St Nicholas Parish Bulletin – July2011
Fr George Lardas, Rector – Telephone 203 386-9516 Rectory
Emergency: 203 209-9374
Web Site: StNicholasStratford.org
Announcements
Announcements – July 2011
Verse:Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?- John 21:15.
Стíхъ:Глаго́ла Сíмону Петру̀ Іису́съ: Сíмоне Іо́нинъ, лю́биши ли мя̀ пáче си́хъ; – ОтъІоа́нна 21:15.
Стіхъ:Іисусъ говоритъ Симону Петру: СимонъІонинъ! любишь ли ты Меня больше, нежели они? – Отъ Іоанна 21:15.
Commentary:Here our Lord is restoring Peter to the apostolate by inviting him to confess three times that he loves Him, and thus cancel Peter’s threefold denial of Christ on the night of His arrest. But He is also asking Peter, does he love Him more than anything else in the world, and Peter answers, yes! Our Lord asks us this very same question all the time. In fact He wants nothing else, more or less, than that we should love Him, and that we should love Him more than anything else is the whole world. Only if we can truly answer, yes, can we be sure that we are on the path to salvation.
This Bulletin
Sponsor the Bulletin: If you wish to sponsor any future issues in whole or in part, please contact our treasurer, Anastasia Milligan or ask at the Candle Desk. You may donate in memory of a departed relative, or for some milestone, a birthday, anniversary or other celebration. The cost of the Bulletin is approximately $125.
On the Christian Life – We Need You!
Some Thoughts on Parish Life: In times past when people encountered difficulties they remembered God and turned to Him and to His holy Church, and the Church was always there to unite souls to God. It is no secret that times are now tough for all of us, but in our times we see the opposite of what we saw in the past – difficulties do not turn people’s hearts toward God, but church attendance declines, not only in our parish, but in all churches.
In this section we present various topics for our parishioners to think on, and to ask whether we shall have a church at all in the long run. All of these have to do with the need for our people to keep alive the Christian life, and to consider what we value most of all. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Mathew 6:21).
Summer Attire: We remind our parishioners, that although it may be warm in the summer, we should continue to observe modesty and dignity in church. Women should still have their heads covered, and should have sleeves (even if short) and not straps over their shoulders. Women should not wear pants but skirts, and the skirts should be at least at knee length. Men should wear long pants and not shorts. It is not proper to attend church services in casual attire such as tee shirts and sneakers. This is a matter of respect for the House of God, and for the clear directives of the Bible and of Church teaching. Fashion and personal preference should be subordinate to these.
ЛетняяОдеждавЦеркви:Мы напоминаем всех наших прихожан о том,что, хотя жарко летом, нам надобно соблюдать скромность и благоговение в доме Божием. Женщинам все еще надо покрыть голову и носить юбку или платье, и край должен достичь до колен. Плечи надо покрыть рукавами а не ремнями. Мужчинам надо носить длинные брюки, а не шорты. Нельзяходитьвцерковьвфутболкеилимайке. Это дело об уважении к Дому Господню и явному учению Священного Писания и Церкви. Мода и личное предпочтение должны уступать этим требованиям.
WeMissYouintheSummerTime!During the summer our attendance goes down. This is understandable for our people who are out of town on vacation. However, others remain at home, but do not attend church. We remind our parishioners that without you we are not a complete family.
Just as when we are absent from our family’s table for Sunday dinner or away from our beloved parents, brothers, sisters, or children, so it is when we are absent from church. Our Lord said that Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).
When we are absent from church we are not there to add our prayers to the prayers of our fellow parishioners, we miss out on the Grace that comes from being in the House of God, and we lose the opportunity to hear the Word of God. We miss the greetings and embraces of our fellow parishioners. We weaken both ourselves and our congregation both spiritually and materially. Please come, we miss you!
We Need Your Talents! As dear children of our loving God and Father, and of our Mother, the Church, we owe all things to God, and dedicate all things to the support of His holy Church. We owe not only financial support (even though that is important), but we should also give our talents and knowledge and strength to the Church.
The ministry is not just the concern of the Priest and of the Parish Council, and of the “core group” of faithful who end up running everything. The ministry is also the duty of all of us.
Each of us has a talent and an ability that we can turn to the benefit of the Church. Some can teach, some can build, some are good at gardening, some at hospitality, and some at organizing. When we leave all this to the “core group” we lose out on the opportunity to worship our God with all our heart, with all our strength, with all our mind, and with all our soul.
If you have not been active in the affairs of the Church, ask yourselfwhy, and see whether you have something unique to offer. Speak with Fr George or with our Council members if you have anything to offer.
Summer – Vacation, But Not From God: The summer season brings many pleasures and opportunities to relax and enjoy ourselves. However, as Orthodox Christians we must always bear in mind our obligation and duty to remember the Lord’s Day and to keep it holy. We sin when we absent ourselves from church for no compelling reason other than our own indolence.
