Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian

Church E-Tidings

March 2009

  • Great and Holy Lent. The Great Fast or Great Lent is the period of preparation leading up to Holy Week and Pascha. The Lenten Triodion governs the divine services of Great Lent as well as those of the Weeks of Preparation preceding Great Lent. Lent is a Middle English word meaning “spring.” The Great Fast has come to be called Lent by association; it is called “great” to distinguish it from the other fasts.

Observance of Great Lent is characterized by abstention from many foods, intensified private and public prayer, personal improvement, and almsgiving. The foods traditionally abstained from are meat and dairy products, fish, wine and oil. (According to some traditions, only olive oil is abstained from; in others, all vegetable oils.) Since strict fasting is canonically forbidden on the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day, wine and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. If the Feast of the Annunciation falls during Great Lent, then fish, wine and oil are permitted on that day.

Besides the additional liturgical celebrations described below, Orthodox Christians are expected to pay closer attention to their private prayers and to say more of them more often. The Fathers have referred to fasting without prayer as “the fast of the demons” since the demons do not eat according to their incorporeal nature, but neither do they pray.

During the weekdays of Great Lent, there is a liturgical fast when the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy is not celebrated. However, since it is considered especially important to receive the Holy Mysteries during this season the Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts, also called the Liturgy of St. Gregory the Dialogist, may be celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays. At this vesperal service some of the Body and Blood of Christ reserved the previous Sunday is distributed. On Saturday and Sunday the Divine Liturgy may be celebrated as usual, although on Sundays the more solemn Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is used in place of that of St. John Chrysostom.

Like the observation of Lent in the West, Great Lent itself lasts for forty days, but unlike the West, Sundays are included in the count. It officially begins on Monday seven weeks before Pascha and concludes on the eve of Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday. However, fasting continues for the following week, known as Passion Week, Great Week or Holy Week, up until Pascha.

  • The Annunciation of our Most-Holy Lady, the Theotokos ~ March 25. Six months after John the Forerunner’s conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, to the town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden. According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph’s house, the Archangel declared: “Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God’s unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most high overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour,” and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55).

Troparion in Tone 4

Today is the beginning of our salvation, The revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, The Lord is with Thee!

  • Saint Innocent (Veniaminov), Metropolitan of Moscow and Apostles to the Americas. Saint Innocent was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church on October 6, 1977. He was born in the village of Anginsk on August 26, 1797 in the Irkutsk diocese. The Apostle of America and Siberia proclaimed the Gospel “even to the ends of the earth” in the Aleutian islands (from 1823), in the six dialects of the local tribes on the island of Sitka (from 1834), amongst the Kolosh (Tlingit); in the remotest settlements of the extensive Kamchatka diocese (from 1853); among the Koryak, Chukchei, Tungus in the Yakutsk region (from 1853) in North America (in 1857); and in the Amur and the Usuriisk region (from 1860).

Having spent a large part of his life in journeys, St. Innocent translated a Catechism and the Gospel into the Aleut language. In 1833, he wrote in this language one of the finest works of Orthodox missionary activity, the Indication of the Way to the Kingdom of Heaven. In 1859, the Yakut first heard the Word of God and divine services in their native language. Twice (in 1860 and 1861) St. Innocent met with St. Nicholas the Apostle to Japan (February 3), sharing with him his spiritual experience. A remarkable preacher, St. Innocent said, “Whoever abounds in faith and love, can have mouth and wisdom, and the heart cannot resist their serving it.” Having begun his apostolic work as a parish priest, St. Innocent completed it as Metropolitan of Moscow (January 5, 1868 - March 31, 1879). He obeyed the will of God all his life, and he left behind a theme for the sermon to be preached at his funeral: “The steps of a man are rightly ordered by the Lord” (Ps 36/37:23). The memory of St. Innocent is celebrated on March 31st and October 6th.

  • Archbishop Jonah Visits Orthodox Christian Mission Center in St. Augustine, FL. On Tuesday, February 10th the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) was honored by a visit from His Beatitude Jonah, Archbishop of Washington and New York Metropolitan of All America and Canada.

Following a tour of the new Missionary Training and Administration Building, which will open its doors later this year, His Beatitude offered His hopeful prayers and words of encouragement to the gathered Mission Center staff. His Beatitude stated that, “the foundation and history of the Church is missions and the very essence of the Church is missions.” His Beatitude further reminded the staff that missions are one of the most important functions of the Church because “Jesus Christ and the Gospel heals peoples souls,” and that through Christ “people are given hope and a sense of meaning.”

His Beatitude shared his own personal journey in missions and his belief that “sending people outside the United States helps to formulate the Church’s vision for missions within the United States.”

