Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise

February 23, 2020

Sunday of Cheesefare – Sunday of Forgiveness The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise The Holy Hieromartyr Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna February 23, 2020 Schedule of services for the week of February 24 - March 1 Monday, February 24 7:00 PM – Great Canon of St. Andrew - First Part Tuesday, February 25 7:00 PM – Great Canon of St. Andrew - Second Part Wednesday, February 26 9:00 AM – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 7:00 PM – Great Canon of St. Andrew - Third Part Thursday, February 27 7:00 PM – Great Canon of St. Andrew - Fourth Part Friday, February 28 6:00 PM – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts followed by Lenten Meal & Discussion Saturday, February 28 – Commemoration of the Miracle of the Great Martyr Theodore 9:00 AM – Divine Liturgy 5:00 PM – Great Sunday, March 1 – 1st Sunday of the Great Fast – Sunday of Orthodoxy - Procession with The Venerable Martyr Eudokia of Heliopolis 8:40 AM – Third Hour 9:00 AM – Divine Liturgy For all parishioners Welcome all visitors and guests. Please join us in our hall for refreshments and fellowship after the Divine Liturgy! The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts Looking Ahead: is a season of repentance, fasting, th and intensified prayer, and so the Orthodox v February 24 –TheGreatFastBegins Church regards more frequent reception of Holy Communion as especially desirable at (day of strict fast) this time. However, since the Divine Liturgy has st a festal or celebratory character not in keeping v March 1 –SundayofOrthodoxy with the season of repentance, the Liturgy of the Pre- Sanctified Gifts is served instead. This Procession with icons special Lenten service is offered on th nd Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM and Friday v March 7 –2 All Souls Saturday; evenings at 6:00 PM after a day of spiritual preparation and if possible, according to the 1dayretreatforwomen ancient tradition, total abstinence. According to th rd the ancient practice of fasting, the faithful who v March 14 –3 All Souls Saturday wish to receive Holy Communion but are v st th unable to keep a total fast because of medical March 21 –4 All Souls Saturday reasons, weakness, or work responsibilities, v th Wednesday normally eat a light lenten meal in the early March 25 ( )–Annunciation morning, or by 12 noon at the latest. Though v March 28th –AkathistSaturday this fasting regimen is not binding under current canon law, it is encouraged as a v April 5th –FlowerySunday recovery of our proper practice. Should you have any questions or concerns, please speak v April 12th – Pascha with Fr. James. Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete THE TOP 10 LENTEN TIPS Structure and composition The Great Canon consists of four parts, each 1. Regardless of how you fast, fast every divided into nine odes like a regular canon. single day. This type of fasting helps wear However, there are slight differences between the down the passions and build spiritual odes of the two compositions. In the Great Canon, endurance. there is a greater number of troparia.Attherefrain 2. We are encouraged to recover our "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me," ancient fasting traditions – try to afullprostrationisperformed.Also,someofthe approximate them as best you can. Each odes have additional refrains and troparia to the Lent, try to be more strict yet humble. author of the canon, St. Andrew of Crete, or St. Mary of Egypt, one of the greatest models of 3. Particular concerns about fasting? Age, repentance in Christian history. health issues, never fasted before, mixed-marriages? Speak with your Prayer priest. The Great Canon is prayed during the first week of the Great Fast. During Great 4. Be sure to recite the Lenten prayer of on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Saint Ephrem. If you cannot make and Thursday, one portion of the Canon is just make bows or cross sung after the Little Doxology (Greek practice) yourself. or Psalm 69 (Slavic practice) is read. On 5. On weekends, we do not make Wednesday of the fifth week of the Great Lent, prostrations and our fasting is slightly the Life of St. Mary of Egypt is read together relaxed. (We still do not kneel on with the entire Great Canon at Sundays.) (sometimes Thursday proper in Slavic tradition). This practice was implemented 6. The Lenten services and tones are during the life of St. Andrew, who was also the offered only during the week – strive to author of St. Mary's hagiography (saintly participate as much as possible in these biography). services and the spirit of lent will rub off on you. Contents AbasicdistinguishingfeatureoftheGreat 7. Sports and outdoor activities are not Canon is its extremely broad use of images and contrary to the Lenten spirit. subjects taken both from the Old and New 8. Strive to