Sts. Pet er & Paul Greek Or thodox Chur ch Inside t h is issue: S pi ri tu a l Message 1 S tewards hi p 3 P hi l op t oc hos 6 N e w s / E v e n t s 8 Petra News D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. St Luke 19:10 It is important that we participate in the Birth of the Messiah. On the evening of December 24, the church will celebrate the Great Vespers of the Nativity. We will hear the prophecies of the Messiah fulfilled. On Sunday morning, December 25, we will celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. Sunday morning is the greatest gift God has given us. Y ou t h Mi ni s t ry 1 1 S e rv i c e S c h e d u l e 12 Mo nt hl y C a l e ndar 1 3 W hy Di d H e C o me? 1 4 Petra News A ministry and monthly publication of Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church. Supported by the stewards of the parish. The words of Jesus share the meaning of Christmas, the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to seek and to save the lost. Jesus life and ministry was all about saving humanity. He has fulfilled all the prophecies concerning His life and mission. It is amazing how Jesus has fulfilled more than 300 of the Old Testament Prophecies that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of Judea, born of a Virgin, and that the Christ would be the suffering servant who would lay down His life for His people s offenses. There is not one book that foretold the birth of Buddha, Confucius or Socrates. There was not one prediction about Mohammed. All the prophecies of the Old Testament, written centuries before the birth of Christ, are fulfilled in Jesus. The gospel of Matthew identifies Jesus as the true and only Messiah, predicted in the Old Testament that He would be born of a virgin and would be a fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham and David by God. We will celebrate the life of Christ on Sunday, December 25. The birth of Jesus was different from that of any other Jewish boy named in the genealogy of the gospel of St Matthew. The gospel points out that Joseph did not beget Jesus Christ. Joseph was the betrothed of the Virgin Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Jesus was born of an earthly mother without the need of an earthly father. We must be careful of what we read and hear. There are preachers today, and churches outside the Orthodox Church who have taken the liberty of removing and changing scripture, raising the questions that perhaps Mary was not a virgin. This is heresy and extremely dangerous. Holy Scripture states, Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son. The Virgin birth points to Jesus Christ, being eternal God, who existed before Mary and Joseph. St John the Theologian in his epistle wrote, If Jesus were conceived and born just as any other baby, then He could not be God. St Luke in his gospel reminds us that by a miracle of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary, a virgin.
P a g e 2 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Man and woman were created to be icons, living images and likenesses of God. We damaged the icons of God in us. In a very special way, God brings us back to restore the broken icons in all of us. Joseph s role was vital for the success of our Lord s birth. Joseph was betrothed to Mary. To the Jewish people betrothal was equivalent to marriage, except that the man and woman did not live together. They were called husband and wife, and at the end of the engagement period, the marriage was consummated. Now if a betrothed woman became pregnant, it was considered adultery. A pregnant woman could be stoned to death. Joseph did not punish or divorce Mary when he discovered she was with child because the Lord revealed the truth to him. Joseph at first had doubts, but did not want harm to come to Mary so he decided to send her away quietly. An angel of the Lord revealed to him that the infant conceived in Mary was begotten of the Holy Spirit. Joseph became the foster father and protector of both Mary and Jesus. Faced with the hatred of Herod, who wanted to kill the infant, Joseph took Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Joseph is a saint of the church who is praised for his courage and protection of the Holy family. The Birth of Jesus restored humanity. Jesus gave us the gift to rise above our sinful heredity. The gift of God can be experienced when we are grafted to Christ through His life giving sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. The Nativity of Jesus celebrated humanity restored. St Gregory the Theologian preached that Christ assumed the soul and body of man. Christ assumed the whole of human nature. The birth of Jesus is a reminder of how man and woman are fragile. Man and woman were banished from paradise after the Fall. Humanity became subject to decay and death. God s mercy and love for us never stopped. In order to conquer and destroy death, to bring man and woman to deification which is a life of holiness, our original calling, He became incarnate, took on flesh and became man. The Birth of Jesus shows us how the Lord is both compassionate and powerful. St John of Damascus wrote about the goodness and power of God. God did not overlook our weakness. He found the most fitting solution for that which seemed impossible. God did not form another man after the fall to wrestle with the devil, wrote St John, but made Him victor by assuming the death and suffering of the flesh Himself. God was powerful because while at the same time becoming man He would be true God, consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Birth of Jesus shares His love and compassion for us. Man and woman were created to be icons, living images and likenesses of God. We damaged the icons of God in us. In a very special way, God brings us back to restore the broken icons in all of us. God does not throw us away. St Athanasios wrote that Jesus came and dwelt in our midst, in order that He might renew mankind after Himself, and seek out His lost sheep, I came to seek and save that which was lost. Christ is Born! Let us Glorify Him! Father Jordan P a g e 2
Stewardship Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church 5640 Jay Road, Boulder, CO 80301 ~ Phone: (303) 581-1434 http://www.stspeterandpaulboulder.org November 26, 2016 2016 ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM STS. PETER & PAUL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Dear Stewards, We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We had an outstanding year at Sts. Peter and Paul, and we want to thank you for your tremendous contributions of time, talent, and treasure. We have made tremendous progress towards our stretch goal of paying for 100% of our operating budget through Stewardship. While we knew that this may take a couple of years to accomplish, we are well on our way! We need your help. As we said at the Fall General Assembly, we need an additional $30,000 to cover our basic church expenses for 2016. As we are in our final month of this fiscal year, we are running out of time. With this in mind, we are making a final plea to ask if you can help us in any way you can. Please consider making a donation to the church to help us close out the year. We truly appreciate any help that you can give, as every gift helps, no matter the size. Finally, we hope that you will join us at the 2 nd Annual Christmas Party on December 17 th, in the Community Center at the Church. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Amanda Nader at amandajnader@gmail.com by December 14 th. Yours in Christ, Tamsin & Tom Jacky Amanda & Jacques Nadar Sts. Peter & Paul 2016 Stewardship Committee P a g e 3
Stewardship 2015 P a g e 4 Number of people per Stewardship Gift Levels (Year to Date 2016) Stewardship #of % of Gift Level Stewards Stewards 0- $500 40 34.2% $501- $1,000 23 19.7% $1,001 - $1,500 19 16.2% $1,501 - $3,000 20 17.1% $3,001 - $5,000 10 8.5% $5,001 - $7,500 2 1.7% $7,501 - $15,000 3 2.6% Total 117 100% 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 40 23 0- $500 $501- $1,000 19 20 $1,001 - $1,500 $1,501 - $3,000 10 $3,001 - $5,000 2 3 $5,001 - $7,500 $7,501 - $15,000 1. Total number of Stewards in 2015 (Last Year) = 108 2. Total number of Stewards so far in 2016 = 117 3. Total Stewardship Pledges in 2015 (Last Year) = $173,560 4. Total Stewardship Goal for 2016 = $260,000 5. Total Stewardship Pledges so far in 2016 = $192,072 6. Total Remaining to 2016 Goal = $67,928 7. Average Gift in 2015 = $1,607 8. Average Gift in 2016 = $1,642 9. Median Gift in 2015 = $1,000 10. Median Gift in 2016 = $910 How are we doing? - As of November 20, 2016 - We have 117 stewards who pledged a total of $192,072 - That pays Church's operating costs through September 26, 2016 Remainin g to Goal $67,928 - Would you consider paying for a day? (270 days pledged so far) Pledged $192,072 P a g e 4
List of Stewardship 2015 P a g e 5 Abboud, Danny & Anna Anastas, Hani & Katrina Anastas, Christie & Emil Andrusko, Gaynel Artemis, Chris & Nancy Artemis, Steve & Maybeth Artemis, A.M. Ashmun, Joanne Athanas, Nicole Azar, James Azar, Jackie Azar, Tony & Rimona Barbu, Ileana & McDonald, Braswell, John Brewer, Nicole & Joshua Brown, Fr. Jordan & Pres. Marika Callas, Steve & Joanne Cheronis, Dion & Alekie Christopher, Chris & Georgia Conis, Bessie Conis, Pete & Lynda Dageenakis, Anthony Dageenakis, John & Elayne DeGeorge, Tony & Rola Dinsmore, David & Jane Dotson, Presbytera Kedrann Doukas, George Du Bernard, Margaret Dzilvelis, John & Sharon Dzilvelis, Steven & Ashley Egeberg, Angela & David Elias, Elias Elias, Eric & Keity Gall, Dana Garcia, Mary Garrity, Jane Geerdes, Bruce & Andreatta Gehmeyr, Michael & Bakalis, Georgis, Maria Georgis, Steve and Yoana Ghazzawi, Edmond & Laila Glasener, Gary & Robin Glavinas, Elias Gregory, Brian Hamilton, Joanne & Darryle Haratsaris, Philip & Jennifer Hess, Christel & George Houghton, Nancy & Guiller- Huskey, Oliver & Melanie Jacky, Tom & Tamsin Kallan, Nick & Danielle Kapatayes, Gaby & Odeta Kapatayes, Khristo & Jose- Kapatayes, Nuha Katris, Thomas & Kathy Kelly, John & Mary Kolias, Aristotle & Theodora Kolovos, Michael & Youli Krol, Effie & Rick Kurtz, Kevin Leonidas, Rick Lymberopoulos, Mary Marshall, Daphne Melonakis, Mathew Melonakis, Terry Merrill, John & Toula Mills, Mary & Mark Mustian, Peter & Amira Nader, Jacques & Amanda Nolte, Melina Novak, Christen Pagratis, Kostas & Erinn Pagratis, Maria Palmer, Tom & Vaso Panas, Jim & Frannie Pappageorge, George Pappas, George & Charleen Pappas, Nick Pappas, William Philoptochos Society Piper, Ted & Sophia Politis, Takis & Kathy Powers, Jim & Julie Roditis, Ioannis & Maria Ryder, Stephana & Doug Saliba, George Sammoury, Tony & Christiane Sampson, Earl Sarris, Juli Serougi, Eissa & Samira Serougi, Sam & Adma Shearin, Patrick Skodras, Nick Skodras, Voula Soderberg, Liz & Kurt Soulakis, Manuel & Candice Stamus, Peter & Cynthia Swiszcz, Paul & Marose-Swiszcz, Theodosis, Anthoula Tinsley, Dean & Dena Torrence, Pam Troicky, Alex & Lis Tsiouvaras, George & Nicole Tsiouvaras, Nick & Christine Vlachos, Dean & Janice Voris, Angelos Vranas, Paul & Diane Wall, Aaron Welker, Julie & David Yakyma, Alex Zarifa, Sonia Zaronias, Dimitrios & Diangy Zissimos, Jim & Sheila Zwierzynski, Zoe P a g e 5
Philoptochos Merry Christmas! Christmas is always known for being busy and overscheduled, the holiday hustle and bustle. This year I plan on doing the complete opposite. I want to slow down, enjoy my family, play outside, and come to worship. It is that time of year of reflection and hope. I ask you to slow down and take the time to come to church, to worship and to be with your spiritual family. We have so many great events planned, take the time to get to know your church community better. They are some of the most amazing people I know. God Bless, Ashley Dzilvelis Philoptochos President Philoptochos Events and News Philoptochos Membership Drive Our membership drive has begun for 2017. We invite all ladies of Sts. Peter & Paul to join our Philoptochos Chapter here at Sts. Peter & Paul. We are the largest Christian Women's Philanthropic Organization in America. Come and join us, and help us be A Friend to the Poor. Philoptochos Bookstore Grand Re-Opening - Sunday, December 4 th Sharon Dzilvelis has been working hard at organizing and ordering new books, cards, icons, and so much more! Come check out what is new. Remember, this is a great place to shop for gifts. Philoptochos Sisterhood Christmas Party - Saturday December 10 th 11 am This year, we will be having a brunch and jewelry party. Heather from Premier Jewelry will be with us! Please bring a potluck dish to share. This is a great event every year where we catch up and celebrate Christmas! Bring a friend! Dana Gall will be sending more information soon. Head Start Angels Delivery - Tuesday December 13 th We will be meeting at church (time TBD). Please see Ashley Dzilvelis with questions, or e-mail her at <ashleydz1@hotmail.com>. Don t forget to get your angel off of the Christmas tree in the narthex. We need everyone s help this year! Christmas Cookie Baskets It s that time of year to order your Christmas Cookie Basket! Order forms will be available in the fellowship hall beginning Dec 1 st. Cookie basket pick up will be the Sunday the 18 th. Philoptochos Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser - Order Deadline is Dec 4th Please consider putting your holiday spending dollars to work this season by purchasing gift cards through our local Philoptochos. Perfect for stocking stuffers, gift-giving, distributions to those in need, or purchases you're planning to make in-store or online. Over 300 popular retailers are available (including Starbucks, AMC, Macy's, and many, many more!) and give 3-18% of the sale back to Philoptochos. 100% of proceeds go to support local, national, and international charities. Contact Lis Troicky to order today; 720-771-7786; etroick@aol.com King Soopers Reloadable Gift Cards Please see Liz Troicky for your card today! It is so easy to use and Philoptochos gets back 5% off all purchases. P a g e 6
Head Start Angel Project For over 20 years, the parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church have generously purchased gifts for the children of the Boulder Head Start Program schools. Starting Sunday, November 6th, a Christmas tree with Angels will be displayed in the fellowship hall. Each paper angel represents one child and is labeled with that child s name, age, and clothing sizes. To participate in this wonderful program, please take one or more angels from the tree. Sign your name, and phone number on the correct color-coded angel list. (i.e. the color of the angel determines the color list.) THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! Take a white shopping bag (one bag for each angel you take.) Purchase as many items as you can, adding a toy or book if you would like, but no candy, please. Place the unwrapped items into the shopping bag and return your gifts by Sunday, December 4 th. Please keep in mind that your purchases may be the only gifts the children receive for Christmas. Please see Ashley Dzilvelis (303.884.7088 or ashleydz1@hotmail.com) ~If you would prefer to make a cash donation, give to Liz Soderberg. ~If you would like please help with the delivery of the gifts on Tuesday, December 13 th. Both Sts. Peter and Paul Philoptochos and the children of the Head Start program are very grateful for your loving spirit and kindness. Thank you! P a g e 7
Holiday Gift Cards Now available at our bookstore: Holiday Gift Cards Support Philoptochos with your holiday spending! A percentage of every sale comes directly back to us. * Black Friday * Stocking Stuffers * Gift Shopping * and hundreds more! Order Deadline is Dec 4th (receive by Dec 11th) Contact Lis Troicky to order today: 720-771-7786 or etroick@aol.com P a g e 8
News & Events Sts. Peter &Paul 2nd Annual Christmas Party!! The Stewardship Committee would love for you to come celebrate the season with us on Saturday, December 17th for Vespers at 5:00pm and dinner at 6:00pm. There will be caroling, ugly sweater contest, door prizes and fellowship for all ages. A salmon dinner will be prepared and we are asking for a suggested donation of $20.00 per adult and $10.00 for children. Proceeds will go towards closing the gap and helping us reach our community s stewardship goals for 2016. In lieu of a gift or ornament exchange, we will be asking for a Monetary Christmas Gift for Saints Peter and Paul, donations will help go towards our Stewardship! RSVP to Amanda Nader <amandajnader@gmail.com> by Wednesday, December 14th. P a g e 9
News & Events House Blessings Father Jordan will begin house blessings after the Feast of Theophany celebrated on January 6, 2017. The House Blessing forms are available in the narthex. Please do not hesitate to contact Father Jordan with any questions. You can reach Father Jordan @ frjordanbrown@gmail.com or the church office @ (303) 581-1434. Metropolis of Denver Christmas Celebration & Open House Friday, December 2nd, 5 pm to 9 pm His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver and the Metropolis Council Invite you to attend a Christmas Celebration and Open House at Denver Metropolis Center 4550 East Alameda Ave, Denver 80246 Catered by: Aspasia s Catering December Bible Study Schedule: Wake up to God The Wednesday Morning Bible Study will meet on the 7th and 14th of December, 10 am, in the parish hall. Please join us as we strive to apply prayer and scripture to our spiritual life, growing closer to God. This is great opportunity to study the scriptures and have a deeper understanding of the Sunday and Feast Day readings. We will be focusing on the Feast of the Nativity the month of December. Refreshments are offered. The church is open at 9 am for morning prayers. Bible Study will resume on January 18th. Orthodox Faith Classes Classes will resume in February of 2017. If you have questions about the Orthodox Faith, are interested in becoming an Orthodox Christian, or would like to have a better understanding about the Orthodox Church, please contact Father Jordan @ frjordanbrown@gmail.com or (303) 581-1434. Men s Fellowship Dinner Thursday, January 19, 7 pm The Men s fellowship will be getting together for fellowship and dinner in the New Year. Please join us. We welcome the men of our parish. We will meet at Lulu s BBQ (701 Main Street, Louisville). Sunday Fellowship Host Sunday Fellowship is a wonderful expression of Christian Hospitality. The Parish Hall is an extension of the church. The coffee hour is a wonderful time to visit with friends and welcome visitors. We are asking for everyone s help. Please consider hosting a Sunday coffee hour Fellowship. You may consider selecting a Sunday when there is a name day, birthday or memorial in your family. You do not have to host the Sunday alone. Call a friend or relative and work together. There is a calendar sign up in the parish hall. Fran Dzilvelis, Mary Lymberopoulos and Presbytera Kedrann are coordinating the Sunday Fellowship Ministry. Please sign up today. 2017 Usher Schedule We will be making up a new usher schedule for 2017. Ushers serve an important role in our parish, as they are often the first people to welcome visitors and inquirers to our community. Please consider volunteering your time to serve as an usher. If you are already on the usher schedule and would like to continue, we will schedule you. If you would like to be put on the usher schedule or if you want to be taken off the usher schedule, please call Jim Zissimos 303-427-7981. P a g e 1 0
OCF Orthodox Christian Fellowship Christmas Party Sunday, December 4, 12:30pm Dear college students, please join us for our final fellowship of 2016. Please join us for lunch at the home of Father Jordan and Presbytera Marika on Sunday, December 4. The OCF students from Denver will be joining us on the 4th. There will be plenty of food and great fellowship. Address: 7793 Essex Place, Boulder If you have any questions or need a ride, please contact our OCF President, Elias EJ Katsoulas at ejkatsoulas@gmail.com or Father Jordan, OCF CU chaplain at frjordanbrown@gmail.com Youth Nursing Home & Shut in Visitations Saturday, December 17 The middle and high school students of Sts Peter Paul will join Father Jordan on Saturday, December 17, 11 am to 2 pm. We plan to visit several nursing homes and a few of our shut ins who are unable to travel. The young people will be presenting holiday care packages, singing Christmas carols, and offering a few traditional Greek dances. If you have any questions please contact Father Jordan. We need a few parent drivers and adult chaperones. Important Future Youth Ministry Dates: OCF College Winter Retreat (Granby / Hot Sulphur) February 3-5, 2017 Sunday School Oratorical Festival Sunday, February 19, 2017 GOYA Spring Lenten Retreat (Estes Park) Middle and High school age children will be participating March 10-12, 2017 Metropolis Oratorical Festival (St Dimitrios, Ft Worth Texas) March 17-18, 2017 GOYA Summer Camp Dates (Camp Emmanuel / New Mexico) June 11-17 (Senior Goya 9-12th grade) June 18-24 (Junior Goya 6-8th grade) P a g e 1 1
Schedule of Services Services for Nativity of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Friday, December 23rd Forefeast of Nativity Royal Hours 9 am Forefeast of Nativity Great Vespers 6 pm Saturday, December 24th Forefeast of the Nativity & Feast of St. Eugenia Orthros 7 am Divine 8 am Great Vespers 5 pm St. Nicholas Tuesday, December 6th Orthros 8 am Divine 9 am Sunday, December 25th Nativity of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Orthros 8:15 am Divine 9:30 am Conception of the Theotokos Friday, December 9th Orthros 8 am Divine 9 am St. Spyridon Monday, December 12th Orthros 8:30 am Divine 9:30 am (Service will be at St. Spyridon s in Loveland) St. Eleutherios Wednesday, December 14th Orthros 5:15 pm Divine 6 pm St. Dionysios Saturday, December 17th Orthros 7 am Divine 8 am St. Anastasia Tuesday, December 21st Orthros 5:15 pm Divine 6 pm St. Stephen Tuesday, December 27th Orthros 8 am Divine 9 am Petra News New Year s / Theophany Services Feast of St. Basil / New Year s Day Sunday, January 1st, 2017 Orthros 8:15 am Divine 9:30 am Blessing of the Vasilopita Forefeast of the Theophany of our Lord Thursday, January 5th Royal Hours 9 am Vesporal 5 pm Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmo) Feast of the Theophany Friday, January 6th Orthros 8 am Divine 9 am Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmo) St. John the Baptist Saturday, January 7th Orthros 7 am Divine 8 am Page 12
