St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter

Transcription

1 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter Diocese of Toledo-Orthodox Church in America 2143 S. Center Road Burton, Michigan Served by: Fr. Matthew-Peter Butrie Deacon Kerry Luke Gonser Website: Church Office: Services: Sunday 9:30 am Hours 10 am Divine Liturgy Wednesday- 9:30 am Divine Liturgy replaced by 10 am Lenten Hours during Lent Adult Class 11:15 am Saturday 5 pm Vespers followed by Confessions Holydays: Vespers & Liturgy as announced But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. St. Jude 1:20 JUNE 2018 ELDER AIMILIANOS OF SIMONOPETRA There will come times in our life - or rather, such times will come continually - when all seems lost; when it appears that even those we love and trusted have abandoned us, that they have grown distant and estranged. There will be moments when black clouds gather menacingly over our heads. But it is during such moments, my beloved, that God is visiting us, in order to see our patience, to test the quality of our trust, which is the proof of our love for him... the faithful are often scandalized by the prosperity of sinners. And it is true that if we look at things from a purely human perspective it can seem as if God has distributed His blessings unjustly. Here, where He should have given a measure of happiness, He has given only misfortune. And there, where He should have dispensed riches, He gave only poverty. And where poverty was in order, He lavished wealth. When we wait for a blessing, He often deals us a hard blow, while at the same time He maintains smiles on the faces of those around us. In a way that echoes modern social concerns, we might say that God discriminates, and this is something that scandalizes us. Why does this scandalize us? The answer is simple. It is because our hearts are still attached to earthly things, still clinging to false <<goods>> that we continue to covet and crave. Thus the solution to our dilemma must be sought elsewhere, and this means that we should not be hasty in abolishing whatever strikes us as discrimination or injustice. We live in a time of rapid change, when every innovation is presented to us as <<progress>>, but before real change, real progress, can take place, something must first change within us. And for this to happen we must become completely estranged to all things earthly and human, to all human logic, to all human ways of thinking, and to every so-called material good. We must be indifferent in the face of all things. And only then, when we have become strangers to all, can God become all things to us, as if there existed nothing else in the world for us except God. It is this alone that can grant us true and lasting tranquility. Otherwise, if our heart is attached to anything earthly, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to be, we can be sure that it will make us suffer. Psalms and the Life of Faith, Psalm 17, pp 49-50

2 FROM FATHER S DESK Our Archbishop Alexander shared the following with the clergy of the Diocese on the feast of St. George, 23 April: Dear Fathers, Christ is risen! This is to let you know that this morning I received the blessing of Simonopetra Monastery to publish the English translation of their three volume Ieratikon being done by Fathers Silviu and Matthew. This will come out after my review of the work and with the blessing of Archimandrite Elisseos, abbot of the monastery, and my blessing. This translation will not be mandated for use in the Diocese but you will, of course, have my blessing to use it. Many things commend the Simonopetra Ieratikon, considered by many as the standard of Athonite practice and an exemplary work of liturgical research (done by Professor Foundoulis). We hope the translation will be completed by October and will be published soon thereafter. The three volume Ieratikon contains the daily cycle of services we offer to God. The first volume contains Vespers, Matins and the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom as well as other services. The second volume is structured like the first but with the Liturgy of St. Basil which is used on the Sundays of Lent and the eves of Pascha, Nativity of our Lord, Theophany, and the feast of St. Basil. The third volume contains the same cycle of services but with the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts we serve during Lent. A fourth volume will be published as a supplement to the first three. This volume will explain Elder Aimilianos Simonopetridis understanding of the liturgy, the order of services at Simonopetra, an Orthodox vision of holy time and place as we enter into the Mysteries. There will be additional rubrics, general principles of translation and comments on common terms, litanies and other common prayers, and on particular prayers. The Ieratikon of Simonopetra excels in its simplicity, soberness, and richness. When we serve, says Elder Aimilianos, it is good to be very simple and not to give the others a reason with our posture, with our eyes, with our gestures, or with our voice to pay attention to us. We should be very simple. The Simonopetra Ieratikon certainly reflects this vision. For several months now a draft of the translation (which continues to be worked on) has been used by Deacon Luke and myself for Vespers and the Divine Liturgy. You may have noticed a change in some phrases as well as the use of You and Your for God in place of Thee and Thy. As the work continues and is updated, the new drafts will be put into use. And, God-willing, when, with Archbishop Alexander s blessing the volumes are published, Deacon Luke and I will use them for Vespers, Matins, Divine Liturgy, and the Trisagion Service, as it is called in the texts but which many may know as the Short Parastas. It is my hope that in a piecemeal fashion, excerpts of the fourth volume will be shared with you in the newsletter or Sunday bulletin to explain the significance of a word or phrase in the services, shed more light on the architecture of the temple, and explain the vision concerning movements such as the entrances we make at Vespers and Liturgy.

3 Third Hour Schedule June July August 3 Calvin 1 Angelo 5 Calvin 10 Angelo 8 Lucy 12 Angelo 17 Lucy 15 Calvin 19 Lucy 24 Calvin 25 Angelo 26 Calvin 29 Lucy If you are unable to make your assigned reading date, you must find a replacement. Reader Schedule June July August 3 Angelo 1 Johnny 5 Angelo 10 Johnny 8 Taras 12 Taras 17 Taras 15 Angelo 19 Amir 24 Amir 22 Amir 26 Johnny 29 Johnny If you are unable to make your assigned reading date, you must find a replacement. COFFEE HOUR volunteers are needed. There is a sign-up list outside of the kitchen. Please commit to helping out so that we can continue having this social time together. CLOSE OF CHURCH SCHOOL YEAR is Sunday, June 10. Thank you to our teachers: Deborah Gonser-Adams, assistant Sarah Neely; Stephanie Price and Gabriel Paul and to our Coordinator, Matushka Lisa. NORTH END SOUP KITCHEN Our next scheduled date of service is Thursday, June 7 th 9 am-12:30 pm. PLEASE make an effort to be there or to invite a friend to help out with us. HOPE IN A BOX PARISH COUNCIL meets on Tuesday, June 5 th at 6:30 pm. All information for the meeting will be ed. Please contact the office if you are unable to attend. MACEDONIAN OPEN GOLF SCRAMBLE The 38th Macedonian Open Golf Scramble will be held this year on Monday, June 18th at the Flint Elks Golf Club. Once again that is the Monday after Father s Day and would make a great Father s Day gift. Everyone is encouraged to help out in any way they can. There are many sponsorship opportunities for Families and individuals who would like to support the event, from signs wishing good luck to signs in memory of a loved one. A sign sponsorship is a great advertising opportunity for any business. Whether it s for your business or one that you frequent, we encourage everyone to participate in getting new sign sponsors this year. The Macedonian Open is our biggest fundraiser and we are hoping for an even bigger and better turnout this year. If you have any questions or know of someone who would like to help, please contact Angelo Panoff (angelo.panoff@stifel.com or ), Christine Panoff (capanoff@umflint.edu or ), Linda Branoff (branoff721@aol.com or ), George Branoff (george.branoff27@frontier.com or ) or Chris Nedanis (cned77@gmail.com or ). HOW CAN I HELP? I DON T GOLF. Donate money for prizes-any amount you can give would be very much appreciated to offset the cost of buying prizes. Donate a gift card-we are looking for gift cards to give as prizes in the amount of $20 or $25 similar to these: Visa gift cards, Meijer, Dunham s, Gas Cards, Restaurant cards, or any establishment you frequent. Donate a prize-donate a prize, whether it s golf related or not; or ask a business you frequent to make a donation (such as a gift card) Join us for dinner June July August Laundry Soap Toilet Paper Feminine Care Products, Razors & Shaving Cream

4 CONTACT INFORMATION Please contact the church office with any updates to your mailing address, address or telephone number(s) whenever you have a change or stnicholasburtonmi@gmail.com.thank you! BIRTHDAYS 2 Dakota Selmi 4 John Todorovsky 5 Dennis Jernigan 6 Kate Stevens Michael Chevalier 8 Elijah George Adam George 11 Angelo Panoff 14 Joshua Brucksch 15 Helen Ethington Jonathan Sfetkides 20 Eileen Branoff 21 Dennis Goodman 22 Izis Helal Luke Borkovich 24 Joshua Vuckovich 27 Ralph Neely JUNE BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES & NAMESDAYS WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES 2 Angelo & Christine Panoff (1968) 4 Joe & Susan Oginsky (1983) 8 Paul & Luba Yosheff (1975) 10 Deacon Kerry & Kathy Gonser (1990) 23 Jim & Sandra Grossi (1974) Germanos & Irene Batcos (1968) AXIOS! WORTHY! Deacon Luke was given the rank of Protodeacon by the Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America for his years of faithful service. Congratulations to him and Diakonissa Kathy and their family. Many years! CHRIST IS RISEN! MEMORY ETERNAL Gloria Zelenko fell asleep in the Lord on May 8. Visitation took place at Swartz Funeral and funeral was from church with interment at Evergreen Cemetery. May God grant her rest among the saints! Susan Goodman, wife of Mike, mother of Ben, daughter-in-law of John and Rose Goodman, fell asleep in the Lord on May 2. Funeral was from Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Clawson, MI with inurnment at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, MI. May God grant her rest among the saints! VISITATION TO THE SICK Fr. Matthew brings Holy Communion to the shut-ins on Mondays. If you would like to be added to this list, please contact the office. Presently, those receiving weekly visits are: Fred Oginsky, Helen Ashmun and Paul Ellis (as necessary). Monthly Fr. Matthew visits Larry Bladecki (Bay City) and Peter and Olga Samaras (Caro). Rememeber these persons in prayer: Larry Bladecki Deacon John Bocek Anna Branoff Linda Branoff Gladys Edwards Paul Ellis Susan Goodman Jo Ann Havens Bill Haw Goldie Johnson Mary Karayanis Nick Karayanis Macy Lemmen Fred Oginsky Ron Salhany NAMESDAYS 3 Paula Zelenko 11 Calvin (Barnabas) Conrad 14 Nancy Nevena Tasevski 21 Julius Chevalier 27 Jo Ann Havens 29 Brandon Paul Conover Colin Paul Panoff Paul Brayan Paul Ellis Paul Panoff Paul Yosheff Peter Biggs Peter Branoff Peter Brayan Peter Economou Peter Samaras Peter Sredich Petro Ahejew Peter Samaras Olga Samaras Bill Tadrick Wendy Tadrick

