DECEMBER 6, th Sunday After Pentecost ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER, ABP. OF MYRA IN LYCIA

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1 Ambo ST. THEODOSIUS ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 733 Starkweather Ave. Cleveland, Ohio Mailing: 733 Starkweather Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 4411 T F DECEMBER 6, th Sunday After Pentecost ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER, ABP. OF MYRA IN LYCIA ST SPYRIDON THE WONDERWORKER AND BISHOP OF TREMITHUS (December 12) Archpriest John Zdinak Dean Priest Svetislav Mirolovich Dn. Daniel Boerio Subdeacon Theodore Lentz Reader Julius Kovach Ecclesiarch & Choirmaster Divine Services Eve Sundays & Feast Days 5:00 PM Confessions 6:00 PM Great Vespers Sundays and Feast Days 8:40 AM 3rd and 6th Hour 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy Fr. John Office Hours Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM *Articles for publication in the AMBO should be submitted to: AMBO@sttheodosius.org by Wednesday of each week before noon. St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 1

2 Saint Spyridon of Tremithus was born towards the end of the third century on the island of Cyprus. He was a shepherd, and had a wife and children. He used all his substance for the needs of his neighbors and the homeless, for which the Lord rewarded him with a gift of wonderworking. He healed those who were incurably sick, and cast out demons. After the death of his wife, during the reign of Constantine the Great ( ), he was made Bishop of Tremithus, Cyprus. As a bishop, the saint did not alter his manner of life, but combined pastoral service with deeds of charity. According to the witness of Church historians, St Spyridon participated in the sessions of the First Ecumenical Council in the year 325. At the Council, the saint entered into a dispute with a Greek philosopher who was defending the Arian heresy. The power of St Spyridon's plain, direct speech showed everyone the importance of human wisdom before God's Wisdom: "Listen, philosopher, to what I tell you. There is one God Who created man from dust. He has ordered all things, both visible and invisible, by His Word and His Spirit. The Word is the Son of God, Who came down upon the earth on account of our sins. He was born of a Virgin, He lived among men, and suffered and died for our salvation, and then He arose from the dead, and He has resurrected the human race with Him. We believe that He is one in essence (consubstantial) with the Father, and equal to Him in authority and honor. We believe this without any sly rationalizations, for it is impossible to grasp this mystery by human reason." As a result of their discussion, the opponent of Christianity became the saint's zealous defender and later received holy Baptism. After his conversation with St Spyridon, the philosopher turned to his companions and said, "Listen! Until now my rivals have presented their arguments, and I was able to refute their proofs with other proofs. But instead of proofs from reason, the words of this Elder are filled with some sort of special power, and no one can refute them, since it is impossible for man to oppose God. If any of you thinks as I do now, let him believe in Christ and join me in following this man, for God Himself speaks through his lips." At this Council, St Spyridon displayed the unity of the Holy Trinity in a remarkable way. He took a brick in his hand and squeezed it. At that instant fire shot up from it, water dripped on the ground, and only dust remained in the hands of the wonderworker. "There was only one brick," St Spyridon said, "but it was composed of three elements. In the Holy Trinity there are three Persons, but only one God." The saint cared for his flock with great love. Through his prayer, drought was replaced by abundant rains, and incessant rains were replaced by fair weather. Through his prayers the sick were healed and demons cast out. A woman once came up to him with a dead child in her arms, imploring the intercession of the saint. He prayed, and the infant was restored to life. The mother, overcome with joy, collapsed lifeless. Through the prayer of the saint of God the mother was restored to life. Another time, hastening to save his friend, who had been falsely accused and sentenced to death, the saint was hindered on his way by the unanticipated flooding of a stream. The saint commanded the water: "Halt! For the Lord of all the world commands that you permit me to cross so that a man may be saved." The will of the saint was fulfilled, and he crossed over happily to the other shore. The judge, apprised of the miracle that had occurred, received St Spyridon with esteem and set his friend free. Similar instances are known from the life of the saint. Once, he went into an empty church, and ordered that the lampadas and candles be lit, and then he began the service. When he said, "Peace be unto all," both he and the deacon heard from above the resounding of "a great multitude of voices saying, "And with thy spirit." This choir was majestic and more sweetly melodious than any human choir. To each petition of the litanies, the invisible choir sang, "Lord, have mercy." Attracted by the church singing, the people who lived nearby hastened towards it. As they got closer and closer to the church, the wondrous singing filled their ears and gladdened their hearts. But St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 2

