St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Monthly Parish Bulletin

Transcription

1 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Monthly Parish Bulletin Orthodox Church in America 2143 S. Center Road Burton, Michigan Served by: Fr. Matthew-Peter Butrie Rector Deacon Kerry Luke Gonser Website: Fr. Matthew s mpbutrie@bdoca.org Cell: Church: Fax: Services: Sunday - 9:30 a.m. Third Hour 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Holydays, Vigil and Vespers as announced Confessions are heard before all morning services and after all evening services. 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 February 1-28, 2015 St. Julian of Emesa (Homs)

2 FROM FATHER S DESK Dear faithful and friends of St. Nicholas, The approach of Great Lent is always heralded by Jesus telling us the parable of the Publican (taxcollector) and Pharisee which we will read this month on February 1. In only five verses Jesus illustrates for us a profound lesson about judging others. The story of the Publican and the Pharisee is one of pride and humility, of judgment and repentance. When the Pharisee prays he concerns himself with the good things he does, not with his sins. The sins he speaks of are those of others as he judges others for their sins. The Pharisee makes a bad Confession. He leaves the temple steeped in his sins. On the other hand the Publican doesn t even look up to see anyone else, he comes to pray with humility. He focuses on his own sins and with sorrow for his sins he prays to God for mercy. The Publican makes a good Confession. He leaves the temple forgiven by God. We know that humility is what leads us to God yet how often in pride do we judge others? It s so easy that we can do it without even thinking about it. Look at the news and headlines about which celebrity has been caught in which bad behavior. Because it s news it becomes a topic of idle conversation for us, ripe with the opportunity to judge rather than offer up a prayer for the person. Then there is good television and bad television, good things on the internet and bad things on the internet. Educational programs but also some reality shows which showcase poor judgments by people which are supposed to entertain us. How easily we can see and pass judgment on others. Judging others takes the focus off of ourselves. Judging others keeps us from looking at our sins, something we may find uncomfortable. Uncomfortable but necessary if we are to repent of our sins. It s more self-satisfying to look around and judge those around us. And it doesn t even require words of judgment. The Pharisee did not walk up to the Publican and tell him what he thought of him and his life. He did this all within himself, not voicing a word. And in that silent judgment he committed sin. The sayings of the early monastic saints are consistent in avoiding judging. They are rich with examples of monks who either model what not judging others looks like or who succinctly counsel not to judge. I will share three of the many examples there are. Saint Agathon told that whenever his own thoughts urged him to pass judgment on something which he saw, he would say to himself: Agathon, it is not your business to do that. In this way his spirit was always recollected. Recollected that is centered on himself and not poking his nose to judge other people s business. Saint Macarius the Great told one of his disciples, Do no evil to anyone, and do not judge anyone. Observe this and you will be saved. Two words of advice that lead to salvation. Then there is Saint Pior. Once there was a meeting at a monastery about a monk who had sinned. The other monks spoke but one of them, Pior, kept silent. Later, he got up and went out; he took a sack, filled it with sand and slung it over his shoulder. He put a little sand also into a small bag which he carried in front of him. When the others asked him what this meant he said, In this sack which contains much sand, are my sins which are many; I have put them behind me so as not to be troubled about them and so as not to weep; and see here are the little sins of my brother which are in front of me and I spend my time judging them. This is not right. I ought rather to carry my sins in front of me and concern myself with them, begging God to forgive me for them. The other monks stood up and said, Truly, this is the way of salvation. From these sayings we see that not much has changed in the temptations we face. The saints had to struggle against the temptation to judge other sinners. We must do the same. When we do not know someone personally or their circumstances in life we can be swift to condemn. But when we know someone and love someone, how much more likely are we to avoid making judgments? The sure remedy against such judgment is humility. Humility comes when we look at our own sins not anyone else s and know how much we stand in need of God s forgiveness. If we know how much we need to be forgiven by God then we will be less likely to pass judgment on other sinners. Instead we will pray to God for them. It is by praying for other sinners, not condemning them, that we, too, may be saved because we then embrace and walk with the humble Christ our Savior who came not to condemn sinners but to call them, to call us, to salvation. With love in Christ