avoid going to movies, parties, Testaments. As the Canon progresses, the vacations, and other entertainments. This congregation encounters many biblical we do so we can have more time to examples of sin and repentance. The Bible (and devote to spiritual things. therefore, the Canon) speaks of some individuals in a positive light, and about others in 9. Confession and Holy Communion are anegativeone—thepenitentsareexpectedto central to securing the benefits of Lent. emulate the positive examples of sanctity and Without fail, we should receive the repentance, and to learn from and avoid the Sacraments during the period of negative examples of sin, fallen nature and Great Lent. pride. However, one of the most notable aspects 10. Be mindful of what we look at and how of the Canon is that it attempts to portray the much time we spend on TV and Biblical images in a very personal way to every computer. Some give up TV for all of penitent: the Canon is written in such form that Lent. Others strictly limit their time and the faithful identify themselves with many people watch only educational and news and events found in the Bible. programs. Surfing on the web? Hit the – adapted from OrthodoxWiki.org theological sites, avoid contentious sites. Children and the Great Fast Pani Matka Irene Galadza Great Lent approaches on the heels of the Pascha. The pysanky (so often left out on Nativity Season. The soft and somber sound display yearround)are also placed out of of The Rivers of Babylon hint at the sight. Covering the television with a cloth approaching season of repentance. The might be a reminder of the family’s familiar Sundays of the Publican and the commitment to fast from this visual Pharisee, The Prodigal Son, and the Last distraction. The house is tidied – somewhat Judgement prepare us adults for the spiritual bare inviting its inhabitants to change their journey of the Great Fast, a journey routine; to replace television with books or facilitated by liturgical services, spiritual conversation and to be more diligent in their reading, Lenten missions, fasting and prayer. prayer. The absence of familiar decorations This season of great challenges is hopefully in the home – the “emptiness” isa constant followed by great rewards. What about our reminder that this is a time of year that is set children? apart for the very special purpose of How do they fit into the demanding refocusing our life on Christ, who fills the spiritual disciplines of this holy season? What emptiness in us. can parents do to help their children – even the A visual “toning down” needs to be littlest ones – experience the period of the accompanied by an auditory one. The sound Great Fast on a deeper level, a level that goes of blaring radios, televisions and noisy beyond the usual writing pysanky and computer games assault the ears, disrupt preparing a new outfit for Easter Sunday? interior peace and affect the behavior of How do we root our children in the joyous adults and children alike. Older children discipline of this Great Fast so that it becomes need guidance in choosing appropriate music for them an absolutely essential part of the for listening. The family might agree to rhythm of their life? We must speak to them observe periods of “quiet time” on certain about the mystery of their faith – about days. Perhaps, supper could begin by reading Christ’s death and resurrection, about aloud from the Lives of the Saints or stories repentance and new life inthe language they from the Bible. Take care to choose literary know best, the language of the senses. versions that are appropriate for the age of We might begin with a visual message. your children or simply tell the stories in The Great Fast is a time for change. In your own words and discuss the pearls of church, the color of altar vestments changes wisdom hidden in them. Children need to from bright to dark and festive embroideries experience the haunting sounds of Lenten are put away. At home, the corner is hymns. Bring them to church for the tidied and pussy willows (loza) from the extraordinary liturgical services of Lent previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned. (tempering frequency of attendance with the The Prayer of St. Ephraim is taped to the age of your child) and give them the wall near the icons and pictures of deceased opportunity to fall in love with such ancient members of the family to be remembered in melodies as “Let my prayer arise like incense prayer might be placed near the icon corner. before you...”, so that as adults they might Embroideries are taken down, washed, thirst for these and await the Great Fast with starched and put away, ready to bring out for great anticipation. It is often a fragrance that evokes for adults the health and maturity of the children. For amemoryofchildhood.Thefragrancesthat little children, the absence of sweet treats surround activities during the Great Fast are from their diets is a big