Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Church
E-Tidings
April 2009
- “The Paschal Homily” of Our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom.
If any man be devout and loveth God, Let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast! If any man be a wise servant, Let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord.
If any have laboured long in fasting, Let him how receive his recompense. If any have wrought from the first hour, Let him today receive his just reward. If any have come at the third hour, Let him with thankfulness keep the feast. If any have arrived at the sixth hour, Let him have no misgivings; Because he shall in nowise be deprived therefore. If any have delayed until the ninth hour, Let him draw near, fearing nothing. And if any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, Let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness.
For the Lord, who is jealous of His honour will accept the last even as the first. He giveth rest unto him who cometh at the eleventh hour, Even as unto him who hath wrought from the first hour. And He showeth mercy upon the last, And careth for the first; And to the one He giveth, And upon the other He bestoweth gifts. And He both accepteth the deeds, And welcometh the intention, And honoureth the acts and praises the offering.
Wherefore, enter ye all into the joy of your Lord;Receive your reward, Both the first, and likewise the second. You rich and poor together, hold high festival! You sober and you heedless, honour the day!
Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast. The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away. Enjoy ye all the feast of faith: Receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness. Let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal Kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shown forth from the grave. Let no one fear death, For the Saviour’s death has set us free. He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it.
By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive. He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh. And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was embittered when it encountered Thee in the lower regions. It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was overthrown.
It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains. It took a body, and met God face to face. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.
O Death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory? Christ is risen, and thou art overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life reigns! Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen.
~ Holy Resurrection - The Lord’s Pascha ~
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, And upon those in the tombs bestowing life!
- In all Languages, Christ is Risen!
| English: | Christ is Risen! ~ Indeed He Is Risen! |
| Anglo-Saxon: | Crist aras ~ Crist sodhlice aras |
| Arabic: | Al Messieh Qam ~ Huhquhn Qam |
| Armenian: | Christos harjav i merelotz ~ Orhniale harutjun Christosi |
| Chinese: | Helisituosi fuhuole ~ Queshi fuhuole |
| Coptic: | Pchristos Aftooun ~ Alethos Aftooun |
| Czech: | Kristus Vstal A Mrtvych ~ Opravdi Vstoupil |
| Finnish: | Kristus nousi kuolleista ~ Totisesti nousi |
| French: | Christ est Resurrecte ~ Vraiment, Resurrecte |
| Gaelic: | Taw Creest Ereen ~ Taw Shay Eren Guhdyne |
| German: | Christus ist Auferstanden ~ Wahrhaft auferstanden |
| Greek: | Khristos Anesti ~ Alithos Anesti |
| Hebrew: | Ha-Mashiah qom ~ Be-emet quom |
| Italian: | Cristo E Risorto ~ Veramente E Risorto |
| Japanese: | Harisutosu Fukkatsu ~ Jitsu Ni Fukkatsu |
| Latin: | Christus resurrexit ~ Vere resurrexit |
| Norwegian: | Christus er Oppstanden ~ Sandelig Han er Oppstanden |
| Russian: | Christos Voskrayca ~ Voecteno Voskrayca |
| Slavonic: | Khristos Voskresie ~ Voistsinu Voskresie |
| Spanish: | Cristo esta resucitado ~ Verdad, resucitado |
| Swahili: | Khristos amafafouka ~ Kwaeli amafafouka |
| Swedish: | Kristi ar uppstanden ~ Sannorligen ar |
- Saint Mary of Egypt – Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria, where she lived a depraved life for seventeen years. Then, moved by curiosity, she went with many pilgrims to Jerusalem, that she might see the Exaltation of the venerable Cross. Even in the Holy City she gave herself over to every kind of licentiousness and drew many into the depth of perdition. Desiring to go into the church on the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, time and again she perceived a certain invisible power preventing her entrance, whereas the multitude of people about her entered unhindered. Therefore, wounded in heart by this, she decided to change her way of life and reconcile herself to God by means of repentance. Invoking our Lady the Theotokos as her protectress, she asked her to open the way for her to worship the Cross, and vowed that she would renounce the world. And thus, returning once again to the church, she entered easily. When she had worshipped the precious Wood, she departed that same day from Jerusalem and passed over the Jordan. She went into the inner wilderness and for forty-seven years lived a most harsh manner of life, surpassing human strength; she prayed to God alone. Toward the end of her life, she met a certain hermit named Zosimas, and she related to him her life from the beginning. She requested of him to bring her the immaculate Mysteries that she might partake of them. According to her request, he did this the following year on Holy and Great Thursday. One year after this, Zosimas again went thither and found her dead, laid upon the ground, and letters written in the sand near her which said: “Abba Zosimas, bury here the body of wretched Mary. I died on the very day I partook of the immaculate Mysteries. Pray for me.” Her death is reckoned by some to have taken Place in 378, by some in 437, and by others in 522. She is commemorated also on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. Her life was recorded by Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem.
