Special points of interest: Epistle Reading: Ephesians 5:8-19 Gospel Reading: Luke 10:25-37 Tone: 7 Liturgical Color: Gold S A I N T M A R Y ' S O R T H O D O X C H U R C H THE THEOTOKIAN November 25, 2018 61 Canada Road Painted Post, NY 14870 Schedule for Week Sunday, November 25, 2018 9:30am Divine Liturgy Panachida memory of +Charles Coons & +Paul Soraparu offered by Coons Family ; Panachida in memory of Andrew Chudanic, Sr. offered by Anna and Andrew Chudanic, Jr. Tuesday, November 27, 2018 6th Anniversary of Consecration to the Episcopacy And Enthronement as the fourth ruling Hierarch of our beloved Diocese HIS EMENINCE, METROPOLITAN GREGORY OF NYSSA Eis polla eti, Despota! Wednesday, November 28, 2018 NATIVITY FAST (PHILIP S FAST) BEGINS Saturday, December 1, 2018 4:00pm Vespers/Confessions Sunday, December 2, 2018 9:30am Divine Liturgy 40th Day Panachida memory of Stanley Lewek offered by Helen Molson Coffee Social/Birthdays ALTAR SOCIETY MEETING WELCOME! Welcome to all our visitors and guests who participate in our celebration of the Divine Liturgy today. We are glad you are here. While Holy Communion may only be received by prepared Orthodox Christians, our guests are welcome to join us in venerating the cross and receiving blessed bread at the conclusion of the Liturgy. We also hope you will join us for the Coffee Social afterward. Parish Contact Information Rev. Father Daniel Mahler Presiding Priest Parish Office: 607-962-5285 Father s Cell: 607-377-0587 Canada Road: 607-936-0689 Charles (Chuck) Coons Council President/Cantor: 607-368-1309 1
Page 2 Epistle Reading: Ephesians 5:8-19 THE THEOTOKIAN Brethren, Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart. Gospel Reading: Saint Luke 10:25-37 Let us attend, At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life.? He said to him, What is written in the law? How do you read? And he answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. And he said to him, You have answered right; do this, and you will live. But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Jesus replied, A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back. Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers? He said, The one who showed mercy on him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. 2
THE THEOTOKIAN Page 3 By Stanley S. Harakas ICON OF THE LAST SUPPER Q: In the icon of the Last Supper, who is the man without a halo? A: The halo designates the presence of the Holy Spirit in the heart, mind and soul of a person. It indicates that the person pictured with the halo is a holy and devoted person. Of all those who were present at the Last Supper, only one person does not fit that description Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed our Lord. Therefore, he is not represented as having a halo in the icon of the Last Supper. INTERCESSION OF SAINTS Q: Why does the Orthodox Church teach its flock to have the saints intercede for us instead of concentrating all prayer to Christ directly? A: The Church does not do what you say it does. You present it as an either-or : either we pray for ourselves, or we ask the saints to intercede for us. Rather, the Church teaches a both-and approach to prayer. We are instructed both to pray for ourselves and to solicit the intercessory prayers of the saints. We need to pray regularly for ourselves with the formal, written prayers of the Church as well as with prayers which we compose with our own words. But we are not alone in the Church. We are members one of another, so we not only ask others to pray for us, we also may be asked by others to pray for them. Thus, St. Paul asks the Thessalonian Christians to pray for him ( Brethren, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25), while (we prayed for them ( we pray always pray for you. 2 Thessalonians 1:11). In the letter of James, we are instructed: pray for one another (James 5:16). In one of the most famous early Christian writings on prayer (around 200 A.D.) Origen defines intercessory prayer as a request to God for certain things made by one who possesses more than usual confidence. Those who fill that description among the members of the Church, are the saints, so we ask them to pray for us, as well. We do this, because we have been taught that the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effect (James 5:16). Pray for yourself. But don t miss the opportunity to have the Saints intercede for you either. 3
