Українська Католицька Ukrainian Церква Св.Родини Church Парох: о. Микола Олвіян Попович th th 225 N. 4 St., Lindenhurst, NY 11757 225 N. 4 St. Lindenhurst, NY 11757 Pastor: Fr. Olvian Nicolae Popovici

Phone: (631) 225-1168 / Fax: (631) 225-1177 Phone:(631) 225-1168 / Fax:(631) 225-1177 E-mail: popovici1 @ aol.com Center: (631) 225 - 1203 Web Page : www.holyfamilyucc.com E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: Saturday School: Trustees: Silvia Smith (516) 712 - 5526 https://www.facebook.com/HFUkrainianSchool Nadiya Moskalyuk (631) 579-1519

Choir Director: Iryna Popovych 943-3348 Sunday Divine Liturgies: 9:00 am - English / 10:15 am - Ukrainian Nataliya Popovici – English cantor Weekday Divine Liturgies: 8:00 am or 9:00 am оr 7:00 pm Web Page: www.holyfamilyucc.com Holy Days Liturgy: 9:00 am or Previous Day at 7:00 pm

No. 18/19 CHURCH BULLETIN – ЦЕРКОВНИЙ ВІСНИК May 5, 2019 / Травень 5, 2019

Сonfessions: Can be heard by appointment daily and on Sundays before or after DIVINE LITURGIES SCHEDULE: the Divine Liturgy. May 5, 2019, Sunday of Bearing Women. Irene Great - Martyr. Baptism and Chrismation: By appointment. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics. Tone 2: : Acts 6:1 - 7. / : Mark 15:43 – 16:8. Marriage: Please contact the Pastor at least six (6) months in advance. Attendance 9:00 a.m. - Pro Populo - English. at pre - Cana is required.

10:15 a.m. – (God’s Blessing upon 60th birthday for Ihor Smerychynskyy Ukrainian Culture School will be held Every Saturday from 9:15 am until 1:35 & Family, req. Myroslava Smerechynska) – Ukrainian. p.m. For more information please call the Rectory or contact the Director, Mr. Roman Vaskiv at (631) 225 -1203 or visit our Facebook: - After Divine Liturgy – Myrovannya. https://www.facebook.com/HFUkrainianSchool. Note: This week Sanctuary Candle Light will be in Memory of Ukrainian Cultural Dances for children ages 5 to 12 are provided by Mr. Gregory  Yuriy Hudziy, req. Nataliya Popovici. Momot and Khrystyna Momot of Paramus, NJ, every Saturday, by groups: ages (6 – 9) 1:40 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.; ages (10 – 14) 2:40 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.; Monday, May 6, 2019. Job Venerable. ages (15 – 19) 4:10 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. 7:00 p.m. – God’s Blessing upon All (Special Intention), Religious Education: Classes for religious education will be held every Monday req. by Mothers in Prayer (from March Intentions) from 5:00 p.m. until 5:55 p.m./6:00 p.m. – 6:55 p.m. Please contact the rectory for

8:00 p.m. – Devotion to the Mother of God (Moleben) further information. Ministry to the Sick: Father Popovici will make visits to the sick on the first Friday - (it’s held every day exept Sunday’s during the month of May at 8:00 p.m.) of the month. It is the responsibility of an immediate family member to kindly notify Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Appearance of the Sign of the Cross. Rev. Popovici at the Rectory office about any sick or aged individual who is 9:00 a.m. –  All Deceased Members (Special Intention), hospitalized or confined at home or in a nursing home, and he will gladly visit and req. by Mothers in Prayer (from March Intentions). administer the sacraments. In case of emergencies please call any time. Pray the : The Apostleship of Prayer requests members and parishioners to Wednesday, May 8, 2019. John – Apostle and Evangelist. pray the Rosary on the First Sunday of each month, beginning 20 minutes before 7:00 p.m. – God’s Blessing upon All (Special Intention), Divine Liturgy. The Rosary Society requests members and parishioners pray the req. by Mothers in Prayer (from April Intentions) Rosary on the Third Sunday of the Month beginning at 10:00 a.m. before Ukrainian Thursday, May 9, 2019. The Transfer of the Relics (1087) of Our Holy Divine Liturgy. Father Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari. Mothers in Prayer: Next prayer group will be held on June 7, 2019 at 8:15 p.m. 9:00 a.m. –  All Deceased Members (Special Intention), Rectory Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 req. by Mothers in Prayer (from April Intentions). am – 2:00 pm; Evenings by appointment. Attention: Monday is a free day for the priest. In case of an emergency, please call at any time. Friday, May 10, 2019. Apostle. Divine Liturgy: Dear Parishioners! Remember your faith; please come every 7:00 p.m. –  40th day for Stefan Kochaniwsky/Panakhyda/, Sunday and Holy Days to Church. req. Pacchiano Family Divine Liturgy for Children: Special Divine Liturgy (English/Ukrainian language) Saturday, May 11, 2019. Cyril and Methodius Apostles to the Slavs. for family/children will be today Sunday, May 12 (Mothers Day), 2019 at 12:00 8:00 a.m. – God’s Blessing upon Olha Samilo, req. Samilo Family Noon. All parents are requested to bring their children to church to celebrate the Holy Divine Liturgy. 6:00 p.m. – Vespers. Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Notices should be phoned in or brought to the Parish Office

