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WEEKLY SCHEDULE 4:00pm 8:00am FAST FREE WEEK BEGINS Sunday May 27, 2018 9:30am Pentecost Sunday Divine Liturgy Panachida memory of our +Veterans Kneeling Prayers Coffee Social Monday, May 28, 2018 Divine Liturgy Pentecost Monday Day of the Holy Spirit procession w/reading of the Gospels Saturday, June 2, 2018 40th Day Parastas memory of +Anna Soraparu offered by her daughter Nancy Coons 9:30am 5:00pm Vespers/Confessions Sunday, June 3, 2018 Divine Liturgy Sunday of All Saints; Ss Constantine and Helen Coffee Social/Birthdays Adult Education Class APOSTLES FAST BEGINS Saturday, June 9, 2018 NO VESPERS THIS AFTERNOON 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 2
Sunday of Pentecost Epistle Reading The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Brethren, When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a might wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and wondered, saying, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. 3 Sunday of Pentecost Gospel Reading John 7:37-52; 8:12 Let us attend, On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water. No this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some of the people said, This is really the prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was? So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. The officers then went back to the chief priest and Pharisees, who said to them, Why did you not bring him? The officers answered, No man ever spoke like this man! The Pharisees answered them, Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed. Nikodemos who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does? They replied, Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
AMVON PRAYER FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY After Your suffering and Resurrection, O Christ, You ascended into the heavens, which before You had lowered in descend and to take flesh from the Virgin for our sakes. You confirmed Your promise made on earth by sending down Your comforting Spirit upon Your disciples. In them You sustained a firm and all-holy unity and through them the Church, by belief in You in the steadfast presence of the Spirit and His many gifts. Do not take His grace from us, as our sins deserve, but put to death all carnal desires in us that would prevent the coming of the Spirit. Drive out from us any thought, word or deed that would grieve Him, and any hindering evil passion that would make our souls dark with the loss of His light. Make us cleansed vessels of His glory, that we may represent the upper room in Sion, full of His brightness. Show us to be thrones of His spiritual fire like Your Apostles who received His first-fruits. For by His strength, we will be led into the holy earth of Your immortal and blessed promise. The whole world, then, is full of joy in You and continually glorifies You. For You are most glorious, together with Your co-eternal Father, and You co-eternal, all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and forever. 4
The Priest s Approach to the Throne! (As the people/choir complete the singing of the Trisagion-Hymn, the priest and deacon proceed, from the front of the altar-table to the space behind it, where there is a kathedra, throne or High Place, along with a seat or seats next to it. In the current Russian Orthodox practice, only a bishop may sit in the central High Place, while a priest sits in a seat next to that. As they approach, they say the following): Priest: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Deacon: Master, bless the throne on high. Priest: Blessed are You upon the throne of the glory of Your kingdom, enthroned upon the Cherubim always, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Most of us will be able to see this small detail of the Divine Liturgy, just before the Epistle-reading, but really we should be aware of it, as it is the completion of the movement that began with the Small Entrance. Because it is the throne or seat behind the altar-table that is the ultimate destination of the Small Entrance. And, while most of us do not participate physically in the approach to the throne, as we continue to stand in place in the nave of church, we can participate in the significance of this movement and follow where it leads, in our hearts. I know that sounds like a tall order, seeing as we are standing in place. But really, it is helpful for us to move with the movements of the celebrating clergy, as best we can, so we can better participate in what we call the Liturgy. Where, is exactly, does this movement of the celebrating clergy lead us? To a throne or seat (either the High Place or a seat next to it), which signifies the seat or presence of God. It is from this place, in the presence of God and the throne of the glory of His kingdom, that we are to hear the upcoming readings of Scripture. So let me come, and approach, handing myself over to God s kingdom that is to say, His presence, authority and leadership-style in my life, as I prepare to hear His word. And that means, I distance myself from the pressures of merely-human authorities, including myself and the voices of various ambitions in my head, as well as the ever-changing, oft-divisive voices of our politics today. Blessed is he, or she, who comes in the name of the Lord! 5
