The Trophy Bearer

January 2020 Volume 1, Issue 5 St. George Orthodox

2 Nottingham Terrace

Buffalo, NY 14216

Very Rev. Jason Vansuch, Parish Priest

Parish House: (716) 875-4222 Cell: (609) 851-3811 ​ Email: [email protected] Parish Website: www.stgeorgebuffalo.com ​ ​ ​

Reader John Kirwan, Choir Director Mr. Amil Slaiman, Parish Council President

This newsletter is published monthly in the interest of the parishioners and friends of St. George in Buffalo , a parish of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey and The Orthodox Church in America.

------The Theophany of the Lord God and Savior A Message From Fr. Jason 3 Jesus Christ Q&A with Fr. Jay 4

Parish Activities 7

Thoughts for the New Year - A Time for Renewal 8

Retreats in 2020 10

Parish Shut-ins 11

Our Parish Outreach Missions: 11

Diocesan Ministries 12

St. George Orthodox Church January Calendar 14

January 6

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 1 During the time that John the But Jesus answering said to Him, Forerunner preached on the banks of the "Suffer it to be so now," — that is, do not Jordan River and baptized people, Jesus hold back from me now, "for thus it Christ reached thirty years of age. He also becometh us to fulfill all righteousness," — went from Nazareth to the Jordan River to to fulfill everything in the Law of God and to John to receive baptism from him. set an example for people. Then, John John did not consider himself worthy obeyed and baptized Jesus Christ to baptize Jesus Christ and began to shrink back from Him saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?"

Upon completion of the baptism, spoke from Heaven about the Son, the Son when Jesus Christ came out of the water, was baptized by the St John the Forerunner, suddenly the heavens were opened over and the Holy Spirit descended upon the Son Him; and John saw the Spirit of God in the form of a dove. From ancient times descending like a dove and lighting upon this Feast was called the Day of Illumination Him and heard the voice of God the Father and the Feast of Lights, since God is Light from Heaven saying, "This is My beloved and has appeared to illumine "those who sat ​ Son, in Whom I am well pleased." in darkness," and "in the region of the ​ Then, John was finally convinced that shadow of death" (Mt.4:16), and to save the Jesus was the expected Messiah, Son of fallen race of mankind by grace. In the God, Saviour of the world. ancient Church it was the custom to baptize The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ catechumens at the Vespers of Theophany, is celebrated in the Holy Orthodox Church so that Baptism also is revealed as the th as one of the great feasts on January 6 ​. spiritual illumination of mankind. The origin ​ ​ The celebration of the Baptism of the Lord is of the Feast of Theophany goes back to also called Theophany or the Manifestation Apostolic times, and it is mentioned in The ​ of God because at the time of baptism God Apostolic Constitutions (Book V:13). From revealed Himself to people as the Holy the second century we have the testimony in this way: God the Father spoke of St Clement of Alexandria concerning the ​ from Heaven, the incarnate Son of God was celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, and ​ baptized, and the Holy Spirit descended in the night vigil before this Feast. There is a ​ as a dove. Also, at the time of baptism for third century dialogue about the services for the first time, people could see that in the Theophany between the holy martyr person of Jesus Christ there appeared not Hippolytus and St Gregory the only man but also God. Wonderworker. In the following centuries, ​ ​ The day before the feast is an from the fourth to ninth century, all the established fast day. The same strict fast is great Fathers of the Church: Gregory the observed and the same types of services are Theologian, , Ambrose of celebrated as on the Eve of Christ’s Nativity Milan, , commented on (Christmas). Because the Saviour by His the Feast of Theophany. own baptism sanctified the water, on this The monks Joseph the Studite, feast there is a blessing of water. On the Theophanes and Byzantios composed much day before, water is blessed in church and liturgical music for this Feast, which is sung on the feast itself — under the open sky, in at Orthodox services even today. St John of rivers, lakes, pools and wells. This Blessing Damascus said that the Lord was baptized, of the Waters is often called "The Procession not because He Himself had need for ​ to the Jordan." cleansing, but "to bury human sin by ​ water," to fulfill the Law, to reveal the Theophany is the Feast which reveals mystery of the Holy Trinity, and finally, to the Most Holy Trinity to the world through sanctify "the nature of water" and to offer the Baptism of the Lord (Mt.3:13-17; Mark us the form and example of Baptism. On the 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). God the Father Feast of the Baptism of Christ, the Holy

