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A Monthly Publication of 1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615 Vol. 6. No. 51 - March 2016 CONTENTS
A Monthly Publication of
1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615
Vol. 6. No. 51 - March 2016 CONTENTS
2016
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Pastor’s Message.................................................................................... Page 3 Life Passages ... Birthdays, Anniversaries.............................................. Page 4 St. John’s Stewards..... Coffee Hour, Cleaning, Reading Schedules...... Page 4 Community Outreach…………………………………………………………………….Page 5 Month in Review, Parish and Diocesan News.. ..................................... Pgs 6-7 March Parish Announcement and News……………………………………….. Pgs 8- 9 2016 Diocesan Summer Camping – Why Send Your Kids to Camp…… Pgs 10-13 Coming Diocesan, Parish and DeaneryEvents…………………….………….. Pgs 14-17 A View From The Pews – Perceiving the Unperceivable…………………… Page 18 Surviving Great Lent & Flourishing, What Should I do During Lent…. Pgs 19-21 Lenten Recipes………………………………………………………………………………Pgs 22-23 Prayer Corner: Daily Scripture Readings.............................................. Page 24 Prayer Corner: Prayer List..................................................................... Page 25 March Calendar of Liturgical Services and Events............................. Page 26
The Prophet
The Official Monthly Publication of
The Orthodox Greek Catholic Church
of Saint John the Baptist
1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615
Parish Website: www.sjoc.org
Email: [email protected]
Pastor: Very. Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski
Phone & Fax: 203-375-2564 Cell: 203-260-0423 Parish Council President: William Bilcheck, Jr.
203-421-3121 email: [email protected]
Divine Services Vespers: Sat: 5:00 pm, Eve of Feasts: 7:00 pm
Divine Liturgy Sunday & Week Day 9:00 am
Services of Intercession as Announced
Coffee Hour Fellowship Sundays 10:30 am
Church School (Sept- May) Sundays: 10:45 am
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE
MARCH ISSUE OF THE PROPHET
me
MARCH 21, 2016
Parish Ministries Coordinators
Church School Coordinator: Pani Carol Paproski
ACRY Youth Group: Hailey Meyernick
Outreach Coordinators
Community & Mary Householder/
Soup Kitchen Eve Nucifora
Bereavement Jean Lomme
Young Families Michelle Mihaly
The Sick /Shut-ins M.Allis/E. Nucifora
Financial Investment William Bilcheck,Jr.
William Booth, Jr.
Thomas Decerbo
Matthew Mihaly
Orestes Mihaly
Property Maintenance/ Thomas Decerbo
Improvements Frank Meyernick
Scholarship Eve Nucifora
Helen Guman
Database Coordinator: Christine LeClerc
Parish Historian: Paul Best
Webmaster: Michael Decerbo
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hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover
him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your
healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be
your rear guard. Isaiah 58:3-8
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Glory To Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!
By the Grace of God the beautiful and holy season of Great Lent will soon be upon us! It will give us the
opportunity to examine our lives and honestly reflect on where we are in our relationship with our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. We will have the opportunity to recalibrate our lives and get back on track spiritually, so
that, once again, we are journeying in the direction of the Heavenly Kingdom.
When we fast, we lighten our bodies, so that we can pray more attentively. When we participate in the “bright
sadness” of the Lenten services and sing the beautiful Lenten melodies and hymns, our hearts are softened and
we experience the peace of God which passes all understanding. When we secretly perform acts of charity and
love to “the least of the brethren...” expecting nothing in return, we receive back in greater measure, the rich
blessings of God.
So you see, this season is designed to help restore our spiritual balance, and improve our spiritual insight. By
slowing down and embracing the change in our lifestyle we once again discover the “things most needful” in
life, that happiness is not found in the endless pursuit of worldly possessions, fame and fortune, but in our
ability to love others and to experience the love of God.
Make no mistake, when we with Our Lord’s help increase our efforts to grow spiritually, Satan, is not amused
and steps up his efforts to lead us into temptation and sin. He will try to trip us up and turn our fasting into
something it was not intended to be. I have included a short excerpt from the Prophecy of Isaiah where our
Lord warns us not to let Great Lent be merely external - that we follow the Church’s fasting regulations to the
letter but our attitude and hearts are not right. We fast and deprive ourselves so that we can give to others who
are in need of help, and show them the love of Christ. I ask that you read this short passage, slowly and
carefully, and take to heart the message.
May we all take full advantage of this Holy Season, with all of its beautiful services, and the opportunities for
frequent confession and Holy Communion, so that we may be fully alive in Christ, and be witnesses of His love
in this broken world.
Assuring you of my prayers and support during this holy season of preparation for the Feast of Feasts, Holy
Pascha I remain,
With Love in Christ and Prayers,
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Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we
afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your
fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. 4
Indeed you fast
for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. 5
Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it
to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and
ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the LORD?
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of
wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke? 7
Is it not to share your bread with the
Father Peter’s Message
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Life Passages – March 2016
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St John’s Stewards: Doing the Work of the Church
Date Name Event
March 4 Alexis Volpe Birthday
March 5 Stephen Musante Birthday
March 8 Kayla Reeves Birthday
March 6 Samantha Booth Birthday
March 10 Marge Kerpchar Birthday
March 12 Judith Wulinksy Birthday
March 21 Marcia Leonetti Birthday
March 21 Matthew Mihaly, Jr. Birthday
March 24 Timothy Paproski Birthday
March 26 Orestes Mihaly, Jr. Birthday
March 30 Ryan LeClerc Birthday
March 30 Serge Mihaly, Jr. Birthday
COFFEE HOUR
Date Host
3/06 Stirna/Meyernick 3/13 Stokely
3/20 Bilcheck
3/27 Booth/Nichols
4/03 Decerbo
4/10 Ivers/Pierce
SPONSOR A CLEANING OF THE CHURCH
Realizing that many parishioners either are not physically able or do not have the time to help clean the
Church, the parish council has found someone who is willing to perform a routine cleaning of the
Church for $30.00. We are now soliciting sponsorships from our parishioners who wish to assist with
the cleaning of the Church, but are not able to join the cleaning roster. You may offer a single cleaning
sponsorship of $30.00 or multiple cleaning sponsorships. At the present time, our current volunteers
are assigned to 4 cleaning sessions per year . With your sponsoring of one or more cleaning sessions,
you will lighten the load of the few parishioners who are left on the church cleaning list. If you are
interested in doing so, please place your donation in a donation envelope clearly marked with your name
and the amount, indicating it is a Cleaning Sponsorship and place it in the metal collection box. You
may also mail it to the Church. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
CHURCH CLEANING
Date Cleaner 2/29-3/12 Householder
3/14-3/26 Cleaning Svc.
3/28-4/09 Bilcheck
4/11-4/23 Cleaning Service
4/25-5/07 Decerbo
5/09-5/21 Cleaning Service
CHURCH READING
Date Hours Epistle 3/06 Pani Carol Bill
3/13 Holly Matt
3/20 Brett Cantors
3/27 Pani Carol Serge
4/03 Holly Bill
4/10 Brett Matt
EASTER BAKE SALE WORKSHOPS
Pagachi
Date Time
Sat March 5th
9:00 am
Sat March 19 9:00 am
Pastry Rolls
Wed March 9 (For Public) 9:00 am
Sat April 9 (Parishioners) 9:00 am
HELP NEEDED FOR EASTER BAKE SALE
Our Easter Bake Sale will be on Sat March 26,
2016. If you can help make pagachi, peel potatos
or even help with set-up and clean-up at the
pagachi workshops, please see Pani Carol.
Donations towards pagachi ingredients, as well as
donations of ethnic baked goods, also will be
appreciated.
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Parish Outreach & Community Service
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Ideas For Lenten Almsgiving
The bread you do not use is the bread of the hungry. The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of
the person who is naked. The shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot. The money you
keep locked away is the money of the poor. The acts of charity you do not perform are the injustices you
commit. St. Basil the Great 4th century
Here are a few practical ways you can give alms this Lent
1. The Lord’s Kitchen– Help by serving a meal or a make a donation of $150.00 = cost of an entire meal.
2. Support the Diocesan Youth Project which will benefit St. John The Compassionate Mission.
3. Donate to Orthodox Christian Mission Center – A collection jar is on the coffee hour table.
4. Support our ongoing non-perishable food drive for Sterling House Food Pantry.
5. Donate Gift Cards to Stop in Shop to the Parish to assist us in providing groceries to needy families.
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COMMUNITY SUPPER PROGRAM UPDATE
We are responsible for providing supper once a month on a Monday or Wednesday evening at Christ Episcopal
Church from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm and quarterly on Mondays at St. George Episcopal Church, Bpt.
If you are able to work at a supper, or if you are able to make a salad or dessert for a scheduled meal. please see
Mary Householder or Eve Nucifora. Arrangements can be made to pick up your donation item if you would be
unable to drop it off at the supper. If you would like to Sponsor a meal, a donation of $150.00 would cover an
entire meal.
PARISH COMMUNITY SUPPER SCHEDULE
Date: Location
Not on March
Schedule Christ Church, Stratford
April -TBD Christ Church, Stratford
FOOD FOR NEEDY
Our Food Drive for Sterling House is ongoing and their needs are especially crucial in this difficult
economy. Child-friendly food items are needed. Among the items needed are hot and cold cereals, juices,
pancake and waffle mixes, frozen breakfast foods, peanut butter, jelly, tuna fish, instant puddings, crackers,
snack foods, canned soups and fruits, powdered drink mixes, boxed and canned potatoes and macaroni and
cheese, as well as microwavable and single-serving meals. Now refrigerated items such as milk and eggs
are also accepted. Also: We need some basic items for a needy, mentally disabled person whom we
directly help to tide him over until the beginning of each month. Here are items our friend can use:
Creamy Peanut Butter and Crackers, Vanilla Wafer cookies, 2 Liter Bottle of Regular Pepsi, Paper
Towels, Shampoo, large bottle any brand, Folgers coffee. Canned Ravioli and Spagetti O’s. Also gift
cards from Stop and Shop would be helpful so that we may purchase perishable food items such as bread,
milk, meat and other foods items that are needed.. If you can contribute any of these specific items, please
leave these items in Father Peter’s Office, not in the general food collection basket. Cash donations/gift
cards should be put in an envelope marked clearly for needy food purchase and placed in the collection
box on the candle desk. Thank You! “For I was Hungry and You Fed Me”
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February 2016: The Month In Review
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Parish Council Updates
The Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, February 7, 2016. One of decisions reached was to empower the
Parish Council to obtain an A-2 Land Survey and wetland mapping of the Church Property so that a plan to
pave the remainder of the side parking area can be submitted for approval to the Stratford Zoning and Wetlands
Departments. The property survey should be commenced in the near future.
The Parish Council will also be looking into replacing doors and windows in the parish rectory.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Church School Updates
Eve's intermediate class had been following the path leading to Great Lent, with lesson discussions about
Zaccheus, the Publican and the Pharisse, and the Prodigal Son, and other parables Jesus used to teach the
people, especially on the Sundays that the lesson coincides with the Gospel reading and Father Peter's sermon.
Through the use of icons and readings, the class will continue to learn of Jesus' miracles, and follow the journey
of His chosen apostles, joining Him in bringing God's Word to the people. Comparing the concerns of today
with the concerns of Jesus' followers, the class will learn how Jesus' ministry is carried out today, just as it was
2000 years ago. Both "good" and "bad" attitudes will be related to every-day life today. With the inclement
weather it has not been possible to hold classes during most of the month of February.
Due to inclement weather and President's Day Weekend, Pani Carol's Church School class was only able to
meet twice since our last update. The first of the two classes covered the first missionary journey of St. Paul,
beginning in Antioch of Syria, then sailing to Cyprus, then on to Asia Minor(modern day Turkey), and back
home. Paul and Barnabas endured many tribulations, including beatings and stoning, but were able to
evangelize many Jews and Gentiles. The class learned that the meaning of "evangelization" is the action of
sharing the "Good News" of Jesus Christ with others. In the second of the two classes the Council of Jerusalem
was discussed. As many Gentiles were added to the Christian faith, the question arose as to whether these new
Christians were required to follow Jewish Old Testament practices, i.e. circumcision, kosher dietary laws, etc.
Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with St. Peter and the other apostles. After much
prayer and discussion, the council of Jerusalem reached the decision that no heavy burden, such as following
Old Testament Law, was to be placed upon the new Christians. Instead, the new Christians were to abstain
from food offered to idols, blood, and to live a moral life. The Council of Jerusalem set the foundation for how
important decisions in the Church were to be made, in particular the seven Ecumenical Councils held between
325 A.D. and 787 A.D. Because our parish recently held its annual meeting, the class noted that our parish tries
to follow this model as well in making not just good decisions, but "God" decisions!
As a reminder, those children who have already made their first Confession should confess their sins on a
regular basis. To this end, we are encouraging them to do so on the first Sunday of the month, especially during
the Lenten Season
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News From Across The Diocese
JOHNSTOWN, PA – A draft copy of the Current By-Laws of the Diocese, with all amendments approved at
Diocesan Sobors since their last printing in 1996 has been sent to all Diocesan Parishes. As discussed at the
last Sobor, a Diocesan By-Laws review committee is being constituted to make suggested changes and updates.
