Welcome, and thank you for visiting St. Mary Orthodox Church online. We hope that our website highlights the wide variety of worship, fellowship, ministery and education opportunities available. Please feel free to read more about our church on this site, or come join with us in prayer. We would love to greet you and share with you our love for Jesus Christ and for you, our neighbor.

files/Bulletin-September-24-2023.pdf (6845kb)

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Have you ever wondered about the Christian tradition of saints? The Orthodox Church considers all Christians “saints” when they receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. The Apostle Paul in his epistles referred to early believers as "Saints" because of his belief of their high calling as followers of Christ. The Church also refers to the saints as "holy" (in Greek 'Agios). Being 'Holy' - or being a 'Saint' is a goal all of us as Christians strive for by being imitators of Christ. The Orthodox Church believes a saint is someone who lived a holy life and reflected the light of Christ in the world. 

When an Orthodox Christian “prays to” a saint, we are asking that saint to pray for us, to intercede before God for us and our salvation.  We do not worship saints, for such devotion belongs to God alone. Instead, we merely ask the saint to pray for us, just as we would any other human being (2 Corinthians 5:20; Philemon 1:19; James 5:16). We ask the saints to pray for us because they dedicated themselves to God. They serve as examples of how we, too, should fulfill our baptism through service to Christ and His Church.

Because of their righteousness, the prayers of the saints have great favor before God. We know that God hears our prayers. How much more so would He hear the prayers of His Holy Ones!

NOTES:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. Sunday School Classes are held each Sunday following Communion. All children are welcome to attend.
3. The Ladies Society will have their first meeting of the fall this coming Sunday, September 24th, at 11:45 AM, in the hall. All ladies are asked to attend.
4. Bible Study continues this Tuesday, September 26th, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. The topic is The Gospel of Mark.
5. Join us in prayer this coming week:

Sunday, September 24th: Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.

Wednesday, September 27th: Vespers Service at 6:30 PM, followed by a Spiritual Discussion.

Some words from the Holy Fathers of the Church:

"When we call upon the Saints in prayer, if we pronounce their names from the heart, it already means that we bring them near our heart itself. Therefore ask their prayers and intercession for yourself."  +St. John Kronstadt

Faithfully in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-September-17-2023.pdf (7084kb)

files/September-3-2023-Bulletin.pdf (5604kb)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On September 1st, Orthodox Christians celebrate the 'Church New Year' which is also referred to as the 'Ecclesiastical New Year.' According to Holy Tradition, Jesus Christ entered the synagogue on September 1st to announce His mission to mankind (Luke 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, Christ proclaimed, “The spirit of the Lord is upon Me; because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord...” 

It is also a time that we re-consecrate ourselves to God, being thankful for what the Lord has done, and ask for His continued lovingkindness and protection for the days yet to come. 

NOTES

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it. It is in a different format. Because of internet and photocopy issues, there will be no printed version of the bulletin for distribution on Sunday. There will be no bulletin on Sunday, September 10th.
2. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! On Saturday, September 2nd, volunteers are needed to move the pews and church furniture back to their original places. Volunteers will meet at the church between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, and be finished by 10:00 AM. 
3. Phase 2 of the installation of new floors in the church should be complete by the end of this week. New carpet and floor tiles are being installed to enhance the beauty of our church.
4. BIBLE STUDY resumes on Tuesday, September 12th, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Conference Room. Led by Jim Gavrilos, the Gospel of Mark will be the topic of study. All are welcome to participate. Please bring your bibles.
5. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES begin September 10th. More information can be found in the bulletin.
6. Join with us in prayer this week.

*Sunday, September 3rd: Matins at 8:45 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. 40 Day Trisagion Prayers and Coffee Hour will be offered for the repose of Jennifer Zichi by Judy & Leon Chalhub.

*No Vespers Service on Wednesday, September 6th.

7. I will be out of town for a wedding and vacation from August 30th until September 8th. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact Fr. Elia Shalhoub. Fr. Gustavo Alfonso will preside over the Divine Liturgy this coming Sunday.

Faithfully in Christ,

Fr. Peter

Beloved in Christ,

The Gospel lesson for this coming Sunday (Matthew 19:16-26), speaks to us of an encounter between Jesus Christ and a young man "who had great possessions." The young man, desiring to know how to enter the Kingdom of God, went away sorrowful because of his unwillingness to give away his possessions and follow Christ. The possessions of the young man became a stumbling block in his quest for the Kingdom of God. Saint John Chrysostom teaches  that "...riches are the source of much wickedness: worries, constant cares, distractions, sleepless nights and acts of treachery. Nobody’s envied, blamed and hated as much as the rich..."

In itself, wealth is neither good nor bad. There are, indeed, virtuous rich people who use their wealth well. But misuse makes wealth bad. Wealthy people aren’t bad, but greed is. Can the rich be saved? Absolutely! Job was rich, Abraham was rich, but not greedy’. God hasn’t forbidden riches, but our enslavement to them. The wealthy can be saved, provided that their soul is not attached to greedy desires, and share their goods with those who are in need.

NOTES:

1. Due to continued internet/computer issues in the church office, there will be no Weekly Bulletin this week.
2. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 26th! Phase One of work on the church floor is complete. Items moved from the front (Solea) of the church and the entrance (Narthex) need to be returned to their places. We will begin at 9:00 AM, and should be finished in one hour. Coffee and Donuts will be provided.  VOLUNTEERS ARE ALSO NEEDED ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th, following the services to help move pews in order to begin  Phase Two of the work on the church floor. If you have any questions, please speak to Mark Samra or myself.
3. This Sunday, August 27th, there will be a meeting in the hall at 11:35 AM for Sunday School Teachers, Parents and Volunteers to put the final touches on our 2023/2024 Sunday School Program. Sunday School Begins September 10th!
4. Don't forget to donate non perishable food items and baby supplies for our 'Summer Boxes of Love.' Our goal is to fill 31 Boxes by August 31st. Items may be dropped off in the Sunday School Room or the Church Narthex.
5. Due to continuing work in the church, there will be no Vespers Service this coming Wednesday (August 30th).
6. I will be away for vacation Wednesday, August 30th until Friday, September 8th. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact me on my cellular at 561.632-7066. There will be no Vespers Service on September 6th. Fr. Gustavo Alonso will preside over Matins and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 3rd.
7. Join us in prayer this Sunday, August 21st: Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. Coffee Hour for this coming Sunday is sponsored by Joe Mlayess.

Faithfully in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-August-13th-2023.pdf (8700kb)

Beloved in Christ,

On Monday, August 14th and Tuesday, August 15th, we will as a community celebrate the feast day of our parish - The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. I pray all of you who are receiving this weekly email will take the opportunity to come and pray in celebration our feast day.

Saint John of Damascus speaks about the Most Holy Theotokos and her Dormition with the following words:

"O what a blessed departure this going to God of thine. If God vouchsafes it to all His servants–and we know that He does – what an immense difference there is between His servants and His Mother. What, then, shall we call this mystery of thine? Death? Thy blessed soul is naturally parted from thy blissful and undefiled body, and the body is delivered to the grave, yet it does not endure in death, nor is it the prey of corruption. The body of her, whose virginity remained unspotted in child-birth, was preserved in its incorruption, and was taken to a better, diviner place, where death is not, but eternal life."

Most Holy Theotokos intercede for us!

NOTES:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. Paraklesis Service scheduled for Friday, August 11th has been cancelled.
3. The schedule for church services commemorating our church feast day are as follows:

*MONDAY, AUGUST 14TH: THE FOREFEAST (EVE) OF THE DORMITION

Great Vespers Service at 6:30 PM, presided over by His Grace, Bishop Nicholas, together with the Orthodox Clergy from South Florida.

Following the service, a Lenten Reception will be held in the hall.

*TUESDAY, AUGUST 15TH: THE FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS

Matins at 8:00 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:00 AM.

4. Please remember we are collecting non-perishable food items and baby supplies for the less fortunate in our local community until August 31st. Please bring your contributions when you come to church.
5. Sunday School Classes begin Sunday, September 10th. More information can be found in the bulletin.
6. Join us this coming Sunday, August 13th, in prayer. Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.

May the remaining days of the Dormition Fast be a blessing to you.

