Sunday English bulletin 13. March 2016
Transcription
Sunday English bulletin 13. March 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS Blessings are Gifts FROM God. Stewardship is our Gift TO God. WE CANNOT OUT-GIVE GOD! Stewardship is a legacy of personal support to maintain a church for today and tomorrow. STEWARDSHIP FORMS FOR 2016 ARE AVAILABLE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forgiveness Sunday Cheese Fare Sunday Today's Gospel reflects on Forgiveness and our preparation for Great Lent. God tells us that we must forgive men for their trespasses, if we expect our Heavenly Father to forgive us for our trespasses. Jesus also reflects upon our treasures, how we use them and prepare for Salvation through Stewardship. The key is to focus on the Heavenly in your daily life so that when you come before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ, you will be placed on the right hand and inherit the Kingdom prepared for you. We must lay up our treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume. Every aspect of how we use our Time, Talents and Treasures will determine where God places us on Judgment Day. "For where your treasure is, your heart will be also." During Great Lent, pray and ask God to guide you so that your focus will be on the Heavenly and not the earthly... determine how you can help your Church. Whether it is volunteering to prepare the Church for Pascha, hosting a coffee fellowship after the Divine Liturgy or feeding the homeless - God asks us to do all that we can as good and faithful Stewards. Turn not away Thy face from Thy servant for I am afflicted! Hear me speedily. Attend to my soul and deliver it! Forgiveness Sunday Vespers “Forgiveness Sunday” Opens the Door to Orthodox Lent by Wesley J. Smith I miss Ash Wednesday, the Western liturgical churches’ entry into Lent. The ashes on the forehead in the shape of the Cross, the important reminder that we are mortal: “Dust you were and dust you shall be.” We don’t have that wonderful tradition in Eastern Orthodoxy, to which I converted in 2007. But I so appreciate our own opening stanza of the long, slow spiritual symphony of Great Lent, known as “Forgiveness Sunday.” Orthodox Christians enter Lent with a special post-Liturgy or evening vespers service that launches us into “Clean Monday,” the first day of the rigorous Lenten fast (about which more below). The forgiveness service begins as any other vespers, but it soon changes with different hymns and more mournful prayers. In the midst of the service, Lent begins as the choir cries out in earnest supplication: Turn not away thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. Attend to my soul, and deliver it. From the ends of the earth I cried unto thee. I shall be protected under the cover of thy wings. I will praise thy name forever. As they mournfully sing, the altar cloth is changed to Lenten purple and the priest changes into dark vestments to symbolize mourning. At the service’s end, our first Lenten act is to ask from and offer forgiveness to everyone present—not collectively, but individually from person, to person, to person. This is one of the most powerful moments of the Church year. One by one, each parishioner bows or prostrates, first before the priest, and then each other, asking, “Forgive me, a sinner.” Each responds with a bow or prostration, asking also for forgiveness and assuring, “God forgives.” Each then exchanges the kiss of peace. The service is a healing balm. It is hard to bear grudges when all have shared such an intimate mutual humbling. Indeed, Forgiveness Vespers is emotionally intense, tears often flow and hugs of true reconciliation are common. Why start Lent with a service that almost forces us to forgive? “Lent calls us to spiritual perfection,” explains Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou in M editations for Great Lent , “which is impossible without love and forgiveness. Thus before Lent begins, we are called to forgive all who have wronged us. Only then can we hope to attain perfection, which is the likeness of God.” Having given and received forgiveness, we enter the desert journey of the Great Fast. Unlike many Western traditions, we Orthodox don’t choose what to “give up” for Lent (although we often do that as well—for example, a friend in my parish is foregoing all social media). Rather, during the forty days of Lent (and Holy Week thereafter), we are asked by the Church to become essentially vegan: No meat. No dairy. No fish (other than shellfish). Not only that, other than on weekends, we also abstain from wine and olive oil. Why such a rigorous course? Papavassiliou again elucidates: The purpose of our fasting is spiritual. Spirituality must not be viewed as something that does not concern the body, but as something that is made possible through and within the body. … The desires and needs of the flesh can all too often overpower the spirit. Fasting is a means of restoring balance