sacrifice. While many: incense during prayer in church and at drawing children closer to keeping the home, lilies at the services of , prescribed fast, take great care to set goals paska baking in the oven, fresh spring air that that are achievable, thus encouraging flows through the open windows as the home acceptance of greater challenges. Once is being cleaned for the feast, pungent children have experienced sacrifice, they pysanka dyes and melting beeswax. Involve come closer to appreciating Christ’s sacrifice the children in all of these activities, so that for us. their little noses might be close to the The challenges of the Great Fast can only fragrances that will bond them for life to the be met with the grace that accompanies rituals that heighten the anticipation of prayer and reception of the Holy Pascha. Do not protect them from getting their Communion. Memorize the Prayer of St. hands sticky with dough or stained with dyes, Ephraim and pray it with your children daily, for they need to touch and experience all that making the accompanying prostrations. Feed this holy season has to offer. them with the Body and Blood of Christ so One of the most challenging aspects of the that they may “taste and see how good the Great Fast is the fasting. If adults have Lord is” who suffered for the sake of giving difficulty adjusting to simpler meals and us new life. Teach little children to ask for different tastes, what can we expect from forgiveness of those they have hurt and offer children? Most important here is the attitude it graciously to those who seek it from them. of the parents toward their own fasting. If Great Lent is a most appropriate time to seen as a burden, all of the benefits of this prepare children for their First Confession spiritual exercise are lost. Fasting is a and review with older ones the process of challenge, but it need not be a burden. It must examining their conscience in preparation never be presented strictly as a duty to for their Easter Confession, which they will suddenly be assumed at the magic age of 12. approach with confidence when presented Fasting is a privilege, to be practiced out of with the good example of their parents. love, increasing the measure of sacrifice in The more effort invested teaching our appropriate degrees throughout childhood children to live the Great Fast in a holistic and beyond. When approached with a way, involving all the senses and faculties positive attitude, fasting presents an God has given them, the more rooted they invaluable opportunity to train children in will be in their faith. When the Great Fast no the virtue of selfcontrol.Plant the seeds of longer seems “long enough” – when you humility, by teaching children not to boast of anticipate it with gladness and it becomes an their fasting nor be critical of those who do indispensable part of the rhythm of your life not observe the fast. Teach them to offer and – you will know that your efforts have been receive hospitality graciously, without blessed. Then, the celebration of Christ’s drawing attention to their fasting. Be Resurrection will be accompanied with reasonable when setting dietary indescribable joy! expectations, taking into account the (I.B.G. 02/2004) nutritional demands of growing bodies and 2nd All Souls Saturday A Lenten Reflection: What to Give up... nd Saturday, March 7th is the 2 All Souls Saturday. There •Give up complaining – focus on gratitude. will be a Divine Liturgy at 9:00 AM for all our beloved departed followed by a Panakhyda. Special envelopes •Give up pessimism – become an optimist. are included in your box of envelopes. Please write the •Give up sin – turn to virtue. names of all those you wish to be remembered and •Give up worry – trust Divine Providence. place in the basket in the Narthex. I encourage all to •Give up discouragement – be full of hope. attend the Liturgies and Panakhydas for our beloved •Give up bitterness – turn to forgiveness. deceased. •Give up hatred – return good for evil. About Saint Ephrem’s Prayer •Give up negativism – be positive. The famous lenten prayer of Saint Ephrem the •Give up anger – be more patient. Syrian summarizes our entire struggle during the •Give up pettiness – become mature. forty day fast – that of turning from vice to virtue, sin to holiness, and self-love to love of God and •Give up gloom – enjoy the beauty that is neighbor. This powerful prayer is said every day of all around you. Great Lent, except on Saturdays and Sundays. It •Give up jealousy – pray for trust. should be part of our morning and evening prayers, •Give up gossiping – control your tongue. but may also be said at any other time throughout the day – especially in time of temptation. •Give up harsh judgments – think kindly thoughts. •Give up giving up – hang in there! THE LENTEN PRAYER OF SAINT EPHREM Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of indifference, despair, lust for power, and idle chatter. ()