The work of the committee will be forwarded to all Diocesan Parishes for review prior to the Diocesan Sobor
which will take place in October 2016.
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Monster Mini-Golf & Laser Tag Colin Bilcheck –Site Seeing In London
With Friends From St. John’s Mill Hill During His Semester Abroad in Paris
World Travelers Brendan Bilcheck, Who Is Studying In Barcelona, Spain This Semester And
Brother Colin Find Time To Visit And Share Their Travel Experiences At A Local Café In Paris
February 2016: Around The Parish
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Great Lent begins on March 14th. During Lent, there are extra services scheduled and special religious
education programs offered. In addition, parishioners will be provided with special Lenten reading material.
We are once again celebrating the Wednesday Evening Pre-sanctified Liturgy followed by an adult education
class. This year we will be discussing our Parish Lenten Reading book: A Beginner’s Guide To Prayer by Fr.
Michael Keiser.
Church will start at 6:30 pm. Soup and bread will be served. I encourage everyone to come and participate in
this beautiful Lenten service and enjoy the spiritual fellowship of your fellow parishioners . Those wishing to
receive Holy Communion are asked to observe a total fast for a minimum of 3 hours prior to the start of the
service. Normal fasting from midnight is to be observed at the Saturday and Sunday Divine Liturgies.
We will also serve the Paraklis Service, a service of supplication in honor of the Most Holy Mother of God, on
Friday evenings during Great Lent (except during the third week of Lent when a Deanery Presanctified Liturgy
will be held at St. John’s on Mill Hill Avenue and the fifth week of Lent where the Paraklis will be on
Thursday, April 14 ).
It is essential that we observe this Holy Season by praying more intensely, fasting, attending Lenten Services.
Fasting Guidelines
We must realize that without fasting, there is no Lent! To that end, the Fathers of the Church established in ancient
times through their collective experience the guidelines for Lenten Fasting. Essentially, the rule of the Church for
Lent is to "Strict Fast" - abstaining from meat and dairy products from the First Monday of Lent until Pascha. This
time includes both Saturdays and Sundays, which in the Orthodox reckoning are considered a part of Lent, unlike
the reckoning of the Western Churches. All parishioners are wholeheartedly encouraged to partake of this practice
as much as they are able.
On the other hand, the Fathers of the Church have also put forth that a light and steady rule that is kept is preferable to
a difficult one that is soon broken and forgotten. With the realization that not everyone is able to strict fast for the
whole of Lent, one might consider simply fasting from meat. And if it is not possible to fast entirely from meat,
perhaps fasting from meat during the weekdays of Lent, may be a more manageable discipline.
It is suggested, as has been the practice of many in the Diocese over the years, that the following fasting discipline be
observed as a minimum baseline upon which to build with each passing year:
A strict fast from meat and dairy products on the first day of Lent, Good Friday and Holy Saturday and
abstinence from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the entire Holy Week.
I encourage you to speak to me for guidance in determining a fasting regimen that makes sense for your personal
and family life situation, that sufficiently challenges you, yet is not detrimental to ones physical and spiritual health.
Please keep in mind the elderly and infirm are not bound by the physical fast. Also, fasting without increased
prayer and acts of charity is merely a “diet” and will have no spiritual benefits.
A Blessed Lent to one and all! - Fr. Peter
March 2016 – News & Announcements
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All Soul Saturdays
During the Lenten season, several Liturgies are set aside in remembrance of ALL SOULS who have
departed this life. Please plan on attending. Please check with Fr. Peter to see if he has the most up-to-date
listing of your departed family members. He will be happy to include the names of your loved ones in the
parish dyptics book.
Church School Lenten Program
Involving our Youth in the Liturgical Life of the Church
As we did last year, beginning on Sunday March 20, during Lent, our Church School
children will take turns holding candles, taking the collection, and reading the special
Lenten psalm and prayer at the end of the Liturgy. This year the rotation will be based
on teams of Church School student boys and girls.
All students are encouraged to join the altarboys in reading the Lenten psalm and
prayer each week. Those who wish to participate are asked to come down to the
Tetrapod following Holy Communion.
On the Sunday of Orthodoxy all parish youth are asked to bring their favorite icon to
Church with them and take part in the special procession with icons at the end of
Liturgy. All students are asked to report to the Church Narthex immediately following Holy Communion.
Date Holding Candles Collection Reading Prayer 3/20 Boys Girls Altarservers & Volunteers
3/27 Girls Boys Altarservers & Volunteers
4/03 Boys Girls Altarservers & Volunteers
4/10 Girls Boys Altarservers & Volunteers 4/17 Boys Girls Altarservers & Volunteers
Singing the Responses to Divine Liturgy
On Sunday’s during Lent, our Church School Children will be encouraged to sing along with the Cantors during
Divine Liturgy. On a Sunday TBA our parish Teens will lead the singing of the Plain Chant responses to the
Divine Liturgy. They will be joined in the choir loft by the members of the Church School and their teachers.
PARISH WISH LIST
1. Altarboy vestments
2. Ipad ( new or used for use with overhead projector)
3. Donation for cost of permanent electrical wiring for the overhead projector.
Lenten Vespers Schedule
Sunday, March 20 Sunday of Orthodoxy St John’s Church, Bridgeport, CT
Sunday, March 27 St. Gregory Palamas St Mary’s Church, Bridgeport, CT
Sunday, April 3 Cross Veneration Sunday St Dimitri’s Church, Easton, CT
Sunday, April 10 St. John Climacus St. John’s Church, Silver Lane - Stratford, CT
Sunday, April 17 St. Mary of Egypt Holy Unction, 3 Sts Church - Ansonia, CT
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Camp Nazareth Summer Camping Program
The New England Deanery Camping Week is July 24-30, 2016
Camp Nazareth is very proud to offer its program at some of the lowest rates available in America today. We
encourage you to research this information, as you will find this fee to be extremely affordable in
comparison to other weeklong church camps. The fee for the child(ren) of a Diocesan Parishioner in good
standing for a one week session at camp is $300 per child. The fee for non-Diocesan children is $350 per
child. For a family sending more than 1 child (siblings only), a Discount of $25/child (after the first child) will
be given. The one-time $25 Ambassador's Discount is available if a camper invites 1 or more, non-diocesan
camper(s) who enroll for the first time as a result of their specific invitation.
$20 Early Bird Discount Per Child!!!!