3 when they entered into the church, they saw no one but the bishop and several church servers, and they no longer heard the singing which had greatly astonished them." St Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), the author of his Life, likened St Spyridon to the Patriarch Abraham in his hospitality. Sozomen, in his CHURCH HISTORY, offers an amazing example from the life of the saint of how he received strangers. One time, at the start of the Forty-day Fast, a stranger knocked at his door. Seeing that the traveller was very exhausted, St Spyridon said to his daughter, "Wash the feet of this man, so he may recline to dine." But since it was Lent there were none of the necessary provisions, for the saint "partook of food only on certain days, and on other days he went without food." His daughter replied that there was no bread or flour in the house. Then St Spyridon, apologizing to his guest, ordered his daughter to cook a salted ham from their larder. After seating the stranger at table, he began to eat, urging that man to do the same. When the latter refused, calling himself a Christian, the saint rejoined, "It is not proper to refuse this, for the Word of God proclaims, "Unto the pure all things are pure" (Titus 1:15). Another historical detail reported by Sozomen, was characteristic of the saint. It was his custom to distribute one part of the gathered harvest to the destitute, and another portion to those having need while in debt. He did not take a portion for himself, but simply showed them the entrance to his storeroom, where each could take as much as was needed, and could later pay it back in the same way, without records or accountings. There is also the tale by Socrates Scholasticus about how robbers planned to steal the sheep of St Spyridon. They broke into the sheepfold at night, but here they found themselves all tied up by some invisible power. When morning came the saint went to his flock, and seeing the tied-up robbers, he prayed and released them. For a long while he advised them to leave their path of iniquity and earn their livelihood by respectable work. Then he made them a gift of a sheep and sending them off, the saint said kindly, "Take this for your trouble, so that you did not spend a sleepless night in vain." All the Lives of the saint speak of the amazing simplicity and the gift of wonderworking granted him by God. Through a word of the saint the dead were awakened, the elements of nature tamed, the idols smashed. At one point, a Council had been convened at Alexandria by the Patriarch to discuss what to do about the idols and pagan temples there. Through the prayers of the Fathers of the Council all the idols fell down except one, which was very much revered. It was revealed to the Patriarch in a vision that this idol had to be shattered by St Spyridon of Tremithus. Invited by the Council, the saint set sail on a ship, and at the moment the ship touched shore and the saint stepped out on land, the idol in Alexandria with all its offerings turned to dust, which then was reported to the Patriarch and all the bishops. St Spyridon lived his earthly life in righteousness and sanctity, and prayerfully surrendered his soul to the Lord. His relics repose on the island of Corfu (Kerkyra), in a church named after him (His right hand, however, is located in Rome). His memory is also celebrated on Cheesefare Saturday. THANK YOU Thank you to everyone who sent cards and wished me well during my recovery from the hospital. Thanks also for your love and support. I am very grateful. God bless you. Love In Christ, Natalia Ponomarenko PARKING ANNOUNCEMENT For those having difficulty entering the parking lot from St. Tikhon street, the St. Olga gate to the parking lot will be open. St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 3

4 DEPARTED: Patriarch Pavle + 11/15/09 Wilma Trivanovich + 11/06/09 (Cindy Zdinak s Mother) Larry Gindlesperger + 11/17/09 (Phyllis Gindlesperger Brother-in-law) Ill Afflicted & Special Intentions Fr. Anthony Dimitri Fr. Stephen Jula Helen Antonik Dan Arangelovich Jerry Arangelovich Alice Artino Helen Baldner John Baranich Carol Bohurjak John Conrad Ryan Czaruk Eugene Erhardt Tony Eschuk Judy Gartman Gloria Gindlesperger (Sister-In-Law) Julia Grabowski PRAYER REQUESTS Maria Hanzel Jennifer Humphrey Donna Jacak Paul Kappanadze (son of Fr. Jason Kappanadze) Chloe Kasubienski Vivian Kasubienski Sarah Kersey Dorothy Laskovich Paul Laskovich Shane, Sierra and Taylor McNeilly Brian Nemec (Frank Tkacz s Godson) Alex and Jerilyn Oppenheim Walter & Grace Parhamovich (Karen Felon s parents) Natalie Ponomarenko David Roman (Nephew of Margaret Rusynyk) Vera Sakal Mary Ann Silberhorn Elsie Sudnick Barbara Thompson (Phyllis Gindlesperger s Sister-In-Law) Donald Tipka Frank Tkacz Hannah Ward (God Child of Fr. Andrew Stevens) Harrison Ward (God Child of Fr. Andrew Stevens) Helen Zawisza (Joseph Rusynyk s sister) Julia Zimmerman Kristin Zdinak Denise Zweifel (Sister of Marshall Prock) Vivian & Dustin Kashubienski & Newborn Lexus Ann Grant & Stephanie Dever & Unborn Child (Fr. John s Niece) Anthony & Nikol Gammalo (Nickol Zdinak) & Unborn Child Erik & Gwen Hasselquist & Unborn Child Miki McNally & Unborn Child (Cindy Zdinak s Cousin) Nathan & Chelsea Pozderac & Unborn Child Dome Lighters Donations to offset the cost of lighting the domes can be made for the health of or in memory of your loved ones. Contact the Parish Office if you are interested. BIBLE READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 6 Dec. 6 Eph. 5:9-19 Luke 17:12-19 Dec. 7 1 Tim. 5:1-10 Luke 20:27-44 Dec. 8 1 Tim. 5:11-21 Luke 21:12-19 Dec. 9 1 Tim. 5:22-6:11 Luke 21:5-7, 10-11, Dec Tim. 1:1-2, 8-18 Luke 21:37-22:8 Dec Gal. 5:22-6:2 Luke 13:18-29 Dec Tim. 6:17-21 Luke 21:28-33 St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 4

5 Welcome Visitors Our parish welcomes you and thanks you for joining us at today s Divine Liturgy. While only Orthodox Christians may approach the chalice for Holy Communion, everyone is welcome to partake of the Holy Bread after Liturgy. You are also invited to join us for fellowship in the Parish Hall following Liturgy. COFEE HOUR & GREETERS SCHEDULES Coffee Hour Hosts: Greeters: 12/06/09 Joyce Tabeling Debby Pinta and Maca Tyler 12/13/09 Natalia Pricinovskis and Mary Lee Erhardt Linda Smotzer and Virginia Medvec 12/20/09 Mat. Jeanne Homik Debby Pinta and Sonia Vorell 12/27/09 Mary Swit and Tammy Ponomarenko Eileen Bondor 01/03/09 Dan and Lavinia Morris To be announced. For your convenience, we will have HOMEMADE APRICOT, NUT and POPPYSEED ROLLS for sale at every Sunday s Coffee Hour. The price is $8.00. Homemade rolls are also available at the Ridge Manor Party Center. Please call Sharon Glagola at: SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT CONGRATULATIONS......to the recipients of the ERNEST AND MARIE MATY SCHOLARSHIP FUND STEVEN BONDER LINDA SMOTZER ANA TYLER GOD S GIFTS TO US - OUR GIFTS TO GOD Weekly expenses: $ 6, Last week s collection $ 2, Over/Under < $ 3, > Attendance Members 73 Visitors 6 Total 79 TODAY!!! FOCA ANNUAL SOUP SALE The FOCA is sponsoring a Soup Sale TODAY after Liturgy in the Parish Hall. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 4:30 Manor Parish Council News PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, December 15 6:00 Ridge Manor 2009 PARISH COOKIE WALK NEEDS YOU!! This years cookie walk will be on December 19. We need our "Creative Cookie Bakers" to bake and donate 12 dozen cookies to our collection. For more information and details please see the sign-up poster in the parish hall. Thank you Joyce Tabeling St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 5