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-August-6-2023.pdf (8836kb)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the midst of the Dormition Fast, we come upon the celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ (August 6th). This feast, the Church commemorates the transfiguration of our Lord on Mount Tabor, together with the Prophets Moses and Elias, and before the Disciples Peter, James, and John. The change or metamorphosis that occurred that day on Mount Tabor was not in the Lord Himself. He is eternally radiant with divine glory beyond our ability to comprehend.  The change was in the disciples, for Christ opened the eyes of their souls to behold His infinite holiness, to the extent that they were able as humans. If we are truly to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration in a manner that is beneficial to our spiritual growth, we need to take advantage of, and embrace to the best of our abilities the many opportunities that we have to grow in holiness as we open the eyes of our souls to participate in the glory of God.

NOTES

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. Donations are still being accepted to help defray expenses as we prepare to celebrate our parish feast day - the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 14th and 15th. Please see Sam Pasley to offer your donation.
3. This week we kicked off our 'Summer Boxes of Love' to assist those in need in our local community. Please read the information included in the bulletin on how you can participate. Our goal is to fill 31 boxes during the month of August.
4. The Parish Council will hold their August meeting this Sunday, August 6th, at 11:45 AM, in the Conference Room.
5. Join us in prayer this coming week:

• Sunday, August 6th (Feast of the Transfiguration): Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. A 40 Day Trisagion (Memorial) Service will be held for the repose of Gail Camilieri. Following the services, Coffee Hour will be hosted by the Ladies Society in her memory.
• Monday, August 7th; Wednesday, August 9th; Friday, August 11th: Paraklesis (Supplication Service to the Theotokos) at 6:30 PM.

"If a person wants to get an idea about the pyramids of Egypt, he must either trust those who have been in immediate proximity to the pyramids, or he must get next to them himself. There is no third option. In the same way a person can get an impression of God: He must either trust those who have stood and stand in immediate proximity to God, or he must take pains to come into such proximity himself."    +Saint Nicholas of Serbia

Have a blessed weekend. See you in church on Sunday!

Fr. Peter

Beloved in Christ,

The 15 days of August begin today - August 1st. The 15 days represent the days of the Dormition Fast leading up to the Feast of the Dormition (Assumption) of the Theotokos - the feast day of our parish. This period of time holds great significance for Orthodox Christians in their supplication to the Theotokos - the Mother of God. During these days we abstain from certain foods and drinks (similar to Great Lent); we remember the poor (Almsgiving); and increase our prayer.

Beginning this week, the Church will pray the Paraklesis (Supplication) Service to the Theotokos, asking for her protection and intercessions before her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The services for this week at Saint Mary's are as follows:

Paraklesis Service: Tuesday, August 1st and Thursday August 3rd at 6:30 PM.

Join us in prayer, asking for the Theotokos to intercede for us.

Faithfully in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-July-23-2023.pdf (9124kb)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jesus Christ calls the devil the father of lies (John 8:44). The Apostle Paul teaches that a liar works on behalf of the devil (Colossians 3:9).  King Soloman also writes: "Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting... for the mouth that is wrong slayeth the soul" (Wisdom of Solomon 1:11). The Holy Fathers of the Church understood the Ninth Commandment "Thou shalt not bear false witness" as a warning against every sin committed by word. Indeed, lies and slander are tantamount to murder, for it is possible to kill not only the physical body, but also the spiritual body. 

A lie is contrary to the Truth, and the Truth proceeds from God.

The sermon series on the Ten Commandments continues this coming Sunday. 

NOTES:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.

2. I will be in Phoenix, AZ, this coming week (July 24 - 29) attending the Archdiocese Convention. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact me on my cellular telephone 561.632-7066, and I will assist you in finding a priest.

3. It is in the hope of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that we inform you of the falling asleep in the Lord of Jennifer Joseph, the sister of Judy Chalhub, on Thursday, July 20th, in Jacksonville, FL. May her memory be eternal!

4. Please join with us in prayer this Sunday: Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.

5. There will be NO VESPERS SERVICE this coming Wednesday, July 26th.

"Let us attend to ourselves that we do not begin to condemn others, for much of what we condemn in others is in us ourselves. Instruct the sinner, but do not condemn the fallen."  +Saint Nilus of Sinai

In Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-July-16-2023.pdf (11141kb)

Beloved in Christ,

Quite often, the Orthodox Church is seen as a Church of unwavering traditions. But what is tradition? For Orthodox Christians, tradition is "handed down" or “given over” from one to another from the time of Jesus Christ until the present. It is the total life experience of the Church that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Church also distinguishes between the traditions that are needful for our salvation and those that are temporal have no eternal value. These are quite often referred to as traditions with a capital "T" and traditions with little "t." Traditions with a "T" are doctrine and teachings rooted in the Holy Scriptures and have everything to do with our salvation. Traditions with a "t" would be akin to what color the Altar Covers or Priest Vestments are, and quite frequently change according to the whims of man. 

