Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Church
E-Tidings
May 2009
+ Metropolitan Jonah Visits Moscow Patriarchate
The Primates of two Local Autocephalous Orthodox Churches concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow On Sunday, April 26, 2009, His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia, together with His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH of All America and Canada concelebrated the Divine Liturgy for St. Thomas Sunday at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral. Concelebrating with the two Primates of Autocephalous Churches were numerous hierarchs and clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church in America. During the Primatial Divine Liturgy, Archimandrite Tikhon (Zaitsev) the former Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem was consecrated to the Holy Episcopate and given the title “Bishop of Podolsk” with the added responsibility of being the Chairman of the Department of Finances and Economic Management of the Russian Orthodox Church. Following the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL welcomed His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH to Moscow on his first Primatial visit to the Russian Orthodox Church and spoke of the importance of maintaining strong relations between the two Sister Churches. After warm words of greeting, His Holiness presented the Metropolitan with an icon of the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In turn, Metropolitan JONAH offered words on the history of the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Church in North America starting from the early missionaries arriving in Alaska from Valaam Monastery and continuing to the present day. His Beatitude spoke about the important event in the life of the Orthodox Church in America this year with the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Alexis Toth, who labored much in bringing many people into the Fullness of the Orthodox Church. In prayerful commemoration of the first concelebration between the two Primates, Metropolitan JONAH presented Patriarch KIRILL with an icon of St. Alexis containing a particle of his holy relics. After the Divine Liturgy a luncheon was held during which more warm words were exchanged between the Heads of the two Autocephalous Churches. Following the luncheon, a tour of Christ the Savior Cathedral was provided for Metropolitan JONAH and the delegation accompanying him.
For more photos please go to: Photos of Metropolitan Jonah in Moscow
Metropolitan JONAH and Patriarch KIRILL at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow
+ Holy Apostle John the Theologian – May 8th
The holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostle and Evangelist John is also known as John the Theologian. He was one of the original twelve Apostles, and wrote the Gospel bearing his name; three canonical letters: I John, II John, and III John; and the Book of Revelation. His primary feast day is celebrated on May 8th, that of the twelve apostles on June 30th, and his repose on September 26. St. John was the son of Salome the myrrh-bearer and Zebedee, a fisherman. His brother was St. James, another apostle. In his own Gospel account, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” rather than use his name. He was the youngest of the twelve apostles, and especially close to the Lord. This closeness is often portrayed in icons of the mystical supper, where St. John leans on Jesus. He was present for the Transfiguration of Christ with Peter and his brother James. St. John was exiled to the island of Patmos by Emperor Domitian around 90-95 A.D., and it was there that he received and wrote the Book of Revelation. “Account of the miracle that occurred at his grave: When over 100 years old, St. John took seven disciples outside of Ephesus and had them dig a grave in the shape of a cross. St. John then went into the grave, and the disciples buried him there, alive. Later on, when his grave was opened, St. John’s body was not there. ‘On May 8 of each year, dust rises up from his grave, by which the sick are healed of various diseases.’
+ Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – May 28th
The Ascension of Jesus Christ is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated forty days after Pascha (and thus always falling on a Thursday). Forty days after the Resurrection, while blessing his disciples (Gospel of Luke 24:50-51), Christ ascended into heaven, taking his place at the right hand of the Father (Gospel of Mark 16:19 and Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed). The first account of the Ascension found in the Bible is in the Gospel of Mark (16:14-19). The description is brief. Jesus and the remaining eleven disciples are seated at a table, presumably in a room in or near Jerusalem. Jesus commands his followers to spread the Gospel, and that those who believe will be known by their invulnerability to poison, ability to heal the sick, and the like. After delivering these final words, Jesus is received into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. No description of the Ascension itself is given; Mark simply states that it happened. The Gospel of Luke is even more brief in its description (24:50-51). Jesus led the eleven to Bethany, not far from Jerusalem. While in the act of blessing them, Jesus was carried up to heaven. The third, and most celebrated, account of the Ascension is in the Acts of the Apostles (1:9-12). For forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus continued to preach the Gospel. Jesus and the eleven were gathered near Mt. Olivet (or the Mount of Olives), to the northeast of Bethany. Jesus tells his disciples that they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit and that they will spread his message the world over. Jesus is taken up and received by a cloud. Some traditions say that he was taken up in a fiery chariot, much like the Prophet Elijah. Two men clothed in white appear and tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner as he was taken. They say: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, Who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven” (Acts 1:11). Afterwards, the disciples return to Jerusalem rejoicing, remaining continually in the Temple.
Troparion of the Ascension
O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
+ Archpastoral Message of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, on the occasion of the great feast of the Lord’s Pascha, 2009 (Posted 4/18/2009)
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
To the Very Reverend and Reverend Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of The Orthodox Church in America
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Beloved, let us greet one another with Paschal Joy, and exchange the kiss of peace. Let us feast soberly, that our joy may be full. Let us not stuff ourselves to satiety with feasting, nor indulge our passions to insensibility. Most of all, let us not give ourselves over to the darkness of the fallen world from which we have sought to purify ourselves, lack of forgiveness, anger and judgment, bitterness and hatred.
Rather, let us allow our old selves to remain crucified and buried, that the New Man may live, resurrected in and with Christ. Let us live according to the Kingdom, in communion with the Holy Spirit, so that we may be renewed by the Resurrection.
Our Pascha is not simply the beautiful services and the good food. It is not just family and Easter bunnies. It is not just the fellowship and familiar old customs.
Pascha is the dawn of the Age to Come, the Kingdom of God radiating into our souls and minds and hearts. Pascha is the experience of salvation itself, the foretaste of the Messianic Banquet, and the transformation of our lives. In Pascha we behold Christ, Risen from the dead, the revelation of the Second Coming.
We have gone with Christ to His Passion, but have we been crucified with Him?
We have held vigil at His Tomb, but were we asleep, and missed Him? Did our minds betray us and we doubt His Resurrection?
Let the fruit of our Lenten efforts be the enlightenment of our minds and the renewal of our hearts that our repentance not be in vain.
Let us sing with joy together with the Angels and Archangels, and all creation which has groaned awaiting the revelation of the Son of Man. With all creation, the living and dead, the spiritual and material, and with all the saints, let us cry: Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!
Χριστος ανεστη из мертвых, смертию смерть поправ, и сущим во гробех живот даровав!
Χριστος ανεστη εκ νεκρων, θανατο θανατον πατησας και της εν τοις μνημασι ζωην χαρισαμενος.
With love and joy in the Risen Christ,
+JONAH,
Archbishop of Washington and New York Metropolitan of All America and Canada
Metropolitan JONAH
+ Holy Week, Pascha Services and Events
The beautiful and inspiring services of Holy Week and Pascha were well attended again this year and provided us many lasting memories. Many thanks to all who helped make Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha a wonderful occasion in remembrance of our most blessed season of the year. Thank you to our choir, readers, altar servers, decorators, cleaners, cooks and all our other volunteers; without your help our parish would be incomplete. +May the Lord bless each of you.
+ Baptism and Christmation Held on Holy Saturday
Holy Apostles was blessed to welcome Daniel Riffe and Michael Embrey into the Holy Orthodox Church prior to the vesporal liturgy on Holy Saturday, April 18th. Daniel’s godfather is Phil Maximos Dunbar while baby Michael’s godparents are Mercy and Patrick Teague. We wish them both many years and AXIOS!
To see more pictures of the service please go to: Baptism and Christmation Photos
Baby Michael with Godfather Patrick Teague and the newly illumined Daniel
+ Development Committee to Present Initial Site Plan Recommendation
The parish Development Committee will make its initial recommendation to the Parish Council at the May 5th council meeting. The committee will present a report on committee activities to date, a recommendation for facility and property development and an outline for consideration for how the parish should proceed. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30pm.
+ Men Visit Holy Archangels Monastery
Men of Holy Apostles traveled to Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery near Kendalia, Texas on April 6th for a three day pilgrimage. Originally scheduled to journey to St. Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona, it was decided that a shorter trip would work better for those going. Chuck Bryant, Andrew Johnson, Sam Matthews, George Michalopulos and John Sames spent three days at the monastery while attending services, visiting with the monks and working to assist the monks in preparation for Holy Week. On the way back to Tulsa the men were fortunate to be able to visit with Archbishop DMITRI.
Please see more photos of the trip at: Pilgrimage Photos
Andrew, Chuck, George, Sam and John at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas
+ Visit with Archbishop DMITRI
During the trip back from the Holy Archangels Monastery the men on the trip had the wonderful opportunity to visit with Archbishop DMITRI. During the visit with the Archbishop, and while enjoying his famous coffee, the Archbishop said he is, “enjoying his retirement” and looks forward to visiting “the good people of Tulsa” again soon. As usual he was his warm and gracious self and seemed to be reenergized since the announcement of his retirement. He indicated that he has the utmost confidence in Metropolitan Jonah and believes the OCA is heading in the right direction. When asked if anything can be done for him personally he said, “Yes, start another mission in Oklahoma.” For all of us who have been blessed to know him we sing, GOD GRANT HIM MANY YEARS!
Archbishop DMITRI
+ Mission Vespers to be Held in Claremore
A vespers service will be held at the home of Matthew and Rachel Floyd on Sunday evening, May 24th. Anyone who can make it to the service is invited to attend. The Floyd’s address is 609 W 18th St South, Claremore, OK.
Please find a map to the Floyd’s home at: Google Map
+ Palm Sunday Potluck Luncheon
The traditional Palm Sunday luncheon was held on Sunday, April 12th for the commemoration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem. A potluck Lenten meal followed the Divine Liturgy and a wonderful time was had by all.
+ Pascha Dinner following the Resurrection Service
Also as per tradition, a Paschal Meal followed Divine Liturgy after midnight services on Sunday, April 19th. Many “Pascha Baskets” were available with favorite foods to enjoy and to break the Great Fast. The wonderful custom of sharing meals was evident as people went from table to table and room to room to share in the feast.
+ Agape Vespers Picnic
Our customary picnic followed Agape Vespers on Sunday, April 19th at the church. The picnic was “Potluck” while hotdogs, hamburgers and a spit-roasted lamb was offered by the parish. Many thanks to George Michalopulos and Brad Bole for cooking the meats and all the volunteers who made the event possible. A fun time was had in celebration of the “Feast of Feasts.”
To see pictures of the event go to: Picnic Photos
Kids Play in the Jupiter Jump
Lamb Roasting on the Spit
+ Woman (and a few guys) Decorate Chapel for Pascha
Many thanks to Connie Johnson, Elizabeth Craig and Brenda Haggai for their work in coordinating and decorating the chapel and bier for Holy Friday and Pascha. Also assisting were Erin Embrey, Amanda Seaman, Jennifer Johnson and Gideon Seaman. The Chapel of St. Matthew was absolutely beautiful throughout the Paschal weekend.
To see photos of the chapel please go to: Chapel Photos
+ Podcasts Now on Web Site
The Holy Apostles web site now offers podcasting of weekly Gospel readings and homilies. Many thanks to our web master Andrew Johnson for making this technology available.
Please follow this link for podcasts: Homily Podcasts
+ Mail Box Replaced and New Sign Installed
After our mailbox became the casualty of an errant automobile that veered off the road during a March snow we have replaced it with a new one. Additionally we have erected our new parish sign on Peoria Avenue. Many thanks to our Sexton, Nicholas Byrd for installing the sign and mailbox and to Stephen Hughes and Brenda Haggai for designing and constructing the sign!
+ Important Dates in May
* Special Services: Divine Liturgy, Prophet Isaiah, 9:10am, Saturday, May 9th. Great Vespers, Wednesday, May 27th, 6:30pm. Divine Liturgy, Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Thursday, May 28th, 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
+ May Feast Days and Commemorations
May 8: Holy Apostle John the Theologian; May 11: Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Apostles to the Slavs; May 21: Sts. Constantine and Helen Equal to the Apostles; May 28: Holy Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
+ 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: “DIDACHE”
(Koine Greek: Διδαχή, Didachē) The Didache, also called The Teaching (or Doctrine) of the Twelve Apostles, is a short treatise that dates back to the early Christian Church and was accounted by some of the Fathers as next to Holy Scripture. It was probably written in Syria during the second half of the 1st century, although some scholars suggest a 2nd century composition. The first part of the Didache is a moral treatise describing the Two Ways, the Way of Life and the Way of Death. The second and third parts contain instructions on baptism, the Eucharist, fasting, prayer, matters of church organization, apostles and teachers, prophets, bishops, and deacons. The Didache is perhaps the first text to append a doxology to the Lord’s Prayer: “…for thine is the power and the glory unto all ages.” Although partially paraphrased in other ancient documents, the Didache was practically lost until Philotheos Bryennios, Greek Orthodox metropolitan of Nicomedia, rediscovered/published it in 1873/1883. The Didache is not to be confused with the Didascalia Apostolorum, Teaching of the Twelve Holy Apostles and Disciples of Our Saviour, a 3rd century text founded upon the Didache.
+ Father Ambrose Regular Office Hours
Father Ambrose is 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.
+ May Reader’s Schedule The schedule for Reader’s has been published for May. Please find the schedule at the following link: May Reader’s Schedule
+ May Server Schedule The schedule for the Altar Servers has been published for May. Please find the schedule at the following link: May Altar Server’s Schedule
+ New Divine Liturgy Booklet
Final work continues to update our parish Divine Liturgy booklet to match the translations used in the service. The booklet is in the final draft stage and is awaiting approval to go to the printer.
+ 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 E-Tidings newsletter please send information to John Sames at etidings@holyapostlesorthodox.org. Submissions should be received by the 20th of each month.