2:00 p.m. - The Holy Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, NO LATER than 12:00 noon on the Friday prior to the Sunday of publication. Chrismation and Holy Eucharist) for Anya Manko Bequests: In making out your will, kindly remember your church. Holy Family Ukrainian of Lindenhurst, N.Y. is our legal title. 7:00 p.m. –  All Deceased Mothers (Special Intention) New Parishioners: Welcome to Holy Family Church! To all who are tired and need rest, to all who mourn and need comfort, to all who are friendless and need friendship, to all May 12, 2019, Sunday of Paralytic. Epiphanius and Germanus Bishops. who are discouraged and need hope, to all who are hopeless and need sheltering love, Civil Holiday: Mothers’ Day to all who sin and need a Savior, this Church opens wide its doors in the name of the

9:00 a.m. - Pro Populo - English. Lord . Please stop by the Rectory to introduce yourselves and register. We look forward to meeting you. 10:15 a.m. – (God’s Blessing upon all Living Mothers – Change in address or telephone? Parishioners, kindly provide the rectory with your Special Intention) – Ukrainian. new address and telephone numbers as soon as possible. 12:00 Noon - Special Divine Liturgy for children/family – E. /U. Parishioners and guests: after each Divine Liturgy, coffee, rolls, & cakes are served in the Parish Center for a donation of $3.00 per person. Page Two Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Sunday Collection – April 28, 2019. Sunday (Julian calendar) - $4,935.00 b. Our Parishioners for offerings made on Easter Sunday, April 28th, 2019 “Give to the Most High as He has given to you, generously, for is one who always (Julian calendar) in the amount of $4,935.00. repays, and He will give back to you sevenfold.” (Sir. 35: 9 – 10). c. M/M Ihor & Olesia Warywoda who recently voluntary reparated our Candles: $270, Shroud: $1,125, Paska sale: $150, Tetrapod: $6, Mothers’ Day: $215, Donation: $100, Sundry: $10, Easter: $40, Cake sale: $16, Pyrohy: $24, Shroud needed for Liturgical Services on Good Frday (Gregorian

Pledge: $175.00, Sunday Offering: $336.00, Total - $2,292.00. calendar).

Dear Parishioners: Sincere thanks for the offerings made on Sunday, d. Mr. Bogdan Shafranski who build two special Icon protector (kiot) for th the needs of our Church. April 28 , 2019. May God bless you all for your generosity..

