Saturday, Jan. 4
4:00 PM: Bible Study; 5:00 PM: Great Vespers

Sunday before Theophany, YOUTH SUNDAY, Jan. 5
9:00 AM: Orthros; 10:00 AM: Divine Liturgy & Great Sanctification of Water; 5:00 PM: Great Vespers

Monday, THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD, GOD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, Jan. 6
8:00 AM: Orthros; 9:00 AM: Great Sanctification of Water & Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, St. John the Baptist (Old Calendar Christmas), Jan. 7
9:00 AM: Divine Liturgy

Thursday, Jan. 9
6:00 PM: Parish Council (may be held on Wednesday) 

Saturday, Jan. 11
4:00 PM: Bible Study; 5:00 PM: Great Vespers

Sunday after Theophany, Jan. 12
9:00 AM: Orthros; 10:00 AM: Divine Liturgy, Sunday School; 11:30 am Vasilopita and Parish Assembly

Sun: Wine & Oil Allowed
Wed. & Fri: Strict Fast
All other days: No Fasting

House Blessings: during the days following the Feast of the Theophany (Jan. 6), it is customary for the Priest to visit the homes of his parishioners, bringing with him the “Jordan Water” for the traditional Theophany House Blessing. The First Great Sanctification of Water is performed at the end of the Divine Liturgy on the Eve of Theophany (Jan. 5). While that water may be given to the faithful to drink on that day and throughout the coming year, traditionally it is only the water from the Second Great Sanctification, which is performed on the day of the Feast of Theophany (Jan. 6), that is called "Jordan Water" and used for the Theophany House Blessing. All who reside in the household should make every effort to be present for the Blessing. In anticipation of the arrival of the Priest to the house, the kandili (or candle), hand-censer and incense in the family’s icon corner should be prepared. If there is no icon corner, a small table should be placed on the eastern wall of the main room of the dwelling; the table, covered with a white cloth, should be set with one or more icons standing upright, a candle in a holder, a hand-censer and incense. A bowl along with several sprigs of basil (or evergreen) bound together with a string or ribbon should also be placed in the icon corner (or on the table), along with a clearly printed list of the Baptismal names of the members of the household. Upon the arrival of the Priest, he is to be greeted by all of the family members, each of whom asks the Priest’s blessing and reverences his right hand. Then a family member lights the kandili and hand-censer and turns off all televisions, radios, phones, etc. in the home. Lights should be turned on in all the rooms of the house that are to be blessed. Then the entire family gathers with the Priest before the icon corner (or table) to begin the Theophany House Blessing. Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 7, Fr Andreas will be available for House Blessings. Please contact Father directly (priest@gocvt.org) or at the church office to schedule your family's 2020 Blessing.

Parish Calenders have arrived. Please pick up one per family at the candle-stand.

Parish Assembly: the Assembly, which was originally scheduled for the Fall, will be held after Divine Services on next Sunday, Jan. 12.

Proskomide (Offerings):

Prosphora - Fr Andreas

Sacramental Wine - Voula Zontanos

Coffee Hour - Cibuc Family

FOR VISITORS

Welcome home!

Please let either a greeter or a Parish Council member know if this is your first time at Dormition Church so that we can make you feel more at home.

At the end of the service, come and introduce yourself to Father Andreas, and receive a piece of antidoron (blessed bread). Also, join us for Coffee Hour after Liturgy!

Remember, the Church is everyone's home whether we are longtime members of the parish, or if we are stepping into the Church for the first time. Everyone one of is responsible for showing hospitality to those who we do not know.

CHURCH ETIQUETTE

Let everything we do be done in an orderly way.  (1st Corinthians 14:40)

The best way to show love to God is to be respectful to others. Make every effort to be in church before the Divine Liturgy begins (10:00 AM), and to remain quiet and respectful throughout the entire service.

Appropriate clothing should be worn, hands should be prayerfully at our sides or folded, not in our pockets, or laid on the tops, or sides of the pews; there should be no food or drink in the Church (no gum chewing!) unless it's Holy Communion or food that has been blessed and distributed by the Priest; when seated, legs should not be crossed. Remember that socializing is for Coffee Hour and should not take place in the narthex or nave. Limit talking and moving around, and try not to create a distraction for yourself or for others. Please clean up after yourself, and do not leave bulletins or bread crumbs behind you once the service has come to a conclusion.

FOR MEMBERS

I was a stranger and you welcomed me.  (Matthew 25:35)

Welcome everyone (both visitors and longtime members) with a smile. If it's someone's first time visiting Dormition, help them find a seat, and to understand the service

Appropriate clothing should be worn, hands should be prayerfully at our sides or folded, not in our pockets, or laid on the tops, or sides of the pews; there should be no food or drink in the Church (no gum chewing!) unless it's Holy Communion or food that has been blessed and distributed by the Priest; when seated, legs should not be crossed. Remember that socializing is for Coffee Hour and should not take place in the narthex or nave. Limit talking and moving around, and try not to create a distraction for yourself or for others. Please clean up after yourself, and do not leave bulletins or bread crumbs behind you once the service has come to a conclusion.

PARTICIPATING IN THE DIVINE LITURGY

Please make every effort to be on time and to participate in the Divine Liturgy. Remember, the Liturgy is meant to be a work of ALL PEOPLE!

Ask Fr. Andreas about volunteering to help read the Psalms or the Epistle! The Great Doxology can be found on p. 1 in the green Divine Liturgy Hymnal. The hymns for the day can also be found in the bulletin.

CHILDREN IN CHURCH

The presence of children in the worship is essential to a healthy Church! Why else would our Lord say “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  (Matthew 19:14)

Here are some insights that we all might find helpful:

• Help your children see what is taking place in the service and explain to them what is happening. Don’t be afraid to sit up front!

• If your child asks a question that you might not know the answer to, ask Fr. Andreas or a Sunday School teacher! It can be a good learning opportunity for the rest of the children.

• It’s ok to correct your child’s behavior if they misbehave. At the same time, don’t resent them for being children. Even adults struggle to pay attention in Church!  

• It’s ok to take your children to the area on the north side of the Altar (where the Baptismal Font is) if you feel that it’s necessary.

• Lead by example! Bring your children to Church on a regular basis, and establish a routine of prayer at home.

• If children are not comfortable receiving Holy Communion, it’s our responsibility as parents to show them by our example. This means preparing for and receiving the sacraments ourselves. Why would they feel comfortable doing something that we don’t?

• We must all show support, love, and patience to one another, especially to struggling mothers. This includes those of us who have already raised children, those who might not have children. This especially includes fathers! Honor your wife, and fulfill your role in training up your children in the way that they should go! (cf. 1 Peter 3:7; Prov 22:6)

HOLY COMMUNION

With the fear of God, faith, and love draw near!  (Divine Liturgy)

Here are some things to prayfully consider before approaching the Body and Blood of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ:

1.) The frequent reception of Holy Communion is encouraged! This means however that we must all frequently prepare to receive Holy Communion. If you have not been to Church for a while, consider this an opportunity to restart your life in Christ, and to speak with your Priest about receiving the Sacraments of the Church. Never be afraid or discouraged to come and speak to Father Andreas before receiving Holy Communion! 

2.) We receive Holy Communion when we become members in good standing of the Orthodox Church. This takes places through the Sacraments of Baptism, and Chrismation in a canonical jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church. If you would like to become an Orthodox Christian, please see Fr. Andreas!

3.) Our goal is to become closer to God by living a life of Holiness! Something to reflect on before and after we consume the Body and Blood of Christ is whether or not we are living our lives in peace and love as God wants us to.

4.) It is necessary to fast prior to receiving Holy Communion. We should abstain from food or drink prior to receiving the the Body and Blood of our Lord unless it is medically neccesary. If you have any questions, please speak to Fr. Andreas.

5.) CAUTION! Please approach the chalice carefully! Never do anything that could potentially spill the Body and Blood of Christ from the Chalice!!!

6.) When receiving Communion, please close your mouth in a natural manner as you would when feeding yourself with a spoon. Please also ensure that the red cloth is placed under your chin. 

8.) Women, please blot or remove lipstick prior to receiving Holy Communion.

PASTORAL VISITATIONS

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.  (James 5:13-15)

Please call the Church Office or call Fr. Andreas’s emergency cell phone number to let him know what your pastoral needs are. You can also ask a family members, a social worker, or a Hospital Chaplain to notify the Church so that they can inform Fr. Andreas that you are in need of pastoral care.

CONFESSION

A young monk said to the great ascetic Abba Sisoes: “Abba, what should I do? I fell.” The elder answered: “Get up!” The monk said: “I got up and I fell again!” The elder replied: “Get up again!” But the young monk asked: “For how long should I get up when I fall?” “Until your death,” answered Abba Sisoes.  (Sayings of the Desert Fathers)

Confession is necessary for our personal healing, and for the repentance and forgiveness of sins. It’s also a vital element of our Lord’s Commission to us as Orthodox Christians for the life and growth of the Church.

Never be afraid to speak to Fr. Andreas in order to make the necessary arrangements for the Sacrament of Confession. Confession is offered after Saturday evening Great Vespers. You can also call Father during the week, or just get a hold of him after Liturgy, to schedule Confession!

For additional resources about Holy Communion, Confession, or any other pastoral concern please see Father Andreas or visit our Church website http://www.gocvt.org/