between soul and body, a means of bringing the flesh under the control and will of the mind and spirit. The Great Fast is one of those times when we must journey alone. Yes, it helps to know in times of weakness that we are simultaneously sharing the same struggle with three hundred million others. But Lenten ascesis is a matter of solitary steps through the desert. This discipline is not intended to draw us away from others. Moreover, the Church is very clear that fasting per se is not virtue, nor is failing to fast sin. Indeed, we are strictly instructed not to judge in this regard. If we see someone we know to be Orthodox eating a hamburger, it is none of our business. We have our own vegetables to fry. The arduous Lenten disciplines of the Great Fast help us, again in the words of Papavassiliou, “turn back to Paradise to the Life of Eden” so that “like Moses, we too may see God.” St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church 27450 N. Bradley Rd . Mettawa – Lake Forest , Illinois 60045 –5104 Email: ([email protected]) www.stbasilchurch.org Parish Priest: V. Rev. Stavrophor Djuro Krosnjar - [email protected] (847) 477-1531 cell Trustee Chairman (President): Michael Kosanovich Circle of Serbian Sisters: Richelle Ar andjelovic Choir Director: Nada Savatic Coordinators: Church School: Vasilija Vojcanin; Folklore: Slobodanka Vr anjes St. Varnava Men’s Club: Vladimir Rokvic; Bookstore: Diana Potkonjak and Paul Saniuk Facilities Contact: Matija Peyakovic and Nikola Gabr ic; Weekly Email: Zor an Mihajlovic Serbian School: Jelena Visnjevac, Svjetlana Masic and Dunja Vla SERBIAN ORTHODOX UNITY AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church 27450 N. Bradley Rd, Mettawa - Lake Forest, IL. 60045-5104 V. Rev. Stavrophor Djuro Krosnjar - Home (847) 680-1117 Cell (847) 477-1531 H. Fax (847) 680-1127 [email protected] - Church Phone (847) 247-0077 - Church FX (847) 247-0088 Sunday of the Cheese-fare Venerable John Cassian (Cheese-fare) Tone 8: Epistle: Rom. (13, 11–14, 4) Gospel: Mt. (6, 14 - 21) Pre-Feast Day and Saturday Vespers at 5:00 PM ~Next Sunday~ Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM St. Theodore the Studite: Forgiveness Sunday On fasting; and that the true fast of the obedient and the subject is the cutting off of one’s will. (Given on Cheesefare Sunday). Our good God who gives us life and brings us from year to year, has brought us also with love for mankind to this present time of fasting, in which each of the eager, as their choice directs, enters the contest; one devoting himself to self-mastery, eating only every two or three days, another to vigil, keeping vigil for so long or so long, another spending even longer in prostrations, and others in other ascetic actions. Quite simply during these holy days it is possible to see great zeal and attention. But the true subject behaves with obedience not at any particular time, but keeps up the struggle always. What is the struggle? Not to walk according to one’s own will, but to let oneself be ruled by the disposition of the superior. This is better than the other works of zeal and is a crown of martyrdom; except that for you there is also change of diet, multiplication of prostrations and increase of psalmody are in accord with the established tradition from of old. And so I ask, let us welcome gladly the gift of the fast, not making ourselves miserable, as we are taught, but let us advance with cheerfulness of heart, innocent, not slandering, not angry, not evil, not envying; rather peaceable towards each other, and loving, fair, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits; breathing in seasonable stillness, since hubbub is damaging in a community; speaking suitable words, since too unreasonable stillness is profitless; yet above all unsleepingly keeping watch over our thoughts, not opening the door to the passions, not giving place to the devil. If the spirit of the powerful one, it says, rise up against you, do not let it find your place. So that the enemy has power to suggest, but in no way to enter. We are lords of ourselves; let us not open our door to the devil; rather let us keep guard over our soul as a bride of Christ, not set about with tumult, unwounded by the arrows of the thoughts; for thus we are able to become a dwelling of God in Spirit. Thus we may be made worthy to hear, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Quite simply, Whatever is true, whatever noble, whatever just, whatever pure, whatever lovely, whatever of good report, if there is anything virtuous, if there is anything praiseworthy, to speak like the Apostle, do it; and the God of peace will be with you all, in Christ Jesus, our Lord, to whom be the glory and the might…. ST. BASIL OF OSTROG SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH EYE ON SCRIPTURE Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. Orthodox Study Bible Expectation of future salvation through the glorious coming of Christ motivates us to vigilance and proper conduct. The night is this life under the influence of evil powers. The day is the glor ious coming of the Lord. In Orthodox Christianity, there are things that cannot be compromised; there are also grey areas. God is gracious and allows diversity in doubtful things, matter s not involving Christian dogma. Those weak in the faith ar e Chr istians of immature conscience and wisdom who may attach primary importance to secondary matters, such as foods and religious festivals. www.serbiancathedral.org ST. BASIL OF OSTROG SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH FORGIVENESS SUNDAY For if you forgive men their trespasses, you heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, that they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Do not lay up for yourselves treasurers on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6:14-21) We come today to the final day before the beginning of Great Lent. The is a time to set our heart and mind in order and direct our attention to the Kingdom of God. The lenten journey is beginning. The time for purification of soul and body is at hand. Each of us were baptized. We have renounced Satan and have put on Christ. We have committed ourself to Jesus Christ as King and as Today is a time to forgive God. In the waters of baptism, others with the charitable we began the most important journey of our lives. We began love God shows daily in forgiving sinners. Today is a the journey, which by the time to forgive the self with grace and mercy of God, the singular interest of movwould yield eternal life and ing forward and growing in our salvation. Christ. Today is a time to Today, Orthodox Christians turn to God with the greatest throughout the world focus of sincerity and ask God's on the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness frees us forgiveness. from the burdens of animos- Great Lent is dedicated to ity with others. Forgiveness improving our spiritual well-being. The Holy Sacfrees us from the churning raments of Confession and inside that tears at our hearts Communion enable us to be and souls and bodies. Forcleansed and strengthened in giveness lifts us to a new level of relationships resound- Christ. The Holy Sacraments ing the message of God's mer- bring us back to the direction we committed ourselves to cy and love for each of us. at the bapForgivetismal ness Great Lent is dedicated to improving our spiritual well-being. The Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion enable us to be cleansed and strengthened in Christ. The Holy Sacraments bring us back to the direction we committed ourselves to at the baptismal fount. fount. requiThe Holy res an "opening of the heart to the concern Sacraments are touch every aspect of our being. for the other person. ForFasting during Great Lent giveness requires a willingness to embrace the other requires a willingness to sacrifice for Christ. Fasting durperson with kindness and understanding. Forgiveness is a ing Great Lent is not a burden, but an act. of joy. Fasting durdesire to keep building the relationship with another per- ing Great Lent is initiative taken to reach out for God son rather than terminate it. Forgiveness is not limited in our lives. The days of fasting strento the forgiveness of others. gthen our resolve and draw Forgiveness includes a forour attention to the Divine. giveness of self. Each of us The days of fasting direct commits acts perhaps only known to ourselves and God our thoughts to the importance of living conwhich are sinful and inappropriate. While God or others sistent with the teachings of might be willing to forgive us, the Church and seeking total we may be unwilling to forgive unification with Christ. The lenten journey may ourselves. Our hardness of poappear long. The days of sition can stifle our Christian Great Lent may weigh on us. growth. Every successful athlete must train. Every successful military person must train. Every doctor or lawyer or carpenter or plumber undergoes intense training. Serious followers of Jesus Christ train throughout life and practice their beliefs throughout life. The parish church is dedicated exclusively and totally to God and exists totally and exclusively by the grace and mercy of God. We have the responsibility to honor the kindness God has shown us. We have the responsibility to strive to live the life we embraced in the baptismal fount. Our Lord Jesus Christ went to the Cross for us. The pain Jesus Christ experienced should always be in the forefront of our thoughts. The love of Christ for us will carry us through life if we embrace Christ in our hearts. Jesus Christ will nourish us on a journey we take toward Him. Today can be the end of hostility we may harbor against ourselves, against God or against others. Today can be a new beginning. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us the Lord's Prayer which links God’s forgiveness of us with our forgiveness of others. May this Great Lent find us increasingly united with Christ, discovering the joy emanating from the life in Him, and embracing His teachings and statutes for our well-being. God gives us time. Time is a most precious commodity in life.... a limited commodity. Let us invest the time of Great Lent in the Kingdom of God...the very same Kingdom we committed ourselves to at the baptismal fount. GREAT FAST (LENT) BEGINS TOMORROW, MONDAY, March 14, 2016 From tomorrow March 14, until Pascha, May 1, our Holy Church instructs us to abstain from all animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, etc). Please try to keep the Fast, increase your prayer life, read the Scriptures and, most importantly, partake of the Holy Mysteries of Confession and Communion during Great Lent. There will be many spiritual opportunities through special services such as Pre-sanctified Liturgies on Wednesdays and Fridays and, as usual, our Vespers will be served each Saturday night at 5:00 P.M. SERVICES THIS SUNDAY LUNCH BUFFET WEEK Faithful can take Communion at each of the following services. Join us following Divine Liturgy Adults $7.00 Children $4.00 WEDNESDAY: Mar. 16; Pre-sanctified Liturgy at 10:00 am FRIDAY: March 18; Pre-sanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm. Wedn. March 30, PM SATURDAY: March 19; Theodore’s Saturday, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 and blessing of the Koljivo (Wheat) Contemplation for Adults with Fr. Serafim! Sunday, April 10—Lunch Hour, Nikola Tesla Day! Guest Presenter. “Soups On!” Book of the month!!! Father Jack Sparks has masterfully adapted the material from this highly treasured monastic work (by Lorenzo Scupoli, Spiritual Combat, as edited by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain and again by St. Theophan the Recluse) specifically for today's lay Christian living in the midst of a modern world. The result is a profound but highly practical resource for those who seek to strive with all their might against the enemies of our souls-the world, the flesh, and the devil. Study questions at the end of each chapter facilitate individual or small group study. KSS Posno SOUP 32 oz. containers $10.00 Available after liturgy * * * * * * * Church Calendar Lenten Soup Sales: Mar. 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17 and 24. Family Fitness Night, Condell, April 9, from 7:30 - 10:30 pm. Lenten Dinner (Satur day) April 16 at 6pm Pascha Flower Donation collection—Helen Book is available for $11.00 in the Bookstore. Mandich or Sonya Rajic, April 24– May 1. Stewardship Update To date, for the year 2016 we have 25 stewards with a combined commitment of $28,500.00. More and more stewardship is how any church of any Faith can exist in today's world with all it has to offer and compete. Stewards are the earthly guardians that keep God in this earthly world. We need to seek out and enroll, as many stewards as we can, for the coming year to be able to continue the pay down of the mortgage and keep the church doors open. If each of us can reach out to help find stewards for St. Basil of Ostrog Church, it will make our spiritually journey together as God's faithful. Together, we can reach more people and our goal, one person at a time with commitments of help and support. Our mission and the goal is to - “Find 100 Stewards" this year . Every single person can make a difference in “building a future” for St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Church. Our love and support means investing our time, talents, monetary pledges, prayers and hopes in St. Basil of Ostrog and then others will invest in us knowing that we can continue the years to keep this church a viable “living church." No effort or amounts are too small. No talent overlooked. Make a difference and your faithful contribution to this world and life. Together, we are making a Christian Orthodox legacy, like the one we were all blessed with by those (i.e. our forefathers) who came before us. Lord, visit Thy servants in their suffering, and grant them grace and strength to bear their sickness with which they are afflicted; heal and save them: Sister ANGELINA; Kathy ARGYRIS; Milica BILBIJA; Milorad BLAGOJEVIC; Zivota BLAZIC; Stevan BOGOJEVIC; Aleksandar BURMEISTER; Milica CASTALDO; Petar COKIC; Milan DAVORIJA; Danilo DEJANOVICH; Dusan DRONDIC; Svetomir DUPOR; Susan GALLATI; Aleksandar GLISOVIC; Daniela GOMEZ; Dusan JEROSIMIC; Philip KEJZAR Jadranka KOPAC; Branko KOSANOVIC; George KOVAC; Mara KOVACEVIC; Stojanka KOVACEVIC; Ray/Laura KULMALA; Cathy LALICH; Una MIHAJLOVIC: Slavojka MILESIC; Milka/Milan MILICEVIC; Ron MITROVICH; Dragica MRKALJ; Boro NEDINIC: Daliborka OPACIC; Djuro/Jelena OPSENICA; Mladen PECANAC; Natalija PETROVIC: Aleksandra RALEVICH; Jessica SELOUNTOS; George SINNOKRAK; Bessie STEVANOVIC; Nikola SREJOVIC; Simonida STIPANOVIC; Zivan SUBARIC; AngieTERZIC; Jovan VOJCANIN; Milenko VUCKOVIC;
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