Our Prayer: Please remember all those parishioners who are ill or elderly within e. Mrs. Silvia Smith and Mr. Thomas Laraia who performed needed office your families. They are part of our parish and need to receive Jesus in the Holy work over the past few months. Sacraments of Confession and Communion.To schedule a visit by the priest, May God bless all those who volunteered or made other donations and please call the rectory for аn appointment. may He reward you with His choicest Blessings. ------7. Dear Parishioners, if anyone desires to have Rev. Popovici visit the Attention: To all who celebrate their birthday during the month of May grave sites of your loved ones for Panakhyda, please call the Rectory for 2019, our best wishes and many happy healthy years! Mnohaya Lita and an appointment. This may be done until June 9, 2019. God’s Blessing. ------News from our Diocese of Stamford: As you are aware on June 4th Our Church News: 2019 will be installation of the new Metropolitan of Ukrainian Catholic 1. We will start to make Pyrohy for our Festival on Tuesday, May 7th, Church in America His Grace Bishop Borys Gudziak for registration 2019 starting at 6:30 pm. Parishioners, please make every effort to come and your participation on this Historical event see our reader help us! This is a fund raiser for our Church and you have an attachment for the Bulletin. opportunity to meet others and socialized together. ------2. Parishioner  Bohdan Fedun, fell asleep in the Lord on April 28th, Pilgrimage - 11 Day France: October 6 – 17, 2019. 2019. We wish to express our sincere condolences to Fedun Family on Paris - Versailes- Senlis- Amiens- Saulx les Chartreux-Mon-Sen-Michel- the recent loss of their loved ones. May his memory be everlasting. Rennes - Bordeaux-Lourdes-Rocamadour-Nevers-Paris. 3. The Month of May is devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Dear Parishioners: Our fourth parish pilgrimage is planned to France God. Moleben or Akatistos will be celebrated every day except Sundays and is scheduled from October 6 - 17, 2019. A minimum of 30 seats are at 8:00 p.m. (Due to our daily special prayer in church), either in church required to hold this pilgrimage. The sign up deadline is May 1, 2019 or outside by the statue of the Holy Family, depending on the weather. and ALL payments for accommodations must be made by June 10, 2019. Join us on a ten day spiritual journey focusing on the life and times of On Sundays we will celebrate Devotion to the Mother of God followed by certain saints and Holy Places. We invite you, not just on another trip, but a Ukrainian Divine Liturgy. Please make a special effort to attend and spiritual journey you will never forget. For more information ask Fr. st. participate in this Moleben (Devotional) service which begins on May 1 Popovici or see the attached flyer. 4. Please Note: Sunday, May 12th, 2019 is Mother’s Day. Anyone Holy Communion: Holy Communion is the receiving of the Body and Blood of who wishes to honor his/her mother please submit her name to the Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. In order to receive Holy rectory as soon as possible. Prayers will be offered for those mothers Communion worthily it is necessary to prepare soul and body; it is necessary to who are deceased during the English Divine Liturgy on Saturday, May be in the right intention, and to fast for one hour before Holy Communion from 11th at 7:00 pm. Prayers will be offered for those mothers who are living food and drink, although it is permitted to drink water, because water never during the Ukrainian Divine Liturgy on Sunday May 12th at 10:15 a.m. breaks the Eucharistic fast. One who knowingly and willingly receives Holy (Mother’s Day envelopes are included in your boxed envelopes). Communion in mortal sin receives the Body and Blood of Christ, but does not 5. Upcoming events: receive grace, because he thereby commits the serious sin of sacrilege. In order A. SVYACHENE: On May 5th, 2019, Myrhhbearers Women Sunday to receive more abundantly the graces of Holy Communion, we should strive to (both Calendars), our parish will hold a Paschal Luncheon (Svyachene) be fervent and free from deliberate venial sin. Holy Communion, which we have after both Divine Liturgies in the Parish hall. All are welcome. More received in the state of sanctifying grace, brings us these benefits: a) A closer union with Jesus Christ, a greater love of God and our neighbors; b) an increase information is attached to our Bulletin! of sanctifying grace; c) preservation from mortal sin and remission of venial sins; B. Mother’s Day plant and flower sale, sponsored by the Apostleship of d) the lessening of evil inclinations and help to perform good works. We are Prayer, will be held the weekend of May 11th and 12th, 2019. We depend obliged to receive Holy Communion each year during Easter and when in danger on your generosity for this fundraiser. Please consider purchasing of death. However, it is most beneficial to receive Holy Communion frequently, plants/flowers for your mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. even daily, but at least once a month. For that intimate union with Jesus Christ, C. Due to our Lenten Sorokousty Services, the next Divine Liturgy the Source of all holiness, the Giver of all good things and graces, and helps us for the deceased will be on May 18, 2019. to lead a holy life is essential. Is it necessary to go to Confession before each D. Stewardship Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14th at reception of Holy Communion? Confession before Holy Communion is necessary 7:15pm. Please attend if you’d like to participate in preparation for only if one has mortal (serious) sin. For venial (Slight) sins one may confess them our Festival. All parishioners are welcome. or say sincerely an act of contrition for them. But it is recommended to go once a month to confession as part of our spiritual life with Jesus. In order to prepare E. Regular church cleaning: The next voluntary second collection will ourselves for Holy Communion, we should think about Our Savior Whom we are be collected on Sunday, May 19, 2019. about to receive, make acts of faith, hope, charity, and contrition, and recite the F. On June 8th and 9th, 2019 – our Parish will hold our third Ukrainian prayer: “I believe, O Lord, and confess…” In our Rite we receive Holy Cultural Dance Festival. Mark the dates on your calendar. Communion under the appearance of both bread and wine. When we receive 6. We wish to express our sincere thanks to: Holy Communion, we should; - 1) tilt our head back slightly 2) open our mouth a. An anonymous parishioner that took an active part to help us in any wide without extending the tongue, 3) not touch the spoon with our lips/mouth necessary help, either on Liturgical services or preparation for the Church when receiving. After Holy Communion we should make a thanksgiving, thanking during the past three weeks. Through their voluntary services, our Jesus Christ, Who has come to us, renewing our promise of love and obedience Liturgical service were made more devoutly. to Him, and asking Him for graces needed for ourselves and other people. Page Three Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church Lindenhurst, NY, 11757

