It is so easy for human beings to find a way to keep score, to focus on where we stand in relation to other individuals and groups. We probably do that in order to feel better about ourselves along the lines of “Well, at least I am not as bad as they are.” Continue reading
Gratitude, Humility, and Obedience: Homily for the 12th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church
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THE CHILDREN’S WORD…Saying ‘Thank you’
Thank you…for everything!
When do you say “thank you” to God?
Whenever He helps you with something?
But that’s impossible! He is helping you all the time!
Today, in the Gospel reading, we hear the story of the ten men who had the awful skin disease of leprosy. When Jesus healed these ten men, only one came back to say “thank you”! Only one out of ten! Continue reading
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St Paisios of Mt Athos
∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼
Grumbling is caused by misery and it can be put aside by doxology (giving praise). Grumbling begets grumbling and doxology begets doxology. When someone doesn’t grumble over a problem troubling him, but rather praises God, then the devil gets frustrated and goes off to someone else who grumbles, in order to cause everything to go even worse for him. You see, the more one grumbles, the more one falls into ruin.
St Paisios of Mt Athos
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The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
HOLY EPIPHANY
After Pascha and Pentecost, the Feast of the Theophany (or Epiphany) of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest feast of the Orthodox Church. Here Our Lord Jesus Christ is baptized by John in the waters of the Jordan, this being the first public display of God the Word Incarnate to the world. Continue reading
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Homily on the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour of Christ
On this holy day we call into the present those glorious, awesome and life-saving events that surround the miraculous birth of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the day on which God has fashioned all things anew. This is the day on which the whole universe is filled with light and all creation with joy. “The expectation of the nations has come” (Matins of the Feast). Continue reading
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WEEKLY PROGRAM 18 – 23 DECEMBER
SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER
† Sunday Before Christmas | Matthew 1:1-25
• 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.
MONDAY 19 DECEMBER
• 9.00 – 10.00am Service of Holy Unction
THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER
† St Anastasia the Great Martyr
• 7.00 – 9.30am Orthros and Divine Liturgy
FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER
† St Anastasia the Great Martyr
• 7.00 – 9.30am Orthros, Royal Hours
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WEEKLY PROGRAM | 11 – 17 DECEMBER
(Advent Fast)
SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER
11th Sunday of Luke | Luke 14:16-24
• 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.
This week’s readings:
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You’re Invited… (Homily on Luke 14: 16-24)
The master of the feast made doubly sure that the guests received the invitations. He issued two invitations to each: the first was to tell each one that he was invited; the second, on the day of the dinner, to announce that all was ready: “Come; for all is now ready.”
“Come!” The Gospel is not so much a command as an offer; not so much a demand as a gift – an invitation to share in the unbelievable joy of the kingdom. Continue reading
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He fights your battles by His divine grace
∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼
In order that you may move your will more easily to this one desire, in everything—to please God and to work for His glory alone—remind yourself often, that He has granted you many favours in the past and has shown you His love.
He has created you out of nothing in His own likeness and image, and has made all other creatures your servants; He has delivered you from your slavery to the devil, sending down not one of the angels but His Only-begotten Son to redeem you, not at the price of corruptible gold and silver, but by His priceless blood and His most painful and degrading death.
Having done all this He protects you, every hour and every moment, from your enemies; He fights your battles by His divine grace; in His immaculate Mysteries He prepares the Body and Blood of His beloved Son for your food and protection. All this is a sign of God’s great favour and love for you; a favour so great that it is inconceivable how the great Lord of hosts could grant such favours to our nothingness and worthlessness.
+ Unseen Warfare, St. Theophan the Recluse and St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain
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WEEKLY PROGRAM | 4 -10 DECEMBER
SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER
† 10th Sunday of Luke | Luke 13: 10-17
† St Barbara, Great-Martyr
• 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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St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 