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April 23rd, 2010
St. George the Great Martyr
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission
The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
The Meaning of The Gospel.
Rightly is Matthew’s work called gospel/evangelion which signifies removal of punishment, remission of sins….…what then could ever be equal to these good tidings? God on earth, man in heaven; and all became mingled together, angels joined the chorus of men, men had fellowship with the angels, and with the other powers above: and one might see the long war brought to an end, and reconciliation between God and our nature, the devil brought to shame, demons in flight, death destroyed, Paradise opened, the curse blotted out, sin put out of the way, error driven off, truth returning, the word of godliness everywhere sown, and flourishing in its growth and the polity of those above planted on the earth, those powers in secure intercourse with us, and on earth angels continually haunting, and hope abundant touching things to come. St. John Chrysostom, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily 1 Feast of St. George
To read about the life of St. George go here. Humor for the end of the week.
The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. Unfortunately, tailgating, Barbara was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as Barbara missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, ”I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday-School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally….. I assumed you had stolen the car.” (Thanks to Fr. Josiah for sending this out on his blog)
Upcoming Services with a Priest
This Sunday April 25th Orthros 9 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am. Saturday May 15th nd Sunday May 23rd.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services)
Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m.
Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me.
Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station
2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C
Tupelo, MS 38801
Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050
St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East
April 20th, 2010 Saint Theodore the Hair-Shirt Wearer
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
News From the Orthodox World
Establishment of a new Orthodox Nonprofit The Orthodox Christian Translation Society held its first fundraising event at St. John Orthodox Church in Memphis, TN this last Saturday night. I was present to hear about this new and exciting organization who's aim is to increase the translation of Orthodox material into all languages. Their mission statement reads: Orthodox Christian Translation Society (OCTS) works for the spiritual edification of Orthodox Christians worldwide by supporting the creation of quality translations of valuable Orthodox Christian writings from project conception to publication and distribution.
Please visit their website at: http://www.orthodoxtranslations.org/ . This is a worthy organization to support.
What Russian soccer fans were chanting during a game shortly after Pascha- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WotZUI2hurM&feature=player_embedded
The Orthodox Church in Israel http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Features/Article.aspx?id=172224
Pictures from Holy Week and Pascha http://www.antiochian.org/node/22601 http://www.antiochianladiocese.org/news_100414_1.html
Pictures of the Construction of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside, CA. In the pictures you will see His Grace Bp. Joseph who ordained me, and my Spiritual Father, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Pastor of St. Andrew's. I hope these pictures inspire you in your work of establishing a Church in Tupelo! http://www.antiochianladiocese.org/news_100403_1.html
Upcoming Services with a Priest This Sunday April 25th Orthros 9 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am. Saturday May 15th nd Sunday May 23rd.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East April 6th 2010
Bright Tuesday
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission
Christ is Risen! Hristos a inviat! El Messiah kahm! Helisituosi fuhuole! Kriste ahzdkhah!
Paschal Letter of His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV ______________________________ No: 1041/3 Easter 2010 Christ is risen. Christ is risen from the dead. He arose victorious as He trampled down Death and shattered its shackles. His victory was accomplished through love and gentleness, not through the sword. Hence, His victory will be understood only by those who come to Him with love and the gentleness of a lamb. It is through love that Christ will prevail in the world. This is the Day of our Lord, let us celebrate it with joy. This is the Day of our Victory. This is the Day in which Death, with its terrible power, was trampled upon and humiliated. And the sun has shone with its brilliant light, and all things are transformed by shedding their old and antiquated forms. Today, there is no more reason to grieve because the great enemy has been crushed, and the Kingdom of God has prevailed for all time. The Church today is made ecstatic by the Resurrection of Christ. The angels in heaven and the faithful on earth all proclaim in jubilation “Christ is risen, praise the Lord – Christ is risen. Glory be to Thy Holy Resurrection.” Let all humanity proclaim with us “Indeed, He is risen.” In this spirit, I am pleased to greet you and to share with you the joy of this great feast of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us with joy celebrate a new beginning. IGNATIUS IV Patriarch of Antioch and all the East”
Upcoming Services with a Priest
Bright Saturday April 10th, Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am.
Sunday April 25th.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services)
Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m.
Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me.
Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station
2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C
Tupelo, MS 38801
Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050
St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East
March 30th 2010 Great and Holy Tuesday Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
Schedule at St. John Orthodox Church in Memphis for Holy Week and Bright Week
*For those who are interested in carpooling (or caravaning, if we have more than a car-full) to Memphis this Wednesday for Holy Unction, please meet at Paul Sudduth's house at 4:00PM, to leave shortly thereafter. If anyone has any questions, they can contact Paul Sudduth or Joel Berry.
Upcoming Services with a Priest Bright Saturday April 10th, and Sunday April 25th.
There will be no Reader Services this week or weekend at St. Paul Mission. All are encouraged to attend Holy Week Services in Memphis at St. John Orthodox Church, Holy Annunciation Greek Orthdox Church, or St. Seraphim Orthodox Church.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) To Resume April 7th Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East
March 26th 2010
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
On Prayer St. John Chrysostom, Hom I on Richman & Lazarus p 25 The End of Great Lent Great Lent has ended for us today at the passing of the 9th hour of the day, (3 p:m). We now look to a festive pause before Holy week, were we remember the raising of Lazarus tomorrow, celebrating the Divine Liturgy at St. John in Memphis at 9 a.m., and our Saviors triumphal entry into Jerusalem this Sunday. Though Lent has ended we continue to fast, but are allowed Fish on Sunday. A blessed weekend to you all
Upcoming Services with a Priest Bright Saturday April 10th, and Sunday April 25th.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East
March 19th 2010 The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
Confession as a Beginning. Confession is the beginning of glory, not the full desert of the crown; nor does it perfect our praise, but it initiates our dignity; and since it is written, “He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved,” (Matt 10:22) Whatever has been before the end is a step by which we ascend to the summit of salvation, not a terminus wherein the full result of the ascent is already gained. St. Cyprian of Carthage
News Here is an 60 Minutes interview with Maria Khoury on the Last Christians in the Holy Land.
Upcoming Services with a Priest This Sunday March 21st, Saturday April 10th, and Sunday April 25th. Confessions will be heard during Orthros on Sunday
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
March 17th 2010 St. Alexis, Man of God, St Patrick Enlightener of Ireland
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you! On Baptism and Sin. Just as a newborn infant has received potential from his parents to become a man and heir to their house and fortune, but does not yet possess that inheritance because he is a minor, nor will he receive it if he dies before coming of age, so a person born again in the Spirit through Christian baptism has received power to become a son and heir of God, a joint-heir with Christ and in the age to come he will, with all certainty, receive the divine and immortal adoption as a son, which will not be taken from him, unless he has forfeited this by spiritual death. Sin is spiritual death, and whereas physical death is annulled when the future age arrives, spiritual death is confirmed for those who bring it with them from here. St. Gregory Palamas, Homily 57 Confession During Great Lent It is appropriate to make confession during Great Lent and in all the fasting seasons of the year. If you have not made your confession and would like to please make arrangements with myself or the priest you regularly confess to. Confession is a normal part of the life of an Orthodox Christian, and Christ has given us this sacrament as a means to renew us and return us to the purity of life we received in Baptism.
Upcoming Services with a Priest This Sunday March 21st, Saturday April 10th, and Sunday April 25th.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
March 12th 2010 St. Gregory Pope of Rome
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission. The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
This evening at 6 pm there will be Little Complain with the Akathist to the Theotokos. This service is traditionally done on Fridays of the first 4 weeks of Great Lent. It will be a readers service since I will not be there. But if you can come and pray this evening, please do.
Forgive me Fr. Nicholas St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
March 2nd 2010 St. Hesychius the Martyr
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
The Primary Aim of Fasting The primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God. If practiced seriously, the Lenten abstinence from food- particularly in the opening days- involves a considerable measure of real hunger, and also a feeling of tiredness and physical exhaustion. The purpose of this is to lead us in turn to a sense of inward brokenness and contrition; to bring us, that is, to the point where we appreciate the full force of Christ’s statement, ‘Without Me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5). If we always take our fill of food and drink, we easily grow over-confident in our abilities, acquiring a false sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency. The observance of a physical fast undermines this sinful complacency. From the chapter on fasting in the Lenten Triodion, STS Press.
Article on the Conversion to Holy Orthodoxy of a UK Muslim Leader http://www.aoiusa.org/blog/2010/02/a-muslim-preacher-converts-to-orthodoxy/
Upcoming Services with a Priest Thursday March 4th. Lenten Vespers 5:30, Great Compline 6:15 followed by a discussion on Great Lent with Fr. Nicholas. (Simple lenten potluck to follow Great Compline) Sundays March 7th and 21st.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
February 26th 2010 St. Photini The Woman at the Well Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
St. Photini the Woman at the Well.
A very happy names day to all of our Photinis in the mission! For more information on St. Photini go to http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/photini.htm
Upcoming Services with a Priest Thursday March 4th. Lenten Vespers 5:30, Great Compline 6:15 followed by a discussion on Great Lent with Fr. Nicholas. (Simple lenten potluck to follow Great Compline) Sundays March 7th and 21st.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East. February 24th 2010 The First & Second Finding of the Head of St. John the Baptist
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
Christ's Work and our work in Great Lent. When Thou wast crucified in the flesh, O Lord, Thou hast crucified our fallen nature with Thyself; when Thy side was pierced by the spear, Thou hast pierced the serpent that destroyed mankind. Nail my flesh with the fear of Thee and wound my soul with Thy love, that, gazing on Thy Passion, in abstinence I may pass through the appointed time of the Fast, governing not my stomach only, buy all the other entrances of sin. Repenting over my past sins, may I offer Thee in sacrifice a humble spirit and a contrite heart. O deliver me from my offences in Thy love for mankind. From Vespers for Tuesday of the second week of Great Lent
News
Upcoming Services with a Priest Thursday March 4th. Lenten Vespers 5:30, Great Compline 6:15 followed by a discussion on Great Lent with Fr. Nicholas. (Would anyone be willing to organize a lenten potluck for Thursday night?) Sundays March 7th and 21st.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East. February 1st 2010 The Forefeast of the Meeting of our Lord in The Temple
Dear Faithful of St. Paul Mission The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!
On Fasting The purpose of fasting is to focus on the things of God’s Kingdom and be freed from dependence on worldly things. Fasting in itself is not a means of pleasing God. Fasting is not a punishment for our sins. Nor is fasting a means of suffering and pain to be undertaken as some kind of atonement. Christ already redeemed us on His Cross. Salvation is a gift from God that is not bought by our hunger or thirst. We fast to be delivered from carnal passions so that God’s gift of Salvation may bear great fruit in our lives. We fast and turn our eyes toward God in His Holy Church. Fasting and Prayer are meant to go together. Most of all, it is important that we do not eat each other. We ask God to “set a watch and keep the door of our lips.” Fasting is not irrelevant, is not obsolete, is not something for someone else. Fasting is from God, for us, right here, right now. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others and not holding ourselves up as an example. From the St. Raphael Clergy Brotherhood website.
The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple February 2nd Forty days after His birth the God-Infant was taken to the Jerusalem Temple, the center of the nation's religious life. According to the Law of Moses (Lev. 12:2-8), a woman who gave birth to a male child was forbidden to enter the Temple of God for forty days. At the end of this time the mother came to the Temple with the child, to offer a young lamb or pigeon to the Lord as a purification sacrifice. The Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God, had no need of purification, since she had given birth to the Source of purity and sanctity without defilement. However, she humbly fulfilled the requirements of the Law. (From OCA.org) Readers Great Vespers for the Feast will be served tonight at the Mission at 6 pm.
Upcoming Services with a Priest Soul Saturday February 6th: Orthros 9 am, Divinel Liturgy 10 am. *Note on Soul Saturdays: The day before the third pre-Lenten Sunday is one of several Souls Saturdays which the Church appoints for a general commemoration of all the Departed. It is traditional to offer Kollyva and bring the names of the departed faithful to be prayed for. For more information on Kollyva and how to make it please visit http://www.stbasiltroy.org/form/kollyva.pdf
House Blessings Continue. Your last chance to have your homes blessed this year will be after Liturgy on February 6th. Please call me at 901 590 9050 to schedule your house blessing. I will be away from the office all week beginning Tuesday.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East. January 26th 2010
Venerable Xenaphon and his Relatives
On Humility
Whereas humility is the virtue of the good angels, and defeats any human evil that comes upon fallen mankind. Humility is the chariot by which we ascend to God, like those clouds which are to carry up to God those who would dwell for endless ages with Him, as foretold by the apostle: “We shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess, 4:17). Humility is the same as such a cloud. It is formed by repentance, releases streams of tears; brings out the worthy from among the unworthy and leads them up to unite them with God, justified by His free gift for the gratitude of their free disposition. St. Gregory Palamas, Homily 2 News from the Orthodox World
23/1/2010 BELGRADE — The new patriarch, Bishop Irinej of Niš, was enthroned on Saturday, January 23, in Belgrade’s Cathedral Church, following the morning service. Bishop Irinej also led the morning liturgy before the enthronement. He was elected on Friday by the Electoral Synod of the Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) as the new patriarch. According to church law, he must be enthroned the day after being elected. “The holy, official act of enthroning is done in the Peć patriarchy monastery, but that is not related to the deadline, and that deadline will be determined later in accordance with the decision of the patriarch himself, and the Synod,” Irinej said earlier regarding the protocol. The new patriarch arrived to the church just before 9:00 CET, accompanied by senior officials of the SPC. The enthronement was attended by Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković, Parliamentary Speaker Slavica Đukić Dejanović, Belgrade Mayor Dragan Đilas, Presidential advisor Mlađan Đorđević and Republic of Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. Also in attendance were Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević, Belgrade Archbishop Stanislav Hočevar, Apostolic Nuncio Orlando Antonini, Islamic Community of Serbia Mufti Muhamed Jusufspahić and Reis-ul-ulema Adem Zilkić, and former Serbian prime minister and former Niš mayor Zoran Živković. There were also many citizens in attendance. Snaps: www.daylife.com
Upcoming Services with a Priest
Saturdays February 6th, and 20th
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services)
Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m.
Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me.
Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station
2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C
Tupelo, MS 38801
Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050
St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
January 20th 2010 St. Euthymius the Great
How we are to live in a place. We must never admit evil thoughts that fill us with sorrow and hatred for the place in which we live, and suggest that we go somewhere else. If someone tries to do something good in the place where he lives but fails to complete it, he should not think that he will accomplish it elsewhere. It is not the place that produces success, but faith and a firm will. A tree which is often transplanted does not bear fruit. St. Euthymius the Great.
Upcoming Service with a Priest Divine Liturgy this Sunday January 24th 10 a.m., Orthros precedes at 9 a.m.. Sunday is the feast of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg. I know many of you have a strong devotion to St. Xenia. It is customary to show ones devotion by being in Church on the feast of the Saints that you feel closest to, to learn about them, show them your respect and to beseech them for their intersessions before the Lord. It is also a nice thing to bring flowers to decorate the icon of that particular saint that you love. For more information on St. Xenia see the following links: orthodoxwiki.org/Xenia_of_St._Petersburg, www.stxenia.org/stxenia.html St. Xenia of St. Petersburg
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
January 6th 2009
The Holy Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ
A Blessed Feasts To All!
Theophany is the Feast which reveals the Most Holy Trinity to the world through the Baptism of the Lord (Mt.3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). God the Father spoke from Heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized by the St John the Forerunner, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the Son in the form of a dove. From ancient times this Feast was called the Day of Illumination and the Feast of Lights, since God is Light and has appeared to illumine "those who sat in darkness," and "in the region of the shadow of death" (Mt.4:16), and to save the fallen race of mankind by grace. (From OCA.org Feasts and Saints page)
Upcoming Service with a Priest Divine Liturgy this Saturday January 9th at 10 a.m., Orthros precedes at 9 a.m.. If you would like Holy Water please bring a container to take some home with. The container you use should be used exclusively for Holy Water only. If you do not have one find a nice glass bottle (does not have to have been made for Holy Water initially) that is able to be closed and use it from now on.
House Blessings From the Feast of Theophany tell the beginning of Great Lent it is traditional for Orthodox Christians to have their homes blessed by a priest with the "Jordan Water" blessed at the Feast of Theophany. I will be able to bless homes this Saturday after the Divine Liturgy as well as on the afternoons of Sunday January 24th and Saturday February 6th. Please let me know as soon as possible which of those dates would work for your family. In none will work please contact me so other arrangements can be made.
Instructions For House Blessings From +Bishop Basil of Wichita. During the days following the Feast of the Theophany (January 6th), it is customary for the Priest to visit the homes of his parishioners, bringing with him the “Jordan Water” for the traditional Theophany House Blessing. All who reside in the household should make every effort to be present for the Blessing.
In anticipation of the arrival of the Priest to the house, the lampada, hand-censer and incense in the family’s icon corner should be prepared. (If there is no icon corner, a small table should be placed on the eastern wall of the main room of the dwelling; the table, covered with a white cloth, should be set with one or more icons standing upright, a candle in a candlestand, a hand-censer and incense). A small bowl along with several sprigs of evergreen bound together with a ribbon should also be placed in the icon corner (or on the table), along with a clearly printed list of the Baptismal names of the members of the household.
Upon the arrival of the Priest, he is to be greeted by all of the family members, each of whom asks the Priest’s blessing and reverences his right hand. Then a family member lights the lampada (or candle) and hand-censer and turns off all televisions, radios, etc. in the home. Lights should be turned on in all the rooms of the house that are to be blessed. Then the entire family gathers with the Priest before the icon corner (or table) to begin the Theophany House Blessing.
Regular Services without a Priest (Reader Services) Wednesdays: Readers Vespers, 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9th hour & Readers Great Vespers, 6 p.m. Sundays: Hours and Typica, 10 a.m.
Forgive me. Fr. Nicholas
St. Paul Orthodox Christian Mission Station 2436 1/2 West Main St. Suite C Tupelo, MS 38801 Fr. Nicholas Meyers: (901) 590-9050 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it St. Paul's is a Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which is an Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
This coming Sunday, December 20th, is the Name’s Day of our Father-in-God Patriarch Ignatius IV, the feast of the Holy Hieromartyr Ignatius of Antioch who is called “the God-bearer.” For a video collage of photos of His Beatitude, accompanied by the chanting of the Patriarchal Polychronion by Metropolitan Ilyas Kurban (of thrice-blessed memory) of the Archdiocese of Tripoli, al-Koura and Dependencies, go tohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHuhFqTofCA&feature=related |
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February 15, 2010
Paschal Letter of His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV
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No: 1041/3
Easter 2010
Christ is risen.
Christ is risen from the dead. He arose victorious as He trampled down Death and shattered its shackles. His victory was accomplished through love and gentleness, not through the sword. Hence, His victory will be understood only by those who come to Him with love and the gentleness of a lamb. It is through love that Christ will prevail in the world.
This is the Day of our Lord, let us celebrate it with joy. This is the Day of our Victory. This is the Day in which Death, with its terrible power, was trampled upon and humiliated. And the sun has shone with its brilliant light, and all things are transformed by shedding their old and antiquated forms. Today, there is no more reason to grieve because the great enemy has been crushed, and the Kingdom of God has prevailed for all time. The Church today is made ecstatic by the Resurrection of Christ. The angels in heaven and the faithful on earth all proclaim in jubilation “Christ is risen, praise the Lord – Christ is risen. Glory be to Thy Holy Resurrection.” Let all humanity proclaim with us “Indeed, He is risen.” In this spirit, I am pleased to greet you and to share with you the joy of this great feast of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let us with joy celebrate a new beginning.
IGNATIUS IV
Patriarch of Antioch and all the East”