Update for the week Friday, February 1, through Thursday, February 7, 2013
THIS WEEK
OFFICE CLOSED - The St. Mary Church Office will be closed on Thursday & Friday, January 31 and February 1, 2013, as our Parish Secretary will be attending the mid-winter meetings at the Antiochian Village. Reminder: the deadline for this Sunday’s bulletin was Wednesday, January 30, at 10:00 am.
EVENING LITURGY – This Friday, February 1, there will be Evening Liturgy for the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple, at 6:30 pm.
MID-WINTER MEETINGS – The annual mid-winter meetings of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, Antiochian Women, and Teen SOYO of the Archdiocese are being held at Antiochian Village Friday through Sunday, February 1 - 3, 2013.
FELLOWSHIP MEETING – The Fellowship of St. John the Divine will hold its next meeting this Sunday, February 3, during coffee hour. Interested people are always welcome to join us.
BIBLE STUDY – The new Bible Study group, sponsored by the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, will begin Thursday, February 7. This discussion group will meet in a home every other Thursday, from 7:00-8:30 pm, and is open to all interested participants. We will be using the course Search the Scriptures, by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, originally broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio. For more information contact Greg Patrick (greg@dailytradealert.com) or Fr. Antony (frawhj@gmail.com).
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
ORTHODOX CONCERT – On Sunday, February 17, 2013, The Holy Cross School of Theology Choir will be joined by St. Tikhon's Seminary Mission Choir, Holy Trinity Seminary Choir, and the Eastern American Diocesan Youth Choir in the performance of "The Good Thief: Two Paths Diverged at the Wood," a story of struggle and redemption ending at the wood of our Savior's Cross, told through sacred song and spiritual passages. The concert will be performed at the Maliotis Cultural Center (Hellenic College Holy Cross) at 6:30 pm, following the Vespers service at 5:00 pm. The concert is open to the public and free of charge.
WINTER DELEGATES MEETING - The Fellowship of St. John the Divine, Teen SOYO and Antiochian Women will hold their Diocesan General Assembly on Saturday, February 23, at St George Cathedral, Worcester. Watch for more information.
SCOUT SUNDAY OBSERVANCE – Scout Sunday is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. This year, St. Mary’s will observe Scout Sunday on February 24, which falls in between the anniversaries of The Boy Scouts of America (February 8) and the Girl Scouts of the USA (March 12). Look for the scouts in our parish to be involved in liturgical service that day. If your child is a Boy Scout or Girl Scout (all ages) and would like to participate in Scout Sunday, please send an e-mail to Charlie Marge: marge@alum.mit.edu
LENTEN FOOD SALE – The Women's Club is now taking orders for Hoomos (hummus), Mjadara (lentils with rice), and Spinach Triangles. Please use the order form in the Sunday bulletin. Order deadline is Sunday, March 10; pickup date is Sunday, March 24. Also, please plan to come help make the Spinach Triangles on Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 am.
LENTEN RETREAT AT NEW SKETE – New Skete Monastery, in Cambridge, NY, invites you to a Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The theme of the retreat is "Lent and the Experience of Sin, Forgiveness and Gratitude.” To see their flyer and information on accommodations go to http://www.newskete.org/pdfs/2013%20Lenten%20Retreat%20Flier%20and%20accommodations.pdf For the registration form see http://www.newskete.org/pdfs/2013%20Lenten%20Retreat%20Response%20form%20FINAL.pdf
REMINDERS
BLESSING OF HOMES – Fr. Antony will be blessing homes after Epiphany/Theophany (January 6) and between Pascha (May 5) and Pentecost (June 23). We bless homes to reveal the home as what God created it to be, a way to heaven; to rid the home of every evil; to show that the family is a small church unit in Christ; to consecrate the home and all activity in it to God; and to fill the home and all who live in it with the fullness of God. To schedule the blessing of your home, please use the form in the weekly Bulletin or call the church office at 617 547-1234.
PASTORAL CHALLENGES IN MARRIAGE - The Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is hosting a conference at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, next Thursday through Saturday, February 7-9, 2013, to inspire and equip those in the front lines of ministry with tools and resources to effectively serve the pastoral challenges of marriage they encounter. The conference is open to clergy, seminarians, pastoral care workers, professional counselors, ministry leaders, and all who minister to Orthodox Christian couples. Speakers include our own bishop, His Grace, Bishop John (D.Min.), Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald (M.Div., Ph.D.), and Ary Christofidis (Ph.D., LCP). For more information and to register, see http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/family/pc2013conf.
