Monthly Archives: October 2016

October 29, 2016 · 6:23 pm

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

As every of Christ’s parables of the judgement today’s parable has got a very simple aspect and at the same time should be reflected on a deeper level.

The simple aspect is this: you have had on earth all that was good, Lazarus has had nothing; he therefore receives in eternity all the goods which he has lacked on earth and you are deprived of it. But this is not the real and deeper meaning of it.

Who is this rich man? It is a man who not only possessed all that the earth could give him: wealth, a good name, a status among his follow citizens; it is a man who craved for nothing else. All he wanted, all he needed was material wealth, a good standing among men, reverence, admiration, a slavish obedience of those who were under him. Continue reading →

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October 29, 2016 · 6:17 pm

St. John of Kronstadt

∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼

A man becomes spiritual insofar as he lives a spiritual life. He begins to see God in all things, to see His power and might in every manifestation. Always and everywhere he sees himself abiding in God and dependent on God for all things.

But insofar as a man lives a bodily life, so much he does do bodily things; He doesn’t see God in anything, even in the most wondrous manifestations of His Divine power. In all things he sees body, material, everywhere and always – “God is not before his eyes.” (Ps. 35:2)

St. John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ, I.5

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October 29, 2016 · 6:08 pm

WEEKLY PROGRAM | 23 – 29 OCTOBER

SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER
† 6th Sunday of Luke | Luke 8: 26-39
† St James, Brother of the Lord
• 7.30 – 11.00am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
• 10.30 – 11.00am Sunday School for ages ranging 5 to 17 yrs.
Lessons take place in the building behind the church and begin at the time of Holy Communion until Church dismissal. Lessons are taught in a relaxed, friendly environment. Please bring your children along to learn of their rich Orthodox faith and come close to God and His Love.
• 11.00am – 12.00pm After Church each Sunday, join us in our Coffee Room.

This week’s readings:

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October 22, 2016 · 8:32 pm

Orthodox Homily on Demons and Halloween

6th Sunday of Luke

Christ’s last commandments to His Disciples, the Holy Apostles, before His Ascension was “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matt. 28:19-20). The Apostles and their descendants have carried out this holy mission since that time, planting the cross of Christ throughout the world, bringing the truth and new life in Christ to all peoples. It’s also been the teaching of the Church since that time that the Orthodox Faith is sent to transform and transfigure a culture, a people, through baptism. As Orthodox, we do not destroy the cultures we evangelize, we redeem them. We bring the light of Christ to them and expel the evil from them while recognizing their distinct identity within the larger Body of Christ. Continue reading →

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October 22, 2016 · 8:28 pm

Paths to Salvation

∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼

If you want to attain salvation, learn and keep in your heart all that the holy Church teaches and, receiving heavenly power from the mysteries of the Church, walk the path of Christ’s commandments, under the direction of lawful pastors, and you will undoubtedly attain the Heavenly Kingdom and be saved.

All of this is naturally necessary in the matter of salvation, necessary in its entirety and for all. Whoever rejects or neglects any part of it has no salvation.

+ St. Theophan the Recluse, Five Teachings on the Path to Salvation, 3

Sinners that repent are still saved; both publicans and fornicators cleansed by repentance enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

The compassionate God still calls to Himself all that have turned away, and He awaits them and promises them mercy.

The loving Father still receives His prodigal sons come back from a far country and He opens the doors of His house and clothes them in the best robe, and gives them each a ring on their hand and shoes on their feet and commands all the saints to rejoice in them.

+ St. Tikhon of Zadonsk: Journey to Heaven, Part II: The Way of Salvation

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October 22, 2016 · 8:14 pm

WEEKLY PROGRAM | 16 – 22 OCTOBER

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER
† 4th Sunday of Luke | Luke 8: 5-15
† Sunday of the Seventh Ecumenical Council
• 7.30 – 11.00am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
• 10.30 – 11.00am Sunday School for ages ranging 5 to 17 yrs.
Lessons take place in the building behind the church and begin at the time of Holy Communion until Church dismissal. Lessons are taught in a relaxed, friendly environment. Please bring your children along to learn of their rich Orthodox faith and come close to God and His Love.
• 11.00am – 12.00pm After Church each Sunday, join us in our Coffee Room.

This week’s readings:

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October 15, 2016 · 6:23 pm

The Parable of the Sower

An Orthodox Homily for the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

Mark Twain is supposed to have said that “it’s not the parts of the Bible I don’t understand that bother me; it’s the parts that I do understand.” In other words, we have more than enough already to stay busy with in the Christian life—we don’t need to go looking for new challenges.

Christ Himself reminded the Apostles that He had already taught them all that they should need: “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.” And though we find it hard to believe, that statement now applies to all of us who have entered into the fullness of the Orthodox Church. We share, with all the other members of the Body, the great responsibility of being faithful to what the Lord has revealed. Today’s gospel text reminds us all of the importance of being responsible for what we have received, for growing in the faith and bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. Continue reading →

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October 15, 2016 · 6:11 pm

St. Isaac the Syrian

∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼

In all things that you find in the Holy Scriptures, seek out the purpose of the words, that you may enter into the depth of the thoughts of the saints and understand them with greater exactness.

Do not approach the reading of the Divine Scriptures without prayer and asking the help of God. Consider prayer to be the key to the true understanding of that which is said in the Holy Scriptures.

+ St. Isaac the Syrian, Sermon 1.85

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October 15, 2016 · 6:00 pm

WEEKLY PROGRAM | 9 – 15 OCTOBER

SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER
† 3rd Sunday of Luke | Luke 7: 11-16
† Holy Apostle James
• 7.30 – 11.00am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
• 10.30 – 11.00am Sunday School for ages ranging 5 to 17 yrs.
Lessons take place in the building behind the church and begin at the time of Holy Communion until Church dismissal. Lessons are taught in a relaxed, friendly environment. Please bring your children along to learn of their rich Orthodox faith and come close to God and His Love.
• 11.00am – 12.00pm After Church each Sunday, join us in our Coffee Room.

This week’s readings:

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October 8, 2016 · 6:27 pm

WEEKLY PROGRAM | 2 – 8 OCTOBER

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER
† 2nd Sunday of Luke | Luke 6: 31-36
† Saints Cyprian and Justina, Martyrs
• 7.30 – 11.00am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
• 10.30 – 11.00am Sunday School for ages ranging 5 to 17 yrs.
Lessons take place in the building behind the church and begin at the time of Holy Communion until Church dismissal. Lessons are taught in a relaxed, friendly environment. Please bring your children along to learn of their rich Orthodox faith and come close to God and His Love.
• 9.30 – 11.30am Philoptohos Cake Stall (first Sunday of every month)
• 11.00am – 12.00pm After Church each Sunday, join us in our Coffee Room.

This week’s readings:

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