Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the Name of the Lord.
The Dormition Fast begins this coming Thursday, August 1; we offer The Paraclesis to the Mother of God just about each week night between August 1 and August 13 (the only exception will be on Monday, August 5, the eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration). That means, this year, there will be eight opportunities to participate in this lovely service, and that means all of us should be able to be present at least once during the fast. So please look at the website calendar and then look at your calendar and make plans to join us as we ask the Most Holy Theotokos for her intercessions.
Of course, during August, we’re also counting down to the beginning of our Three Year Pledge Drive for the Capital Campaign. That kicks off on August 31, the Feast Day of St Eanswythe of Folkestone. We’ve been talking a great deal about all this, but if, after all the emails, announcements, visits, and events, you still have questions about what lies ahead, throughout the month of August, Rob T. and Father Aidan Wilcoxson will be sitting together at one of the picnic tables during Fellowship Hour to answer all your questions. Just look for those two guys, take a seat at the table, and join the discussion.
Our Calendar
Fasting Days
Wednesday, July 31, is a regular fasting day, but then, on Thursday, August 1, we will begin the Dormition Fast. During this Fast, which runs through Wednesday, August 14th, the eve of the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, we observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, wine and olive oil) Monday through Friday with a blessing for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday, and for fish, wine and olive oil on the great feast of the Transfiguration on Tuesday, August 6th. If you need to modify the fast in any way, please check with your spiritual father.
Daily Services
Monday, July 29-Friday, August 2, Daily Vespers, 5pm; the full schedule of daily services will return next week; thanks to everyone for their patience.
Fr. Andrew, Seth Hart, and Matthew Groh and many other folks continue to broadcast daily readings from spiritual books online. They are now reading “The Ethics of Beauty”. The schedule is as follows: M-F at 12pm.
Also, our online team will now be reading the Daily Synaxarion on Discord. Just look for this channel: #synaxarion
Tuesday, July 30
Orthodoxy 101 7pm; you can also access the group on Discord
Even Chanter Team 7pm
Wednesday, July 31
Saints and Sorbet 7pm Home of Nathalie M.
Thursday, August 1
The Paraclesis Service 7pm
Friday, August 2
The Paraclesis Service 7pm
Saturday, August 3
St Thomas School 4pm
Great Vespers 6pm
Sunday, August 4
6th Sunday of St Matthew
Orthros 8am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Fellowship Hour Noon
Monday, August 5
Great Vespers 6pm (at Transfiguration Greek Parish)
Tuesday, August 6
The Feast of the Transfiguration
Orthros 9am (at Transfiguration Greek Parish)
Divine Liturgy 10am (at Transfiguration Greek Parish)
The Paraclesis Service 7pm (at St John’s)
Festal Choir Rehersal 8pm (at St John’s)
Wednesday, August 7
The Paraclesis Service 7pm
Thursday, August 8
The Paraclesis Service 7pm
Liturgy Choir Rehearsal 8pm
Friday, August 9
The Paraclesis Service 7pm
St Thomas School
On Saturday, August 3, we will we have one of our popular Practical Saturday Classes. Father Aidan will lead a discussion of what the Church teaches about sex. Due to the nature of the topic, not only will the session be In-Person only, but you’ll need to be at least over 18 (or be accompanied by a parent) to participate, so if you’d like to learn more about this important subject, join us this Saturday in the common room of the parish house at 4pm.
Coming Up
Nathalie M. is hosting a women’s book study in her home. It is called Saints and Sorbets: Seven Holy Women, and the next session will be this coming Wednesday, July 31 at 7pm. Location details are in the email version of the newsletter. This week the group will be talking about St. Kassiani, but everyone is invited to join the group to discuss and learn of and from these Seven Holy women’s lives including: St. Ia, St. Nino, St. Piama, St. Margaret, & St. Casilda de Toledo.
Before the Feast of the Dormition on Thursday, August 15, the Archdiocese expects all of us to make our confession. In our parish, that Holy Mystery is offered on Saturday evenings after Great Vespers or just about any other time by special appointment.
One of the most beautiful feasts of the year is the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God—and this year it will be especially lovely because we will be blessed with a new festal choir! The services of the feast will begin at 6pm on Wednesday, August 14, with Great Vespers and The Lamentations for the Theotokos, and, then, on Thursday, August 15, we will serve Orthros at 6am and Divine Liturgy at 8am. The festal choir will sing at the Divine Liturgy, and you do not want to miss that service. We will see you there.
Church School Registration
It is time for church school registration for the 2024-25 school year!! As a reminder, children need to be at least 3 years of age by September 1, 2024 and potty trained to register for Level 1, 6 years of age to register for Level 2, and 9 years of age to register for Level 3. SOYO (youth) is for ages 13-18. If you have any questions about CGS (Levels 1-3), feel free to reach out to Sandi A. If you have any questions about SOYO, you can reach out to Father Aidan or Father Andrew. The new CGS calendar will be posted to our parish website shortly but please note that we have an exciting new change!! CGS will now be offered at its regular time (8:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Sunday morning) for the first three Sundays of each month. We are so pleased to be able to offer a third Sunday of church school to our children and look forward to spending more time with them. The link for church school registration is in the email edition of the newsletter.
Our Moment of Grace and Courtesy
We often form a particular attachment to a particular priest, but if we want that specific priest to hear our confession, then we need to make an appointment with that clergyman at a time other than Saturday night. On Saturday evening, after Great Vespers, we want as many people as possible to have access to the Holy Mystery of Confession, and we cannot do that if folks only want to interact with a specific priest. So, if you want to be sure and make your confession with a particular priest, you need to set up a time to do that during the week, because on Saturday evening we all make our confession with whichever priest is available.