TEEN SOYO – Teens are welcome to attend an evening of discussion and fun after vespers next Saturday, February 9 (from after vespers till 8:30 pm). We'll have guests from the Crossroad Summer Program, pizza, and snacks. Feel free to bring a friend. Last year's event was a great success and everyone had a great time. We'll be talking about life, the future, and vocation!
TEEN SOYO BREAKFAST SEARCH – Teens and young adults are welcome to join St. Mary's 2nd Breakfast Search after liturgy next Sunday, February 10 (note new date). We will get a brief orientation by Theo Smith and will head out into the streets of Cambridge to provide smiles and doughnuts to those in need of either! Please consider joining us, as the last event was a huge success!
ST. MARY’S GOT TALENT – Wanted: performers (singers, instrumentalists, bands, dancers, stand-up comedy) - contact Julie (julie31415pi@gmail.com)
Wanted: art to display (painters, drawers, sculptors, needlework) - contact Julie (julie31415pi@gmail.com)
Wanted: bakers (so the audience can buy dessert to eat while enjoying the show) - contact Julie (julie31415pi@gmail.com)
Wanted: an audience - plan to join us on the evening of Saturday, February 16, after vespers. More information to come. Note: this event is not a competition, it is a talent expo.
CHINESE NEW YEAR BREAKFAST– Join the FSJD for the 2013 Chinese New Year Missions Breakfast, to benefit the Chinese Translation Project via the Orthodox Fellowship of All Saints of China (OFASC), on Sunday, February 17. Suggested minimum donation is $5.00 per adult. RSVP to Nelson Mitrophan Chin at mitrophan@orthodox.cn by Wednesday, February 13.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE WINTER CAMP – Winter Camp is a weekend of fun and spiritual growth at the Antiochian Village Camp, and is open to all campers in grades 7-12. It is held over Presidents Day holiday weekend, February 15-18, 2013. For more information and to register, see http://antiochianvillage.org/camp/programs/wintercamp.html.
PRE-LENTEN RETREAT – The Antiochian Women of the
Diocese invite you to a Pre-Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 2, 2013,
at St. George Church in Norwood. Featured speakers will be
father-daughter team, Dr. John Dalack and Kh. Laila Ellias, who will
talk about “Slow to
Anger” (see James 1:19-20). To register, send $15 registration fee
per person, payable to Antiochian Women – DOWNE, to Kh. Erin Kimmett,
17 Austin Street, Norwood, MA 02062. Lunch is included. All (men as
well as women) are welcome. Note – advance registration, by February 24, is required.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE SUMMER CAMP – Summer Camp registration for 2013 is now open. For information see http://antiochianvillage.org/camp/programs/summercamp.html To register see http://antiochianvillage.org/camp/programs/registration.html. Please don't wait to register - camp fills up very quickly. Please note that you are not registered until you have paid the $100 deposit and receive a confirmation email. Also note that to take advantage of the early-bird discount you must have your camper tuition fees paid in full by March 1st. Scholarships are available – contact Fr. Antony.
WINTER CAMP AT ST. METHODIOS – We are invited to participate in camps for Youth ages 12-18 (February 15-18) and for Families (March 1-3) at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH, sponsored by the Metropolis of Boston. For information and registration see http://www.boston.goarch.org/youth_ministries/mbc/winter_camps.html Registration is open now.
REAL BREAK – This spring, be a light to the world! Real Break is a popular alternative to the traditional spring break for college students. Entering its 12th year, OCF Real Break continues to offer transformative, priest-led trips both domestically and internationally. To find detailed information regarding the Real Break trips in March 2013 and to register, please visit www.ocf.net/realbreak. Be a part of this year's life-changing week-long Real Break experience.
FAMILY MISSION TO ALBANIA – All Orthodox Christians from North America who have experience with children are invited to prayerfully consider helping with a family retreat program in Albania this coming July, sponsored jointly by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care. Families with children, couples, and individuals are encouraged to apply. The mission will be led by our own Panayiotis and Shannon Sakellariou. For more information see http://www.ocmc.org/resources/view_article.aspx?ArticleId=899
PLEDGE CARDS – If you have not yet made your pledge for 2013, please return your signed card right away. Or you can make your pledge online at https://www.stmaryorthodoxchurch.org/ministries/stewardship.php
REGULAR REMINDERS
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.”
If you missed the opportunity to contribute to some of the special
collections held recently, you can still do so online – Special
Categories have been set up in eGive for these one-time donations.
