FAST FOR THE VIRGIN MARY
PARACLESIS SERVICES
The beautiful Paraclesis services will be chanted many of the nights during the first 15 days of August. Please check the calendar for the times. These services are for healing and the health of the faithful. If you would like your living loved ones commemorated during this period, please give your list of names to Fr. Tom. Sheets to fill out are in the narthex. Please consult the calendar for the schedule. Let us attend these magnificent services and be edified as the church prays for each and every one of us.
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE ON ST JOHN WEBSITE
FATHER TO TO ATTEND ORDINATION OF ARCHDEACON ELEFTHERIOS
Father Tom will be away August 7-11 to attend his son’s ordination to the priesthood, Archdeacon Eleftherios He is scheduled to be ordained by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros at the New York Cathedral on August 8, 2020. Archdeacon Eleftherios has faithfully served Archbishops Demetrios and Elpidophoros as their Deacon and Archdeacon for the past six years. In case of emergencies during this time, please contact our parish council president, George Denney.
NO ORTHROS ON AUGUST 9
Father Tom will be away next Sunday attending his son's ordination. We are pleased to have Father Andrew Gall serving the Divine Liturgies next Sunday. Please note that there will be no Orthros next week. The Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 am. Thank you for your understanding.
LIVE-STEAMING
Today, we are livestreaming our Church service on our facebook page. Please join us! We, however, will not be streaming services next Sunday, August 9. Please join us at Saint John the Forerunner and worship with us.
NEW PARISH COUNCIL MINISTRY AND OUTREACH
Our Saint John parish is concerned about all of our parishioners especially during this limiting pandemic. We understand that many may have needs that they may not be able to fulfil by themselves. Our parish council is developing a committee to try to help. If anyone has needs - i.e. grocery shopping or errands to be run, please feel to contact council representative, Debbie Kreatsoulas (home phone # 330-707-9028 or on her cell phone # 330-219-3236) and we will do our best to fulfill his or her needs. Likewise, if anyone is willing to serve on this committee, please contact Debbie. Thank you.
CORONAVIRUS - UPDATED INFORMATION
The pandemic that we are currently experincing has affected us all. As we have progressed through the varios stages of re-oppening, we have moved from limits of only five people (red phase) to twenty five (yellow phase). In each of these two stages, no one over 65 were allowed to attend. Fortunately, as our states restrictions are being eased, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, is also slowly beginning to open up the parishes in our Metropolis. Each parish has been given guidelines for the safety of our parishioners. At Saint John the Forerunner, we are complying to the directives of our Metropolis. Thanks to everyone's cooperation, we have now have progressed to the next phase - the Green Phase. This means we are allowed to have up to 50% of the Church capacity. (At Saint John the Forerunner, that is at least 200 people.) Age restrictions and prior reservations have been lifted. That means anyone who is healthy and is willing to follow the directives, guidelines and instructions are welcome to attend. Masks are required to be worn during the services. You are not required to register and make a reservation to attend; however, for safety reasons, we are required to have a record of everyone's name and phone number of those who attend. These lists will be kept for 30 days. There are markings on the pews as to seating arrangements so that we may all keep our social distancing. The ushers will help instruct us as we enter the church. There are markings also on the floor to help with social distancing as we wait to approach the Holy Chalice. Please continue to follow these directives so that we all may remain safe and healthy. May God bless our Saint John parish!
SHUT-INS
During the 15 day fast for the Virgin Mary, if allowed, Father Tom will be visiting the shut-ins and those who would like a visit from Father. If you would like a visit or know of someone who wants to be visited, please call the office at 330-788-5257. Thank you.
HOSPITALIZATION
Please notify Father or the Church office of any hospitalization, nursing home admissions, or illnesses so that Father can visit and offer the Holy Sacraments to your loved ones if he is allowed. We do not want to ever deprive anyone support and consolation during an illness. If you desire this information kept confidential, please advise us and strict confidence will be maintained. Please keep in mind that according to Federal Law, hospitals are not allowed to give our personal information such as religious affiliating. Hospitals will notify the priest or church only if the patient requests the facility to do so.
STEWARDSHIP
An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards. Each year the Steward is expected to carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commitment of time, talent, and treasure to support the Parish and her Ministries, which in turn support the National Ministries of our Archdiocese, Metropolis, and institutions. Have you pledged to your Church? Pledge cards have been sent out. Please turn them in so we can continue in the work of the church. Think Stewardship!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sunday, August 2 - Orthros 8:30 am - Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
Monday, August 3 - Paraclesis 6:00 pm
Tuesday, August 4 - Paraclesis 6:00 pm
Thursday, August 6 - Holy Transfiguration - Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
Sunday, August 9 - Divine Liturgy 9:30 am (no Orthros)
Wednesday, August 12 - Paraclesis 6:00 pm
Thursday, August 13 - Paraclesis 6:00 pm
Friday, August 14 - Paraclesis 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 15 - Holy Dormition - Divine Liturgy 9:30 am