The Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils St. Matthew Orthodox Church The Orthodox Church acknowledges Seven Holy Ecumenical Councils: Orthodox Church in America Diocese of the Midwest The First Ecumenical Council (Nicea I) was convened in the year 325 against the heresy of Arius, in the city of Nicea in Bithynia under Rector: Father Eugene Wozniak Saint Constantine the Great, Equal of the Apostles. pastor@smocgb.com The Second Ecumenical Council (Constantinople I) was convened in 607 Ravenswood Drive, Green Bay, WI 54302 the year 381 against the heresy of Macedonias, by the emperor (920) 455-0744 Theodosius the Great. www.smocgb.com The Third Ecumenical Council (Ephesus) was convened in the year midwestdiocese.org 431 against the heresy of Nestorius, in the city of Ephesus by the emperor Theodosius the Younger.

July 19, 2020 The Fourth Ecumenical Council (Chalcedon) was convened in the year 451 against the Monophysite heresy, in the city of Chalcedon 6th Sunday after Pentecost under the emperor Marcian.

The Fifth Ecumenical Council (Constnatinople II) “Concerning the Gospel Reading - Matthew 9:1-8 Three Chapters,” was convened in the year 553, under the emperor So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own Justinian the Great. city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a The Sixth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople III) met during the bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, years 680-681 to fight the Monothelite heresy, under the emperor “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” And at Constantine Pogonatos. once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, The fact that the Seventh Ecumenical Council (Nicea II) is not “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, commemorated today testifies to the antiquity of today’s celebration. to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and The Seventh Council, commemorated on the Sunday nearest to October 11, was convened at Nicea in the year 787 against the walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has Iconoclast heresy, under the emperor Constantine and his mother power on earth to forgive sins” – then He said to the Irene. paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the The Church venerates the Holy Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who because Christ has established them as “lights upon the earth,” had given such power to men. guiding us to the true Faith. “Adorned with the robe of truth,” the doctrine of the Fathers, based upon the preaching of the Apostles, has established one Faith for the One True Church. 6th Sunday after Pentecost/Commemoration of the Holy Please remember our Ministry Team focus for July is our Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils food pantries. Bring your non-perishables and leave them on the MT table. Troparion (TONE 5) Resurrection Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, Congratulations and Many Years to…. co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; Brandon and Tara Enck for He willed to be lifted up on the Cross in the flesh, to endure death, who were married on Friday, July 10 and to raise the dead// by His glorious Resurrection. This and That….

Troparion (TONE 8) Fathers Parish Council met via conference call on Tues, July 14. Thou art most glorious, O Christ our God, Some highlights of things happening in the near future include: removal of a few dead trees and hiring painters to Who hast established the Holy Fathers as lights on the earth. paint the exterior of the church building on the west side in Through them Thou hast guided us to the True Faith.// early fall. O greatly compassionate One, glory to Thee! Tape will be placed on the church floor in areas to help indicate where people can stand, utilizing the entire church, Kontakion (TONE 5) Resurrection with physical distancing during Worship. Thou didst descend into hell, O my Savior, shattering its gates as Almighty, Coffee Hour will resume outside after worship and is limited to resurrecting the dead as Creator, beverages only. and destroying the sting of death. Cleaning schedule will resume soon. Matt Tomac will email Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of man,// the schedule. If you can help and would like to be added to and we cry to Thee: O Lord, save us! the rotation, please contact Matt.

Glory…Kontakion (TONE 8) Fathers The Apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrines have established one **Donations of Toilet Paper are needed for church!!** Faith for the Church. Adorned with the robe of truth, woven from heavenly theology,// It defines and glorifies the great mystery of piety. Online Lecture Series by Pedro Sarsama: Now and Ever…(TONE 6) Theotokion The Sojourn of Israel: Scriptural and Historical Roots of the Steadfast Protectress of Christians Contemporary Orthodox Church Constant advocate before the Creator Do not despise the cry of us sinners, Every Saturday, beginning Saturday, July 18, until Saturday, November 28, But in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith from 9:00 am to 9:50 am, with an optional Q&A to follow at 9:55 am. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us O Theotokos// For you always protect those who honor you. **See the website at www.smocgb.com for more details and updates.