(one-time only, not per week)
Register & pay by May 15, 2016!!!! Register Online NOW at campnazareth.org
Online Registration MUST be complete AND payment must be submitted by May 15 in
order to qualify for the Early Bird Discount.
Registrations after June 14 will incur an additional $20 late fee!!
When you register online please note that you will still need to submit a paper copy of the Medical
Examination Form (i.e. Camper Physical) which must be filled out and signed by a licensed medical
professional (licensed physician or physician’s assistant). This form will be emailed to you after you complete
the online registration process.
Payment by check, money order, or credit card is accepted. Checks and Money Orders are to be made
payable to Camp Nazareth and sent to Camp Nazareth at 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137.
(Continued On Page 11)
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Camp Nazareth Summer Camping Program
(Continued From Page 10)
Very Important: Two New “Offerings” by the Camp:
1. Ropes Courses – both High and Low. $10 Fee for each. $20 Total. Only children ages 14
and up can go on the High Course – that is Pennsylvania State Law! All children can go on the Low
Course. The fees are in addition to the cost of Camp and are User-driven. That means if a parent
wants their camper to participate, they check the appropriate box online and they get charged an
additional Fee.
2. Email Your Child – Parents will be able to email their children at Camp. They sign up for this during
Online Registration. There is a fee associated with this. $5 for 5 Total emails. $10 for 10 Total
emails. This is also a User-driven Fee. If they sign up for this option they get charged additionally.
Cancellation Policy
If an applicant wishes to cancel, they must do so no later than 1 week prior to the beginning of their Camping
week in order to avoid being charged Camp fees for food and supplies. If an applicant cancels less than 1 week
prior to the beginning of their session a $150 fee will be assessed. Once final registration is complete on the
day the camper’s session begins, and a camper has not shown up, no refunds will be given.
Why You Should Send Your Children To Camp Nazareth
A Reflection By Hailey Meyernick
Gain Independence and Responsibility
Going away to camp gives the opportunity to make great strides in this capacity. Going to camp away from
home means being on your own, most likely for the first time... at least before leaving for college. Camp puts a
lot of responsibility on campers and helps them to gradually mature. They are put in charge of their own
belongings and keeping track of them, they learn to care for themselves and others, they learn time
management, they are assigned a small daily chore to help keep their cabin [home] clean, taught how to clean
up after themselves after meals, and so many other valuable lessons. Campers are able to get out of their
comfort zone and camp pushes them in many different ways. We are faced with a multitude of new
opportunities, experiences, and challenges each day and campers are encouraged to try new things with the
support of their fellow cabin mates, peers, and staff members by their side. (Continued on Page 12)
Camp Nazareth has always been a huge part of my life and has helped shape
me into the person I am today. It holds a special place in my heart and is one of
the first places where I feel closest to God and where I made lifelong
friendships. Experiencing camp is something that everyone should do and is a
place for campers and staff members alike to grow as Orthodox Christians and
to have fun in Christ while doing it. I strongly believe that everyone needs to
experience camp at least one summer of their life and I decided to compile a
list of key components as to why I highly recommend that you should send
your children to Camp Nazareth this summer (other than the brand new high
and low ropes course and the newly renovated cabins):
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Camp Nazareth Summer Camping Program
Why You Should Send Your Children To Camp Nazareth
(Continued From Page 11)
I know sending your child away that far from home may be extremely intimidating at first, for both the child
and the parents, but it teaches campers and parents alike that they are capable of doing things on their own. It’s
completely normal to feel anxious or apprehensive. And I promise you that your children will be well taken care
of. Father Stephen Loposky, the director, and His Grace Bishop Gregory alike, make sure that the entire staff is
well trained and highly experienced. We go through a rigorous application process and counselors go through a
full week of training, the kitchen crew is Servsafe, the lifeguards and nurses have their credentials, and we have
a handful of wonderful Diocesan clergy that attend with their deaneries each week. Your children will be in
good hands and gain an abundance of responsibility and independence after just one week at camp.
Grow Closer To God & Deepen Their Faith
Once you turn onto Pew Road, everything changes and your worries of the outside world go away. You are at
joy, peace, and ease when you arrive and that allows us to easily live an Orthodox lifestyle. We are all Orthodox
and face the same struggles, but are all so different at the same time and each camper is sent by God with their
own struggles. We all come from different home lives and camp can be a safe haven for some children. The
“real world” is getting more and more complex and is full of many distractions and temptations that make it
hard for us to live an Orthodox lifestyle. At camp it is different and we have a routine that manages to
intertwine Christ into everything we do, which is absolutely incredible. We have a schedule jam packed full of
activities ranging from a campfire, pool party, movie night, free time, and a dance, to sports, religious education
classes, a Rusyn Festival, and Molebens to our saints; there is something fun offered for everyone to enjoy and
Christ is the center of every activity. As the campfire song goes, camp is a place where you’ll find God
everywhere. We pray together and prayers are enforced before meals and sports, we eat together, we play sports
together... everything is done together in a Christian manner. The past two summers, both the diocesan and non- diocesan weeks, we have been blessed with a visit from the Kardiotissa, the myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother
of God from St. George’s Church in Taylor, which I strongly believe has made a huge impact on not only our
Diocese, but the camp, the clergy, the campers, the staff, and even the volunteers. Many of us have witnessed
this miracle before, whether previously at camp, the visitations around the diocese, or physically in Taylor, but
it is a new experience each time for all of us and many of the new campers, and Father Mark Leasure always
has new stories to tell. You truly do feel the presence of the Mother of God in the church during the Akathist
between the beautiful chanting, the smell of the myrrh, and just being in the presence of the icon. Thanks be to
God for all of these incredible opportunities and for helping to make Camp Nazareth a place where you are truly
able to grow and feel closer to God.
Unbreakable Bonds & Lifelong Friendships
There is something special about the bond between camp friends that is inexpressible. You get to know each
other in such a short period of time, but by the end of the week, it feels as if you have known each other forever.
Whether you are a camper or staff, we all become so close. We were, still are, and always will be a family. It
doesn’t matter how long we go without seeing each other, we always manage to pick back up where we left off
when we are together again. With camp being technology free, you learn to live in the moment, enjoy camp for
what it is, and enjoy the presence of God and your brothers and sisters in Christ, not be glued to the screen of
your iPhone and the worries of posting a Snapchat about what is happening. Camp is a judgment free zone and
a place where you can be the best version of yourself. Your children will be loved and accepted for each of their
(Continued on Page 13)
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Camp Nazareth Summer Camping Program
Why You Should Send Your Children To Camp Nazareth (Continued From Page 12)
qualities and that love is a huge factor in what makes camp so special. There is a saying that is always repeated
at camp, “school friends come and go, but camp friends are forever”, and it is the truth.
