FEBRUARY 5, 2016

EPISTLE: 2nd Timothy 3:10-15 (#296) GOSPEL: St. Luke 18:10 - 14 (#89)TONE: 8

St. Innocent Orthodox ChurchZ 50th Anniversary:1967-2017 Z Moscow Patriarchal Parishes Z23300 W. Chicago _ Redford, MI 48239 _ 313-538-1142 _ Fax: 313-538-8126

Church Website: www.stinnocentchurch.com _ E-Mail: frroman@firebirdvideos.comSt. Innocent Monastic Community: 9452 Hazelton, Redford, MI 48239 _ 313-535-9080

PASTOR: Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest ROMAN STAR _ Cell: 313-319-0590 Dean, Central States Deanery, Patriarchal Parishes

ASSISTANT PRIEST: Rev. DANEIL SHIRAK _ 313-295-3073DEACONS: Rev. Dn. Dr. Joshua GenigRev. Dn. Michael Comerford, Attached

ATTACHED: Sister IoannaCHOIR DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Star Hatfield

READER: George Hanoian

SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEK (NO FASTING THIS WEEK)

Saturday 2/11 4pm GREAT VESPERS & CONFESSIONS

Sunday 2/12 Prodigal Son Sunday — Pre-Lenten Sunday #2

9:15am HOURS, AKATHIST &/or CANON; CONFESSIONS

10am DIVINE LITURGY; followed by Coffee HourFeast days this week: Thursday, 2/9: St. Innocent of Irkutsk (transfer of relics) — Parish’s 2nd Patronal Feastday

FOR THE HEALTH OF: Archimandrite Seraphim; Priest Daneil, Matushka Debra & Corrina Shirak; Deacon Michael, Matushka MaryEllen & Julius Comerford; Deacon Joshua, Matushka Abigail, Emma, Clare, Rose & Anna Genig; Matushka Mary Donahue; Reader RobertLatsko, Reader George & Betty Hanoian, Rose Nossal, Mary Glover, Nancy Cupp, Vasiliki Stamoulis, Gerald Martell, Azbehat, DonaldYakuber, Carl deVyver, Jo Anne Nicholas, Joan Rusko, Daria, Joseph Nossal, Ed Manier, Pat Harbut (recovering from auto accident).ALSO FOR: Daria Korniyevskaya, who celebrates her birthday tomorrow, Monday, 6 February

Fr. Deacon Michael & Matushka Mary Ellen Comerford, who celebrate their Anniversary on Monday, 6 February Daniel Shirak, who celebrates his birthday on Tuesday, 7 February

� MAY GOD GRANT THEM MANY YEARS! �

FOR THE REPOSE OF: Estelle & Joseph Star; Anna & John Witkowski; Michael Sr. & Margaret Rusko; Mary, Andrew, Daniel,Michael & Lottie Yakuber; Ross & Margaret Falsetti; Helen, John & Carole Andrayko; Peter & Theresa Harvilla; Betty Martell; Frances, Todd& John Smoly; Peter Glover; Irene Adams; Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua deVyver, David Horka; Michael Rusko; Anna Lichagina, Yelena& Zinaïda Korniyevskaya; Joseph Nossal; Michelle Tucker; Todd Comerford, John Manier, Jr.MEMORY Mary Kravitz, whose anniversary of her repose is Tuesday, 7 February ETERNAL! Lottie Yakuber, whose anniversary of her repose is Tuesday, 7 February

Infant Jasper Elliot (Ilya) Blum, whose anniversary of his repose is Tuesday, 7 February Matushka Julianna Schmemann (newly reposed, 1/29/17, age 93), (wife of Fr. Alexander Schmemann)

COMMEMORATED TODAY: Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee. (Beginning of the Lenten Triodion). Afterfeast of the Meeting. Reposeof St. Theodosius of Chernigov (1696). Holy Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily (251). Martyr Theodula of Anazarbus in Cilicia, and with herMartyrs Helladius, Macarius and Evagrius (ca. 304). Icon of the Most-holy Theotokos, “SEARCH OF THE LOST”

_ 9:15AM — HOURS, AKATHIST and/or CANON & CONFESSIONS __ 10am — DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM _

PROSPHORA FOR TODAY IS OFFERED BY: Matushka Rose Marie & Fr. RomanIn Memory Eternal of: Joseph & Estelle Star; Paul & Alexandra; Basil & Ellen; John & Anna; Samuel & Mary; Thomas & Rose; Olga, Joseph, Marsha,Richard, Tom, Julia, George, Olga, Joseph, Ellen, and all departed family members & parishioners of St. Innocent; and For the Health of: Fr. Roman (B-day, 2/4), Mat. Rose Marie (B-day, 2/23), Elizabeth (B-day, 2/23), Larry, Caitlin, Zachary, Thomas (B-day, 3/12), Barbara,Harry, Gregory, Tamiko; all family members & parishioners of St. Innocent.

Z PUBLICAN & PHARISEE SUNDAY Z 1st PRE-LENTEN SUNDAY Z

Z Afterfeast of the Meeting of Christ in the Temple Z

CANDLES FOR LAST SUNDAY, 29 JANUARYYEARLY CHURCH VIGIL LAMPS:Royal Doors Lamp: In Memory of Husband, Joseph; Son, Kenneth; parents, Michael & Margaret Rusko, & John & Martha Nossal, by Rose NossalAltar Candelabra: In Memory of Parents, Nicholas and Susan Yakuber, by son, Donald Yakuber Altar Candles (2): In Memory of Irene Adams, by Goddaughter, Rose Ann EverhardtIconostasis Lamps: In Memory of departed family & friends; & Health of family & friends, by Fr. Protodeacon Daniel & Mat. Irene SudolCandles on the Solea: In Memory of Peter & Theresa Harvilla, Norman & Monica Holst, & Ricky Ellis, by Jason & Debra Truskowski Table of Oblation Lamp: In Memory of Parents, Helen & John Andrayko, Sr. & sister, Carole Andrayko, by John Andrayko, Jr.

Reliquary-Icon Lamps: Sts. Innocent, Tikhon & Herman: Health of Joseph/Sue; Robert/Diane; Pat/John; Joseph B., Jared, Jay; Rachelle/Aaron, Gabriel; Tricia, Lindsey; & In Memory of sisters, Anna, Margaret, Theresa & Irene; & brothers, John, Edwin & Michael by Rose NossalReliquary-Icon Lamps: Sts. Elizabeth & Raphael: Health of the Genig and the Just Families, by Fr. Deacon Joshua & Abigail GenigReliquary-Icon Lamps: St. Seraphim & St. Alexis: In Memory of Ross & Margaret Falsetti, by daughters, Rose Ann Everhardt & Margie MartellReliquary-Icon Lamps: St. Hilarion & Sts. Alexandra & Martha: In Memory of Parents, Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua; Robert David H; // Reliquary-Icon Lamps: St. Nestor & St. Gerontius (AVAILABLE) //& Health of brother, Carl, by Sister Ioanna

IN MEMORY OF (MEMORY ETERNAL!)Joseph & Estelle Star, by son Father Roman and familyPaul & Alexandra Yupco, Basil & Ellen Starinshak, by grandson, Father Roman and familyJohn & Anna Witkowski, by daughter, Matushka Rose Marie and familySamuel & Mary Kupec, by granddaughter, Matushka Rose Marie and family Parents, Helen & John Andrayko, and sister, Carole Andrayko, by John Andrayko + + + My husband, Michael Rusko, by Joan Rusko My husband, Joe; my sisters, Margaret & Ross Falsetti, Anna & Mike Elaschat, Theresa & Pete Harvilla, Irene, & brothers, Michael, John & Edwin Rusko; niece, Rose Mary & Dean Hough; Joe’s brothers, Raymond & Walter Nossal, & sisters, Theresa, Florence & Helen Nossal, by Rose Nossal ++ + Pete & Theresa Harvilla, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay Truskowski + + + Jaimie Truskowski, by daughter Kay T. Parents, Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua; David H; Nina I; Marion P; Fr. Photius; Mo. Benedicta; Archm. Roman; Molly; Olive, by Sr Ioanna