3 Reader Schedule February March April 1 Kathy 1 Reggie 5 Esteban 8 Reggie 8 Esteban 12 Johnny 15 Esteban 15 Taras 19 Taras 22 Johnny 22 Kathy 26 Kathy 29 Johnny If you are unable to make your assigned reading date, you must find a replacement. Third Hour Schedule February March April 1 Angelo 1 Lucy 5 Bishop visit 8 Lucy 8 Reggie 12 Lucy 15 Reggie 15 Angelo 19 Reggie 22 Angelo 22 Lucy 26 Angelo 29 Reggie If you are unable to make your assigned reading date, you must find a replacement. PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS at the January council meeting the following officers were elected; Sharon Jernigan-President, Catherine Steiner-Vice President, Tom Batzos-Treasurer, Linda Branoff Secretary, Marla Houser was elected as a non-officer to the executive board. The following were elected as chairperson(s) of a committee: Sharon Jernigan Ways & Means, Dave Houser & Dennis Jernigan-Maintenance and Reggie Jehnsen-Cemetery. The chair people would appreciate any assistance from the parish. The parish council will meet on Monday, February 9 at 6:45 pm. Please call the parish office if you are unable to attend this meeting. COMING EVENTS Meatfare Luncheon: Sunday, February 15 Cheesefare Luncheon: Sunday, February 22 Bishop Alexander s visit to our parish: Saturday and Sunday, April 4 & 5. HOUSE BLESSINGS began on January 12. See the enclosed flyer to set up your appointment. ST. CATHERINE S NEWS As a reminder St. Catherine s Women s League meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Next meeting date: February, 4. We are truly blessed with a lot of Great Bakers here at St. Nicholas, Thank You! for making another Cookie Walk, a successful one and to Father Matthew, who appeared on T.V. to advertise our event Bakers Allison Borkovich Anna Branoff Christine Panoff Deborah Gonser-Adams Dorothy Goodman Fr. Matthew Matushka Lisa Helen Ethington Joe Oginsky Kathy Gonser Kristin Hart Linda Branoff Lisa Pray Lucy Hogg Marla Houser Mary Batzos Mike Stikovich Nancy Tasevski Peggy Russell Roseanne Bagale Stephanie Price Zina Pyatenko Forgive us, if we have missed anyone s name that baked this year for us. Thank you, St. Catherine s League. The Orthodox Book Club will meet on Monday, February 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at St. George. Our book will be: "Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica". You will be touched and deepened by the life and words of this elder. For more information please contact Deacon Michael Bassett at frdnmike@gmail.com MANY THANKS Stojan Prusac would like to thank everyone for their cards, prayers, candles, visits and phone calls during his recent hospitalization and recovery.

