Update for the week Friday, August 10, through Thursday, August 16, 2012

Update for the week Friday, August 10, through Thursday, August 16, 2012

THIS WEEK

VESPERS – There will be Great Vespers this Saturday, August 11, at 5:00 pm.

NEW SKETE PILGRIMAGE –The Monastic Communities of New Skete Monastery in Cambridge, New York (www.newskete.org), invite you to their Annual Summer Festival on Saturday, August 11, 2012, between 8:30am - 6:00pm.  The day will include  Church Services, Church  Tours, Food Court,  Photo Exhibit,  Gardens, Children's Activities, Gift Shops, Guided Hike, and a Healing Service with Anointing.  This year’s guest speaker will be Dr. Kyriaki Karidoyanes Fitzgerald, Theologian and Psychologist, whose theme will be Persons in Communion: A Theology of Authentic Relationships. Brochure about the pilgrimage:  http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1x7fv/NewSketeAnnualPilgri/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffree.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F540613%2FNew-Skete-Annual-Pilgrimage-Program---2012

SUMMER HOURS – Every Sunday during July and August, Orthros begins at 8:15 am, and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.

DORMITION VIGIL – There will be a Vigil for the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos (which is our Patronal Feast Day) this Tuesday, August 14, the eve of the Feast.  Vespers will be at 4:15 pm;  Orthros with Lamentations 5:30 p.pm;  Festal Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm; followed by a reception offered by Charles Arbeely.

VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL 2012 St. Mary Church, 535 Salisbury St., Worcester, will offer Vacation Church School for Grades K – 7, Tuesday through Friday, August 14 – 17.  Theme:  Our God-Bearing Fathers.  Registration:  $40 per child (includes ticket for Tornadoes Picnic & Game);  Adult Ticket: $25.  For more information,  contact Greg Abdulah 724-518-6811; abdulah.g@gmail.com  

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

ROOM OR ROOMMATE NEEDED –  A parishoner of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in the Baltimore, Maryland area is looking for a room to rent, ideally in the home of Orthodox Christians or with Orthodox Christian roommate(s). She has been a working professional for several years and is now becoming a graduate student at Holy Cross in September. She is looking to be near a bus line (though is bringing an older model Honda Accord). She needs a place to call home away from home starting Thursday, August 30. If you have a room to rent or know someone looking to rent a room or for a roommate, contact Katherine Mowers at katherine000@gmail.com.

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.

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: September 1.

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 Friday and Saturday, October 5 & 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


REMINDERS

SUMMER GREETERS NEEDED – Volunteers are needed for most Sundays in August, plus September 2 (Labor Day Weekend).  Please contact Buddy Mabardy at 781-729-6303 or e-mail: buddy@cjmabardy.com.  Summer Hours: Orthros: 8:15 am & Liturgy: 9:30 am.  Summer might be a GREAT time for you to start participating in this Ministry! 

PROJECT MEXICO - Members of the Smith, Porr, Nahass and Dalton families will be representing St. Mary's at “Project Mexico.”  The team left Tuesday, July 31, for Rosarito, Mexico, to build a house for a poor Mexican family.  Team members are Natasha, Jeff, Theo and Gabe Smith, Esther Porr, Jennifer, Paul, Sophia, and Lucas Nahass, Bill, Tatiana, Andrew and Alex Dalton and team leader Kera Dalton.  Please pray for their safe travels and a successful mission. They expect to be back on Monday, August 20.

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.

VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL 2012 St. George Church, West Roxbury will offer Vacation Church School, Tuesday through Friday, August 21 – 24, for Pre-School (at least 3 yrs. old AND potty trained)  through 4th Grade.  Theme:  Heroes of the Bible. There will be lessons, crafts, playtime, singing and fun!  Snack provided each morning.  Registration Donation:  $15/1 child; $20/2 children; $25/3 children. Volunteers are needed.  Contact Elisabeth: Elisabeth@stgeorgeofboston.org  or call 617-323-0323.

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

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.

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 17. Watch for  more information to come.

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.

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, September21 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.

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:  If you would like to be a Greeter please contact Buddy by e-mail buddy@cjmabardy.com or call him at 781-729-6303.

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:   FSJD

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK

Saturday, August 11:  Great Vespers 5:00 pm

Sunday, August 12:  Orthros 8:15 am, Divine Liturgy 9:30 am  (Summer Hours
SCRIPTURE READINGS for Sunday, August 12:
   Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16
… We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. … When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; … I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

   Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23
… Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting."

Tuesday, August 14: Vigil for the Dormition of the Theotokos (Patronal Feast) eve of the Feast - Vespers 4:15 pm;  Orthros with Lamentations 5:30 pm;  Festal Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm,  followed by a Reception offered by Charles Arbeely.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, August 18:  Great Vespers 5:00 pm

Sunday, August 19:  Orthros 8:15 am, Divine Liturgy 9:30 am  (Summer Hours

Saturday, August 25:  Great Vespers 5:00 pm - note change

Sunday, August 26:  Last day of summer hours

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

Sunday, September 9: Church School registration

Sunday, September 16:  Church School classes begin

INSIGHT

Nothing so benefits the weak as withdrawal into stillness, or the man subject to passions and without spiritual knowledge as obedience combined with stillness. Nor is there anything better than to know one’s weaknesses and ignorance, or anything worse than not to recognize them.
   - St. Peter of Damascus

Let the strong take care of the weak; let the weak respect the strong. Let the rich man minister to the poor man; let the poor man give thanks to God that he gave him one through whom his need might be satisfied.
   - Clement of Rome, 1st Century

The Holy Spirit, out of compassion for our weakness, comes to us even when we are impure. And if He finds our intellect truly praying to Him, He enters it and puts to flight the whole array of thoughts and ideas circling within it, and He arouses it to a longing for spiritual prayer.
   - Evagrius the Solitary

People of goodwill, in silence, in the secret of their hearts shelter Jesus and resemble him, as brothers resemble one another. This is the hidden life of Jesus that continues…  It is in silence and hidden that God is with each person and accompanies each person. Faith in the secret work of God makes the erroneous boundaries, in which our poor heads have enclosed the Church of Jesus, disappear.
   - An anonymous brother from a community founded by Charles de Foucauld, (quoted by Michael Plekon in Hidden Holiness)

‎Lord, give me the strength to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely on your Holy Will. Reveal your will to me every hour of the day. Bless my dealings with all people. Teach me to treat all people who come to me throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unexpected events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me the strength to bear the labors of this day. Direct my will, teach me to pray. Pray Thyself in me. Amen.
   - Prayer of St. Philaret (1782-1867)