St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Philoxenia, Southern hospitality at its best! 7100 Airport Rd. North, Naples, Fl 34109 239-591-3430 / [email protected] / stkatherine.net
Sunday, October 6, 2013 3rd Sunday of Luke
Rev. Fr. Philemon Patitsas Proistamenos [email protected] (239) 963- 7558 [Cell]
V. Rev. Arch Gregory Hutton Retired Priests: V. Rev. Arch Ernest Blougouras V. Rev. Fr. Peter Atsales Parish Council Richard Pappas Parish Council President Dr. John Klemes 1st Vice President Dr. John Psaras 2nd Vice President Dr. Vlasios Albanis Treasurer James Loukidis Assistant Treasurer Dianne Hatzis Secretary Harry Demas Assistant Secretary
Frank Butler Linda Hatzis Jim Ketis TTHEHE HHOLYOLY AAPOSTLEPOSTLE Vasiliki Lempesis Bill Mandros SSAINTAINT TTHOMASHOMAS Bob Mankus Minas Masouras
Dr. Harry Papas
October 6, 2013
3rd Sunday of Luke October 6, 2013
Plagal of the Second Tone / Fourth Eothinon (Luke 24:1-12 )
Epistle Reading II Corinthians 4:6-15 Gospel Reading Luke 7:11-16 Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, shine out of darkness," who has shone in our and his disciples and a great crowd went hearts to give the light of the knowledge of with him. As he drew near to the gate of the the glory of God in the face of Christ. city, behold, a man who had died was being But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, carried out, the only son of his mother, and to show that the transcendent power belongs she was a widow; and a large crowd from the to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his work in us, but life in you. people!" Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believed, and so we speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
APOLYTIKION OF ST. KATHERINE RESURRECTIONAL APOLYTIKION SEASONAL KONATAKION IN THE SECOND TONE
PLAGAL OF THE SECOND TONE
Let us praise the most auspicious bride of When the angelic powers appeared at Your A protection of Christians unshamable, Christ, the divine Katherine, protectress of tomb and those that guarded You became Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwaver- Sinai, our aid and our help. For she brilliantly as though dead, and standing by Your s ing, reject not The prayerful cries of those silenced the eloquence of the impious, by epulcher was Mary seeking Your pure and who are in sin. Instead, come to us, for you the sword of the spirit, and now, crowned as sacred body for You did vanquish Hades and are good; Your loving help bring unto us, a martyr, she asks great mercy for all. uncorrupted by its touch You came unto the Who are crying in faith to you; Hasten to virgin woman, bestowing the gift of life O intercede And speed now to supplicate, As You who rose from the dead. Lord we give a protection for all time, Theotokos, for glory to You. those who honor you .
COMMUNION REMINDER WELCOME ALTAR SERVERS 10/6/13 We welcome one & all who have come to Welcome to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Archangel Michael pray with us this morning. Baptized/ of Naples, one of the most hospitable parishes in Sava Vukovic Loukas Vukovic Chrismated Orthodox Christians who are America. Please complete the welcome card in Christos Venetis George Venetis properly prepared through prayer, fasting, your pew rack and place it in the offertory tray or hand it to an usher so we can immediately Jakov Vukovic Mario Gjergji repentance, & almsgiving are invited to come welcome you today. Fr. Philemon Fred Terezi forward to receive the Holy Eucharist. TWO OFFERINGS Women are kindly asked to remove their St Katherine’s passes two baskets. The first is All St. Katherine Acolytes & visiting lipstick prior to receiving the Holy Eucharist. for the stewardship and general offering. The Acolytes are welcome to serve second goes to our building fund. every Sunday if desired.
2 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL REFLECTIONS ON STEWARDSHIP As stewards, we are fully aware that we have been sent by God – to speak His words; to do His work; and to accomplish His will while seeking salvation. Stewardship is a way of life. It is what we do every second, minute, hour, and day of our life. It is about demonstrating every day that we understand what our responsibility is with respect to ALL of the gifts we have received from God.