The friendships I have formed at camp are much stronger than the ones I have created with friends back home
and I am thankful to have so many incredible [Orthodox] relationships, despite the time and distance that may
be between us.
Genuinely Make A Difference
Both campers and staff members affect each other more than they know and realize. As a staff member, no
matter what your position is, you are a role model and an example to campers, and you are who they look up to
each week. Campers inspire their staff members as well and these impacts honestly do last a lifetime. There are
plenty of counselors and staff I still remember admiring as a camper. I know personally my campers never
failed to steal my heart and it was truly such a blessing to see them deepen their faith each week and grow
closer to God, while enjoying every aspect of the program at the same time, just like I did as a camper (and staff
member, of course). Camp in itself truly has so much to offer and helps makes a difference in so many lives. It
was so hard saying goodbye to my campers when Saturday morning rolled around, but it is honestly such an
incredible feeling knowing that you had an impact on each individual camper, how much they inspired me, and
God willing, knowing that they will be returning the following summer.
It's Not Goodbye, It's See You Later
A week at camp is over in the blink of an eye and before you know it, it is time to leave, but the memories never
fade and the friendships never die. Camp taught me how to say goodbye to the ones that I love and helped me
realize that time and distance make the heart grow fonder. Camp becomes a home away from home and a place
for kids to learn, grow, and change. We are so lucky to be able to stay connected when not at camp through
social media and group messaging, and have even more opportunities now to see each other throughout the year
than we did years ago. Whether it be at ACRY Bowling Tournaments or Conventions, OCF College
Conference, or even the retreats held at Camp Nazareth and different parishes around our diocese throughout
the year, we are all able to keep in touch. These opportunities help make that gloomy drive home a lot more
bearable and the goodbyes (see you laters) a lot easier.
Whether as a camper, a staff member, clergy, or a parent, in the end you realize that camp is something
important and should be part of your life. Camp is life changing, amazing, and the atmosphere is truly like
nothing else in this world and does things that no other place can do. Your children will be able to have fun,
while learning about our faith and growing closer to Christ at the same time. Thank you Camp Nazareth for the
best summers of my life, for changing my life in such an indescribable way, for helping me become the best
version of myself, for 10 incredible years of memories, and God willing, many more to come. I'll be back this
year with great anticipation and with the deadline quickly approaching, I hope that many of our parish youth
will be able to attend and experience the spiritual euphoria and wonders of Camp Nazareth this summer!
14
2016 Pre-Lenten Dinner
38
SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2016 5:30 PM
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH HALL 1240 BROADBRIDGE AVENUE, STRATFORD, CT.
FEATURING ITALIAN CUISINE
Menu: Salad
Chicken Marsala Baked Ziti
Meatball And Sausage And More!
Reservations must be made to Fr. Peter Paproski by March 6, 2016 [email protected] or 203-375-2564
ADULTS: $15.00 CHILDREN Ages 5-13: $5.00 4 & Under: Free
15
2016
May 22, 2016
16
LENTEN RETREAT
IN PHOENIXVILLE
On Saturday, April 16,
2016, the Eastern
Regional Lenten Retreat
will take place at The
Conference Center at
Valley Forge in
Phoenixville, PA.
As this retreat is always
fantastic, Fr. Peter
would like to travel as a
group to attend the
Retreat in Phoenixville.
Fr. Michael Chendorain
will be the keynote
speaker for the Adults,
and Fr William Bennett
and Fr. William George
will work with our
youth.
We can either travel the
night before, or leave
early Saturday morning
and return the same day.
Those who are interested
in attending are asked to
contact Fr. Peter.
It is an excellent
opportunity for
fellowship with other
members of our
Diocesan Family
Cost:
$20.00 Adults,
$7.00 Youth
PLEASE SERIOUSLY
CONSIDER
TAKING PART!
Lets Take A Road-Trip To Phoenixville!!!
17
Coming Events At St. John’s On Silver Lane
Parish Calendar Of Coming Events
Sat March 12 Italian Night - Pre-Lenten Supper
Mon March 14 Great Lent Begins
Sat March 26 Easter Bake Sale
Thurs April 7 Feast of Annunciation
Sat April 16 Lenten Retreat in Phoenixville, PA
Sun May 1 Pascha – The Feast of Feasts!
Sun May 8 Mother’s Day Breakfast
Fri June 3 Family Camp Weekend – Camp Nazareth
Sun June 5 Family Day – Camp Nazareth
Sun June 19 Pentecost - Father’s Day Breakfast
Sun June 26- June 29 Diocesan Altarboy Retreat
Sun July 19 Semi-Annual Meeting
Sun July 24-30 New England Deanery Camp Week, Camp Nazareth
Sunday March 16, 2014
18
A View From The Pews: Perceiving the Unperceivable
It is not uncommon for some to say they just can’t comprehend God. He seems too fantastic, too impossible to
believe in. Some say they can only believe in what they see. They cannot comprehend God, they say, unless He
is Hollywood’s nice old bearded man sitting on a golden throne surrounded by beautiful white clouds and even
then He is just a figment of our imagination. ‘God’ is an idea made up for the simple minded so they can
rationalize things that they can’t explain like gravity or the size of the Universe or the change in the seasons.
For some this is ok. It is their choice to believe whatever they choose and far be it for me to force anyone to
believe anything. My God doesn’t want anyone to be forced to believe in Him. He respects and loves us enough
to give us free will and does so for a reason. He wants us to decide for ourselves to believe in Him or not. On
another level many of the same people say they cannot comprehend the idea of God or understand why He does
the things He does. For me, the answer is we are not supposed to understand God for if we could, we would be
God. Our concept of Him comes down to experience and faith. They are a part of the beauty and wondrous
mystery of God.
What I was thinking lately, and what occurred to me significantly, is that God did not just send His Son to die
for our sins conquering ‘death by death,’ he gave us something more. He gave us Someone we could ‘touch, see
and understand.’ Like Thomas touching Christ’s wounds that settled his doubt, Jesus Christ is the same to us.
He is the ‘real’ thing, man, and is not some vague rationalization, a guess or a figment of anyone’s imagination.
He is both Man and God, a concept that startles reason, but a real person we can identify with. Because Jesus
was also man He looked like us and felt feelings like us and did so while spending His first 33 years amongst us
without full recognition. Quite a remarkable feat for a being so different than us, but yet not so different at all.
Until the other day, I really did not understand this. I took it for granted that Jesus is man and God and accepted
the understanding that He came down from Heaven to die for our sins, but not bridge the gap between God and
man’s perception of Him. This was a new thought, a different concept for me and one that opened my eyes
toward another significance and wonder of who Jesus is.
