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A Monthly Publication of

1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615 Vol. 5 No. 38 - February 2015

The Lenten Triodion

The Return Of The Prodigal Son

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Pastor’s Message.................................................................................... Page 3Life Passages ... Birthdays, Anniversaries.............................................. Page 4 St. John’s Stewards..... Coffee Hour, Cleaning, Reading Schedules...... Page 4Community Outreach, Note of Thanks…………………………………………….Page 5Month in Review, Parish and Diocesan News.. ..................................... Pgs 6-9 February Parish Announcement and News, From the Mailbox………… Pgs 10-11Coming Events From Deanery and Area Orthodox Parishes…………….. Pgs 12-16Preparing For Great Lent, Gabriel The Atheist Student on Mt. Athos..Pgs 17-21Prayer Corner: Daily Scripture Readings.............................................. Page 22Prayer Corner: Prayer List..................................................................... Page 23February Calendar of Liturgical Services and Events.............................Page 24

The Prophet

The Official Monthly Publication of

The Orthodox Greek Catholic Churchof Saint John the Baptist

1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615Parish Website: www.sjoc.org Email: rppaproski@gmail.com

Pastor: Very. Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski Phone & Fax: 203-375-2564 Cell: 203-260-0423

Parish Council President: William Bilcheck, Jr. 203-421-3121 email: madctatty@aol.com

Divine ServicesVespers: Sat: 5:00 pm, Eve of Feasts: 7:00 pmDivine Liturgy Sunday & Week Day 9:00 amServices of Intercession as AnnouncedCoffee Hour Fellowship Sundays 10:30 amChurch School (Sept- May) Sundays: 10:45 am Adult Bible Study (Sept-June) Wed. 11:00 am

SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH ISSUE OF THE PROPHET

me

FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Parish Ministries Coordinators

Church School Coordinator: Pani Carol Paproski

ACRY Youth Group: Hailey Meyernick

Outreach CoordinatorsCommunity & Mary Householder/Soup Kitchen Eve Nucifora Bereavement Jean LommeYoung Families Michelle Mihaly The Sick /Shut-ins M.Allis/E. Nucifora

Financial Investment William Bilcheck,Jr. William Booth, Jr.

Thomas Decerbo Matthew Mihaly Orestes Mihaly

Property Maintenance/ Thomas Decerbo Improvements Frank Meyernick

Scholarship Eve Nucifora

Helen Guman

Database Coordinator: Christine LeClerc

Parish Historian: Paul Best

Webmaster: Michael Decerbo

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Father Peter’s Message

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Glory To Jesus Christ! Glory Forever

Having just completed a more than five hundred 500 mile journey around the parish blessing homes this past weekend, I was amazed to discover that for the first time in 21 years as a priest, that I forgot last Sunday was the unofficial start of the Pre-Lenten Season.

Concentrating as I was on extending the blessing of the Jordan to your homes and spreading the joy of the Theophany Feast, Last Sunday I neglected to read the Gospel Reading of Zacchaeus, in addition to the appointed readings for the Sunday after Theophany.

Quite literally, it has only been a little more than two weeks since we celebrated Christmas, and only a little more than a week since we celebrated Theophany and now Lent is less than a month away!

But when I think about it, this is what life is all about, ebbs and flows, changing seasons, and constant movement forward. It is exactly what God had in mind when he created the world by the power and operation of the Holy Spirit.

When I reflect upon the Gospel account of Zacchaeus, I am struck by his eagerness to meet the Lord and to change his ways. To overcome his physical limitations, his shortness of stature, he climbed a sycamore tree to get a clearer view of Christ and not miss Him as he passed by. To those around him, he looked ridiculous, but he did not care. And in the end, we know that our Lord noticed Zacchaeus and offered him a precious gift, Salvation. Of all the thousands of people in the crowd, the Lord chose to come to Zacchaeus’ home, an action that puzzled so many others. The Son of God, the Messiah, choose to associate and break bread with a sinful man!

Each time I hear this beautiful and hope-filled Gospel reading, I am reminded of what the purpose of the upcoming Lenten Season is. This season is given to us to be our Sycamore Tree that will lift us up from a state of spiritual inadequacy, and bring us to the heights of heaven, if only we are willing to climb it: If only we are willing to recognize the need and muster up the desire and enthusiasm and a positive “can do” attitude. If we see the upcoming Season of Lent as something positive, as life-giving, then the sky is the limit to the growth and positive change and healing that can come to us. If we chose instead to look with dread upon the upcoming season, focusing instead on the unpleasantness of fasting or the greater demands of the Church on our time by attending more and longer services, we will remain in our state of spiritual brokenness and will be unable to see the Lord and receive the healing we need.

Let us prepare then, as we will sing at Forgiveness Vespers, “...to begin the Fast with joy and prepare ourselves for spiritual effort….so that we may behold the Pascha of the Lord.”

