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Home , Nativity Fast

A Monthly Publication of

1240 Broadbridge Avenue , Stratford, CT 06615 Vol. 4. No. 36 - December 2014

= The Nativity Fast 2014

Preparing For the Coming of the Savior

Pastor’s Message...... Page 2 Life Passages ... Birthdays, Anniversaries...... Page 3

St. John’s Stewards..... Coffee Hour, Cleaning,= Reading Schedules...... Page 3 Community Outreach...... Page 4 Month In Review, Parish and Diocesan News, Photos and More...... Pages 5 -8 December News and Announcements...... Pages 9-10 Coming Events……………………………...... Pages 11-13 Spiritual Reading But is Boring…Nativity Fast & Tradition….. Pages 14-17 An Orthodox Can be a Remedy for Christmas Depression…. Pages 17-18 Daily Scripture Readings, Prayer List...... Pages 19-20 December Calendar of Services and Events...... Page 21 The Fr Peter’s Message Dear Parishioners & Friends The Official Monthly Publication of The Orthodox Greek Christ Is In Our Midst! of Saint John the Baptist He Is And Ever Shall Be! 1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615 Parish Website: www.sjoc.org The month of December is upon Email: [email protected] us. The Church, at this time of year, invites us to take a Pastor: Very. Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski spiritual journey with the Most-Holy Mother of God and Phone & Fax: 203-375-2564 Cell: 203-260-0423 the Righteous Joseph to the cave in where our Saviour is to be born. We begin this arduous Parish Council President: William Bilcheck, Jr. journey, recalling the intense spiritual and physical 203-421-3121 email: [email protected] struggles our Blessed Mother faced.

Divine Services Church Tradition tells us that, when it was learned by : Sat: 5:00 pm, Eve of Feasts: 7:00 pm the High Priest, that the Mother of God was with child Sunday & Week Day 9:00 am and was not married, she had to endure a humiliating Services of Intercession as Announced trial before the High Priest and experienced intense Coffee Hour Fellowship Sundays 10:30 am spiritual pain and suffering, knowing that she had done Church School (Sept- May) Sundays: 10:45 am nothing wrong, but was instead bearing the Parish Ministries Coordinators in her womb. While eventually vindicated, this experience was traumatic, and, in addition, when she Church School Coordinator: Pani Carol Paproski was far along in her pregnancy, she had to endure the extreme physical discomfort of travelling a difficult ACRY Youth Group: Hailey Meyernick three day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. As the time drew near to giving birth, she suffered the Outreach Coordinators indignity of being denied access to a comfortable inn Community & Mary Householder/ and had to taking lodging and give birth in a dirty cave Soup Kitchen Eve Nucifora which was used to house animals. Bereavement Jean Lomme Young Families Michelle Mihaly Despite this physical, emotional and spiritual pain, the The Sick /Shut-ins M.Allis/E. Nucifora Mother of God did not despair, but remained in a constant state of prayer and spiritual contemplation. Financial Investment William Bilcheck,Jr. William Booth, Jr. During this time of the Nativity Fast, our Church Thomas Decerbo encourages us to emulate the Mother of God and focus Matthew Mihaly our minds and hearts on the Lord, imitating her patient Orestes Mihaly endurance of suffering by ourselves patiently and Property Maintenance/ Thomas Decerbo willingly taking on the discipline of . At the Improvements Frank Meyernick same time we are asked to enter more deeply into the spiritual life, through increased prayer and Scholarship Eve Nucifora contemplation of the Glory of God. Helen Guman May we during this Season of follow the Database Coordinator: Christine LeClerc example of the and keep our minds and hearts focused on the Lord, the Prince of Peace. By Webmaster: Michael Decerbo doing so, instead of being worn down during this season of endless shopping, holiday preparations, and general busy-ness we will be renewed and strengthened. Happy Fasting and a Blessed Nativity Journey! SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE 2 JANUARY ISSUE OF THE PROPHET With Love In Christ,

me DECEMBER 23, 2014 Fr. Peter LifeDECEMBER Passages BIRTHDAYS – December & ANNIVERSARIES 2014

Date Name Event Dec 2 Sue Harrison Birthday Dec 3 Mary Nichols Birthday Dec 7 Brendan Bilcheck Birthday Dec 9 John Mihaly Birthday Dec 12 Ryan Pierce Birthday ______Dec 13 Louis Gregory Birthday Dec 14 Amy Booth Birthday Dec 15 Hailey Meyernick, Ken Lomme, Jr. Birthday Dec 21 Nicole Sutyak Birthday Dec 23 William Booth, Sr. Birthday Dec 25 Maribel Best Birthday Dec 27 Faith Stirna Birthday Dec 29 Bryan Papillo Birthday Dec 30 Jeff Stokely Birthday ______

St John’s Stewards: Doing the Work of the Church

COFFEE HOUR CHURCH READING CHURCH CLEANING Date Host Date Hours Date Cleaner 11/30 Booth/Nichols 11/30 Brett Bill Bilcheck 11/24-12/6 Cleaning Svc 12/7 Decerbo 12/7 Pani Carol M. Mihaly Jr. 12/8-12/20 Cleaning Svc 12/14 Ivers 12/14 Holly Rob 12/22-1/3 Bilcheck 12/21 St Nick Brunch 12/21 Brett Cantors 1/5-1/17 Decerbo 12/28 OK Mihaly 12/28 Pani Carol Serge 1/19-1/31 Householder