6 2009 ANGEL TREE This year's Angel Tree is ready for you to help make a Merrick House child's Christmas happy! Please be sure to help us keep track of which name(s) you take! All gifts are due by Sunday, Dec. 13! (Up to $30 per child in gifts.) FOOD PANTRY We are restarting our FOOD PANTRY in conjunction with Tremont Pointe (formerly Valley View). Some residents are returning, some residents are new, but some are in need of help. We are asking folks who wish to help with this specific project to "sponsor" a bag of groceries for $10. Checks can be made out to St. Theodosius, marked for Food Pantry. The need is smaller now than several years ago, but it is still there. God bless you for considering those less fortunate. Questions to Dan Morris. What About the Flu? There is much concern in the news these days about H1N1 Flu or Swine Flu. I have never feared contracting an illness from the Holy Chalice for it contains the precious and holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, there are many other ways we might come into contact with a virus. We greet each other with a holy kiss, we shake hands, we hug each other and the children of our community. In other words, we are loving Christians who demonstrate our love for each other. In anticipation of questions regarding the flu season, please observe the following. Use common sense! If you have flu symptoms, STAY HOME! This is being absent for an honorable reason or a reason worthy of a blessing! When you have recovered from the flu, then is the time to return to the community of the Church. Those who are parents may find that they will be absent frequently during the flu season. From experience I know how colds and flu re-entered our home from the children s contact at school. With Fatherly Love, Fr. John A SPECIAL THANK YOU St. Theodosius Cathedral is blessed to have many dedicated volunteers. Over the past summer, Eileen Bondor, Tom & Laverne Jacobson, Dan McNeilly, Marshall & Nancy Prock, Linda Smotzer and John Vorell donated their time and talents in maintaining the Cathedral grounds. The Cathedral has realized an estimated $1200 savings this year which will increase to an estimated savings of $2400 next year. Thanks to all! St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 6

7 St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 7 2. Although repair to the three rose windows has only to find that they have no money to help us. We have checked with the Historic Preservation Society pews, and the subsequent restoration of the iconography! to repair the plaster damage that we can see from the You will notice that the projects listed above do not begin contractor. The details of the repairs are yet to be received from each our front steps ranging from $1000 to $ Several bids have been received for the repair to repellant netting needs to be replaced; projected cost $10, To keep birds from nesting on our church, the needed; costs estimates are $3800 for this work. painting of large windows behind the altar are also been funded by recent donations, similar calking and ined. repair costs are unknown until the dome is carefully exam- just to bring in a crane to examine the problem; complete tral dome. The repair costs will begin with a $6900 charge 1. A water leak has been noticed in the large cen- of the following situations: that it is important that the parish community be advised maintenance issues needed by the Cathedral. Because of the extensive costs of these repairs, the Council thought The Parish Council has recently been advised of several

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10 Sunday, December 6 ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER ABP. OF MYRA IN LYCIA 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy FOCA Soup Sale in Parish Hall after Liturgy Weekly Schedule SPECIAL DECEMBER COLLECTION THE WALL Thursday, December 10 MARTYRS MENAS, HERMOGENES AND EUGRAPHUS 11:00 AM Faith Manor Friday, December 11 VEN. DANIEL THE STYLITE NEW HIEROMARTYRS SERAPHIM, PETER, ALEKSY AND NIKOLAI Monday, December 7 ST. AMBROSE, BP. MILAN ST. PHILOFTHEIA Tuesday, December 8 VEN. PATAPIUS OF THEBES Wednesday, December 9 CONCEPTION BY RIGHTEOUS ST. ANNA OF THE THEOTOKOS 6:30 AM Divine Chapel 4:30 PM Finance Committee Manor Saturday, December 12 ST. SPYRIDON THE WONDERWORKER 5:00 PM Confessions 6:00 PM Great Vespers Sunday, December 13 HOLY FOREFATHERS VEN. HERMAN OF ALASKA WONDERWORKER OF ALL AMERICA 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 5:00 PM Nativity Paul s Greek Orthodox Church in N. Royalton St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral 733 Starkweather Avenue Cleveland, Ohio St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral Ambo - Page 10