Pastoral greetings from Fr. John Beal

Transcription

1 MARCH APRIL 2018 Volume 6 Issue 2 Pastoral greetings from Fr. John Beal I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Greeting you in the Name of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ! If we haven't met yet, please excuse me, there are so many of you! I thank God for bringing my family into the midst of yours to celebrate the Mysteries of Christ, to preach to you the Good News of His coming, to support you in your efforts to live in Christ, and to share your joys and sorrows in the fellowship of Christ. I was overjoyed to be invited by Metropolitan Gerasimos to come to Ss. Constantine and Helen and serve as your priest, allowing your community to return to services on a regular Sunday schedule, and to relieve our hardworking colleague in Christ, Fr. John Alexandrés from being spread so thin across two counties and a range of high mountains! May God grant him many years of health and may his ministry flourish! And may our church flourish, by your prayers! Celebrating the Divine Liturgy together with you in your beautiful and well-ordered temple brings great joy in my household it's inspiring to see your enthusiasm to worship God in the Orthodox manner, an honor to be of service to you. May our pastoral service encourage you to greater piety and deeper commitment to Christ, His Most Holy Mother and all the Saints who are in the Church, praying for our salvation. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Presbytera Medea, our daughter Magdalen and I are very thankful that He has sent us to you by the cooperation of so many. God heard everyone's prayers and brought us all into accord, exactly as needed. I wish to thank my friend Fr. Andrew Lesko of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Murrieta for diligently conveying my name to San Francisco Metropolis Chancellor Bp. Apostolos, who so handily arranged my appointment to serve you here. My special thanks go to His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, who blesses us to serve. I am indebted to the members of the Parish Council for their cooperative leadership, to the able Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church th St West Lancaster, CA (661) Rev. Father John Beal frjohnbeal@stsch.org For confirmation or questions on any event, please contact

2 P A G E 2 THE ANTELOPE VALLEY BEACON Reader Panagiotis and the singers of the kleros led by Ms. Cassandra Koukourikos, for celebrating the Divine services with me so capably. With their help we continue to grow together spiritually through liturgical worship, the 'work of the people'. May our ministry of Orthodox worship in Christ bring forth ever more fruit. Through Great Lent to Passion Week and Christ's Holy Pascha, in his Archpastoral wisdom, Metropolitan Gerasimos has blessed me to begin serving Ss. Constantine and Helen parish just in time for all of us to enter the 40-day Fast together as parish and priest: because of the timeliness of Metr. Gerasimos' appointment, we have been able to begin our relationship as pastor and reason-endowed flock in intensified liturgical and ascetical circumstances. Beginning with the Sunday of Forgiveness, we put our best feet forward on the ascetical journey of the fast with clean slates, having forgiven each other as we ought in the Orthodox manner. Our first week of fasting was enlightened by the celebration of the Liturgy of Pre-sanctified Gifts on Wednesday, the means whereby Christ feeds us with his own precious Body and Blood, even when we are mourning our sins and no Festal Liturgy may be served! We concluded our first week of collective and individual fasting effort with the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos, hymning the Most Holy Virgin whose Amen to the Archangel inaugurates the restoration of fallen Adam, anticipating the Annunciation that we will celebrate Sunday, March 25th. And we have begun the second week of the Fast with the celebration of the Restoration of the Holy Icons at the Sunday of Orthodoxy. Looking forward to the end of March, we arrive at Passion Week on Lazarus Saturday, celebrating Christ's greatest miracle before his own death on the Cross, the raising of his friend Lazarus who lay dead in the tomb four days. Each Sunday between now and then is marked with a progressive spiritual theme that points us forward to the Passion of Christ and His Resurrection. I make it my job as preacher to elucidate each of these themes in turn so that the specific content of their teaching is not overlooked. The hymns sung at Orthros each Sunday morning present further opportunity to mull the theological meaning of each week's celebration. Still getting acquainted with each of you, learning the culture of the parish and rhythm of the liturgy at Ss. Constantine and Helen, I pray my pastoral efforts will benefit all of you and the fulfillment we all seek at the Lord's Pascha will be profound. During this season of intensified effort in fasting and prayer, please remember your pastor and pray for him and his family, as I pray for all of you. We cannot reach the goal apart from one another. But through prayer we will draw nearer each other in compassion and to our salvation together in Christ's Holy Resurrection. In Christ s love, Fr. John SPRING FORWARD!! Don t Forget to Set Your Clocks Forward One Hour on MARCH 11

3 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 FELLOWSHIP HOUR SCHEDULE Date Event Sponsor Mar 4 Coffee Hour Catalina Brunson Mar 11 Coffee Hour Valerie Lawrence Mar 18 Coffee Hour Mitzi Bouras Mar 25 Annunciation Fish Luncheon Philoptochos Apr 1 Palm Sunday Fish Luncheon Hellenic Center Apr 8 Pascha Agape Luncheon Church & Hellenic Center Apr 15 Apr 22 Apr 29 Coffee Hour Coffee Hour Coffee Hour Anyone interested in doing a memorial luncheon or interested in sponsoring a Fellowship Hour, may contact Helen Poulos at (Home) or (Cell). Please note that occasionally changes to this schedule may be necessary. All changes should be coordinated through Helen LENTEN SERVICES Feb 21 Wed 6:00 PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Feb 23 Fri 7:00 PM 1st Salutations to the Theotokos Feb 28 Wed 6:00 PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Mar 2 Fri 7:00 PM 2nd Salutations to the Theotokos Mar 7 Wed 6:00 PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Mar 9 Fri 7:00 PM 3rd Salutations to the Theotokos Mar 14 Wed 6:00 PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Mar 16 Fri 7:00 PM 4th Salutations to the Theotokos Mar 21 Wed 6:00 PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Mar 23 Fri 7:00 PM Akathist Hymns to the Theotokos Mar 28 Wed 6:00 PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Donations Mar 31 Sat Lazarus Saturday Matins 9AM Liturgy 10AM, lunch, Myrrhbearing women practice and Tying of the palms PAGE 3 Are now being accepted for Easter Flowers

4 PAGE 4 THE ANTELOPE VALLEY BEACON NOTICES Memorials We are providing a form on which Parishioners can notify Fr. John of planned memorials. Please ask for the form at the candle stand. If possible, please submit the form at least one Sunday prior to the planned date. According to the rules of the Church memorials are not permitted: from the Saturday of Lazarus through Thomas Sunday. Also, memorials are not allowed on the Great Feast Days of the Lord and of the Theotokos. Memorials A 38 year memorial was offered on Feb 3rd for the servants of God, Fr. Athanasios and Pva Alexandra, the grandparents of Peter Bouras. Also included in the memorial were Alexandra, Panagiotos, and Basiliki. An 18 year memorial was offered on Feb 18th for the handmaiden of God Victoria, the daughter of Fotini Astrinakis. A memorial was offered on Feb 25th by George and Pilar Dracopoulos for the servants of God Constantinos, Kyriaki, George, Evgenia, Abel, Soccorro, Constantinos, Aggeliki, Antonios, Nikolas, Ioannis, Erene, Dominga, Evaggelos, Elias, Nikolas.

5 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 PAGE 5 READ THROUGH THE ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLE March marks the sixth month from the beginning of our Church liturgical year. I have set as my goal to read the Bible through in two years. This means that I will read two chapters a day, plus all of the notes that accompany each chapter, in the Orthodox Study Bible. In these six months I have read the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. I would love to hear from you if you decide to journey with me reading through the books of the Bible. The reading guide is on a stand near the entrance of the parish. -Sylva Robinson- Fr. John s Office Hours During Lent Wednesday Noon to 5:00 PM Friday Noon to 6:00 PM 2018 HOLY WEEK & BRIGHT WEEK SERVICES Apr 1 Sun 7PM 1st Bridegroom Matins Apr 2 Mon 7PM 2nd Bridegroom Matins Apr 3 Tue 7PM 3rd Bridegroom Matins Apr 4 Wed 7PM Blessing of the Oil (Unction) Apr 5 Thu 9AM Vesperal Liturgy - Last Supper and Betrayal Apr 5 Thu 7PM The Crucifixion - 12 Passion Gospels Apr 6 Fri 5PM Vespers: Taking down from Cross (Apokatheilosis) Apr 6 Fri 7PM Lamentations at the Tomb (Epitaphios) Apr 7 Sat 9AM Vesperal Liturgy (Prophecies, Empty Tomb) Apr 7 Sat 11:30PM Matins/Liturgy of Resurrection HOLY PASCHA Apr 8 Sun 12noon Agape Vespers of Great and Holy Pascha Apr 8 Sun 12:45PM Agape Luncheon and egg hunt Apr 11 Wed 6PM Bright Week Vespers Apr 12 Thu 9AM Bright Thursday Matins & Liturgy

6 P A G E 6 THE ATELOPE VALLEY BEACON FEEDING THE HUNGRY March 24, St. Vincent de Paul has been providing meals and clothing 4 days a week EVERY WEEK of the year for the needy right here in the Antelope Valley. Since 2015, Sts. Constantine & Helen has been alternating with Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in the responsibility of preparing and serving a hot meal on the 4th Saturday of each month. Our little parish with Jesus Christ in our heart provided 200 meals per event last year! We are scheduled for four more times in Our dates are March 24, May 26, July 28, and Sep 22. Please check your calendars and pick a Saturday that you can come and help. Our next volunteer opportunity is March 24, Come experience God s blessing as we serve those who are less fortunate and are in need of help. Let us know which Saturdays you can help. Pamela Evola (661) TEXT REMINDERS To receive text reminders of upcoming events, your cell phone number to webmaster@stsch.org 2018 PARISH COUNCIL President Council Officers Peter Bouras Vice President Alex Patananan Secretary Michael Hutchison Treasurer James Brunson Council Members Philip Evola Elaine Grado Bill Koukourikos