4 CONGRATULATIONS Gerry & Lena Bakousidis announce the engagement of their daughter Angela to Joseph Murphy, son of Joseph and Nancy Murphy. A May 2016 wedding is planned. 100 TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE Next year our parish will celebrate 100 years since its founding in An Anniversary Committee is being formed. Please see Fr. Matthew or Sharon Jernigan if you would like to assist in planning the events for MEMORIAL (SOUL) SATURDAYS from the early times, our Church dedicated Saturday to the souls. It is primarily the day of those who have fallen asleep. Christians always took care, with memorial services and charitable acts done especially on Saturdays, to stay close to their dead and ask God for their repose and salvation. The first Memorial (Soul) Saturday (Zadušnica) is Saturday, February 14. The next Souls Saturday is March 7. A Trisagion will be served on each Souls Saturday at 4:15 pm, prior to Vespers. Please fill out the enclosed sheet with the names of your departed (first names only) and return them to Fr. Matthew as soon as possible. SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF SAINT NICHOLAS your help will be needed on Tuesday, February 3 at 10am to take down the indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations. LENTEN PRAYER PARTNER We will have our Lenten Prayer Partners again this year. If you are out of town for Lent or are homebound and would like to participate, please call the office: Here s how the Lenten Prayer Partner works: prayer cards are printed with a blank space for your name. It is then folded in half and returned to the office. On Cheesefare Sunday (Feb. 22), everyone participating will draw a card. Then everyone will pray daily for the person on the card they drew. Remember to keep it secret! At Pascha, you can let your prayer partner know you remembered them in prayer during Lent by giving them a card or a red egg or sending them a card. GODPARENTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 Serving as a godparent is a great blessing and spiritual responsibility. And if we allow Him to, God nurtures a special spiritual relationship between godchildren and godparents and with their families as well. Celebrating Godparents Sunday is one way of renewing and reaffirming our relationship with God and the special relationships we enjoy with our godparents and godchildren. Please make plans to participate in the Divine Liturgy with your godchild/godparent on Sunday, February 8, 2015 coming to Communion together with them. If your godchild/godparent lives somewhere else, we encourage you to come with another member their family if they live in town or simply to come by yourself and offer special prayers for your godchild/godparent. BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAYS WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES 2 Kristin Hart 12 Angelo & Helen Popoff Luba Todorovsky Allen & Deborah Adams 4 Evanka Elieff 20 Jimmy & Stella Nedanis 5 Joseph Oginsky Jr. 26 Ian & Stephanie Price 6 Lydia Keeler 10 Andy Yosheff` NAMESDAYS 11 Sharon Jernigan 3 Sam (Simeon) Panoff 12 Angelo Popoff 6 Amanda Trealor 13 Jordan Abu-Aita Dorothy Goodman 15 Sherry Brown 10 Valentina Evanenko 18 Tom Branoff 17 Bogdan Beslach 19 Paul Ellis Theodore Stavridis 20 Matushka Lisa Butrie Theodore Wilhelm Stojan Prusac 25 Taras Evanenko 21 Mark Houser Taras-Michael Butrie 22 Rose Goodman 28 Kira Rabkina 26 Jerry Brucksch

