Update for the week Friday, August 24, through Thursday, August 29, 2012

THIS WEEK

MEMORY ETERNAL – We regret to announce the repose in the Lord of the Servant of God Archimandrite CONSTANTINE Atanas Yanney, “Pastor Emeritus” of St. George Church, West Roxbury. Fr. Constantine suffered a heart attack Tuesday evening at his home.
   Visitation will be in the Church on Friday, August 24, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Bishop +John, Bishop +Nicholas, and clergy will chant the Funeral Service for a Priest beginning at 7:00 pm. 
   On Saturday, August 25, the Hierarchs and clergy will celebrate the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery and a Meal of Mercy will be hosted by the parish at St. George.  Kindly remember Fr. Constantine and his family in your prayers throughout these days - May His Memory Eternal.

VESPERS – There will be Great Vespers at St. Mary this Saturday, August 25, at 5:00 pm.

SUMMER HOURS – This Sunday, August 26, will be the last week of summer hours (Orthros begins at 8:15 am, and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am).  Starting next Sunday we will return to our regular hours: Orthros 8:45 am; Divine Liturgy 10:00 am.

HALL RENOVATION – The Church Social Hall is being renovated this month. This Sunday, August 26, there will be no coffee hour and no access to the Hall.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

EAGLE SCOUT INVITATION – Arlene and Charlie Marge would like to invite the parish to the Eagle Court of Honor for their son Thomas on Sunday, September 2, at 4:00 pm. The event will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 17 Meriam St., in Lexington. A reception will follow in St. Irene’s Hall.

WOMEN’S CLUB – The first meeting of the Women’s Club will be Monday, September 10, at 7:30 in the kitchen

MEN’S WEEKEND –  There will be an Orthodox Men's Get-Away Weekend September 21-23, 2012, at The Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center - 329 Camp Merrimac Road Contoocook, NH 03229 (www.boston.goarch.org/faith_heritage_center.html), sponsored by  St. Stephen's Orthodox Church (www.stsoc.org).  Guest Speakers will be  Fr. Michael Keiser and Fr. Kenneth DeVoie, both of the Department of Missions & Evangelism for the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, and others TBA. Cost:  $189.00  (2 night stay, all meals, snacks and use of recreational facilities).  For more information  see the brochure at https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c173523fb2&view=att&th=138145dad9b77f31&attid=0.1&disp=safe&zw  or contact Jeff St. Jean at  jeffstjean11@verizon.net.


REMINDERS

STUDENTS STARTING  COLLEGE  – The Orthodox Christian Fellowship wants to identify all Orthodox students who will be beginning college this fall, in order to reach out to them and give them information regarding the OCF chapter on campus and nearby Orthodox parishes. To give your student’s information, please go to www.ocf.net/wikis/resources/new-student-contact-form.aspx  download the New Student Contact Form and once you’ve filled it out, please e-mail to contacts@ocf.net  OR call the Church Office 617-547-1234 for assistance.  NOTE:  All information remains confidential.

ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLES FOR SALE - There are seven ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLES (Old and New Testaments) available for purchase at our cost of $25.00 (usually $50.00). Anyone interested in purchasing one should speak to Marilyn Robbat in the Church Office to reserve a copy. Checks should be made payable to St. Mary Orthodox Church.

ST. THEKLA PILGRIMAGE – The annual pilgrimage to St. Thekla Convent at Antiochian Village will be held Friday through Sunday, September 21-23.  Check the church bulletin board for registration forms – registration deadline: Saturday, September 1.

CHURCH SCHOOL – Registration for Church School for 2012-2013 will be Sunday, September 9. Church School classes will begin Sunday, September 16.

INTER-ORTHODOX YOUNG ADULT RETREAT – The Archdiocese Fellowship of St. John the Divine, in conjunction with Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Hellenic College Holy Cross, the Theophany School, and the parish of St. George, invite you to their 2012 Inter-Orthodox Young Adult Retreat, Friday – Sunday September 14-16, at St. George Church, West Roxbury. Keynote Speaker will be His Grace Bishop Anthony, of the Antiochian Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. The weekend will also include Sonia’s Run (see below). For information and registration see http://www.worcesterdiocese.net/organizations/fellowship/retreat or contact  Brendan Ferguson at brendanferguson76@gmail.com. Brendan is the newly elected President of the FSJD of our Diocese.

SONIA’S RUN - The fourth annual 5k road race to benefit the Theophany School, in honor of  beloved friend Sonia Belcher, will be held on Saturday, September 15. This family fun day includes a kids' 50m fun run at 8:30am with medals for all participants, bouncy house, cotton candy, balloon animals, cookout, raffles, and Prizes: cash prizes for top three male and female finishers overall, and medals for top three in each age category. See www.soniasrun.org for registration form and more information.

LITURGICAL MUSIC CONCERT - The Choir of St. Romanos the Melodist of the Archdiocese of Beirut will be performing a concert of Syro-Byzantine Liturgical Music on their Fall 2012 Tour of the USA from September 10 – 24. The choir is led by the Priest Romanos Joubran, Dean of St. George Cathedral in Beirut and instructor of Byzantine music and has produced several professional recordings and performed throughout Lebanon and Europe.
   The first concert will be Wednesday, September 19 at St. George Cathedral, Worcester at 7:00 pm. Limited Tickets are available. Contact Cathedral Office (508) 752-9150 & reservations are not confirmed until payment is received. Cost: $20/Adult; $10/College Students with a valid school ID; Children 12 and under: Free. Refreshments to follow.
   The second concert will be Friday, September 21 at St. George Church, West Roxbury at 7:30 pm. Admission: $10.00 at the door. Reception following.
   This tour has been funded through the generosity of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the charitable arm of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.

ENQUIRERS' CLASS - The St. Ignatius Catechetical Group - Enquirers’ Class will begin meeting on Sunday, September 23 at 9:00 am in the library (next door to Fr. Antony’s office). The group is for non-Orthodox adults who are interested in exploring the Christian Faith as it has been – and continues to be – understood, preached, and lived by members of the Holy Orthodox Church who descend from the early Christian community of Antioch where “the disciples were for the first time called Christians” (Acts 11:26). Bob Kowalik will be teaching the group using materials developed and piloted by St. Mary catechist emeritus David Vermette. If you would like to participate, please talk to Bob during coffee hour; or get in touch by phone at 617-889-3436 or e-mail r.kowalik@comcast.net. Brochures are available on the Rack behind Bengarri. For those seeking to be received into the Orthodox Church, participation in the group and Fr. Antony’s blessing are required.

“WELCOME BACK COLLEGE STUDENTS" BREAKFAST – After Liturgy on Sunday, September 23 (note new date), the Fellowship of St. John the Divine (FSJD) will host a special breakfast to welcome college students back to St. Mary, their "Church home away from home." Please join us in welcoming and supporting students who strive to remain connected to the Church while away from their families.  All are welcome! A suggested minimum donation of $5 will be gratefully accepted from non-students.

PASTORAL VISIT – Join us for the Pastoral Visit of His Grace, Bishop JOHN on Saturday and   Sunday, September 29 & 30, 2012.
  Saturday, September 29:  Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, followed by Dinner with Bishop JOHN in the Church Hall (a fund raiser to send our children to Antiochian Village in July, 2013).  Tickets for Adults:  $45.00 per person includes Dinner, Beer, Wine & entertainment by Fouad Hajjar.  Children Under 18:  $35 per person.  NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR.
   Sunday, September 30:  Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebratory Coffee Hour.
   For reservations contact Mary Winstanley O’Connor at 617-523-1010 moconnor@koilaw.com, or Diane Mabardi at 617-720-6100 diane@ggatravel.com  Tables of 8 may be reserved in advance.

SEMINARIANS RECEPTION – The Antiochian Women of our Diocese invite you to a Reception honoring our Seminarians on Sunday, September 30, at St. George West Roxbury.  Vespers will be at 4:00 pm, followed by the reception in the Church Hall.  Hot & cold hors d’ouevres and dessert will be served.   All are welcome.

MARRIAGE SEMINAR - The Deanery of Worcester & New England will offer a Seminar for Couples on Thursday (note change) and Saturday, October 4 & 6, at St. John of Damascus Church, 300 West St., Dedham, MA. The seminar is for those preparing for marriage and all those interested, and guest speaker will be His Grace, Bishop JOHN.  Registration forms are available on the St. Mary church bulletin board; cost is $30/couple.  Talks and sessions will include A Vision of Marriage; Betrothal – Commitment and Grace;  Crown Them With Honor;  For This Cause Shall a Man Leave Father & Mother – Family Dynamics;  and You Just Don’t Understand – Man/Woman Communication and Culture

DANCING WITH THE AABA STARS – The American Arabic Benevolent Association invites you to “Dancing With the AABA Stars” on Friday, October 5 at Moseley’s-on-the-Charles, Dedham, MA at 7:30 pm. .   Each parish will have one contestant competing  for their respective parish - our parish will be represented by Erica (Bezreh) Dooley.  Individual Ticket:  $50 per person includes Appetizer Buffet, Munchies at Tables, Coffee & Dessert.  Reservations ONLY – No tickets sold at door.  For tickets, tables reservations and Sponsor Forms, contact Shirley Bezreh 781-648-0685.

REGULAR REMINDERS

COFFEE HOUR SIGNUP – A signup sheet for coffee hours is posted on the bulletin board outside the coat room.  There are plenty of dates to choose from – sign up now for the date you will sponsor the coffee hour!

DONATE VIA eGIVE– Did you know that you can make your donations to St. Mary through eGive, and have no more envelopes or checks to worry about?   If you have not yet set up an account, you can do it at www.egive-usa.com, or contact Charlie Marge (marge@alum.mit.edu) for help. The Recipient Organization is “St. Mary’s Orthodox Church.”

STREAMING VIDEO – St. Mary’s Church services are broadcast live each week through an internet video stream.  If you can't attend a service in person or want to share this ministry with a friend or loved one, the live stream can be viewed at www.stmaryorthodoxchurch.org/live  during regularly scheduled service times (see the schedule of services below or online).  If you have questions or comments about this ministry please contact us at live@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org.

VIDEO STREAMING FOR EVENTS – Now you can video stream your wedding or baptism live from St. Mary’s to friends and family who can't attend your event in person.  The cost for Event Video Streaming is $150 for members, $300 for non-members, and includes a password- protected viewing page and setup and breakdown of the streaming service for your event by a trained staff member.   You can also get a copy of your streamed event on CD: $50 for members, $100 for non-members. Fees are payable to the church. Streaming is subject to staff availability. For general questions on the video streaming ministry or event streaming, please contact live@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org.  To schedule your event and/or request Event Video Streaming, please contact the Church Office.

PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES – Please do not leave valuables unattended in the Church Hall or Coat Room.

FIRST IN, LAST OUT – Please do not park in the small lot behind the church unless you intend to stay through the end of coffee hour. The only way out is the single lane driveway.  Please pull all the way in to the parking space, and please do not block the driveway – if the lot is full, you can park on the street.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE

There are a number of ways you can help the Church, your fellow worshippers and those in need.  Consider serving in one of these ways:

BE A GREETER - The Parish Council is continuing the Greeter Program, similar to other churches, to greet and aid parishioners, guests and visitors into the Church each Sunday.  As a Greeter, you will welcome people into the Church and help to direct visitors upstairs to the Liturgy, as well as keeping an eye on the Vestibule, hallways and entrance ways during church, arriving at Church at 9:45 am.  Greeting time ends when Communion starts.  We need volunteers.  If you would like to be a Greeter, a Sign-Up Sheet is posted on the Church Bulletin Board.  If you have any questions, please contact Buddy by e-mail buddy@cjmabardy.comor call him at 781-729-6303. “I was a stranger, and you invited me in………”   (Matthew 25:35)