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 2 Church proclaims our faith in the most As we begin this New Year, many sublime mystery, incomprehensible to things in our personal lives are happening. human intellect, of one God in three The Feast of the Nativity has passed, Persons. It teaches us to confess and glorify families and friends have gone back to their the Holy Trinity, one in Essence and homes, children are going back to school, Indivisible. It exposes and overthrows the we are busy cleaning the house and putting errors of ancient teachings which attempted the decorations away – the list goes on. As to explain the Creator of the world by we are busy with all of these important reason, and in human terms. The Church aspects of our life, this would be a great shows the necessity of Baptism for believers time for us, as Christians, to choose a goal in Christ, and it inspires us with a sense of that is appropriate for our own spirituality. deep gratitude for the illumination and Perhaps we need to attend the weekly purification of our sinful nature. The Church services that are offered on a more regular teaches that our salvation and cleansing basis, pray a little more each day, read the from sin is possible only by the power of the Bible all the way through, fast more often or grace of the Holy Spirit, therefore it is more strictly, extend our time, talents, and necessary to preserve worthily these gifts of efforts a little more. Whatever we need to the grace of holy Baptism, keeping clean do to grow spiritually, we need to start this priceless garb, for "As many as have today! The commemoration of the Feast of been baptized into Christ, have put on the Circumcision of Our Lord and St. Basil Christ" (Gal 3:27). the Great and the Civil New Year, itself, On the day of Theophany, all foods reminds us of the constant need to are permitted, even if the Feast falls on a re-evaluate and recapture that which is Wednesday or Friday. central to our lives as Orthodox Christians, to restore balance in all we do, and in repentance to make an earnest attempt to A Message From Fr. Jason set aside a portion—the “first portion”—of Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: our time to acquire the peace of the Holy Spirit. GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST! GLORY By entering the Feast of the FOREVER! Circumcision of Our Lord and St. Basil the “THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD Great and the Civil New Year we discover -- HAS MADE! LET US REJOICE AND BE perhaps for the first time -- the mercy and GLAD IN IT!” love of God revealed in the celebrations, which open to us the great acts of salvation. I greet all of you with these words of praise In these celebrations, culminating in the as we begin another Civil Year within our celebration of the , the body lives and the Life of Our Church. of Christians is made into the body of Christ. Every year on January 1, people all In these celebrations, the Kingdom of God is around the world celebrate this Great Feast being proclaimed and revealed. With the to mark the beginning of their journey proclamation of the Gospel we are given the through the cycle of life. Some make opportunity to receive the living Word of resolutions and others just go on with God which renews and illumines those ‘business as usual’. However, for us as seeking "to run the race that is set before Orthodox Christians, this celebration takes us" (Heb. 12:1). By embracing this Word we on another meaning. It takes on a meaning are invited to draw near and receive from that the world does not and could not the table of the Kingdom the bread of life understand unless they themselves open and the fountain of immortality. their eyes and hearts to Our Lord Jesus My dear brothers and sisters in Christ WHO IS the Light of the World Christ, a great and awesome gift has been through the Feast of the Circumcision of Our entrusted to us. By entering the New Year Lord and St. Basil the Great. we are given the opportunity to proclaim, in

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 3 word and deed, the Gospel of new and Beloved Son, Our Lord God and Savior Jesus eternal life. Let us draw near together, as a Christ. parish family, and enter with great joy into God Bless You! the mystery of the liturgical life of our With Love in Christ, Church. And let us proclaim to the world the Fr. Jason saving acts of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by fulfilling and proclaiming His Beloved Gospel. As we begin this New Civil Year, I Q&A with Fr. Jay challenge and encourage all of us to participate more in the Liturgical and In this section, we will answer Spiritual Life of our parish. We will be questions that have been given to Fr. Jason offering more services to allow everyone the on various topics pertaining to our life as opportunity to grow in their spiritual life as Orthodox Christians. If there are any well as to become apart of the Liturgical Life questions that we may have about The of our parish. We will also be offering more Orthodox Faith and Her Teachings, please Educational Sessions for both the children feel free to leave our question(s) in the box and the adults of our parish to allow the located at the candle desk in church opportunity for all of us to grow in our faith. (Questions for Father) or email it to Fr. We also have many projects and activities Jason and he will be able to provide the and outreach ministry projects planned for answers for us. All questions are this coming year which will require anonymous and are here for the benefit of everyone’s efforts. Through these activities, everyone to help each of us grow closer in we will allow ourselves the opportunity of our relationship with Our Lord God and coming together as a parish family to enjoy Savior Jesus Christ in understanding our fun and fellowship with one another as Holy Orthodox Faith and Her Teachings. brothers and sisters in Christ. What is the Orthodox Religious As we begin this New Civil Year, I Calendar: Its History and Development encourage all of us to continue our love and support for one another. I encourage all of us to continue praying for one another. For Within the Orthodox Church feast through these efforts on everyone’s part, days and fast days are reckoned according not only will our beloved parish family to two distinct calendars, the Julian continue to grow in faith and in love, but Calendar and the . The more so we will become what God has first is attributed to the Roman Emperor intended us to be: A Thriving and Living Julius Caesar, whose name it bears. It was Body of Christ proclaiming and living the later corrected in the sixteenth century by Gospel of His Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Gregory XIII due to the Christ! ever-increasing discrepancy between As we begin this New Civil Year, I calendar time and calculated astronomical humbly ask for your forgiveness if I have time. Thus the Gregorian Calendar came failed you in any way during this past year into being. of if I have sinned against you or caused you to sin. Be assured of my continued love Old and New Calendars and prayers for you, your families, and our Inasmuch as the had entire parish family. been in continuous use in the Christian East Through the Prayers of Our Heavenly and West throughout the centuries, the Patron, Holy Great-Martyr and subsequent introduction of the Gregorian Wonderworker George the Victorious, may Calendar in the West created yet another GOD continue to bless us and protect us as anomaly in the deteriorating relations we minister and proclaim the Gospel of His between the two Churches. The need for correction of the Julian Calendar was well understood in the East and had even led

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 4 some to devise a new calendar themselves. which have adopted the New Calendar Nevertheless, the Julian Calendar remained observe Christmas with the other Churches in use throughout the Byzantine period and of Christendom on December 25; the beyond. Despite the efforts of the Orthodox Churches which have not adopted emissaries of Pope Gregory to convince the it celebrate Christmas 13 days later, on Orthodox to accept the New (Gregorian) January 7. The former celebrates Epiphany Calendar, the Orthodox Church rejected it. on January 6 and by the latter on January The main reason for its rejection was that 19. And so it is with all the great feasts of the celebration of Easter would be altered: the Christian Calendar but one. Easter, the contrary to the injunctions of 7 of the feast of feasts, continues to be calculated by Holy Apostles, the decree of the First all Orthodox Churches to the dates of the Ecumenical Synod, and canon 1 of Ancyra, Old Calendar. Consequently, all Orthodox Easter would sometimes coincide with the Churches observe the event of Christ's Jewish Passover in the Gregorian calendar. Resurrection on the same day, regardless of This is where the matter stood until when the rest of Christendom does. An the end of World War I. Until then, all exception to this general rule is the Orthodox Churches had strictly abided by Orthodox Church of Finland. Owing to the the Old (Julian) Calendar, which at present fact that it makes up less than 2% of the is 13 days behind the New Calendar long population of a predominantly Lutheran since adopted by the rest of Christendom. country, it observes Easter according to the In May of 1923, however, an New Calendar for practical reasons. "Inter-Orthodox Congress" was convened at It may well be that the date of Constantinople by the then Ecumenical Orthodox Easter occasionally coincides with Patriarch, Meletios IV. Not all Orthodox that of the other Christian Churches; Churches were in attendance. The Churches however, it may also occur as much as 5 of Serbia, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus weeks later. Thus arose the formula applied were; the Churches of Alexandria, Antioch by the Orthodox Churches adopting the New and Jerusalem, although invited, were not; Calendar--viz., that immovable feast days the Church of Bulgaria was not invited. are to be observed 13 days earlier than in Several issues were under discussion at the the Old Calendar, while Easter and all congress, one of which was the adoption of movable feast days dependent on it are still the New Calendar. No unanimous calculated according to the Old agreement was reached on any of the issues Calendar--which was seen as a compromise discussed. Several of the Orthodox with those who opposed the change. On the Churches, however, did eventually agree, one hand, the necessary revisions were though not all at the same time, to adopt made to correct the Old Calendar; on the the New Calendar. These were the Churches other hand, the calculation of Easter was of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, retained as before so as not to violate the Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Poland, and most holy canons. Nevertheless, this compromise recently, Bulgaria (1968); on the other was to prove incapable of preventing the hand, the Churches of Jerusalem, Russia of "Old Calendarists" which ensued. and Serbia, along with the monasteries on As is always the case with reform Mt. Athos, all continue to adhere to the Old movements, there was strong opposition to Calendar. the adoption of the New Calendar, especially in Greece. What differed in this situation, Calendar Problems and however, was that reform was initiated by Implications Among the Orthodox the established Church together with the Churches in the Twentieth Century total backing of the state. Groups of "Old Calendarists" refused to abide by the The Old Calendarists Church's decision and continued to follow The result of this situation is the Old Calendar for both movable and unfortunate indeed. The Orthodox Churches immovable feast days. The basis of their

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 5 refusal to abandon the Old Calendar rested 2. The Elevation of The Precious and on the argument that canons ratified by an Life-Giving Cross (September 14) Ecumenical Synod knew only of the Julian 3. The of The Most-Holy Calendar. Therefore, nothing less than an into the Temple Ecumenical Synod had the authority to (November 21) institute a reform of such proportion. In 4. The Nativity of Our Lord view of their refusal to submit to the (December 25) authority of the , the 5. The Holy Theophany of Our Lord official Church excommunicated them. This (January 6) was not the case with the monasteries of 6. The Meeting of Our Lord in the Mt. Athos. Although all but one (i.e., 19 Temple (February 2) monasteries) continued to follow the Old 7. The Annunciation of The Calendar, they are under the jurisdiction of Most-Holy Theotokos (March 25) the of Constantinople with 8. The Entrance of Our Lord into which they continue to be in communion. Jerusalem (the Sunday before Despite attempts by the civil authorities in Easter) Greece to suppress them, the "Old 9. The Ascension of Our Lord (40 Calendarists" continue to exist there and days after Easter) abroad and to maintain a hierarchy of their 10.The Feast of Holy Pentecost (50 own together with parishes and days after Easter) monasteries. 11.The Transfiguration of Our Lord (August 6) 12.The Dormition of The Most-Holy Holy Days in the Orthodox Church Theotokos (August 15)

Fast Days and Fast Periods The ecclesiastical year, which according to Byzantine practice begins on the first of September, is divided between Four main fast periods are included in the movable and immovable or fixed holy days. ecclesiastical year. They are: The movable holy days are determined by the date of Easter - the most important of 1. The Great Fast (Lent)--beginning all feast days -, which is in a class by itself. on a Monday 7 weeks before The determination of the date of Easter was Easter. definitively regulated by the decision of the 2. Fast of the Apostles--varying in First Ecumenical Synod, held in Nicaea length from 1 to 6 weeks; it (325). Next in importance to Easter are the begins on a Monday, 8 days after "twelve great feasts," of which three are Pentecost, and ends on June movable. Eight of these feasts are devoted 28--the eve of the feast of Saints to Christ and four to the Virgin Mary. There Peter and Paul. are also a number of feast days of varying 3. Fast of the Repose of the Virgin importance, most of which commemorate Mary--August 1 to 14. the more popular saints. 4. Christmas Fast--lasting 40 days, from November 15 to December Holy Days Dedicated to Christ and the 24. Virgin Mary Individual fast days include the feast

of the Elevation of the Holy Cross The "twelve great feasts," as they occur in (September 14), the Beheading of St. John chronological order after September 1, are the Baptist (August 29), and the eve of as follows: Epiphany (January 5), as well as all Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no 1. The Nativity of The Most-Holy fasting, however, between Christmas and Theotokos (September 8) Epiphany, during the 10th week before

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 6 Easter, the week after Easter and the week West, this discrepancy was addressed in the after Pentecost. 16th century through the adoption of the Although the term denotes total Gregorian Calendar, which adjusted the abstinence from food or drink, fasting as Julian Calendar still in use by all Christians practiced in the Orthodox Church means at that time. Western Christians, therefore, abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, observe the date of the vernal equinox on olive oil, and wine. Total abstinence is March 21 according to the Gregorian reserved for the fast of several hours Calendar. duration preceding Holy Communion. The The other difference in the rules for fasting prescribed by the holy determination of Easter between the canons are quite rigid; and, although they Orthodox and other Christian Churches are still observed in the monasteries and by concerns the date of Passover. Jews the very devout, most Orthodox Christians originally celebrated Passover on the first today find it difficult to uphold the full moon following the vernal equinox. traditional practice for the length of time Christians, therefore, celebrated Easter on prescribed. Nevertheless, any deviation the first Sunday after the first full moon from the norm is permitted only following following the vernal equinox. After the consultation with one's spiritual father or destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and the with the prior approval of the local other tragic events, which gave rise to the hierarchy. dispersal of the Jews, Passover sometimes preceded the vernal equinox. This was Orthodox Pascha occasioned by the dependence of the dispersed Jews upon local pagan calendars The determination of the date of for the calculation of Passover. As a Easter is governed by a computation based consequence, most Christians eventually on the vernal equinox and the phase of the ceased to regulate the observance of Easter moon. According to the ruling of the First by the Jewish Passover. Their purpose, of Ecumenical Synod in 325, Easter Sunday course, was to preserve the original practice should fall on the Sunday which follows the of celebrating Easter following the vernal first full moon after the vernal equinox. If equinox. the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, As an alternative to calculating Easter Easter is observed the following Sunday. by the Passover, "paschal (Easter) cycles" The day taken to be the invariable date of were devised. The Orthodox Church the vernal equinox is March 21. eventually adopted a 19-year cycle, the Herein lies the first difference in the Western Church an 84-year cycle. The use determination of Easter between the of two different "paschal cycles" inevitably Orthodox Church and the other Christian gave way to differences between the Churches. The Orthodox Church continues Eastern and Western Churches regarding to base its calculations for the date of Easter the observance of Easter. Varying dates for on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the vernal equinox increased these the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. As differences. Consequently, it is the such, it does not take into consideration the combination of these variables, which number of days which have since then accounts for the different date of Orthodox accrued due to the progressive inaccuracy Easter, whenever it varies from the rest of of the Julian Calendar. Practically speaking, Christendom. this means that Easter may not be celebrated before April 3 (Gregorian), which had been March 21--the date of the vernal Parish Activities equinox--at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. In other words, a difference of 13 days exists between the accepted date for PARISH COUNCIL the vernal equinox then and now. In the The next meeting will be held on January 13 at 6:00 PM. During this meeting the

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 7 Proposed 2020 Budget will be reviewed and Fathers and their commentaries as we learn discussed for presentation to the Parish at and come to understand The Holy Gospels our Annual Parish Budget Meeting to be held by reading, discussing, and reviewing The on Sunday January 19. During this Holy Gospels! meeting, we will review and discuss the Proposed 2020 Budget as well as the SISTERHOOD OF ST. GEORGE Proposed Amendment to the Parish By-Laws (allowable amount permitted for parish SEMINARIAN SPONSORSHIP council to spend). Also on this Sunday, we Sbdn. Maximos, Michelle, and their will have the Installation of the daughter Madeline are being sponsored by Newly-Elected Parish Council Trustees and the Parish. He is a 1st Year Seminarian at Officers during the Divine Liturgy: ​ St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

The parish has committed to a monthly President - Amil Slaiman stipend. We also would like to send gift Vice-President - Michael Dan cards to them periodically. Local stores are Treasurer - Barbara Kuvshinoff Wegmans, Target, Walmart, Kohls. Secretary - Alice Kfoury If anyone would like to contribute to Trustees: Boris Kuvshinoff, Paul Shosho, our “Adopt a Seminarian Fund”, please Linda Mucyn see or contact Fr. Jason or Barbara Kuvshinoff.

2020 Auditors are Dean Mellas and Matushka Christine Hoeplinger Thoughts for the New Year - The Windows for the Rectory are scheduled to be installed in Mid-January. A Time for Renewal

The first day of the New Year is a traditional CHURCH SCHOOL time we evaluate our past and set new goals for the coming year. Often we couch these as Sunday January 5 “resolutions.” We commit to losing weight, Youth Sunday exercising more, improving our business and so Church School Q&A with Fr. Jay (Epistles) forth. We might even commit ourselves to reading the Scriptures every day or making a Sunday January 12 commitment to daily prayer or regularly Annual Blessing of Water for Church School attending church and participating in the fasts Children following Divine Liturgy and regularly. These efforts to seek

Annual Blessing of Water at Hoyt Lake - to better our life physically and spiritually are 1:30 PM important. Yet there are only a few such resolutions that last more than a few weeks. Saturday, January 18 Why is this? Simply because we don't set out to The Church School will be making an outing make a habit out of what we commit to, to one our local destinations. making them part of our normal life routine. We are so influenced by our culture that we ADULT EDUCATION/BIBLE STUDY expect instant results. We are impatient, too We will be having a Bible Study class used to comfort, and quickly tire of things that two Wednesdays each month (The first and require discipline and hard work. But if we truly third Wednesdays: January 8 and January seek to be an Orthodox Christian we must do 22) at 10:00 am There will also be evening classes after Compline (6 pm) and class at both of these. This is what the Orthodox way of 6:30 pm. The topic will be The Holy life is all about. Our spiritual growth does not Gospels. Come engage with the Holy come without effort and discipline. This is how

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 8 the apostle Peter puts it: Make every effort to 9. Reading the Scriptures and Holy Fathers: ​ ​ add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, Be inspired by the lessons of the Holy knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and Scriptures, the wisdom of the Holy Fathers to self-control, perseverance; and to and the lives of the Saints of the Church. perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, Read The Daily Scripture Readings. brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, 10. Love one another! Pray for one love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Being an Orthodox ​ another! Respect one another! Forgive one Christian is about a way of life. We must seek another!: The Key ingredients to a happy, to live in a way that we become the “aroma of ​ healthy, blessed life with Our Lord and with Christ” to our surroundings (2 Cor 2:15). This one another! means that we must develop a presence that The starting point is always prayer coupled influences others by our way of living and with regular participation in the Divine acting. Liturgy and regular preparation and partaking of Holy Communion. Fasting and This is a good time to review the following ten ​ the practice of the can help principles of an Orthodox Way of life and reflect build the necessary discipline and an on our own lifestyle. asking what changes do I attitude of repentance where we are need to make to improve my “aroma.” constantly asking for God’s mercy and help. 1. Praying Daily: Have a regular prayer rule ​ If you seek spiritual enrichment in the that includes morning and evening prayer. coming year, then don't let yourself fall into 2. Worshiping and Participating in Sacraments: a dull slumber of inattention to what really ​ Attend and participate in the Divine Liturgy matters. Engage yourself in your spiritual receiving Holy Communion regularly as well as development and allow the Holy Spirit to regular participation in Confession and attend transform you from the inside out. Don’t church a little more. seek instant results from God like he was an ATM machine. Seek and thirst after him. 3. Honoring the Liturgical Cycle of the Church: ​ ​ Don’t fret about how distant He seems. Follow the seasons of the church and Commit yourself to live the life He has participate in the fasts and feasts of the provided for you through His Church. The Church. Develop a better rule of prayer and Church is given to us for our benefit. It fasting throughout the year. outlines for us how we can become 4. Using the Jesus Prayer: Repeat the Holy ​ ​ self-disciplined and gain His help to name whenever possible throughout the day or transform our lives so that we truly live in night. Him and He in us as the Scripture says. 5. Slowing Down and Ordering Your Life: Set ​ ​ priorities and reduce the stress and friction caused by a hurried life. 6. Being Watchful: Give full attention to what ​ ​ you are doing at the moment. 7. Taming the Passions: Overcome your habits, ​ attachment to your likes and dislikes, and learn to practice the virtues.. Putting Others First: Free yourself from your selfishness and find joy in helping others. Strengthening our Time-Talents-Treasures 8. Spiritual Fellowship: Spend time regularly ​ ​ with family and also other Orthodox Christians for support and inspiration. Visit a Monastery. Invite someone to come to church with you.

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 9 To register, go to Retreats in 2020 https://store.ancientfaith.com/facing-forwar Facing Forward: An Ancient Faith d-2020/ Conference for the Second Half of Life Fighting the Good Fight: A Conference for Orthodox Men August 20-23, 2020 at Antiochian Village May 28-31, 2020 (140 Church Camp Trail, Bolivar, PA. About at Antiochian 4 miles north of Ligonier, PA on Route 711) Village in Bolivar, PA (140 Church Led by Fr. Evan Camp Trail, Armatas, Fr. Andrew Bolivar, PA. About Damick, Fr. Stephen 4 miles north of Freeman, and Fr. Ligonier, PA on Barnabas Powell, Route 711) this first-ever The middle season of life marks itself conference will invite in our experiences as an ending and a Orthodox men to beginning. It is a season of change and reflect on the battle realization, and can be a time of great joy to tame the passions and great suffering. There are many and run the race questions to ask as we seek to reinvent that is set before us. The conference will ourselves, to stay connected with grown include daily worship, sessions, panel children, to care for aging parents, and to discussions, a live-audience radio event, think practically about the end of natural fellowship, and good food. life. We invite you to a weekend of Who's Invited: Fighting the Good thought-provoking conversation, worship, Fight is a pan-Orthodox event for adults. If and good fellowship as we study the joys you are not Orthodox, you are still very and trials that come to us as God grants us welcome to attend. This is an openly many years. Orthodox event, but if you're comfortable Who's Invited: Fighting the Good with us, we're comfortable with you. Fight is a pan-Orthodox event for adults. If To register, go to you are not Orthodox, you are still very https://store.ancientfaith.com/good-fight-20 welcome to attend. This is an openly 20/ Orthodox event, but if you're comfortable with us, we're comfortable with you. Ancient Faith Women’s Retreat 2020 Speakers and sessions include: November 12-15, 2020 at Antiochian Village ● Fr. Gregory and Kh. Frederica ​ (140 Church Camp Trail, Bolivar, PA. About Mathewes-Green -- A Conversation ​ 4 miles north of Ligonier, PA on Route 711) for Parents of Adult Children Speakers to be announced; registration is ● Steve and Peggy Robinson -- not yet open. But the 2019 retreat Parenting Your Parents presentations are available at ● Bill Marianes -- Why Are You Here? ​ https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/the_ How Do You Discover Your Calling ancient_faith_womens_retreat_2019 And Live A Life Of Greater Significance? ● Steve Kellar -- Managing Risk in ​ Retirement

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 10 give them a call, or visit them to let them Parish Shut-ins know how much we love them, how much we remember them, and how much we pray As we say our daily prayers, let us also take for them. time out to remember our loved ones who are homebound, who are in hospitals and If anyone has any questions or would like to who are in nursing homes. Let us remember add someone to our List of Parish Shut-Ins, them that GOD will continue to watch over please see or contact Fr. Jason. them and protect them. Also, during the Year, let us take to either send them a card,

Mr. Albert Fadell Mr. Miro Gergoff 317.376.2562 508 Massachusetts Ave. Buffalo, NY 14213 716.881.1162

Mrs. Luba Japadjief Mrs. Mary Massey 189 Tremaine Ave. 3192 Amsdell Road Kenmore, NY 14217 Hamburg, NY 14075 716.876.6823 716.649.4029

Mrs. Diane Salvamoser Reader Victor Shanchuk 147 West Hazeltine Avenue 495 Lafayette Ave. Kenmore, NY 14217 Buffalo, NY 14222 716.875.9503 716.881.3096

Mrs. Catherine Tony 274 Wadsworth Ave. Tonawanda, NY 14150 716.695.3068

ST. GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH You may also email them at BOOKSTORE [email protected]. May God continue to bless and guide all of you. When you are in the Parish Fellowship Hall for coffee hour, don't forget to check out our Bookstore. We have some new items that Our Parish Outreach just arrived. These items include Missions: ornaments, jewelry, , prayer books, prayer ropes, and much more. If you need a Hearts for the Homeless There are over ​ gift, come check out the bookstore.... you 400 red bins located throughout the area. may find something you like!! We are also The organization collects items to sell in the offering gift certificates for our bookstore. thrift store as well as items that can be Please speak with Dave or Andrea for more recycled. With the money earned, they details/information. We thank David and provide meals for the homeless of Buffalo Andrea who are managing our bookstore for from their mobile soup kitchen as well as a us. If you have any questions or if you food pantry open to local families. They also would like to order something that you do are in need of donations of food for the soup not see, please see or contact Dave or kitchen and food pantry. The website is Andrea and they will be able to assist you. http://heartsforthehomeless.org

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 11 their blankets. The mats provide a dry warm Homespace The mission of Homespace is base for sleeping on. There is a bin in the ​ to provide not only transitional housing, but social hall to place your grocery bags in. We also provide support programs to help meet monthly on the second Tuesday of the families in need break away from month to sort and cut bags. Dinner is dependency and begin a new life of personal provided. Come and join us. growth and economic independence. Homespace provides affordable housing for Please bring these items to church and place young (ages 16 - 21), homeless, single them in the collection bins located in the parent families. Parish Fellowship Hall. Once a month, we To see what kind of donations they will take these items down to the Hearts for need, see their website which is Homeless, HomeSpace, and Buffalo City http://www.homespacecorp.org Mission.

Buffalo City Mission: This organization Kevin Guest House Once a month we ​ ​ provides meals, shelter, and services to the provide dinner, conversation, and prayer for homeless. They are looking for donations of the residents of the Kevin Guest House. canned goods and other non-perishable The residents are patients and their food. The website is caregivers who are under treatment at local www.buffalocitymission.org hospitals. If you would like to get involved, ​ ​ dinner is served the second Tuesday of the Mats for Mission: This organization collects month. Bring something to share (see Fr. ​ grocery store bags which they cut into strips Jason) or just come to share in the and after looping the strips together, conversation and prayer. crochet mats for the homeless. The homeless put the mats on the ground under Church here in North America. Please consider being a part of that mission today Diocesan Ministries by giving to the Stewards of the OCA. For more information, please visit The OCA Website: https://oca.org/become-a-steward AN INVITATION TO SUPPORT THE ​ ​ STEWARDS OF THE OCA AN INVITATION TO SUPPORT THE The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) set MINISTRY OF THE DDB the direction for expanding our apostolic work in North America at the 18th In order to fund necessary ministries and ​ All-American Council. The foundation for this fulfill the work of the Church in the Diocese work is Jesus Christ, Whom we encounter in of New York and New Jersey, our spiritual lives, stewardship, evangelism Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors and outreach, and relations with others as generously contribute financial support. To we engage the world. Being a steward of learn more about the DDB, please go to the following link: http://vimeo.com/71021182 the OCA goes beyond the financial gifts ​ which support the work of our church. Being and watch a 60 second video inviting you to a steward is about caring for and knowing join the ever-growing list of Distinguished the history of the mission of the Orthodox Diocesan Benefactors of The Diocese of New Church here in North America and finding York and New Jersey who joyfully support your place in that history. Having received the on-going work of our diocese. Their this great gift of our Orthodox Faith, we support allows us to provide assistance to bear the responsibility to continue the new mission parishes, scholarships to legacy of Saint Herman and Saint Tikhon; seminarians, support the departments of Saint Innocent and Saint Alexis and all the The Diocese, and much-needed other saints known and unknown who have encouragement to older struggling parishes. worked to build up and expand Christ's How about you? Our parish is a member of