Wishing all of us the courage and zeal of Zaccheus to face our shortcomings and climb the Lenten Sycamore Tree which will lift us up to a clear vision of and deeper communion with our Lord and Saviour, I remain,

With Love in Christ and Prayers,

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Life Passages – February 2015

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St John’s Stewards: Doing the Work of the Church

Date Name EventFeb 1 Michael Kmetz, Jr BirthdayFeb 2 Catie Porter, Jesse Fallon BirthdayFeb 7 Mark Decerbo BirthdayFeb 8 Carol Paproski BirthdayFeb 9 Christine LeClerc BirthdayFeb 10 Tom & Ilona Decerbo AnniversaryFeb 12 Father James Gleason BirthdayFeb 16 Richard Porter BirthdayFeb 20 Jessica Musante BirthdayFeb 21 John Vargovchik BirthdayFeb 23 Michael Donofrio BirthdayFeb 25 Elsi Lotufo BirthdayFeb 25 Orestes & Kathy Mihaly Anniversary

COFFEE HOURDate Host2/1 Stokely2/8 Bilcheck 2/15 Booth/Nichols2/22 Decerbo3/1 Ivers3/8 Lomme/Mihaly

SPONSOR A CLEANING OF THE CHURCH SPONSOR A CLEANING OF THE CHURCH Realizing that many parishioners either are not physically able or do not have the time to help clean the Church, the parish council has found someone who is willing to perform a routine cleaning of the Church for $30.00. We are now soliciting sponsorships from our parishioners who wish to assist with the cleaning of the Church, but are not able to join the cleaning roster. You may offer a single cleaning sponsorship of $30.00 or multiple cleaning sponsorships. At the present time, our current volunteers are assigned to 4 cleaning sessions per year . With your sponsoring of one or more cleaning sessions, you will lighten the load of the few parishioners who are left on the church cleaning list. If you are interested in doing so, please place your donation in a donation envelope clearly marked with your name and the amount, indicating it is a Cleaning Sponsorship, and place it in the metal collection box. You may also mail it to the Church. Thank you for your consideration of this request

CHURCH CLEANINGDate Cleaner2/2-2/14 Cleaning Service2/16-2/28 Cleaning Service3/22-3/14 Cleaning Service3/16-3/28 Cleaning Service3/30-4/11 Cleaning Service4/13-4/25 Cleaning Service

CHURCH READINGDate Hours Epistle2/01 Brett Serge Mihaly2/08 Pani Carol Bill Bilcheck 2/15 Holly Matt Mihaly Jr 2/22 Brett Rob Mihaly 3/1 Pani Carol Cantors 3/8 Holly Serge Mihaly2/03 Pani Carol Bill Bilcheck

EASTER BAKE SALE PAGACHI WORKSHOP

Date TimeSat Feb 7 9:00 amSat Feb 28 9:00 am Sat March 7 9:00 amSat March 21 9:00 am

HELP NEEDED FOR EASTER BAKE SALE Our Easter Bake Sale will be on Sat April 5, 2015. If you can help make pagachi, peel potatos or even help with set-up and clean-up at the pagachi workshops, please See Pani Carol. Donations towards pagachi ingredients, as well as donations of ethnic baked goods, also will be appreciated.

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Parish Outreach & Community Service ___________________________________________________________________________________

A Note of Thanks Dear Parish Family,

Words cannot possibly express the gratitude that we feel for the overwhelming expressions of kindness and love you the faithful of this parish have extended to us both during the Christmas Holy Day Season, and throughout the entire year. Your cards, kind notes, and gifts were most appreciated. We especially wish to thank you for thegenerous monetary gift. May God Grant you Many Years!

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COMMUNITY SUPPER PROGRAM UPDATE

We are responsible for providing supper once a month on Monday or Wednesday Evenings at Christ Episcopal Church from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm and quarterly on Mondays at St. George Episcopal Church, Bpt If you are able to work at a supper, or if you are able to make a salad or dessert for a scheduled meal. please see Mary Householder or Eve Nucifora. Arrangements can be made to pick up your donation item if you would be unable to drop it off at the supper. If you would like to Sponsor a meal, a donation of $150.00 would cover an entire meal.

PARISH COMMUNITY SUPPER SCHEDULE

Date: Location2/9 St George’s Church, Bridgeport2/11 Christ Church, Stratford3/09 Christ Church, Stratford

FOOD FOR NEEDYOur Food Drive for Sterling House is ongoing and their needs are especially crucial in this difficult economy. Child-friendly food items are needed. Among the items needed are hot and cold cereals, juices, pancake and waffle mixes, frozen breakfast foods, peanut butter, jelly, tuna fish, instant puddings, crackers, snack foods, canned soups and fruits, powdered drink mixes, boxed and canned potatoes and macaroni and cheese, as well as microwavable and single-serving meals. Now refrigerated items such as milk and eggs are also accepted. Also: We need some basic items for a needy, mentally disabled person whom we directly help to tide him over until the beginning of each month. Here are items our friend can use: Creamy Peanut Butter and Crackers, Vanilla Wafer cookies, 2 Liter Bottle of Regular Pepsi, Paper Towels, Shampoo, large bottle any brand, Folgers coffee. NO MORE RAVIOLI’S PLEASE Also gift cards from Stop and Shop would be helpful so that we may purchase perishable food items such as bread, milk, meat and other foods items that are needed.. If you can contribute any of these specific items, please leave these items in Father Peter’s Office, not in the general food collection basket. Cash donations/gift cards should be put in an envelope marked clearly for needy food purchase and placed in the collection box on the candle desk. Thank You! “For I was Hungry and You Fed Me”