This coming Sunday, the Church commemorates the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in 451 AD., with Holy Scripture and Tradition as its guide, defined Jesus Christ as Perfect God and Perfect Man in One Person. For the Holy Fathers, the proper understanding of Jesus Christ was (is) imperative for man's salvation. This is an example of Holy Tradition.

The Ten Commandments that are very much part of Holy Tradition, will again be the topic of this week's sermon. Come find out why these traditional teachings continue to be essential in working out our salvation.

NOTES:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. Join us in prayer this coming week:

• Sunday, July 16th: Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.
• Wednesday, July 19th: Vesperal Divine Liturgy at 6:30 PM for the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias.

"Everything is clear, trustworthy and simple, since we accept Holy Tradition in addition to the Holy Scriptures. And Holy Tradition is a living, unbroken voice of our Church from the time of Christ and His Apostles until now, and which will exist until the end of the world. In it, all the meanings of the Holy Scriptures are preserved."         +Saint Nicholas of Japan

Faithfully in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-July-9-2023.pdf (9401kb)

Beloved in Christ,

This coming Sunday is the continuation of the series of homilies on the Ten Commandments. "Honor your father and your mother" - the Fifth Commandment, is of the utmost importance. I believe there has never been a time when our children are in greater peril than today. This is true in large part due to how we script our children as they grow and mature. If  our children are to honor and respect their parents, the parents must be mindful in the manner of which they raise their children. Saint John Chrysosotom's 4th Century words on raising children ' are just as relevant today as they were 1600 years ago.

"Your children will always be sufficiently wealthy if they receive from you a good upbringing that is able to order their moral life and behavior. Thus, strive not to make them rich, but rather to make them pious masters of their passions, rich in virtues. Teach them not to think up illusory needs, reckoning their worth according to worldly standards. Attentively watch their deeds, their acquaintances and their attachments—and do not expect any mercy from God if you do not fulfill this duty."

"The youth to whom you give a good upbringing will not only enjoy general respect, he will also become dearer to you than yourselves! Your attachment to him will not be a mere natural attraction—it will be the fruit of his virtue. For this, during your old age, you will in turn receive from him the services of his filial love. He will be your support. For just as those who do not revere the Lord also have contempt for their own parents, those who revere God, the Father of all men, will have every respect for those who gave them life."

How are we to understand "honor your father and mother" in light of Saint John Chrysostom's words and the gospel teachings? Join us Sunday and find out.

NOTES:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. Join us in prayer this coming week.

• Sunday, July 9th: Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.  A Trisagion (Memorial) Service will be prayed for the repose of Constantin Sora, offered by his wife Elena Sora. Coffee Hour following the service will be offered in memory of Constantin Sora. Memory Eternal!
• Wednesday, July 12th: Vespers Service at 6:30 PM.

"Having children is a matter of nature; but raising them and educating them in the virtues is a matter of mind and will."   (+Saint John Chrysostom - 'On Marriage Family Life.')

Have a blessed weekend.

With love in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-July-2-2023.pdf (8747kb)

Beloved in Christ,

This coming Sunday (July 2nd), part three of my sermon series on the Ten Commandments will be "Remember the Sabbath Day, and keep it holy." One of the components of the Sabbath Day is prayer. For Orthodox Christians, prayer is the constant elevation of the mind and the heart to God in praise and in thanksgiving, and in our petitions, seeking the things that are needful for our salvation.  Metropolitan Anthony Bloom of blessed memory, wrote in his book 'The Living Prayer,' that "...prayer is making room for God in our lives." Our individual prayer life also needs to be balanced with participation in the liturgical services of the Church where the whole community gathers for prayer and worship. While it should not be the only time during our week, the Sabbath Day should be set aside to refocus our attention on God's blessings. 

As we come together on the Sabbath to pray, come hear this Sunday why God instructed us to keep the Sabbath holy.