Parish Announcements ~ Ladies Altar Society Notices Rainbow of Hope Animal Shelter Shoe Drive continues! Bring your old shoes to church and give to Pani Joan after Liturgy. If you have any questions see Pani Joan. Bulletin & Vichnaja Lampa Sponsorship This week s Bulletin & Vichnaja Lampa is sponsored by Gary & Carole Herrlich In honor of Thomas Serdula Nancy Lewek David Walk In honor of their birthday! May God grant them many years! CLEANING OF MONUMENTS/STONES Over the years many of the tombstones in our cemetery have accumulated moss, mold, mildew, algae, etc. leaving some of the names unreadable and perhaps you would like have your family stone cleaned. Carole Herrlich stopped by Haughey Memorials at 312 Park Avenue Corning, NY and they can take care of it for you. This work is done during the Summer months. Cost is $45 for 1st stone, and then less for additional stones in the same plot. For further information call: Joy Clark 607-936-2800 BLESSING OF GRAVES Moved to Next Sunday June 3, 2018 @ NOON 6
The Orthodox Church: 455 Questions & Answers by Stanley Harakas Q: In the Ten Commandments it says, Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. If I bump a car and call it an S.O.B., am I swearing? Literally speaking, you are not swearing if you do what you describe. But it is a behavior which is still wrong and un-appropriate for a Christian, since it is an expression of anger and abusive of others, and uses language unfitting for persons growing in Christ. The commandment prohibits us from the vain use of God s name. In the Bible, and even in general use, there is little difference between abusing the name of a person or thing, and abusing the person or thing itself. If someone were to make fun of your last name, for example, it would almost be impossible for you not to see it as an insult of yourself. Thus, the scriptures require us to honor the name of God,...praise the name of the Lord, for it is holy, as does the Divine Liturgy when we sing the same words: Aineite ton Kyrion. In particular, the vain use of God s name means to use His name without really Swearing Or Not Swearing? referring to Him. It is used as a filler word, without genuine intent to refer to God. It is the purposeless and idle use of the Holy name of God which makes it such a disrespectful thing. Another aspect of this improper use of God s name is to use it in an oath, by which we seek to verify the truth of our words by invoking God s name or the names of saints or holy things. This also is rejected by Christ (see Matthew 5:34-36; 23:16-21). What you described comes more under the category of foul language and cursing. St. Paul instructs Christians to put away...foul talk from your moth (Col. 3-8). Elsewhere he says, let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that may impart grace to those who hear Ephesians 4:29). Certainly, you will agree that S.O.B. language neither edifies nor does it impart grace to those who hear. It is neither fitting nor appropriate language for persons who seek to ser God. Read Ephesians 4:31, also, for more on this. Q: Can the Mother of God save us? A: The Bible and Holy Tradition clearly teach that there is one saving mediator between God and human beings, Jesus Christ: God our Savior...desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who have Himself as a ransom for all (1Timothy 2:4-6). The Creed too, makes this clear: Christ, for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven So, it is Christ alone who is the Savior. But, we especially honor the role which was exercised by the Lord s mother, the Theotokos, in helping make this possible. God chose her to make Christ s Incarnation a reality. As the Creed continues:...came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. She also intercedes for us at the heavenly Throne and serves as a protector. We may properly call on her to save us from dangers, illness and misfortune, through her intercessions. But it is Christ who is the bringer of eternal salvation to the world. Q: In many Orthodox services, the phrase Yperaghia Theotoke, soson emas (All Holy Theotokos, save us) is used. Some Orthodox use Yperaghia Theotoke presveve yper emon (All Holy Theotokos, intercede for us. Which is theologically more correct? A: Neither is more correct. The first scandalizes some who think that it implies that the Church holds the Theotokos to be a co-savior with Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. Christ is the only Savior and the only mediator between God and humanity. There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the Man Jesus Christ who gave himself as a ransom for all 1Timothy 2:5-6, Read also 1 Corinthians 1:11-25). In this case, the word soson is used the sense of the word diasoson which means act to protect us, i.e. intercede for us before God sthrone so that He may save us, and keep us from harm. In this sense whether we say soson or Presveve, it means the same thing. Liturgical language is not always doctrinally precise, since often it is poetic in character. 7