With much love in Christ and Prayers ,

Fr. Peter, Pani Carol, Daniel and Timothy

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January 2015- The Month in Review

Parish Council Updates The Annual Parish Meeting took place on Sunday January 25, 2015. The slate of officers, as set forth by the parish nominating committee was unanimously affirmed by the faithful of the Church. The proposed parishbudget, which includes for the first time, income being derived from dividends from the Endowment Fund investments, was approved and reports were reviewed from the various standing committees and outreach ministries. Significant discussion took place on the parking situation at the parish, both the newly installed driveway parking area and the proposed lot across the street from the Church. The decision was made to put off construction of the Onofrey parking lot, but to secure an extension on the In-Land wetlands permit for future development which expires in 2016. The faithful decided to offer different ways for parishioners to make their weekly freewill offerings to the Church which included an envelope system and on-line giving.

Church School UpdatesEve Nucifora’s Church School class continues to learn more about Jesus' Life and His teachings. They have learned to ask what would Jesus do (WWJD) when they have to make a decision.Each week, their text books have a story of a biblical event or a particular saint, and then a parallel story of something today so the class can relate to the lesson. An example is the lesson of last Sunday, in which St. Stephen, the first deacon and martyr, was so strong in his faith that he suffered and died for it. He received his strength thru the Holy Spirit, just as we do-- the Holy Spirit helps us daily, and we learn to love others thru the works of the Holy Spirit. In that "spirit", the class is making Valentine cards for the Lord's Kitchensupper when our parish serves this month.

This past month Pani Carol's class began a discussion of the Historical Books of the Old Testament. While Moses brought the Hebrew people to the Promised Land, it was necessary oftentimes for the Hebrew people to wage battle against those people already living there. The class read the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho and also learned that God sent Judges to the Hebrew people when they strayed from God. The Hebrew people desired to have a king, and the Prophet Samuel was directed by God to anoint the first Hebrew king--Saul. After Saul came King David. David's life was covered in detail, from his fight with Goliath as a youth, and his flight from King Saul, to his reign as king in which he was able to unite all of the Hebrew people into one kingdom. It was also noted that David is the author of the Psalms, portions of which are used in all of our services in the Orthodox Church. Finally, the class heard of the life of King Solomon who was known for his wisdom and for building an enormous, elaborate temple in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant.

As a reminder, those children who have already made their first Confession should confess their sins on a regular basis. To this end, we are encouraging them to do so on the First Sunday of the Month (This is a suggestion, any other time of the month is fine as well! ). Those who are able to come to Confession theevening before at the conclusion of Vespers are encouraged to do so. Confessions will always be available before or after any Sunday/Weekday Liturgy or Vespers Service, or at any other time by mutual arrangement.

The Parish youth will once again take their soup pot collection on Sun., Feb.1st which isSuper Bowl Sunday. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a nationwide effort by youth groupsacross the country to raise money for local charities of their choosing. Our youth will donate the money they collect to help purchase food for the Lord’s Kitchen where our parish provides a meal once a month.

Youth Updates

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THE MONTH IN REVIEW: CHRISTMAS 2014/2015

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The Month in Review : - A View From The Camera Lens

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News From Across The Diocese

JOHNSTOWN, PA– The Feast of the the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was celebrated with great joy at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown. Presiding over the Theophany Services was His Grace Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, who was assisted by Protopresbyter Robert Buczak, Cathedral Dean and Protodeacon Emil Oleg Aminov

LIGONIER, PA [Antiochian Village] At the invitation of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Campus Ministry (OCF), His Grace, Bishop Gregory served as keynote speaker at the 2013 College Conference East at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA which was held from 12/28-31, 2015. For three days, His Grace was surrounded by 300 of North America's finest young Orthodox Christians who travelled to Antiochian Village to reflect on the biblical theme: Behold now, what is so good or so pleasant as for brothers to dwell together in unity? Psalm 132:1. 12 college students from our Diocese joined His Grace.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- Clergy and faithful of the Diocese recently took part in two Pro-Life Marches marking the 42nd Anniversary of the Supreme Court Ruling Roe V. Wade which legalized abortion in all 50 states in the USA.

Fr. Jonathan Bannon and faithful of the Chicago Deanery joined the Chicago based March for life with the members of the Orthodox Christians for Life – Chicago on Sunday January 18, 2015.

Fr. Peter Zarynow, Dean of the Washington DC and faithful from the Deanery took place in the 41st

March for Life in Washington DC on Thurs. January 22, 2015

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February Parish Announcements and Events Pre-Lenten Supper – An Evening in the Old Country

On Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 5:30 pm we will host our annual Pre-Lenten Theme Dinner: A Night in the Old Country featuring your favorite Slavic foods - Stuffed Cabbage, Kielbassi & Kraut, Pierogies and more!Cost is $15.00 per person. $5.00 ages 5-13 and 4 and under: free. Please make your reservations by email to Fr. Peter at rppaproski@gmail.com by February 14 or by adding your name to the sign-up sheet in the Church Hall. This is a major fundraiser, so everyone’s participation is being asked. We need a minimum of 75 adults in attendance to reach our fundraising goal. Bring your family members and friends. Everyone is asked to bring a raffle prize. If you cannot attend, a donation would be greatly appreciated to defray the costs of this event.

