A Monthly Publication of

1240 Broadbridge Ave, Stratford, CT 06615

Vol. 8. No. 73 - Summer 2018

Celebrating Our Patronal Feast Day!

The Nativity Of The Holy Prophet

Forerunner And Baptist John Save Us!

The Prophet Parish Ministries Coordinators

Church School Coordinator: Pani Carol Paproski The Official Monthly Publication of

The Orthodox Greek Junior ACRY Youth Group: Debbie Samilenko of Sr. ACRY : Eve Nucifora

1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615 Parish Website: www.sjoc.org Outreach Coordinators Email: [email protected] Community & Mary Householder/ Very. Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski Soup Kitchen Eve Nucifora Phone & Fax: 203-375-2564 Cell: 203-260-0423 Bereavement Jean Lomme Young Families Michelle Mihaly Parish Council President: William Bilcheck, Jr. The Sick /Shut-ins M.Allis/E. Nucifora 203-421-3121 email: [email protected]

Financial Investment William Bilcheck,Jr. Divine Services William Booth, Jr. Vespers: Sat: 5:00 pm, Eve of Feasts: 7:00 pm Thomas Decerbo Divine Liturgy Sunday & Week Day 9:00 am Matthew Mihaly Services of Intercession as Announced Coffee Hour Fellowship Sundays 10:30 am Property Maintenance/ Thomas Decerbo Church School (Sept- May) Sundays: 10:45 am Improvements Frank Meyernick

SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE Scholarship Eve Nucifora Helen Guman

SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE PROPHET

me AUGUST 21, 2018 Database Coordinator: Christine LeClerc

Webmaster: Decerbo

Pastor’s Message...... Page 3 Life HEPassages ...IS Birthdays, AND Anniversaries...... EVER SHALL Page BE! 4 St. John’s Stewards..... Coffee Hour, Cleaning, Reading Schedules...... Page 4 Community Outreach...... Page 5 MonthCHRIST in Review: ParishSUMMER & DiocesanIS IN News &OUR Photos, Obitua MIDST!2015ries…… Pgs 6 -11 Summer News and Announcements……………...... Pages 12- 13 Coming Events...... Pages 14-15 Church Tips For The Summer……………………………….…………………….. Page 16 View From Pews, Bullying, Our Gifts………………………………………….…Pages 16-21 Patronal Feast & Other Summer Feasts, Church Chuckles………………..Pgs 22-24 Prayer Corner: Daily Scripture Readings, Prayer List...... Pgs 25-27 July Calendar of Services and Events...... Page 28 Aug Calendar of Services and Events...... Page 29

2

A MESSAGE FROM FATHER PETER

Dear Parishioners,

Glory Be To Christ! Glory Forever!

We have just entered into the beautiful Season of Summer.

School is out, the weather is finally warming up, and the hectic pace of life has begun to slow down a bit.

For many, Summer will bring the opportunity for vacationing with our family and friend. Pani Carol and I just returned from a vacation at the Delaware Shore where we spent a week relaxing at the Beach, soaking in the sun and breathing in the refreshing salt air. This year we were delighted to see for the first time ever, dolphins playing in the sea!

As I gazed at the sea and braved the crashing waves to enter in the clear but cold water, I could not help but call to mind the words of the 104th Psalm from Vespers which praises the marvels of God’s creation and His Eternal Wisdom in how beautiful and purposefully he created all things, great and small, the earth and the sea and that is in it. The refrain that is sung during this Psalm says its best: How marvelous are Your works O Lord, in Wisdom You have made them all! After a long and stressful year since my last vacation, it was as if I had forgotten how beautiful God made our world!

It is sad that in the course of our daily lives and all of the stresses and cares that we are burdened with, we are far too often blind to the reality of the Presence of God in the beauty of His Creation. We are so bent over and consumed with the cares of life that we do not gaze heavenward to delight in the beauty of the clouds , or the Sun setting over the horizon. We are too busy to quite literally stop and smell the roses and pay attention to the beautiful orchestral symphony offered by the various members of the animal kingdom, each adding their own unique sound and cadence.

I was so grateful for the opportunity to escape if only for a week the unending treadmill of non stop activity and mental engagement, so that I could find rest in the arms of our loving Saviour. The same Lord who constantly invites all of us who are burdened and weary from life to Come unto Him, and find rest. And rest I found, which brought peace and joy to my heart.

I pray that all of you will be able to take some time to rest in the arms of the Lord on vacation, or even if only for an afternoon in your own back yard, so that you can be spiritual rejuvenated as you drink in the beauty of the created world. I caution you, however, not to take a vacation from Church, but to instead find rest in attending Sunday Liturgy and observing the feast day celebrations in our little wonderfully air conditioned , and beautifully adorned Church. Our slice of Paradise and place of rest and refreshment.

Happy Summer, See you at the beach AND at Church!

With Love in Christ,

3 Life Passages July-August 2018 – Date Name Event

July 1 Ilona Decerbo Birthday

July 10 Paul Best Birthday

July 12 Justyn & Stokely, Lomme Birthday July 13 Leticia Asante Birthday July 15 William Asante Birthday July 16 Kathy and Orestes Mihaly Anniversary July 18 Fr. Luke Mihaly, Matthew Papillo Birthday July 21 Keith Mazzabufi Birthday July 22 Kenneth J. Lomme Birthday July 23 Rita Mihalko, Patricia Papillo, Deb Ryan Birthday July 25 Andrew Best Birthday July 26 Janet Musante Birthday July 31 Kathy Kravec Birthday Aug 6 Marge Allis Birthday Aug 10 Bill Booth, Jr. Birthday Aug 10 Arlene & Frank Auer Anniversary Aug 11 Tom Decerbo, Edward Booth, Jessica Stirna Birthday Aug 13 Cynthia Dion Birthday Aug 14 Jason Vargovchik Birthday Aug 20 Bill & Holly Bilcheck Anniversary Aug 22 Jean Lomme Birthday Aug 25 Alice VanHouten Birthday Aug 29 Rich & Eve Nucifora Anniversary Aug 30 Frank Meyernick Birthday ______

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

COFFEE HOUR CHURCH READING

Date Host Date Hours Epistle 7/1 Stirna/Meyernick 7/1 Pani Carol Matt 7/8 Stokely 7/8 Holly Cantors 7/15 Bilcheck 7/15 Pani Carol Bill

7/22 Booth 7/22 Holly Matt 7/29 Decerbo 7/29 Pani Carol Cantors 8/5 Ivers/Pierce 8/5 Holly Bill 8/12 Lomme/Mihaly 8/12 Pani Carol Matt 8/19 Porter/LeClerc 8/19 Holly Cantors 8/26 Ryan/Nucifora 8/26 Pani Carol Bill

CHURCH CLEANING

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.