When we travel, we are not released from the obligation to worship on Sundays. Therefore, when we are making our travel plans we should look up in advance the Orthodox churches in the vicinity of our destinations, and make a point of attending the Divine Services. Going to a non-Orthodox place of worship does not fulfill this obligation.
If we find ourselves in a place where there is no church nearby (such as when camping), we should still mark the time from sunset on Saturday evening to sunset on Sunday evening as a time of prayer and private worship. We should therefore bring our Bible (at least the New Testament) and our Prayer Book, and read the appointed prayers, Epistle and Gospel as a family. We should pray together, and out loud, at the usual times of the church services – after supper on Saturday night, and before lunch on Sunday morning.
Children’s Activities on Sundays: Children grow up with what they see. If they are not in Church, they will not grow up as Orthodox Christians. If they do not see us value our Faith above all things, neither will they. As parents we are responsible for the way we bring up our children, and we will answer before God if we put obstacles in the way of their salvation.
It is not sufficient to bring our children to church only occasionally, for then, church will be only an incidental part of their lives. It is also not right to drop off our children in church with a relative while we go off and do other things on Sundays. Children will see where our values lie. We must attend church regularly, and together as a family, and do it year round.
Some parents enroll their children in activities – usually sports, scouting, or perhaps music – that meet on Sunday mornings and this keeps them away from church. Once upon a time such a thing would have been unthinkable, and no one would dare even schedule events on Sunday mornings when everyone, of all faiths, would be in their respective churches. Nowadays secular organizations have no respect for God and keep children away from God.
Let all parents know that they sin gravely when put their children in activities that take them away from church. That said, there are times when an occasional event might be inescapable, but when it becomes the general rule, it is wrong. We will say more about this in a future issue of this Bulletin.
We Still Need Altar Boys During the Summer: On Sunday 26 June we served the Divine Liturgy with no Altar Boys. Fr George’s sons were sick, and others were away, out of town. Fortunately, one Altar Boy was available late in the Liturgy and came and served. We remind our parishioners that “Once an Altar Boy, always an Altar Boy.” If you have ever served in the Altar, even if it was long ago, and you see that there is no one to help the Priest in the Altar, do not be too shy to ask if you can serve, even if it is late in the service.
Apostles’ Fast: This fast begins on the day after the Sunday of All Saints, that is to say Monday 20 June, and ends on the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul, Tuesday 12 July. The beginning of this fast depends on the date of Pascha, and so this year this fast is three weeks long. During this time we abstain from meat, eggs and dairy products, and on Wednesdays and Fridays also from fish, wine and oil. If you have not kept the fast before, now is a good time to begin, for this is an easy fast. Try at least to keep away from meat, and then if possible, eggs and dairy. The important thing is to make improvements, and to do better every time.
Receive Holy Communion: At least once during the Apostles’ Fast every Orthodox Christian should prepare by prayer, fasting and confession to receive Holy Communion. We should fulfill this obligation to God not just during Great Lent, but also for the Apostles’ Fast (now), the Dormition Fast (in August), and the Nativity Fast (Advent, in December), as well as on the Sunday nearest our Name Day and birthday.
Come to Coffee Hour:Since we are not able to converse during the Divine Services, the Coffee Hour is the time we have to get together as a family and a community. We invite all our parishioners to stay after the Liturgy and join us downstairs in the Church Hall for fellowship, food and conversation. This is an ancient custom of the Christian Church, observed since the time of the Apostles, and is called the Agape Meal, from the Greek word meaning Love (ἀγάπη or агапи). This is a special ministry of our Sisterhood,which makes us a real family. You are also welcome to help by offering to prepare food and with cleanup and in other ways. Please see Joan Hudobenko if you wish to help.You do not have to be a member of the Sisterhood.
Appeals
Food Drive: As Christians we have a duty to help those around us. In view of the current economic crisis many are having difficulty making ends meet and feeding their families. One way we can help is to engage in one of the Seven Corporal Acts of Mercy mentioned in some Prayer Books – to feed the hungry. Therefore, as a parish, and with the blessing of the Rector, Fr George, we are instituting a monthly food drive to benefit the Sterling House Food Pantry in Stratford. We ask our parishioners to bring in a few canned goods and toiletry items (toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, etc.) each Sunday when we come to the Divine Liturgy, and to make this part of our worship. Every little bit helps, and whatever our means, let us at least bring a small donation. Those who do may be comforted by the words of our Saviour, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat (Matthew 25:34-35).
Coffee Hour Supplies: The Sisterhood is in need of donations of supplies for our Coffee Hour. We need paper plates, Styrofoam cups, and paper napkins. We also need food supplies and willing hands to help prepare, set things up and clean up. Please see Joan Hudobenko if you wish to help.