TIME TALENT TREASURE
Worship Help Wanted Tithing
Sunday & Weekday Liturgies: Sunday School Teaching Assistants. We thank everyone who has completed a 2013 Pledge Card. If you haven’t yet done so 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Parish office help: file, phones, projects. please submit one as soon as possible. We tithe. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Parish Ministry Fund America states in the UPR:
The “Parish Ministry Fund” exists to help the Stewardship is recommended to be ten per- cent (10%) of one’s annual income as stated needy as funds are available. We thank you for in Holy Scripture to help meet the financial remembering those in need. obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis, and “Come, you blessed of my Father, the Archdiocese. inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the "We kindly ask our stewards to pledge at foundation of the world: for I was hungry and least $100 per month. Let us start today to you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave become an even better steward of God’s Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; given gifts to us. I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Mortgage Retirement
Me.” Matt 25: 34-36 Our initial mortgage as of Mar 16, 2009 was Due to the scaffolding that has been Coffee Hour $1,677,000. Today it is $204,392.03. erected in the Sanctuary to complete The net savings in annualized interest is our iconography in the apse, we will not Oct.-6: Oct.-20: $71,000. Please consider making a be able to celebrate services in the St. Katherine Choir Available contribution to retire the mortgage by contacting Fr. Philemon (239) 963-7558 Church until mid-October. During this Oct.-13: Oct.-27: Richard Pappas (239) 293-0599 or time Sunday Divine Liturgy will be cele- Masouras Family Available Harry Demas (239) 398-0610. brated in the Social Hall with the bless- Paver Project ings of Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta. My heartfelt thank you to the members that assisted in the coffee hour Sunday. Our paver project for mortgage reduction Special Services Please call the parish office continues. The cost to sponsor an 8”x 8” with Sun., Oct-6 (239)-591-3430 to offer assistance. a maximum of six lines is $400. To sponsor a Vasiliki Bodnarchuk 4”x 8” is $250. Co-Chairs: Chrismation of Karina Vardoulias Coffee hour coordinator Dr. John Klemes (239) 273-7345 or Dr. Michael Kontos at (239) 597-5884.
If you or your loved one would like Fr. Philemon to visit you in the hospital or in your home, please notify the Church Office by calling: 239-591-3430 or in case of emergency: (239) 963- 7558 email: [email protected]. Please provide the parish office with the name, address, and phone number of the sick or shut-in. Hospital visitations must be initiated by the patient's family member as, by law, hospitals are not permitted to share patient information without their consent.
October 6, 2013 3 3 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Event Calendar 2013 -2014 Sun, Oct- 27-2013 OXI Day Celebration; St. Luke (Oct-18) - Slava Luncheon
Wed, Oct-30-2013 National Clergy Retreat – Liturgy & Luncheon
Sat., Nov-2-2013 Philoxenia Welcome Ministry Dance
Sun, Nov-3-2013 1st Parish Ministries Sunday
Sun, Nov-10- 2013 General Assembly
Sun, Nov-17-2013 Stewardship Sunday - Commitment Cards Returned
Sun, Nov-24,-2013 St. Katherine Feastday - Luncheon and Great Vespers
Mon, Nov-25-2013 St. Katherine Feastday – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Dec-8-2013 Parish Council Elections
Wed, Dec-25-2013 Nativity of Christ
Mon, Jan-6-2014 Theophany
Sun, Jan-12-2014 Vasilopita Cutting / Parish Council Affirmation of Office
Sat, Jan-18-2014 Vasilopita Dinner Dance
Sun, Jan-26-2014 2nd Parish Ministries Sunday
Sun, Feb-2-2014 Godparents & Sponsors Sunday
Fri, Sat, Sun - Feb, 7, 8, 9 Annual Greek Festival
Sun, Feb- 16-2014 Stewardship Time & Talents Recognition Awards; Leadership 100 Conf.