7 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 PAGE 7 Mochas for Missions Pennies for Prayers Fun new name - Same great cause Growing Orthodoxy in America! The goal of this annual campaign (formerly known as Mochas for Missions and as Pennies for Prayers) is to educate the faithful about our evangelistic calling and to raise funds for work in our Metropolis mission field. Coffee cups with the logo Missions Possible will be available after Pascha. Use these cups for your donation of loose change, dollar bills, or checks! The cups should be returned to Julie Agnew by the Sunday before Pentecost May 20, Growing Orthodoxy in America! Congratulations to Michael and Stephanie Hutchison on the birth of their daughter Eleni Marie February 16, 2018

8 P A G E 8 THE ANTELOPE VALLEY BEACON Apolytikion of Lazarus Saturday First Tone O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. " Lazarus Saturday Prior to Holy Week Schedule an appointment with Fr. John Beal for Confession or to have your home or business blessed! Fr. John is available on Sundays following Divine Liturgy and on other days by appointment. To schedule an appointment you may call the Parish Office at Lenten Period Reading of the Psalms 2018 Week Day Date Kathisma Psalms 1 Tues 13-Feb 1, 2, Tues 20-Feb 4, 5, Tues 27-Feb 7, 8, Tues 6-Mar 10, 11, Tues 13-Mar 13, 14, Tues 20-Mar 16, 17, Tues 27-Mar 19, Tuesdays at 10:30 AM at Saints Constantine and Helen, Lancaster

9 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 PAGE 9 SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN STEWARDSHIP HONOR ROLL February 2018 Y o u r s t e w a r d s h i p i s m a d e o u t o f y o u r l o v e f o r G o d a n d H i s C h u r c h. W e a r e g l a d t h a t y o u a r e p a r t o f o u r P a r i s h. Agnew, Agnew. Ms. Ms. Jenny Julie Agnew. Astrinakis, Ms. Julie Mrs. Fotini Anderson, Benveniste, Mr. Mrs. and Stefania Mrs. David Astrinakis, Bouras, Mr. Mrs. and Fotini Mrs. Peter Benveniste, Brunson, Mr. Mrs. and Stefania Mrs. James Benveniste, Christou, Mr. Mr. and and Mrs. Mrs. Gus Steven Bonorris, Chryssostomides, Mrs. Josie Mr. and Mrs. Pandelis Bouras, Conti, Ms. Mr. Anna and Mrs. Peter Brunson, Dracopoulos, Mr. and Mr. Mrs. and James Mrs. George Christou, Drimakis, Mr. Mr. and and Mrs. Mrs. Gus Costas Chryssostomides, Evola, Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Philip Mrs. Pandelis Dracopoulos, Golea, Mrs. Nicole Mr. and Mrs. George Drimakis, Goutsos, Mr. and Mrs. Costas Gary Eliopulos, Grado-Berona, Mrs. Georgia Mrs. Georgia Evola, Grado, Mr. Mrs. and Elaine Mrs. Philip Golea, Harris, Mrs. Mr. Nicole Thomas Goutsos, Hutchison, Mr. Mr. and and Mrs. Mrs. Gary Michael Grado-Berona, Mrs. Georgia Grado, Mrs. Elaine Haddad, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Harris, Mr. Thomas Hartman, Ms. Beth Hendrickson, Mrs. Lee Homsy, Mr. John Hutchison, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kappas, Mr. Andrew Kappas, Mrs. Sofia Koukourikos, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Leone, Lt. Cols. Michael & Mariacristina Patananan, Dr. Alexander Poulos, Ms. Helen Robinson, Mrs. Sylva Sanchez, Ms. Senaida Sanchez, Mr. and Mrs. Santiago Simich, Mr. Petar Tsobanakis, Mrs. Irene Woods, Mrs. Stella Zarras, Mr. and Mrs. Peter After prayerfully considering your pledge for 2018, please return your completed Stewardship Commitment Card. Without your love and commitment on a stewardship card, we cannot properly fund our Church ministries or plan for the financial obligations of the Parish. We need a new pledge card for each new year.

10 TIME DATED MATERIAL Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church th Street West Lancaster, California Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church The Antelope Valley Beacon Mar-Apr 2018 Extreme Humility