St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Diocese of Los Angeles and the West

Transcription

1 St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Diocese of Los Angeles and the West Mailing Address: 4718 Horsehaven, Post Falls, Idaho Church Phone: (208) Fr. Basil Caldaroni: (208) frbasil@caldaroni.net Church Website: Parish Directory: User: Faithful Password: TheWay Send announcements to members@stjohnorthodox.org October 4, 2015 Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens On October 4 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the Hieromartyr Hierotheos, bishop of Athens. He was a member of the Athenian Areopagos and was converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul together with St Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3). This Apostle later made Hierotheos the first bishop of Athens. According to Tradition, Bishop Hierotheus was present with St Dionysius at the funeral of the Most Holy Theotokos. With his divine singing, he brought heartfelt joy to many and showed himself to be greatly inspired. He labored greatly for the sake of the Gospel, brought many pagans to the truth, governed his flock well and finally ended a martyr for Christ in the first century. On this day, we also commemorate the Hieromartyr Peter of Capitolia in Syria; Martyrs Domnina and her daughters of Syria; Gurios, first archbishop of Kazan and Barsanouphios, bishop of Tver; and Martyrs Stephen (Stiljanovich) and Elizabeth of Serbia. By their intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen. A Note Regarding Holy Communion Since we understand Communion to mean that we have all things in common, sharing an identical Faith, only those who are members of the Orthodox Church who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and recent confession may participate in Holy Communion. (We invite all, however, to partake of the blessed bread which is distributed at the dismissal.) Please see the pastor for inquiries on how to become a member.

2 That we Should Not Judge Our Neighbor - Abba Dorotheos of Gaza Do you know what a serious sin it is to judge one's neighbor? For what is more serious than this? What it is that God hates so much, what is so loathsome to him? As the fathers have also said, there is nothing worse than judging I remember once hearing the following story: a slave ship put in at a certain port where there lived a holy virgin who was in earnest about her spiritual life. When she learned about the arrival of the ship she was glad, for she wanted to purchase a little girl. She thought to herself, "I will take her into my home and bring her up in my way of life so that she knows nothing of the evils of the world." So she sent and enquired of the master of the ship and found that he had two small girls who he thought would suit her. Whereupon she gladly paid the price of one of the children and took her home. The ship's master left the place where the saint dwelt. He had not gone very far when he was met by a harlot, totally depraved, who saw the other small girl with him and wanted to buy her; the price was agreed and paid, and she took her away. Do you see this mystery of God? Do you see His judgment? Which of us could give explain this? The holy virgin took one of these little ones to bring her up in the fear of God, to instruct her in every good work, to teach her all that belongs to the monastic state and, in short, all the sweet fragrance of God's holy commandments. The harlot, having taken the unfortunate child, made her an instrument of the devil. For what could this plague teach her but the ruin of her soul? What can we have to say about this terrible fate? Both were small, both were sold, neither knew where they were going; one is found in the hands of God and the other falls into the hands of the devil. Is it possible to say that what God asks from the one he asks also from the other? How could that be! Suppose they both fell into fornication or some other deadly sin; is it possible that they both face the same judgment, although they fell into one and the same sin? Could this be possible? One learns about the Judgment and about the Kingdom of God day and night, while the other unfortunate knows nothing of it, never hears anything good but only the contrary, everything filthy, everything diabolical? How can He allow them to be judged by the same standard?... Wherefore a man can know nothing about the judgments of God. He alone is all-seeing and can judge the sins of all as He alone knows Those who want to be saved scrutinize not the shortcomings of their neighbor but always their own, and they make progress. Such was the man who saw his brother doing wrong and sighed, saying, "Woe is me; him today me tomorrow!" Do you see his caution? Do you see the disposition of his soul? How he swiftly foresaw how to avoid judging his brother? When he said "me tomorrow" he aroused fear of sinning, and by this he increased his caution about avoiding those sins which he was likely to commit, and so he escaped judging his neighbor; and he was not satisfied only with this, but cast himself under his brother's feet, saying, "He has repented for his sin but I do not always repent as I should, nor do I attain to repentance, for I have not the strength to repent." If we had true love, then we would view our neighbor's shortcomings with co-suffering and compassion, as it is said, Love shall cover the multitude of sins (I Peter 4:8). Love thinketh no evil; covers everything and the rest (I Cor. 13:5) May God make us worthy to listen to what is profitable for us and do it. For in the measure that we pay attention and take care to carry out what we hear, God will always enlighten us and make us understand His will. To Him be glory and dominion unto the ages of ages. Amen.