4

COMMUNITY SUPPER PROGRAM UPDATE

We are responsible for providing supper once a month on Monday or Wednesday Evenings 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 $125.00 would cover an entire meal.

Note: We could use brownies for 7/16,. We need 6 people willing to bake a 13×9 pan and bring to church on the 15th. Please let Mary or Eve know if you can help.

PARISH COMMUNITY SUPPER SCHEDULE Date: Location 7/16 Christ Church, Stratford 7/30 Calvary/St George, Bridgeport 8/13 Christ Church, Stratford 9/17 Christ Church, Stratford

FOOD FOR THE NEEDY

Our Food Drive for Sterling House is ongoing and their needs are especially crucial in this difficult economy. 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”

PARISH WISH LIST

1. Stop and Shop Gift Cards of any denominations for use in purchasing groceries for the needy

Any parishioner interested in donating any of these items are kindly asked to see Fr. Peter 5 THE MONTH IN REVIEW Een Parish Council News

 SEMI-ANNUAL PARISH MEETING will be held on Sunday July 29, 2018. All parishioners are urged to be in attendance.

 PARISH DUES are $75.00. Please pay them by the Semi-Annual Meeting. If you have a financial hardship please see Fr. Peter. If necessary they may be waived.

 LITURGY TIME CHANGE: Liturgy will be at 8:00 am on July 15, 2018 to accommodate the bus trip to Camp.

 PARISH SURVEY - All parishioners have received a copy of our parish survey. As of this writing only 6 people have returned the form. Perhaps this seems like a daunting task as the form is several pages long. Feel free to fill out those areas that are applicable or for which you feel strongly about. It is to be completed by all parishioners, including youth. Please place the completed forms in the metal collection box on the candle desk or mail them into the Church by July 15, 2018.

 CHURCH HALL CHAIR REPLACEMENT - THANK YOU PARISHIONERS! We have received sufficient pledges to purchase new chairs for the Church hall. The molded plastic chairs received the most votes, so we will be going with that. Please see Tom Decerbo to fulfill your pledge and make payment. You may also place your payment in an envelope clearly marked with your Name and Chair Pledge Payment and put it in the collection basket or in the metal donation box on the candle desk. Once we have received all the money pledged, they will be purchased. While we be using many of the existing chairs for our church picnics, a number of these chairs will be available for purchase at a suggested price of $5.00. If anyone is interested in purchasing chairs, please see Tom Decerbo ______

THE MONTH IN REVIEW Diocesan News:

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2018 ACRY CONVENTION - JOHNSTOWN, PA [National ACRY] - Holy Ghost Orthodox Church and ACRY Chapter #30 will be the host of the 74th National Senior and 35th National Junior ACRY which will take place Labor Day weekend, August 31st through September 3rd, 2018 at Crowne Plaza Philadelphia - King of Prussia, 260 Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, PA 19406. This is the same venue that hosted the 2014 ACRY Convention. A rate of $109 (+ tax) for a double occupancy room has been secured for the weekend. These room rates are also secured for the day before the convention (Aug 30th) to allow everyone the opportunity to visit the area. Reservations must be made no later than Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in order to obtain the convention rate. An on-line link appears below for your use when booking rooms for the weekend.

Those who prefer may call the hotel directly at 610-265-7500 and reference National ACRY Conference to obtain the special convention rate.

For early arrivals, a golf outing has been arranged for Friday, August 31st, beginning at 9:00 am. Also, the hotel is directly across the street from the King of Prussia mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the US.

To register visit www.acry.org

6 THE MONTH IN REVIEW

Congratulations to Our Newest Parishioner Jackson David Fife, The Son of David and Britney Fife Who Was Baptized on Saturday June 13, 2018 by Protopresbyter Mark Leasure

Congratulations to Ryan and Katie Harrington Who Had Their Marriage Blessed in The Orthodox Church on Saturday May 12, 2018. May God Grant Them Many Years of Good Health and Happiness! 7

Congratulations To Ken Lomme who Graduated on June 22nd From Platt Tech in Milford

Graduates From Left To Right: 1. Hailey Meyernick 5/24/18 – Housatonic Community College – Associates Degreee in Early Childhood

Education – will be continuing at Univ. of CT in The Fall.

2. Shianna Reeves 8th Grade Graduation

3. Ronin Pierce Pre-School Graduation.

8 THE MONTH IN REVIEW

Graduate Sunday/Father’s Day

On Sunday June 17, 2018 High School Graduate Ken Lomme Was Honored By The Parish and Presented With A Gift Of A Pocket New Testament & A Wall Cross.

Father’s Day Breakfast

9 THE MONTH IN REVIEW

Spring Barbecue Dinner/Trivia Night June 9, 2018

On Saturday June 9th, 2018, our parish held a Spring Barbecue Dinner and Trivia Night. A great time was had by all. Special thanks to Dinner Coordinator Donna Pierce and her crew and Trivia Coordinator Karen Ivers for a well done!

10 THE MONTH IN REVIEW

+Kyle Anthony Lomme

Kyle Anthony Lomme, age 24, of Milford, passed away on Saturday June 16, 2018.

Kyle was born in Milford on September 14, 1993. He was the beloved son of Debra Hubicska Lomme and the late Michael Lomme and had been a lifelong resident of Milford and Orange. He was a 2011 graduate of Amity Regional High School and was working as a carpenter for Union Local #210 where he was working toward becoming a journeyman. Kyle loved music and attending concerts with his friends; he also enjoyed spending time outdoors, hiking and snowboarding. He spent many days fishing with his father, uncles and cousins. He also cherished going out to dinner and listening to music with his brother Mitchell.

Survivors, in addition to his beloved mother, include his brother, Mitchell Lomme, paternal grandmother, Jean Lomme of Milford; maternal grandmother, Andrea Hubicska of Shelton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his father, Kyle was pre-deceased by his brother Vincent Sciuto III; paternal grandfather, Conrad Lomme; his maternal grandparents, Justin Hubicska and Anita Bertrand Bump.

May His Memory Be Eternal! ______

+Mildred Paproski

Mildred Paproski, Fr. Peter’s Mother, reposed in the Lord on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

Mildred Summers Paproski the wife of the late Henry Paproski, was born on August 28, 1930 in Danbury, CT to the late George and Harriett (Case) Summers and has been a life long Newtown, CT resident. She was a bookkeeper for Nutmeg Cleaners, and previously worked for Lovell’s Farm Equipment, and the Paproski family farm, Castle Hill Farm in Newtown. Mildred was an accomplished artist and skilled in many crafts, especially “Pysanky" Ukrainian eggs.

Survivors include her devoted sons, Andrew Paproski and his fiancé Donna Dempsey of Bethel, and Very Rev. Peter Paproski and his wife Carol of Stratford, her grandchildren, Nicholas, , , Justina and Timothy, great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Tucker and several nieces and nephews.

May Her Memory Be Eternal!

11 SUMMER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Patronal Feast Day Celebration – July 6-7, 2018

Our Parish, being named after St. John, the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, celebrates its Patron Saint’s Day each year on July 7, which is the feast of his nativity or birth. As has been our tradition for many years, our deanery parishes of St. John the Baptist of Bridgeport and Stratford gather together as one parish family to celebrate the feast day together. Each year we take turns celebrating Vespers on the eve of the Feast and Liturgy on the Feast itself at the various churches. This year our parish will host both Great Vespers on Friday July 6, at 7:00 pm and Divine Liturgy on Saturday July 7, 2018 at 9:00 am at Our Parish.

ALL PARISHIONERS ARE KINDLY ASKED AND URGED TO TAKE PART IN THE PATRONAL FEAST DAY CELEBRATION!!! This is a very important Holy Day for our parish, and an opportunity to have spiritual fellowship with our brothers and sisters of our larger St. John’s Parish Community. As we move forward in the days and years ahead, it is imperative that we work more closely together to do the work of the Church, and witness to Orthodoxy in the Greater Stratford, CT area.

Join Us On For Worship In Honor of the Mother of God On Wednesday and Friday Evenings During The Dormition Fast Season.

Are you looking for a way to more deeply experience the Holy Season of the Dormition Fast?

Come join us on Wed and Friday evenings at 7:00 pm beginning on August 15, 2018 for the celebration of the beautiful Moleben to the Most-Holy Mother of God.

During this service prayers will be offered for the needs of all parishioners, and in particular those who are on our parish prayer list.

On Wed Evenings after service, our Orthodox Boot Camp Discussion Group will meet. All are welcome to participate.

12 SUMMER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Entertainment Committee News

Free Summer Concerts at Paradise Green

July 10: TBA July 17: The Baron’s (doowop, Motown)

July 24: Nashville Drive Band (country)

July 31: Fools on a Hill Band (Beatles tribute)

Aug. 7: Vinny & Ray Band (Afro, Cuban, Latin)

Aug. 14: Kathy Thompson Band (TBA)

Aug. 21: Re-entry Band (classic lite rock) Aug. 28: Signature Band

Summer Sunday Volleyball

DISTINGUISHED DIOCESAN DONORS

YES! I would like to support Diocesan Ministries & Apostolates! Enclosed is my check made payable to “Distinguished Diocesan Donors: $100 Entry $250 Bronze $500 Silver $1,000 Gold $10,000 Platinum With the enthusiastic support of the youth and Other $______young ( and not so young) adults of the parish Name______we will be getting together for several “pick up” games of volleyball on the Church Lawn Address______

during the summer months, following Divine Liturgy. All skill levels are invited to take City ______ST ______part. Zip______

Phone ______Email______The first Game will take place on Sunday

July 22, 2018 during/after Coffee Hour. Parish______Come to Church with a change of clothes suitable for playing volleyball - Please do NOT wear your 312 Garfield Street Johnstown, PA 15906 summer volleyball attire during Liturgy .

13 Coming Events

July 1-4 Diocesan Altarboy Retreat & Young Women’s Encounter July 6-7 Patronal Feast Day Celebration July 11-12 Feast Day of The Holy Apostles Peter and Paul July 29 Semi-Annual Parish Meeting July 15-21 New England Deanery Camp Week Aug 4 Talerhoff Remembrance – Higganum, CT Aug 14 Dormition Fast Begins Aug 18-19 Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Aug 27-28 Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God Sept 16 Parish Picnic

14 2018 THALERHOF & JAWORZNO COMMEMORATION DAY

WHAT: On Thalerhof and Jaworzno Commemoration Day we commemorate the tens of thousands of East Slavic men, women and children who suffered persecution, lost their health or died in relation to the Austro-Hungarian concentration camp located at the village of Thalerhof, south of Graz, in 1914-1917 (World War I) AND those who died in fighting in and around the Carpathian Region in both the world wars. In addition, we remember the post-WW II tragic uprooting of Rusyns both in Poland and Slovakia, in the population “exchanges” with the Soviet Union (1944-1946) and the internal displacement of Lemkos and Ukrainians in Poland in “Akcja Wisla” (1947) and the concomitant incarceration of thousands in the Jaworzno concentration camp (Central Labor Camp Jaworzno), 1947-1949.

WHEN: Saturday, August 4, 2018 (rain day Saturday August 11)

SCHEDULE 10:00am -discussion of the activities of the the Lemko Association, the New England Carpatho-Rusyn Society and the Carpathian Institute in the Institute’s library 12:00 noon - a Panachida service (an Eastern Christian service for those who have passed on) at the Thalerhof Memorial gazebo. 1 pm to 5pm, a traditional repast/kermesh/picnic.

WHERE: On the grounds of the Carpathian Institute 184 Old County Road ( note: C-O-U-N-T-Y Road, not “Country”) Higganum, Connecticut 06441-4446 (south of Middletown, Connecticut [Higganum is a section of the town of Haddam] mid-way between New York and Boston)

COST: $10 for adults, $5 for children, to cover the cost of food Bring some food to share with others

FURTHER INFORMATION: Telephone: 1-860-345-7997 e-mail: [email protected] fax: 1-860-345-3598 cell phone 1-860395-6738 15 SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Our Patronal Feast – The Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John June 24/July 7

The Nativity of the Holy Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John: The Gospel (Luke. 1: 5) relates that the righteous parents of Saint John the Baptist, the Priest Zachariah and Elizabeth (September 5), lived in the ancient city of Hebron. They reached old age without having children, since Elizabeth was barren. Once, Saint Zachariah was serving in the Temple at Jerusalem and saw the , standing on the right side of the altar of incense. He predicted that Saint Zachariah would father a son, who would announce the Savior, the Messiah, awaited by the Old Testament Church. Zachariah was troubled, and fear fell upon him. He had doubts that in old age it was possible to have a son, and he asked for a sign. It was given to him, and it was also a chastisement for his unbelief. Zachariah was struck speechless until the time of the fulfillment of the archangel’s words.

