Intelligent Design (8-5-2018)

   If your car breaks down, where do you take it? Most people take it to a mechanic in the local repair shop or at the service center of an automobile dealership. The mechanic has received basic training in automobile design, the diagnosis of problems and how to repair them. Every year, automobile companies produce new vehicles or at least newer versions with newer, more improved components and features. The manufacturer also produces two manuals: an operator’s manual for the consumer, and a repair manual for service technicians. These manuals are written by the engineers who designed each vehicle. A little over a year ago, my car would not start. The local mechanics couldn’t figure out the cause of the problem. Eventually, they had to call engineers at corporate to consult and determine a solution. In other words, they went to the creators of the vehicle for expert advice.

   Going to the expert is what happened in today’s Gospel reading from the Tenth Sunday of Matthew (17:14-23). A man, whose son suffered from epilepsy (v.15), had brought him to the disciples but they could not cure him (v.16). Not satisfied, the father approached Jesus and asked help (v.14). Jesus cured the boy of epilepsy (v.18). Understandably, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cure the boy (v.19).

   How many times did we hear in the Gospels similar stories of the sick, lame and blind seeking a cure, unable to find it, and finally approaching Jesus, who then heals them? Of course, we hear this pattern repeated over and over. We often focus on Jesus’ miraculous divine power to fix the ailments that plague humanity. However, we do not often think about the other main reason Jesus has this remarkable ability to fix things. And that is Jesus is the chief engineer and designer who created us and manufactured us. He made us, He knows better than anyone else how we work. The disciples were like well-trained mechanics but none of them were the chief architect of humanity—only Christ was.

   We take for granted the fact that God is our Creator because it’s so embedded in our culture and Orthodox anthropology—what we believe about humanity and human nature. We call the world ‘Creation’, we call animal life ‘creatures.’ Both imply a ‘Creator.’ We know from the Book of Genesis that God the Holy Trinity created us humans in His image and likeness (Gen.1:26). In the Prologue of John’s Gospel, which we read at the Liturgy of Holy Pascha, we hear:

   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was in the beginning with God. ³All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1-3)

   David the Prophet and King wrote in the Book of Psalms (139:13-15):

For You formed my inward parts;You covered me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴I will praise You, forI am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. ¹⁵ Myframe was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

   We even confess in our Nicene-Constantinipolitan Creed that ‘all things were made’ through Jesus Christ our Lord and that the Holy Spirit is ‘the Creator of life.’

   Some of us may be aware that others do not share our belief in the existence of God, nor in the divine authorship of creation. Some identify as atheists, others as agnostics. Some identify as theists and even Christians but in reality their true belief is in pure materialism—that nothing exists other than physical world—there is no such thing as a spiritual, non-material existence. Perhaps you know or have encountered someone who holds these beliefs. Perhaps you’ve even talked to them about the existence of God and the origin of the world along with plant and animal life. This dialogue might be difficult for us Christians because we want to quote Scripture and Church teachings to witness our belief. However, atheists and pure-materialists don’t share these texts and institutions as authoritative. They like to quote research from scientists including evolutionary biologists, geologists, and astronomers.

   But what if I told you there is a way to look at physical world and find evidence in it for a divine Creator? For about the last twenty years, a movement has arisen that has done exactly that, and its theory is commonly known as “Intelligent Design” aka “ID.” The proponents of ID closely examined the tenets of Darwinism and found them lacking. Darwinism is named after Charles Darwin, a 19^th century biologist who is considered the founder of evolutionary theory, which asserts that all biological life descended from a common simple ancestor. Over millions of years, present day species of plants and animals developed through evolutionary processes in which adaptive life-forms flourished, while maladaptive forms eventually died and became extinct. This evolutionary process is sometimes called “survival of the fittest.”

   What did the intelligent design researchers find when examining Darwin’s theories in light of modern biology and geology? They found that single cell organisms are highly complex, so much so, that blind or random evolutionary processes cannot account for them. The mathematical probability of a single cell organism emerging from inert matter is less than if a tornado blew threw a factory full of parts and the result was fully built, fully functioning Boeing 747 jet airliner plane. Another analogy for this is to admit that the waves of the sea crashing on a sandy beach do not create a sand castle. The researchers also found that the complexity of these single cell organisms was irreducible. In other words, if one component of their subatomic system was removed, the whole cell collapses and dies. That means that each component is significantly important to whole system. The researchers also found that while evidence of micro evolution exists in the fossil record, there is no evidence of macro evolution. What’s the difference? Micro evolution can cause changes within species over millions of years. Macro evolution asserts that one species can change into another over millions of years. The researchers also found that most animal life on earth did not slowly develop over the last six billion years. Rather, of the 36 total phyla, or kinds of animals, 26 are represented in the fossil record. Of those 26, fully 20 of them suddenly appeared during the Cambrian period about 541 million years ago—not a slow evolutionary process. All of these findings point to the existence of an intelligent agent or designer.

   Theorists and researchers are finding further evidence of intelligent design in humanity itself. The international scientific research project called the ‘Human Genome Project’ began back in 1990 with the purpose to determine the sequence of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) in humans. It was only possible after the development of supercomputers and it took a full thirteen years to complete. Why? Because the human genome contains 3.3 billion base pairs of DNA. This is another example of complexity. Could this be a result of completely random processes?