Capital Campaign Countdown Column
Whatever is obtained as a result of long and persistent prayer will remain.
-St John Climacus
We are now just five weeks away from our three year pledge campaign that will begin on the Feast of St Eanswythe, August 31. If you would like to learn more about the project, please read through the FAQ that is attached to this newsletter, but, to help us prepare for this historic effort, this week’s Countdown Column comes to us from one of our deacons, Father Deacon Gerasimos Juliano.
As we approach the beginning of our Capital Campaign, I’d like to share with you two words that are very applicable to the journey we are all about to undertake together: timing and stillness. Specifically I’d like to talk about how these words apply not only to the Kingdom of God, but to our everyday lives. For truly, we cannot have a successful capital campaign without the proper understanding and practice of both.
Here are some things the bible has to say about God’s timing:
Joseph’s Journey: In the story of Joseph, God’s timing was evident throughout. Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, but eventually rose to become a ruler in Egypt. His suffering prepared him for leadership and at the right moment, he saved his family during a famine. God’s timing transformed Joseph’s hardships into a greater purpose.
The Birth of Jesus: The birth of Jesus exemplifies divine timing. Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. Centuries later, Mary gave birth to Jesus. His arrival fulfilled God’s promise and brought salvation to humanity precisely when needed for our redemption.
Christ’s Resurrection: Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated God’s victory over death. His timing brought hope to believers, assuring us of eternal life.
Here is how God’s timing applies to our lives:
Divine Synchronicity: God’s timing often aligns seemingly unrelated occurrences. A chance encounter, an unexpected opportunity, or a timely word can alter our path. These moments remind us that God works behind the scenes, weaving threads of purpose into the tapestry of our existence.
Lessons in Waiting: Waiting cultivates patience and trust. When we yearn for answers or breakthroughs, God’s timing teaches us reliance. It’s during these pauses that character is refined, faith deepens, and resilience grows. We learn that His delays are not denials but invitations to persevere.
Fulfillment of Promises: God’s promises unfold in His time. Just as a seed germinates before sprouting, His words take root in our hearts. Whether it’s healing, provision, or guidance, His timing ensures fulfillment. Our role is to remain faithful, knowing that His plans surpass our understanding.
Even when circumstances seem uncertain, we can trust that God’s timing is perfect, aligning with His greater plan. God’s timing plays a crucial role in our lives, shaping our experiences and fulfilling divine purposes. It weaves through the fabric of our lives, orchestrating events with precision and purpose. God’s perfect timing transcends our linear perception. God’s timing is purposeful, whether in our personal struggles or in the grand narrative of salvation. We learn patience, faith, and trust as we await His unfolding plan. Psalm 27:14 encourages us to, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage."
Here are some things the bible has to say about stillness:
Moses: When the Israelites faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army closing in, Moses urged them to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” His unwavering faith demonstrated trust in God’s intervention even in dire circumstances. Moses’ stillness was an active surrender to God’s sovereignty, teaching us to rely on divine providence.
David: In Psalm 46:10, David exhorts us to “be still and know that I am God.” David found solace in God’s presence beside quiet waters. His moments of stillness allowed him to connect deeply with God, gaining clarity and finding refuge. David’s trust in God’s timing and purposes inspires us to seek stillness in our own lives.
Jesus: Jesus often retreated to desolate places for prayer and reflection. Mark tells us that “in the early morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place.” His intentional stillness allowed Him to align with God’s will, find strength, and receive guidance. Jesus’ example encourages us to prioritize stillness in our spiritual journey.
Here is how stillness applies to our lives:
Clarity and Focus: When we embrace stillness, we allow God’s presence to permeate our lives. In those quiet moments, distractions fade, and clarity emerges. We gain focus, discerning His voice amidst the noise of daily life.
Deepening Connection: Stillness enables us to connect with our true selves and with God. It’s not about achieving emptiness but rather opening ourselves to the Divine’s ever-present embrace. Through stillness, we discover insight, purpose, and a deeper sense of wholeness.
Guidance and Rejuvenation: By being still, we invite God’s guidance. His love and wisdom flow into our hearts, rejuvenating our spirits. We find courage to face challenges and navigate life’s waters with wisdom and grace.
Remember, stillness is not idleness. It’s an intentional pause, a sacred space where we encounter God and allow His transformative love to shape us. Being still in relation to God’s will goes beyond physical inactivity, it’s about deliberate quieting of our hearts and minds. By practicing spiritual stillness, we deepen our connection with God, gain insight, and experience His peace. In our fast-paced world, stillness often feels elusive. Yet, intentionally creating space for stillness can profoundly impact our relationship with God.
Brothers and sisters, let us not over think how or when we will be build our temple. Let us not be in anguish over if or how much we are able to contribute towards the capital campaign. Let’s not put God in a box! Our Lord and Master is the creator of the universe, there is nothing he cannot do!
Dear Ones, as we embark on this Capital Campaign journey together, let us embrace the profound lessons of timing and stillness in both our spiritual growth and our collective mission to build our new temple. May we heed these timeless truths as we move forward, trusting in God’s timing and finding strength in the sanctity of stillness. Together, let us embrace this journey with hearts open to God’s leading and minds centered on His eternal promises.
Humbly,
Fr. Dcn. Gerasimos Juliano
an unworthy priest
aidan