Weekly Schedule of Services/Events

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1 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH February 24, 2019 Sunday of the Prodigal Son Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 Weekly Schedule of Services/Events Sunday, February 24 9:00AM Divine Liturgy Epistle: Christopher Greenhill 10:30AM Church School Coffee: Greenhill Monday, February 25 7:00PM Choir Rehearsal Sunday, March 3 9:00AM Divine Liturgy 10:30AM Church Shcool Coffee: Feduik Epsitle: Jennifer Morrison Service Schedule Divine Liturgy 9am Weekday Eve Service 7pm General Information Street Address 384 Mill Hill Ave Bridgeport, CT Mailing Address 40 Beaver Dam Road Stratfor, CT Contact Information Fr. David Cochran H: C: pauldcochran@gmail.com Carol Feduik, President carolcfeduik@yahoo.com John Galpin, Choir Dir choir@stjohnsmillhill.com He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man s possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God. Fr. Matthew the Poor Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century Diocesan Resources Diocesan Website Camp Nazareth Facebook Twitter YouTube

2 Weekly Announcements LIBERATION PROGRAMS: We will be making lunches for Liberation Programs today following Divine Liturgy. Everyone is invited to come down and help put the lunches together. If you can hekp to deliver the lunches on Monday morning at 7am, please let Fr. David know. PRE-LENTEN BREAKFAST: We will hold our Pre-Lenten Breakfast following Divine Liturgy on March 10. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.0 for chidren. Full details of the breakfast will be in next weeks bulletin. FATHER DAVID AWAY: Fr. David will be away Wednesday and Thursday this week attending a Diocesan Youth Protection Meeting. If an emergency arises please contact Fr. Michael Macura at PARENTING WORKSHOP: The Diocese is sponsoring a Parenting Workshop that will be held at our Church in Rockaway, New Jersey. His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory and Fr. Stephen Laposky will be speaking. Please see the flyer in the bulletin for more information. SLOVAKIA TRIP: Holy Trinity Church in Danbury is hosting a trip to Slovakia Agusut The trip will visit many historical, cultural and religious sights. The current cost of the trip is $ If you are interested is possibly going on the trip, please contact Fr. Luke Mihaly at padreluke@aol.com to receive a complete brochure of the trip. Scripture Readings for Sunday Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food -- and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, The two shall become one flesh. But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which

3 a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God. Gospel Reading Luke 15:11-32 The Lord said this parable: There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me. And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, How many of my father s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound. But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf! And he said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.

4 Sunday of the Prdigal Son Through the parable of today s Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God s compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition -- inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries -- we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast. Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God s compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin -- no matter how great it may be -- that can overcome at any time His love for man. Wisdom of the Fathers What is it that I love when I love you? Not the beauty of a body or the comeliness of time. Nor the luster of the light pleasing to the eyes, nor the sweet melodies of all manner of songs, nor the fragrance of flowers, ointments and spices, not manna and honey, nor limbs welcome to the embrace of the flesh - I do not love these when I love my God. And yet there is a kind of light, a kind of voice, a kind of fragrance, a kind of foods, a kind of embrace, when I love my God, who is the light, voice, fragrance, food, embrace of the inner man, where there shines into the soul that which no place can contain, and there sounds forth that which time cannot end, where there is fragrance which no breeze disperses, taste which eating does not make less, and a clinging together which fulfillment does not terminate. It is this that I love when I love my God. St. Augustine Confessions 10.6 in The Confessions of St. Augustine, p. 244, 5th century

5 On Stewardship: #111 What do I Have to Give? If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:3 RSV) As Orthodox Christians, we ought to believe that God has given us everything we have. God, after all, has created everything, The earth is the Lord s and the fullness thereof. (Psalms 24: 1 RSV). As Orthodox Christians, if we practice good stewardship, we return to God in proportion to what He has given us. Said in another way, we are giving back to God part or a portion of what He has given us. But what do we have that we can give to God? Princess Ileana of Romania, Mother Alexandra, had a prayer that she recited on Sunday evenings which ended,...nothing have I to give to thee, for all I have has come of Thee: only my love is mine to give or to withhold. What a beautiful thought. Only my love is mine to give to you my God for all else that I have comes from You and belongs to You. We read in Galatians 5: 12, But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love... Love is the greatest of the virtues. If we love somebody we should also wish to help that person, give to them of the time, talents and treasure that God has given to us on loan. When we comprehend that all I have has come from Thee then we may truly give out of love. When we give as stewards of what God has given us, let s not give out of social obligation, habit, or peer pressure. If we do not give out of love, with our hearts, then we expect something in return. Maybe that is what Jesus meant when, talking to the Pharisees, He quoted Isaiah 29: 13, This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Give your time, talent and treasure with your heart, out of love for your God. What Mother Alexandra prayed is a reality: because all belongs to God, then the only thing you own and can give to God is your love. This weekly series of brief thoughts on stewardship and Orthodox life is brought to you by your Diocesan Stewardship Commission.