   If anyone doubts the credibility of intelligent design theory, one only need to look at the reactive furor of many professors in academia who will not engage ID theorists on a substantive level, but rather refuse to debate them and even seek to have them fired from university jobs. Me thinks they do protest too much. What are they afraid of—that the whole edifice of pure materialism could come crashing down? They even twisted the human genome findings to say that human DNA is more similar than different to frog DNA. The assumption was that a majority of human genome was made of junk DNA. However, the recent research has disproved that, demonstrating that a great majority of the DNA sequences do have specific and important purposes—another example of irreducible complexity.

   As we draw to a close today, let us consider the summer weather again and the numerous and beautiful lakes of our great state of Minnesota. Thousands of people enjoy this water on boats and jet skis with propeller engines. Who designed the propeller? Evinrude, Johnson, Mercury? No, actually God designed the propeller engine. If you look at tiny bacteria, most of them have a flagellum which is a micro-molecular rotary-engine that functions as an outboard motor to propel them through liquid mediums to find food and a hospitable living environment. There is a lot more to be said about intelligent design than we can cover here but I encourage you to do your own reading and research. In it you will find evidence for what Jews and Christians have known for centuries as written by David the King: The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmamentshows His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1). Amen!

Psalm 103/104 is known as the Psalm of Creation because it’s all about the physical and animal world in relationship with God.

The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their food from God. (Ps.104:21)

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

 Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter

1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, (651) 222-6220, www.stgeorgegoc.org

August 12, 2018                                                                                    11^th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

TODAY’S EVENTS: Greek Dance practice 6:30pm.

Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati                        Prosfora: anonymous

Fellowship: coffee & juice served                        Head Greeters: Alexis Bighley & Andrea Walkush

Monday       08-13     PARAKLESIS                                                                                                     7:00PM

Tuesday      08-14     VESPERS- DORMITION OF THEOTOKOS at St. Mary’s GOC                                  6:00PM

Wednesday 08-15     ORTHROS (8:00am) &DIVINE LITURGY- DORMITION OF THEOTOKOS                 9:00AM

                                      Festival baking – volunteers needed                                                            11:00AM

Thursday     08-16     FOCUS MN Fundraiser at St. Mary’s GOC in Minneapolis                                     6:30PM

                                      AHEPA meeting                                                                                              7:00PM

Saturday     08-18     Greek Festival through Sunday, August 19                                                       11:00AM

Sunday        08-19     ORTHROS (8:15am) &DIVINE LITURGY- 12^th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW                   9:30AM

                                      Greek Festival                                                                                                            11:00AM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sealed with the Holy Spirit: On August 5 through the Mystery of Chrismation, Katherine Cabieses with her children: Patricia, Jose and Sabrina, were received into the Orthodox Church! Congrats to them and their sponsors: Diane Anastos, Lisa Jordan, Milam Paraschou and Maria Paraschou.

Dormition Feast: after fasting the last two weeks, theFeast of the Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary is upon us. Please support our sister community of St. Mary Greek by attending their parish feast day Vespers this Tuesday evening August 14^th at 6pm followed by a reception. We will have Orthros and Divine Liturgy here at St. George on Wednesday morning August 15^th. Let our souls magnify the Lord and our spirits rejoice in God.

Think About It: We cannot be saved if we love the pleasures of the world.   Elder Paisius of Sihla (+1990)

Greek Festival News- Tickets: Purchase 10 one-dollar tickets for $10 in the social hall after liturgy, in the church office or online at www.stgeorgegoc.org/greekfestival/. Buy your tickets in advance and invite friends and neighbors to our festival. Volunteer: sign up for one or more shifts in the social hall or at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ca5ad2babff2-2018. Festival Lawn Signs: are going quickly! Please bring in your signs or talk to George Mastrogiorgis about updating! Baking Volunteer Opportunity: Join in making Greek sweets and pastries on Wednesday August 15. Contact Nanette, Irene or Anastasia for details.

Annual FOCUS Fundraiser: Thursday, August 16, from 6:30-9:30pm at St. Mary’s GOC in Minneapolis. Appetizer buffet and dancing; free to all, but please RSVP to focustwincities@gmail.com. See insert. Donations on Hold: Focus MN is no longer accepting used clothes and supplies until they find a new physical location. Please do not bring donations to St. George until further notice. Thank you.

Attica Fires Relief: The Archdiocese has established a fund to provide relief to the victims of the devasting wildfires in Greece, near Athens. Over 80 people perished, hundreds injured and probably thousands left without homes. Metropolitan Nathanael is encouraging prayers and material support for the victims. Please be generous. Checks can be made to St. George Church, memo “Attica Fires Relief.”

Metropolitan Nathanael in Twin Cities: on Wednesday September 12^th as part of his listening tour throughout the Metropolis of Chicago. Our parish will host the event 6-9pm. Plan to be here that evening! More info tba.

Labor Day Weekend Family Retreat: Join other Orthodox families at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Wisconsin, August 31-Sept 2, 2018. Dr. Philip Mamalakis will speak on “The Vocation of Parenthood”. See post in social hall or visit https://sites.google.com/view/chicagofamilysynaxis. Register by Aug 22.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers: Every believer must have a spiritual father, be guided by his advice and be helped through the Mystery of Repentance and Confession. This is the only way for one to live an Orthodox Christian life and be certain that he or she is on the right path.                   St. Paisios the Athonite (+1994)

75th Anniversary Album: is in the final stages, editing and reviewing the digital quality of the photos to ensure the highest print quality. Much progress has been made over the past few months. Thank you for your patience.

2019 Pilgrimage to Russia: Icon Art Studios is hosting another pilgrimage to Russia in the early or late summer of 2019. Preliminary information is currently available. Please contact Deb Korluka if you would like to receive information regarding the upcoming plans. Thank you!

John Pitsavas Memorial Scholarship: eligible high school seniors and college students are invited to apply for the 2018-2019 academic year by submitting an essay discussing the topic: “All Things are Possible to the One Who Believes in Christ (Mark 9:23); discuss how this verse relates to your own life as an Orthodox Christian student.” Deadline is September 15, 2018. Applications and guidelines available in the social hall or office.

Church Fathers Speak: One who does not have a spiritual father as an advisor on his/her spiritual journey will get confused, weary, delayed, and will find it hard to reach the destination of salvation. No matter how wise he/she may be, if seeking solutions on one’s own, will remain in darkness for this is the way of self-reliance and pride. But one who is humble goes to his/her spiritual father and asks his opinion and guidance and is greatly helped. God will certainly enlighten the spiritual father to provide the right answer.           St. Paisios the Athonite (+1994)

Lexington Parkway Construction Alert: Resurfacing project on Lexington Parkway between James and University Avenues will cause major traffic disruptions and road closures, for six weeks beginning mid-July.

Summer Cash Flow: please continue to make stewardship contributions throughout the summer so that we don’t have to use our savings to pay our bills. Please don’t wait until the end of the year to fulfill your pledge.

Patristic Wisdom: To be a Christian is to affirm God as Creator of the universe; and when a Christian looks at the beauty and glory of what God has made, praise and thanksgiving pour from his lips.              St. John Chrysostom (+407)

St. Paul Classic Parking Ban: on Sunday, September 9, 2018 until 1:00pm. No parking allowed on north side of Summit Ave due to the Bike Tour; cars parked in posted no parking zones will be tagged and towed.

Prothesis Table Project Complete: with the installation of the new Extreme Humility icon in the new niche above the new antiprothesis cabinet (aka skeuvophylakion), in addition to the new cabinet for the prothesis (table of preparation). Look for photos in August Glad Tidings. Thanks to Anastasia Mastrogiorgis for the design work. This is a tremendously beautiful and practical addition to our sanctuary.

Metropolis Clergy Laity: the Twin Cities has been chosen to host the next Metropolis Clergy Laity September 25-29, 2019. The St. George and St. Mary Church communities will co-host. Stay tuned for more details!

New Map Available: "Orthodox Bishops and Parishes in the United States"  showing: a) locations, names and jurisdictions of all active Orthodox bishops in the United States and b) the total number of Orthodox parishes in each US county. The map is in PDF format and can be downloaded here.

Videos Updated: check our parish YouTube channel to see videos for 2018 Lenten lectures and Lenten retreat. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmLF0t0U6p0ZEBTuGwqFLoQ . Other videos include 75th Anniversary, Introduction to Orthodox Christianity, Holy Land pilgrimage, and previous lectures and retreats.

Photos Updated! On parish website www.stgeorgegoc.shutterfly.com.

Sermons Updated: and posted on our website through May 31, 2018. More to come, including children’s sermons in 2018. http://stgeorgegoc.org/pastors-corner/fr-ricks-sermons/

Welcome Visitors Thank you for joining with us in prayer and fellowship. The worship of the Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in and very similar to that of the early Christian Church. Unique sensory stimuli and mystery are elements that go back even to the liturgy of the Jewish temple. Everything in an Orthodox Christian church communicates the majestic presence of God the Holy Trinity with His Saints. It is literally heaven on earth. It is a sad consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Visitors are invited to receive the blessed bread (antithoron) at the conclusion of the liturgy. We pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all Christians. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, please contact Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org. We are proud of our Greek heritage, but one does not have to be of Greek descent, nor speak Greek to be a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Note to Orthodox about Holy Communion: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most Holy experiences for a Christian in order to be granted the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. We are never worthy to partake of Divine Nature. Yet, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for this sacred Communion by constant prayer, reading the Scriptures, regular fasting and periodic Confession. At a minimum, we should fast all morning before Communion, arrive at the beginning of Liturgy, and come for Confession at least once a year. In addition, we should not have separated ourselves from the Church through serious sin. Otherwise, please refrain from Communion to avoid “judgment…not discerning the Lord’s body” (1Cor. 11:29). Contact Fr. Rick for pastoral guidance.

Glad Tidings deadline: The 10th of each month. Glad Tidings email: gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org  Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday Noon each week.  Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org