If you would like to meet with Father, please call him @607-962-5285 to arrange a time and place which is convenient for you. Emergency Sick Calls: Father is available for emergencies at any time. Please call him @ 607-962-5285 or on his cell phone @ 607-377-0587. Our Mailing Address is: 61 Canada Road Painted Post, NY 14870 Confessions are heard after Vespers on Saturday, after any weekday or Lenten service or by calling Father for an appointment. Marriages are solemnized on Saturdays. Consult Father at least six months in advance and before plans have been made for the wedding reception. Marriages cannot be celebrated during the fasting seasons of the Church. Baptisms are normally scheduled on Saturday or Sunday. Consult Father for scheduling. Two God-parents are required, at least one of whom must be Orthodox by faith and the other a practicing Christian. Church Funerals are provided for practicing Orthodox Christians who are current in their Spiritual and Financial obligations to the parish otherwise burial is from the funeral home. If you would like to schedule a Panachida for your loved one please call Father at 962-5285 The Church does not permit Cremation. His Grace, Bishop GREGORY; Protopresbyter Frank Miloro; Protopresbyter John Duranko; Protopresbyter Jim Dutko; Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly; Protopresbyter Lawrence Barriger; Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky; V. Rev. Thomas Kadlek; V. Rev. Michael Kleban; Very Rev. John Baranik; V. Rev. Michael Psenechnuk; Rev. James Gleason; V. Rev. Jason Kappanadze; Father James Worthington and Family 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; Stan Lewek; Michael & Delores Kundrat; Vasyl & Lyudmyla Hayova; Helen Coons; Mary Benyo; Anna Chudanic; Paul Rodrigues; George Officer; Michael Matzkevich; Marlene Wheet; Mae Mary Shonak; Helen Molson; Donna Blazosky; Tom Serdula; Art Gallant; Nancy Murphy-Teed; Joyce Nissen; Chelsea Roman; Gloria Ewsuk; Andrew Chudanic; Tammy Pierson; Jeanne Zimmer; Denise Topichak; Linda Sambursky 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 and to all of our men and women who are serving and protecting our country both at home and abroad. 8
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Dear Brothers and Sister, The cemetery Committee of St. Mary s Orthodox Church wishes to thank you for your past support, and again seek your help as we kick off our annual appeal. While St. Mary s Orthodox Cemetery is an important part of our parish it operates financially as a separate entity from the church. Our Cemetery has always been a place to be proud of. We want to continue to see a neatly trimmed and well-maintained cemetery, knowing that our loved one s final resting place is being well taken care of. Your donation will help make this possible. A contribution by each family is vital to the continuing upkeep of the cemetery property. There are plots which have been purchased but no one is buried, yet the grounds still require maintenance. We hope that you will continue to contribute to the maintenance and operating fund and we solicit your support. We are asking all those who have reserved plots and/or loved ones buried in the cemetery, to contribute a minimum of $50 to the fund. Donors are encouraged to give more if they are able, in consideration of how many family members they have buried in the cemetery. Our 2018 goal remains at $5,000. This year we anticipate that this amount will cover the costs of the 2018 lawn care season, while allowing us to provide exterior maintenance to the storage building. It is in desperate need of a new roof, as well as the replacement of rotting fascia boards, and painting. Any, and all donations for our cemetery are recorded and deposited to a separate Cemetery Fund. The funds are reserved for only cemetery care and maintenance. Any donations received beyond our annual cemetery expenses will be retained in the Cemetery Fund for future use, especially for high cost expenses beyond normal maintenance and upkeep such as fencing, roadways, storage, etc. We are asking for any additional family addresses that you may have so that we can locate and contact all families associated with the Cemetery. Any email addresses for family contacts would be appreciated. Yours in the newly resurrected Christ Father Dan and Church Cemetery Committee 9
Saint Mary s Orthodox Church May 2018 Liturgical Calendar & Events Samaritan Woman 9:30am Divine Liturgy 11:00am Birthdays 11:30am Adult Education 6 7 8 9 10 11 5:00 pm Vespers/ Confession 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Man Born Blind/Mothers Day 9:30am Divine Liturgy 11:00am Panachida Mothers 5:00pm Vesperal Liturgy for Ascension Feast of Ascension NO LITURGY 5:00pm Vespers/ Confession 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Fathers of the 1 st Council Listings for June due to Helen 9:30am Divine Liturgy 11:00am Pantry & Potluck 11:30am Council Meeting 5:00pm Vesperal Liturgy Ss. Cyril & Methodius Ss. Cyril & Methodius NO LITURGY 9:00am All Souls Memorial Service 5:00pm Vespers /Litya for Pentecost 27 28 29 30 31 Pentecost Sunday 9:30am Divine Liturgy Panachida for our Veterans Kneeling Prayers 12pm Annual Blessing of Graves Memorial Day Holy Spirit Day 9:00am Divine Liturgy FAST FREE WEEK 10