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Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-11-04
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Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 408.605.0621
  • Street Address:

  • 9th and Lincoln

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Mailing Address:

  • PO Box 5808 Carmel by the Sea

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921


Contact Information




Services Schedule

 

Weekend services: the weekend schedule is fixed for most of the year. The services take place in Carmel-by-the-Sea, at All Saints Church, lower level, 9th and Lincoln.

Saturdays: 5:00pm Vespers

Sundays:   8:30am Matins

                   9:30am Liturgy

Week-day services: during the week we may celebrate the major feast days of the Church either in Carmel or in Salinas. Please check the calendar! The schedule pattern is:

Wednesdays:  6:00pm Paraklesis

Eve of feasts: 6:00pm Vespers

Feast days:    8:30am Matins

                       9:30am Liturgy


Past Bulletins


Schedule of Services

Saturday, November 3
    5:00pm  Vespers
Sunday, November 4
    8:30am  Orthros (Matins)
    9:30am  Liturgy
    12:00pm  Sunday School and Orthodoxy 301: ORTHODOX SPIRITUALITY
Tuesday, November 6
    12:00pm  The 6th Hour Service
    1:00pm  Book Discussion: "The Struggle for Virtue"
Wednesday, November 7
    6:00pm  Vespers + Orthros + Liturgy
Thursday, November 8   Synaxis of the Archangels
    6:00pm  Vespers - CANCELLED
Friday, November 9   Saint Nektarios
    8:30am Orthros + Liturgy + Blessing of the 5 Loaves (Artoklasia)

Saturday, November 10   Saint Arsenios of Cappadochia
    5:00pm  Vespers
    6:00pm  Stewardship Appreciation Dinner
Sunday, November 11   Saints Victor, Menas and Stephanie
    8:30am  Orthros (Matins)
    9:30am  Liturgy
    12:00pm  Sunday School and Orthodoxy 301: ORTHODOX SPIRITUALITY
Monday, November 12
    6:00pm  Vespers
    7:00pm  Young Adult Group
Tuesday, November 13   Saint John Chrysostom
    8:30am  Orthros + Liturgy
    11:00am  Congregational Chanting
    11:30am  Book Discussion: "The Struggle for Virtue"
Wednesday, November 14   Saint Philip the Apostle
    6:00pm  Paraklesis
    7:00pm  Dinner, Lecture and Discussion Time
Thursday, November 15    Nativity Fast Begins
    6:00pm  Vespers + Orthros + Liturgy
Friday, November 16   Saint Matthew the Apostle
Saturday, November 17

    5:00pm  Vespers
Sunday, November 18   Saint Catherine /  Parish Assembly /  PC Elections
    8:30am  Orthros (Matins)
    9:30am  Liturgy
    12:00pm    Sunday School and Orthodoxy 301: ORTHODOX SPIRITUALITY

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Community Calendar

November 10 - Stewardship Appreciation Dinner
November 11 - Celebration of our Veterans
November 17 - ASC Arts and Crafts Fair
November 16, 17 - Philoptochos Bake Sale at Star Market
November 18 - Philoptochos Bake Sale at Saint John's
November 18 - Parish Assembly and Parish Council Elections
November 30 - Angel Tree Decorating Family Night
December 2 - Philoptochos Advent Luncheon
December 15, 16 - Philoptochos Bake Sale
December 16 - Saint John's Christmas Concert
December 24 - Carols and Christmas Festal Dinner (potluck to break the fast after late liturgy)
December 30 - Lunch with ASC
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Prayer Requests

Please remember in your prayers the following who are in need.

"Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on your servant (first name)."

Martha Dakis, Sophie Britton, Sheila Doyle-Rickenbacker, Christina and newborn baby Eleanor, Maria Kastros-Taubman, Tiffany Yant, Helen Saites, Sophie Britton, Jeanny Elliott, Nina and George Kadiev and their daughter Annie, Christina Pressas, Gus Moutos, Jonah and his parents Nick, Sarah and Jonah Ledo and Father Mark Vinas.

Father Ion is available for home visits. Please call him directly at 408.605.0621 if you would like to schedule one.

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News & Events

FEEL AND FILL THE GAP UPDATE

So many thank you’s to everyone responding to our Fill-the-Gap campaign to meet our 2018 Stewardship budget of $130,000. It is so difficult to know if we will meet our budget at the beginning of the year when Stewardship cards are being completed. But here we are in the final months of the year and we now have 7 new stewards who have joined us, bringing our total to 78 families!! God bless them! And we are within 6% of meeting our Budget Goal. We, together, have halved the gap we had last week. We still need to raise another $7,898 to close that gap entirely. What progress we’ve made. Thank you to all who are opening their hearts to help Saint John’s efforts.

We encourage you to reassess the many ministries now being offered and participate in all the very rewarding encounters we have with each other and with our God.  Consider the many blessing God has granted us, with thanksgiving, let us fill the gap!  Complete a “Fill the Gap” card or stewardship card. Or simply make a contribution and it will be counted toward stewardship. Feel the gap? Then let us fill it!


STEWARDSHIP APPRECIATION DINNER

 

We are pleased to announce this year’s Stewardship Appreciation Dinner Honoree
Euthimios Saites
In addition, we take this opportunity to recognize
and thank for their faithful service
Daniel Vanderhoof
Jamie Wojtal
Alexie Coman

We are blessed to have fine people such as these in our church community.

Please join us!

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH - Invites you to our annual

Stewardship Appreciation Dinner

Please join us for a Blue Jeans Barn Party hosted by the Parish Council

 Saturday, November 10, 2018

Doors open at 6 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm, Children welcome

Admission Ticket is Your 2019 Stewardship pledge card

 Located at Saint John the Baptist Church, Seccombe Hall, Dolores and Ninth, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Dress Blue Jeans or Denim wear for indoor or outdoor (weather permitting)

RSVP to Mary 831-277-2078 or tasktrak@hotmail.com by November 6th


CONGREGATIONAL CHANTING PRACTICE - NEW SATURDAY SCHEDULE

"Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting." (Psa 147:1 NRS) We encourage congregational chanting at our services. In an effort to make it more accessible, we are beginning to introduce new music to our services following the new Divine Liturgy Hymnal book. This will be a gradual transition for which we will prepare with practice sessions on Tuesdays (11:30am, before noon prayer and Book Forum) and on Saturdays (5:45pm, AFTER Vespers) starting October 27. Always check the schedule online. Music and audio recordings for private practicing can be found at our web site http://stjohn-monterey.org/about-us/chanting-at-saint-johns Join the choir and sing praises to our God!


NEW: GIVE HIM FIVE!

This Sunday we continue our series of five-minute presentations to take place right after the Liturgy: Give Him Five! brought to us by the Stewardship Ministry, they are part of the FILL the GAP! campaign, pointing to the foundation of our life as stewards of God's creation and Church. The topics are as follows:

1. Prayers 

2. Alms giving- 11/04, this Sunday

3. Fasting - 11/11

4. Church attendance - 11/18

5. Mysteries - 11/25

So, give to the Lord through these five ways and receive from Him in many more and much more!


SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday School classes will be in session this Sunday after the fellowship time. The children should follow their instructors to class - Presbytera Ana and Carrie (preschool) and Jacob and Daniel (primary and secondary grades).


ORTHODOXY 301 LECTURES

Orthodoxy 301 is a new class to complement our regular catechism training. It is structured as a short lecture given by various people from our community followed by discussion. The topic of Orthodox Spirituality has become more relevant in a world where many consider themselves "spiritual but not religious", finding refuge away from the Church. Open to all. Will use material from "Orthodox Spirituality - a Brief Introduction" by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos. The book is available at our bookstore. The class will meet at noon every Sunday in Saint Nektarios Chapel.

Remaining Lectures on Orthodox Spirituality

5. Praxis and Theoria (11/4 by Jamie)
6. Sacraments and Asceticism (11/11)
7. Neptic and Social Theology (11/25)
8. Monasticism and Married Life (12/2)

THE STRUGGLE FOR VIRTUE - BOOK FORUM - NEW SCHEDULE!

We will be finishing "The Struggle for Virtue: Asceticism in a Modern Secular Society" book by Archbishop Averky (Taushev).  Our next Forum will be on Tuesday, November 6 from 12:30pm, after the 6th Hour service (12 noon). Even if you haven't read the chapters, you are welcome to join in the discussion. Bring your own lunch and join us! Prepare the last three Chapters: 10, 11 and 12.


NEW: TUESDAY FORUM TO BEGIN NEW BOOK

The Tuesday Book Forum will meet this week to finish the second book we read and discussed together (The Struggle for Virtue). Then we will have a week off. On Tuesday, November 20, we will begin and end the third book which is very short: Pascha Transforms Wolfman Tom - The True Story of a Repetant Murderer. Check the bookstore or see Athanasios for your own copy. The book is NOT available on Amazon.com. Chanting class from 11:30am, 6th Hour Service from 12 noon, Book Forum from 12:30pm. Bring your own lunch.


NEW: CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2018

With the enthusiasm of the beautiful concert from the last Advent season, we will be holding the second Annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 16 from 5pm. For details, please see Nick Fettis.


FALL PARISH ASSEMBLY

Our Fall Parish Assembly Meeting scheduled for Sunday, November 18, following Divine Liturgy.  We encourage you to attend this important meeting of all parishioners to learn all the news. You won't want to miss it! Elections for Parish Council members will be held at this time as well. 


PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Elections for Parish Council will be held Sunday, November 18. If you’re are interested in becoming a member of the Parish Council, please contact Father Ion to complete a candidate application. Qualifications for the position include active participation in the liturgical life of the church and the desire to serve in this ministry for a term of two (2) year’s, beginning in January 2019, you are a parishioner in good standing as stated in Article 18 of the 2007 Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and that your parish stewardship commitment is current. You will need to attend the Pre-Election Seminar on Tuesday, November 13 (pizza provided) in Saint John's Room, Carmel, prior to the elections, and if elected, will take the Affirmation of Office as stated in Article 26 of the Regulations and that:

-  You have been Baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity.
-  You have been Chrismated into the Orthodox Christian Tradition.
-  You have had your Marriage in the Orthodox Church.
-  You participate in the Sacraments of Holy Confession and Communion.
-  You participate in the Divine Services, observe Fast Days.


YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Our high school and college students and their friends are invited to join the Young Adult Group for Monday evening activities from 6:30pm. Each month we rotate four activities, one per session: lesson, fellowship, worship and an activity/ project. We meet at people's homes and in Saint Nektarios Chapel. The theme for this coming school year is A Life of Offering. The month of November will orient us towards Offering Our Conflicts to God. Our next meeting is on Monday, November 5. Please contact Father Ion for details.


PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE

The Ladies of Philoptochos are baking delicious cookies and pastries! Perfect for your Holiday tables and gift giving. Be sure to visit us at Star Market in Salinas Friday November 16th and Saturday November 17th 10 AM until 4PM. Sunday November 18th parishioners are invited to pick up their orders after Divine Liturgy. Accepting pre orders now. Please contact Sandy Sanders 831-229-1937 or Alexandra Mouzas alex@alexandramouzas.com 619-518-2755


DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS SATURDAY NIGHT

Please remember to turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 4th.


SERVING THESE SUNDAYS

Serving this Sunday in church and at the fellowship hour following Liturgy:

November 4
   Parish Council: John Ehab
   Welcoming: Brian and Corky Balcom
   Fellowship: Team Gold – always 1st Sunday of the month.

November 11
   Parish Council: Euthimios Saites
   Welcoming: Hussam Ibrahim
   Fellowship: Team Pink – always 2nd Sunday of the month.


NEW SCHEDULE FOR SAINT NEKTARIOS FEAST CELEBRATION

November 9 is the feast of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker. Our little chapel in Carmel is dedicated to him. This would mark two years of worshiping in Saint Nektarios Chapel where almost all of our week day services have taken place. Note that the schedule has changed: Orthros, Liturgy and Artoklasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves) on Friday, November 9. There will be no Vespers. Let us thank God for His love through our protector Saint!


NOVEMBER LITURGY IN SALINAS

The Orthros and Liturgy for the Entrance of the Theotokos will take place in Salinas on November 21.


CONFESSIONS AT SAINT JOHN’S

Father Ion is available to hear confessions after services and also by appointment at other times. If you need to do confession, please contact Father Ion ahead of time.


OPEN CHURCH DURING ALL SAINTS CRAFT FAIRE

All Saints Craft Faire is Saturday, November 17 Seccombe Hall  9:00-4:00pm. Once again Saint John's will have a “booth" at the faire. This involves spending the day at our table introducing the community to our church which will have its doors open for visits and tours. Also, if you are a crafter or baker, this is a great opportunity for you. This is a very well attended event. If interested, please fill in the information required bellow and send it to Corkey.

I can work the booth on Saturday __________.

I would like to sell an approved craft and
         donate a portion to the church __________.

I can bake for the sale__________.

Name____________________________________________

Phone____________________________________________

Email____________________________________________

There will be about 40 other booths/tables. Crafts must be approved and we will have limited space. Contact: Corkey Balcom  831-998-2611, corkey819@comcast.net or Corkey Balcom on Facebook


CLEAN-UP DAYS WITH ALL SAINTS CHURCH

Our brethren from All Saints Church will gather for cleaning once a month as listed below. We were invited to participate and take care of the space that we use and offer support in other areas as needed. Let us join the effort with gratitude and joy on these following Saturdays from 10:30am: November 10 /December 8.


ORTHODOX HOMESCHOOLING CONFERENCE - DUNLAP

The Saint Emmelia West Orthodox Homeschooling Conference will be held November 8-11, 2018 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. For more information, please reference saintemmeliaconferences.com/west-conference or email stemmeliawestconference@gmail.com.


ADVENT RETREAT at SAINT NICHOLAS CHURCH

Saint Anna Philoptochos Chapter of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Invites you to an Advent Retreat  on  Saturday, November 10 , 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.  Guest Speaker  is His Eminance Metropolitan Nikitas speaking on Philanthropy and Christmas. Refreshments and Lunch will be provided. Open donation.
RSVP to Stacy Panayotopoulos at 408-295-0387 or stacypanayotopoulos@yahoo.com.


MONASTERY OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS, THE LIFE GIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER

SAVE THE DATE!! Gerontissa Markella and her Sisterhood invite you to a benefit dinner to support the Life Giving Spring Monastery on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Community Center, 1270 Davis Street, San Jose. More details to follow.


LIGHT THE PATH LUNCHEON - SUPPORT OUR SEMINARIANS!

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos joyfully invite you to attend Light the Path, a Christmas Luncheon in support of the BISHOP ANTHONY PHILOPTOCHOS STUDENT AID ENDOWMENT FUND.

Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 11am
Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross
900 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Belmont, California
$75 per person

For reservations contact Alexandra: alex@alexandramouzas.com

“The Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund started as a small seed, but with faith, nurturing and perseverance, we have been able to secure the future of our faith and culture in this Metropolis. Hundreds of students have received considerable support and are now serving the Greek Orthodox Church as priests, educators, pastoral assistants and youth directors. Since its inception, the Metropolis Philoptochos has been the guardian angel of this important effort. Your support of this event will help them to further expand their efforts and will create a lasting legacy for our future.” His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos


YOUNG ADULT WINTER RETREAT

SAVE THE DATE for the 14th Annual Metropolis Young Adult Winter Retreat in Lake Tahoe, January 18-21, 2019!    Join us for this beautiful retreat, located on a private beach on the shore of Lake Tahoe with spectacular views, incredible food, and awesome accommodations! Not to mention, we have a weekend packed full of fun, faith, and fellowship with Orthodox young adults from all over the West Coast! This retreat will sell out with a max capacity of 60, so make sure to register beginning November 1, 2018!

DATE: January 18-21, 2019
LOCATION: Galilee Episcopal Camp & Retreat Center, South Lake Tahoe
ARRIVAL TIME: Friday beginning at 5:30pm
DEPARTURE TIME: Monday 9:30am
SPEAKER/THEME: Coming soon!
AGES: 18-30's
ONLINE REGISTRATION Opens: November 1, 2018 at www.gosfyouth.org
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1943883609026865/
RETREAT VIDEO from 2016: https://vimeo.com/153430756

COST: $260 includes 3 nights lodging (Fri, Sat, and Sun) and all meals except lunch Saturday & Sunday since we will be out exploring Lake Tahoe both afternoons. Price does not include lift ticket.


PILGRIMAGE TO ST. ANTHONY'S MONASTERY - ARIZONA

A Pilgrimage to St. Anthony’s Monastery in Florence, AZ is scheduled for the weekend of December 8 – 10.  Visit the grounds, see the churches and chapels or you could have confession with Elder Paisios or one of the other priestmonks, upon request. If you are interested, please call Despina Anagnosotu at 520-457-0000, who will be making accommodations to/from the airport/monastery along with reserving rooms at the monastery for all the pilgrims.  Flights are reserved by each individual but you may contact Despina to obtain the specific flights.


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Assembly of Bishops News

Statement on the Recent Attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA

10/31/2018

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America expresses its deep sympathies as we mourn the loss of innocent lives and pray for the speedy recovery of those wounded in the recent attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Remembering the Message from our Assembly meeting just last month, we reiterate our 'denunciation of all violence, whether caused by senseless acts related to weapons and shootings or instigated by abhorrent acts of discrimination and prejudice.'
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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Mode

When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You.

Apolytikion for Joannicius the Great in the Plagal 4th Mode

With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Ioannikios, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Mode

A protection of Christians unshamable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, please reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:4-10.

Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.


Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31

The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"


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Wisdom of the Fathers

By these words it is surely shown that in his [the rich man] daily feasting he had frequently sinned by his tongue, seeing that, while burning all over, he demanded to be cooled especially in his tongue. Again, that levity of conduct follows closely upon gluttony sacred authority testifies ... For the most part also edacity leads us even to lechery, because, when the belly is distended by repletion, the stings of lust are excited.
Saint Gregory the Dialogist
The Book of Pastoral Rule, Chapter XIX, 6th century

The man who has once chosen pleasure in this life, and has not cured his inconsiderateness by repentance, places the land of the good beyond his own reach; for he has dug against himself the yawning impassable abyss of a necessity that nothing can break through.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa

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Saints and Feasts

18_lukewriting
November 04

5th Sunday of Luke


Allsaint
November 04

The Holy Hieromartyrs Nicander, Bishop of Myra, and Hermias the Presbyter

The holy Martyrs Nikandros and Hermias were ordained by the holy Apostle Titus. When they had drawn many to the Faith of Christ, they were accused to Libanius, the Count of the city of Myra, where, after suffering many torments, they were enclosed in a tomb alive, and thus surrendered their spirits into the hands of God.


Archangl
November 08

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.


Nektario
November 09

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarius was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high.

On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt.

Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world.


Arsenioscap
November 10

Holy Father Arsenius of Cappadocia


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