Child Lana, Shirley, Betty, Marsha, Paul, by Becky Jurczyszyn FOR THE HEALTH OF: (MANY YEARS!)Elizabeth & Lawrence, Caitlin & Zachary, by parents & grandparents, Father Roman & Matushka Rose Marie Gregory & Tamiko Star, by parents, Father Roman & Matushka Rose MarieChildren, Grandchildren & Great-grandchildren; Monk Fr. Sdn. Tikhon (Dade); by Rose NossalFather Roman & Matushka & family; Sister Ioanna; John Andrayko; Nancy; Mary G; Jo Anne N; Grandson Joey (in the Navy Reserves) & all people in the Armed Forces; & all St. Innocent Church parishioners, by Rose Nossal + + + Family & Friends, by Mary Ann Harvilla & KayBrother, Greg & Donna; nephew, Gregory & Liz; & nephew, Alex, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay + + + Ed Manier, by Mary Ann Harvilla&Kay Archimandrites Nafanail, Gregory & Seraphim; Fr. Roman & Mat. Rose Marie; Fr. Lawrence & fam; Fr. Laurence & fam; Fr. Daneil & fam; Fr. Dcn. Michael & fam; Fr. Dcn. Joshua, Abigail & children; Mat. Mary D; Carl; Monk Fr. Tikhon; Sdn Andrew; Rdr Robert; Robert M; David Samuel/Sky & Avi; JoAnne/Nick; Athanasius; John A; Ed/Tiffany & fam; Kim & fam; Vasiliki; Rose; Emil; Billy/Fonda, by Sr IoannaJohn Andrayko (May God watch over him), by Rose Nossal+ + +Rose Nossal, by John Andrayko Leia, Mike, Reece & Wyatt Wilson; Bob/Joan Jurczyszyn; Toni /Richard Bussen; Pete, Krista, Jacob, Clair, Matt & Paul Stelmaszek; Damon Trestain, Levi Troyer, Briana Saylor, by Becky Jurczyszyn + + + Shirak Family, by Fr. Daneil

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) FR. JEROME SANDERSON TO GIVE PRESENTATION AT ST. INNOCENT, NEXT SAT. FEB. 11th, 1:00 – 4:00 PM. DO COME.

(2) 50th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE ICON-CARDS OF ST. INNOCENT AVAILABLE. Make sure you get your complimentary4 x 5½ icon-cards of our parish’s patron saint, on heavy glossy card-stock, in commemoration of our 50th Anniversary. Give to relatives & friends.

(3) FEBRUARY CALENDAR/SCHEDULE AVAILABLE ON OUR CHURCH WEBSITE: http://stinnocentchurch.com/calendar/html

(4) PLEASE ORDER YOUR PIZZA KITS: Another fund-raising project for our 50th Anniversary expenses is our selling Little Caesar’s PizzaKits. There are a wide variety of choices. Please place orders by February 19th, for delivery in March. Contact Kim: 313-550-3222.

(5) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEXT PIEROGI-MAKING DAY, SATURDAY, MARCH 4th. (Note change of date.) Please contactMary Ann or Elizabeth (734-306-1486, voice or text). Many thanks to all those who helped in any way in the Jan. 28th pierogi-making session.

(6) PLEASE PLACE AS MANY ORDERS FOR PIEROGI AS POSSIBLE FOR NEXT SESSION, MARCH 4th. MANY THANKS to thosewho placed orders for last week’s pierogi-making session. Now, please place orders for March 4th — your own, plus, please get orders from yourfriends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. —for our very LARGE, DELICIOUS sauerkraut or potato & cheese pierogi, at just $7 per dozen.They freeze very well for future use. Sign up on the Pierogi Orders sheet on wall outside kitchen door, or contact Elizabeth or Mary Ann.