OCMC Executive Director, Father Martin Ritsi, thanked His Beatitude for the Orthodox Church in America’s commitment to missions. “OCMC sees itself as serving the Church toward this vital call. Working with His Beatitude brings hope and encouragement to us all.”

The missionary witness of the Orthodox faithful of North America has reached 35 countries over the past 20 years. OCMC hopes to help the faithful, especially those under the pastoral care of His Beatitude Jonah, reach even more people who hunger and thirst for Christ in the years to come. May God grant His Beatitude many years!

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official mission agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) dedicated to making disciples of all nations by incorporating them into the vibrant Eucharistic life of the Church.

Metropolitan Jonah
  • Sanctity of Life Dialog. On January 18th, Sanctity of Life Sunday, His Eminence Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas exhorted his congregations to be involved on the local level with other like-minded Christians so that together we could help stop the rising tide of abortion in our God-protected land. As mentioned in February’s E-Tidings, Father Ambrose led a delegation of our congregation to a Sanctity of Life prayer service held at Grace Lutheran Church on January 22nd, the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

On the heels of our attendance at the Sanctity of Life prayer service, George Michalopulos met with Bob Bearer, Pastor Mason Beecroft (of Grace Lutheran Church), and Monsignor Patrick Brankin (Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa) on Monday, February 18th, to discuss the possibility of forming a working group committed to the Sanctity of Life. The purpose of this group is to confront issues dealing with the fundamental dignity of man, which has long been resolved by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It is the duty of all Christians committed to an authentic understanding of the Faith to proclaim that which the Church has always believed. Among the possibilities discussed was expanding this coalition to include members from different Christian confessions which are like-minded and which will meet monthly in order to better discuss these issues and to make them better-known to the community at large.

It was also decided that this would not be an ‘ecumenical dialogue’ or an attempt at unity or conversion, as the common witness of the Church shows that an ‘essential unity’ already exists regarding Christian morality. It is our duty as Christians to stand for that which was always taught and to contend with those who have diluted these teachings in favor of conforming themselves to the world. – Submitted to E-Tidings by G. Michalopulos

  • Development Committee Formed. Father Ambrose has announced the formation of the Development Committee for the parish. The committee is charged with examining the physical needs of the parish and presenting the parish council with a long-range plan to meet those needs. The committee is to study the financial implications of facility growth initiatives and present to the council and the community a comprehensive strategy for discussion. The members of the committee in consultation with Father Ambrose are John Darnall, Erick (Constantine) Fairchild and John Sames.

  • Philanthropy Committee Formed. Father Ambrose has announced the formation of a parish Philanthropy Committee (Team). The committee will work together to make plans to effectively utilize parish philanthropic resources throughout the year to assist those in need in the surrounding community. The members of the committee in consultation with Father Ambrose are Connie Johnson, Elaine Sames, Patrick and Mercy Teague and Kelly (Demetrios) Williams.

  • Baby Shower Held for Susan Bole. A baby shower was held at the home of Elaine Sames on Saturday, February 7th for Susan Bole. A fun time was had by all who attended. Susan is expecting a little buckaroo in mid-March.

  • Men’s Group Luncheons. All men of the parish are invited to break bread and solve the world’s problems 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.

  • Patrick and Mercy Teague Married. On Sunday February 8th the mystery of Holy Marriage was celebrated for Patrick and Mercy Teague. The chapel of St. Matthew was brimming with prayerful friends and family at the blessed event. Out entire parish sings, GOD GRANT THEM MANY YEARS!

  • Wedding Shower Held for Mercy and Patrick. Sharon Swagerty graciously held a wedding shower for Mercy and Patrick Teague at her home on Sunday, February 22nd. Many thanks to Sharon for her warm hospitality.

  • Parish Woman Make Trek to Missouri Monastery. Macrina Floyd, Michelle (Irene) Tolbert, and Rachele Floyd took a trip to The Presentation of the Virgin Mary Monastery in Marshfield, Missouri on February 15th and 16th. On Sunday morning the 15th they attended St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church in Springfield. The parish priest, Father Andrew, gave a very spirited homily on God’s love for his children. The parish in Springfield is full of wonderful people who were very gracious. The church is growing rapidly with 27 current catechumens. After church we drove to the monastery, located about 30 minutes from Marshfield, Missouri. There we talked with the nuns, Mother Sergia and Sister Alexandra, before celebrating Vespers. The monastery is on a large acreage which was donated to the monastery. The main building is a pre-fabricated home which was built on a tall foundation. As the building was also placed on a hill, it was possible to dig out underneath and build a chapel. You approach the chapel from the back of the main building, and as you walk down the hill to the entrance you seem transferred to another place. One would never know you are under a mobile home – instead you feel you could be at a small log church in the Carpathian Mountains. The chapel from the outside is built with logs, and there is a beautiful wooden Russian cross on the outside. Going into the church, you enter through a wooden paneled hallway. The church interior is paneled with wood that the nuns themselves helped to cut and stain. There are many hand-written icons including icons of St. Brigid, the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, Sts. Constantine and Helen, St. Elizabeth, St. Moses, St. Sergius and others. Monday began with morning prayers at 6:00am for the nuns, although we did not arrive until 7:00. The day was spent learning more about the monastery, speaking with Mother Sergia, taking a tour of the construction in progress and hiking in the woods. Th nuns are currently building three more cells as several women have already indicated an interest in joining the monastery. Vespers was again held at 3:45pm, while Mother Sergia’s mother, who lives on the property, joined us for that service. The trip was a wonderful, prayerful time for all. The nuns have welcomed anyone who would like to visit for a retreat or a group interested in working (such as the youth). – Submitted to E-Tidings by Rachele Floyd

  • Men Plan Lenten Pilgrimage to St. Anthony Monastery near Florence, Arizona. Men of Holy Apostles will travel to St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery near Florence, Arizona on April 6th through the 10th. For more information or to reserve your space, please contact John Sames via email at jsames@trinitytulsa.org or by phone at (918) 809-7633. Limited space is available; please reserve a space if you are certain of going. For additional information please see the following link. For those going on the trip it is recommended that you review the visitor’s guides at the following monastery links: (www.stanthonysmonastery.org/visitorguide.php and www.stanthonysmonastery.org/visitorpilgrimguide.php.)

  • Woman Plan Lenten Pilgrimage to St. Paisius Woman’s Monastery near Safford, Arizona. Woman of Holy Apostles are planning to travel to St. Paisius Woman’s Monastery near Safford, Arizona the week of April 6th. For more information please contact Anna Treece via email at s.treece@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (918) 521-4341.

  • Reader’s Schedule Created. The parish had excellent participation in the Reader’s Classes that were held over the last couple of months. As directed by Father Ambrose and instructed by Reader John Sames, the novice readers studied a wide variety Church history, service structure and practice. The new readers will participate in the many services of Great Lent while assisting our tonsured readers. Great Lent provides an exceptional opportunity for those participating to continue to gain knowledge of the responsibility of a reader in the Orthodox Church. The Reader’s schedule from current until the end of May has been posted near the bookshelf at the Reader’s stand.

  • 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 Regular Office Hours. Father Ambrose will now be available at the church for confession or counseling throughout the week. The office hours are Tuesdays, 10:30am – 2:00pm; Thursdays, 7:30am – 9:30am; and Fridays, 10:00am – 1:00pm. As always, Father Ambrose is available by appointment at (918) 638-9854.

  • Important Dates in March.

    • Special Services: Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00pm, Sunday, March 1st. Vesperal Liturgy of the Annunciation, 9:10am, Wednesday, March 25th. Lenten Services: 6:30pm Wednesdays, Pre-Sanctified Liturgy; 12:00pm Fridays, Pre-Sanctified Liturgy; 6:30pm Fridays, Salutations to the Theotokos.
    • 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

  • March Feast Days and Commemorations. March 1: Forgiveness Sunday; March 2: Great Lent begins; March 8: Holy Sunday of Orthodoxy; March 9: Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste; March 15: Gregory Palamas; March 22: Venerable and Holy Cross; March 25: Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos; March 29: St. John Climacus; March 31: Repose of St. Innocent, Apostles to Americas.

  • Cheesefare Potluck Dinner. Judith Dunbar reports that we will be having potluck dinner at the church following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 1st (Cheesefare Sunday). Judith encourages everyone to bring a dish to share (no meat dishes on please).

  • Word of the Month: “SYNAXIS”. The term synaxis (“gathering together” in Greek: Συνάχις; Slavonic: Собор, Sobor) may refer to any of the following: In general, any gathering of the faithful or clergy of the Orthodox Church for liturgical or administrative purposes, e.g., a synod or one of the divine services. More specifically, a gathering to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on the day following a major feast in honor of the saints involved in the primary celebration (e.g., on December 26th, the day following the Nativity of Christ is the Synaxis of the Theotokos. The Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles is celebrated on June 30th, the day following the commemoration of Sts. Peter and Paul.) In Slavonic, cathedrals are also known as sobors. (http://orthodoxwiki.org/synaxis)

The icon of the Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

  • Altar Server Schedule. The schedule for the Altar Servers has been published for March. Please find the schedule at the following link.

  • 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.