Parishioners can also use their credit cards to make one-time donations on our website: https://www.stmaryorthodoxchurch.org/contact/donate.php Just type the donation target (e.g. Hurricane Sandy) in the Additional Notes area.
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.
PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES – Please do not leave valuables unattended in the Church Hall or Coat Room.
CONFESSIONS – Confessions are heard each Saturday evening before and after Vespers, which start at 5:00 pm, or by appointment.
PARKING – If you park in the Church parking lot, you need to plan on remaining until after the Coffee Hour or other church function. Do not park in the Church parking lot if you need to leave immediately after church.
Additionally, do not park beyond the sign that prohibits parking at
the corner of Inman Street and Bishop Allen Drive. It is difficult for
large vehicles to turn the corner if cars are parked there. Failure to
heed this warning may result in the City preventing parishioners from
parking on Inman Street. Your cooperation is appreciated.
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:
BECOME A GREETER – If you do not sing in the choir, or chant, serve in the Altar or at the Bengarri, and are not a Church School teacher, please consider serving the Church as a GREETER! Greeters arrive at 9:45 am., get a Greeter Name Tag from the Bengarri, pin it on and greet visitors/parishioners at the Church Entrance and direct them upstairs to the Church, or to the CloakRoom or RestRooms. Greeting time ends when Communion starts. Send your name and e-mail address to Buddy Mabardy: buddymabardy@cjmabardy.com or phone him 781-729-6303.
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: Martin Scrivener and Meg Butler
COFFEE HOUR: Ann Bezzerides, Andrea Jabbour, Tom Perkins and Shannon Sakellariou,
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK
Friday, February 1: Evening Liturgy for the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple 6:30 pm
Saturday, February 2: Great Vespers 5:00 pm
Sunday, February 3: Orthros 8:45 am; Enquirers’ Class 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy 10:00 am; Church School Lesson 14
SCRIPTURE READINGS for Sunday, February 3:
Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 4:9-15
Timothy, my son … Command and teach these things. Let no one despise
your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in
love, in faith, in purity. … Practice these duties, devote yourself to
them, so that all may see your progress.
Gospel: Luke 19:1-10
A lawyer asked him a question, to test him. "Teacher, which is the great
commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord
your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it,
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments
depend all the law and the prophets."
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday, February 9: Great Vespers 5:00 pm, followed by Teen SOYO gathering
Sunday, February 10: Orthros 8:45 am; Enquirers’ Class 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy 10:00 am; Church School Lesson 15
Saturday, February 16: Great Vespers 5:00 pm, followed by St. Mary’s Got Talent
Sunday, February 17: Chinese New Year Missions Breakfast, sponsored by FSJD; no Church School
Saturday, March 2: Antiochian Women 2013 Pre-Lenten Retreat
Sunday, March 10: FSJD Meatfare Sunday Breakfast following Liturgy
Monday, March 18: Lent begins
REFLECTION
It is impossible that one who has turned to the world and feels its
anxieties, and engages his heart in the wish to please men, can fulfill
that first and great commandment of the Master, "You shall love God with
all your heart and with all your strength."
- St. Gregory of Nyssa
Love does not depend on time, and the power of love continues always.
There are some who believe that the Lord suffered death for love of man
but because they do not attain to this love in their own souls it seems
to them that it is an old story of bygone days. But when the soul knows
the love of God by the Holy Spirit she feels without a shadow of doubt
that the Lord is our Father, the closest, the best and dearest of
fathers, and there is no greater happiness than to love God with all our
hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds, according to the
Lord's commandment, and our neighbor as ourself. And when this love is
in the soul, everything rejoices her; but when it is lost sight of man
cannot find peace, and is troubled, and blames others as if they had
done him an injury, and does not realize that he himself is at fault –
he has lost his love for God and has accused or conceived hatred for his
brother.
- St. Silouan the Athonite
He that loves Me, says the Lord, will keep My Commandments; and "this is
My commandment, that you love one another.” He therefore who does not
love his neighbor does not keep the commandment. Nor is he that does not
keep the commandment able to love the Lord.
- St. Maximos the Confessor
He who relies on theoretical knowledge alone is not yet a faithful
servant: a faithful servant is one who expresses his faith in Christ
through obedience to His commandments.
- St. Mark the Ascetic
If people kept Christ's commandments there would be paradise on earth,
and with little labor every man would suffice his needs, and the Spirit
of God would live in the souls of men, for He Himself seeks us and would
dwell in us, and if He does not take up His abode in us it is only
because of the proudness of our minds.
- St. Silouan the Athonite