(7) “ST. INNOCENT ORTHODOX STUDY GROUP”: with Fr. Deacon Joshua; meets Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 PM, in the church hall,

(8) NEW ISSUE OF GOOD WORKS AVAILABLE, the November-December issue. GOOD WORKS is the COCC's marvelous bi-monthlypublication that is available in FULL-COLOR on-line, and in a 2-color printed version. The full-color printed version of the NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE IS NOW AVAILABLE on-line at: http://coccdetroit.com/files/Good%20Works/ COCCGoodWorks-2016NOV-DEC.pdf.Printed copies in 2-colors are now available at church. Every bi-monthly issue is expertly and artistically done, (even though way behind schedule),with many interesting articles on varied topics, with numerous photos. This issue features a large article on page 9 about Bp. John's visitation toSt. Innocent and the Ordination of Fr. Deacon Joshua Genig, with a great photo, all taken from our own church website.

THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICANBy Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

A Sermon delivered on February 4, 1990

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

How short, and how well known is today's parable, and yet, how intense its message, how challenging.... Intenseit is in its very words: two men come into the church of God, into a sacred realm which, in a world that is lostto Him, belongs to Him unreservedly: into His Divine Realm. And one of the men walks boldly into it, takesa stand before God; the other one comes, and doesn't even dare cross the threshold: he is a sinner, and the Realmis holy, like the space around the Burning Bush in the desert which Moses could not enter without having unshodhis feet, otherwise than in adoration and the fear of God.

And how different the words spoken! Apparently the Pharisee praises God, he gives Him glory — but for what?Because He has made a man like himself, a man so holy, so worthy of Him, of God; a man who not only keeps

all the commandments of the Law, but goes beyond what God Himself has commanded, and can expect of man. Indeed, he stands before Godpraising Him, that he, the Pharisee, is so wonderful that he is God's own glory, the shining, the revelation of God’s holiness....

The Publican does not dare enter into the holy Realm of God. And the parable is clear: the man who came and stood brokenhearted, ashamedof himself, knowing that he is unworthy of entering this sacred space goes back home forgiven, loved, indeed: accompanied by God HimselfWho came into the world to save sinners and Who stands by everyone who needs Him, who recognizes his need, or not, unto salvation.

The Pharisee goes home, but he goes home less forgiven; his relationship with God is not the same; he is at the center, God is peripheral tohim; he is at the heart of things, God is subservient to him. It does not mean that what he did was worthless; it simply means that as far as heis concerned, it has born no fruit of holiness in himself. The deeds were good, but they were spoiled, poisoned by pride, by self-assertion; thebeauty of what he did was totally marred because it was addressed neither to God nor to his neighbor; it was turned in on himself. And we aretold that this pride has spoiled this man, has taken away from him the fruits of his good works, the fruit of his outward faithfulness to the lawof God, that only humility could have given him and his action full meaning, that only humility could have made his actions into life, into thewaters of life gushing into eternity.

But then, the question stands before us: how can we learn anything about humility if that is the absolute condition to be not like the barren figtree, but fruitful, to be a rich harvest from whom people can be fed. I do not know that we can move from pride, from vanity into humility ina moment, unless something so tragic happens to us that we see ourselves, we discover ourselves completely bereft of everything that supportedour sinful, destructive, barren condition. But there is one thing which we can do: however much we think that we are possessed of gifts of allsorts of heart and mind, of body and soul, however fruitful our action may be, we can remember the words of Saint Paul: O, man! What haveyou got which was not given to you?!.. And indeed, he echoes at this point what Christ said in the first Beatitude, the Beatitude that opens thedoor to all other Beatitudes, the Beatitude which is the beginning of understanding: Blessed are the poor in spirit... Blessed are those who know,not only with their intellect — but at least with their intellect! — that they are nothing, and they possess nothing which is not a gift of God.

We were called into being out of nothing, without our participation: our very existence is a gift! We were given life which we could not create,called out of ourselves. We have been given the knowledge of the existence of God, and indeed, a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God—all that is a gift! And then, all that we are is a gift of God: our body, our heart, our mind, our soul — what power have we got over them whenGod does no longer sustain them? The greatest intelligence can of a sudden be swallowed into darkness by a stroke; there are moments whenwe are confronted with a need that requires all our sympathy, all our love — and we discover that our hearts are of stone and of ice... We wantto do good — and we cannot; and Saint Paul knew it already when he said: The good which I love, I don't do, and the wrong which I hate I docontinuously... And our body depends on so many things!

And what of our relationships, of the friendship which is given us, the love which sustains us, the comradeship — everything that we are andwhich we possess is a gift: what is the next move: isn't it gratitude? Can’t we turn to God not as a pharisee, priding ourselves of what we areand forgetting that all that is, is his, but turning to God and saying: O, God! All that is, is a gift from You! all beauty, intelligence, a sensitiveheart, all the circumstances of life are a gift! Indeed, all those circumstances, even those which frighten us, are a gift, because God says to us:I trust you enough to send you into the darkness to bring light! I send you into corruption to be the salt that stops corruption! I send you wherethere is no hope to bring hope, where there is no joy to bring joy, no love to bring love... and one could go on, and on, and on, seeing that whenwe are sent into the darkness, it is to be God's presence and God's life, and that means that He trusts us — He trusts us, He believes in us, Hehopes for us everything: isn't that enough to be grateful?

But gratitude is not just a cold word of thanks; gratitude means that we wish to make Him see that all that was not given in vain, that He didnot become man, lived, died in vain; gratitude means a life that could give joy to God: this is a challenge of this particular parable... Yes, theideal would be for us to be humble — but what is humility? Who of us knows, and if someone knows, who can communicate it to everyone whodoesn’t know? But gratitude we all know; we know small ways, and small aspects of it! Let us reflect on it, and, let us in an act of gratituderecognize that we have no right to be in God’s own realm — and He lets us in! We have no right to commune to Him either in prayer, or insacrament — and He calls us to commune with Him! We have no right to be His children, to be brothers and sisters of Christ, to be the dwellingplace of the Spirit — and He grants it all in an act of love! Let each of us reflect and ask himself: in what way can he or she be so grateful insuch a way that God could rejoice that He has not given in vain, been in vain, lived and died in vain, that we have received the message. Andif we grow in true depth of gratitude, at the depth of gratitude we will fall down, adore the Lord, and learn what humility is — not abasement,but adoration, the awareness that He is all we possess, all that we are, and that we are open to Him like the earth, the rich earth is open to theplough, to the sowing, to the seed, to the sunshine, to the rain, to everything in order to bring forth fruit. Amen!

THE MEETING OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE

A Major Feast, Celebrated on February 2nd

Today the Church commemorates an important event in the earthly life of our LordJesus Christ (Luke 2:22-40). Forty days after His birth the God-Infant was taken to theJerusalem Temple, the center of the nation’s religious life. According to the Law ofMoses (Lev. 12:2-8), a woman who gave birth to a male child was forbidden to enterthe Temple of God for forty days. At the end of this time the mother came to theTemple with the child, to offer a young lamb or pigeon to the Lord as a purificationsacrifice. The Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God, had no need of purification,since she had given birth to the Source of purity and sanctity without defilement.However, she humbly fulfilled the requirements of the Law.

At this time the righteous Elder Simeon (February 3) was living in Jerusalem. It hadbeen revealed to him that he would not die until he should behold the promisedMessiah. By inspiration from above, Saint Simeon went to the Temple at the verymoment when the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Joseph had brought the Infant Jesusto fulfill the Law.

The God-Receiver Simeon took the divine Child in his arms, and giving thanks toGod, he spoke the wordsrepeated by the Church each evening at Vespers: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thyword, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten theGentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). Saint Simeon said to the Most Holy Virgin: “Behold, this childis set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall piercethrough your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).

At the Temple was the 84-year-old widow Anna the Prophetess, daughter of Phanuel (February 3), “who did not leavethe temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. She arrived just when Saint Simeon met the divine Child.She also gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:37-38).In the icon of the Feast she holds a scroll which reads: “This Child has established Heaven and earth.”

Before Christ was born, righteous men and women lived by faith in the promised Messiah, and awaited His coming.The Righteous Simeon and the Prophetess Anna, the last righteous people of the Old Testament, were deemed worthyto meet the Savior in the Temple.

The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord is among the most ancient feasts of the Christian Church. We have sermons onthe Feast by the holy bishops Methodius of Patara (+ 312), Cyril of Jerusalem (+ 360), Gregory the Theologian (+ 389),Amphilocius of Iconium (+ 394), Gregory of Nyssa (+ 400), and John Chrysostom (+ 407). Despite its early origin, thisFeast was not celebrated so splendidly until the sixth century.

In 528, during the reign of Justinian, an earthquake killed many people in Antioch. Other misfortunes followed this one.In 541 a terrible plague broke out in Constantinople, carrying off several thousand people each day. During this timeof widespread suffering, a solemn prayer service (Litia) for deliverance from evils was celebrated on the Feast of theMeeting of the Lord, and the plague ceased. In thanksgiving to God, the Church established a more solemn celebrationof this Feast.

Church hymnographers have adorned this Feast with their hymns: Saint Andrew of Crete in the seventh century; SaintCosmas Bishop of Maium, Saint John of Damascus, and Saint Germanus Patriarch of Constantinople in the eighthcentury; and Saint Joseph, Archbishop of Thessalonica in the ninth century.

On this day we also commemorate the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos known as “the Softening of Evil Hearts” or“Simeon’s Prophecy.” The Mother of God is depicted without Her Child, with seven swords piercing her breast: threefrom the left side, three from the right, and one from below.

A similar icon, “Of the Seven Swords” (August 13) shows three swords on the left side and four from the right.

The icon “Simeon’s Prophecy” symbolizes the fulfillment of the prophecy of the righteous Elder Simeon: “a swordshall pierce through your own soul” (Luke 2:35).

RESOLVE TO ACQUIRE THE SPIRIT OF PEACE

By Fr. Barnabas PowellSource: pravoslavie.ru, 1/15/17

If you’re still looking for a New Year’s resolution, you couldn’t do better thanto try the best-known instruction of a 19th-century Russian monk namedSeraphim of Sarov: “Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and thousands around youwill be saved.”

Far from naive, religious fluff or spiritual psychobabble, these words of aforest-dwelling hermit who became one of the most revered saints of OrthodoxChristianity are eminently practical. For example, I try (and often fail) toremember them when I turn on the news or pick up a paper, and find myselfassaulted by the abundant evidence of the Fall.

It’s so easy to become cynical as a result of the darkness one encounters, evensecond-hand through the media, that I’ve actually fasted from news as muchas possible ever since Advent began.

One could say I’m burying my head in the sand to avoid the “real world.” YetI challenge whether the news presents an accurate, proportioned view of

reality. And I assert that my abstinence, an effort to follow St.Seraphim’s advice, is actually very real world.

Because in the face of wars, shootings and the fascination withobscenity that can be brought to my living room each night, thequestion is, “What am I supposed to do?” Soak it in and become angryor depressed? Whom would that help? Not me, which is where I mustbegin.

If the world is mad, I must strive to be sane. If it’s agitated, I muststrive for peace. And peace, as St. Seraphim knew intimately well, isthe gift of the Spirit of Peace. It doesn’t just float around in space assome self-existing principle in the universe. That would bepsychobabble.

What I need, what the world needs of me, is to acquire that spirit. But how?

Why not begin with what worked for St. Seraphim? Fasting, to subdue one’swill and desires. And prayer, to stand still and silent before God. St.Seraphim used to stand all night in prayer, arms extended to the heavens. Dowe pray even 30 minutes a day, or rebel against such waste of time?

In my years of pastoral ministry, let alone spiritual life, I’ve learned thatwhen one is agitated, anxious or plagued by passions, one has typically alsobecome lax in prayer and fasting. That’s more than a coincidence.

A final clue from St. Seraphim is mercy to others. After being beaten bybrigands and left a hunchback, Seraphim pleaded for clemency at their trial.How could his heart enshrine the Spirit of Peace, if hardened and agitated bydesire for retribution?

What the world needs is more willingness to grant mercy. That’d be news.It would also require tremendous asceticism and effort. So you can resolveto do anything in the New Year, but if you want a challenge that may bring

you and the world healing, acquire the Spirit of Peace.