Prayer Reminder: Please remember God created each of us to know Him, Third Visit: After ’s departure, Mary the mother of to love Him and to obey Him. Knowledge precedes love. We cannot love James and comes to the tomb, with companions. An that which we do not know. Through diligent and thoughtful prayer, we reassures them that the Lord is risen. They enter the tomb and another receive the Graces necessary to know God and to be worthy of His great angel repeats what the first had told them. The angel tells them to go love for us. Jesus taught that if we deny God the love and honor due Him, and tell the Apostles everything related to them. As they were running, He will deny us before His Father at the Seat of Judgment. Jesus waits for the Lord Himself appears to them. In the meantime, the following events us in the tabernacle. You are invited to pray in our church or at home to be took place among the Apostles: After Peter and John returned from the united with us in prayer at 9:00 pm every evening. It is hoped that at least tomb, Joanna with some other women came and told them what they one parish family will pray in church each evening. Those who remain home had experienced at the tomb. Mary Magdalene came back from her or who are otherwise occupied should remember to pray at about the same second visit to the tomb and related her joy. Finally, Mary the mother of time each evening so that we may make our supplication to God together. James and Salome arrived and confirmed what the others had seen. By

A HARMONIZATION OF THE GOSPEL ACCOUNTS OF THE VISITS now, all the Myrrh-bearing women had gathered with their glad tidings: OF THE MYRRH-BEARERS TO THE TOMB Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome, Joanna and By St. Theophan the Recluse (+1894) the others whose names are not mentioned. Yet to the Apostles, “their words seem to them as idle talk and they believed them not” (Luke 24:11). Apostle Peter again goes to the tomb, seeking for some decisive evidence. He found none. Most probably he was very dejected spiritually. Was it not, then, at this moment, that the Lord appeared to him, to comfort and pacify his heart? Any vision must have taken place between this time and the return of Luke and from Emmaus. Because, when they came back to the other Apostles, they were met with the joyful tidings: “The Lord is risen, indeed! He has appeared to Simon (Peter)” (Luke 24:34). In this way, all the accounts of the Gospel turn out to be in full harmony with one another and all the individual events and details find a proper place.