NOTES:

1. The Weekly Bulletin is attached to this email. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. Thank you to everyone who extended their greetings and prayers on the occasion of the celebration of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul this past week. Your prayers and greetings were very much appreciated.
3. Join us prayer this coming week at Saint Mary's:

• Sunday, July 2nd: Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.
• Wednesday, July 3rd: Vespers Service at 6:30 PM.

"He who is able to pray correctly, even if he is the poorest of all people, is essentially the richest. And he who does not have proper prayer, is the poorest of all, even if he sits on a royal throne"    +Saint John Chrysostom

Have a blessed weekend and a safe and enjoyable 4th of July. 

With love in Christ,

Fr. Peter

Beloved in Christ,

It is with sadness, yet in the hope of the Resurrection, that we notify you of the falling asleep in the Lord of the following parishioners and friends of our Saint Mary's Community.

• Richard 'Zicky' Simon, 99, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, June 21st. He is survived by his daughters Nancy, Gayle and Susan. Visitation and funeral arrangements are as follows: Thursday, July 6th:   Visitation at Lorne and Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach from 6-8 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 188 S Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach on Friday, July 7th at 11:00 am.
• Angie Smith, 98, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, June 23rd. She is survived by her sons Bobby and Harold, and is predeceased by her husband Arthur Grant Smith. Visitation and funeral arrangements are as follows:  Visitation at Saint Mary Orthodox Church, 1317 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. A Mercy Meal will be offered in the Saint Mary's Banquet Hall.

• Gail Camilleri, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, June 26th. She is survived by her children Tracey and John. No Visitation of Funeral Services are scheduled. A 40 Day Trisagion (Memorial) Service to be held at Saint Mary's will be announced.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy departed servants who have fallen asleep rest where there is no sickness, sorrow, nor sighing, by joy and life ever-lasting.

Memory Eternal - Christ is Risen!

files/Bulletin-June-25-2023.pdf (13118kb)

Beloved in Christ,

The are two references to the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament - Exodus 20: 2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. The Book of Exodus recounts the deliverance of the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt by Moses and into the desert.  It is during this period in time that Moses received the Ten Commandments from God and the other laws concerning the moral and ritual conduct of His people. In the Book of Deuteronomy which means the “second law,” the story of the Ten Commandments is again told and the institution of the Mosaic laws of moral and ritual conduct are given. The Ten Commandments remain to this day a guidepost on how we should conduct ourselves as Christians.

Beginning with last Sunday's (June 18th) Sermon, and over the next few Sundays, the Sunday Sermon will focus on the Ten Commandments. In today's society, we have strayed from the commandments given to us by God and created our own commandments that govern our thoughts and actions. These "new" commandments are self-serving, and for the most part lack the presence of God. How do we refocus our attention on God in light of the Ten Commandments? Come pray and hear. 

NOTES:

1) Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.

2) Join us in prayer this coming week:

• Sunday, June 25th: Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.
• Wednesday, June 28th - The Celebration of the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul: Vesperal Divine Liturgy at 6:30 PM.                                

"The Holy Apostle and Evangelist John says the commandments of God are not difficult but easy (1 John 5.3). But they are only easy because of love, while they are all difficult if there is no love."             +Saint Silouan the Athonite

With love in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-June-11-2023.pdf (15542kb)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever met a saint? Not one who is necessarily recognized by the Church, but a living saint today? Someone who is filled with loving compassion, who goes out of their way to selflessly serve others? A humble person who is not interested in being at the center of attention? A person who puts their relationship with God before all things? There are many saints among us right now that we do not know of, simply, because it may not be God's will for them to be revealed to us. But they are among us.

In 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, the Apostle Paul refers to the early church in Corinth as those "that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.” The Greek word for ‘sanctified’ is 'hagiazo,' while the word ‘saints’ is 'hagios.' Their basic meaning is ‘holy’ or ‘set apart’ and are used in the New Testament to designate all believers. All of us who believe in Christ are called ‘saints,’ which means that we are holy, we are set apart from others! We are called to live a life in the image and likeness of God that reflects love, compassion, humility, witness and service to others. 

On All Saints Sunday, the Church calls to remembrance all the saints - the holy ones, from the beginning of time until the present. We commemorate and remember them for the things we are called to be: Saints!