The Church also describes God as the Creator of all, being seen in the unlimited complexity of life, the intricate
nature of every inanimate object or living creature from sand to cells to neurons to even smaller particles
identified by some of the greatest minds of our time. They all come from God. I have a hard time believing the
world came about ‘accidentally’ though a series of random mutations. There is no ‘Big Bang’ theory in the
Orthodox Church. To me the ‘Big Bang’ theory or the belief that the Universe was created by a ‘large
explosion’ is a combination of mankind’s ego and a touch of insecurity that seeks a human centered explanation
of the world.
Jesus Christ goes beyond this and brings Himself and God the Father, along with the Holy Spirit, home into our
hearts, into our lives and more, into our human family. For me, this is enough.
Serge Mihaly, Jr.
As Orthodox Christians we are taught to believe in the Holy Trinity,
God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is a
fundamental part of that which makes us Orthodox Christians and
whose full human understanding came about during the New
Testament. While all three have existed since time immemorial, it is
here that we were and are able to read and learn about all three. What I
want to focus on, though, is the significance between the Father and
the Son. Not the only significance of course, but one that I’ve thought
about lately.
19
Growing in the Orthodox Faith – Food For the Soul
Surviving Great Lent – and Flourishing
in front of us, resources that would make our lives easier, and happier.
Is it not different when it comes to the spiritual food we need in the Christian life. Particularly during Great
Lent, the Lord provides numerous opportunities to be spiritually strengthened through prayer, the Holy
Mysteries, and learning about our Holy Faith.
Do we take advantage of these opportunities? Do we make a point of attending the Divine Liturgy, and
partaking of Holy Communion each Sunday during Great Lent?
Do we prepare ourselves for the Liturgy, by attending Vespers, and going to Holy Confession?
Do we deepen our prayers by attending the midweek services, the Canon of St. Andrew, Presanctified Liturgy,
and Akathists?
Do we keep the Fast to the best of our strength? And do we humble our hearts in prayer, throughout every hour
of the day?
Without physical food, we can soon find ourselves physically drained. Without spiritual food, the effects are not
always immediately visible – but they are much longer lasting and far-reaching.
Great Lent is the time for us to begin to regain our health, not just in “spiritual things,” but in the very heart of
our life as Orthodox Christians, which impacts on every corner of our lives.
And we can’t just wait for Pascha to do it.
Priest Geoffrey Korz – All Saints of North America Orthodox Church.
Without physical food, we can soon find ourselves
physically drained. Without spiritual food, the effects
are not always immediately visible - but they are
much longer lasting and far-reaching.
Most of us remember days in our life that have been
so packed with activity that we skip breakfast, lunch,
or dinner – or even all three. As a result, we can end
up functioning for a whole day or more, depleted of
energy, lethargic, or depressed. Surrounded by such
plenty as we are in this country it is ironic that we
often neglect to take advantage of the resources right
20
What Should I Do During Great Lent?
Most of us realize that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three basic Christian and lenten necessities, but
we often realize as well that we cannot keep the strictest lenten regulations of the Church which are, in fact,
monastic rules. We know that we will not make a maximum effort and so we sometimes feel frustrated, lost,
and without guidance.
Most of us realize that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three basic Christian and lenten necessities, but
we often realize as well that we cannot keep the strictest lenten regulations of the Church which are, in fact,
monastic rules. We know that we will not make a maximum effort and so we sometimes feel frustrated, lost,
and without guidance.
Do What You Can
When seeking practical advice concerning lenten practices, the only realistic guideline is to do what you can.
You know that the essentials are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Intensify your prayer. Fast as fully as possible.
(More and more, people are finding that the total abstinence from meat for the entire lenten season is surely not
out of the question, even for the laity!) Give to others, asking nothing in return. Know, as well, that all of your
fasting, praying, and almsgiving must be exercised in secret. The only real goal and purpose of Great Lent is to
enter into a deeper love for God and for those around us.
Certain weeks
Another concrete, yet traditional suggestion, is to keep certain lenten weeks in a more careful and strict way
than others. For example, the first and third weeks of Great Lent, in addition to Holy Week, can be set aside for
a greater and more concentrated lenten effort. Very practically speaking, everyone can keep certain weeks, or at
least one week, in a very special way. If this is done, there is no doubt that the result will be very positive and
the time spent may prove to be the most inspiring and fruitful time of our entire life. We can only try it and see!
(Continued on Page 21)
21
What Should I Do During Great Lent? (Continued From Page 20)
What to Do
Here are some concrete guidelines for taking Great Lent more seriously:
• Turn off the television, radio, and stereo for the entire lenten season, except for news and serious or
educational programs.
• Do not visit or engage in outside activities for their own sake. Keep useless talking to a minimum. Do only
necessary business, good works, and acts of charity.
• Examine and measure every aspect of your life—family, work, society, politics, economics, values, and
desires—against the model set forth by the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
• Question yourself in regard to love, truth, honest, purity, humility, peace, forgiveness, justice, mercy,
hungering, and thirsting for God, wisdom, and knowledge.
• In the name of Jesus Christ, forgive all who have offended you and seek forgiveness from those whom you
have offended. If it will not be embarrassing or misinterpreted as an act of self-righteousness, express yourself
as concretely as possible. Visit, make a phone call, and so forth.
• Set aside and give a sizeable portion of your resources to others; the parish, the poor, a social or educational
agency. Tell no one what you have done. Ask no gratitude and forgo requesting a receipt. Do not advertise what
you are doing.
• Fast strictly at all times. Eat no meat, as the basic minimum. Suit your fast to your work, but avoid luxury.
Again, tell no one. Do not advertise or discuss your fasting with anyone and avoid judging others who may not
be fasting with you.
• Pray at home at least at one fixed time each day. Choose a brief rule of prayer, but keep it faithfully.
• Read the scriptures in the same brief, yet regular way. You may wish to follow the Church’s calendar, read a
chapter of a given book on a daily basis, or simply read and reflect upon passages which you happen upon. In
addition, meditate upon these: 1 John; Romans 12-14; Matthew 5 – 7, and John 14-17.
• Be faithful to Christ’s gospel in every word, action, and thought—even the smallest or most insignificant.
• Participate in all of the weekly lenten services, especially the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, Saturday
evening Great Vespers, and the Sunday Divine Liturgy, confessing seriously and receiving Holy Communion
frequently.
Peace and Joy
If we do these things, not in a spirit of gloomy self-denial or irritated self-pity, we will gain an awareness of
genuine peace and joy in communion with God and those around us. This is guaranteed, and, our participation
in and celebration of the least of Our Lord’s resurrection will be cherished forever!