HOMELESS CHICAGO MAN DONATES THOUSANDS TO DOWN- ON-HER-LUCK BANKER By Craig Wall, FOX Chicago News Chicago - A few years ago, everything was going right for a woman we'll call Sandy. She had a good job at a bank in the suburbs. She and her 10-year-old son had a safe home. But then the world came crashing down around the 39-year-old. She lost her job. She lost her house. And she and her son moved into her truck. Police found her and DCFS threatened to take away her son if she didn't find a safe place to stay. After examining all the accounts of the movements, visions and She moved into a hotel with the help of a social worker who paid for a testimonies of the Myrrh-bearing women, the following conclusions few nights stay with her own money. That's when Sandy's knight in present themselves: shining armor showed up. And he's kept showing up, every day, paying 1) The Myrrh-bearers did not go all together to the tomb, but in separate her hotel bill, so she and her son can stay off the streets. But Sandy's groups and at different times. The first visit was of Mary Magdalene Good Samaritan isn't a Chicago big shot. He isn't living in a Loop high- (Gospel of St. John); the second visit was of Joanna with other women rise. He doesn't even have a job. Sandy's Good Samaritan is Curtis (Gospel of St. Luke); the third visit was of Mary, the mother of James Jackson, who's been homeless since 2004. He pays for Sandy's hotel and Salome ( of Ss. Matthew and Mark). All of this is evident room because she used to treat him with dignity and kindness when she and clearly apparent from the details of the Gospel accounts. did have a house -- and he pays for it by panhandling and giving the 2) The time sequence of the holy women’s visits to the tomb unfolds money to her. "All I can do is get out there and put a sign in my hand, itself as follows: Mary Magdalene, while it was still dark; Joanna, with or put a cup in my hand and ask people to help me out, and everything I the others, very early in the morning; Mary the mother of James and get, except maybe bus fare and something to eat, I give it to her," Salome, when the sun was rising. These are not simultaneous but a Jackson said as he stood at the corner of 55th and Harlem. Jackson series of events. And all these events embrace a time span of several pays the nightly bill by pouring his bucket of change on the hotel hours – from the dark before the dawn to the rising of the sun. counter. Since December, he's raised $9,000, and he's given it all to 3) First Visit: Mary Magdalene alone goes to the tomb while it was yet Sandy. He said sometimes 40, 70, a hundred cars go by before dark. She saw the stone rolled away, her first thought, “They have taken someone gives him a few pennies or a few bucks. Sandy can't believe the Lord away.” She runs to tell the Apostles Peter and John, who set it. "I've donated to charities, I've helped other homeless families -- never out for the tomb. realizing that one day we'd be in this situation," she said. "So thank God Second Visit: While the Apostles Peter and John are on their way to that we did have an angel waiting for us." the tomb, Joanna and the other women arrive at the open tomb. Jackson said he's a man of faith; homeless, but not hopeless, and he's explain to them the mystery of the absence of the Lord’s body. They got some words of wisdom for the people he sees bustling by every day. leave and go tell the Apostles. Meanwhile, Apostles Peter and John with "I have God. I'm one of the richest men on this earth, 'cause I have Mary Magdalene reach the tomb without having met Joanna and her God," he said. "Money is not my master. That's what's wrong with this companions. After the Apostles leave, Mary Magdalene remains at the world: money is its master." Sandy said she doesn't think she'll ever be tomb and is blessed with an appearance of the Lord. She then sets out able to repay Jackson, who's become like a brother. "I'm out here for a again to the Apostles. purpose: to help someone, and that's all I'm trying to do is help someone that needs help right at this moment," he said. "And once she appropriate time that the medicine should be taken and the right amount doesn't need help anymore, I'll move on to something else." of medicine and the condition of the body which is to take it, the weather conditions and the season of the year and the appropriate diet of the ON THE SAINTS St. Symeon the New Theologian sick and many other things. If any of these things are overlooked the The Church is the body of Christ, His bride, the world to come, and the medicine will do more harm than good. So, if one who is going to heal temple of God. The members of His body are all the saints. However, the body as well as the soul, it is necessary to examine and observe not all of the saints who will please God have yet appeared, nor yet is everything in every possible detail. We fast in order to change every thus complete, nor the world to come yet filled. I say this about God's part of our life. Because the sacrifice of the fast is not simply abstinence Church. There are, though, many unbelievers in the world today who from certain foods and certain quantities of food, but to distance will believe in Christ; many sinners and debauched who will re-pent and ourselves from sins. Therefore, whoever limits the fast to only change their lives; many undecided who will be persuaded. There are deprivation of food, in reality abhors and ridicules the fast. Are you many, a great many, up to the sound of the last trumpet, who will prove fasting? Show me your fast with your works. Which works? If you see well-pleasing to God and who have not yet been born. All those who are someone who is poor, show him mercy. If you see an enemy, reconcile foreknown by God must be born, come into being, before the world with him. If you see a friend who is becoming successful, do not be beyond our world, the