. In its presence we know that God does reveal us and that through our Baptism, established by the Baptism ofchrist, we are made new in Christ. (God With Us Icon Series)

8 Prayer Intention Line: SS. Peter & Paul Parish has established a Prayer. Intention Line sponsored by the Altar Rosary Society. On the top page of the bulletin you will see several numbers, you are free to call to request prayers for you or a loved one. Your intention will be remembered in prayer by the members of the Altar Rosary Society and also written in a special book which will be placed in the vestibule of the church so that all members of our parish can remember your prayer needs. You Prayer for Vocations Almighty and merciful God, Inspire those You have chosen To hear and answer Your call to the can request to remain anonymous if you like. It is my hope we can all pray for each other in time of need and be Iiftedup through the prayers of our parish. Priesthood and Religious Life. Give them the courage To be the prophets for our times. Give them the wisdom and openness To live their personal call Give them the strength To be ready witnesses of Your love and care for the world. May they find support and encouragement in our words and in our prayers, Through the intercession of Mary, The Mother of God, and all the Saints. Divine Liturgy Intentions: Divine Liturgy Intention requests for Calendar Year 2012 are now being accepted. Note: Weekend requests are limited to Two per person, but weekday intentions are available. Please Note: All Divine Liturgy Intentions are subject to change only by Father Michael. Thank you for your consideration requesting Divine Liturgy Intentions. In addition, please remember that although there are usually three (3) Divine Liturgies on the weekend that one AMEN Liturgy Intention must be For All Parishioners. Anyone Wishing to schedule Liturgy Intentions may come into the church office to during regular office hours.

9 MysteryJSacrament) of Repentance: Is available before each Divine Liturgy on Saturday, 3: 15 PM to 4:00 PM and on Sunday in SS. Peter & Paul Church, 8: 15 AM to 9:00 AM, and at Assumption BVM Church on Sunday at 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the confessionals. 55. Peter & Paul/Assumption BVM Parish Food Drive: The Altar Rosary Society is sponsoring a food drive to help The Mount Carmel Area Food Bank to feed the needy. The food is distributed to only Mount Carmel Area residents. We will be collecting canned or boxed items such as cereal, potatoes, rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanut Next Pyrohy Sale: The next SS. Peter & Paul/Assumption Pyrohy Sale will be held on Wednesday, January 18, and on Thursday, January 19, Orders must be received by January 12, We are still in need of help in all aspects of this project please try to devote some of your time and talents to this project. Thank you. butter, jelly, pudding, crackers, etc. No perishable items will be accepted, such as fruit, vegetables, etc. You may place donations in the container in the front of the church. This is an ongoing project. As we receive donations they will be taken to The Mount Carmel Area Food Bank. Thank you for your generosity. Championship Sunday Beef & Brew: Mark your calendars, January 22, 2012, Holy Name Society will be hosting the 2 nd Annual Championship Beef & Brew Social at SS. Peter & Paul Church, Mount Carmel. This event is an all you can eat and drink day for $ More information will be forth coming in Theophany of Our Lord: Theophanyof future bulletins. Our Lord and Blessing of Water will be celebrated in SS. Peter & Paul Church on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 6:00 PM., and in Assumption BV.M. Church, Centralia on Friday, January 06, 2012 at Thank You: Many thanks are extended to all who purchased tickets and offered support for our 2 nd Annual New Year's Raffle. 9:00 AM. This is a Holy Day of We appr~~iate all your help. A complete Obligation. Please try to attend one of these Liturgies. list of winners will be published next week.

10 Lector Schedule: 55. Peter & Paul Sat. December 31 sl - 4:00 PM Volunteer Closing of Books for Calendar Year 2011: The closing of the Church Books will be on Sunday, January 15, please see Father Michael Any donations received after that date Sun. January 1 5t - Bogner Sat. January i h - 9: 15 AM Christine 4:00 PM Volunteer will be credited to calendar year Anyone wanting a print out of their 2011 donations may contact the church office please see Father Michael at during normal office hours, Sun. January 8 th - Katchick 9: 15 AM George Ann and one will be sent to you. Assumption BVMi Sun. January :00 AM Bryce Fiamoncini Blessing of Homes: In the Ukrainian tradition the priest blesses homes on or, Sun. January 8 th - Fiamnoncini 11 :00 AM Bryce after the Feast of Theophany of Our Lord. If you would like your home Please remember: To pray for vocations to the Holy Priesthood and religious life. blessed, please complete the form that is in this week's bulletin and return it to the church office by January 6, You may also drop it in the collection Rosary Intention: for the week of basket after each Divine Liturgy. January 2, 2012 for A Happy & Healthy New Year for all of Our Parishioners Raffle Tickets: The SS. Peter & Paul Raffle ticket In Your Prayers: Please remember to pray for the sick and the infirm of our Parishes. drawing will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2012 immediately after Divine Liturgy. A social will also be held at that time. Everyone is welcome. Just for Toda'i! Trust God one day at a time. I will not feel alone for Jesus - said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age." (Matt. 28:20b) Drawing Date January 1, Prize $ nd Prize $ rd Prize $ Sunday Social: Sunday Social will be held after Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings. All are welcome! $25.00 Sellers Drawing Prize. Donation $1.00 per ticket. If anyone is in need of additional raffle tickets to sell, or buy, you may get them Please Remember: The traditional in the Church office during office hours. greeting during the Christmas season is: Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Or, Christos Razhdayetsya! Siaveete Yeho!

11 Circumcision of Our Lord and Commenoration of St. Basil the Great Troparion of the Circumcision: o Jesus, enthroned on high together with Your eternal Father and Divine Prokimenon of the Circumcision: 'Save Your people, 0 Lord, ancf6less Your inheritance. V. To You, 0 Lord, I call; my God, be not deaf to me. Spirit, * You condescended to be born on earth of a maiden and virgin mother. * And on the eighth day You were circumcised. * Praised be Your most noble decision; * prasied be Your plan of salvation;* praised be Your Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! V. 0 Shepherd of Israel, hear us, you who lead Joseph's flock. V. The just man's mouth utters wisdom and his lips speak what is right. condescension, 0 Lord; You alone love mankind. Tropar of St. Basil: Your voice resounds throughout the world * which has accepted the lessons so well taught by you. * You have given explanation of divine truths. * You have clarified the nature of created things. * You have made a rule of life for men. * By your royal priesthood, 0 venerable Father Basil, * Intercede with Christ to save our souls. Kontakion: Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and the Holy Spirit o venerable and heavenly inspired Basil, * you were a firm foundation of the Church * by giving to all a lasting treasure * and impressing them with your teachings. Kontakion of the Circumcision: INSEAD OF "It is truly proper..." In you, 0 Woman Full of Grace, the angelic choirs and the human race - all creation - rejoices. 0 Sanctified Temple, Mystical Paradise, and Glory of Virgins, He, Who is our God from before all ages, took flesh from you and became a child. He made your womb a throne, and greater than the heavens. In you, 0 Woman Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. All praise be to you! Communion Hymn: Praise you the Lord of heaven. Praise Him in the highest. Alleluia! (3x) Second Hymn: The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. An evil report he will not fear. Alleluia! (3x) Now and ever and forever: Amen The Lord of All endures circumcision * and His goodness purifies the sins of men * and grants salvation to the world today... Therefore, Basil the priest and,spistle: 2 Tim: 4:5-8: COI2:8-12i, torchbearer of the Creator, * the divine mystic of Christ, rejoices on high. Gospel: Mk. 1:1-8; Lk. 2:20-21 & "