LITURGICAL SERVICE - Each Sunday, members of the congregation are needed to read the Epistle and assist during Communion by holding the Communion Cloths and Holy Bread Baskets.  All Orthodox Christians in the Parish are welcome and encouraged to participate. We usually need one Epistle  and six people to hold cloths and baskets.  If you would like to read the Epistle or assist during Communion, please contact Jeff Wasilko, 781-820-0882, jeffw@smoe.org

COFFEE HOUR – People are needed every week to provide coffee, juice and cookies, or more if desired, and set it up Sunday morning. To sign up for an available Sunday, please put your name on the new signup sheet on the bulletin board outside the Hall or call Marilyn Robbat in the Parish Office and she will write your name in. If you need any help with figuring out what to bring or do, check the list below the signup sheet (also printed in the Bulletin), or ask Marilyn at secretary@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org or 617-547-1234.

PRISON MINISTRY – If you would like to find out more about Prison Ministry at St. Mary’s Church, please subscribe to our mailing list at http://groups.google.com/group/ocpm-concord

"As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me," says our Lord.

THIS SUNDAY'S VOLUNTEERS

GREETER:  Bob Kowalik

LITURGICAL SERVICE:   If you would like to read the Epistle or assist during Communion, please contact Jeff Wasilko, 781-820-0882, jeffw@smoe.org

COFFEE HOUR:   No coffee hour (hall renovation)

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK

Saturday, August 25:  Great Vespers 5:00 pm

Sunday, August 26:  Orthros 8:15 am, Divine Liturgy 9:30 am 
SCRIPTURE READINGS for Sunday, August 26:
   Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 15:1-11
… For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve…

   Gospel: Matthew 19:16-26
… Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.  And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."


LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, September 1Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year;  Great Vespers 5:00 pm

Sunday, September 2:  Regular hours begin: Orthros 8:45 am; Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Friday, September 7:  Evening Liturgy for Feast of Nativity of the Holy Theotokos 6:30 pm

Sunday, September 9: Church School registration

Sunday, September 16:  Church School classes begin

Sunday, September 23:  St. Ignatius Catechetical Group (Enquirers’ Class) begins;  “Welcome Back College Students" Breakfast

Saturday, September 29:  Pastoral Visit – Great Vespers 5:00 pm, followed by Dinner with Bishop JOHN

Sunday, September 30:  Pastoral Visit continues – Orthros 8:45 am;  Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 10:00 am, followed by a Celebratory Coffee Hour.

REFLECTION
The straight path of virtue is more easily kept in a state of poverty. For touching riches we read, "It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven." (Matt. 19:24) But He has made no such declarations about poverty; nay, the very reverse. "Sell thy goods, and give to the poor, and come follow Me" (v. 21); as if the act of following were to spring from the selling. Never then let us flee from poverty as an evil, for it is the procurer of heaven. Again, let us never follow riches as a good; for they are the ruin of such as walk unwarily, but in everything directing our eyes to God, let us, as occasion requires, use those gifts which He has vouchsafed us, both strength of body, and abundance of money, and every other gift; for it is unnatural that we, who have our being from Him, should make these things serviceable to others, yet not to Him who has made us. He formed your eye: make it serviceable to Him, not to the devil.
   - St. John Chrysostom,  Homily X on Philippians III

Not to have a passion for possessions is a great thing, but greater still is to remain dispassionate when reflecting over them, because the war waged by evil spirits against us through thoughts is much more burdensome than through the objects themselves.
   - St. Maximus the Confessor

He who holds possessions as the gifts of God … and knows that what he possess is for the sake of others, is blessed by God and poor in spirit.
   - St. Clement of Alexandria

If we all took only what was necessary to satisfy our own needs, giving the rest to those who lack, no one would be rich and no one would be poor.
   - St. Basil the Great

Some people with possessions possess them dispassionately, and so when deprived of them they are not dismayed but are like those who accepted the seizure of their goods with joy (cf. Hebrews 10:34). Others possess with passion, so that when they are in danger of being dispossessed they become utterly dejected, like the rich man in the Gospel who went away full of sorrow (cf. Matthew 19:22); and if they actually are dispossessed, they remain dejected until they die. Dispossession, then, reveals whether a man's inner state is dispassionate or dominated by passion.
   - St. Maximus the Confessor