world of the Church, of the first-born, of the jealous of him! If you see a beautiful woman on the street, pass her by. heavenly , is filled up. Then shall the end come and the In other words, not only should the mouth fast, but the eyes and the legs fullness of the body of Christ be complete. and the arms and all the other parts of the body should fast as well. Let SAINT SILOUAN ON HUMILITY: The Lord said, "Learn from Me to be the hands fast, remaining clean from stealing and greediness. Let the meek and humble of heart." There are many types of humility. You can legs fast, avoiding roads which lead to sinful sights. Let the eyes fast by be obedient and reproach yourself in everything – this is a form of not fixing themselves on beautiful faces and by not observing the beauty humility. Another can repent his sins and count himself the lowest of others. You are not eating meat, are you? You should not eat before Christ – this is also a form of humility. But when a soul sees the debauchery with your eyes as well. Let you hearing also fast. The fast of Lord through the Holy Spirit in all His meekness and humility, then it hearing is not to accept bad talk against others and sly defamations. also becomes humbled to its limits. This is a special sort of humility Let the mouth fast from disgraceful and abusive words. Because, what which cannot be described, it can only be experienced through the Holy gain is there when, on the one hand we avoid eating chicken and fish Spirit. And if people could experience the Lord through the Holy Spirit, and, on the other, we chew up and consume our brothers? He who they would all change – the wealthy would despise their wealth, the condemns and blasphemes, it is as if he has eaten brotherly meat, or as learned their studies, the powerful their glory and authority, and all if he has bitten into the flesh of his fellow man. It is because of this that would be humbled and would live in great peace and love, and the earth Paul frightened us, saying: “If you chew up and consume one another would be filled with great joy. He who has experienced God through the be careful that you do not annihilate yourselves.” Holy Spirit has a different understanding and taste. WORDS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW: Saint Anthony the Great: Do you want true intelligence? Then book Holiness consists not only in the absence of evil or sin: holiness is the learning isn’t enough; you must also have spiritual knowledge. This presence of higher spiritual values, joined to purity from sin. God is the includes being able to tell the difference between what is good and what only one who is holy by nature. He is the Source of holiness for angels is evil. Then you must avoid that which is evil, what is sinful and harmful and men. Men can attain holiness only in God, “not by nature, but by to your soul, and with thanks to God, carefully keep what is good and participation, by struggle and prayer” (St. Cyril of Jerusalem). what benefits your soul. If you do that, you are truly intelligent. Asceticism is man’s struggle to keep the commandments of Christ. It encompasses not only his bodily and spiritual effort, but also the method The Feasts in the Eastern Catholic Church: by which he passes through the three stages of the spiritual life, namely: Q. Who instituted fasting as necessary for salvation? purification, illumination, and deification (union with God). A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, both by His personal example (Matt. 4:2) and Purification refers to the process by which one is cleansed from the by His teaching (Matt. 6:16; 7:21). passions through: 1) the rejection of all evil thoughts and desires from Q. What is the aim of fasting? the mind and heart, 2) the turning of the soul’s three powers (reason, A. The aim of fasting is to: a) purify the body; b) strengthen the will; c) desire, and will) towards God, and 3) the overcoming of self-love by love elevate the soul over the body; d) glorify God and honor His saints. for God and neighbor. Q. In what does Fasting consist for an Eastern Catholic Christian? Illumination refers to the process by which the grace of the Holy Spirit, A. In abstention from rich foods such as meat and dairy products, evil received in Baptism, enlightens the person purified (or at least being thoughts, desires and deeds. In the application of greater prayer, alms purified) of the passions to the true knowledge of God and creation. giving and more strenuous exercising of all the Christian virtues. Illumination is seen primarily in the gift of discernment by which one Q. How do we classify the Fasts and their seasons? distinguishes between: 1) what is from God or above nature, A. There are four fasting seasons which can be found in the Church 2) what is according to nature or good, and 3) what is unnatural or evil. calendar: a) – a six week fast before the of Our Lord Deification is union with God, the goal of Christian life; experienced in th () on December 25 part during this life, but more fully and unendingly in the next. Scripture b) Great – a seven week fast before Pascha (Easter) says that God is a consuming fire. When man is united with God in the c) Apostles’ Fast – of changing duration before the feast of Ss. Peter state of pure prayer, he becomes entirely engulfed in the flame of divine & Paul on June 29th love and sees the Uncreated Light of Divinity. This state cannot be d) Dormition Fast – a two week fast before the Dormition of the Mother described in words but is known only through experience. Union with of God, August 15th God imparts immeasurable love, humility, and thankfulness. Deification FROM THE – FASTING AS MEDICINE is what man was created for from the beginning; it is what makes man truly man. Fasting is a medicine. But medicine, as beneficial as it is, becomes useless because of the inexperience of the user. He has to know the