5 PARISH HEALTH WORKSHOP Following the workshop in November, Mr. Joseph Kormos presented three areas of focus for our parish as we prepare for our 100 th anniversary in a years time: 1- Worship, 2- Charity, 3- Financial Generosity. This month, let s look at 3- Financial Generosity. Stewardship is how we care for what God has given us: the gospel, our life, our health, our possessions, to name a few. Part of our stewardship is our setting aside as an offering to God a portion of our money which we donate through the church. Financial generosity is something our Lord asks of us, giving cheerfully from our first-fruits. With a parish of approximately 150 families, only 80 families make a financial pledge to the parish. For our 100 th anniversary we d like to raise that number to 120 families. The median donation is the amount right in the middle for our yearly donations. Our parish s median donation per year is $800. Our goal for our 100 th anniversary is to reach a median donation of $1500 per year. Presently there are 8 families donating above $2500 per year. Our goal for our 100 th anniversary is to reach 16 families above $2500 per year. We will only reach these goals through our commitment to grow in our spiritual life through worship and prayer as well as our commitment to give thanks to God for His gifts to us by our financial generosity. Fr. Matthew CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS Poinsettias Jeanette Brayan In memory of Boris & Mary Lou Brayan Bosa Kantar In honor of the Kantar Family Roseanne Bagale In memory of George & Dorothy Bagale MEMORY ETERNAL +Evdokia (Mary) Naumoff, mother of Laurie Brock, Rick and Bob Naumoff fell asleep in the lord on Friday, January 9. May God grant his servant +Evdokia a blessed repose and rest among the saints. +Deacon Basil Frenchek from our diocesan parish of St. Paul Cathedral, Dearborn Heights, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, January 15. Funeral service and Divine Liturgy were held at St. Paul s followed by interment at Dormition Monastery Cemetery. May our Lord grant His faithful servant, Deacon Basil, 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: Evanka Elieff, Toula Nastos, Mike Dimich, Aspasia Stathopoulos, Stojan Prusac, Helen Ashmun, Fred Oginsky, Anne Smith, and Lydia Keeler. Monthly Fr. Matthew visits Larry Bladecki (Bay City) and Peter and Olga Samaras (Caro). DAILY INTERCESSION FOR OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND The following are our brothers and sisters of St. Nicholas who are currently homebound, suffering from chronic illness, in recovery or in need of special prayers. Please remember them in your prayers and reach out to them with a card, a phone call or a visit! Please call the office to schedule a visit for Holy Communion. Archimandrite Roman Jo Ann Havens Macy Lemmen Larry Bladecki Bill Haw Tula Nastos Anne Smith Anna Branoff Helen Iwanoff Pauline Nenoff Aspasia Stathopoulos Linda Branoff Goldie Johnson Fred Oginsky Bill Tadrick Gladys Edwards Nick Karayanis Ron Salhany Wendy Tadrick Evanka Elieff Mary Karayanis Peter Samaras Gloria Zelenko Susan Goodman Lydia Keeler Olga Samaras John Zelenko To aid in your outreach, here is a listing of the addresses and phone numbers of our Homebound: Larry Bladecki th Street Bay City, MI Gladys Edwards 2 Harbor Dr. St. Clair, MO Evanka Elieff 5080 Baldwin Rd #E8 Holly, MI Goldie Johnson 310 E. Willard Ave Lansing, MI Lydia Keeler 4104 Squire Hill Dr. Flushing, MI Pete & Olga Samaras 1285 Cleaver Rd. Caro, MI Anne Smith 3375 N. Linden Rd #306 Flint, MI Aspasia Stathopoulos 4064 Sheraton Dr. Flint, MI 48532

6 1. Flowers for the Cross-Third Sunday of Lent -$ Palms-Palm Strips-$ Palms-Fan Palms-$ Flowers for the Cross-Good Friday-$ Flowers for the Priest s Cross-Pascha-$ Priest Ornamented Paschal Candle-$ large ornamented Paschal Candles for the Altar-$90.00 each large candles for the Holy Grave-$30.00 each 9. Flowers for the Holy Tomb (Epitaphios)-Market Value-Donated 10. Incense-1lb Rose-$ lb White Lilac-$ Rose Water-$ Eggs for Pasch (14 dozen)-market Value 13. Red Dye for Eggs-30 packets-$40.00 Please contact the parish office at as soon as possible if you would like to donate one of the items listed above for Holy week and Pascha

7 Meatfare Luncheon February 15, 2015 Following the Divine Liturgy Baked Chicken Hamburgers Corn & Green Beans Au Gratin Potatoes Salad Bread & Butter Dessert Beverage Everyone is invited to attend! Cheesefare Sunday February 22, 2015 Following the Divine Liturgy Deviled Eggs Blintz Pierogi Mac n Cheese Adults: $10 Children 12 and Under: $5 Ways and Means is asking parishioners for help in preparation and serving. A sign-up sheet is located in the parish hall. Everyone is invited to attend!

8 B & S BUILDERS Building Remodeling Repairs Residential & Commercial Bob Steiner PREMIERE PAINTING Quality Painting Reasonable Rates Dennis Goodman Stephen Branoff H: C: $36.00 Single Space for 6 months Your $50.00 Double Space for 6 months? Business $65.00 Triple Space for 6 months Here

9 How well do you know your President s? Which President served two nonconsecutive terms? How many Presidents were father & son? How many Presidents died while in office either by natural causes or assassination? Who was the first President to die in office?