3 RESURRECTIONAL APOLYTIKION IN TONE ONE While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O giver of life. Glory to Thy Resurrection O Christ, glory to Thy kingdom, glory to Thy providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind. KONTAKION FOR ORDINARY SUNDAYS IN TONE TWO O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. THE EPISTLE (For the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost) Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (9:6-11) Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. THE GOSPEL (For the Second Sunday of Luke) The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (6:31-36) The Lord said: As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

4 ANNOUNCEMENTS Stewardship Appeal Dear Brethren, Christ is in our midst! As you are aware, we mailed the Stewardship Appeal letter several weeks ago asking for a timely response with 2016 pledges to support the ministry of our beloved little parish. I am writing now simply to remind you to please return those pledge cards ASAP since the Financial Parish Ministry Team (PMT) must begin in the next week or two to develop the 2016 Budget for the parish. We need those pledge cards in order to develop a realistic budget. Thank you, good brothers & sisters, for your continued support of our parish s work in the Kingdom of God here in North Idaho! Love in Christ, +Fr. Basil Luke 6:38 New King James Version: "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. The Lord Jesus Meals for the Gross Family Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, If anyone is available to prepare a meal for Allyson and her family, it would be greatly appreciated as she is unable to walk for several weeks with a broken pelvis. There are no food allergies or restrictions, so any meals would be a great blessing to her and her family. If you can help, please contact Tiffani Gallatin at or at tiffanigallatin@gmail.com Antiochian Women s Retreat at St. Andrew, Arlington WA - Saturday, November 14, 2015 Where: St. Andrew Orthodox, Arlington, WA E Burke Ave, Arlington, WA When: Saturday, November 14, 2015, 9am 4:30 pm With the blessing of Sayidnya JOSEPH, the Antiochian Women of the Pacific Northwest Deanery announce that we are offering a women's retreat. The retreat will begin at 9:00 am with Third Hour prayers and end at 4:30pm. Great Vespers will follow at 5:00pm. The Rev. Father Justin Havens, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be our guest speaker. Please save the date! More details will be available soon! ATTENTION Junior High and Senior High students, grades 7 th and up. Orthodox Christian Winter Youth Retreat Over Martin Luther King Jr Weekend, January 16 th -18 th, the Orthodox Christian Winter Youth Retreat will be held in Enumclaw at the Buck Creek Camp facility. This is an awesome opportunity for Orthodox youth to get together once more for fun, fellowship and growth in faith. Our retreat s title is Who is your Superhero? presented by Fr Seraphim Majmudar. Registration opens October 1 st and deadlines November 30 th go to: for a registration packet. Volunteer positions are needed to be filled as well. Young adults 18+ years old are encouraged to go to: to learn how you can help make this weekend a success. General questions can be directed to Nia Chopelas at: orthodoxretreat@gmail.com.