Page 4 THE THEOTOKIAN THE JOY OF REPENTANCE Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to him, to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with them. So he told them this parable: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And wen he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and this neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Lk 15: 1-7) Indeed the self-righteousness of the Pharisees and scribes is no fun at all. They just grumble in their same old way all the time, finding fault with every little and big thing the Lord does. But the tax collectors and sinners draw near to him, with their ears, eyes, and hearts wide open to joyous, humble fellowship with the God-Man. And their openness to receiving Him, to receiving His light and truth, opens their lives to change; to the adventure of repentance, (or meta-noia, which means change of mind or change of focus ). THE JOY OF REPENTANCE Let me be teachable today, that I may be open to the change(s) God wants for me. Let me draw near to Him, not as one who has it all figured out, but as one lost, and in need of being carried home, on the shoulders of One much stronger than me. Let me stop wandering about in circles, in my own head, and hand myself over to Him today. Blessed ar You, O Lord, teach me Your statues! 4
T HE T HE O T O KI A N Page 5 CONTACT US ON SOCIAL MEDIA THIS YEAR S CHRISTMAS FAMILY Church Website: Saintmarysorthodoxchurchcorning.org Follow our Diocese On-Line Diocesan Website acrod.org Camp Nazareth campnazareth.org Facebook: facebook.comacroddiocese Twitter: twitter.com/acrodnews YouTube youtube.com/archdiocese Be an angel and help make a family s Christmas merry! Our Church will be sponsoring a family from Severn School in Corning. It is a single mom and her 4 year old daughter. The daughter is in my preschool classroom and this family could really use some support. Please choose an angel from the poster in Church. Purchase the item noted on the angel. Wrap the gift, attach the angel to it, and return by Sunday December 2 Thank you for helping to make this family s Christmas a little merrier. If you have any questions see Nancy Coons. 5
2018 Nativity Fast Prayer Challenge: Praying For Peace And Stillness This year, just like last three years, to further focus our journey of peace and love this Nativity season, Metropolitan Gregory has offered a challenge to all of the clergy and faithful and especially the youth and young adults of the Diocese. It is not enough to talk about making the world a more peaceful place, rather we must actually do something about it. And the challenge is: To offer a special prayer for peace and stillness during evening prayers. During the Litany of Fervent Supplication at each Divine Liturgy a special petition is also to be included. The text of these prayers are included below. Each household should have sufficient copies so that each young person that can read has one by their bed to use nightly and those who are too young to read may say this prayer together with their parents before they go to bed. Of course all adults should join the challenge as well so that all together our prayers will reach our Lord s ears. The Challenge: A Message From Metropolitan Gregory Dear Beloved Faithful Clergy and Laity of our God-Protected Diocese, It is hard to believe that this month marks the sixth anniversary of my Consecration and Enthronement as your Hierarch. During my visits to the parishes you have often heard me preaching on the state of affairs, locally and globally. Conflicts, wars and senseless violence continue to inflict pain and suffering and spill blood everywhere. I am deeply saddened that peace and stillness continues to elude us. Recent events continue to reveal that demonic forces are fighting against us, that evil continues to exist in the world. So many innocent people are killed or wounded on a daily basis. As an example, recently many innocent were killed or wounded in a synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. Everyday people are dying needlessly in our towns and cities. For what? Can someone please explain it to me. This lack of peace and stillness is the direct result of increased selfishness and hatred throughout the world. Whatever we as inhabitants of this planet are doing it is not working, somehow it is not enough. Obviously we as humans cannot achieve peace and stillness on our own. We need the help of someone and that someone is the Lord. In addition, many ills (demons) afflict us, just like the demon-possessed man in the land of the Gadarenes. Whether it is an addiction to drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, lying, cheating, stealing, ungratefulness, anger, hatred, domestic violence or something else, we need the Lord. If 6
we are feeling like we are sinking because we are overwhelmed in our home life, work life, school life or even our social life (including social media and technology) we must be like Peter. He was walking on the water towards Jesus and he was distracted by the winds and waves. As he began to sink, Peter cried out, Lord, save me! (Matthew 14:30). As we once again enter the Season of the Nativity Fast, I ask you, actually I plead with you, the good faithful people of our Diocese, to join me on a journey to meet the new born King. During these 40 days leading to the Nativity of our Lord let us increase our efforts in church attendance, in prayer, in fasting, in scriptural reading, in almsgiving, in repentance and confession, in receiving the Eucharist. This year, just like the last three years, I am challenging everyone, clergy and laity, to offer a special prayer for peace and stillness during