Saint Elizabeth came to be with child, and fearing derision at being pregnant so late in life, she kept it secret for five months. Then her relative, the Mary, came to share with her Her own joy. Elizabeth, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” was the first to greet the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. Saint John leaped in his mother’s womb at the visit of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and the Son of God incarnate within Her.

Soon Saint Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and all the relatives and acquaintances rejoiced together with her. On the eighth day, in accordance with the Law of , he was circumcised and was called John. Everyone was amazed, since no one in the family had this name. When they asked Saint Zachariah about this, he motioned for a tablet and wrote on it: “His name is John.” Immediately his tongue was loosed, and Saint Zachariah glorified God. He also prophesied about the Coming into the world of the Messiah, and of his own son John, the Forerunner of the Lord (Luke. 1: 68-79).

After the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ and the worship of the shepherds and the Magi, wicked king Herod gave orders to kill all male infants. Hearing about this, Saint Elizabeth fled into the wilderness and hid in a cave. Saint Zachariah was at Jerusalem and was doing his priestly service in the Temple. Herod sent soldiers to him to find out the abode of the infant John and his mother. Zachariah answered that their whereabouts were unknown to him, and he was killed right there in the Temple. Righteous Elizabeth continued to live in the wilderness with her son and she died there. The child John, protected by an angel, dwelt in the wilderness until the time when he came preaching repentance, and was accounted worthy to baptize the Lord.

Plan To Come Celebrate The Feast Together With Our Sister Parish of St. John The Baptist (Mill Hill Avenue) Friday July 6th at 7:00 pm Great Vespers and Litya and Saturday July 7th at 9:00 am Divine Liturgy

All Services This Year Are At Our Parish

16 SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Church Tips For The Summer

 CHURCH ATTENDANCE - As is always said, it is important that we do not take a vacation from Church during the Summer – even when we are on vacation we should be attending the nearest Orthodox Church, or, if one is not available, reading the Liturgy as part of our Morning Prayers.

 SUPPORTING THE PARISH – While you might be on vacation and away from church several times during the summer months, please remember that our expenses continue. Our parish relies on generous weekly contributions from our parishioners to fund the major portion of our parish budget. When you know you will be away on a Sunday, please contribute what you would have given either before or after you return. The self addressed contribution envelopes that are mailed to your home each month are provided for your convenience

 ETIQUETTE REMINDER - The summer months are upon us and that means enjoying warm weather and “fun in the sun”. While shorts (for males and females), flip-flops, tank tops, ‘spaghetti straps, short skirts well above the knees, etc. are practical and may be acceptable at the pool or the lake front they are not appropriate attire at church, and must not be worn during the Divine Services of the Church. If you are traveling after services, you can change into these clothes afterwards. At every Eucharistic celebration we are spiritually and physically brought in the awesome presence of Jesus Christ Himself, and when we commune He comes to dwell within us in a miraculous way. Therefore the sanctity, solemnity and dignity of the Divine Liturgy must be preserved for the well-being of all. Parents your assistance and guidance are most especially helpful and appreciated.

 HOLY CONFESSION AND COMMUNION: Regarding Confession and Holy Communion: If one wishes to receive Communion frequently, and this being every Liturgy, one should regularly (every 4-8 weeks or more frequently ) come to Holy Confession. If you miss attending Church several Sundays in a row, for reasons other than sickness or travelling out of town on vacation where there is no Orthodox Church nearby, it is highly recommended that you go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion again. Regular Church attendance, daily prayer, and observing the Fasts of the Church to the best of our abilities are the minimum pre-requisite for frequent Communion – which is considered by Church to be the NORM that ALL should strive for.

 AIRCONDITIONING: Please note that during the Summer months you may wish to bring a sweater with you to Church as for some it may be cool in Church while the A/C is running. If you feel the cold you may wish to sit on the right side of the Church (facing the altar) where the ducts are intentionally directed away from the pew areas.

17 A VIEW FROM THE PEWS

The Awakener

There is much to be proud of in our parish. Our God, each other, the deep history of our faith, the traditions, our parents, ancestors and youth. One aspect of Orthodoxy that a friend of mine recently said is that is quite remarkable how our faith has remained unchanged over the centuries. We not only have a history that is consistent in is beliefs, it’s true to Christ, hence the term ‘Orthodox.’ Filled with tradition and religious significance in each and every aspect of our faith, it has been the only real anchor in the Christian world despite numerous distractions and changes by other Christian denominations

Our parish which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, now filled with many nationalities, was founded by a group of immigrants from the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe. Referred to as Carpatho-Russia, Carpatho- or Carpatho-Ruthenia, this area has been conquered and ruled by many nations including the Hungary, Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, the Ukraine and Poland. Because of the constant tumult life for a Rusyn was not easy. Keeping our language, cultural traditions, religious practices such as our eastern Christian liturgical practices and married clergy was a struggle depending on who and what was the latest opposing power trying to coerce the population into national subservience. It took a great struggle by strong personalities to resist and pave a way forward for our ancestors. One of these personalities was a Greek Catholic priest by the name of Aleksander Dukhnovich.

Aleksander Vasilyevich Dukhnovich was a priest, poet, writer, pedagogue, and social activist. Born on April 24, 1803 Dukhnovich and pass away on March 30, 1865, Dukhnovich would become known as the ‘Awakener of the Rusyn people.’ As much as William Shakespeare is identified as English, Ralph Waldo Emerson as American and Homer as Greek, Dukhnovich is Rusyn. Shakespeare gave us his sonnets, Romeo and Juliet, King Kear and other writings all of which are regularly studied by students, Dukhnovich writings were not meant for entertainment nor have they been shared in most if any schools except maybe in Slovakia or other areas close to the Carpathians. Dukhnovich’s poems were inspirational and spoke of the strength of his Rusyn nationality identity, culture, homeland, people, family and faith. His was a voice of rebellion and pride, a rebirth of an ancient Slavic people who’d been repressed by surrounding cultures.

