Dear Brothers and Sisiters,
Christ is Risen!
On Sunday May the 12th, people throughout the United States and many places around the world will gather to honor their mothers. Many mothers will receive flowers, breakfast in bed, dinners and other acts of affection. For those who may be away from their children, they will have to be content with a phone call or a card in the mail. But, no matter how admirable this day has become for us in today’s society, honoring one’s mother should not be reduced to a one day activity, because mothers provide the foundation upon which we build our lives.
God gives every created human being a mother here on earth because He loves us. And even after our earthy mother precede us to Heaven, we still have our eternal mother (the Virgin Mary) who always keeps us in the shelter of her wings.
The Bible, and especially Proverbs 6:20-23, advises us in this way, “My child, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light and correction and instruction are the way to life.” An old Arab proverb says that “Heaven bows before a mother’s feet. The Book of Proverbs 31:1 also states, “Who can find a virtuous mother, she is more precious than jewels.” As Henry Ward Beecher stated, “The mother’s heart is the child’s first school room.”
Our image of mothers in the Holy Church is the Virgin Mary. John of Damascus describes her calling to motherhood, “O Mother of God! If I place my confidence in thee, I shall be saved; if I am under thy protection, I have nothing to fear; for the fact of being thy client is a possession of a certainty of salvation which God grants only to those whom He intends to save.”
On the Mother’s Day, we salute all mothers and those who are in heaven, we ask for their intercession. For those still on earth, we pray that God gives them a long and healthy life. If your mother has blessed you much, thank her.
May God bless you all!
+Father Sasa Turkic
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Special Event
Smyrna, Destruction of a Cosmopolitan City will be shown after Coffee Hour on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Join us for Lunch and this Special Event.
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Bible Study
The Bible Study at the St. Athanasios Church will be held on Sunday May 12th and Sunday May 19th (from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.). There, we will learn about the Orthodox Tradition on the Bible. The classes are designed to introduce the basic teachings of Orthodox Christianity through the Church Fathers using the Church Lectionary and History, which has its roots in Apostolic times.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Fr. Sasa at (251) 233-3128.
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Holy Confession
The sacrament of Holy Confession has always been a central part of an Orthodox Christian’s spiritual journey during our pilgrimage with the Lord in life. Orthodox Christians interested in participating in this Holy Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation can meet with me by appointment. Please call me at 251-233-3128.
Additional information can be found about Holy Confession and the other sacraments of our Church on our web site at http://www.stathanasios.al.goarch.org/ourfaith/sacraments
+Fr Sasa Turkic
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