Instead, bestow on me, your servant, the spirit of integrity, humility, patience, and love. (Prostration)

Yes, O Lord and King, let me see my own sins and not judge my brothers and sisters; for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen. (Prostration)

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. OGod,cleansemeofmysinsandhave mercy on me. O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. (Repeat these 3 petitions 4 x’s, with as many bows, and then again the whole prayer from the beginning to end, and after that one great prostration) Note: If one cannot make prostrations, then make bows, or the sign of the Cross. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts Adapted from an article by Very Rev. Thomas Hopko The eucharistic Divine Liturgy is not are read, between which the celebrant blesses celebrated in the Byzantine Church on lenten the kneeling congregation with a lighted candle weekdays, since the full Divine Liturgy has a and the words: “The Light of Christ illumines joyful character not in keeping with the all,” indicating that all wisdom is given by Christ somberness of the Great Fast. However, in in the Church through the scriptures and order for the faithful to sustain their lenten effort sacraments. This blessing was originally by participation in Holy Communion, the Liturgy directed primarily to the catechumens -- those of the Presanctified Gifts is served. The service preparing to be baptized on Easter -- who is an ancient one in the Byzantine Church. We attended the service only to the time of the officially hear about it in the canons of the communion of the faithful. seventh century, which obviously After the readings, the evening indicates its development at a Psalm 141 is solemnly sung once much earlier date. again with the offering of incense. On all days of the holy fast of Then, after the litanies of Lent, except on the Sabbath, the intercession and those at which Lord’s Day, and the holy day of the catechumens were dismissed the Annunciation, the Liturgy of the in former days, the presanctified Presanctified is to be served (Canon eucharistic gifts are brought to the 52, Quinisext, 692). altar in a solemn, silent procession. The The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is song of the entrance calls the faithful to an evening service. It is the solemn lenten communion. Vespers with the administration of Holy Now the heavenly powers (i.e., the Communion added to it. There is no angels) do minister invisibly with us. For consecration of the eucharistic gifts at the behold the King of Glory enters. Behold presanctified liturgy. Holy Communion is the mystical sacrifice, all fulfilled, is given from the eucharistic gifts ushered in. sanctified on the previous Sunday at Let us with faith and love draw the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, near that we may be partakers of unless, of course, the feast of the everlasting life. Alleluia. Alleluia. Annunciation should intervene; Alleluia. hence its name of “presanctified.” After the litany and prayers, the Our The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is Father is sung and the faithful receive Holy served on Wednesday and Friday evenings, Communion to the chanting of the verse from although some churches may celebrate it only Psalm 34: “0 taste and see how good is the on one of these days or perhaps in the Lord. Alleluia.” The post-communion hymns morning. It comes in the evening after a day of are sung and the faithful depart with a prayer to spiritual preparation and total abstinence. The God who “has brought us to these all-holy days faithful who are unable to make the effort of for the cleansing of carnal passions,” that he total fasting because of weakness or work, will bless us “to fight the good fight, to however, normally eat a light lenten meal in the accomplish the course of the fast, and to attain early morning. unto and to adore the holy resurrection” of During the psalms of Vespers, the Christ. presanctified gifts are prepared for The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is communion. They are transferred from the altar traditionally considered to be the work of the table where they have been reserved since the sixth-century pope, Saint Gregory of Rome. Divine Liturgy, and are placed on the table of The present service, however, is obviously the oblation. After the evening hymn, the Old inspired liturgical creation of Christian Testament scriptures of Genesis and Proverbs Byzantium. Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church 2235 Galahad Road San Diego, CA 92123-3931 Fr. James Bankston, Administrator Fr. Deacon Jonathan A. Deane Rectory/Office: 858-277-2511 Social Hall/Ethnic Foods: 858-268-3458 Email: [email protected] Website: www.HolyAngelsSanDiego.com Facebook: Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church

Bless, O Lord, the worship and Stewardship of your faithful servants: Last Sunday: attendance: 100; Adult tithes: $1063.00; Calendar: $150.00; Priest’s Vestments: $200.00 Loose Change: $99.78;Non-Parishioner:$5.00;Bishop’s Appeal: $100.00; Total: $1627.78

Vocation Icon: This week (February 23): Lucero Family Next week (March 1): Greenwell Family Please sign up in the narthex to host the vocation icon. All those requesting Holy Mysteries must be parishioners for at least six months.

Mysteries of Initiation: Requires Pre-Baptismal instruction. The Mysteries of Initiation are celebrated on Saturdays or Sundays within the Divine Liturgy. At least one sponsor must be a Catholic and the other a practicing Christian. Both sponsors must present documentation that they are in good standing with their church.

Mystery of Crowning: Requires Pre-Marriage instruction. Consult Fr. James at least six months prior to making wedding plans. Marriages cannot be celebrated during the fasting seasons of the Church.

Funerals: Contact Fr. James.

Liturgy, Panachyda and Eternal Lamp Intentions: Schedule with Fr. James. It is “holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead” (2 Maccabees 12:46) especially on the 9th and 40th days, and on the anniversary of their falling asleep in the Lord.

Holy Mystery of Confession: Saturdays from 6PM (following Vespers). Also available before or after all services or by appointment. Confessions end 15 minutes prior to services.

Sick calls / Holy Anointing / Hospital Visits: Requested by parishioner, friend, or family.

Please submit all Bulletin announcements to Fr. James for approval by Wednesday of each week.

Last Sunday’s bulletin is available in the Narthex or on our website.

Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:AM - 5PM. Please call ahead to make sure Fr. James is on-site. Call anytime in case of an emergency.