Sat, Feb-22-2014 Apokriatiko Glendi
Sun, Feb-23-2014 Meat Fare Sunday
Sun, Mar-2-2014 Cheese Fare Sunday
Mon, Mar-3-2014 Lent begins
Sun, Mar-9, 2014 Sunday of Orthodoxy
Sun, Mar-16-2014 General Assembly
Tue, Mar-25, 2014 Annunciation / Greek Independence Day
Sun, Apr-13-2014 Palm Sunday
Sun, Apr-20-2014 Easter Sunday (Holy Pascha) - Western & Eastern
Sun, Jun-1 -2014 Youth Appreciation Sunday
Fourth Week of July Camp St. Stephens - Diakonia Center (Salem, SC)
4 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL Ministry Happenings
Embracing Orthodoxy: Journey to Marriage: Every Wednesday after Paraclesis 1 st & 4th Tuesday at 7-PM (Oct. 1st and 22nd)
This is an opportunity for all of St. Katherine’s parish An opportunity for couples preparing for marriage or wishing members to grow in faith and knowledge. to strengthen their marriages to grow in love and Classes will resume when we return to understanding for one another and to highlight healthy modes worshipping in the Sanctuary in mid-October of communication. Please call Fr. Philemon (239)963-7558 or the Parish office at (239)591-3430 to register for the class.
PERSONAL TESTIMONIES FROM ST. KATHERINE PARISHIONERS
HAVE YOU BEEN PERSONALLY AFFECTED BY A MIRACLE OR DIVINE INTERVENTION IN YOUR LIFE? AS YOUR PRIEST, I HAVE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO HEAR MANY OF YOUR STORIES AND MIRACLES. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE AN ACCOUNT OF GOD’S DIVINE LOVE AND INTERVENTION IN YOUR LIFE, ANONYMOUSLY OR BY NAME, PLEASE SUBMIT A SHORT ONE PAGE SUMMARY TO FR. PHILEMON IN THE PARISH OFFICE OVER THE COMING SEASON. FR. PHILEMON WILL BE SHARING THESE STORIES ANONYMOUSLY, AND IF GOD’S GRACE ALLOWS, WE WILL PUBLISH A SHORT BOOK OF THESE MIRACLES. PLEASE KNOW THAT BIANCA VUKOVIC HAS OFFERED TO HELP WITH THE ASSEMBLY.
Wishing you every blessing in Christ, + Fr. Philemon
Please contact the parish office to sponsor: 239-591-3430
Pentecostarion Sponsored! Christine Cokkinias $250.00 Campus Beautification: Landscaping A. Beautify the fenced utility area $2,000.00 B. East view of Cultural Center Sponsored! Dr. Chris Papadopoulos $1,000.00 C. St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Sign Sponsored! Phillip George $2,000.00 D. West view of Cultural Center $2,000.00 E. Median in front of Church $2,000.00 F. East side of Church and S.E. corner $2,000.00 G. Areca Area & Covered Walk-Way Sponsored! Dr. Chris Papadopoulos $1,000.00
Wedding Crowns (Stefana) for the Holy Altar $ 104.00 Sponsored! Tom & Joanne Venetis
October 6, 2013 5 5
Please RSVP to GOYA Officers: Tiffany Ketis: (239) 777-5562 Adam Bowman: (239) 770-0887 Evelyn Alex: (781) 871-7200.
Sun. Oct. 13th: 5:30 PM Orthodox Life/Goya Meeting Sun. Oct. 27th: 5:30 PM Goya Fun Night Sun. Nov. 10th: 5:30 PM Orthodox Life/Goya Meeting Sun. Nov. 24th: 5:30 PM Goya Fun Night
Join us for the Christ-
Fri./Sat./Sun. Sat./Sun. Oct. 18th, 19th, 20th Nov. 23rd, 24th Co-ed Volleyball Tournament Advent Retreat Hosted by Hosted by St. Stefano’s Goya St. Mark’s of Boca Raton. of St. Petersburg.
mas Charity Shopping TODAY!
Thurs. Nov. 7th: 7-PM **Goya Parent Organization Monthly Planning meeting Thurs. Dec. 5th: 7-PM **Goya Parent Organization Monthly Planning meeting
**All Parents are encouraged to attend 2-5 PM with Fr. Philemon
6 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL
October 6, 2013 7 7 FEB. 7, 8, & 9 2014
St. Katherine 2014 Greek Festival is in search of members to join with the existing planning committee. Please contact Richard Pappas or Fr. Philemon to express your interest @ 239-591-3430.
St. Katherine Hellenic Dance Troupe is in search of Co-Directors & Instructors. Please contact Joanne Venetis or Fr. Philemon to express your interest @ 239-591-3430.
8 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL On October 6th, our parish community observes National Church Music Ministry Sunday. It comes each year in the month of October, the Sunday close to the feast day of Saint Romanos, the Melodist (October 1st).
On this day, we recognize those women and men who have heard and responded to the Lord’s invitation to be church musicians: that is, parish chanters and choir singers. As church musicians, these people represent the laity in the li- turgical dialogue of our worship services. In glory to God, the Holy Trinity, they commit themselves to learning the hymns of our Orthodox faith, understanding the sequence of our liturgical worship, and actively offering their prayers in song to enhance the beauty of our worship.
We ask each of them, and our congregation as well, to be mindful of the special ministry they fulfill in singing the hymns of our faith and leading us to worship.
The St. Katherine Choir will offer an Artoclasia at coffee hour in honor of our dedicated Choir members. We thank our Choir and Psaltis for chanting and honoring St. Katherine every Sunday and special Holidays. God bless you all and may you sing for many years to come.!
Presvytera Christina Kehayes, Director Katherine Manousos, Assistant Di rector Patricia Rendziperis, Organist Demetria Tiglias Evelyn Alex Peter Kehayes James Panos Anastasia Cretekos Dr. Michael H. Kontos Dr. John Pappas Constantine Culianos Mike Kontozoglou Elaine Pagedas Sophia Eliades Frank Kotsianas Natale Swank Sylvia Eliopoulos Helen Kotsianas Anna Maria Terezi Maria Geannopoulos Elaine Kyrus Diana Terezis Sophia Giovanni Dr. Alexander Linardos Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati Pashka Gjergji Yana Manos Constandina Venetis Nick Kallan Aristea Masouras Kristina Vukovic Vicky Kallan Lenore Mattoff Helen Kehayes Agnes Niarhos
October 6, 2013 9 9 10 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL
October 6, 2013 11 11
Kyriacos Lambros
Memorial donations may be made in his honor to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, FL.
Kyriacos Lambros died on September 29, 2013, just six days after his 82nd birthday. He passed away peacefully at home with his family in attendance. He emigrated from his native island of Cyprus at the age of 18.Kyriacos became a contractor building housing developments and strip malls in Rockland County, New York when this area was experiencing great growth. Retiring to Marco Island in 2002, he pursued his passion for gardening providing fruits and vegetable to all his friends. He was a Renaissance man; his curiosity was boundless; he loved flying his plane, cooking his Greek specialties for his grand- kids, and singing in the Church choir. Kyriacos believed deeply in God, in honesty, integrity, and excel- lence. His wry sense of humor touched many. He is survived by his adoring wife, Sophia, two loving sons, Dimitrios (Tammie), Peter, and several grandchildren.
12 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL HHELPELP USUS BURNBURN THETHE MORTGAGEMORTGAGE!! This beautiful edifice, our Ecclesia, with the land and the associated support facilities has cost our small community more than $6,500,000. Our dream, our vision, our little paradise here in Naples, FL will not be a reality without the completion of the interior Iconography of the Church, along with some additional classrooms to facilitate our youth. Our mortgage has been reduced to $204,392.03. We ask your help in paying off the remainder. We are small in numbers and we need your help. If you enjoyed your visit here and you are in a position to help us eliminate this burden, please search your heart and make a contribution to our Mortgage Elimi- nation Drive. Make your check payable to “Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church” with a notation of “Building Fund.” Thank you, God bless you, and have an enjoyable stay. CONTRIBUTION PAYMENT INSTRUCTION STOCK TRANSFERS: will be credited at the closing value on the day received Stock Transfer – DTC – Depository Trust Co. National Financial Services Please note that you must notify St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church office of all stock trans- DTC: 0226 fers, in order to receive proper credit for your Account Name: Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church contribution. If you have any questions, please Account Number: NT2-046914 contact the church office. Stock Transfer – Physical Securities St. Katherine G.O. Church Send to: National Financial Services 7100 Airport Rd N One World Financial Center Naples, FL 34109 200 Liberty St. Tel: 239-591-3430/Fax: 239-591-3271 5th Floor-Cashier New York, NY 10281 A/C NT2-046919