5 To aid in your outreach, here is a listing of the addresses and phone numbers of our Homebound: Helen Ashmun 4436 Beecher Rd. Flint, MI Larry Bladecki th Street Bay City, MI Nick & Marge Butrie 30 E. Bertsch St. #12 Lansford, PA Betty Dimich Heartland-Briarwood 3011 Center Rd Flint, MI Gladys Edwards 2 Harbor Dr. St. Clair, MO Paul Ellis 2360 Stonebridge Dr. Flint, MI Goldie Johnson 3215 W. Mount Hope Ave. Apt. 142 Lansing, MI Pete & Olga Samaras 1285 Cleaver Rd. Caro, MI Janice Jackson 2315 Costa Verde Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL FIFTH ANNUAL SMALL PARISH FORUM JULY 12, 13, AND 14 AT ST GEORGE, ROSSFORD, OH Online registration for the Fifth Annual Small Parish Forum, slated to be held at Saint George Cathedral in the Toledo suburb of Rossford, OH July 12-14, 2018, is now open. Co-sponsored by the Orthodox Church in America s Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania, the Diocese of the Midwest and the Bulgarian Diocese, this year s theme will be Equipping Small Parish Leaders for Discipleship and Change. The program will focus on specific situations common to small parishes throughout the OCA and other Orthodox jurisdictions. Workshops and presentations will explore ways to assist parishes with memberships of 75 or fewer souls to achieve stability, build a positive self-image, and accept their calling to live a life in Christ without necessarily becoming big. Keynote speaker at this year s Forum will be Archpriest Thomas Soroka, Rector of Saint Nicholas Church, McKees Rocks, PA. His topic Discipleship: An Orthodox Christian Perspective for Leaders will set the tone for the Forum s workshops, case studies and discussions. This year s content is not a repeat of past Forums, said Joseph Kormos, Forum Co-Chair and Parish Development Ministry Leader for the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh. The emphasis will be on the importance of collaboration between clergy and lay leaders in any parish. This is especially critical in small parishes, where resources are modest and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction. Specific themes to be explored include reshaping parish councils to move beyond firefighting and money to fulfilling the overall parish mission; generating dialogue in finding the center in parish discussions; envisioning a bright future through a sense of purpose and direction that leads to prioritized action; inspiring stewardship by replacing begging and continual pleas with generosity and gratitude; and stimulating ministry by building a thirst for outreach, overcoming insularity, and being the Church of Christ. With this as a framework, said Archpriest Daniel Rentel, Forum Co-Chair, we will explore how small parishes with limited resources can shape leaders and leadership structures to take advantage of the many positive qualities of small parishes. Registration will be limited to 65 persons, and early registration is recommended. A block of rooms has been reserved at a local hotel. The minimal $ per person registration fee will include meals, breaks, a hospitality reception and Forum materials. Attendees from the OCA s Bulgarian Diocese, the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania and the Diocese of the Midwest are eligible for full tuition rebates and grants to assist with travel costs. Many other OCA Dioceses offer scholarships to small parishes wishing to send participants. Questions and enquiries may be directed to Mr. Kormos at joekormos1@gmail.com. VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL SAVE THE WEEK OF AUG. 6 FOR OUR PAN-ORTHODOX VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL!! When further details are available, the information will be sent out. 3 RD ANNUAL PAN-ORTHODOX SOFTBALL GAME WHEN: Sunday, July 15 Picnic at 4 pm Softball game at 4:45 pm\ WHERE: St. Pius X School Baseball Field, 3139 Hogarth Ave, Flint, MI COÖRDINATOR: Deacon Luke (Kerry) Gonser. Please contact him to lend a hand at or kgonser1@yahoo.com. Thank you to Fr. Anthony Strouse and St. Pius X parish for extending their hospitality!

6 The Weeping Iveron Icon of The Mother of God Our Parish Community in Fenton is extremely excited to announce, that we will be welcoming the miracle working weeping icon of the Mother of God in late June! Join us for a truly spiritual and unforgettable visit, which will remove any doubts about the Glory of God! When: Where: Friday June 29th: All Day Visitation with Service and Anointing at 7:00 PM Saturday, June 30th: Divine Liturgy at 8:30 AM St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church 2439 S. Long Lake Rd., Fenton, MI Call (810) for More Information!

7 The Orthodox Churches of Genesee County 2018 Vacation Church School Hosted at: Monday, August 6 th Thursday, August 9 th 6:00pm 8:30pm St. George Orthodox Church 5191 Lennon Road Flint, MI Registration opens in June For more information, to volunteer, or donate, please contact Kh. Leslee Abud, laabud@aol.com or

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10 June 28 th & July 19 th games (both on Thursdays) will be on our Family Feast Nights where we have $1 hot dogs, chips, 16 oz. soft drinks & ice cream sandwiches. August 4 th & 22 nd games will be on our Firework Nights where every congregation in attendance gets a firework show right in the stadium after the game.

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14 $36.00 Single Space for 6 months $50.00 Double Space for 6 months $65.00 Triple Space for 6 months

15 JUNE 2018 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 2143 S. Center Rd. Burton, MI Website: Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Fast Dairy Permitted (no meat) Wine & Oil Permitted (no meat) Fish Permitted (no other meat) 1 NO FAST 2 NO FAST 5 pm Vespers 3 9:30 Third Hour 10 am Divine Liturgy Special Parish Meeting to elect two lay delegates to the 6 th Diocesan Congress-Sobor 4 APOSTLES FAST BEGINS Father in Toledo 5 6:30 pm Parish Council 6 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 11:15 am Adult Ed 7 9:am to 12:30 pm North End Soup Kitchen Office Closed 8 Rummage Sale 10 am-6 pm 9 Rummage Sale 10 am-6 pm 5 pm Vespers 6 pm Baptism of Paul Childs 10 9:30 Third Hour 10 am Divine Liturgy Church School Year conclusion 11 Holy Apostles Bartholomew & Barnabas 12 6 pm Wedding Olesya Nwakarendu & Paul Childs 13 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 11:15 am Adult Ed DEADLINE FOR JULY NEWSLETTER 14 Office Closed pm Vespers :30 Third Hour 10 am Divine Liturgy FATHER S DAY MACEDONIAN OPEN AT FLINT ELKS CLUB 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 11:15 am Adult Ed Office Closed 2 pm Wedding of Gabriel Paul & Suzanne Neumann No Vespers 24 Nativity of St. John the Baptist 9:30 Third Hour 10 am Divine Liturgy Father in Toledo 27 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 11:15 am Adult Ed 28 6 pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy for Ss Peter & Paul location TBD Office Closed 29 Ss. Peter & Paul 7 pm Akathist at St. Mary Magdalene 30 8:30 am Liturgy at SMM 5 pm Vespers at Assumption Followed by dinner/dance Diocesan Congress-Sobor & Conference at St Mary Magdalene, Fenton, MI June 29 to July 1

16 JULY 2018 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 2143 S. Center Rd. Burton, MI Website: Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat am Diocesan Pontifical Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Magdalene (no Liturgy at St. Nicholas) No Liturgy No Adult Ed pm Vespers 8 9:30 am Hours 10 am Divine Liturgy 9 10 No Parish Council meeting in July 11 No Liturgy No Adult Ed 12 Office Closed pm Vespers Small Parish Forum at our Diocesan Cathedral St. George, Rossford, OH July 12, 13, and :30 am Hours 10 am Divine Liturgy 4 pm 3rd Annual Pan- Orthodox Softball Game at St Pius X School :30 am Liturgy 11:15 am Adult Ed 19 Office Closed pm Vespers :30 am Hours 10 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Liturgy 11:15 am Adult Ed 5 pm Vespers Office Closed 29 9:30 am Hours 10 am Divine Liturgy Fast Dairy Permitted (no meat) Wine & Oil Permitted (no meat) Fish Permitted (no other meat)