NOTES:

• Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
• I will be attending the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast Parish Life Conference this coming week in Miami (June 14-17). I hope to see you there representing our Saint Mary's Church.
• Join us in prayer this coming Sunday, June 11th: Matins at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.
• There will be NO Vespers Service this coming Wednesday, June 14th. Vespers will resume on Wednesday, June 21st at 6:30 PM.

"The Saints are like the Lord, but so are all the people who keep the commandments of Christ; But those who live according to their own passion and do not repent are like the devil. If this mystery was revealed to the world, then they would stop serving the devil, and everyone would strive to serve the Lord with all his strength, and be like Him."        +Saint Silouan the Athonite.

With love in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-June-4-2023.pdf (13304kb)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On the Feast of Pentecost, many Christians are accustomed to extending birthday greetings to the Church - birthday cake and all in celebration of the Church's Birthday. After all, who does not like birthday celebrations?  Plus, anything with icing tends to be pretty popular with the kids. But is Pentecost really the birth of the Church?

The Epistle reading for the feast (Acts 2: 1-11) describes the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Holy Disciples and Apostles, empowering them to go forth and proclaim the "mighty works of God." However, the Church was established with the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church dwelt among us as the Gospel of John teaches us "full of grace and truth." (John 1:14). When our Lord ascended into heaven, He promised that He would not leave his followers orphaned, that He would send from His Father the Comforter - the Holy Spirit to dwell within them. It is the Holy Spirit who is co-eternal with the Father and the Son.  It is the same Holy Spirit that we call upon to change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ during the Divine Liturgy; It is the same Holy Spirit that sanctifies the waters of Epiphany and the baptismal waters of those to be baptised.  In the Orthodox Church, when one is Chrismated with the Holy Chrism, that person is "sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." From that moment on, the Holy Spirit takes us its dwelling within us. The Holy Spirit is ever present and fills all things with God's love.

The Feast of Pentecost is not the "birthday of the Church." It is more than a remembrance of the day of Pentecost. It is a reminder that the Holy Spirit is the moving presence of God in our life.

Fr. Peter's Notes:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. THIS COMING SUNDAY - JUNE 4th is 'Graduation Sunday." We will acknowledge our graduates in prayer, present them (and our Sunday School Children) with a special gift, and have a special Coffee Hour in their honor.
3. Please join us in prayer this coming week:

**SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd - Soul Saturday Divine Liturgy and Trisagion (Memorial) Prayers for the Departed at 9:00 AM.

**SUNDAY, JUNE 4th - Feast of Holy Pentecost. Matins begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. The Kneeling Prayers of Pentecost will be prayed at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

**WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7th - Vespers Service at 6:30 PM.

"No matter how much we may study, it is not possible to come to know God unless we live according to His commandments, for God is not known by science, but by the Holy Spirit. Many philosophers and learned men came to the belief that God exists, but they did not know God. It is one thing to believe that God exists and another to know Him. If someone has come to know God by the Holy Spirit, his soul will burn with love for God day and night, and his soul cannot be bound to any earthly thing."  +Saint Silouan the Athonite

With love in Christ,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-May-28-2023.pdf (13206kb)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ has Ascended in Glory!

This coming Sunday we hear the Gospel lesson from John 17: 1-13 in which Jesus Christ prays to His Father to ask for protection for those who follow Him and His Word. In particular, He asks that those that God has given Him "may be one, even as We are one." Christ prays this because he is aware that the evil one will seek to separate them from God. 

Our true enemy is the devil, who tempts us and desires our destruction. He hates God. There is nothing he desires more than to get you to listen to the lies he whispers to us. As Christians, we need to expect that the devil will do everything he can to get us to abandon God. The devil tempts us not to forgive those we have had disagreements with the sin of pride and self righteousness; Encourages us to stir up dissension between one another through gossip and lies; Tells us that by embracing the things of this world over God, we will be happy; Plants the seeds of doubt and fear in our hearts. All of these are sins planted by the devil and not of God.

To be successful in overcoming the influence of the devil in our lives we must be willing to engage everyday in spiritual warfare. How do we undertake spiritual warfare?