October 6, 2013 13 13 14 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL October 6, 2013 15 15 16 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL October 6, 2013 17 17 Early in April of 1828 a Smirennikov met the messengers on the way and informed delegation of four kayaks them: "I know Fr. John wants to see me, "and I'm going there arrived in Unalaska to now." conduct their priest to Fr. John looked forward to this meeting, for through Unimak Island for his second planned visitation. Pankov he had learned of several extraordinary incidents He, however, was involving the old man, including these three which he later determined to stop first reported to his bishop: at near-by Akun Island, 1. In October of 1825, the wife of one Theodore Zharov, which he had not yet chieftain of the Artel Village, had her leg caught in a fox visited, and so mid- trap and was beyond medical help. She was at the point morning on April 12 five of death, having been wounded by all three of the boats paddled out of trap's 3.5 inch long iron teeth. Her relatives secretly Captain's Harbor on what asked this old man Smirennikov to heal her, and he, was destined to be one of having given it some thought, replied that in the morning the most memorable trips she would be well. Indeed, to everyone's amazement, in of Fr. Veniaminov's the morning she stood up, walked about, and to this day entire ministry in feels no pain. America. 2. During the same winter (of 1825) the local inhabitants
were extremely hard-pressed for food, and several of The eighty-mile voyage to Akun was remarkably calm them asked Smirennikov "to give them a whale" In their and free of headwinds, and as they approached the rocky words). He promised to see about it. Very soon there- shoreline the whole village stood waiting. As he stepped after he informed the people that they should go to the ashore the priest sensed an atmosphere even more festive place which he would designate and there they would than usually attended by his arrivals, and he inquired why this find a whale. They went and in the place he indicated should be so. "Why, Fr. John," he was told, "we knew you'd they did indeed find a whole, fresh whale. set off and would arrive today, so we came out all full of joy 3. Last autumn I had meant to go to Akun, but financial on shore to meet you." matters from Russia prevented this. All the people of "Who told you I'd be coming today, and how did you know Akun were waiting for me, and even sent someone to that I am Fr. John?" fetch me. He (Smirennikov}, however, boldly insisted that I would be coming not that autumn but in the spring, and "Our shaman, old John Smirennikov, told us: 'Wait. indeed contrary winds did prevent me from leaving until A priest will come today. He's already on his way, and he'll it became too late to travel at all. Thus I put off until teach you to pray to God.' He even described your appearance spring my plans to go there .. . to us-just like we see you now." "Can I see your shaman?"
"Sure. He's not here right now, but when he comes, we'll The old man, too, was pleased at having this opportunity to tell him and he'll come to you himself.'' talk and he answered all of Fr. John's questions candidly and Fr. John was amazed by this incident, but put it out of mind as freely. The breadth of Smirennikov's knowledge of the Gospel he began his usual busy round of services. In the morning he and of the Church's prayers amazed the priest. "Can you gathered all the Aleuts in a tent and through John Pankov read?" he asked. No, replied Smirennikov, he could not, and as taught them to confess their sins. On Saturday he chrismated their discussion continued it became clear to Fr. John that 46 people, and after vigil he be an hearing the confessions of there was no "normal" way for him to know these things. all who had gathered from outside the village. Among them Hampered by a lack of qualified interpreters, earlier was Smirennikov, but the "shaman" behaved so properly missionaries had contented themselves with baptizing all the that Fr. John paid him no special attention and, in fact, during natives (no mean feat in itself) but had done little more to confession neglected even to discuss with him why the Aleuts Christianize them. "Though they came to believe and prayed referred to him in this way. On Sunday Smirennikov along with to God before my arrival," Fr. John records, "they scarcely all the rest received Holy Communion, but afterwards went knew in Whom they believed or to Whom they prayed." John immediately to his chieftain to complain about this priest Pankov, the only competent translator then in the region, who had failed to ask him about name which he found so disliked and shunned Smirennikov, who, thus cut off from any disagreeable-since he was most certainly not a shaman. Fr. contact with the Russians, had no way of knowing the John was informed in due time of the old man's displeasure theology that he consistently proved he knew. and sent for him immediately to have an explanation.
18 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL How had he known Fr. John before they ever met? How could to live with others?" He answered that they taught he describe him with such accuracy or confidently fore- tell to him to pray not to them but to the Creator of all, and all the Aleuts the time of his arrival ? Smirennikov replied to pray in spirit, with the heart; occasionally they quite simply that two companions had informed him of these would even pray along with him for long periods of things. time. "And just who are these two 'companions' of yours?" Fr. They taught him to exercise all pure Christian John asked the old man. virtues (which he related to me in detail), and recommended, furthermore, that he remain "White men," he replied. "And they told me that very soon faithful and pure, both within and outside of mar- you're going to see your family off on shore and sail away to riage (this perhaps because the locals are quite given see some great man, and you'll talk to him." to such impurity). Furthermore, they taught him all "And where are these 'white men'? What kind of people are the outward virtues ... they? What do they look like?" Next, I asked him if they had appeared to him that "They live near-by, in the mountains. And they visite every day after confession and communion, and day." The old man then provided a description which tallied whether they had told him to listen to me. He an- very closely with the way in which the Holy Archangel Gabriel swered that they had appeared to him after both is portrayed on icons: in a white robe with a rose- colored confession and communion, and had told him not band across the shoulders. to talk with anyone else about the sins he had confessed, not to eat anything rich right after com- "When did these 'white men' first appear to you?" asked the munion, and to listen to my doctrines but not to the priest, and Smirennikov proceeded to tell a story so amazing traders (i.e., the Russians) living here. They even that Fr. John was inspired to report the whole of it to his appeared to him on the road that day, told him why I bishop, "for although the grace of God has not grown weak," had summoned him, and instructed him to tell me he writes, "nor can it ever do so-still, in these latter days everything; he should not be afraid, for no evil such things as these have become quite rare, or are, at the would befall him. I then asked how he feels when very least, not widely heard of." Here follows Fr. John's they appear to him, happy or sad? He replied that if report: he has been doing evil when he sees them, he feels Soon after he was baptized by Hieromonk Macarius, remorse; at other times he feels no fear. first one and later two spirits appeared to him but Inasmuch as many consider him to be a shaman and were visible to no one else . . . They told him that he does not wish to be considered one, he asked the they were sent by God to edify, teach and guard angels several times to leave him and never ap- him. For the next thirty years they appeared to pear again, but they replied that they were not devils him almost every day, either during daylight hours and had not been instructed to leave him. In answer or early in the evening-but never at night. On these to his question as to why they appear to no one occasions: (1) They taught him in its totality other than him, they replied that that was what they Christian theology and the mysteries of the faith ... were told to do. (2) In time of sickness and famine they brought help to him and-though more rarely-to others at his request. (When agreeing to his requests that they help others, they always responded by saying that Following this conversation Fr. John asked Smirennikov if he they would first have to ask God, and if it was His could see these spirits of his. I’ll ask," the old man replied and will, then they would do it.) (3) Occasionally they walked away. told him of things occurring in another place or Fr. John then departed for several days to preach and minis- (very rarely) at some time in the future-but then only ter to the people on Tigalda, Avatanok and Unimak Islands. if God willed such a revelation; in such cases they When he returned to Akun, his first question to Smiren- would persuade him that they did so not by their nikov as soon as they met was, "Well, did you ask these own power, but by the power of Almighty God. 'white men' if I could see them, if they'll receive me?" "Yes," Their doctrine is that of the Orthodox Church. I, how- he answered, "and they say they'd like to see you, only-why ever, knowing that even the demons believe- and do you need to see them if you're teaching us the same tremble with fear (Jas. 2:19}, wondered whether or things they are? Anyway, come on. I'll take you to them." • not this might be the crafty and subtle snare of him who from time immemorial has been Evil. I therefore asked him, "How do they teach you to pray, to themselves or to God? And how do they teach you
October 6, 2013 19 19 Something unexplainable then happened to Fr. John, as he . . . I thank you also for your wise advise and perfectly proper exhor- reports to the bishop: tations both to Smirennikov and to his fellow Aleuts that they no longer falsely call him a "shaman," and, furthermore, that this sha- man not seek or desire the glory of a miracle-worker. I tell you sin- I was filled with fear and humility, and thought to myself, cerely and frankly that by not allowing your curiosity to surpass your "What if I really were to see them-these angels-and they faith you are more blessed than those who, like the Holy Apostle were to confirm all that the old man said? How can I go Thomas, must touch everything in which they believe. However, just to see them? I'm a sinful man, unworthy of talking to as in our church hymns Thomas' doubt is called "good," I (and them. If I were to decide to see them it would be nothing many others with me) wish that you would consent to visit and but pride and presumption on my part. If I were to meet speak with the spirits which appear to Smirennikov (if he is still alive), real angels I might exalt myself for having such great faith, doing so for the greater glorification of our pious faith. No precau- or start thinking too highly of myself . . . tions are required for this beyond your pure faith and prayer of the No, I'm unworthy; I'd best not go." heart. Remember only throughout your meeting with these spirits to say the Lord's Prayer; you should also recite it together with them. Speak with them of nothing but the destiny of your parishioners, the newly- converted Aleuts. For their sakes you may ask these angels to He adds further in his report to Bp. Michael: ask from God whatsoever good you wish. Sat sapienti. Whatever God grants you to know through the Gift of His Christ, inform me when convenient, either by letter or in person when in . . . by all that he [Smirennikov} had said above and the future we shall have a welcome meeting. confirmed by an oath . .. by the freedom, fearlessness and certain satisfaction with which he spoke -and even Asking God's blessing upon you, I remain your well-wishing servant, moreso by his upright life-I was convinced that the spirits
which appear to this old man (if indeed they do appear) are not devils, for although the devil can indeed at times t MICHAEL, Abp. of Irkutsk transform himself into an angel of light, he never does so for purposes of exhortation and salvation but always for the destruction of man. Inasmuch as an evil tree cannot Mail deliveries being what they were, however, it was over three bring forth good fruit, these must be ministering spirits years later when this reply reached America, and by then John sent for those who wish to inherit salvation. Smirennikov was dead. He had foreseen the day and hour of his passing, and when the appointed time had come he gathered his family together, lit a candle before an icon, prayed and bade farewell to all. He then rolled over on his bed towards the wall and peace- Fr. John's report ends with his resolution of the situation: fully surrendered his soul to God. Therefore, in order that his faith and hope in the One, One of those in Russia who found inspiration in this story was Almighty and Omniscient God might not in some manner Andrew Muravev, a man who in later years came to know Fr. John grow weak, I ventured, even before receiving permission quite well, and who left us this very fitting analysis of the entire inci- from Your Grace, to give him the following exhortation: dent: "I see that the spirits which appear to you are not devils; therefore, heed their doctrines and exhortations when- Once again, one scarcely knows at which to be amazed- ever these contradict nothing I have taught you in the the miraculous gifts of the old Aleut or the humility of general assembly. To those who question you concerning the missionary who in patience is denied a singular op- the future or who seek your help say that they should ask portunity to satisfy his obviously holy curiosity in such an God, the Father of all. I do not forbid you to heal people: unusual matter, simply in order not to transgress the just be sure to tell anyone whom you decide to heal that commandment of obedience. The old man's premature it is the power of God which performs it and not your death, however, vindicated his actions by showing clearly own. Recommend that they pray diligently to the One that these revelations had been necessary for himself, his God and thank Him. Neither do I forbid you to teach oth- family and his people only for as long as the Aleutian ers, but do no more than exhort those of tender age. Tell Islands remained spiritually neglected. Now, however, by no one-not even me-about the future." Then I told and the grace of God, people have come to work towards commanded the other Aleuts who were there that none their salvation, and the heavenly guides concealed them- of them was to call him a shaman or to ask about or for selves once again.• anything from him, but from God alone. Excepts from:
Saint Innocent, Apostle America At dawn the next morning Fr. John returned to Unalaska, arriv- by Pual D. Garrett ing in the evening, but this was not the end of the amazing story of John Smirennikov. In Irkutsk Bp. Michael hard this tale with many of Publisher: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press 1979 his acquaintances, "outstanding to mind and heart," and all were duly impressed. Thanking Fr. Veniaminov for his detailed report, the bishop wrote this letter in reply:
20 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL