From Glory to Glory The monthly newsletter of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Fr. Joseph Strzelecki November 2019 The Role of the 1755 Des Peres Road Guardian Angel in our Lives Town & Country, MO 63131-1405 By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papvarnavas Phone: 314-966-2255 Kitchen: 314-966-6720 ngels are ministering spirits who are sent to minister to us for our future Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org A salvation (Heb. 1:14). God “gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided all mankind, He set up boundaries for the peoples according to the [email protected] number of angels of God” (Deut. 32:8 LXX). They wee created before the Office Manager: Diane Sieckmann physical world and humanity. Email: [email protected] The Archangels Michael and Gabriel serve the work of the Divine Economy for the salvation of humanity, and in Holy Scripture their appearances to specific persons are mentioned, in order to transfer to them a message. Such as, for example, the Archangel Michael to Judge in the Old Testament named Gideon, and the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos and to Dates to Remember Zacharia, the father of the Honorable Forerunner., etc. At Baptism, God sends every believer an Angel for their protection, to November 1 remind them of God’s will and rebuke them when they sin, in order to lead Holy Unmercenaries them to repentance. That is, to help them return to the path that leads to Kosmas & Damianos communion with God when they have gone astray. This creates joy, since November 8 repentance is associated with eternal divine life, and this is why heaven Archangel Michael & Gabriel celebrates when a person sincerely repents (Lk. 15:7). Saint John of Sinai, the & All Bodiless Hosts author of The Ladder, in his discourse on discernment, writes on the conscience: “Conscience is the word and conviction of our Guardian Angel November 9 given to us from the time of Baptism. That is why we find that the unbaptized Wonderworker Nektarios do not feel such keen pangs of remorse in their soul for their bad deeds.” November 13 The truth of the presence and work of a Guardian Angel in the lives of St. John Chrysostom the faithful is mentioned in Holy Scripture, in the writings of the Holy November 15 Fathers (who are infallible interpreters of Holy Scripture) and in the lives of Nativity Fast Begins Saint. In the twelfth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the Evangelist Luke tells us of the miraculous rescue of the Apostle Peter, who was imprisoned by November 16 Herod after the martyric death of the Apostle James, The Apostle Peter was Apostle & Evangelist Matthews bound with two chains in prion, and suddenly there appeared before him the November 21 Angel of the Lord, who freed him and led him out of prison. He then realized Entrance of the Theotokos he was not seeing a vision, but this was a reality, so he went to the house of into the Temple the mother of the Evangelist Mark, where many believers were gathered, praying for his rescue. The Apostle Peter knocked on the door and waited for November 25 an answer. The servant, however, named Rodi, did not answer the door out Great Martyr Katherine of enthusiasm when she heard the voice of Peter, but ran to tell the happy November 30 news to those gathered there. When she told them the Apostle Peter was Apostle Andrew knocking on the door, they thought she had lost her mind. When she insisted however, they said together that it was because of his Guardian Angel (Acts 12:1-16). 2019 Parish Council From this we see it is clear that the early Christians had personal experiences of the existence of Guardian Angels, rejoicing in their presence and protection. Yet the Fr. Joseph Strzelecki same occurs today, just a in previous times, with the Saints and those who struggle to Scott Thompson, President achieve their personal sanctification. They sense the presence of their Guardian Greg Simos, Vice President Elefteria Marcou, Secretary Angel and some, depending on their inner purity, see and converse with them. Gus Harris, Treasurer Indeed, internal purity is not achieved magically, but it implies an ascetical and Peter Regopoulos, Assistant Treasuer prayerful and sacramental life. When someone by the grace of God and their Daniel Gantner, Carol Marshall, Pam Martin, personal struggle gains dominion over their passions, their nous is illumined, which Samia Rabie, Vasilios Simos, Greg Simos, is the eye of their soul, and they are able to see what their physical eyes cannot. Sotirios Sotiriou, Tom Stamos, Chris Tsoubanos, They are able to see the glory of God, the Angels, the Saints, as well as their Guardi- Nick Tsoubanos, Tonis Zafiropoulos an Angel, whom they always feel beside them protecting them. In the Great Horologion, which contains the daily church services, there is a Acolytes wonderful Canon to our Guardian Angel, which we can read and chant. Also, at the John Nicholas Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years +): end of the reservice of Small Compline there is a Prayer to our Guardian Angel. Diane Sieckmann When we read this every night, during Small Compline, we also can, to the extent of Bible Study our ability, sense their presence and love, since we invoke them for our daily protec- Fr. Daniel Morton tion. Below is the prayer: Bookstore Christos Tsiaklides, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt O Angel of Christ, my hol guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive Chanters me all wherein I have sinned this day, and deliver me from all opposing evil of Thomas Carroll, Dr. Steve Leon mine enemy, least I anger my God by any sin. Pray for me, a sinful and Choir unworthy servant, that you may show me forth worthy of the kindness and Stephanie Saunders Church Tours mercy of all Holy Trinity, and of the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ , and of Janice Hazeltine all the Saints. Amen. Friday Luncheon Art Liyeos https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2015/11/the-role-of-guardian-angel-in-our-lives.html Greek Festival Greg Simos, Art Liyeos Greek School Savas Kyramarios Parish Assembly Greek Dancers Kyklos: & Armonia Stella Afentoullis The Fall Parish Assembly will take place on Sunday, November 10, 2019 Ta Paidakia, Neo Kyma: Aliki Malek immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the Philoptochos Room. GOYA (9th -12th Grade) Yvonne Alexopoulos, Dr. Jenny Kardaris All Stewards are invited to attend. Stewards who are Orthodox Christians, Greeters canonically in good standing with the Church and current in their 2019 Mary Pitliangas JOY (Kindergarten - 4th Grade) stewardship commitment are eligible to vote. New stewards of the parish must Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Grades) have made a stewardship commitment at least three months prior to the Alki Lappas Case, Dr. Debbie Cosmopoulos assembly. Kafenio AGENDA Art Liyeos Hope (infant - 5 years) Invocation Christos & Rachel Tsiaklides, Election of Chairperson Orthodox Faith & Life: Appointment of Secretary and Parliamentarian Dr. Farid Sadaka, Anna Sadaka Minutes of Previous Meeting Philoptochos President’s Report Flora Dimitriou, President Planned Giving Committee Stewardship Report Amy Johnson Philoptochos Report Prison Ministry Old Business Bill Goranitis Youth Programs Stewardship Michael Afentoullis Vision/LPR/Endowment Sunday School New Business Diane Sieckmann Nomination of Parish Council. There are 5 vacancies. Vacation Church Camp (VCC) (The outgoing members are: Carol Marshall, Samia Rabie, Vasilios Simos, Anna Sadaka Sotirios Sotiriou, Chris Tsoubanos) Women’s Bookstudy Presvytera Laura Morton Election of the Board of Auditors Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs) Election of the Board of Elections James Murphy Priest’s Report Benediction 2 We are brothers and sisters in communion with each other. All that we have is from God, and intended to be shared with each other. The difference between a Philanthropist and a Rich Fool is the desire to share, and the desire to do for others and not for oneself. Fr. Angelo Artemas https://www.goarch.org/-/the-rich-man-s-mistake The Rich Man's Mistake Stewardship Sunday In the parable of the Rich Man/Rich Fool (Luke 12:16- Please join us for 21) Jesus tells of the man who tears down his barns to November 17 build bigger ones. This sounds quite a bit like our days. Immediately following Many cities and towns across our country are experiencing massive homes being built and older homes being torn Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall down in favor of huge new ones. In addition to homes, For a small reception and witness the numerous Walmarts, Targets, Costcos, Home enjoy freshly made Loukoumades Depots, supermarkets and fitness clubs (ironically) being raised to resemble airports. But that's not all. Although there is some backlash WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP? lately, watch out for all those Sport Utility Vehicles Christian Stewardship is: (SUVs) on the road that seem to be getting bigger and Learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker bigger, and faster and faster. These vehicles are of Christ’s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life accommodating children and adults who are bigger than in and be happy in Church work., for in Her dwells the full- previous generations. Mc Donald's may have done away ness of the Spirit of God. with their "Super-Size" option, but Americans have not. Even so, it may not be the desire for more crops and Our active commitment to use all our time, talent and bigger barns that are the rich man's undoing. When it is all treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowl- over and done with, God asks him one simple question - edgment of Christ’s redeeming love.