The Orthodox Church is preparing for the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15), the Summer Pascha, by observing the Dormition Fast which began August 1. During this time, at the end of each day of fasting, we turn together towards the Virgin in the supplications of the two comforting services: the Small Paraklesis and the Great Paraklesis - which we alternate according to the Typicon of the Church. This is a time to pray for those in need, for the sick, for the captives and for the enstranged. It is also a time to cultivate the relationship with our Mother, the Theotokos, and to return to her open arms. See the schedule of services for their time.

Always celebrated during the Dormition Fast, the Holy Transfiguration (August 6) is one of the most important feasts of the Savior and of our Church. Our celebration will take place with Vespers, Matins and Liturgy on the eve of the feast, Monday evening, from 6 pm in Saint Nektarios Chapel.

The Dormition of the Theotokos is also called the Summer Pascha and its celebration is patterned in many ways after the Holy Week and Pascha. No picnic this time, just a more simple festal potluck dinner:

We will assemble together to honor our mother, the Theotokos, her Dormition and Resurrection on the eve of the feast. We will be ending the two-week fasting period with Vespers, Matins and Liturgy from 6pm on Wednesday, August 14. Then, we will break the fast and we will feast together at the potluck dinner. Please see Corkey for questions or for more involved participation in setting it up.

The Catechism/ Orthodoxy 101 Class will meet on Sunday, July 28 for the lecture/ presentation under #5 of the curriculum, The Scriptures (II): Bible and Holy Tradition. The newly revised curriculum including audio resources can be found at our web site under Adult Education.

Our visitors and newcomers are encouraged to attend and participate. The class is also offered as RECATECHISM to all for their own benefit, for connecting with our visitors and catechumens and for strengthening our community. No asked questions are silly. Come, ask, learn, change and be transformed!

With great joy we learn of Kevin Wheeler's promotion to Major on the day of Transfiguration, in the evening. The event will be on the NPS premises which require a permit to enter. Please let Kevin know if you will be attending so he can take care of it.

We are blessed to be part of this event, especially that Kevin and his family will be moving on to his new assignment this December. So, let us offer our support to him and gratitude to God for the Wheelers' presence in our lives. May the Lord bless Kevin's beautiful family and his work serving our country.

Promotional Ceremony
Tuesday, August 6 - 5:00 pm
1 University Circle
Monterey, Ca 93940
RSVP to 978-491-7986 by Aug 3

If you are able to make it, please let Kevin know by 3 August (via e-mail, phone/text, or on Facebook) so he can let the Trident Room know how many to expect. 

The Sunday School class will meet this Sunday after the Divine Liturgy and lunch, older kids only. The preschool will not have a class on Sunday.

The next Book Forum begins with the reading and discussion of the very popular book The Way of the Pilgrim. The book can be found at our bookstore or online here. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 7, from 11 a.m. in Saint Nektarios Chapel. Please prepare again chapters 1 and 2.

This classic of world spiritual literature is the firsthand account of a pilgrim's journey as he endeavors to live out Saint Paul's instruction to "pray without ceasing." The narrator, an unnamed nineteenth-century peasant, sets out on his pilgrimage with nothing but a Bible, a rosary, and some dried bread. As he walks, he recites the Jesus prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me")—a prayer that is said to quiet anxiety and fill the heart with love for all creation. With this prayer constantly on his lips, the pilgrim undergoes a profound spiritual education.

The Congregational Chanting Workshop will meet on Wednesday, August 7, from 10 am (before the Book Forum). Open to all.

The final week is set up for cooking:

August 27 & 29 (Tue & Thur) - Apricot Baklava - usually the last week before the festival.

Those who wish to volunteer, or have any questions about donating ingredients, please call Voula Saites at 831-384-3893.

Cooking begins at 9:30am except on Tuesday at 10am, after the Liturgy, at the Salinas Church on 326 Park St. If you are not able to make it during the day, your help in the evening prepping and cleaning up for the next day would be a great help.

The I-Help ministry will meet and serve two times during the month of August to host the homeless ladies (Tuesday, August 6) and the men (Monday, August 12, backing up ASC). The online signup sheet was sent to you via email. These are great opportunities to work together and to build up our community through service. Sign up HERE for items needed. 

As you know summer finds the board in summer session, meaning we don’t meet regularly.  However we are always available if the need arises, if you find yourself or someone else in need of Philoptochos please contact any board member or reply to this email:  alex@alexandramouzas.com.

Announcements:

Philoptochos will be selling their Tsourekia (traditional Feast sweet bread) during the church festival.  As you know they’re very popular, if you would like to place multiple orders, please reply to this email.

Please put Saturday, October 19^th on your calendar for the annual Fall General Meeting.  This year as the Saint John the Baptist community continues to grow we shall “Celebrate the Cultures of Saint John the Baptist”.  We invite each of you to wear a native costume, share a native dish, and if you have music from your country please bring it with you…we’d love to learn a dance.  Celebrating our Fabric of Cultures, Saturday October 19^th.  More details to follow.

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

August 4

Parish Council member: Brian Balcom
Greeter: Christina Pressas
Fellowship: Gold Team – Every 1st Sunday each month

August 11

Parish Council member: Kevin Wheeler
Greeter: Corkey Balcom
Fellowship: Pink Team – Every 2nd Sunday each month

To reiterate Father Ion’s message, our focus on the Greek Festival is NOT to profit monetarily, but to bring more people to Christ. How better than through your actions and encouragement, modeling Christ.

Please consider carefully how you can help with this year’s Monterey Greek Festival. There is plenty of opportunities to help. Set up begins early on Friday with marking the booths, and laying down tarps. In the afternoon, tables and chairs are set up, vendors arrive and booths must be stocked.

Throughout the festival, volunteers from all around us join in working at the booths, or behind the scene with baking, cleaning, fetching. It is an exciting hustle and bustle. And as the festival concludes on Monday, the cleanup begins, with boxing, packing, sweeping, until there is no trace of the festival at all when the sun sets.

Whew! It’s a job alright, but a job made lighter with many hands. So please consider when and where you have time to help. You can sign up, or show up and ask where you can fill in. Make new friends while you are at it.

And spread the word! Invite everyone you encounter to visit us at the festival on Custom House Plaza!

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.

Adult Resort Camp is at St. Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, from Monday to Friday, September 16-20th.  Lodging and meals is included in the cost. For reservations call 559-338-2103 or for more information, call Fr. Jim Pappas at 559-233-0397.