6 Parish Announcements Lucky 52 Winners for February: 2/3 Nancy Barger #5 2/10 Eleanor Demchak # 28 2/17 Don Semanchik #19 2/24 Colleen Dobosz #6 Rescue Mission: March 10: Mary Hall, Andrea and Jack Buchanan, Lynne Goetz Food Bank Sunday March 17. February Coffee Schedule: 2/3 Feduil Family 2/10 Pre-Lenten Breakfast 2/17 Fuentes Family 2/24 Algar Family 2/31 Fazekas Family Birthdays and Anniversaries Happy March Birthdays to: Steve Duranko 2 Father Dan Mahler 6 David Tvardzik 6 Peter Mesavage 7 Ann Louis 11 Kevin Gerety 13 Father David 18 Lillian Droniak 18 Julie Moore 20 Marie Mudre 21 Ann Hovan 21 Angela Schilling 21 Cathy Talone 22 Fred Suhy 24 Daniel Maxwell,Sr. 28 Richard Strich 31 Happy March Anniversary to: Daniel and Lisa Maxwell 8

7 Parish Prayer List O holy Father, heavenly Physician of our souls and bodies, who has sent Your Only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to heal all our ailments and deliver us from death: visit and heal these Your servants, granting them release from pain and restoration to health and vigor, that they may give thanks unto You and bless Your holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever and forever. Amen. Helen Carlos Deborah Nicholas Sophie Marcelo Lynn Tom David Laura Rebecca Frank Gerald Shaun Susan Michael Elisabeth Michael Mark Margaret Shirley Colleen Helen John Susan Nancy Trevor Rebecca Jason Carol Janice Justin Fred Adam Melissa Sharon Lillian Laura Margaret Michael Bryce John Molly Kevin Jimmy Breanna Sandra Bruce Judy Korie Taito William Sandy Sean Ray Sarah Pappa Scott Sally Alexander Anne Craig Joe Kelly Peter Noreen Bernadette Jodie Michael Paul David Mary Michael Layla John Helen Father Steven Diane Deborah John Kristen Linda Paula Gary Agnes Marie Denise Dorothy Matthew Rebecca Madison David Tessie Larissa Carl Dan Peter Roger John Bruce Russ Anna Ronald Elizabeth Mary Lou Julie Jeremy Luke Pani Patricia Thomas Juliana

8 February Memorial Service - March 16-9am Michael, Terezia Spak by Mildred, Mary Spak - AL Michael, Christine Risko Popp; John, Mary Matlyak Kasper; James, Mary Popp Guyon; Charles Popp; John, Helen Kasper Popp; Margaret Popp Skirkanich; John Skirkanich by James, Mary Popp Guyon; John, Helen Kasper Popp; J. Peter Skirkanich - EL Joseph, Anna, Michael by Edward, Martha Bizub - EL Wife, Ann; Parents: Michael, Helen; Brothers: Peter, Michael, John; Elizabeth, Ronald, Julia, Julia, Edward by Joseph Gulish Family - EL George, Mary, Helen, George, John, Peter, Anastasia, Anna, Joseph, Lewis, David, Francis by the Novak Family - EL Nicholas, George, Telda, Catherine, Michael, Mary, John, Nicholas by the Welehorsky Family - EL Andrew, George, Andrew, Susan, Nicholas, Michael, John by Susan Huchko - EL Martha, John Hrasch by John Hrasch - EL William, Anna, John, Julia by Anna Evans - EL Stephen Dzugan; Janet Chirsky by Mrs. Anna Dzugan - AL John, Mary, John, Mary, Wayne, Helen, Andrew, Stephen, Michael, Anna, George by Mary Kasper EL George Sr., George Jr., Nikolai, Anna, Helen, George, Anna, Susan, Michael, Helen by the Gulash Family Monthly Pirohi Friday March 22 Name Phone How many dz. Potato? How many dz. Prune How many dz. Cabbage How many Dz. Cheese To place orders: Leave this form in the Church Office; Call Church office and leave message:(203) ; Call Carol Feduik (203) or carolcfeduik@yahoo.com. Orders must be placed Sunday prior to sale.

9 CAMP NAZARETH SUMMER CAMP 2019 The time for Summer Camp is Rapidly Approaching!!! The clock is ticking!! REGISTER ONLINE STARTING MAR. 1, 2019!!! Dates for the Summer Camping Program Week 1: July 14-20, 2019 Pittsburgh, Mid-Atlantic, Tri-State and Washington D.C. Deaneries Week 2: July 21-27, 2019 New England, NY, NJ, Florida and Canada Deaneries Week 3: July 28-August 3, 2019 Johnstown, Pocono, Southern Tier, Youngstown and Chicago Deaneries Register Online Starting March 1, Register at campnazareth.org From the Home Page, From the 2019 Summer Camp Icon, or From the Diocesan Summer Camp Tab found under the Summer Camp Tab and look for Camper Registration. If you are Clergy or a Volunteer go to the 2019 Summer Camp Icon on the Home Page or the Diocesan Summer Camp Tab found under the Summer Camp Tab and look for the paper forms under Clergy/Volunteers. $20 Early Bird Discount Per Child!!!! (one-time only, not per week) Register & pay by May 15, 2019!!!! Online Registration MUST be complete AND payment must be submitted by May 15 in order to qualify for the Early Bird Discount. Registrations after June 15 will incur an additional $20 late fee. When you register online please note that you will still need to submit a paper copy of the Medical Examination Form (i.e. Camper Physical) which must be filled out and signed by a licensed medical professional (licensed physician or physician s assistant). This form will be ed to you after you complete the online registration process. Payment by check, money order, or credit card is accepted. Checks and Money Orders are to be made payable to Camp Nazareth and sent to Camp Nazareth at 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA

10 Sunday March 17 Sunday of Orthodoxy Holy Trinity Church, Bridgeport 4:00 p.m. Sunday March 24 2 nd Sunday of Lent - St. Gregory Palamas St. John s, Church Broadbridge, Stratford 4:00 p.m. Sunday March 31 3 rd Sunday of Lent - Veneration of the Holy Cross (FORCC) OCAGB Holy Ghost Church, Bridgeport 4:00 p.m. Sunday April 7 4 th Sunday of Lent - St. John Climacus OCAGB: St. Nicholas, Bridgeport 4:00 p.m. Sunday April 14 5 th Sunday of Lent - St. Mary of Egypt - Holy Unction Service Three Saints Church Ansonia 4:00 p.m. Sunday April 21 Palm Sunday - Bridegroom Matins OCAGB St. John Church, Mill Hill Ave, Bridgeport

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12 Lenten Retreat Focusing on the Ladder of Divine Ascent and our spiritual journey one step at a time April 13, 2019 Speakers: His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory Fr. Anthony Perkins Retreat registration: Adults $40 (late fee $15) Adolescents $20 (late fee $10) Children (under 12) $7 Registration includes all meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information contact: Oleh or Natalie Bilynsky at nsufler@aol.com call St. Francis Center for Renewal 395 Bridle Path Road Bethlehem, PA

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14 St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Sunday Divine Liturgy 9:00am Holy Day Divine Liturgy 9:00am March 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Divine Liturgy 9am Epistle: J. Morrison Church School Coffee: Feduik 4 Choir Rehearsal 7pm 5 St. John s Seniors 7 Moleben to the Mother of God 6:30pm 7 Board Meeting 7pm 8 9 Pre-Lenten Breakfast Set-up 10 Divine Liturgy 9am Epistle: G. Morrison Pre-Lenten Breakfast Rescue Mission 11 Great Lent Canon St. Andrew 7pm Prospect House 12 Canon St. Andrew 7pm 13 Pre-Sanctified 7pm 14 Pirohi 9am Canon St. Andrew 7pm 15 Paraklis 7pm 16 March Monthly Memorial 9am Confessions following 17 Divine Liturgy 9am Epistle: H. McKane Church School Coffee: Fuentes Food Bank Holy Trinity Bpt 4pm 18 Choir Rehearsal 7pm 19 + Butchko 9am Lenten Service 11am St. John s Seniors 20 Confessions 5:45pm Pre-Sanctified 6:30 Adult Class 21 Pirohi Prep 9am Officer s Meeting 7pm 22 Pirohi 9am Paraklis 7pm 23 Soul Saturday 9am 24 Divine Liturgy 9am Epistle: L. Goetz Coffee: Algar Church School St. John s Broadbridge 4pm Lenten Service 11am St. John s Seniors 27 Confessions 5:45pm Pre-Sanctified 6:30 Adult Class 28 + Guman 9am 29 Paraklis 7pm 30 Soul Saturday 9am 31 Divine Liturgy 9am Epistle: C. Greenhill Church School Coffee: Fazekas Holy Ghost BPT 4pm