Services
Nativity of St John the Baptist: Vespers will be at 6:30 pm Wednesday 6 July. There will be no Liturgy on the day of the Feast itself, Thursday 7 July.
Tikhvin Icon: At the celebration of our 80th Anniversary, Metropolitan Hilarion presented our parish with a large icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God. The icon rests on an analogion (icon stand) on the left side of our church in front of the Crucifix and pannychida table. The Tikhvin Icon is celebrated annually on 9 July, and so we will serve a festive moleben to the Icon (with the reading of the Canon) at 5 pm Saturday 9 July. We invite all our parishioners to attend.
Ss Peter and Paul: This ends the Apostles’ Fast. Vigil with Litya will be at 6:30 pm Monday 11 July, and Divine Liturgy at 10 am Tuesday 12 July.
Troparion, Tone 4:O foremost of the Apostles and teachers of the world, intercede with the Master of all, that He grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy.
Тропарь, Гласъ 4: Апостоловъ первопрестольницы, и вселенныя учителіе, Владыку всѣхъ молите, миръ вселеннѣй даровати, и душaмъ нашымъ велію милость.
Kontakion, Tone 2:Thou hast taken to Thyself, O Lord, the firm and divine-voiced preachers, the chief Apostles, for the enjoyment of Thy blessings and for repose; for Thou didst accept their labors and death as above all sacrifice, O Thou Who alone knowest the secrets of our hearts.
Кондaкъ, Глaсъ 2:Твердыя и боговѣщанныя проповѣдатели, вeрхъ апоcтоловъ Твоихъ, Господи, пріялъ еси въ наслажденіе благихъ Твоихъ и покой: болѣзни бо онѣхъ и смерть пріялъ еси паче всякаго всеплодія, едине свѣдый сердечная.
Early Vigil: On the third Saturday of July, the 16th, we will serve Vigil early, at 3 pm. This will permit those who cannot drive at night, but wish to attend the evening service to do so. This is an opportunity for those people to pray and confess and prepare for Holy Communion the following day.
Molebens: To mark lesser holy days in July, we will serve the following molebens: St John Maximovitch, 5 pm Saturday 2 July; Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, 5 pm Saturday 9 July; St Sergius of Radonezh, 6:30 pm Monday 18 July; Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, 6:30 pm Thursday 21 July; and St Vladimir, 6:30 pm Wednesday 28 July.
Russian Festival
The date for this year’s Russian Festival will be announced in a future Bulletin.
Emergency Fund
As many of you may know, we have had to remove the drain pipes between the church and the city sewer. This was a very necessary and expensive project. We have also needed some electrical work done as well. We were fortunately able to finish these projects before Pascha.
All this work was necessary to maintain the church building, and this did not come without cost. We are therefore establishing an Emergency Fund to cover these and future urgent but unforeseen repairs as they come up. The donation box set in the middle of the church is labeled for the collection of these funds. Please consider dropping a little each time you come to church for this purpose. You are also welcome to mail your donations for the Emergency directly to the church, which will be gratefully accepted.
Our Parish
Jeweled Cross: At the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy during Bishop Jerome’s visit to our Saint Nicholas parish, Sunday 5 June, Archpriest Theodore Shevzov was awarded the right to wear a jeweled cross. The award was by decision of the Synod of Bishops at the recommendation of Metropolitan Hilarion. Congratulations to Fr Theodore – Many years!
Bishop Jerome’s Visit: We thank those who helped prepare and participated in Bishop Jerome’s arch-pastoral visit to our parish, and those that prepared the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. His Grace informed us that he enjoyed his first visit to our parish. You can see pictures of the visit at the Diocesan website:
Lampada Sponsorship: Offerings may be made to sponsor the lighting the lampadas at the Divine Liturgy, either in memory of loved ones, or in gratitude for blessings received, or for any other good intention. The sponsorship of the lampadas is $25 for all the lampadas in the church. Register at the Candle Desk if you wish to sponsor the lampadas, in whole or in part, on a Sunday of your choice.
Become a Member: If you attend services but are not a member, would you please consider joining? The cost is not great - $150 per adult, or $300 for families with two adults and any number of children. This amounts to about $12.50 a month per person. We have an introductory rate for students.
Consider the Church in Your Will: Please consider including St Nicholas Church in your will. There are many advantages in making the Church one of your beneficiaries. It is possible to structure the bequest so that there is little loss to the estate. Please contact our Starosta, Dexter Peavy, for more information.
Utilities: Please remember that on the first Sunday of each month there is a special collection for utilities.
Candle Desk
Candle Desk Duty: We need people to watch the Candle Desk, handle donations, light candles, and ring the bell during services – one person for Vigil and two for the Divine Liturgy. Unfortunately, Walter Wolog, who handles the sign-up sheet, is not able to find people for all positions. We have discontinued the listing of coming services for which we seek volunteers, as the volunteer sheet is always at the Candle Desk.