Parish Stewardship – Supporting the Parish Through Time, Talent and Treasures

As was discussed and approved at the Annual Parish Meeting, our parish will be instituting new ways to enhance the collection of weekly free will collections. The purpose is not to ask parishioners for more money but for a collection system that will help the parishioners and church budget their expenses and as a reminder that the church depends on their weekly free will offerings even if they miss church.

1. The curators will continue to collect free will offerings by the usual weekly basket collections.

2. We will be purchasing and distributing collection envelopes on a monthly basis to all households in the parish for those who wish to make their free will offerings by way of an envelope system. Many of our sister parishes use an envelope system. Research has shown that distributing collection envelopes to parishioners will remind parishioners to make their weekly free will offering. At times, when parishioners miss a week or two of church, or are on vacation, they fail to submit their weekly collection. The envelope system is a way to remind the parishioners to send in their free will offering. It has been proven that an envelope system will increase annual free will offerings since the parishioners are reminded to mail in their free will offering. The cost of having the envelopes printed is less than $100 per year. The only other expense the church would incur would be postage. These will be provided to all households in the parish unless a family requests that they do not receive it. All contributions will remain anonymous. Unless a parishioner places their name on the contribution envelope, the parish will not know the identity of the contributor.

3. For those parishioners who use automatic check payments through their banks to pay monthly utility bills, they can set up a direct automatic check payment to the church either on a weekly or monthly basis. The funds that are withdrawn from the parishioner’s account will be deposited into the parish’s general bank account. This will help parishioners budget their monthly expenses and keep track of their free will offerings to the church. The parishioner no longer has to remind him or herself to bring a check to church or to stop at an atm machine prior to coming to church. The parishioner will budget “x” dollars to the church for the year and divide it either by 52 or 12 weeks depending on whether they want to donate on a weekly or monthly basis. This method will increase the amount of free will offerings. The church will be able to budget its expenses knowing that it is receiving a certain amount of weekly or monthly income from monthly collections.

Please feel free to contact any member of the parish council if you have any questions.

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Great Lent begins on February 23. Now is the time for all parishioners to look at their calendars and block off time to devote to the proper celebration of the Fast. Make sure Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent are set aside to participate in the Lenten Worship. Take time now to set a fasting plan that will work for you and your family. Discuss as well, how your family can become more involved in charitable outreach during Lent.

During the Great Fast there will be extra services scheduled and special religious education programs offered. In addition, an order sheet for purchasing suggested Lenten reading will be posted soon in the Church Hall. During the first week of Lent - services will be offered every day. Their somber character and penitential quality will help us to begin the Lenten Journey with a proper spirit. I encourage all to participate. ____________________________________________________________________________

All Soul SaturdaysDuring the Lenten Season several Liturgies are set aside in rememberance of ALL SOULS who havedeparted this life. Our parish has the custom of inscribing all departed family members of parishioners in a special Dyptics Book .The departed are then commemorated in the Proskomedia at these liturgies and in the general Panachida at the end of the Service. Please See Father Peter to add any additional Names. Please remember ALL PARISHIONERS should be in attendance at the ALL SOUL SATURDAYLITURGIES, not merely the priest and Cantor and 1 or 2 others which sadly has become the case in recent years. FIRST ALL SOUL SAT IS Feb 14, 2015. _________________________________________________________________________________

From The Mail Box

Esther JohnsonBroadbridge AvenueStratford, CT 06615

January 2014

Dear Loved Ones Across the Brook.

Thank you for the many years you have encouraged me and the Christmas gifts you sent with Brother Peter. It was just what was needed!

Love and prayers always, Esther

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A NIGHT IN THE OLD COUNTRY

2015 Pre-Lenten Dinner38

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21, 20155:30 PM

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH HALL1240 BROADBRIDGE AVENUE, STRATFORD, CT.

FEATURING SLAVIC CUISINE

Menu:Salad

Stuffed Cabbage Kielbassi & Kraut Pierogies And More!

A Selection of Slavic-Themed Beverages will also be available

Reservations must be made to Fr. Peter Paproski by February 14, 2015 rppaproski@gmail.com or 375-2564

ADULTS: $15.00CHILDRENAges 5-13;

$5.00 4 and under:

Kids Menu:Chicken

Fingers and Macaroni &

Cheese

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Area Orthodox Church Events

St. John’s Orthodox Church(600 Silver Lane – Stratford)

Valentines Dinner and Bingo

on Sunday, February 8th

Stuffed Cabbbage Dinner starts at 4:00 p.m.Bingo starts at 5:30 p.m.

RSVP to Carole Krochta by February 4th203.375.2621 or cwkrochta@optonline.net

Adult Dinner $10

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HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX CHURCH

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HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX CHURCH IS HOSTING ITS WINTERWILD GAME & ETHNIC

DINNER

Saturday, FEBRUARY 7th at 6 pm

Join Us For an Evening of Good Food and Family Fun.

When: Saturday, February 7, 2015 Time: 6:00 PM Where: Holy Trinity Church

74 Joe’s Hill Road Danbury, CT

Reservations strongly recommended.For info and tickets please call 203-748-0671

Adult Tickets $30.00 BYOB Children 13-18 $20.00 Children 12 and under free.

