Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the Name of the Lord.
During the Dormition Fast, our hope is that everyone will participate in the Mystery of Holy Confession and participate in at least one Paraclesis Service. Confession is offered on Saturday evenings after Great Vespers (just put your name on the sign-up sheet and wait to be called) or just about any other time with a specific appointment. There are going to be five Paraclesis Services this week, Monday to Friday at 7:00 p.m. (we will be wearing masks at the service on Friday). Our celebration of the Feast of the Dormition this weekend will be much richer if we have made our confession and offered our prayers along with the Most Holy Theotokos.
Our Calendar
Fasting Days
The Dormition Fast runs through Saturday, August 14. During this fasting season, the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, wine and olive oil) is observed Monday through Friday with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday.
Daily Services
Monday, August 9 to Friday, August 13
Orthros 5am;
Vespers 5pm
There will Be No Daily Vespers on Wednesday, August 11. Also, if you plan on attending the daily services, it’s generally a good idea to check the day before to make sure that the service will be offered. Sometimes pastoral situations require a change of plans, and the service cannot be offered on that particular day.
The Hours
This week, Seth Hart will be at the online chanter’s stand, offering the First, Third, Sixth, and Ninth Hours every day on ZOOM.
Schedule: Monday-Friday:
First Hour at 6:45 a.m.
Third Hour: 8:45 a.m.
Sixth Hour: 12:00 p.m.
Ninth Hour: 2:45 p.m.
See the emailed newsletter for login info.
Monday, August 9
Paraclesis at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 10
Paraclesis at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 11
Paraclesis at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 12
Paraclesis at 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study at 7:00 p.m.
See the emailed newsletter for login info.
Friday, August 13
Orthros at 9:00 a.m.
Paraclesis at 7:00 p.m.
Masks will be required on this night only.
Saturday, August 14
St. Thomas School at 4:00 p.m.
Great Vespers with Lamentations for the Feast of the Dormition at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 15
The Feast of the Dormition
Orthros at 8:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Hour at Noon
St. Thomas School
On Saturday, August 7, Father Deacon Michael Coleman will lead the discussion of Chapter 13, Church Singing in Other Local Orthodox Churches.
The following link will provide a summary of the material that will be covered:
Feast of the Dormition
This year the Feast of the Dormition falls on Sunday, August 15, so we won’t have to make special arrangements for a weekday celebration. However, it’s also important to remember that at Great Vespers on Saturday, August 14, we will be offering The Lamentations for the Mother of God. The service is very similar to The Lamentations on Great and Holy Friday so, let’s take advantage of the weekend and be sure and participate in this beautiful service on Saturday night.
Church School Letter
Attached to this edition of The Happy Priest is a letter outlining our plans for the 2021-2022 Church School Year. The letter also contains assignments for each class and each Sunday. Please read through all of that material carefully and, if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, get in touch with Father Aidan.
Adult Education Group Online Participation
Attached to this edition of The Happy Priest is a letter about online participation in adult education groups this fall. Please read through it and, if you have any questions, get in touch with me.
Our Moment of Grace and Courtesy
We are very thankful for all the folks in our parish who have personal businesses. We are proud of each of them and we applaud their initiative and their energy. However, we should not be passing out samples, making product presentations, or conducting sales during Fellowship Hour or during any other event sponsored by our community. Children are welcome to solicit for their sports teams or for projects connected with school or scouting, but adults should not transact business while attending parish events or while on parish property.
—
An unworthy priest,
Aidan
The Happy Priest is a publication of Life at a Dead Run Media, which is a subsidiary of One Take Productions. Our IT Guy is Jerry Juliano (“Go, Jerry, Go!”). Our Webmaster is Seth Hart. Our Keeper of Lists is Father Deacon Andrew Wilson. Our Roving Reporter is John Cassady. Our favorite Mott the Hoople cover band is The Green Weenies and our Spiritual Advisor is Elder Galaction of the Holy Mountain.