WHY I BELIEVE IN GOD, Part 1By Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis

Source: orthodoxwitness.org

I BELIEVE IN GOD BECAUSE:

As I search for meaning to my existence, only an eternal Creator andan eternity of an existence with Him can give meaning to it.

As I search for a purpose of the world, only an intelligent Maker of the universe can give purpose to its continuous existenceand finality.

As I have a strong desire to live, only an eternally living Being and the perspective of an eternal life with Him can fully satisfymy desire.

As I wish to love and to be loved, my love can find fulfillment only in relation with a Person who is infinitely Good, Beautifuland Loving in an absolute way.

As I search for a greater and more profound knowledge, I find that only an inexhaustible Source of Knowledge can satisfyit completely.

As I long for a firm and lasting reality in an ever changing world, only rest in a lasting and unchangeable Reality can totallyfulfill this desire.

As I search for perfection, I know that this perfection is not possible in this imperfect world and in this finite life, thereforethere must be another world and another life to reach it.

As I aspire after order, I know that perfect order lies beyond this existence, therefore it must exist in a different, perfectlyorderly realm.

As I long for freedom, I know that I will never achieve total freedom in this life, therefore I must find it in a different life.

As I am aware of my rationality and that of other human beings, I know that perfect rationality can be found and achievedonly beyond this world.

As I feel empty, incomplete, uncertain, unfulfilled, unsatisfied, I find fulfillment, accomplishment, certainty, satisfaction inHim Who alone is complete, Who alone can satisfy my every desire, in Him Who is the only certainty.

As I strive to discover and achieve an ever greater beauty, true justice, objective truth, a more lasting happiness, a continuousnewness, only a Being Who is the source of Beauty, Justice, Truth, Happiness and Newness can fulfill it.

As I long for something nobler and higher and better, I am led to God Who is the fulfillment of all my aspirations, Who alonesatisfies my perennial longing.

As I strive to be in communion with other human beings, I realize that I cannot come to perfect communion with anyone elseexcept a perfect personal Being.

As I feel weak, uncertain, confused, perplexed, inadequate, I place my hope and trust in God, and in Him I feel certain, calm,strong.I HAVE BEEN CREATED FOR ETERNITY: TO BE, TO LIVE, TO LOVE FOREVER IN HIM WHO EXISTS

AND IS THE SOURCE OF EXISTENCE, WHO LIVES AND IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE, WHO IS LOVE AND IS THESOURCE AND OBJECT OF LOVE.

If man disputes the reality of a supreme Being who is the source of our existence and of the world, then our life and theexistence of the world would have no purpose and no meaning. Then we would not differ from moles who grope in the dark.Except they have no consciousness of themselves or of the world around them, whereas we do. The absence of a meaningand purpose in life should cause us tremendous unhappiness and lead us to desperation.

Do we believe in “a universe of the absurd,” in which we lead an irrational, meaningless, unrealized, unfulfilling, unhappy,unsatisfying, tragic, doomed existence? Is our world a “closed,” dark world, a dungeon without doors or windows? Or is ita room with a window, from which we can take a peak of the world “outside,” with rolling hills, brooks with crystal water,birds singing and people strolling happily, and a door which leads us to it?

Faith in God and in an eternal life He grants us gives us hope, joy, drive, fulfillment, purpose. God instilled these aspirationsin us to lead us to Him. We had our beginning in Him and we long to end our journey back to Him. This is the final goal ofour existence, and we shall not rest until we rest in Him who created us. In the words of Blessed Augustine, “Inquietum estcor nostrum donec requiescat in te”: our heart is restless until it rests in You.

Click here to view the flyer for Fr. Jerome Sanderson’s presentation at St. Innocent this coming (or Next) Saturday,February 11th.

NOTE: In last week’s printed bulletin I had to remove the article on Inner Peace by Fr. Barnabas Powell, and replaceit with the flyer about Fr. Jerome. Since I had already posted the bulletin on our website, I just added the flyer. SoI am including the flyer this week also as a 7th page. This is the reason that the “Resolve to Acquire the Spirit ofPeace” article is in both this week’s and last week’s on-line bulletin.