January 2020 Trophy Bearer - Page 12 the DDB. If anyone would like to join, please see Fr. Jason as well as take a pamphlet His Eminence Archbishop Michael presents a from the table in the back of the church. series of talks on matters of faith, belief, May God continue to bless and guide you for and the teachings of the Church. These your continued support. instructional videos are concise and to the point, offering Orthodox Christians MONTHLY PUBLICATIONS much-needed information, helpful advice for their spiritual journey, and assistance in The Diocese of New York and New Jersey answering questions that may come from has two monthly newsletters: "First ​ non-Orthodox friends or acquaintances. The Fruits" and "Beyond the Plateau." The ​ ​ goal is that we might better know and goal, as expressed by Archbishop Michael,is better live our faith. These instructional to increase communication and grow the videos can be found at the Diocesan communal spirit of diocesan fellowship in Website: http://www.nynjoca.org! There the building-up and strengthening of our ​ ​ ​ ​ are 14 videos! Be sure to check them parish communities. To learn more about ​ out. these monthly diocesan publications, please refer to the diocesan website: http://www.nynjoca.org/newsletters.html. ​

“LESSONS IN OUR FAITH” VIDEO ​ PRESENTED BY HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP MICHAEL

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St. George Orthodox Church January Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

31 1 2 3 4

Eve of the Feast of the Feast of the Circumcision Circumcisio of Our Lord/ 4pm Great n of Our St. Basil’s Vespers Lord/ St. Feast Day/ 4 pm Basil’s New Year’s Feast Day/ Day New Year’s Eve 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 4pm Great followed by Vespers with Moleben for Litiya the New Year and Blessing of St. Basil Bread

Brunch in Parish Fellowship Hall

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

9:30 am Feast of 5:30 -7:30 pm 9 am Divine Theophany Monthly Dinner of Anthony Liturgy at Kevin Guest Service and Mary Followed by 9:30 am House Dipiano Great Divine Liturgy 3:30 PM Vespers of St. Basil

Q&A with Fr. Followed by 5 pm Jay The Great COCCNF (Epistles) & Blessing of Great Coffee Hour Water Vespers at Fellowship St. Stephen Orthodox 4:00pm Church Great Compline Presentation with Litiya and Reception following Vespers

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9am Matins 9 am 10 am 9 am Church 10 am Matins Bible Study Akathist School Divine 6:00 pm outing Liturgy Parish Council 6:30 pm 6 pm followed by Meeting Mats for Little Church Missions Compline 4 pm School & Service Great Coffee Hour Vespers Fellowship 6:30-8pm Blessing of Bible Study Water for Church School Children

1:30 pm Blessing of Water at Hoyt Lake

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

9:40 Hours 9 am 6:30 pm 9 am 4 pm 10 am Matins Monthly Akathist Great Divine Healing Service Vespers Liturgy Followed by Church School & Coffee Hour Fellowship

Installation of Parish Council Trustees/ Officers

Annual Parish Budget Meeting

26 27 28 29 30 1 2 9:30 am Eve of The Feast 9 am Eve of the Feast the Service of of the Three Feast of of the General Matins the Three Feast of Meeting of Hierarchs the

Confession Hierarchs Meeting Our Lord in 10 am 10 am Bible of Our the Temple Divine Study 9:30 am Lord in Liturgy Divine the 9:30 am Followed by 6 pm Great Liturgy Temple Divine Church Vespers with Liturgy School & Litiya 6 pm Coffee Hour Great 4 pm Fellowship Vespers Great 6:30-8pm with Vespers Bible Study Litiya

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