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS October is Youth Month - October is here and we are now at the start of Youth Month across our Antiochian Archdiocese. During the month of October we give our teens more opportunities to serve in Church: Reading the Epistles, Taking the Collections, Ushering in Church, Chanting, Singing in the Choir. We are blessed to have many youth involved in the worship and activities of our parish! October is also a time for you to share your love and concern for the youth of your parish. Take a moment to thank a teen for being present in Church. Thank them for their good works. Let them know that they are welcome and wanted in your parish. Sisterhood Dues It is that time of year again when the Sisterhood needs to send in dues to the diocese. Please give your dues of $10 to Barbara Garbinski. Each parish is expected to send in their dues by November 1, Thank you! Byzantine Music Training Sessions with Fr. John Finley, October Christ the Savior Orthodox Church is proud to host the Very Rev. Fr. John Finley from the Antiochian Archdiocese Department of Sacred Music for a three day training session on Byzantine music. There is no cost to attend this training course. Freewill offerings will be taken to help with the cost of food and drink. This course will be for both Chanters and those interested in Byzantine Chant. The schedule is as follows: Thursday, Oct 15-6:30-740PM: Tone 1. Break. 750p-900PM: Tone 2 Friday, Oct. 16-6:30-740PM: Tone 3. Break. 750p-900PM: Tone 4 Saturday, Oct. 17-9:00-10:10AM: Tone 5. Break. 10: AM: Tone 6 Lunch; 12:30-1:40PM: Tone 7. Break; 1:50-300PM: Tone 8; Break; 3:15-4:30PM: Chanter Stand Organization; Break (until Vespers); 6:00PM: Great Vespers Sunday, Oct 18-9:00AM: Orthros; 10:00AM: Divine Liturgy; Coffee Hour; 12:15PM: Review, Questions, Comments, etc. For more information, contact Christ the Savior Orthodox Church at: (509) Kid s Corner with Father Nicholas Can you believe it is already October? We have been talking about the Virgin Mary and her influence on our calendar. The 1st of October we celebrate the Protection of the Virgin Mary. We have talked about how the Holy Theotokos is our example of love and obedience. Do you know what Sayidna JOSEPH wears around his neck? He wears an icon of the Virgin Mary called a Panigia. In Greek we call the Theotokos: Panigia or "All Holy One". In our history she has protected Orthodox Christians who have called on her Holy Name for help in circumstances of difficulty. When we get hurt we generally call upon our Mom for help. In the same way we call upon Our Holy Mother for Heavenly Protection. That is why in the Liturgy we hear:" O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!" Thus, asking for her love, intercession and blessing. Why? Because of her love for God, she willingly became the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin and Obedient to His Word. Until next time! Remember! God loves you! So do I, Papa

6 St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery 20th Anniversary Dinner Dedicated to our Spiritual Grandmother The Ever-Memorable Gerontissa Makrina Sunday Evening, October 11, 2015, 5:30pm The Dalles Readiness Center 402 East Scenic Drive, The Dalles OR F e a t u r e d s p e a k e r F r. D e m e t r i o s C a r e l l a s, P i t t s b u r g PA. Tickets are available at $75 per person Reser ve your spot by mailing payment by the 20th of September to: The Benefit Dinner Committee P O B o x 6 6 2, G o l d e n d a l e, WA undermercy@gmail.com

7 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES & EVENTS Saturday, October 3: Great Vespers 6:00pm Sunday, October 4: Orthros 9:00am; Divine Liturgy 10:00am; Sunday School and Lunch Following Tuesday, October 6: Youth Swing Dance 7:00pm Wednesday, October 7: Vespers 6:00pm Friday October 9: Spiritual Circle 9:30am Saturday, October 10: Great Vespers 6:00pm Sunday, October 11: Orthros 9:00am; Divine Liturgy 10:00am; Sunday School and Lunch Following EPISTLE READERS Oct 4 Tabitha Townsend Oct 11 Matthew Phillips Oct 18 Andrew Schaefer Oct 25 TBD LUNCHEON CLEANUP TEAM Oct 4 Team 1: Schaefer family, Gallatin family, Ebert family & the Phillips family. Oct 11 Team 2: 2nd Sunday "Potato team": Victoria Purviance, Dale Ayoub, Lydia Gross, Marina Williams, Bardwell family & the Ott family Oct 18 Team 3: Joy Corey, Tecca family, Roth family, John Holmen & Morey Ransom Oct 25 Team 4: Kelly Peterson, Sandford family, Rush family & Foster Caldaroni PRAYERS FOR THE LIVING: Families and friends of the Oregon UCC shooting, Jack (Fr. Basil & Kh. Tilda s grandson), Allyson Gross, Stephanie Welzig, Suffering Christians throughout the Middle East, Metropolitan Paul Yazigi and Metropolitan Youhanna Ibrahim (hostages in Syria) PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED: Victims of the Oregon UCC shooting. Sweet Ways to Support Our Kids! There are now three new, sweet ways to support our St. Theophan Homeschool Co-Op. SEE s candy will be available for sale during lunch following Liturgy, and a Yumraising.com website is being setup as well. You can: 1. Purchase a SEE s Lollypop for $ Purchase a SEE s Classic Candy Bar for $2.25 (either Milk chocolate with toffee nuggets or Dark Chocolate with almonds) 3. Go to yumraising.com and make a purchase (More details on this option coming soon.) We will have new and different fundraising ideas throughout the upcoming year.