Over the years Rusyn culture has been buried beneath Ukrainian, Polish and Hungarian influences which almost ended the Rusyn language and traditions. Dukhnovich would have none of this and while fighting for a separate Rusyn identity he was imprisoned under the Hungarian government. It was here, while in prison, Dukhnovich would write his most famous poem, one my father would often recite to his sons with his own brand of passion – ‘Ja Rusyn Byl, jesm y budu’ or ‘I was, am and will remain a Rusyn.’ It is this stubborn determination and national pride that burned in Dukhnovich’s soul and much the same passion my grandfather Rev. Joseph Mihaly had for his heritage as he fought for our church and its people. ‘Ja Rusyn Byl’ would become the Rusyn national anthem. With writers, priests and other leaders adding to the cause, an independent Rusyn culture endured and was finally recognized.

(Continued on Page 19) 18 The Awakener (Continued From Page18)

It is from this history that our church was culturally born, that and the strength of our Orthodox Christian faith of which our people, the founders of this church, fought to build and establish here starting in Bridgeport and then moving to other towns. For us it was on Broadbridge Avenue in Stratford. In the early days of our parish, nationalities could be generally translated into different Christian denominations – The Irish to Protestantism or Catholicism, English – Episcopalian, Germans – Lutheran, Spanish and French – Catholic, etc. Today, our Church is much more faith centered in the sense that Orthodoxy is cross cultural with the focus not so much on one culture, but on one’s Orthodox faith. You don’t have to be Rusyn to go to an Orthodox church that has roots in Carpatho-Russia or any other nation like Greece, Albania or Romania among others. There is even an Diocese known as the Orthodox Church in America. Such a development has actually opened the doors wider to God making us all true brothers and sisters in Christ. What bonded and guided nations and villages of homogenous peoples, now bonds us as individuals and a Christian family no matter our cultural or historical differences.

And yes, I am a Rusyn, a Rusyn, an American and an Orthodox Christian and I’m proud of them all.

– Serge G. Mihaly, Jr.

Happy First Birthday Novak John – Our Miracle Child

Thank you God, thank you life, thank you to all the doctors and nurses who helped my little one to fight so hard, thank you all my family and friends who were there for us when we needed the most...waking up today and bringing back all the memories a year today....it was a Saturday morning, June 24 since we started a big journey who taught us how to be strong, that love never ends and that God has a plan for all of us and miracles truly can happen if you believe...Happy Birthday to the biggest Fighter Novak John (Submitted By Irina Petrov)

19 The Danger of Bullying: Why Children Must Be Taught Kindness

More and more frequently we read about children taking their own lives, having reached a place where they would rather be dead, than live another hour suffering from bullying. Too often parents and teachers have ignored the problem of bullying, dismissing it as nothing more than “kids will be kids”, and “kids can be cruel”. The truth is that children, from the earliest of age, can be taught to treat other children with kindness, and encouraged to be sensitive to the plight of other children. The youngest can be taught the importance of sharing their toys, and of including other children in their neighborhood games. Even the smallest child can be taught to treat others as he wishes to be treated, and to report incidences of bullying to his teachers and parents, when he sees it happening to other children.

I believe part of the problem may be, at root level, teachers who were bullying others when they were children, and, transferring that childhood experience into how they perceive some of the children under their care. It is only human to have favorites, and teachers are no exception. When I taught high school, I had my personal favorites. These were high school students who were bright, challenging, and a joy to teach. Juxtaposed to these young people were students who were perhaps slow learners, less attractive, and, in a nut shell, a pain to deal with. Yet, I also knew that each one of them had potential that needed to be encouraged, and that anyone of them could be a late bloomer, and could, with help and attention, succeed beyond any one’s expectation.

I also, as a teacher, NEVER put up with bullying of any sort. First sign of bullying, I would take the bully aside, and make it perfectly clear that this was behavior that would not be tolerated. I remember to this very day a middle school teacher who bullied me, and because this was done in front of my classmates, he encouraged children to bully me, as well. I suffered from dyslexia during a time when little was known about this learning disability, so, like other dyslexics, I was a poor student. My own struggle to compensate made me a public speaker who rarely needed a manuscript, and this translated into my becoming a champion high school and college debater.Because I also grew tall (6″1″) in a very short period of time, I was uncoordinated as a junior and senior high school student, so was poor in sports. It was not until college that I actually discovered athletic abilities that had previously remained dormant, and took up weight lifting, long distance running, baseball, and volleyball. As a high school teacher, I led the faculty in winning, for the very first time, the traditional volleyball game against the senior class, much to the delight of the underclassmen.

My own youthful struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, revolving around my perceived failures, and my sense of hopelessness, was offset by one single high school teacher who took me under her wing, and helped me become a champion debater. She believed in me when no one else would. All it takes is that one person, willing to reach out to the child who is suffering. Or, the one child who learns from his parents the importance of treating the bullied child with kindness, and stepping up to defend, and befriend, that child. Children are all wonderful gifts from God, who are pliable and open, ready to learn from the adults who are their parents, teachers, pastors, and neighbors. They depend on us for comfort, support, AND protection. They are in our care, and God expects us to take this responsibility very seriously. They are the future of our country, our Church, and our world, and must be taught the importance of being kind and generous towards others.

The child that is raised in the ways of the Lord, will in turn raise his/her child in the ways of God. Let us not pass on the sins and failures one generation into the generations to come. Let peace, love, justice, and charity be the hallmark of what we pass on to the next generation, and let us, most importantly, instill in our children the love of Christ.

Finally, let me say this: Many who were bullied as children, grow up bullying others. The pain of having suffered as children never really left them, and rather than becoming loving protectors of others as adults, they become bullies themselves. That some of these individuals who were bullied children are now parents, teachers, police officers, or even clergy, makes it all the more tragic.No one deserves to be bullied, whether they are an employee bullied at the hands of their boss, a student badly treated by her teacher, a priest bullied by his bishop, or a child bullied by his dad, it is behavior that will one day necessitate being held accountable before the Throne of God.

- Tryphon

20 SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Our Gifts - By Serge Mihaly, Jr.

My Aunt Marion, or ‘Jo Jo’ as we called her, had a favorite Christmas song. Each year she would love tohear “The Little Drummer Boy” play amid the soft fallen snow and twinkling lights of the beautiful

Christmas holiday. With each note the song told a story of a loving little child whose gift to the Christ child was his ability to keep a beat on a drum he carried around his waist. While three kings travelled hundreds of miles to give the newly born Christ child Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold, this innocent little boy gave what he could, a gift of music and according to the song, upon hearing the drum beats the little Christ child smiled.

True or not, the message of ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ is very important. Each of us has some ability, some talent no matter how mundane it may seem to us. To Christ, they are not. These gifts’ we can give to Christ in an act of love and respect. In our church we offer our gifts to Christ when we attend church, pray, sing or even bless ourselves. We help out with a holiday breakfasts, picnics or tag sales. Some cook food, others serve trays of eggs and pancakes while others bring donuts, cheese, bagels, sweet desserts or egg salad for after church brunches. Others help set up tables or clear tables, sweep the church, throw out the trash and even clean dishes. Others cook pastries and Kapusta, help out at soup kitchens, collect clothing or non-perishable goods at Christmas time, sell or buy raffle tickets, while others take the time to paint the sacristy or put in air conditioning for the relief and comfort of everyone. Whether it’s a donation for an or candle or a quiet prayer in a pew, all and more are appreciated by God. It is not always what we do, but that we do, that counts as each of us can offer something to the Lord no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to us. God sees.

In church, we light and hold candles, deliver the cadillo to Father, send our children to church school, read the Church Creed or serve on the church council. Father has his offerings too as he conducts services complete with beautiful ancient songs, prayers and the Eucharist.

We can also extend this to our daily lives. Whether at work or at home as we strive to be the best Christians we can, although we all stumble, Christ is still smiles at us. He sees everything we do even try to do. God sees our hearts and takes note. As parents, our challenges are often very tough and even as children, young or older, the challenges these days are tough too. When we strive to help someone or even just focus our best efforts on the daily tasks in front of us we are giving of ourselves to our God.

Perhaps the greatest of gifts we can offer are our love and respect toward Christ and each other. Being mindful of our Christian responsibilities is also very important. Being kind to a stranger or a poor soul less fortunate than us, whether noticed or not, is yet another gift. What wonderful things can happen if we choose to make them happen and what wonderful gifts can we give Christ when we choose to? The little drummer boy had no money to buy the Christ child a shiny toy or elaborate shawl. His offering did not have a monetary value like the three Kings gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold. Its value came from his heart and in many ways was far more precious than all the diamonds and precious metals on Earth. A spiritual gift is often much more important especially in a very secularly influenced world.

So, what is your ‘gift’ to Christ? What can you offer Him? What can you bring Him as He lays in His crib on that cool manger night surrounded by His mother and Father, cattle, sheep and the three Kings under a bright and twinkling star? Will you make Him smile? Maybe chuckle in delight? What talent do you have and if its not a talent then what else can you do out of love for Christ? Remember, the list is nearly endless as it is unique. It is up to you.

21 OUR PATRONAL FEAST

Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John June 24/July 7

The Nativity of the Holy Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John: The Gospel (Luke. 1: 5) relates that the righteous parents of Saint John the Baptist, the Priest Zachariah and Elizabeth (September 5), lived in the ancient city of Hebron. They reached old age without having children, since Elizabeth was barren. Once, Saint Zachariah was serving in the Temple at Jerusalem and saw the Archangel Gabriel, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. He predicted that Saint Zachariah would father a son, who would announce the Savior, the Messiah, awaited by the Old Testament Church. Zachariah was troubled, and fear fell upon him. He had doubts that in old age it was possible to have a son, and he asked for a sign. It was given to him, and it was also a chastisement for his unbelief. Zachariah was struck speechless until the time of the fulfillment of the archangel’s words.

Saint Elizabeth came to be with child, and fearing derision at being pregnant so late in life, she kept it secret for five months. Then her relative, the Virgin Mary, came to share with her Her own joy. Elizabeth, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” was the first to greet the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. Saint John leaped in his mother’s womb at the visit of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and the Son of God incarnate within Her.

Soon Saint Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and all the relatives and acquaintances rejoiced together with her. On the eighth day, in accordance with the Law of Moses, he was circumcised and was called John. Everyone was amazed, since no one in the family had this name. When they asked Saint Zachariah about this, he motioned for a tablet and wrote on it: “His name is John.” Immediately his tongue was loosed, and Saint Zachariah glorified God. He also prophesied about the Coming into the world of the Messiah, and of his own son John, the Forerunner of the Lord (Luke. 1: 68-79).

After the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ and the worship of the shepherds and the Magi, wicked king Herod gave orders to kill all male infants. Hearing about this, Saint Elizabeth fled into the wilderness and hid in a cave. Saint Zachariah was at Jerusalem and was doing his priestly service in the Temple. Herod sent soldiers to him to find out the abode of the infant John and his mother. Zachariah answered that their whereabouts were unknown to him, and he was killed right there in the Temple. Righteous Elizabeth continued to live in the wilderness with her son and she died there. The child John, protected by an angel, dwelt in the wilderness until the time when he came preaching repentance, and was accounted worthy to baptize the Lord.

Plan To Come Celebrate The Feast Together With Our Sister Parish of St. John The Baptist (Mill Hill Avenue) Friday July 6th at 7:00 pm Great Vespers and Litya and Saturday July 7th at 9:00 am Divine Liturgy

All Services This Year Are At Our Parish

22 FROM THE SYNAXARION - The Summer Feasts

With and the Feast of All (which closes the , the liturgical book in use from Pascha) and the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul on July 12 and the Feast of the Holy Apostles on July 13 on the horizon, our attention should begin to be drawn to the summer feasts. Because much of parish life slows down during the summer, we might miss these important celebrations in the liturgical year.

The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Synaxis of the Holy Apostles – June 29/July 12

In the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul we remember the two great saints and “founders” of the Church. Their preaching and missionary witness establishes and begins its reach throughout the Roman world, and ultimately beyond. The lives and work of Sts. Peter and Paul are connected and thus the Church connects them in the Feast.

The Feast of the Holy Apostles is a “synaxis” – after many important feast days of the Church, the day after the Feast commemorates a figure – in this case a group – connected to the Feast. For example, the day after Theophany/Epiphany is the Feast of St. John the Baptist. By commemorating the Holy Apostles the day after, after the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, we are invited to remember the ministry of all the Apostles throughout the world.

The two Feasts are tied to Pentecost. The Holy Spirit filled the Apostles empowering them to preach the Gospel and establish the Church.

The Transfiguration of Our Lord, August 6/ 19.

The Transfiguration was an important event in the life of Christ, for in it He revealed Himself fully – God and human – to the disciples. And it also reveals the ultimate transformation of all creation when Christ returns.

This is one of the great Feasts of the Church. Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2- 12, and Luke 9:28-36 all describe the event (interestingly the Gospel of John does not tell the story). The Transfiguration was an important event in the life of Christ, for in it He revealed Himself fully – God and human – to the disciples. And it also reveals the ultimate transformation of all creation when Christ returns.

23 FROM THE SYNAXARION - The Summer Feasts

The Dormition Fast, August 1/14-15/28

August 15/28 is traditionally identified as the day of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos. This date for the Feast was established during the reign of Emperor Maurice (582-602 AD), although we do not know the actual date. On this feast, we remember the death of the Virgin Mary and her translation into heaven.

St. Symeon of Thessalonica writes that, “The fast in August [Dormition fast] was established in honor of the Mother of God the Word; Who, foreknowing Her repose, ascetically labored and fasted for us as always, although She was holy and immaculate, and had no need for fasting. Thus, She especially prayed for us in preparation for being transported from this

life to the future life, when Her blessed soul would be united through the Divine spirit with Her Son. Therefore, we also should fast and praise Her, emulating Her life, urging Her thereby to pray for us. Some, by the way, say that this fast was instituted on the occasion of two feasts—the Transfiguration and the Dormition. I also consider it necessary to remember these two feasts—one which gives us light, and the other which is merciful to us and intercedes for us.” WISE SAYINGS

Choose from hope, not from fear.

If God seems far away – Who moved?

The purpose of pain: come out better not bitter.

A loose tongue often gets in a tight place. .

Forgive your enemies, it messes with their heads.

You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.

Don’t let what you can’t do stop what you can do

When times are dark, let God light the way. .

Submitted By Elsi Lotufo

24 Daily Scripture Readings

Prayer Before Reading Holy Scripture

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 Gospel. 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 JULY 2, 2018 M Romans 16:17-24 Matthew 13:10-23 Holy Apostle Jude T. I Corinthians 1:1-9 Matthew 13:24-30 Priest-Martyr Methodius W 2 Corinthians 12:9-3:8 Matthew 13:31-36 Holy Martyr Julian of Tarsus Th. I Corinthians3:18-23 Matthew 13:13-19 Priest-Martyr Eusebius F. 1 Corinthians 4:5-8 Matthew 13:44-54 Holy Martyr Agrippina St. Romans 13:11-14:4 Luke 1:1-25,57-68,76,80 Nativity of St. John The Baptist S Romans 12: 6-14 Matthew 9:1-8 Virgin Martyr Febronia

WEEK OF JULY 9, 2018 M. I Corinthians 5:9-6:11; Matthew 13:54-58; St David of Salonica T.. I Corinthians 6:20-7:12; Matthew 14:1-13 St Sampson the Hospitable W. I Corinthians 7:12-24; Matthew 14:35-15:11; Trans. of Sts Cyrus & John Th 2 Corinthians 11:21-12:9 Matthew 16:13-19 Holy Apostles Peter and Paul; F. I Corinthians 7:35-8:7; Matthew 15:29-31 Synaxis of the Holy Apostles St. Romans 12:1-3; Matthew 10:37-11:1; Holy Martyrs Cosmas & Damian \S . Romans 15: 1-7; Matthew 9: 27-35 Placing of the Robe of the Theotokos

WEEK OF JULY 16, 2018 M I Corinthians 9:13-18; Matthew 16:1-6; Holy Martyr Hyacinth T. I Corinthians 10:5-12; Matthew 16:6-12; St Andrew of Crete W. I Corinthians 10:12-22; Matthew 16:20-24; St Athanasios of Athos Th. I Corinthians 10:28-11:7; Matthew 16:24-28; Ven Sisoes The Great F. I Corinthians 11:8-22; Matthew 17:10-18; St Thomas of Maleon St. Romans 13:1-10; Matthew 12:30-37; Great- Martyr Procopius S. I Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 14: 14-22; Priest- Martyr Pancratius

WEEK OF JULY 23, 2018 M. I Corinthians 11:31-12:6 Matthew 18:1-11; St. Anthony of Kiev Caves T. I Corinthians 12:12-26; Matthew 18:18-22, 19:1-2; 13-15-12; St Olga W I Corinthians 13:4-14:5 Mastthew 20:1-16 Holy Martyrs Proclus & Hilary Th. I Corinthians 14:6-19 Matthew 20:17-28; Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel F. I Corinthians 14:26-40 Matthew 21:12-14,17-20; Holy Apostle Aquila of the 70 St. Romans 14:6-9; Matthew 15:32-39; St. S. I Corinthians 3:9-17; Matthew 14: 22-34 Priest- Martyr Athenogenes

25 Daily Scripture Readings

WEEK OF JULY 30 , 2018 M. I Corinthians 15:12-19; Matthew 21:18-22; Marina T.. I Corinthians 15:29-38; Matthew 21:23-27; Holy Martyr Emilian W. I Corinthians 16:4-12 Matthew 21:28-32; St Macrina the Sister of St. Basil Th. James 5:10-20 Luke 4:22-30; Holy Prophet Elias F. 2 Corinthians 1:12-20 Matthew 22:23-33; Sts Symeon & John St. Romans 15:30-33; Matthew 17:24-18:4; St S. Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 10:38-42,11:27-28 Holy Martyr Trophimus

WEEK OF AUG 6 , 2018 M 2 Corinthians 2:4-15; Matthew 23:13-22 Great Martyr Christina T. 2 Corinthians 2:14-3.3; Matthew23:23-30 Dormition of St. Anna W. 2 Corinthians. 3: 4-11; Matthew 23:29-39; Priest- Martyr Hermolaus Th. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; Matthew 24:13-28 Ven Pantheleimon & Herman F. 2 Corinthians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:27-33,42-51 Holy Apostle Procurusof 70 St. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Matthew 19:3-12: Holy Martyr Callinicus S. I Corinthians9:2-12 Matthew18:23-35; Holy Apostles & Slivanus

WEEK OF AUG 13, 2018 M. 2 Corinthians 5:10-15; Mark 1:9-15; Righteous Eudocimus T. 2 Corinthians 5:15-21; Mark 1:16-22; of the Holy Cross W 2 Corinthians 6:11-16 Mark 1:23-28 Transl of Relics of Martyr Stephen T. 2 Corinthians 7:1-10; Mark 1:29-35; St of Syria F. 2 Corinthians 7:10-16; Mark 2:18-22; 7 Holy Youths of Ephesus S. I Corinthians1:26-29; Matthew 20:29-34 Holy Martyr Eusiginus S. 2 Peter 1:10-19 Matthew 17:1-9 ; Transfiguration of Our Lord

WEEK OF AUGUST 20, 2018 M 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 3:6-12 Venerable Martyr Dometius T. 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5; Mark 3:13-19 Confessor Emilian W. 2 Corinthians. 9:12-10:7; Mark 3:20-27; Holy Apostle Matthias Th. 2 Corinthians 10:7-18 Mark 3:28-35 Holy Martyr Lawrence F. 2 Corinthians 11:5-21; Mark 4:1-9 Holy Martyr Euplos of Catania St I Corinthians 2:6-9; Matthew 19:3-12; Holy Martyr Photius S. I Corinthians 16:13-24 Matthew 21:33-42; St Maximos The Confessor

WEEK OF AUGUST 27, 2018 M. 2 Corinthians 12:10-19; Mark 4:10-23 HolyProphet T. Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 10:38-42,11:27-28 Dormition of the Theotokos W 2 Corinthians 13:3-13 Mark 4:35-41 Translation of the Lord’s Image T. Galatians 1:1-10,20:2-5 Mark 5:1-20 Holy Martyr Myron the F. Galatians 2:6-2; Mark 5:22-24,35-6:1 Holy Martyrs Florus & Larus St 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Matthew 22:15-22 Holy Martyr Andrew Stratelatus S. 2 Corinthians1:21-2:4 Matthew 22:1-14 Holy Prophet Samuel

26 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

Protopresbyter Luke The Masliuk Family Shirley Sedlock Protopresbyter. John Pani Patricia (Duranko) Florence (Gachi) Pani Constance (Miloro) Richard (Kaschak) Karolina Gregory (Sabak) Priest John (Baranik) Charles (Householder) Audrey (Fatse) Richard (Kaschak Jr) Mary Ann & Richard Frank (Meyernick) Lou (Gregory) Serge (Mihaly) Michael (Banik) Kelly (Friend of Eve) Regis (LeClerc) Katherine Nina (Kuchma) Esther (Johnson) Joshua (Habansky) Geoffrey Roger (Vanhouten) Priest Lev (Holowaty) Deborah Jason Irene (Knapp) Carol Judy Elsi (Lotufo) Penny (Elsi’s daughter) Lisa (Brown)

Thomas (Ivers) Kennedy Family Karen (Ivers) Christopher (Zinski) Rachel (friend of Karen) John (Cybul) Gregory (Cybul) Priest James (Gleason) Marge (Allis) Robert Victoria Rita (Mihalko) Kassiani (Nikolakis) Samantha Marilyn Garry & Barbara (Nichols) Lisa (Brown) Cynthia (Dion) Matthew (Friend of Mary) Virginia (friend of Eve) Alice (VanHouten) Judy Brown Family Ernie (Friend of Marcia L)

Donna (Pierce) Betty & Daniel Andrew Sean Protopresbyter George Child Emma Walter (Litzie) Dolores (Goneau) Amanda & Will Grace (Sawczyczn) Robert (Franco) Nina Cheri-Lynn Ricky Renee Rachel (Rosenguard) Rolf John (Kratky) Debbie (Lomme) Chris, Kyle, Alex & Lana Child Jackson Sandy Joseph Mildred Infant Novak (John) Priest John (Zybovsky) Lenny Departed Members Of Our Parish Family And Friends Julius (Pruckner) Jason (Pierce) Nicholas Papillo Anne (Mikulak) Anna (Chornock) Helen & Lawrence (Rowland) Mildred Paproski Florence (Dillon) Elizabeth (Mihaly) Pani Gizella (Mihaly) Serge Mihaly Kyle (Lomme)

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 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, and we give glory to You and 27 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 JULY 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:00 am Liturgy 2 3 4 5 6 10 am Liturgy 7 Nativity of St. Stirna/Meyernick Cambridge Manor John The Baptist Coffee Hour Repose J Pruckner 9:00 am Liturgy V. Stas, Leo Smith St Johns Mill Hill 7:00 pm Vespers 5:00 pm Vespers 8 9:00 am Liturgy 9 10 11 12 13 14 Panachida Rep. 7:00 pm Moleben 6:30 pm St Peter & Paul 9:00 am Liturgy – Mary Kroll, Kaye Vespers & Litya & Great Vespers & 9 am Liturgy 40th Day Repose of Gadala & Nick Parish Council Mtg Litya Mildred Paproski Papillo 5:00 pm Vespers Stokely Coffee Hr. 15 8 am Liturgy 16 4:00pm 17 18 19 20 21 9:30 am Bus to CN Lord’s Kitchen Bilcheck Coffee

New England Deanery Summer Camp Week

22 9 am Liturgy 23 24 9:00 am 25 6:30 pm 26 27 28 Booth Coffee Hour Liturgy – Repose Daily Vespers 9:00 am Liturgy Panachida Ilona Steinhaus 7:00 pm Adult Ed Rep. A. Mikulak

Mildred Paproski 5:00 pm Vespers

& +Olga Cybul VOLLEYBALL

9 am Liturgy 29 30 31

Community Supper Semi Annual Mtg

Decerbo Calvary St. George,

Coffee Hour Bridgeport 4:00 pm

.

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SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH LITURGICAL SERVICES & EVENTS AUGUST 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 6:30 pm 2 Prophet Elias 310:00 am Liturgy 4 10:00 am Daily Vespers 9:00 am Divine Cambridge Manor Thalerhof Day 7:00 pm Adult Ed Liturgy Repose +Anna Chornock Higganum, CT Guman Fedor 5 pm Vespers Families 5 9:00 am Liturgy 6 7 7:00 pm 8 6:30 pm 9 10 11 Panachida + J. Pierce Moleben to St Daily Vespers 5 pm Vespers Ivers/Pierce Coffee Nectarios 7:00 pm Adult Ed

12 13 14 15 16 9:00 am 17 7:00 pm 18 9:00 am Liturgy 4:00 pm Lord’s DORMITION 7:00 pm Moleben Liturgy Repose L& Moleben to the 9:00 am Liturgy Panachida +Helen. & Kitchen FAST BEGINS To the Theotokos H Rowland Theotokos 5:00 pm Great Lawrence Rowland Adult Ed Vespers & Litya Lomme/Mihaly Coffee

19 TRANS- 20 21 22 9:00 am 23 24 25 FIGURATION Liturgy 7:00 pm Moleben to 9:00 am Liturgy 9:00 am Liturgy +Pani Mihaly the Theotokos + Elizabeth & Porter/LeClerc Coffee 7:00 pm Moleben Serge Mihaly To the Theotokos 5 pm Vespers Adult Ed

26 9:00 am Liturgy 27 28 Dormition 29 30 31

Panachida 6:30 pm Great 9:00 am Liturgy 7:00 pm Adult + Florence Dillon Seniors Education

Vespers & Litya Ryan/Nucifora Coffee Fellowship

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