Newsletter/Announcements
WEEKLY SCHEDULE: LENT
Weeks 2-6
(schedule subject to change)
Sundays – 8am Matins, Confessions
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 6 – 7 p.m. Vespers
Monday
7 – 9 am Matins, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Great Compline
Tuesday
7 – 9 am Matins, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Great Compline
Wednesday
7 – 9 am Matins, 6 – 8:00 p.m. Pre-sanctified Liturgy
Thursday
7 – 9 am Matins, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Great Compline
Friday
9 – 11 am Pre-sanctified Liturgy,
6 – 7 p.m. Small Compline
Saturday
8-10 a.m. Matins (every other week)
6-8 p.m. Vigil
Other weekly events:
Bible Study: 7:30pm(suspended for Lent)
Choir Practice: Saturday 5pm.
Troost folks: Thur 7:30pm
Friday night meal: 5-7pm
THIS MONTHS EVENTS:
Women’s Meeting: 2nd Sat. of the month
Board Meeting: 2nd Sunday of the month
Sunday Pan Vespers 5pm :
7th St. Dionysios (GOC)
14th St. Basils (AOC)
21st St. Mary’s
Feast days:
March 7th- The Adoration of the Cross
March 18th- Great Canon of St. Andrew (evening service)**
March 19th- Akathist of the Mother of God (evening service)**
March 21s -St. Mary of Egypt Sunday (5th Sunday- Citywide Vespers at St. Mary’s)
March 27th Lazarus Sat.**
March 28th -Palm Sunday (Divine Liturgy and Procession)
March 29th-April 2nd Holy/Passion Week (First three days include reading the entire four Gospels and Bridegroom Matins)
**SEE WEEKLY BULLETINS FOR SERVICE TIMES***
Birthdays:
1st Fr. Justin Mathews
9th Joe Williams and Asher Mathews
14th Antonio Garrett, Alganesh Kidane
19th Totia Wedlow, Madelynn Sweeten
20th Kinfu Dibawo
27th Dimitri Hill
28th Anna Lissa Redmond
31st Suraphael Berhanu
PASCHAL SEASON
Mar 28 – Palm Sunday
Apr 04 – Great and Holy Pascha
Apr 28 – Mid-Pentecost
May 13 – Holy Ascension
May 23 – Pentecost – Trinity Sunday
May 30 – All Saints
Future dates:
African American Conference: May 14-16th Anniston, AL
EYOC Youth Camp Aug. 1st-7th
SCHEDULE OF SERVERS:
Altar Server schedule:
7th- Joachim, Asher
14th Peter, Isaiah
21st Antonio, Cory
28th Beniam, Elias, Raphael
Prosphora Schedule:
7th Andrea
14th Matushka Katherine/Jodi
21st Mother Nicole
28th Theodosia
Greeters:
7th Moses
14th Anthony
21st Matthew S.
28tth Joseph Altschul
FROM THE PRIEST:
Last week we celebrated The Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy or Orthodoxy Sunday. This feast has been held from the 9th century in memory of the overthrow of the last great heresy of the church addressed by the Ecumenical councils, iconoclasm, but also marks the triumph of the Orthodox Christian faith generally and remembers all who fought for the Orthodox faith in writing, word, suffering and especially Godly and self sacrificial living.
At the time of the destruction of the icons, the Church was unified around the act of icon veneration and the fight to restore this Godly practice. And now, today, another form of iconoclasm is present and will take the unity of the Church to overcome. In America today, unity among Orthodox does not come so easily. There is the division against “the cradles” and “the converts.” There is also strong division between ethnicities and jurisdictions. We can only be united by working together in the fight to defend the image of Christ.
The fight now is not against the right to venerate icons written on wood and to depict Christ in images, but it is against the rejection of living human beings as the icons of Christ. Icons are often called windows to heaven. They are also mirrors showing us what God sees in our human reflection. When we look at ourselves in the mirror we see just us. When God sees us he can see the Saint he is creating in us by Grace. Part of venerating the icons in church is learning to see ourselves and others the way God does.
However, often, these living icons are being destroyed, painted over, and even worse, ignored and abused. We must unite as Orthodox to help restore these living icons and venerate them as an image of Christ.
One way to restore these living icons is to be a good neighbor. Growing up in many of the old neighborhoods, it didn’t matter what religion you were. Kids played together, and parents worked together. When someone needed something, everyone was there to help. We didn’t even know what faith they were. Even in the Holy Lands, there was a time when Christians, Jews and Muslins lived in the same neighborhood, with no hostilities, working and playing together.
But now it seems that more and more this foundation, the love of the neighbor and the virtue of laying down one’s life for your neighbor sacrificially, is preserved in only a few institutions – we live in the me generation, and we have all given into this to some degree.
Also, we must reach out to the poor and needy not only in our own neighborhoods but also wherever we go. A perfect example of this is a young teenager who recently went on a FOCUS YES (Youth Equipped to Serve) trip to Los Angeles. She was so moved by a woman with no shoes that she took off her own sneakers in the rain to give this woman. By restoring this woman’s dignity, she helped restore the image of Christ in her.
The Church needs to be united and bolder in our practice and especially teaching our children of this foundation of the True Faith heralded today. If we want to build this firm foundation of the faith, we must all be involved in the loving, serving and restoring of living icons. Fr. Justin
Book Review:Athonite Fathers and Athonite Matters by Seth John
This is a book I’m really happy to give a review over. It’s definitely made a huge impact on me. In essence, it’s a compilation of spiritual lessons gathered from the lives of various elders and monks on Mount Athos as told by Elder Paisios. I think what I find most intriguing about this book is Elder Paisios’ capability to convey and interpret these monks’ lives in a way that brings spiritual benefit to the reader. You definitely get an idea for what kind of life Elder Paisios lived from the way he emphasizes the struggle between logic and faith. You definitely get an understanding for how real the spiritual life is for these monks on Mount Athos. In these times where the spiritual life is labeled as theoretical, overly intellectual, and/or superstitious, this book serves as a sobering reminder of just how real the spiritual life is for us, much like these simple monks on the Holy Mountain.
Over all I would say this a great read, one that isn’t going to be to “over the head”. It’s a little expensive but one of those books that is worth keeping around for a long time.
RECONCILIATION SERVICES UPDATE:
Recently I received a report from Emmaus House in Harlem from our good friend Julia Raboteau. It included the following quote from St. John Chrysostom, “Set Christ free – free from hunger, free from need, free from prison, free from injustice.” As I read this I was thinking, “this is what Reconciliation Services-Focus KC is all about” – i.e. recognizing Christ in the face of those who are daily struggling with poverty, imprisonment, oppression and need.
On any Friday evening a core group from St. Mary of Egypt and other volunteers support any of five local Orthodox parishes in serving between 200-300 meals. Setting Christ free from hunger. On Thursdays volunteers from St. Mary’s, Holy Trinity OCA, and staff from Reconciliation provide IDs and Birth Certificates to those released from prison, working moms, homeless, and many others. Setting Christ free from need and prison. On Mondays volunteers from St. Mary’s, St. George Serbian, and staff from RS provide groceries and case management to those who have fallen through the cracks. Setting Christ free from injustice. Many thanks are offered to God for those who have chosen to sacrifice time and money for the sake of Christ and His love.
During this Lenten period, we’re not only called to Prayer and Fasting, but also Almsgiving (Deeds of Mercy). As you know, much more is needed in this neighborhood. Consider getting involved more personally. If you’d like to find out more, contact Fr. Paisius or visit www.rs3101.org.
Fp
From a Corner in the Desert by Robert Garrett
Hebrew 12: 1 Therefore we also, since we also are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I was talking with Mother Nicole shortly after the ID service was completed last Thursday. This is a service that can be exhausting for staff. It provides financial assistance for people who are financially strapped and need to get a picture ID, most often in relationship to finding employment.
Mother Nicole and I have worked together in the past and when we are clicking we cover each others back, so to speak. We are not often at odds with each other but we do have our moments. This day however I was in an empathetic mood and I could tell that she needed friendly support.
One of the courtesies I like to extend is going to the front door and asking the person knocking what their general purpose or request might be. I feel fairly competent in this task and usually by the end of the ID service on Thursdays I walk in fairly fresh.
This is a “2 mite” job for me, but the ID service is a much needed service to our Troost {and beyond} Community. Many, many people receive this service and the RS staff is doing a great job, demanding much focus, consideration and energy {a call for volunteers?}.
As I approached the door this day however I could sense that this time it might be a piece of cake. You never know for sure though so I kept my professional air intact.
When I got to the door I noticed that the consumer, client, homeless(?) human-being was beaming. “I found this in a thrift store, and I knew it belonged with you guys,” stated the gruffy face of the forty to fifty year old young man, as he handed me a framed print of an Icon, The Face of Christ. I thanked him as sincerely as my apprehensive approach to the door would allow, but I did not wash His feet. It might have seemed odd, especially with snow on the ground and his boots were keeping them warm.
The man looked familiar. In a way I hope he doesn’t tell me who he is at a later date. I do hope to be with Him always though, and He will now haunt my memory in a most pleasant way.
Broken but Didn’t Know It
I was broken
but didn’t know it.
The sands of time
hadn’t healed
but had piled up grain by grain
leaving a hole unrevealed.
I was broken
but didn’t know it.
The wounds had closed
but had festered within,
oozing oh so slowly
over this hope I had built.
I am broken
and now I know it.
I am reaching for
that uncreated light
longing to pull it down
into my darkened soul.
God, sprinkle me with hyssop
and I shall be clean.
Wash me
and I shall be whiter than snow.
-Faith Boldt
An Uplifting Saturday Morning
Who would have expected a Saturday morning ‘meeting’ to be so enjoyable, lively, and inspirational? Last month on Saturday, February 13, ten women of the church (both single and married) met in Stephanie Sweeten’s gracious home at 10:00 a.m. for our first Saturday morning Women’s Meeting, which was so successful we’ve decided to continue meeting on the second Saturday of the month in different homes.
After time to chat and share some coffee, fruit, and sweet treats, Mat. Jodi Mathews invited us to add names to a prayer list that would be emailed to all the attendees. Some had personal requests for prayer as well as concerns for family and friends who were in need of healing or help. After placing names on the list, we were invited to share any prayer requests we had placed on the list. It was comforting to be able to share with other women the concerns that lay on our hearts and to know that they would be heard and lifted up in prayer by those present.
Following the sharing, Mat. Jodi passed out an Internet article titled “Do Not Resent, Do Not React, Keep Inner Stillness” from a talk given by Metropolitan Jonah of the OCA. Because it was lengthy (11 pages), we focused our study on the first section of the article, which was “Do Not Resent.” Metropolitan Jonah points out that when we look into our inner clutter, we find resentments, remembrance of wrongs, self-justification. We find these because of pride. “It is pride that makes us hold on to our justifications for our continued anger against other people.” And it is hurt pride or vainglory, which feeds our envy and jealousy. Envy and jealousy lead to resentment. He adds that “Resentfulness leads to a host of problems,” such as depression and the desire to have what others have, which is avarice. “One of the most valuable and important things that we can thus do,” Metropolitan Jonah says, “is look at all of the resentments that we have,” and make a life confession.
With Forgiveness Sunday being the day following our meeting, we discussed the fact that we, as women, tend to hold grudges and resentments and that asking forgiveness and forgiving one another was the only way to begin Lent, a time of repentance, prayer and almsgiving. This realization gave us all a sense of relief knowing that we could begin Lent free of these burdens, which weigh on our minds and hearts. It also gave us a sense of truly being in this struggle together – the struggle to repent, to forgive, and to be godly women.
As we were ending the meeting and preparing to depart for our homes and (in most cases) families, we realized how much we enjoyed this time together, felt inspired for the Lenten struggle, and looked forward to our next meeting the second Saturday of March.- Cecilia Garrett
Deacon’s Corner
Glory be to God …Brothers, sisters, Mothers and Fathers…forgive me a sinner. In the last few days, and weeks I have had 3 things running over my heart …1. Love one another…2. Watch and pray …3. Don`t let your self become ship wrecked.
1. I know and we all know that Love is the main thing, the main power. God is Love and we all need to love in all the ways He shows us. So, brothers, sisters, Mothers and Fathers let us not prefer anything. Let us not hasten to obtain anything more than LOVE. Therefore may we never want to do anything without LOVE, for “Love” as St. Ephraim reminds us, “covers a multitude of sins.”I have repeated for many years, ‘let us love and be loved in return.’
2. The next word I seem to being getting every where I turn is…Watch and pray, watch and pray, watch and pray, pray, pray PRAY!!!!.. Please will you join me, let us pray as one for the unborn, and for all those blessings that have been born right before our eyes. Let us pray. Let us pray for those who may not have opened their hearts yet to our Lord. Let us pray for those who are without, whether it is without food, shelter, jobs, health, or even just some one to talk with. Let us pray for those who seem to do evil to us and the world around us. And most of all for those who just need to be loved…Let us pray.
And finally…3. “To not be shipwrecked“. I heard a homily a while ago about Lent, from a Bishop in a country that like all of us in some way is being tested. Let me share a few words I remember. He said, “The Church has set aside seven weeks to prepare properly for our encounter with the Risen Lord, to cleanse our souls of all dirt and sin, to strive in that which is pleasing and loved by God, and to avoid what is contrary to the law of God. The Holy Great Fast is compared in church hymns with the open sea and we pray that the Lord gives us the strength to sail across the open sea without becoming shipwrecked. On the open sea there are frequently temptations, storms and waves, and it is natural that we who are also on the open sea of the Great Fast have temptations, storms and trials. But with hope in the grace of God, with our effort and endeavor, we should strive to cross the open sea of the Fast without shipwreck and to arrive in the peaceful harbor of the Resurrection of Christ”. So what do I hear in these words? I hear a common thing; we all want to come to the peaceful harbor of the resurrection of our Lord, our Christ.
In closing my dearest brothers, sisters, Mothers and Fathers, my family in Christ, help me to walk in love and in prayer, and when you see my ship start to rock, help me…Reach out to me…help me to not be shipwrecked…help me reach that joyful harbor with our Resurrected Christ Jesus….Okay I am getting back into the boat, see you soon…Amen…forgive me…your Father Deacon Michael
FOCUS UPDATE
February has been an exciting month for FOCUS North America. We launched our Tackle Poverty with the Polamalu Family campaign. Our YES program has touched many lives and has inspired many youths to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ on trips to Los Angeles and Cleveland. Our Board of Director, Charles Ajalat, was able to present at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim, CA and at the Sunday of Orthodox gathering at the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. And Bryan Dahms, National Director of Ministries, and I have had several productive trips to Appalachia, St. Louis, Orange County and the Twin Cities to explore the formation of FOCUS Centers.
In Appalachia, FOCUS North America through our good friend, Ron Moore, was able to connect with a local dentist to offer help to the poor. Two examples (of many) where he has helped FOCUS recipients give the picture… A taxidermist recently lost his job after a tragic accident. He developed an abscessed tooth that needed to be pulled. Unable to pay $200 for treatment, this man tried to use a rusty metal file from his workshop to file the tooth away. The second patient was in great pain from a cavity that he tried to use a Dremel tool to relieve the pain. The dentist was able to alleviate the severe pain of the two patients free of charge so they could use their very limited resources for other basic necessities.
As you can see, FOCUS North America programs have been growing by leaps and bounds. We appreciate your prayers. Please continue to lift us up to the throne of God
Glory to God!
i thought i would tell you what little jude and I were just talking about while watching some youtube videos of monks at valaam and optina…. we were discussing what a monk is and what they do in life , how they are not married and how they help people and try to pray all the time not for just themselves but for the whole wide world, He then asked me “ hey, where are their haloves?” and i corrected him and said ” you mean halos?” ..he said no daaad there called “haloves…your supposed to say love at the end …not lo, because you get one when you love other people not just yourself …like Jesus.” i said yes jude your right they are “haloves”.
this season of Great Lent…may we all begin striving for our “haloves” together. -moses- the least
To Almaz who passed her citizenship test this past month and also had successful surgery on her hand. She will take her oath sometime in April, and Beniam and Johannes will become citizens at that time!
To the Adkins family on the birth of Aiden Loc, 9 pounds, 23 inches! We are excited about this new addition to your family and ours!
EOYC… YOUTH CAMP
Aug. 1- Aug. 7 at YouthFront South.
*Camp forms will be available soon.
*A deposit of $50.00 is due by May 2nd. Final payment is due by June 27th.
* Speak with Mother Nicole if you are in need of a scholarship for your child to attend camp.
* If you’d like to sponsor a child, please let us know