We will have a variety of venison, antelope, bear, perogies and much more…

Raffle Prizes Coffee, Tea and Soda will be served.

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Growing in the Orthodox Faith – Food For the Soul

Preparing For Great Lent

The center of the liturgical year in the Orthodox Church is Pascha, the celebration of Christ's Resurrection. It is extolled in the services as the Feast of feasts and Triumph of triumphs. Justifiably so, for as the Apostle Paul declares, if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain (I Cor. 15:14). Through His redeeming Passion, Christ freed us from the tyranny of death and opened for us the door to Paradise and eternal life. This is the goal of our life-long spiritual journey, a journey from death to life, from darkness to light. It is a long journey and we travellers get weary; we get distracted and wander off or even lose sight of the road. To help keep us focussed, the Church

every year compresses for us this journey as it prepares us to greet the Feast of Christ's Resurrection, which is a foretaste of that eternal Pascha.

We usually think of this preparatory time as the period of Great Lent, but in fact it begins three weeks earlier with the Sundays of the Publican and Pharisee, the Prodigal Son and the Last Judgment. Since we are not fasting yet, we tend to pay less attention to these preparatory Sundays than we do to the Sundays of Great Lent, and yet they are very important, as they give us a map, as it were, of our Lenten journey.

Already a week before the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee, which opens The Lenten Triodion, we hear intimations of the approaching period of lent. The Gospel reading for that Sunday relates the story of Zacchaeus, "the chief among the publicans," a rich tax-collector despised for his extortionary practices. He must have been a hard man, but the voice of his conscience had not been completely stifled, for he came to realize that he had taken the wrong path in life. But what could he do? Perhaps the great teacher people were talking about could help him. When he heard that Jesus Christ was to pass by, he climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to catch sight of Him over the crowd, for Zacchaeus was "short of stature." Any self-consciousness or concern that he, such a public figure, would be laughed at and scorned, was overcome by his intense desire to see the Lord, his desire to get help in order to set his life aright. And what happened? Jesus Christ not only acknowledged him, He came to his house. Zacchaeus' heart expanded in the presence of this Love, he resolved to make amends to the people he had wronged; in a word, he was on his way to a new life. As we approach the fast, we must have this same desire, the same state of mind as Zacchaeus. If we genuinely desire to catch sight of the Lord amidst the worldly vanities, God will visit us. We must simply have the desire to receive Him in the home of our heart.

The Gospel for the following Sunday tells us the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Both were in the temple praying. The Pharisee prayed, God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. Meanwhile, the Publican beat his breast, crying out, God, be merciful to me, a sinner! The Pharisee did well to tithe and to fast; he was undoubtedly a decent man, an upright citizen. Any virtue he possessed, however, was poisoned by his proud and arrogant attitude. He was self-satisfied and expressed no desire to change. As we enter upon the lenten struggle, we must beware of such complacency, of being satisfied with keeping the "rule" of the fast and judging those who do not. Such a prideful attitude can ruin all our good efforts. Rather, we should imitate the Publican. Here was a man who may have, like

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Preparing For Great Lent

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Zacchaeus, led a bad life and seen the error of his ways. He was trying now to please God, but found himself constantly falling into his old habits and giving in to temptations. He saw that he had no righteousness in him, that he was a helpless sinner in desperate need of God's mercy. "Lord," he cried, "help me!" Such humility invites God's grace. The Publican may not have fasted as the law required, he may have neglected other ordinances of the law, but his humility raised him above the legalistic pharisee, and he returned home justified.

The next preparatory week begins with the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. We should all be familiar with the parable, found in St. Luke's Gospel. How does it apply to us, to our spiritual life? The younger son was bored at home. He took his inheritance and went off into a far country, where he squandered what he had on riotous living. How often do we find ourselves enticed by the ways and the pleasures of this world, our hearts indifferent to the things of God, our minds wandering "in a far country" as we stand in church? The result? We become spiritually parched, like the prodigal son who experienced "a severe famine" in the land of his sojourning. Finally, when he was reduced to feeding swine, i.e., when he was in desperate circumstances, "he came to himself." He saw what kind of person he was; he realized he had deeply wounded his father, and he was willing to admit his error and ask his father's forgiveness. The fact that he had to travel a long way, without money, to return home demonstrates his strong resolve. We must have the same determination and show similar exertion in departing from sin and self-indulgence, and in making our way back to God and our true homeland which is in heaven. And with what joy the father received him-coming towards him when his son was still a great way off-, with what readiness he forgave him, just as God will greet and forgive us if we come to our senses, repent and have the determination to act upon our repentance.

We cannot, however, take God's mercy for granted, and the Church makes this clear to us the following Sunday, when it speaks to us about the Last Judgment, reminding us that God is not only a loving Father but also a righteous Judge. In the appointed Gospel reading, we hear about how the Son of Man will come at the end of the world to judge all men, when He will divide the righteous from the wicked "as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats." Each man will receive recompense for his deeds: those who have done good-who have shown compassion on their neighbor, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and imprisoned, clothing the needy-will inherit everlasting life, while those who have neglected works of charity, who have not shown love to their neighbor, will go away into everlasting punishment.

It is not enough to repent in our thoughts or with our feelings, or even to express it in words. the fruit of real repentance is a change in our way of life. During the Vespers for that Sunday, we chant:

Knowing the commandments of the Lord, let this be our way of life: Let us feed the hungry, let us give the thirsty to drink, Let us clothe the naked, let us welcome strangers, Let us visit those in prison and the sick.

Then the judge of all the earth will say even to us: 'Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you.' On the very threshold of Great Lent, we commemorate the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. Here is an example of what happens when we do not fast, when we do not repent. Shall we remain outside the gates of Paradise, weeping in the darkness of our sins, far removed from God, or shall we hearken to the voice of the Church inviting us, urging us to "set out with joy upon the season of the Fast, and prepare ourselves for spiritual combat," that cleansed by fasting and the works of repentance, we may be led back into Paradise, into the everlasting joy of our Resurrected Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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Preparing For Great Lent

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The services for these preparatory weeks, beginning with the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee, are compiled in a special book, The Lenten Triodion, the "Book of Three Odes," so-called because the weekday canons at Matins during Great Lent contain not the usual eight or nine canticles or odes, but, as a rule, three. At the Sunday Matins, after the reading of the Gospel and the 50th Psalm, special stichera are chanted: "Open to me the doors of repentance, O Giver of Life." These stichera are sung through the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. A

special feature of the preparatory Sunday services is the chanting of Psalm 136, "By the rivers of Babylon," after the usual Polyeleos sitchera, "Praise ye the name of the Lord, Allelluia!" It was sung by God's chosen people in their exile in Babylon and reflects our bondage to sin that has taken us far from our heavenly homeland. These weeks also include a special commemoration of departed Orthodox Christians "from all ages," when we particularly pray for the souls of those who did not receive a church burial when they died, who died suddenly or violently, without opportunity for a final repentance. On the eve of this Saturday for the Dead, before the Sunday of the Last Judgment, we hear in church hymns from the funeral service.

On Wednesday and Friday of the final preparatory week, unless there is a major feast, the Divine Liturgy is not served, and on vespers for Wednesday we hear for the first time the lenten prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, "O Lord and Master of my life . . ." The season has come.

For most of us, the dominant feature of Great Lent is fasting from certain foods. Here, too, these preparatory weeks lead us gradually towards stricter abstinence. Following the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee, the usual Wednesday and Friday fasts are not observed, that we might not boast in keep in he fasting "rules," and as a reminder that fasting is only a means, an aid on the path to salvation; it is not a ticket to heaven. The next week we return to the wise moderation of the Church's discipline, observing the usual Wednesday and Friday fasts. It is called Meat-fare Week, because at the end of that week, on Sunday, we stop eating meat for the duration of Great Lent.

The following week, Cheese-fare week, it is customary to eat "cheese fare," i.e., milk products and eggs. With the exception of meat, it is a fast-free week, although it is desirable to observe the Wednesday and Friday fasts until evening. Cheese-fare week is popularly regarded as a week of entertaining and indulging in the butteriest foods. But, as noted above, the church services for this week recall the fall of Adam and Eve-the result of indulgence. On Cheese-fare Saturday, the Church commemorates "all the righteous who shone forth in theascetic life"-in fasting and prayer. It is a week to use up what dairy products we have in the house before Great Lent, to begin paring down our food intake, not to stuff ourselves as if we were going to starve for the next forty days. We enter Great Lent with the rite of forgiveness following vespers on Cheese-fare Sunday. Clergy and laity ask one another's forgiveness, and then the priest blesses everyone for their journey through the Great Fast. Strengthening ourselves with the desire of Zacchaeus, the humility of the publican, the resolve of the Prodigal Son, sobriety at the thought of God's righteous judgment and the lesson of Adam's expulsion from Paradise, we are well equipped "for the noble contest of the Fast."

"Let us set out with joy upon the season of the Fast, and prepare ourselves for spiritual combat. Let us purify our soul and cleanse our flesh; and as we fast from food, let us abstain also from every passion. Rejoicing in the virtues of the Spirit may we persevere with love, and so be counted worthy to see the solemn Passion of Christ our God, and with great spiritual gladness to behold His holy Passover." Vespers on the Sunday of Forgiveness.

(From Orthodox America Website)

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Gabriel, an atheist Philosophy Student at Mount Athos

By Metropolitan of Mesogeas Nicholas

Some years back, a young student approached me. He told me he was an Atheist, although being very reluctant but also having the intensity of a serious seeker, but that he would be content to believe and yet he could not. He tried for years [to believe] without any effect.

[He told me that] he spoke with educated and professors, without having satisfied his thirst for something important. When he heard about me

He spoke with professors and the educated, but his thirst for something serious was not satisfied. He heard of me and decided to share with me his existential need. He asked me for scientific proof for the existence of God.

I asked him “Do you know integrals or differential equations?”

He said “Unfortunately no, I am a Philosopher”

I told him, jokingly “That's a shame! Because I know how to prove it like that”

He felt uneasy and became quiet for a while.

I said: “Look, I’m sorry I joked with you, God isn't a mathematical proof or an equation. If He was anythinglike that then all the learned people would believe in Him. There are other ways to get close to God , you know. Have you been to Holy Mountain Athos? Ever met an Ascetic monk?

“Father, no, but because I've heard so much, I'm thinking about going there. I could even go tomorrow if you told me to do so. Do you happen to know anyone well educated to meet?

“What would you choose? Someone who is educated but can make your mind dizzy or someone that can wake you and who is a saint?”

“I'd like someone educated because I fear Saints”

I asked: "Faith has to do with the heart, why not try a saint? What's your name?”

He said “Gabriel”

To told him how to go to an Ascetic Monk. I gave him the way to find him and all necessary directions, even draw him a map.

(Continued on Page 21)

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Gabriel, an atheist Philosophy Student at Mount Athos

(Continued From Page 20)

“You should go and tell him the same thing you told me. Tell him 'I am an Atheist, but I want to believe in God, I want proof of his existence”

He replied “I am frighten and ashamed”

I asked “Why are you frighten and ashamed of the Saintly man and not of me?”

After a few days he went and found the ascetic conversing with a young man in his yard. On the opposite side four others were sitting on some logs waiting. Among them Gabriel found a tentative seat. No more than ten minutes later the Elder finished his conversation with the young man.

He asked: "How's are you, Lads ?" "Have you taken a Turkish Delight? Did you drink water?"

They said “thank you, Elder", with secular gentleness .

He said to Gabriel,”Come here," picking him out from the others. "I'll take the water, and you take the box with Turkish Delights, and you come closer so I can whisper a secret: It is Okay for someone to be an atheist, but having the name of an angel and be an atheist? That's the first time I’ve seen a thing like that."

He almost had a heart attack after this surprise.

How could he know his name? Who informed him of his problem? Finally what, was that the Elder wanted to tell him?

He asked: "Father, could I speak with you for a while?" barely been able to whisper.

"Look here now, It's getting late. Take the Turkish Delight, drink some water, and go to the most nearby monastery to spend the night."

“Father, I wish to speak with you, is it not possible?"

"What shall we say, my boy? What was the reason you came?"

He said to me that “to this question I felt my breath quickening immediately. Faith flooded through my heart . My internal world became heated. Without any logical arguments doubts were solved, without any talk, without the presence of a clear-cut answer. The 'if's, why's and but’s were all automatically annihilated, and all that remained was the 'how' and ’from now on, what?"

The subtle nudge of a saint gave his thoughts what a learned man could not. A saint who was a a graduate of only the fourth grade of elementary school. Saints have much enlightenment. They operate on you, but you feel no pain during this operation. Without opening your stomach, they make a transplant. Without the use of a ladder or secular logic they lift you to never again walked peaks. Without making your mind tired they plant the seed of faith in your heart.

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Daily Scripture Readings

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2M. 2 Peter1:20-2:9 Mark13:9-13 Venerable EuthymiusT. 2 Peter 2:9-22 Mark 13:14-23 Holy Confessor Maximus the GreatW. 2 Peter 3:1-18 Mark 13:24-31 Holy Apostle Timothy (No Fast)Th. 1John1:8-2:6; Mark13:31-14:2 Priest-martyr Clement F. 1John2:7-17 Mark14:3-9 Venerable Xenia (No Fast) S. 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Luke 20:45-21:4 St Gregory the TheologionS. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Luke15:11-32 Prodigal Son

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9 M 1 John 2:18-3:10 Mark 11:1-11 Transl of relics of St. John ChrysostT 1 John 3:11-20 Mark 14:10-42 St. Ephraim the SyrianW 1 John 3:21-4:6 Mark 14:43:15:1 Transl. Relics of St. Ignatius Th Hebrew 13:7-16 Matthew 5:14-19 Three Holy HierarchsF 2 John 1:1-13 Mark15:22-25,33-41 Sts Cyrus and JohnS. 1 Corinthians 10:23-28 Luke 21:8-9,25-27,33-36 Holy Martyr Tryphon

1Thessalonians 4:13-17 John 5:24-30 All Souls SaturdayS 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2; Matthew 25:31-46 Sunday of Last JudgementS. Hebrews 7:1-17 Luke 2:22-40 Meeting of Our Lord

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16M 3 John 1:1-15 Luke 19:29-40,22:7-39 Righteous Simeon & AnnaT Jude1:1-10; Luke 22:39-42,45-23:1 Venerable Isidore of PelusiumW. Joel 2:12-16; Joel3:12-21 Holy Martyr AgathaTh Jude 1:11-25 Luke 23:2-34,44-56 Sts. Photius & BuccolusF Zechariah 8:7-17; Zechariah 8:19-23 Venerable PartheniusS Romans 14:19-23,16:25-27 Matthew 6:1-13 Holy Great Martyr Theodore S. Romans 13:11-14:4 Matthew 6:14-21 Forgiveness Sunday

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23M. Isaiah 1:1-20 Genesis 1:1-13 Proverbs 1:1-20 Holy Martyr CharalampasT. Isaiah 1:19-2:3 Genesis 1:14-23 Proverbs 1:20-33 Priest-Martyr Blaise W. Isaiah 2:3-11 Genesis 1:24-2:3 Proverbs 2:1-22 St Meletius of Antioch Th Isaiah 2:11-22 Genesis 2:4-19 Proverbs 3:1-18 Ven Martinian F. Isaiah 3:1-14 Genesis 2:20-3:20 Proverbs 3:19-34 St Cyril, Teacher of SlavsS. Hebrews 1:1-12 Mark 2:23-3:5 Holy Apostle OnesimusS. Heb 11:24-26,32-12:2 John 1:43-51 Sunday of Orthodoxy

Prayer List

Prayer Before Reading Holy ScriptureO Master Who loves mankind, illuminate our hearts with the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, that we may overcome all carnal desires, entering upon a spiritual life and understanding and acting in all things according to Your holy will. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen

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Prayer List

Living Members of Parish Family And FriendsProtopresbyter Luke Barbara (Reeves) Shirley SedlockFr. John (Duranko) Pani Patricia (Duranko) Florence (Gachi)Garry & Barbara (Nichols) Richard (Kaschak) Pearl (Nucifora) Kassiani (Nickolakis) Keith Charles (Householder)Audrey (Fatse) Richard (Kaschak Jr) Greg & KimFrank (Meyernick) Lou (Gregory) Katherine (Macura)Serge (Mihaly) Michael ( Banik) Kelly (Friend of Eve)Mary (Nichols) Nina (Kuchma) Esther (Johnson) Joshua (Habansky) Geoffrey & Jennifer Roger (Vanhouten)Zachary Priest Michael (Psenchnuk)Child Diana Irene (Knapp) Carol JudyElsi (Lotufo) Penny (Elsi’s daughter) Propresbyter John (Gido)Thomas (Ivers) Kennedy Family Karen (Ivers)Christopher (Zinski) Rachel (friend of Karen) John (Cybul)Gregory (Cybul) Priest James (Gleason) Marge (Allis)Robert Joseph (Loposky) Randy & Janice Caleb (Goneau) Edward & Laurie Shannon (Friend of Arlene)Infant Jack Nicholas (Papillo) Cynthia (Dion)Marion (Fallon) Virginia (friend of Eve) Alice (VanHouten)Nicholas (Gachi) Judy Donna (Pierce)June (Friend of Marcia L) Ernie (Friend of Marcia L) Stephen Michael (Lomme) Carolann BettyPani Betty-Jean Daniel Child Emma Walter (Litzie) Child Oliver Amada & Will

Mildred (Fife) Gregory (Sabak) Joan (Julie’s Sister in Law) Nina Karolina Victoria

Departed Members Of Our Parish Family And Friends AAndrew (Habansky) Peter Sedlar Glenn & Stephen Kochiss

Anna Sutyak Serge (Mihaly) Josephine (Sawczyczn)

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PRAYER FOR THE SICK

O Christ, You alone are prompt to defend us; quickly visit Your suffering servant (name). Through the prayers of the Mother of God, deliver (him, her) from sickness and bitter pain. Heal (him, her) so that (he, she) may sing to You and always praise You for You alone love us.

A PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who has conquered death and destroyed Satan, and Who has granted life to Your world; O Lord, rest the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) [Name] in a serene, luxuriant and peaceful place where all pain and sorrow and lamentation are absent; as a gracious God Who loves mankind, forgive all transgressions committed by (him, her, them) by word or deed or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin; You alone are without sin, Your truth is truth in eternity and Your Word is Truth. For You, O Christ our God, are the resurrection, life and repose of Your departed servant(s) [Name], who (has, have) fallen asleep, and we give glory to You and Your eternal Father, and Your Most-Holy, Gracious and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 9:00 am LiturgyChurch School Stokely Coffee Hr.

2Church Cleaner: Cleaning Service

3 4 11:00 am Bible Study

5 6 10:00 am Liturgy Rep. G. Chornock Cambridge Manor

7 9 am Pagachi Workshop

5:00 pm Great Vespers

8 9:00 am LiturgyChurch SchoolBilcheck Coffee Hr.Panachida Glenn. Kochiss

9 4 pm Community Supper/Soup Kit St George, BptChurch Cleaner: Bilcheck

10 7:00 pm Moleben to St. Nectarios7:30 pm ParishCouncil Meeting

11 11:00 am Bible Study 4:00 pmLord’s KitchenChrist Church, Stratford

12 3 Hierarchs 9:00 am Liturgy Rep. Peter SedlarSeniors Fellowship

13 14 ALL SOULS9:00 am Liturgy Repose A. Mikulak5:00 pm Great Vespers& Litya

15 Meeting of Our Lord9:00 am LiturgyPanachida Rep. J. SawczysynChurch School Booth-Nichols C. Hr

16

Church Cleaner: Cleaning Service

17 18 11:00 am Bible Study

7:00 pm MolebenTo the Theotokos

19 20 214:30 pm Vespers5:30 pm Pre-Lenten Supper

22 9:00 am Liturgy Church School/ Decerbo Coffee Hr. 4 pm Forgiveness Vespers

23 Lent Begins

9 am Lenten Hrs7:00 pm Great Canon of SaintAndrew of Crete

247:00 pm Great Canon of SaintAndrew of Crete

2511:00 am Bible Study 6:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy

26 7:00 pm Great Canon of SaintAndrew of Crete

277:30 pm ParaklisService

28 9 am Liturgy Rep.Ann & Andrew Habansky9 am Pagachi Workshop5:00 pm Vespers

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCHLITURGICAL SERVICES & EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2015