- Our Beloved Archbishop DMITRI of Dallas Announces Retirement.
March 22, 2009
Sunday of the Cross
To the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of the South Orthodox Church in America:
I would like to take this opportunity first, to ask for your prayers and forgiveness as we continue our journey to Pascha. May our Lord grant you a blessed and fruitful Lent and Holy Week.
In addition, please know that over the years your tireless efforts in service to Christ have been a tremendous source of inspiration and joy. We have labored together for ‘the Truth that sets man free’: in light of your personal dedication it may be said that, “I have (had) no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). With each conversion, with the start of each new mission I thank the Lord for “revealing Himself unto us,” and for providing His humble servant an opportunity to be a steward of such a flock as we have in the Diocese of the South.
Overseeing a Diocese, however, is a temporary calling by nature. Thus, after fifty five years in the priesthood and forty years as a bishop of the Orthodox Church in America, I have asked for retirement from the active episcopacy, effective March 31, 2009. It is not a decision I make lightly. I feel confident that with our current Synod of Bishops as well as Diocesan leaders (both clergy and laymen) already in place, that the work of the Orthodox Church in the South will continue. Together we have helped to lay the foundation which is Christ, and now it is time for others to build upon our labors (1 Corinthians 3).
Again, I ask for your prayers. Be assured of my love and prayers for all of you.
In the love of Christ,
+DMITRI, Archbishop of Dallas and the South
- Sunday of Orthodoxy Procession. Following Divine Liturgy on a beautiful day, our parish celebrated the “Sunday of Orthodoxy.” The Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy is celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent. It is the celebration of the victory of the iconodules over the iconoclasts by the decision of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Therefore, the service is to commemorate the restoration of icons for use in services and private devotional life of Christians. The service concluded with the triumphant procession around the church, with parishioners holding icons of their patron saints. The day culminated with a pan-Orthodox vespers service at St. Antony Antiochian Orthodox Church.
- March Snowfall. A late March snowfall blanketed the Chapel of St. Matthew on Sunday, March 29th prior to Divine Liturgy. Many thanks to Sam Matthews for this wonderful photo.
Youth Prepares Lenten Meal. The Junior High Youth Group prepared a Lenten meal on Sunday, March 29th for themselves and their families. A dinner consisting of shrimp kabobs, rice and salad was followed by a delicious apple cobbler. A wonderful time was had by everyone in attendance. The kids did a great job of preparing and serving the food under the guidance of their parents. A brief discussion about St. John Climacus and Great Lent was held following the meal.
Ladies of the Parish Meet. The ladies of the parish met at the home of Carlene Williams on Monday evening, March 30th. The ladies discussed topics of the Orthodox Church while enjoying fellowship and Lenten snacks.
Mission Vespers Held in Claremore. A vespers service was held at the home of Matthew and Rachel Floyd on Sunday evening, March 22nd. The vespers service was attended by about twenty people (including children) and was followed by fellowship and a Lenten meal.
Holy Trinity to Celebrate Orthodoxy. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will hold its annual “Celebration of Orthodoxy” on Saturday, April 4th at 1:00pm. This year’s speaker will be Presbytera Dr. Jeanne Constaninou. The topic of her presentation is “The Passion of Christ: an Orthodox Perspective.” The event is open to the public and there is no charge for admittance.
Palm Sunday Potluck Luncheon. Please join Holy Apostles on Sunday, April 12th for the commemoration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem. Hours begin at 9:10am followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:30am. A potluck Lenten meal will follow Divine Liturgy. Please bring a dish to share; fish is to be provided.
Pascha Dinner to follow Resurrection Service. As per tradition, a Paschal Meal will follow Divine Liturgy midnight services on Sunday, April 19th. Please bring a “Pascha Basket” with your favorite foods to enjoy and to break the Great Fast. The dinner will be held in the community building.
- Agape Vespers Picnic. Also per tradition, a picnic will follow 3:00pm Agape Vespers on Sunday, April 19th at the church. The picnic will be “Potluck” so everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to share. We are also looking for a few good men to volunteer to cook hotdogs and hamburgers. Please contact George Michalopulos at (918) 557-7380 if you are interested in helping cook or set up for the picnic.
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Donations for Paschal Flowers. The Parish will be accepting donations for paschal flowers during the first three weeks of April. Anyone interested making a donation for flowers should contact Father Ambrose or Brenda Haggai or leave your donation at the chapel with a note the donation is for flowers.
Development Committee Meeting. The Development Committee for the parish has been meeting regularly to examine the physical needs of the parish. The committee is studying facility growth needs and will present to the parish council and the community a comprehensive strategy for discussion.
Plans Change for Men’s Lenten Pilgrimage. Men of Holy Apostles will now travel to Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery near Kendalia, Texas on April 6th. Originally scheduled to make the journey to St. Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona, it was decided that a shorter trip would work better for those going.
Church Cleaning Day. In preparation for Holy Week a cleaning day has been (re)scheduled for Saturday, April 4th at 9:00am. All hands are needed to clean the church, community building and grounds. PLEASE be there if possible to assist.
Mail Box Destroyed. Unfortunately during the recent snowstorm our mailbox became the victim of an errant automobile that veered off the road. Fortunately however, the gentleman that hit the mailbox was good enough to come to the church and make a donation to replace it. We appreciate his honesty and generosity and it is good to see that integrity remains in our society.
Important Dates in April.
- Special Services: Complete Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, 6:30pm, Friday, April 3rd. Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem, 9:10am, Sunday, April 12th. Bridegroom Matins, 6:30pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (with Holy Unction), April 12, 13, 14 & 15. Great and Holy Thursday, April 16th; 9:30am Vesperal Liturgy of Mystical Supper; 6:30pm Matins with 12 Gospel Readings. Great and Holy Friday, April 17th, Royal Hours, 8:00am; Vespers, 3:00pm; Matins with Lamentations, 6:30pm. Great and Holy Saturday, April 18th, Vesporal Liturgy with Old Testament Readings, 9:00am; Nocturns, 11:30pm. Sunday, April 19th, Holy Pascha, 12:00am; Agape Vespers, 3:00pm. Bright Monday, April 20th, Divine Liturgy, 9:10am.
- Church School – Sundays following Divine Liturgy
- Choir Practice – Wednesdays following Daily Vespers
- Inquires Class – Wednesdays following Daily Vespers
- Book Review – Fridays 6:30pm at the Community Building
- Home School COOP – Tuesdays at 9:30am
April Feast Days and Commemorations. April 5: St. Mary of Egypt; April 7: Repose of St. Tikhon; April 12: Palm Sunday; April 19: Holy Pascha; April 23: St. George the Greatmartyr; April 25: Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark; April 30: Holy Apostle James, brother of John.
Men’s Group Luncheons. All men of the parish are invited to break bread together at a monthly luncheon. Be looking for a monthly email notice from George Michalopulos for the next event. To be added to the email notice list please contact George at (918) 557-7380.
Word of the Month: “ASCETICISM”. Asceticism is the practice of self-denial (i.e., control of one’s passions and base impulses) for the sake of the Kingdom. The practice of asceticism - called ascesis - is most often associated exclusively with monasticism, although all the faithful are exhorted to practice lesser forms of ascesis through the Church’s regimen of prayer, fasting, and repentance. The word “ascetic” comes from the Greek root ἀσκητικός, which is turn is from the verb ἀσκέω, meaning “I train.” The Apostle Paul likens the Christian life of prayer and repentance to training for various sporting events (1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:7). As such, the methods of ascesis should not be used as ends to themselves, but as means to the end of salvation, the “prize” which the Apostle mentions in First Corinthians. Some forms of ascesis take a much more austere - even seemingly unhealthy - appearance than others, for instance Stylitism, in which the ascetic stands on a high pillar or tree for a prolonged period of time. (http://orthodoxwiki.org/asceticism)
St. Martin’s Closet. Once again this month God has blessed us by allowing our parish to assist families in need in the Glenpool and Bixby areas. We would ask that you please continue to consider donating non-perishable items to our pantry or make a donation to the Alms Box (located in the narthex).
Father Ambrose Office Hours during Great Lent. Father Ambrose will be available during Great Lent with the following office hours: Tuesdays, 10:30am – 2:00pm and Fridays, 2:00pm – 6:00pm. As always, Father Ambrose is available by appointment at (918) 638-9854.
April Reader’s Schedule. The schedule for Reader’s has been published for April. Please find the schedule at the following link. (READER’S LINK/PDF)
Altar Server Schedule. The schedule for the Altar Servers has been published for April. Please find the schedule at the following link. (ALTAR SERVER LINK/PDF)
New Divine Liturgy Booklet to be Available after Pascha. Final work continues to update our parish Divine Liturgy booklet to match the translations used in the service. We hope to make the booklet available following Pascha. The booklet will also include the resurrection troparia and kontakia as well as the troparia hymns for major feast days.
Parish Financial Report. Many thanks to everyone who has so generously supported Holy Apostles. The monthly parish financial reports are being posted on the bulletin board in the Community Building. Anyone with questions about parish finances can contact parish Treasurer Phil Dunbar or Father Ambrose.
If you would like to contribute information or photos to the Holy Apostles E-News monthly newsletter please send information to etidings@holyapostlesorthodox.org. Submissions should be received by the 20th of each month.