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11 For the Repose of: Requested by: 2015

12 February St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 2143 S. Center Rd. Burton, MI Website: saintnicholasburton.org Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Fast Free Publican & Pharisee Church School 2 Fast Free Meeting of the Lord in the Temple 9 am Divine Liturgy 3 Fast Free Removal of Christmas 10am 4 Fast Free 9 am Divine Liturgy 11 am Adult Ed St. Catherine s 6:30 pm 5 Fast Free 6 Fast Free 7 Fast Free No Vespers Diocesan Clergy Retreat at Dormition Monastery 8 Prodigal Son Godparents Sunday Church School 9 Parish Council 6:45 pm 10 Fr. in Toledo 11 9 am Divine Liturgy 11 am Adult Education Souls Saturday 4:15 pm Trisagion with reading of the names of the Departed 4:30 pm Vespers 15 Judgement/Meatfare 40days +Mary Naumoff Meatfare Luncheon ½ Church School Class Fr. in Toledo 18 9 am Lenten Hours 11 am Adult Education :30 pm Vespers St. Theodore Forgiveness/Cheesefare Cheesefare Luncheon Forgiveness Vespers Great Lent Begins 6:30 pm Compline w/ Canon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30 pm Compline w/ Canon of St. Andrew of Crete 9 am Lenten Hours 6:30 pm Compline w/ Canon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30 pm Compline w/ Canon of St. Andrew of Crete 6 pm Presanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten potluck 9:30 am Confessions 10 am Liturgy 4:30 pm Vespers ½ Church School Class Fast Dairy Permitted Wine & Oil Permitted Fish Permitted

13 March St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 2143 S. Center Rd. Burton, MI Website: saintnicholasburton.org Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sunday of Orthodoxy Church School Fr. in Toledo 9 am Lenten Hours 11 am Adult Education 6 pm Presanctified, Lenten potluck location to be determined Souls Saturday 4:15 pm Trisagion with reading of the names of the Departed 4:30 pm Vespers St. Gregory Palamas Church School Parish Council 6:45 pm Fr. in Toledo 9 am Lenten Hours 11 am Adult Education 6 pm Presanctified, Lenten potluck location to be determined Souls Saturday 4:15 pm Trisagion with reading of the names of the Departed 4:30 pm Vespers Sunday of the Cross 8:00 am Matins Church School Fr. in Toledo 9 am Lenten Hours 11 am Adult Education 6 pm Presanctified, Lenten potluck location to be determined Souls Saturday 4:15 pm Trisagion with reading of the names of the Departed 4:30 pm Vespers St. John Climacus Fr. in Toledo Annunciation 9 am Divine Liturgy 11 am Adult Education 4:30 pm Vespers Church School St. Mary of Egypt Fr. in Toledo Church School Fast Dairy Permitted Wine & Oil Permitted Fish Permitted

14 WOMEN S LENTEN RETREAT HOLY DORMITION MONASTERY Friday - Sunday, March 20 22, 2015 Retreat Schedule: Friday, March 20 5:00 AM Matins, Hours 8:30 AM Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 PM Holy Unction Saturday, March 21 6:30 AM Matins, Hours, Akathist 9 AM Divine Liturgy Lunch Lenten Meditational Presentation 11:30 AM Part 1 15 Minute Break Part 2 (Conclusion, Q & A) Personal Time 5 PM Light Dinner 6 PM Vigil (Combined Vespers and Matins) Sunday, March AM Divine Liturgy (followed by Agape Meal) Suggested Donations: Lodging (per night) $50 Saturday attendance w/o lodging $30 Please the Monastery: dormitionmonastery@dormitionmonastery.org, ASAP if you will need lodging, as lodging capacity is limited. If attending on Saturday only for the day, please call ( ), or , no later than Friday, March 13. (If a cancellation occurs, please notify the Monastery ASAP.) Any questions: Please contact Sharon Foster (ssteffoster@yahoo.com; ph ) Thank you!