evening prayers. During the Litany of Fervent Supplication at each Divine Liturgy a special petition is also to be included. The text of these prayers will be provided to the Clergy for distribution. Each household should have sufficient copies so that young person that can read has one by their bed to use nightly and those who are too young to read may say the prayer with their parents before they go to bed. Of course, all the adults should also participate. To assist with this challenge, a special web page has been created on the Diocesan Website, Praying for Peace, which contains downloadable texts of the special prayers. Other postings will be made on various social media outlets to encourage maximum exposure and participation. With all of us united in prayer and laboring for peace and stillness this Nativity Fasting Season, I am convinced that we will help to make our lives and that of others throughout the world more peaceful and still, even if only in a small way. Working in His Vineyard with much love, +Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa 7
Page 7 THE THEOTOKIAN HAPPY BIRTHDAY November 25 John McKane God grant your servants good health, peace, and salvation for many blessed years! His Eminence, Metropolitan GREGORY; Protopresbyter Frank Miloro; Protopresbyter John Duranko; Protopresbyter Jim Dutko; Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly; Protopresbyter Lawrence Barriger; Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky; V. Rev. Thomas Kadlek; Very Rev. John Baranik; V. Rev. Michael Psenechnuk; Rev. James Gleason; V. Rev. Jason Kappanadze; Rev. Basil Hutsko; Deacon Charles Ellis; Deacon Donald Koch; Mother Ralphaela; Pani Joan; Pani Kathleen Dutko; Pani Patricia Duranko; Pani-Matka Julia Romanchak; Sally Ellis; Judy Koch; Michael Banik; Helen Verno; Eleanor Adzima; Michael & Delores Kundrat; Vasyl & Lyudmyla Hayova; Helen Coons; Mary Benyo; Anna Chudanic; George Officer; Michael Matzkevich; Marlene Wheet; Mae Mary Shonak; Helen Molson; Donna Blazosky; Art Gallant; Nancy Murphy-Teed; Joyce Nissen; Chelsea Roman; Gloria Ewsuk; Andrew Chudanic; Tammy Pierson; Jeanne Zimmer; Denise Topichak; John Cowherd; Sylvia Serdula; Stephen Brancho; Carole Herrlich; Gary Herrlich; Daniel Donnelly; Jean Cox; Mae Antos; Marianne Grabenhofer To Jonathan Share who is serving in the United States Navy; Tyler Colburn serving in the United States Army; Douglas Linsey serving in the United States Army, Jordan Worobey serving in the United States Navy and to all of our men and women who are serving and protecting our country both at home and abroad. SOMETHING TO PONDER.. If each of us would add just $1 to our week offering it would total $50 a year per person; Add $2 per week that s $100 per year; add $5 per week that s $250 a year per person. Imagine how great it would feel to help our Church by just giving up a coffee or two a week. Let s give a try! 8
CHURCH ITEMS FOR DONATION/CONTRIBUTION ITEM PROPOSED COST ($) SPONSOR(S) Vestibule Etched, Glass Doors (2) 15,000 Church Nave Lighting 5,000 The Topichak Family - Paul, Denise, Joseph & David In Memory of: Metro, Anna, & John Topichak Tetrapod/New Altar* 10,000 Andy Kerrick Memorial Tomb* 2,000 Small Dome with Cross on Dormers (2) 8,000 each 1. The Mertus Family 1. In Memory of Paul Mertus Altar Linens Tetrapod Linens TBD TBD Cantor Stand 500 Audio System 2,000 $200 donated by June and Marion Kulik Shrubs/Landscaping $15,000 donated Front Patio Construction 15,000 Electronic Entrance Sign 4,000 Items to be taken & used: Bell Pews (until new ones needed) Outside Shrine Restoration Carole & Gary Herrlich *Items made from wood If you have an interest in donating or contributing to any of the above items, please fill in the information and return to Nancy Gabel. Thank you. 9
SAINT MARY S NATIVITY FAST CHARITY During this season of preparation before the Nativity of Christ, as we turn our thoughts to those less fortunate than us, Saint Mary s will be sponsoring a BABY BOTTLE DRIVE in support of the Pregnancy Resource Center of the Valleys. We hope that you will take a bottle home with you and drop your loose change in it as you give thought to those your coins will help. Please bring your bottle back on Christmas, January 7th! WHAT WILL YOUR BOTTLE DO? Provide an ultrasound? Pay the electric bill? Buy diapers for a struggling family? Filling a bottle helps fund the Pregnancy Resource Center of the Valleys so that together we can save lives of the unborn and meet the physical and spiritual needs of men and women who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy. PICK UP YOU BOTTLE TODAY! RETURN YOUR BOTTLE ON JANUARY 7TH (CHRISTMAS DAY) JON & JENNIFER CARPENTER HAUGHEY FUNERAL HOME On behalf of the parish family of Saint Mary s I want to thank Jon & Jennifer Carpenter and the entire staff of Haughey Funeral Home for sponsoring our calendar once again this year as they have been doing for many years. We wish Jon, Jennifer and the Haughey Funeral Home family a very blessed Advent Season! Calendars are now available in the Church. 10