Taken from a brochure from the Department of Religious Education, Orthodox Church in America (OCA)
22
Lenten Recipes
Baked Potato Gnocci
Ingredients:
1 pound russet potatoes, scrubbed
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus
more for dusting
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Place potatoes on a parchment-lined baking
tray and bake for about one hour, or until tender. Remove tray from
oven and let potatoes cool, just enough to handle. Cut potatoes in
half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out flesh onto the parchment
paper. Reserve skins for another use or discard.
2. Press potato flesh through a potato ricer or food mill into a large
bowl. (Carefully use a food grater if you don’t have a ricer or food
mill.) Mix in nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, nutmeg and white
pepper. Add flour, 1/2 a cup at a time and gently knead until it forms
a shaggy dough (loose, but not sticky).
3. Empty bowl onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently knead for
just a minute or so, adding a little more flour if necessary, until the
dough comes together. Divide dough into four pieces using a sharp
knife or bench scraper. Roll each piece into a rope, about a 1/2-inch
in diameter. Cut rope into 1/2-inch pieces. Leave pieces as is or roll
each piece across the floured tines of a fork to make ridges on one
side and an indentation on the other. (The ridges help keep the sauce
on.)
4. Place pieces on a lightly floured parchment-lined baking sheet until
ready to cook. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in
batches, cook gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 3-4
minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove gnocchi from pot
and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil so they don’t stick.
Continue cooking remaining gnocchi. Gently toss with your favorite
sauce and serve.
Helpful Tips
Gnocchi are made from baked potatoes and
flour. So simple. The lightest results come
from using a potato ricer or food mill for the
potatoes, but if you have neither, a box
grater would work. Use a light hand when
kneading in the flour. Too much flour or
kneading will yield heavy, leaden
dumplings. There’s magic in restraint,
especially when making gnocchi.
The familiar ridges in gnocchi can be made
using a gnocchi paddle, but a fork will do
just fine. Sauce these up with a simple
tomato sauce or sauté your cooked gnocchi
in a little vegan butter and lemon zest. Their
velvety texture seems to sop up the best of
any sauce you choose.
23
Lenten Recipes
The Easiest Eggplant Parmesan
For the times when you need to make dinner, but don’t have the time to do it form scratch, this is the perfect
recipe. In fact, it’s barely a recipe since it uses three store-bought ingredients. This dish is done in a snap but
doesn’t taste like it. Of course, you can use the same premise and make the eggplant cutlets and tomato sauce
yourself, but when you can’t, this vegan dish doesn’t miss a beat from the taste to the texture.
For the eggplant cutlets, we used Dominex, which is has zip code tool that lets you find a retail outlet near you.
(Editors Note: Available in Stratford Stop and Shop)
1 pound package of breaded, frozen eggplant cutlets (we used Dominex)
1 large jar of your favorite tomato sauce
1 package of shredded vegan cheese (we used Daiya)
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly oil a large casserole dish. Starting with tomato sauce, repeat layers of
sauce, eggplant and cheese until the dish is nearly full.
2. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15
minutes. The baking time will depend on how deep or shallow your casserole dish is, so check for
doneness before baking times are up. Remove from oven and let sit for about 5 minutes, covered with
foil, then cut and serve.
For More (Strict Fast) Recipes Check Out The Following Website Run By An
Orthodox Christian Vegan Chef : http://compassionatecuisine.org/
24
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 29, 2016
M 1 John 2:18-3:10 Mark 11:1-11 Holy Martyr Pamphilius
T 1 John 3:11-20 Mark 14:10-42 Grt Martyr Theodore of Tyre
W 1 John 3:21-4:6 Mark 14:43:15:1 St Leo The Pope of Rome
Th 1 John 4:20-5:21 Mark 15:1-15 The Apostle Archippus
F 2 John 1:1-13 Mark15:22-25,33-41 St Leo of Catania
S. 1 Corinthians 10:23-28 Luke 21:8-9,25-27,33-36 Ven Timothy of Symbola
1Thessalonians 4:13-17 John 5:24-30 All Souls Saturday
S 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2; Matthew 25:31-46 Sunday of Last Judgement
WEEK OF MARCH 7, 2016
M 3 John 1:1-15 Luke 19:29-40,22:7-39 Priestmartyr Polycarp
T Jude1:1-10; Luke 22:39-42,45-23:1 1st & 2
nd Find Head of St JB
W. Joel 2:12-16; Joel3:12-21 St Tarasios of Constantinople
Th Jude 1:11-25 Luke 23:2-34,44-56 Ven. Porphyrius of Gaza
F Zechariah 8:7-17; Zechariah 8:19-23 Ven. Confessor Procopius
S Romans 14:19-23,16:25-27 Matthew 6:1-13 Ven Confessor Basil
S. Romans 13:11-14:4 Matthew 6:14-21 Forgiveness Sunday
WEEK OF MARCH 14, 2016
M. Isaiah 1:1-20 Genesis 1:1-13 Proverbs 1:1-20 Holy Martyr Eudoxia
T. Isaiah 1:19-2:3 Genesis 1:14-23 Proverbs 1:20-33 Priest-Martyr Theodotus
W. Isaiah 2:3-11 Genesis 1:24-2:3 Proverbs 2:1-22 Holy Martyr Eutropius
Th Isaiah 2:11-22 Genesis 2:4-19 Proverbs 3:1-18 St Gerasimos of the Jordan
F. Isaiah 3:1-14 Genesis 2:20-3:20 Proverbs 3:19-34 Holy Martyr Conan
S. Hebrews 1:1-12 Mark 2:23-3:5 42 Martyrs of Ammoria
S. Heb 11:24-26,32-12:2 John 1:43-51 Sunday of Orthodoxy
WEEK OF MARCH 21, 2016
M Isaiah 4:2-6,5:1-7; Genesis 3:21-4:7 Proverbs 3:34-4:22 Venerable Theophylactus
T. Isaiah 5:7-16; Genesis 4:8-15 Proverbs 5:1-15 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste
W. Isaiah 5:16-25 Genesis 4:16-26 Proverbs 5:15-6:3 Holy Martyr Quadratus
Th. Isaiah 6:1-12 Genesis 5:1-24 Proverbs 6:3-20 St Sophronios of Jerusalem
F. Isaiah 7:1-14 Genesis 5:32-6:8 Proverbs 6:20-7:1 Holy Confessor Theophanes
S. Hebrews 3:12-16 Mark 1:35-44 Trans. Relics St Nicephorus
S Hebrews 1:10-2:3 Mark 2:1-12 St. Gregory Palamas
WEEK OF MARCH 28, 2016
M. Isaiah 8:13-9:7 Genesis 6:9-22 Proverbs 8:1-21 Holy Martyr Agapius
T. Isaiah 9:9-10:4 Genesis 7:1-5 Proverbs 8:32-9:11 Martyr Sabinas of Egypt
W. Isaiah 10:12-20 Genesis 7:6-9 Proverbs 9:12-18 St. Alexis, Man of God
Th Isaiah 11:10-12:2 Genesis 7:11-8:3 Proverbs 10:1-22 . St Cyril of Jerusalem
F. Isaiah 13:2-13 Genesis 8:4-21 Proverbs10:31-11:12 Sts Chrysanthus & Daria
S. Hebrews 10:32-38 Mark 2:14-17;1 The Fathers Slain at
1Thess 4:13-17 John 5:24-30 S St Sabbas Monastery
S Hebrews 4:14-5:6 Mark 8:34-9:1 Cross Veneration
Daily Scripture
Readings
Prayer Before Reading Holy Scripture
O Master Who loves mankind, illuminate our hearts with the pure light of Your divine
knowledge and open the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Your Gospel.
Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, that we may overcome all
carnal desires, entering upon a spiritual life and understanding and acting in all
things according to Your holy will. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and
bodies, O Christ God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and
Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen
25
Living Members of Parish Family And Friends Protopresbyter Luke Barbara (Reeves) Shirley Sedlock Protopresbyter. John Pani Patricia (Duranko) Florence (Gachi) Priest Seraphim Richard (Kaschak) Karolina Kassiani (Nickolakis) Pani Linda (Barriger) Charles (Householder) Audrey (Fatse) Richard (Kaschak Jr) Mary Ann Frank (Meyernick) Lou (Gregory) Serge (Mihaly) Michael (Banik) Kelly (Friend of Eve) Regis (LeClerc) Mary (Nichols) Nina (Kuchma) Esther (Johnson) Joshua (Habansky) Geoffrey & Jennifer Roger (Vanhouten) Zachary Matushka Mara (Burns) Child Diana Irene (Knapp) Carol Judy Elsi (Lotufo) Penny (Elsi’s daughter) Propresbyter George (Havrilla) Thomas (Ivers) Kennedy Family Karen (Ivers) Christopher (Zinski) Rachel (friend of Karen) John (Cybul) Gregory (Cybul) Priest James (Gleason) Marge (Allis) Robert Victoria Randy & Janice Caleb (Goneau) Samantha Marilyn Garry & Barbara (Nichols) Nicholas (Papillo) Cynthia (Dion) Marion (Fallon) Virginia (friend of Eve) Alice (VanHouten) Nicholas (Gachi) Judy Donna (Pierce) June (Friend of Marcia L) Ernie (Friend of Marcia L) Stephen Donna (Pierce) Betty Andrew Sean Daniel Child Emma Walter (Litzie) Child Oliver Amada & Will Grace (Sawczyczn) Robert (Franco) Nina Cheri-Lynn Ricky Renee Cheryl Ann Rolf John (Kratky) Carey (Butz) Joann Deborah Jason Priest John (Baranik) Priest Michael (Shuster) Departed Members Of Our Parish Family And Friends
+Metropolitan Nicholas Gedeon Steinhaus Mary Pataky George Kraynak Richard Porter George Halzak Irene Wargo John&Susan Bensko Marc Suffredini
PRAYER LIST
A PRAYER FOR THE LIVING
O Christ, You alone are prompt to defend us; quickly visit Your suffering servant (name).
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, deliver (him, her) from sickness and bitter pain.
Heal (him, her) so that (he, she) may sing to You and always praise You for You alone
love us.
A PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who has conquered death and destroyed Satan, and Who
has granted life to Your world; O Lord, rest the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) [Name]
in a serene, luxuriant and peaceful place where all pain and sorrow and lamentation are
absent; as a gracious God Who loves mankind, forgive all transgressions committed by
(him, her, them) by word or deed or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin;
You alone are without sin, Your truth is truth in eternity and Your Word is Truth. For You,
O Christ our God, are the resurrection, life and repose of Your departed servant(s) [Name],
who (has, have) fallen asleep, and we give glory to You and Your eternal Father, and Your
Most-Holy, Gracious and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
26
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3
4 10:00 am
Liturgy + M Pataky
Anna Mikulak
Cambridge Manor
5 All Souls
9:00 am Liturgy
Gideon Steinhaus
Pagachi Workshop
5:00 pm Vespers
& Confession
6 9:00 am Liturgy
Panachida Rep.
Irene Wargo &
George Halzak
Church School/
Stirna/Meyernick
Coffee Hour
7 Public Orders For
Bake Sale Begin at
12 Noon
8 7:00 pm Moleben to
Saint Nectarios &
Parish Council Meeting
9 9:00 am
Pastry Roll Baking
Session
10 11
12 9:00 am
Liturgy Porter/
Kraynak Family
4:30 pm Vespers
5:30 pm Pre-Lenten
Supper
13 9 am Liturgy
Panachida – 5th
Anniv. Of Repose
+Met Nicholas
Church School/
Stokely Coffee Hr
4pm Forgiveness
Vespers
14 Lent Begins
9 am Lenten Hours
7:00 pm Great
Canon of Saint
Andrew of Crete Church Cleaner:
Cleaning Service
15 7:00 pm Great Canon
of Saint Andrew of
Crete
16 12 Noon 6
th Hour Service
6:30 pm
Presanctified
Liturgy & Adult
Education
17 7:00 pm Great
Canon of Saint
Andrew of Crete
18 7:30 pm Paraklis
Service
19 9:00 am Pagachi
Workshop
5:00 pm Great
Vespers
& Confession
20 9 am Liturgy
Panachida/ 40th Day
+Marc Suffedini
Church School/
Bilcheck Coffee Hr
4:00 pm Vespers
St John’s Mill Hill
21
22 7:00 pm
Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
Three Holy Hierarchs
Chapel, University of
CT - Storrs, CT
23 12 Noon 6
th Hour Service
6:30 pm Pre-
Sanctified Liturgy
Adult Education
24
25 7:30 pm Paraklis
Service & All Souls
Panachida
26 10:00 am
Easter Bake Sale.
5:00 pm Great
Vespers &
Confession
27 9 am Liturgy/
Panachida J&S
Bensko/Ch School
Booth/Nichols
Coffee Hour
4:00 pm Vespers St
Mary’s Bridgeport
28 Church Cleaner:
Cleaning Service
29
30 12 Noon 6
th Hour Service
6:30 pm Pre-
Sanctified Liturgy
Adult Education
31
SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH
LITURGICAL SERVICES & EVENTS
MARCH 2016