December 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Shaded Days = Fasting Days Visit www.calendar.goa rch.org for specific fasting criteria 1 2 5p Metropolis Open House 3 4p Great Vespers 6p St. Catherine Ornament Exchange Dinner 4 8:15a Orthros 9:30a Divine 12:30p OCF Luncheon 5 6 St. Nicholas 8a Orthros 9a Divine 7 9a Morning Prayers 10a Bible Study 8 9 Conception of the Theotokos 8a Orthros 9a Divine 10 11a Philoptochos Brunch 5p Great Vespers 11 Parish Council Elections 8:15a Orthros 9:30a Divine 12 St. Spyridon 8:30a Orthros 9:30a Divine (St. Spyridon s in Loveland) 6:30p Parish Council Meeting 13 9a Head Start Angel Gift Delivery 14 St. Eleutherios 9a Morning Prayers 10a Bible Study 5:15p Orthros 6p Divine 15 16 17 St. Dionysios 7a Orthros 8a Divine 11a Nursing Home Visitations 5p Great Vespers 6p Parish Christmas Party 18 8:15a Orthros 9:30a Divine 19 20 21 St. Anastasia 5:15p Orthros 6p Divine 22 23 9a Forefeast of the Nativity Royal Hours 6p Forefeast of the Nativity Vespers 24 Christmas Eve 7a Orthros 8a Forefeast of the Nativity 5p Nativity Great Vespers 25 Nativity of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ 8:15a Orthros 9:30a Divine 26 27 St. Stephen 8a Orthros 9a Divine 28 29 30 31 New Year s Eve 5p Great Vespers
Why Did He Come? Darkness is loosened, light is created. The Pillar of Fire is given to Israel. Those dark in ignorance see the great light: knowledge and wisdom. This is our festival, this we celebrate, God coming to man that man might go out (or better, go back) to God our Father, off with the old man and on with the new! Once dead in Adam, now alive in Christ, born with Christ, crucified with Christ, buried with Christ, risen with Christ. - St Gregory of Nazianus Jesus Himself Explains Why He Came Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17) I came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:13) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10) I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness (John 12:46) For I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37) For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me... (John 6:38) I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (1 John 10:10) Why did He Come? Christmas means that the Word (the eternal God) was made flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). In an attempt to capture the monumental humiliation God endured when He took on human flesh, C.S. Lewis likens it to our becoming a worm. Yet God did that for us in order to communicate His love to us. Christmas means that Emmanuel has come; God is not an impersonal machine or a super power who runs the universe by remote control. He is a Person, Emmanuel - God with us. And you shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. God is a Person who wants to establish a personal relationship with you. P a g e 1 4
Why Did He Come? He is a Person to whom you can pray; a Person who cares for you: a Person Who has reserved a place for you in heaven. Christmas means that God has visited His people. But the word visit in inadequate if it means that He came to spend a few years with us and then leave us again. He came not just to visit but to stay: Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. With us in our joys, with us in our sorrows, with us in our living, with us in our dying. He came at Bethlehem. He comes now. And He will come again at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. Christmas means that there are two births of Christ: one into the world at Bethlehem; the other into the soul when it is spiritually reborn. Through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and the Eucharist, Christ is born in the second Bethlehem, i.e., our hearts and minds, our souls and bodies. Christ is born that our dark souls may be filled with light. If He was born in the first Bethlehem, it was only that He might come and be born in the second Bethlehem - your soul and mine! - Fr Anthony Coniaris and Presbytera Emily Harakas P a g e 1 5
Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church The mission of Sts. Peter and Paul is to be a beacon of Orthodox Christian spirituality in the greater Boulder area. Our diverse church family encompasses many converts to the Faith, as well as Greek, Arab, Romanian, Serbian, and Russian Orthodox members. We strive together to live our Orthodox Christian Faith by having a devoted prayer life, through fasting and almsgiving, and by participating regularly in the services and Sacraments of the Holy Orthodox Church. We welcome everyone to visit our parish to experience the ancient forms of worship that existed in the early centuries of the Christian Church - which we continue to practice unchanged today. Please take a moment to look through our website to learn more about our parish and our Faith, and if you have any questions, feel free to call Fr. Jordan at 303-581-1434. Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church 5640 Jay Rd. Boulder, CO 80301