REFLECTION ON THE BEGINNING OF LENT AND FASTING - MESSAGE FROM FR. NEKTARIOS SENT ON FEBRUARY 20
Let us set out with joy upon the season of the Fast, and prepare ourselves for spiritual combat. Let us purify our soul and cleanse our flesh; and as fast from food, let us abstain also from every passion. Rejoicing in the virtues of the Spirit may we persevere with love, and so be counted worthy to see the solemn Passion of Christ our God, and with spiritual gladness to behold His holy Pascha!
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we have begun this week of Cheesefare and continue our preparations for the solemness of the Lenten Season, I greet you in the name of Christ our Lord. We are about to set out on a journey that will lead us into the glorious light and life of the Resurrection of Christ. We have begun this journey over the past few weeks, and this week we have approached the fast of Lent by fasting from meat. This week is meant to help us prepare our bodies for the journey by distancing ourselves from the heaviness of food and of this fallen world.
In doing so, and for all of Lent, we must keep in mind that fasting is a spiritual discipline. It is not for the sake of fasting. Fasting from food affirms that we are willing to fast from anything that engages our mind, body and soul more that we are engaged with God. Through fasting we deny ourselves the pleasure of food, we limit the time of preparation of food, and we consume only the portions that are needed for our health and nutrition so that we can focus more on prayer. And just as we fast from food, we must fast from anything that consumes our time and separates us from God.
As we prepare for our journey, we must consider how we adjust our daily lives and our time to reflect our commitment to draw closer to God. Here are a few things to consider:
- Having a set time for prayer to begin and end the day.
- Use an Orthodox prayer book to guide your prayer. If you do not have one, let me know, and I will send one to you.
- Read the selected readings from the Holy Scriptures for each day
- Attend the services offered by the Church.
- Look for opportunities to serve the needs of others.
- Limit your engagement with external influences, media and electronics and give more time to reflection and spiritual reading.
- Adjust your schedule to be less busy and more focused on prayer.
Regarding fasting, you should never jeopardize your health.
That is why it is best to discuss fasting with your priest and/or father confessor. I also recommend the following article:
This article takes a very pastoral approach to fasting recognizing that for many, fasting is a discipline that needs cultivation over time and with spiritual guidance.
As we begin this journey together, please be assured of my prayers. Also, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. Our journey has the potential for great spiritual rewards. We know where this journey will lead. We know the victory that has been accomplished by Christ. We are the people of the Resurrection! We are children of God who are called to live each day in His glorious kingdom! Let us set out with joy upon the season of the Fast!
In Christ,
Fr. Nektarios
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RESOURCES FOR INQUIRERS
If you are inquiring about the Orthodox Christian faith, please reach out to Fr. Nektarios for resources.
Our faith is focused on our worship and participation in the Church, the Body of Christ, and in cultivating our communion with God. We can provide you with a prayer book to guide you in daily prayers, as well as a book and online resources that explain the Orthodox Christian faith and life.
Fr. Nektarios is also available to meet with you by phone, Zoom or in person to offer guidance as you follow God's guidance and seek your spiritual home in the Orthodox Church.
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UPCOMING SERVICES
10:00 am - Typika
10:00 am - Typika
- Sunday, March 19 - Sunday of the Adoration of the Holy Cross
9:00 am - Orthros
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy
10:00 am - Typika
9:00 am - Orthros
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy
10:00 am - Typika
10:00 am - Typika
9:00 am - Presanctified Liturgy
6:30 pm - Holy Monday Bridegroom Service
1:00 pm - Sacrament of Holy Unction
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ONLINE CATECHISM CLASS
Please join us for our weekly classes on Thursdays, at 7:00 pm via Zoom (see the link below).
All are welcome. Whether you are an experienced Orthodox, a serious enquirer, or a complete newbie, feel free to join us for discussion and learning.
Your host is Fr. Nektarios Morrow.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9299265692?pwd=cytWQUQ2Z1JrdnZ5czliMTR2dktoQT09
Meeting ID: 929 926 5692
Passcode: Grace22
Previous classes are archived on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ronGHeNPzEgi9mDcF0Y2A/streams
Questions? Email Fr. Nektarios
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PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF TÜRKIYE AND SYRIA AFTER 2/6 EARTHQUAKE
Currently, the overall number of earthquake fatalities in both Turkey and Syria surpasses 50,000.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund, a fundraising effort by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
The Assembly of Bishops’ humanitarian relief agency, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has launched a fundraising campaign in order to implement both emergency and long-term relief programs. IOCC’s efforts will directly assist and support the faithful of the region and their neighbors. Please consider supporting the campaign.
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REPOSE OF FATHER JIM HADEMENOS - MEMORIAL FUND
Please continue to pray for Presvytera Dena and the family of a beloved priest and shepherd of Assumption Church, Fr. Jim.
In following the request of the family of Fr. Jim, the Parish has established a Memorial Fund. Please designate your gift for the Memorial Fund if you would like to make a donation.
May the memory of Fr. Jim be eternal.
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CARING MEALS MINISTRY
If you know someone who needs meals due to illness, birth, etc., please see Kathy Baughman or Noelle Bartl. Thank you to everyone who volunteers for this ministry. You are being the hands of Christ!
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BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER FOR CHURCH
We are still accepting orders for Greek Pastries. All proceeds go to supprt the operating costs of our parish. Please contact Wilma Dunias, a member of our parish, at baklavabywilma@live.com or 720-989-7928.
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HELP FOR THE GARCIA FAMILY
As you know, Joanna Garcia continues to go through a very difficult time with her ongoing illness. Joe is her faithful caregiver, so he is at home full-time helping her now. They could really use some extra support from us!
If you want to give a financial donation to help with medical expenses, etc., please make your check out to our church (Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, or AVMGOC for short), and make note that it's for the Garcias.
If you have any questions, please call or text Kathy at 325-277-0274.
The Garcias sure appreciate our prayers and support. Cards or notes of encouragement would brighten their days too. You can send them to the church, and we will forward them on. The church address is Assumption Orthodox Church, 801 Montecito Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903.
Thank you for helping during this time of great need.
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COFFEE HOUR
We have open slots on the sign up sheet for Coffee Hour, which can be found on the refrigerator in the church kitchen. Can you help host? It's okay to bring something simple, or even just one dish. Encourage others to sign up with you as co-hosts. "Many hands make the burden light." Thank you for your help!
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Check out the rest of the bulletin! See below for news from the world of Orthodoxy, online concerts and lecture series, and more.
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SPECIAL OCCASIONS FOR MARCH
Birthdays: Seraphina Zamora, Olivia Choate, Sharmaine Zamora, Anna Baker, Wilma Dunias, Cia Alexander, Jared Crusberg, Julietta Garcia
Anniversaries: Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood Fr. Mark Lichtenstein (on the Feast of the Finding of the Cross by St. Helen), Alan & Kathleen Baughman
Namedays:
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AFTER CHURCH
Please join us for refreshments in the Social Hall.
** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **