June 2016 8 CATHEDRAL MESSENGER Volume: 14 Issue: 10 SAINT GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 3400 Dawson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Rev. Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean Office: 412. 681.2988 Fr. Joshua : 412.721.5828 Fx: 412.681.3254
TOMB EMPTY AND JESUS GRAVE CLOTHES NEATLY FOLDED. SURELY THEY MUST HAVE THOUGHT, CAN IT BE?, WHERE IS HE?, IF HE IS NOT HERE, THEN MIGHT SEE HIM AGAIN?, AND IF HE IS NOT HERE, THEN THIS IS NOT THE END. There is little doubt the empty tomb led to the hope of another encounter with Jesus. The disciples were not to be disappointed. Not only did they encounter Jesus again but they soon realized what they thought was the end was actually only the beginning. There was joy after suffering and life after death. They received closure after having witnessed the crucifixion, answers to all of their questions, all of their confusion was dispelled, and for those who needed more, more was given. One disciple in particular was carrying more baggage than the other disciples and that was Peter. His baggage was in the form of guilt over having denied Jesus. One can only imagine the awful feelings he felt, after having been with Jesus for three years watching Him perform miracles, comforting the disciples, and receiving His teachings. To have ended the relationship on such a note would be a very difficult reality to accept. Evidence of this can be seen in the gospel narrative of when the disciples came to the tomb. They stopped at the door of the tomb. However, the gospel tells us that Peter outran the other disciples on the way to the tomb and actually entered the tomb. What was it that drove Peter to do those things? Why was he more eager? The answer is clear. Peter experienced an overwhelming stirring of hope, hope for a second chance and hope for an opportunity to redeem Himself. Before the disciples arrived, the myrrh bearing women had seen Jesus earlier and He told them to tell the disciples and Peter that He was risen. Peter was singled out by name because Peter needed to be restored and comforted. Jesus knew of Peter s suffering and Peter being forgiven was never in doubt. SECOND CHANCES by Fr. Joshua Makoul ON THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PASCHA WE COMMEMORATE THE MYRRH BEARING WOMEN WHO CAME TO CHRIST S TOMB BEARING SPICES AND MYRRH TO ANOINT THE BODY OF JESUS. THEY CAME TO THE TOMB EXPECTING TO FIND DEATH IN THE FORM OF A BODY. AS WE KNOW, THEY ENCOUNTERED THE EMPTY TOMB. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL IRONY OR PARADOX ABOUT THE EMPTY TOMB. IT WAS EMPTY BUT YET FULL. IT WAS FILLED WITH HOPE AND POWERFUL REALIZATIONS THAT WOULD BECOME LIFE CHANGING FOR THE DISCIPLES AND ALL OF US. THE LESSONS AND TEACHINGS THAT THE EMPTY TOMB GIVES TO US ARE MANY. WE WOULD DO WELL TO REFLECT ON WHAT MUST HAVE GONE THROUGH THE MINDS OF THE DISCIPLES WHEN THEY SAW THE We see that God sees all of our sufferings. The empty tomb teaches us that all of our sufferings will be healed and all of our losses will be restored. All things will be made new. Most of us suffer in this world. Inevitably we experience pain and loss. Some of us may even have had a relationship end not on a good note. Perhaps it was a lack of closure or not having heard a certain word spoken by the one who passed or perhaps we didn t get to say a certain word. The empty tomb tells us that their or our departure from this world is not the end. It tells us that the story is not over, that there will be another time, another place, another encounter, just as there was for Peter. It tells us that when we turn the last page on what is the chapter of our life in this world, there is another chapter that does not end. Truly, death is not the end but only the beginning. The empty tomb is all about second chances. It is all about forgiveness and closure. The ultimate second chance for all of humanity and indeed for all of creation. Included in that reality is that it is a second chance for all of us as individuals. You see how much God loves us! He has it all covered. There is no loss that we suffer that won t be restored, nothing broken that won t be mended, and nothing suffered that won t be healed. God doesn t miss anything in our life, though He may seem silent at times in our life, He sees it all and has a plan. This is the meaning and the teaching of the empty tomb. Christ is Risen! * * *
Holy Week & PASCHA May 1, 2016 CHURCHING Family NIGHT May 13, 2016 * Baby Andrew, son of Joelle and Bruce Sykes * * *
STEWARDSHIP The 2016 Stewardship packets were mailed out. Sunday, June 5 following Liturgy Schenley Park Serving until 1:30 PM Games & fellowship all day Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, & bottled water will be provided No alcoholic beverages, please! We humbly ask that each of us take some time to review the information and prayerfully fill out their commitment card. If your card has been misplaced there are more in the narthex, or call the church office to have one mailed to you or one can simply call in their 2016 Commitment to 412-681-2988. Also one may cut out the commitment card printed on this page and use that one. Thank you and God Bless You! ST. GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 3400 Dawson Street = Pittsburgh, PA 15213 = Office: 412.682.2988 = www.sgcoakland.org Pledge for 2016 $ per Week/ Month (circle one) So that everyone can have an enjoyable meal, please bring a side dish or dessert to share! Donations are also appreciated...and don t forget to sign up for grilling duties! Name Date This pledge, which is my total commitment for the year, I may change or cancel anytime. *Please help us to better communicate with you by updating your contact information on the back of this card. We would be very grateful. God bless you! Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth ~Deuteronomy 8:18 Sponsored by the Fellowship of St. John the Divine PLEASE NOTE: If anyone is sick at home, in the hospital, in distress, has any need or just needs to talk, please contact Fr. Demetrios at 412-721-5828. We want to meet all of your needs.
ST. GEORGE CATHEDRAL APPLIED ORTHODOX SPIRITUALITY CLASS Fr. Thomas Hopko Memorial Series The 55 Maxims of Christian Living, Fr. Hopko s Death and Dying series, The Lenten Spring June 1 Maxim 23: Living a day, and a part of a day, at a time. June 8 Maxim 24: Being totally honest, first of all, with yourself. June 15 Being faithful in little things. Doing your work, and then forgetting it. (Maxims 25 & 26) June 22 Doing the most difficult and painful things first. Facing reality. (Maxims 27 & 28) July 13 Being grateful in all things and being cheerful. (Maxims 29 & 30) July 27 Being simple, hidden, quiet and small. Never bringing attention to yourself. (Maxim 31 & 32) August 24 Listening when people talk to you. Being awake and be attentive. (Maxims 33 & 34) August 31 Thinking and talking about things no more than necessary. When we speak, speak simply, clearly, firmly and directly. (Maxims 35 & 36) September 7 Maxim 37: Fleeing imagination, analysis, figuring things out. September 14 Maxim 38: Fleeing carnal, sexual things at their first appearance. September 21 Maxim 39: On not complaining, mumbling, murmuring or whining. September 28 On not comparing ourselves with anyone. On not seeking or expecting praise or pity from anyone. (Maxims 40 & 41) October 5 Maxim 43: On not judging anyone for anything. October 12 On not trying to convince anyone of anything. On not defending or justifying yourself. (Maxims 43 & 44) October 19 Maxim 45: Being defined and bound by God alone. October 26 Accepting criticism gratefully but testing it critically. Giving advice to others only when asked or obligated to do so. (Maxims 46 & 47) November 2 Maxim 48: Doing nothing for anyone that they can and should do for themselves. November 9 Maxim 49: Having a daily schedule of activities, avoiding whim and caprice. November 16 Maxim 50: Being merciful with yourself and with others. November 30 Maxim 51: Having no expectations except to be fiercely tempted to your last breath. December 7 Maxim 52: Focusing exclusively on God and light, not on sin and darkness. December 14 Maxim 53: Enduring the trial of yourself and your own faults and sins peacefully, serenely, because you know that God s mercy is greater than your wretchedness. December 21 Maxim 54: On when we fall, getting up & immediately and starting over. December 28 Maxim 55: Getting help when we need it, without fear and without shame. Please Join Us! On Sunday, July 17 His Grace Bishop THOMAS Will elevate Fr. Joshua to the office of Archpriest A luncheon will follow afterward in the hall. Bishop JOHN will also be in attendence. SUMMER STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS As we head into the summer months, We humbly ask that each parishioner please remember their faith offering commitments to the church. We are continuously trying to better meet the needs of our parishioners and also stand as a beacon of Christ s light in the larger community. We need your continued help in accomplishing these tasks. We continue to provide funds for our teens, support FOCUS both monetarily and with resources, offer humanitarian assistance to parishioners, and advertise the Orthodox faith in the Pittsburgh area. We thank you for your help in this ministry. Thank you and God Bless You! SOME REFLECTIONS In the words of Fr. William Chiganos of Holy Apostles Church in Westchester, Illinois people don t give to need; they give to vision. Church people don t stretch their giving because of need to meet the budget; they give more because they are able to see a vision of people being reached and God s purposes being accomplished in the life of the church and its ministry. Saint Gregory the Theologian writes, You will never overcome God s generosity, even if you give away all that you have.. And however much you bring to him, always more remains. Nor will you give anything that is your own; for all things flow from God (Or 14.22). GRACE The true motivation for giving is grace Giving is an act of worship in response to the generosity of God. You are to give, says Saint Paul, as God has prospered you. His Second Letter to the Corinthians teaches us clearly, He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. God blesses those who give with generosity.
IN MEMORIUM June & July Calendar for St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral The following Parish members will be remembered at the Divine Liturgy closest to the anniversary of their death. DEPARTED ANNIVERSARIES: JUNE June 5, 2016: Harry J. Khalil, Sr.-2011, Samuel Brown-1963, Stella Davis-2001, Elias Salim-1965, Albert Davis-1970, Sara Ellis-1990, David Saba-1955, Jean Joseph-1977, Helen Hakim-2003, Jacob Mike Jacob-1960, Charles A. Hadad-1990, and John Labash-1992. June 12, 2016: Sara Esper-1971, Sara A. Corey-1991, Michael Davis-1957, Abraham Abraham-1982, Mary Zacour-1989, Albert Nassar-1994, Elizabeth Tony-1963, Louis John-1965, Nancy Moosa Smith-1975, Edward David Haddad-1997, Julia Abraham-2008, Tamara Robinson Fivehouse-2013, and Freda Begandy-2004. June 19, 2016: John Aber-1962, Louis Salem, Jr.-1981, Agnes George-2001, Albert Khoury-1967, and John Lesoon-1955. June 26, 2016: Edna Apitsch Hakim-1981, George Chammas-2003, Mary Betris-2010, Isabelle C. Albert-2010, Nazeba Shaheen-1985, John Shamber-1977, Michael N. Jacob-1995, Martha Davis-1959, Anna George-1960, Samuel Thomas-1969, Albert C. George, Sr.-1970, George Khoury-2011, Margaret Cardone-1987, and Mary Nassar-1997. DEPARTED ANNIVERSARIES: JULY July 3, 2016: Mike Jacob-1964, John H. Salem, Sr-1973, Sophie Ward Anderson-1984, Norman Riston-1981, Souad A. Domat-2012, Sarah Esper-1961, Lillian Alice Albert-1988, Irene Bazari-2001, Anthony Edward Esper-2010, and Jane Ward-1986. July 10, 2016: Jane Marie Albert-1957, Elizabeth Esper-1974, Russell A. Khorey-2002, William Bryan-2003, Alice Mellick-1962, Miriam R. Salem-2012, Michael Abraham Louis-1959, and David George-1971. July 17, 2016: Virginia Albert-1962, Martin George-1998, Joseph Assad-1960, Selma Elias-1959, Alfred Dahma-1985, Dorothy Mansour-2000, Elias Dahma-1955, Julia Joseph-1984, Mary Farley-2007, and Julia Abraham-2008. July 24, 2016: Carol Matthews-1977, Abraham Najeeb-1959, Agnes George-1985, Henry Abraham-1967, Donald A. Abraham-1978, Frank J. Karel-1982, and Anna Isaac-1970. July 31, 2016: David Tarmuty-1960, Carolyn Bryan Meyer-2002, Sara Nassar-1985, Joan M. Nassar-1996, Naffa Jacobs-1969, Shiha Solomon-1995, Elizabeth Thomas-1992, Mary Salem-1986, Elizabeth George-1993, Mary Kelly-1994, Elizabeth Jacob-1993 and Julia Medich-1974. JUNE Sunday, June 5: Church Picnic at the Vietnam Veteran s Pavilion. Monday, June 6: Society of St. George Meeting @ Noon Tuesday, June 7: Leave-taking of Pascha Matins @ 6:00PM & Divine Liturgy @ 7:00PM Wednesday, June 8: Feast of the Ascension Matins @ 6:00pm & Liturgy @ 7:00PM Sunday, June 12: SOYO Meeting Monday, June 13: Parish Council Meeting Sunday, June 19: Antiochian Women Meeting Sunday, June 26: Fellowship of St. John the Divine Meeting Wednesday, June 29: Parish Life Conference 2016 PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE JUNE 29- JULY 3, 2016 Antiochian Village antiochianevents.com The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America 2016 Creative Festivals Theme The icon presents the family of the Holy Hierarch St. Basil the Great, his brothers, sister, parents and grandmother. www.antiochian.org/festivals/cf JULY Sunday, July 3: Parish Life Conference Ends Monday, June 5: Society of St. George Meeting @ Noon Sunday, July 10: SOYO Meeting Monday, July 11: Parish Council Meeting @ 6:30PM Sunday, July 17: Antiochian Women Meeting Wednesday, July 27: Liturgy for St. Panteleimon Matins @ 9:30AM & Liturgy @ 10:30 AM Sunday, July 31: Fellowship of St. John the Divine Meeting
ST. GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 3400 DAWSON STREET PITTSBURGH, PA 15213-4314 Return Service Requested Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 822 DATES TO REMEMBER FEASTS AND WEEKDAY LITURGIES JUNE Sunday, June 5: Church Picnic at the Vietnam Veteran s Pavilion. Monday, June 6: Society of St. George Meeting at Noon Tuesday, June 7: Leave-taking of Pascha Matins @ 6:00PM & Divine Liturgy 7:00PM Wednesday, June 8: Feast of the Ascension Matins @ 6:00pm & Liturgy @ 7:00PM Sunday, June 12: SOYO Meeting Monday, June 13: Parish Council Meeting Sunday, June 19: Antiochian Women Meeting Sunday, June 26: Fellowship of St. John the Diving Meeting