SPONSOR A CLEANING OF THE CHURCH

We are now soliciting sponsorships from our parishioners who wish to assist with the cleaning of the Church, but are not able to join the cleaning roster. You may offer a single cleaning sponsorship of $30.00 or multiple cleaning sponsorships. If you are interested in doing so, please place your donation in a donation envelope clearly marked with your name and the amount, indicating it is a Cleaning Sponsorship and place it in the metal collection box. You may also mail it to the Church. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

CHRISTMAS PASTRY ROLL SALE BAKERS NEEDED FOR PASTRY SALE Workshops Bakers are needed to assist making nut, poppy, Date Time prune and apricot filled rolls for our Christmas Sat Dec 6th 9:00 am Pastry Roll Sale. Please See Pani Carol if you Sat Dec 13th 9:00 am can help. Thank You! Wed Dec 17th 9:00 am th 3 Parish Outreach & Community Service

COMMUNITY SUPPER PROGRAM UPDATE We are responsible for providing supper once a month on Wednesday Evening at Christ Episcopal Church from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm and quarterly on Mondays at St. George Episcopal Church, Bpt. If you are able to work at a supper, or if you are able to make a salad or dessert for a scheduled meal, please see Mary Householder or Eve Nucifora. If you would like to Sponsor a meal, a donation of $150.00 would cover an entire meal. Many thanks to all who helped during the Month of November.

PARISH COMMUNITY SUPPER SCHEDULE Date: Location Dec 24 Christ Church, Stratford Jan 21 Christ Church, Stratford Feb 11 Christ Church, Stratford

FOOD FOR THE NEEDY Our Food Drive for Sterling House is ongoing and their needs are especially crucial in this difficult . Child-friendly food items are needed. Among the items needed are hot and cold cereals, juices, pancake and waffle mixes, frozen breakfast foods, peanut butter, jelly, tuna fish, instant puddings, crackers, snack foods, canned soups and fruits, powdered drink mixes, boxed and canned potatoes and macaroni and cheese, as well as microwavable and single-serving meals. Now refrigerated items such as milk and eggs are also accepted. Also: We need some basic items for a needy, mentally disabled person whom we directly help to tide him over until the beginning of each month. Here are items our friend can use: Creamy Peanut Butter and Crackers, Vanilla Wafer cookies, 2 Liter Bottle of Regular Pepsi, Paper Towels, Shampoo, (large bottle any brand), Folgers coffee. NO MORE RAVIOLI’S PLEASE. Also, gift cards from Stop and Shop would be helpful so that we may purchase perishable food items such as bread, milk, meat and other foods items that are needed.... If you can contribute any of these specific items, please leave these items in Father Peter’s Office, not in the general food collection basket. Cash donations/gift cards should be put in an envelope marked clearly for needy food purchase and placed in the collection box on the candle desk. Thank You! “For I was Hungry and You Fed Me”

Wisdom From The Fathers

“He that loves Me, saith the Lord, will keep My commandments; and 'this is My commandment, that you love one another.' He therefore who does not love his neighbor does not keep the commandment. Nor is he that does not keep the commandment able to love the Lord.”

- St. Maximos the Confessor, from St. , Century 1

4 The Month In Review ______

Parish Council Updates

The parish council continues to address the expected budget shortfall for the current fiscal year, ending on December 31, 2014, and the anticipated gap of over $20,000 in the 2015 budget. This deficit is due to demographic changes such as decreased weekly attendance and the death of active, faithful parishioners over the past several years. The parish council, in reviewing the annual budget, has determined that there is little room for cost savings, as it is essentially a bare bones budget that provides for only the essential needs and does not allow for reserves for large repairs and improvements to our Church properties. The council is presently working on a comprehensive parish stewardship plan which will address this challenge and encourage a revitalization of parish life by bringing about a greater awareness by all members of the spiritual and material needs of the parish.

Putting the present financial challenge into perspective, the council members discussed that the budget gap of $25,000.00 could be easily met by 50 parishioners giving an additional $1.36 per day! This is less than the cost of a small cup of coffee, a muffin at Dunkin Donuts, a small orange juice at McDonalds’ or three cigarettes. When thought about it this way, closing the budget gap would indeed be possible. And if the same number of parishioners gave double that amount, $2.75 per day, the entire budget could be completely funded without our current fundraisers – AND there would be a significant amount left over to put money in escrow for repairs and upgrades to the Church Property AND have additional funding to do even more outreach projects. Church School and Youth Updates

The 2014-2015 Church School Year continues with diligent efforts of Church School Teachers Amy Booth Eve Nucifora , Pani Carol and Fr. Peter.

Eve Nucifora's class is busy with a stewardship project for the upcoming holidays. The girls learned that just as we announce good things about ourselves and our lives, , Himself, is and was The Good News. We are spreading His Love, and our love of God, by helping others. For the next few weeks, the girls will be creating special Christmas cards to give to the children we know through the Lord's Kitchen suppers, celebrating His Birth. Kayla and were also able to see how important their own good deeds are, in that they made a get well card for a parishioner, brought it to the church members for signing, and asked Father Peter to deliver this gift from them when he visited. They are helping to bring God's Word to others in a very special way.

This past month Pani Carol's Church School class has continued their study of the , in particular the Book of Genesis. We learned that after the fall of there was much evil in the world, exemplified by the killing of Abel by his brother Cain. God decided to destroy most of His creation, except for His faithful servant and Noah's family, and flooded the entire earth. God promised that He would never again flood the earth--one of many promises made to His chosen people, the Hebrews. The class subsequently studied the lives of the Patriarchs( "fathers" of the Hebrew people), namely , , and . This past week we heard the story of one of Jacob's sons, Joseph. Joseph was one of twelve brothers who was sold into slavery in Egypt because of the jealousy of his brothers. While in Egypt he became a trusted servant of the Pharoah due to his ability to interpret dreams and because of his ability to guide the Egyptian people successfully through a seven-year drought. He was united with his father Jacob and his brothers, forgiving them for their past sin against him, and kept the Hebrew people from starvation.

5 Church School and Youth Updates (Continued)

Fr. Peter ‘s teen rap session focused on the importance of prayer and why a can be helpful. They watched several contemporary You Tube videos to illustrate the point that when we are concerned only with the things of this world, and do not lift our eyes and hearts to heaven in prayers, we cannot become the person God intends us to be.

As a reminder, those children who have already made their first should confess their sins on a regular basis. To this end, we are encouraging them to do so on the First Sunday of the Month. Those who are able to come to Confession the evening before at the conclusion of Vespers are encouraged to do so. Confessions will always be available before or after any Sunday/Weekday Liturgy or Vespers Service, or at any other time by mutual arrangement ACRY Youth News

A re-organizational meeting for the ACRY Chapter 76 from our parish took place on Sunday, November 23, 2014, following Divine Liturgy. Father Peter Paproski explained that several, dormant chapters are reactivating in the diocese. He explained service to fellow man as the purpose of the outreach group. On a parish basis, our participating in the Lord's Kitchen activities and the Calvary-St George meals in Bridgeport are activities in this capacity. Our own outreach within the parish, especially "sunshine" at happy times and meal preparation following funerals, is also in this vein.

The need for temporary officers was explained. Hailey Meyernick volunteered for the presidency, Tim Paproski for the treasury office, and Eve Nucifora for the secretarial position. A vote was led by Father Peter and these positions were accepted by majority vote. The three officers took over the meeting at this point. Installation will be in late December/early January.

Father Peter explained the $15 per member annual dues, and donations to the scholarship fund. Matt Mihaly Sr. moved that $20 per member be collected, $15 for dues and $5 towards scholarship, seconded by Tim Paproski; motion carried.

Father Peter explained that the present fundraising goal of the ACRY is to purchase for Diocesan mission parishes including St. Elizabeth in Atlanta, GA which does not have vestments. At the conclusion of the appeal, a trip to the mission parishes supported by the appeal is being planned. There was no further business to discuss and President Meyernick asked for a motion to adjourn; Tim Paproski so moved, seconded by Serge Mihaly.

6 The Month In Review: Throughout the Parish

The 2014 New England DDD Dinner Fr. Stephen Loposky, Administrator Of Camp Took Place At Marissa’s Restaurant In Nazareth Gave A Presentation At The DDD Trumbull, CT Dinner

Camp Nazareth Reunion and Deanery Youth Mary Nichols Enjoyed Spending Time With Gathering With Fr. Stephen Loposky John Decerbo At A Recent Coffee Hour.

Daniel Hand celebrates its class M field hockey championship Congratulations Coach Holly Bilcheck!!!! 7 The Month In Review Diocesan News

2014 Camp Nazareth Alumni Reunion (11/1/14)

On , November 1, 2014 over 60 Camp Nazareth Alumni (campers, staff, volunteers and ) gathered together at Camp Nazareth for an afternoon of fellowship, prayer, learning and fun.

2014 Fall Youth Encounter (11/7/14)

The National Jr. ACRY sponsored its annual Youth Encounter at Camp Nazareth during Weekend Nov 7-9, 2014.

Bishop Gregory Makes Pastoral Visit to Niles, IL (11/9/14)

On the weekend of November 8-9, 2014, His Grace, Bishop Gregory made an Archpastoral Visit to St. Michael's Church in Niles, IL to preside over the parish's 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Bishop Gregory Makes Pastoral Visit to Rockford, IL (11/11/14)

On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, His Grace Bishop Gregory made a pastoral visit to Christ the Saviour Parish in Rockford, IL to celebrate Divine Liturgy with the faithful of the parish.

Cathedral To Host Advent Lecture Series – Our Parish To Host Remote Viewing

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop , Christ the Saviour Cathedral is pleased to announce that it will host a three week Advent Lecture series. The lectures, which will be open to the public and will be live streamed via the internet, will take place on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm beginning December 2, 2014. They will be one hour in duration and will include a Q & A session.

The lectures will be delivered by professors from Christ the Saviour Seminary. Topics will include "The : the Hardest Story for the Modern World, and How to Tell It Well", "Rejoice O ... A Scriptural Study of the Old Testament and Their Fulfillment in the Nativity of Our Lord,” and “The Christmas Heresy.

Faithful from Diocesan parishes in the Johnstown Deanery are encouraged to attend the lecture series at the Cathedral. Parishes with internet capabilities are encouraged to watch the lectures as a group.

While parishioners can watch this on line at http://www.acrod.org/organizations/cathedral/live/ , we will be hosting a satellite viewing in our Church Hall each week beginning on Dec 2 in our Church Hall. We will be able to interact live with the presenter and offer our questions and comments. 8 December News and Announcements

St Nicholas Brunch

Our Annual St. Nicholas festal celebration will take place on Sunday December 21, 2014. The festivities will begin with Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am..

A catered brunch will follow Liturgy and will include a visit from St. Nicholas. All parents are kindly asked to bring a wrapped present to be distributed by St. Nicholas.The cost of the brunch is $10.00 per adult; children 5 and up: $4.00; children under 5: free. There will be a reservation/donation sign- up sheet in the Church Hall. Reservations must be made by Dec 14, 2014. Donations of "finger" desserts such as cookies, brownies, bar-cookies would be greatly appreciated. ______Christmas Eve Holy Supper On Tuesday January 6, 2015 at 6:30 pm, we will have our annual Holy Supper in our Church Hall. All are welcome to attend and there is no cost. This year, we will be simplifying the menu to make it easier to prepare and clean-up. All will be asked to bring a food item already prepared and ready to be served. Each person bringing a food item will be responsible for cleaning up and taking home with them any of their left-over food items. Please mark your calendar, plan on attending and watch for more details! Christmas Eve Service will follow the Holy Supper at 8:00 pm. The Service of Christmas will be held as usual at 12 midnight. ______Choir Rehearsals For Christmas To properly prepare for Christmas Liturgy, choir rehearsals will be held after Church on Sunday Dec 14, 28, and Jan 4. Additionally, it is the plan to have the choir sing the responses to Liturgy as many Sundays during the month of December as possible. The goal would be to begin singing chorally from the Trisagion (Holy God) forward. This will require that all choir members arrive in Church at the beginning of Divine Liturgy to warm up by singing the Plain chant responses during the first part of Liturgy. Thank you . ______Christmas Outreach We will once again be providing Christmas Eve Supper for the patrons of The Lord’s Kitchen. Please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Church Hall if you can help. We are in need of home-baked cookies, and donations towards the cost of the meal and gift cards that we will be distributing in conjunction with the other faith communities in Stratford. Help is also needed serving the meal and cleaning up afterwards.

SHOP ON LINE FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND SUPPORT OUR PARISH

The Church receives 4% of all your purchases on Amazon.com if you enter from the following page on our parish website: http://www.stjohnthebaptist.stratford.ct.us/churchshopping.html The Church receives 6% on any Amazon.com gift card. You can earn the Church 10% if you purchase a gift card and then use it to make your purchase.

9 FROM THE MAIL BOX

AN APPEAL FROM THE EASTERN ORTHODOX WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF GREATER BRIDGEPORT, CT

Dear Father.

The Eastern Orthodox Women’s Council of Greater Bridgeport is asking your help in the very serious dilemma our Council is facing.

We ask that you address the Council members in your Parish (past, present an even future) and urge their attendance at our upcoming meetings which will be decisive to the Council’s continuation. Unfortunately, our membership is dwindling, as well as the interest in participating in our Organization. Over the next few months we must determine which path we will take – either going forward or dissolution. We will need inpurt from any and all Council members (again, past, present or those considering hoining us).

In the spring, we will vote on the following:

Going Forward – we will need a plan of action and must discuss fundraising activities. Dissolution – we must determine the best way to perpetuate our Organization and treasury.

We will celebrate our 60th Anniversary in March 2015. Our first charter was to provide a kitchen for Park City Hospital in Bridgeport. That goal was achieved and our Priests determined our present charter of providing scholarships to our Orthodox Seminarians. In the past through the present we have:

 Provided Seminarians with our seven Seminaries with scholarships.  Provided those recipients with Christmas or gifts (sometimes both)  Annually, supported religious, local and national civic charities.  Anonymously gifted those in need within our Churches, both members and nonmembers.  Gifted Seminaries at times when we celebrated our won milestones.  Provided funds for several Orthodox orphanages, national and international.  Supported our sister Church functions and events.  Provided over 1000 pairs of pajamas to needy children on a local, state, national and international basis during the last six years and are still collecting.

We have done a lot of good things, Father, while enjoying Orthodox camaraderie, good will and a felling of happiness through accomplishment of our goals. We are an organization with a heart. We have a loving and giving history; but, now, we are forced to make a decision on our Future.

Thank you, Father for your help. Yours in Christ,

Eva Tomlinson for the Eastern Orthodox Women’s Council of Greater Bridgeport.

From Fr. Peter: Dear Women of the Parish, I ask that you prayerful consider the contents of this letter. I would like to sit down with you at coffee hour on Sunday Dec 7th and discuss their situation and see what suggestions we might have to assist them. I personally am a beneficiary of their generosity having received multiple scholarships and gifts during my three years of study at St. Tikhon’s. Surely there is a way to continue their legacy in the 21st Century given the changing demographics and challenges our young women face today.

Next Council Meeting is Jan 17, 2015 at 1:30 pm at Our Parish. 10 Coming Events Dec 20 Christmas Pastry/Bread Sale Dec 21 St. Nicholas Brunch Dec 29 Deanery Youth Bowling – Nutmeg Lanes, Fairfield Jan 6 Christmas Eve Covered Dish Supper

WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCHES PAJAMA PROGRAM The Women’s Council of Eastern Orthodox Sunday December 14th Christian Churches is holding its annual Holiday Pajama Collection Program. to benefit children in sorry circumstances, such as homeless shelters, orphanages, and victims of disasters. Since December of 2006, they have donated over 1000 pairs of pajamas to this worthwhile cause. Please take part in this program by bringing a pair of new pajamas, in a plastic bag and leave it on the table in the of the church. Adults : $10.00 (children under 12) - $5.00

All sizes are needed, infant thru adult, for teenage children. Donations will accepted until the end of Please make reservations with January. – Thank you for your help! Carole Krochta (203-375-2621 before December 7th Eve Nucifora – Program Chairman

UPCOMING ORTHODOX WOMEN’S COUNCIL EVENTS January Meeting – St John’s Broadbridge Ave - Saturday, January 17th at 1:30pm.

Annual Post-Holiday Dinner - Sunday, January 25th at Marissa's in Trumbull.

Please see Eve Nucifora for more details.

11 12 13 But Church Is Boring

There are very few Orthodox families who have never heard words like these coming from their children. Yet this is not a phenomenon limited to children. Most adults, too, have had to struggle with such feelings-even if only in the form of “How much longer?” or “When is it going to be over?”

Despite the initially trivial sound of such plaintive moaning, there are serious issues underlying these questions. If we allow the sense of boredom and tedium to fester within us, we construct a wall between the Holy services and our souls. Grace is imparted to us through the of the Church, and if we erect barriers we hinder our ability to immerse ourselves fully in the Sacraments. At best, we limit our spiritual growth. At worst, we drift further away until we quit coming to services altogether, and end up having cut ourselves off from the Church. What we need to do, rather than to try to pretend to ourselves or our children that Church services are not boring, is to do the opposite: we need to accept that they are boring-when perceived from a view point of the modern age’s “culture.” We now come to services with our hearts and minds so attuned to the modern concepts of “fun” and “entertainment” that we do find ourselves bored. The heart of the matter is that the technological changes of the modern age have produced such a grotesquely sensual world that the dignity of Orthodox services has been buried under a deluge of garbage in our perceptions.

For most of human existence, daily life was simply a struggle to survive. Homes were simple, with minimal decorations, and virtually no furniture. Possessions were largely limited to essentials, and Art was an issue only for the wealthy. Music has always been a part of social life, but only formally used for celebrating (or mourning) a very special day. The ability to read and write was a rarity, and books or manuscripts were considered as treasures.

Because of the holiness of the Church, and wanting to impart the sense of the church temple as being a foretaste of Heaven, the buildings were constructed whenever possible on a grandiose scale. They were filled with rich imagery of the life of Christ, and of multitudes of Saints. Rich, harmo-nious music filled the temples. The odor of sweet incense wafted up, and all of the senses had the opportunity to participate in the worship of God. Many accounts exist throughout the centuries of the onlookers’ sense of being overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. The services offered meaning and color to otherwise mundane and simple lives.

Gradually, technology has overdosed our senses. Now even a poor apartment has more amenities than did the richest of castles. Virtually all of us own more possessions than could ever be imagined. Even poor families now are able to lounge in soft recliners and sofas, and to revel in luxury. Technology has given us more “free time: and the opportunity to seek out excitement in our lives. Theme parks and amusement rides have become a standard part of Americana, and allow us to experience any kind of thrill we want. Through the inventions of radio and the recording technologies, we have access to music day and night. Many people have now become addicted to having endless music around them, and think they cannot function without it. Most importantly, however, is the all-pervasive output of imagery. We are bombarded with pictures every waking second of our life-magazines, newspapers, photographs, billboards, and every other flat surface has an image. And now, during this last century, we have perfected moving images. Movies and TV produce a never ending glut of action and adventure, sexuality and horror. Each new production strives to outdo its predecessors in captivating the attention of the populace. (Continued on Page 15)

14 But Church Is Boring

(Continued From Page 14)

Entertainment has now become our reason for existence it would seem. Everything is judged on the basis of how fun it is. We are now even toying with “virtual reality” as a new, all encompassing imagery designed to more fully intoxicate our senses.

Where does this leave us with Church services? Our services are still as full of beauty and of truth as ever, but our senses are too glutted to notice. Our expectations of being entertained leave us feeling unfulfilled at church. Fewer and fewer people come. Our hearts may still cry out for God, but everything in our culture subconsciously tells us that the Church is outdated and no longer relevant. Some Christian groups (including, unfortunately, some Orthodox churches) have tried to combat this phenomenon head-on-and with bizarre results. The Roman Catholics, with their Vatican II Council decided to try and modernize and simply make everything easier. Services were shortened, obligations were eliminated, and everything was changed. The result has been a near total collapse of discipline within their church and a massive exodus. Some protestant groups, on the other hand, have tried to compete directly and have designed their churches like theaters, and put on professional concerts and multi-media services in an attempt to draw and hold followers. Their result has been to supplant what-ever vestiges of worship were left with just more entertainment.

What then, are we to do? The following four steps may serve as a partial antidote to the poison our modern age has injected into our souls.

1. Realize that the issue is not something the Church is able to solve by changing itself. The Church’s calling is to testify to the Truth and to save souls, not to entertain. Understand that the Church services are ordained by God for assisting us in our spiritual growth and salvation. Realize that the problem is not within the services themselves, but with our perception of them.

2. Accept that, from a worldly point of view, the services are “boring.” Trying to pretend that they are something which they are not will only lead to frustration, disappointment, and alienation from the services. Accept that you are not going to be entertained.

3. Begin by simply re-focusing your mind on the services first as an obligation to God. Set aside the times for services as your sacrifice to God, a time in which you expect nothing in return. It is im-portant to not only offer the time physically, but also to dedicate the time mentally to God, by thinking only of Him and His Holy Church.

4. Finally, move on to involving yourself as fully as possible in the services. Sing in the choir, read in the cliros, if possible. Even if these options are closed, simply participate in all the prayers as much as possible. (Ironically, even from a worldly point of view, the more one is involved, the more the services will seem to fly by!)

It must be emphasized that services are never truly “boring,” because it is during that time that we are making contact with the supernatural world, and joining ourselves to God Himself through our prayers. If we could see the spiritual world we would never want the services to stop. But, unfortunately, as we are all products of our 20th century world, we use modern, worldly criteria for judging the quality of the services. If we can only look on the Divine Services as our necessary path to salvation, and not as potential entertainment, we can begin to free ourselves from the subtle demonic suggestion to judge services by how fun they are.

(Continued on Page 16)

15 But Church Is Boring

(Continued From Page 15)

It is when we have experienced something repeatedly that boredom most often sets in, souring our appreciation and dulling our senses. Those of us so afflicted with respect to the church services, or who take them for granted, would do well to borrow a fresh pair of eyes.

“We did not know whether we were in heaven or on earth,” exclaimed the envoys of Prince Vladimir, when they reported to him their experience in attending the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople’s . Even Orthodox services held in more humble temples, houses churches and small chapels, can be deeply moving. A recent visitor to a small parish in the Mid-West was inspired by his first Divine Liturgy to pen the following poem.

THROUGH THE DOOR

It was like facing the burning bush, and becoming a pile of ashes. It was like standing with in the lion’s den, with the lions singing like angels. It was like dancing on the high wire, with Heaven above and Heaven below.

It was like dancing through the eye of a needle,a thousand angels pushing, a thousand angels pulling. It was like breathing fire. It was like flying. It was like singing in tongues of angels, without making a sound.

It was like fighting to the death with the king of the beasts, and he let me win.

It was like losing every ounce of blood It was like drinking better wine than the best wine.

It was like love at first sight. It was like a wedding. by the Dread Poet Athey

Source: http://www.pravmir.com/but-church-is-boring/#ixzz3KD9DmU00

PARISH FASTING GUIDELINES

The Nativity Fast (Advent) began on Friday Nov 28, 2014 Parishioners are kindly asked as a minimum to observe a Fast from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. The eve of Christmas, January 6, 2015 is a strict fast day with no meat or dairy products to be consumed.

Those who are of a willing spirit and are physically capable of doing so are wholeheartedly encouraged to observe a total fast from meat for the entire forty days.

Most importantly, Advent is a time for increased prayer, spiritual reading and performing acts of charity.

16 The Nativity Fast & Orthodox Tradition

For us, the Nativity Fast serves to refresh the last part of the year - mystically renewing our spiritual unity with God and preparing us for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ.

St. Leo the Great wrote: “Four periods [of the year] have been set aside as times of abstinence, so that over the course of the year we might recognize that we are constantly in need of purification, and that amid life’s distractions, we should always strive by means of fasting and acts of charity to extirpate sin, sin which is multiplied in our transitory flesh and in our impure desires.”

According to Leo the Great, the Nativity Fast is a sacrifice to God [in return for] the gathered harvest.

The Holy Hierarch stated, “Just as the Lord has generously granted us abundance of the fruits of the earth, so should we, during the time of this Fast, be generous to the poor.”

According to St. Symeon of Thessalonica, “…the Nativity Forty-day Fast represents the fast undertaken by , who, having fasted for forty days and forty nights, received the Commandments of God, written on stone tablets [of the Law]. And we, fasting for forty days, will reflect upon and receive from the Virgin of the living Word - not written upon stone, but born, incarnate, and we will commune of His Divine Body.”

The Nativity Fast was established to allow us through repentance, prayer and fasting to cleanse ourselves before the Nativity of Christ, so that with clean heart, soul, and body, we might reverently meet the Son of God, Who has come into the world and so that in addition to bringing the usual gifts and sacrifices, we might bring Him our clean hearts and a desire to follow His teachings.

May God grant that we all spend the salvific days of the Nativity Fast in such a way as to be a great benefit to our souls.

An Orthodox Christmas Can be a Remedy for Christmas Depression and Holiday Blues

The birth of Christ brought joy and hope to these who had been in darkness and the way the Orthodox celebrate Christmas is designed to let people feel that hope again. The Orthodox Church teaches that Advent represents the time before Christ, when God’s people were lost and disconnected from God. Instead of “pre-celebrating” the Christmas holidays during Advent, Orthodox Christians participate in a solemn, six-week Nativity fast (started on November 15th until December 25th) during this time. It is a spiritual practice that helps people grieved their losses,endure their sadness, feed their souls, and ultimately, experience joy on Christmas day – the Holy Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.

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17 An Orthodox Christmas Can be a Remedy for Christmas Depression and Holiday Blues

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The Orthodox Nativity Fast Can Help Those Who Struggle with Depression

During the fast, all meat, cheese, eggs and wine are avoided on most days and primarily vegetarian diet is kept. Fish is allowed except on Wednesdays and Fridays and the last week of the Nativity of our Lord. In place of food, drink and partying during Advent, the faithful are asked to nourish their souls with prayer, communion with their fellow parishioners, and drawing closer to God. For those who are struggling with personal problems, this period can give them a spiritual boost. This helps Orthodox Christians prepare to receive the joy that Christmas day brings. We can spiritually look forward to the joy of the birth of our Lord and this can help take away the blues, as after all we do celebrate the birth of our Lord for ten days afterwards.

In addition to fasting and increased prayer, almsgiving is expected to increase during the Nativity fast. This means, specifically, giving money to relieve poverty and material need. Doing this offers a counterbalance to people’s urges to overspend and over-indulge in material goods during Christmas. It brings the faithful in contact with others who are far worse of financially, quelling feelings of personal deprivation that tends to arise in this culture where so many have so much.

The Orthodox Christmas Nativity Fast Helps People Feed their Souls

These acts of almsgiving restore Orthodox Christian’s connection with humanity. They remind the faithful of Jesus’ Great Commandment to love one another, which is the primary act Christians are in charge with. It is a reminder that life has more meaning than the consumption of material goods. It helps Orthodox Christians get out of the rut of the day to day life and put their spirituality first.

The Orthodox Feast of the Nativity of our Lord is the Opposite of Depression

The faithful are prepared to experience true joy on the Nativity of our Lord that is Christmas Day. Toward the end of the fast, people feel like they have accomplished something difficult. On Christmas day they break the fast, exit the period of darkness and celebrate the light. The feast is that much sweeter because of the famine which proceeds it. Because they have done the work of nourishing the soul they are now free to indulge in the God-given blessings of food, drink, material things, family, friends and fun. Orthodox Christians believe that God wants people to be joyful.

Even those who are lonely or poor, having their souls filled, may see a path to a more satisfying life, or a way to comfort their pain and experience joy in small things after breaking the fast. The baby in a offered hope to the world, Christians are called to follow in His footsteps and to be the light of the world. No person is too faulted or too ordinary to make a difference, according to Orthodox teaching. Each person is called by God to do good in the world and to love one another.

May you have a spiritually rewarding fast in preparation for the Great Feast of the Holy Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Keep Christ our Lord focused in your lives during these holy days of preparation and celebration. Peace to your soul! God love and bless you! Humbly in Christ our Lord,

+ V. Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes – Who prays for you and with you!

18 Daily Scripture Readings

Prayer Before Reading Holy Scripture

O Master Who loves mankind, illuminate our hearts with the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Your . Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, that we may overcome all carnal desires, entering upon a spiritual life and understanding and acting in all things according to Your holy will. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen WEEK OF DECEMBER 3, 2012 WEEK OF DECEMBER 01, 2014

M. 1 Timothy 1:1-7 Luke 17:20-25 Holy Martyrs Platon & Romanos T. 1 Timothy 1:8-14 Luke 17:26-37 Holy Prophet W. 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2:8-15 Luke 18:15-17, 26-30 St Gregory Decapolitis Th. Hebrews 9:1-7 Luke 10:38-42;11:27-28 Entry of the Theotokos F. 1 Timothy 4:4-8, 16 Luke19:12-28 Holy Apostle Philemon St. Galatians 3:8-12 Luke 10:19-21 St. Amphilochius S Ephesians 5:9-19 Luke 13:10-17 Priest-Martyr Clement

WEEK OF DECEMBER 08, 2014

M. 1 Timothy 5:1-10 Luke 19:37-44 Great Martyr Catherine T. 1 Timothy 5:11-21 Luke 19:45-48 St Nikon W. 1 Timothy 5:22-6:11 Luke 20:1-8; Great Martyr James of Persia Th. 1 Timothy 6:17-20 Luke 20:9-18 St Stephen the New F. 2 Timothy 1:1-2, 8-18 Luke 20:19-26 Holy Martyr Paramon St. Galatians 1:3-10; Luke 12:32-40 Apostle Andrew the First-called S. Ephesians 6:10-17 Luke 18:18-27; Holy Prophet

WEEK OF DECEMBER 15, 2014 M. 2 Timothy 2:20-26 Luke 20:27-44 Holy Prophet T. 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4 Luke 21:12-19 Holy Prophet Sophronias W. 2 Timothy 4:9-22 Luke 21:5-7,10-11,20-24 Great Martyr Barbara Th. Titus 1:5-2:1 Luke 21:28-33 St Sabbas the Sanctified F. Hebrews13:17-21 Luke 6:17-23; St. Ephesians 1:16-23 Luke 13:18-29 St. Ambrose of Milan S. Colossians 1:12-18 Luke 17:12-19 Ven. Patapius of Thebes

WEEK OF DECEMBER 22, 2014

M. Hebrews 3:5-11, 17-19 Mark 8:11-21 Conception of the Mother of God T. Hebrews 4:1-13 Mark 8:22-26 Holy Martyr Menas W. Hebrews 5:11-6:8 Mark 8:30-34 St Daniel the Stylite Th. Hebrews 7:1-6 Mark 9:10-16; St Spyridon F. Hebrews 7:18-25 Mark 9:33-41 St. Eustratius St. Ephesians 2:11-13 Luke 14:1-11 Holy Martyr Thyrsus S. Colossians 3:4-11; Luke 14:16-24; Sunday of the Holy Forefathers 19 Prayer Corner

A Prayer For The Sick O Christ, You alone are prompt to defend us; quickly visit Your suffering servant (name). Through the prayers of the Mother of God, deliver (him, her) from sickness and bitter pain. Heal (him, her) so that (he, she) may sing to You and always praise You for You alone love us. Prayer List Living Members of Parish Family And Friends

Protopresbyter Luke Ronald (Vojtek) Shirley Sedlock Fr. John (Duranko) Pani Patricia (Duranko) Florence (Gachi) Garry & Barbara (Nichols) Richard (Kaschak) Pearl (Nucifora) Fr. Michael (Macura) Keith Charles (Householder) Audrey (Fatse) Richard (Kaschak Jr) Greg & Kim Frank (Meyernick) Lou (Gregory) Katherine (Macura) Serge (Mihaly) Michael ( Banik) Kelly (Friend of Eve) Mary (Nichols) Nina (Kuchma) Esther (Johnson) Joshua (Habansky) Geoffrey & Jennifer Roger (Vanhouten) Zachary Priest Michael (Psenchnuk) Child Diana Irene (Knapp) Carol Judy Elsi (Lotufo) Penny (Elsi’s daughter) Propresbyter John (Gido) Thomas (Ivers) Kennedy Family Karen (Ivers) Christopher (Zinski) Rachel (friend of Karen) John (Cybul) Gregory (Cybul) Priest James (Gleason) Marge (Allis) Robert Joseph (Loposky) Randy & Janice Caleb (Goneau) Edward & Laurie Shannon (Friend of Arlene) Infant Jack Nicholas (Papillo) Cynthia (Dion) Marion (Fallon) Virginia (friend of Eve) Alice (VanHouten) Nicholas (Gachi) Judy Donna (Pierce) June (Friend of Marcia L) Ernie (Friend of Marcia L) Stephen

Michael (Lomme) Carolann Betty Pani Betty-Jean Daniel Child Emma Walter (Litzie) Child Oliver Amada & Will(Friends of Mary H.) Mildred (Fife) Gregory (Sabak) Joan (Julie’s Sister in Law) Nina Karolina Victoria

Departed Members Of Our Parish Family And Friends

Mary (Petrik) John & Catherine (Mesaros) Ignat and Elizabeth (Gabany) Donald (Lotufo) Shirley (Meyernick) Catherine & Charles (Boychew) A Prayer For The Departed O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who has conquered death and destroyed Satan, and Who has granted life to Your world; O Lord, rest the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) [Name] in a serene, luxuriant and peaceful place where all pain and sorrow and lamentation are absent; as a gracious God Who loves mankind, forgive all transgressions committed by (him, her, them) by word or deed or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin; You alone are without sin, Your truth is truth in eternity and Your Word is Truth. For You, O Christ our God, are the resurrection, life and repose of Your departed servant(s) [Name], who (has, have) fallen asleep, and20 we give glory to You and Your eternal Father, and Your Most-Holy, Gracious and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen. SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH LITURGICAL SERVICES & EVENTS DECEMBER 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 7:00 pm 3 4 Entry of the 5 10 am Liturgy 6 9:00 am Diocesan Advent 11 am Bible Study Virgin Mary Cambridge Manor Nut Roll Workshop Lecture 7:00 pm Great 9:00 am Liturgy Repose of J&C 5 pm Great Vespers Vespers & Litya +Mary Petrik Mesaros

7 9:00 am Liturgy 8 9 7:00 pm 10 11 12 9:00 am 13 Panachida Panach ida S Church Cleaner: Diocesan Advent 11 am Bible Study Liturgy Repose I 9:00 am Nut Roll Meyernick /P. Patrick Cleaning Service Lecture 7:00 pm Moleben & E Gabany Workshop Church School / 8:00 pm Parish to St. Nectarios 5pm Great Vespers Decerbo Coffee Hr. Council Meeting & Confessions Coffee Hour Discussion on Women’s Council

14 9:00am Liturgy 15 16 7:00 pm 17 9:00 am 18 19 St. Nicholas 20 8:30 am Liturgy C School/ Teen Rap Diocesan Advent Nut Roll Workshop 7:00 pm 9:00 am Liturgy Rep H Sedlar Panachida Rep D. Lecture No Bible Study Great Vespers & Seniors 11am – Pastry Sale Lotufo/ Ivers Litya Fellowship 5:00 pm Great Coffee Hour Vespers & Choir Rehearsal Confession 21 10:00 am Liturgy 22 23 24 25 26 27 Panachida. Conrad Church Cleaner: 7:00 pm No Bible Study 5:00 pm Great Lomme, M Gadala Bilcheck Moleben to the 4:00 pm Vespers & St Nicholas Brunch Theotokos Lords Kitchen Confessions 28 9:00 am Liturgy 29 9:45 am 30 31 Panachida: C&C Deanery Bowling 11 am Bible Study Boychew, Church Outing School/OK Mihaly Coff. Hr/Choir Rehearsal

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