Acts 20:16-18, 28-36, John 17:1-13
It is so easy to diminish ourselves by serving the false gods of pleasure, power, and pride. It is so tempting to allow our pursuit of these passions to obscure the holy calling that we have as those created in the image and likeness of God. Our Lord’s Ascension into heaven, forty days after His resurrection, makes clear that we find true fulfillment as human beings by participating in His blessed, eternal life. Anything else falls well short. Continue reading
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SUNDAY 21 MAY
† Sunday of the Blind Man | John 9:1-38
† Constantine and Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles
• 7.30 – 11.00am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
• 10.30 – 11.00am Sunday School Classes
This week’s readings:
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∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼
Nowadays people often feel sadness, despair, lethargy, laziness, apathy, and all things satanic. They are downcast, discontent and melancholy. They disregard their families, spend vast sums on psychoanalysts and take anti-depressants. People explain this as ‘insecurity.’ Our religion believes that these states derive from satanic temptation. Continue reading
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Sometimes we are all set our sights too low, expecting too little of ourselves and others. When we do so, we sell ourselves short and do a disservice not only to ourselves but to everyone around us. When we aim low, we can’t expect to achieve high goals. The season of the Ascension is a powerful antidote to such low expectations, for it reveals the great glory and dignity that Jesus Christ has given us. Through His Ascension, we are raised with Him literally to the heights of the heavenly Kingdom. Continue reading
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ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤH! CHRIST IS ARISEN!
SUNDAY 14 MAY
† Sunday of the Samaritan Woman | John 4:5-42
† Martyr Isidore
• 7.30 – 11.00am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
• 10.30 – 11.00am Sunday School Classes
This week’s readings:
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Metropolitan Anthony Sourozh
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost
The Holy Gospel has not given us the name of the Samaritan woman. But the Tradition of the Church remembers, and calls her in Greek – Photini, in Russian – Svetlana, in the Celtic languages – Fiona, in Western languages – Claire. And all these names speak to us of one thing – of light. Continue reading
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∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼
Understand two thoughts, and fear them. One says, “You are a saint,” the other, “You won’t be saved.” Both of these thoughts are from the enemy, and there is no truth in them. But think this way: I am a great sinner, but the Lord is merciful. He loves people very much, and He will forgive my sins.
– St. Silouan the Athonite, Writings, XVII.1
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Without temptations, it is not possible to learn the wisdom of the Spirit. It is not possible that Divine love be strengthened in your soul. Before temptations, a man prays to God as a stranger. When temptations are allowed to come by the love of God, and he does not give in to them, then he stands before God as a sincere friend. For in fulfilling the will of God, he has made war on the enemy of God and conquered him.
– St. Isaac the Syrian, Homilies, 5
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SUNDAY 7 MAY
† Sunday of the Paralytic | John 5:1-15
† Appearance of the Sign of the Cross
• 7.30 – 11.00am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
• 10.30 – 11.00am Sunday School Classes
This week’s reading:
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The Brunswick & Coburg Young Adults & Married Couples Group meets every second Tuesday in the Coffee Room at St Vasilios Church, 15-19 Staley St, Brunswick. The meeting dates for the remainder of the year are listed below, so put them in your diary and hope to see you there!
MAY 16, 30
JUNE 13, 27
JULY 11, 25
AUGUST 1, 29
SEPTEMBER 12, 26
OCTOBER 10, 24
NOVEMBER 7, 21
DECEMBER 12
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Join us every Thursday evening from 8.00pm – 9.00pm. Click on image for more info.
God is greater! Greater than your illness whatever it may be. Greater than your deepest disappointment. Greater than your greatest worry. Greater than your worst enemy. Greater than your most difficult problem. Greater than life. Greater than death. God is greater! Believe it! Live by it! Affirm it! Claim it by faith and use it as a pillow to rest your weary soul. God is greater! If your God is not greater, then the God you believe in is too small. He is not the God the Church believes in. ~ St Isaac the Syrian
Bring your children along to learn of their rich Orthodox faith and to come close to God and His Love.
Join us every Tuesday for the Orthodox Youth Group of Brunswick & Coburg.
St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 