1. Prayer and the reading of the Holy Scripture - daily. Fast when called for by the Church - not only from what we take in our mouth, but allow your heart and mind to fast as well so it may be ready to receive God. 
2. Stop being selfish. The world does not revolve around you! Seek only the things that are needful for your salvation.
3. Be mindful that your sin separates you from God. 
4. Remember that the devil is your enemy - not your friend.
5. Confess your sins. Confession makes you accountable for your sins. 
6. Come to church. Pray with and for one another. Receive the Holy Mysteries (Communion).

This list is not exhaustive, but is the tip of the spear when undertaking spiritual warfare against the devil. It is through this and with the help of Christ and the All-Holy Spirit, that we overcome the devil and become one with God.

NOTES:

1. Please read the attached Weekly Bulletin.
2. The deadline for registering for the Parish Life Conference has been extended to June 2nd. More information is available in the bulletin. The PLC is in Miami this year. Let us make every attempt to participate!
3. May 31st (Wednesday) is the deadline to submit the names of 2022-23 graduates. We will honor all our graduates on Sunday, June 4th.
4. Pray with us this coming week:

*Sunday, May 28th: Orthros at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.

*Wednesday, May 31st: Vespers Service at 6:30 PM. 

“Are you fighting against your passions? Fight, fight, and be good soldiers of Christ! Do not give in to evil and do not be carried away by the weakness of the flesh. During the time of temptation, flee to the Physician, crying out with the Holy Church, our mother: “O God, number me with the thief, the harlot, and the publican (i.e., with the repentant), and save me!”  +Saint Anatoly of Optina

In the Ascend Lord,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-May-21-2023.pdf (10832kb)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen!

The following are words by Saint Theophilus of Antioch in light of this coming Sunday being the Sixth Sunday of Pascha, and  'The Sunday of the Blindman.' 

“Show me your God,” I will say to you, “Show me what kind of person you are, and I will show you my God.” Show me then whether the eyes of your mind can see, and the ears of your heart hear.

It is like this. Those who can see with the eyes of their bodies are aware of what is happening in this life on earth. They get to know things that are different from each other. They distinguish light and darkness, black and white, ugliness and beauty, elegance and inelegance, proportion and lack of proportion, excess and defect. The same is true of the sounds we hear: high or low or pleasant. So it is with the ears of our heart and the eyes of our mind in their capacity to hear or see God.

God is seen by those who have the capacity to see Him, provided that they keep the eyes of their mind open. All have eyes, but some have eyes that are shrouded in darkness, unable to see the light of the sun. Because the blind cannot see it, it does not follow that the sun does not shine. The blind must trace the cause back to themselves and their eyes. In the same way, you have eyes in your mind that are shrouded in darkness because of your sins and evil deeds.

The souls of all persons should be clean, like a mirror reflecting light. If there is rust on the mirror their faces cannot be seen in it. In the same way, none of those who have sin within them can see God.

But, if you will, you can be healed. Hand yourself over to the doctor, and He will open the eyes of your mind and heart. Who is to be the doctor? It is God, who heals and gives life through His Word and wisdom. Through His Word and wisdom He created the universe, for by His Word the heavens were established, and by His Spirit all their array. His wisdom is supreme. God by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding He arranged the heavens, by His knowledge the depths broke forth and the clouds poured out the dew.

 If you understand this, and live in purity and holiness and justice, you may see God. But, before all, faith and the fear of God must take the first place in your heart, and then you will understand all this. When you have laid aside mortality and been clothed in immortality, then you will see God according to your merits. God raises up your flesh to immortality along with your soul, and then, once made immortal, you will see the immortal One, if you believe in Him now.

NOTES:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. The Ladies Society will meet this coming Sunday at 11:45 AM, in the Hall. This will be the last meeting of the Ladies until the Fall.
3. This Tuesday (May 22nd), is the last day to register for Parish Life Conference in Miami. Please review the details in this week's bulletin.
4. June 4th is the last day of Sunday School classes. We will recognize all of our graduates following services as well as a Coffee Hour in their honor, and for all our Sunday School Children and Teens.
5. Join us in prayer this coming week:

**Sunday, May 21st: Orthros begin at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.

**Wednesday, May 24th - Celebration of the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord: Orthros begin at 5:30 PM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 6:30 PM.

In the Risen Lord,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-May-14-2023.pdf (13177kb)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

files/Bulletin-May-7-2023.pdf (11770kb)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen!

The Gospels are filled with stories of how Jesus Christ cured the physical ailments of men, women and children. Even more important was the healing of the afflictions of the soul. This is emphasised in the concluding verses of this Sunday's Gospel lesson (John 5: 1-15). After Christ healed the paralytic, he commanded him to "...Sin no more, that nothing worse befalls you” (v. 14). As the paralytic lay by the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem for 38 years, he suffered from not only a physical paralysis, but a spiritual paralysis as well.  To this day, many people suffer from the same spiritual paralysis without knowing it.  And, since many are unaware of their affliction, few look for a cure. The root cause of the paralysis of the soul is spiritual indifference: being perfectly happy with continuing to live in sin. 

To eliminate this paralysis, we need to recognize and quit making excuses for sin. Many choose to do nothing about confronting sin because the medicine can be unpleasant.  Even worse, many refuse to admit that they are sinners. To be healed from paralysis of the soul requires action, for the longer we hang on to our sins, the more difficult it is to remove the sins from our lives and find healing.

The Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church quite often refer to the Church as a "Hospital for our Soul," where we can find healing from the illnesses of the soul - spiritual paralysis. We cannot find healing on our own because doing so leads to a lack of accountability which will eventually plunge us back into sin. If we are to be healed, we need the Church. We need the Mysteries of Confession and Communion; the Prayers of the Church; the spiritual guidance of the priest and time-tested wisdom of the Holy Fathers; and being immersed daily in the Holy Scripture - the Word of God. Let us not be like the paralytic in indifference, but actively seek healing from the Church which is the Body of Christ.

Notes:

1. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
2. Join us in prayer this coming week:

**Sunday, May 7th: Matins begins at 8:50 AM; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.                                                                                                                Fr. Peter will offer his monthly Children's Sermon.                                                                                                                                                            At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, 1 Year Trisagion Prayers will be offered for Thomas Eissey and Margo Fankhauser. 

**Wednesday, May 10th: Vespers Service at 6:30 PM.

"The spring of all wickedness and of all sin is love for oneself! Love for oneself is the irrational love for the body, and it is the most difficult and most subtle of all the passions that enslave human nature. From love of oneself are born self-pity, the sparing of oneself, self-justification, praise of oneself, self-content, self-opinion, and all the other sins, known and unknown."   - Elder Cleopha of Romania

In the Risen Lord,

Fr. Peter

files/Bulletin-April-30-2023.pdf (9038kb)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

CHRIST IS RISEN!

The Third Sunday of Pascha is dedicated to the Myrrhbearing Women, as well as the remembrance of the Pious Joseph of Arimathaea and the Righteous Nicodemus. The Church remembers in particular the Myrrhbearing Women for it was they who became the first to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel lessons for both Matins (Luke 24:1-12) and the Divine Liturgy (Mark 15:43-16:8) on this Sunday give the account of the women going to the tomb of Christ to anoint His body. As they went to the tomb, they knew nothing about the resurrection.  They knew their Lord had been crucified and that the authorities were threatening anyone who followed Jesus.  Their early morning journey to the tomb was one of courage, duty and love under the threat of being punished. 

The act of love of the 'Women Disciples of the Lord' is something all of us should strive for. As we meditate on their act of love, we should ask ourselves; Do we possess the same courage, love and commitment when it comes to living the Gospel in today's world? 

NOTES:

4. Attached to this email is The Weekly Bulletin. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
5. Join us for a Falafel Luncheon this coming Sunday (April 30th), following the Divine Liturgy. Donation: Adults $10.00 / $5.00 Children under 12 years of age.
6. This year's Parish Life Conference is in our backyard. Our sister parish Saint George Cathedral, Coral Gables, FL, is hosting the PLC June 14-17, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport. Event Registration deadline is May 22nd. For detailed information, please go to the conference website antiochianevents.com/miami.
7. Join with us in prayer this coming week:

*Sunday, April 30th: Matins begins at 8:50 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM.

*Wednesday, May 3rd: Vespers Service at 6:30 PM.

"It seems that we do not understand one thing: it is not good when we return the love of those who love us, yet hate those who hate us. We are not on the right path if we do this. We are the sons of light and love, the sons of God, his children. As such we must have His qualities and His attributes of love, peace, and kindness towards all."  - The Elder Thaddeus

In the Risen Lord,

Fr. Peter