12 Lector Schedule: 55. Peter & Paul Sat. December 31 st - 4:00 PM Volunteer Closing of Books for Calendar Year 2011: The closing of the Church Books will be on Sunday, January 15,2012. please see Father Michael Any donations received after that date Sun. January 1 st - Bogner Sat. January 7 th - 9:15 AM Christine 4:00 PM Volunteer will be credited to calendar year Anyone wanting a print out of their 2011 donations may contact the church office please see Father Michael at during normal office hours, Sun. January 8 th - Katchick 9:15 AM George Ann and one will be sent to you. Assumption BVMi Sun. January 1st - 11 :00 AM Bryce Fiamoncini Blessing of Homes: In the Ukrainian tradition the priest blesses homes on or, Sun. January 8 th - Fiamnoncini 11 :00 AM Bryce after the Feast of Theophany of Our Lord. If you would like your home Please remember: To pray for vocations to the Holy Priesthood and religious life. blessed, please complete the form that. is in this week's bulletin and return it to the church office by January 6, You may also drop it in the collection Rosary Intention: for the week of basket after each Divine Liturgy. January 2, 2012 for A Happy & Healthy New Year for all of Our Parishioners Raffle Tickets: The 55. Peter & Paul Raffle ticket In Your Prayers: Please remember to pray for the sick and the infirm of our Parishes. drawing will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2012 immediately after Divine Liturgy. A social will also be held at that time. Everyone is welcome. Just for Toda'l! Trust God one day at a time. I will not feel alone for Jesus - said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age." (Matt. 28:20b) Drawing Date January 1, st Prize $ nd Prize $ rd Prize $ Sunday Social: Sunday Social will be held after Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings. All are welcome! $25.00 Sellers Drawing Prize. Donation $1.00 per ticket. If anyone is in need of additional raffle tickets to sell, or buy, you may get them Please Remember: The traditional in the Church office during office hours. greeting during the Christmas season is: Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Or, Christos Razhdayetsya! Siaveete Yeho!

13 ASSUMPTION BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CHURCH CENTRALIA SS. PETER & PAUL, MT. CARMEL UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCHES 131 N. BEECH STREET, MOUNT CARMEL, PA TELEPHONE: FAX: VERY REVEREND ARCH PRIEST, MICHAEL HUTSKO SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS: Please contact the rectory a week or more in advance. CONFESSIONS: Before the weekend Divine Liturgies. Check your bulletin schedule. MARRIAGES: Those planning marriages must be active members of the parish, and must contact the pastor at least 6 months in advance. Marriage preparation for couples is required. EMERGENCIES AND PASTORAL CARE: Please call the pastor if a parishioner is hospitalized or homebound and will need the Eucharist or Anointing of the Sick. NEW PARISHIONERS are urged to register in the rectory office. Moving? Change of address? Please notify the rectory. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION for Sponsors of the sacraments will be issued only to active members of the parish who are registered in the parish, receiving the sacraments and supporting the parish. CHURCH FUNERALS: Members who are registered in the parish, receiving the sacraments, and supporting the parish. The Commemoration ofthe Circumcision ofourlordjesus Christ On this day, the church celebrates the commemoration of the circumcision of the Lord Christ, to Whom is the glory. God had ordained the law of circumcision as a sign that His people would become a particular people over all others. This was that every male of the seed of Abraham be circumcised on the eighth day of his birth. God put every soul that did not obey this law under judgment. As our LordJesus was born from the posterity of Abraham, according to the flesh, He willed to be circumcised on the eighth day, to fulfill the law of and to relieve US from the heavy burden of this commandment, as St. Paul says, "Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth ofgod, to confirm the promises made to the fathers" (Romans 15:8). He also gave us the sign ofthe new covenant through baptism, as St. Paul says, "In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision ofchrist, buried with Him in Baptism in which you also were raised with Him, through faith in the working ofgod, Who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the un-circumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Colossians 2:11-13). Therefore, He demands from us to keep the spiritual circumcision, that is to say the circumcision of the heart, so that we may live for Him in righteousness and in holiness, for He says, "Unless one is born ofwater and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom ofgod" (John 3:5). Glory be to our God forever. Amen. Coptic source Eastern Christian Bulletin Service -- PO Box Fairfax, VA Ph: Fax: