Announcements for March 28, 2021
Today we are collecting donations to give to the IOCC, to help them put in a well in some community that needs one. In this way we can help serve the thirsty. After our recent water shortage, we can identify with those who need clean water! Each week during lent, we will be trying to help in the ways Jesus taught us in Matthew 25:31-46. The six categories he gave us are Hungry, Thirsty, Stranger, Naked, Sick, and in Prison. This week, we're helping the thirsty.
Note:If you're not familiar with the IOCC, check out their website, which is iocc.org. The initials stand for International Orthodox Christian Charities, and this worthy organization has earned recognition for being efficient, effective and very credible among those they serve, by greatnonprofits.org, charitynavigator.org, and other charity-review organizations.
Today is also St. Gregory Palamas Sunday, which is always the second Sunday of Lent.
- Next week is Sunday of the Holy Cross, so be sure to wear or bring a cross to church that day. Also bring sprigs of basil if you have them, to help decorate the processional cross.
It's a busy church week, because don't forget to come on Wednesday for Presanctified Liturgy, and Friday too for the third Akathist service (#3 of 5). They both start at 6pm, just like most other evening services do here.
Important note: If you plan to receive communion on Pascha, you should make a confession during the Lenten period. Please contact Fr. Mark to arrange an appointment.
Calendar:
- The complete calendar of our Journey to Pascha is now posted on the "Calendar" page on the parish website.
- Next Sunday, a 40-day memorial will be held for Liliia Zharova, mother of Yana Crusberg, following Liturgy on Sunday, April 4.
- For our Roman Catholic and Protestant friends, their Good Friday is 4/2 and their Easter is 4/4. Remember to wish them blessed days!
- Pascha is Sunday, May 2.
- Plan to attend Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday, April 24, at 9am. Palm Sunday is the following day, April 25, which is also St. Mark's day.
- See the website's "Calendar" page for the complete Holy Week Schedule.
Special Occasions This Week
- Birthdays: none this week
- Anniversaries: none this week
- Namedays: Gregory Lichtenstein (named after St. Gregory Palamas)
- Memorials: none this week
Saints for the Week: We have many saints with interesting write-ups in this week's bulletin. Be sure to check out the rest of this bulletin, online on the church's website, OrthodoxSanAngelo.org.
Other Announcements:
- Sermon themes: Drawing inspiration from St. Gregory Palamas and also, in the Gospel Reading, we see how the paralytic has 4 friends who make sure to open the roof and put their friend in front of Jesus. If you are feeling a little (or a lot) spiritual paralyzed, let the services of Great Lent be your "friends" and bring you to Jesus for healing.
- We need more chanters and readers. If you are interested in chanting or reading for the Church — or in learning how — please see Fr. Mark.
- Calling all bakers! We need more people to bake prosforo, which is the fresh altar bread. Taking time to knead and bake it while praying is a special act that you can do for God, a gift you can make for Him. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive. Please contact Fr. Mark if you'd like to get the recipe or learn how to make it. Also, if you need a seal, Fr. Mark has one to loan to a prospective baker until they can purchase their own.
- Send your prayer requests to Fr. Mark.
- Reminder: Whenever we cannot attend church services, we should still find a way to worship God. You can pray these Morning Prayers during that time. The morning prayers are also good way to start every day. Here are some Evening Prayers for you too. "A day hemmed in prayer rarely comes unravelled."
** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **