(Fresco of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, Mesnil, France)

Today: Matins, Liturgy, Kneeling Prayers, BBQ

Monday: 10:00 am Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity GOC

Tuesday: 6:00 pm Vespers

Thursday: 6:00 pm Vespers

Saturday:  6:00 pm Vespers

Sunday: 8:30 am Matins; 9:30 am Divine Liturgy, Akathist for the Departed, Classes, Blood Pressure Screening, Brunch

The Feast of Pentecost / The Feast of Weeks (i.e., the closing festival for the 7 weeks of Passover = 50 days) was called Pentecosté (i.e., 50) in the Greek speaking Jewish world (Ex. 34:22; Lev. 23:11; Deut. 16:10).  It was a harvest feast also connected with the giving of the Law (Torah) on Mt. Sinai on the 50th day after the original Passover / Exodus events (Ex. 19:11).  It was a great homecoming feast for 1st century Jews from all parts of the world (Acts 2:5-11).  Fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ, the extraordinary events in the Upper Room took place.

It is often called Whitsunday due to the white garments worn by those who were baptized during the Pentecost Vigil…i.e., the catechumens who had not been baptized at Pascha.  In Italy it was customary to scatter rose leaves from the ceiling of the churches to recall the miracle of the fiery tongues.  In France it was customary to blow trumpets during Liturgy to recall the sound of the miracle of the great mighty rushing wind.  In England horse racing was customary on Whitsunday.  In the Christian East the extraordinary service of Kneeling is held — whereat the faithful kneel for the first time since Pascha.  In Russia, the faithful carry flowers and green branches in their hands and decorate the church interiors with greenery, branches and the like on the Feast of Pentecost (which commemorates the Holy Trinity as well as the Descent of the Holy Spirit.)

Looking Ahead:

Beginning June 1st and lasting for 8 weeks (i.e., through July 20), Tuesday Vespers will be followed by a period of Lectio and discussion that will conclude about 8:00 pm.  This evening series of spiritual “re-charging” for the members of our parish community will gently lead participants on a journey toward a more contemplative and peace-filled way of life. It is sponsored by the Fellowship of New Skete.  You are invited (encouraged) to attend one, a few, many or all of the Tuesday Reflections.

Our final Theology Classes for the season:

Saturday, June 5 & 12, following Vespers.  If you’d like to join us in these overviews of Sacramental Ecclesiology (i.e, The Sacraments in the Life of the Church; The Body of Christ), please feel free to attend.  A full term of Liturgical Theology will commence this Fall.

Ascension of Christ Octave

Today:  8:30 Matins; 9:30 Divine Liturgy, Classes & Brunch

Tuesday:  6:00 pm Vespers & Quietude

Thursday:  Readers’ Vespers

Saturday:  6:00 pm Cathedral Vigil & Litia

Sunday: 8:30 am Matins; 9:30 am Divine Liturgy, Prayers of Kneeling & Pentecost BBQ

Next Sunday:

Pentecost BBQ & Picnic —

The Parish Council is organizing next Sunday’s lunch — providing meat for grilling and beverages for hydrating.  Please bring whatever else would be good to eat (maybe in a sort-of pot-luck manner).

Sunday, May 30:

BBQ and Picnic (in celebration of the Old Calendar Feast of Ss. Cyril & Methodius).  Our parish community is invited to attend.  Maps and other information will be available next Sunday.

Beginning June 1st…

…and lasting for 8 weeks (i.e., through July 20), Tuesday Vespers will be followed by a period of Lectio, discussion, supper (pot-luck) & fellowship that will conclude about 8:30 pm.  This evening series of spiritual “re-charging” for the members of our parish community is sponsored by the Fellowship of New Skete.  You are invited (encouraged) to attend one, a few, many or all of the Tuesday Reflections.

Our final Theology Class:

Saturday, June 5, following Vespers.  If you’d like to join us in this overview of Sacramental Ecclesiology (i.e., the sacraments in the life of the Church), please feel free to attend.  A full term of Liturgical Theology will commence this Fall.

Holy Martyr Christopher (“Christ-Bearer”)

Today:  8:30 am Matins; 9:30 am Divine Liturgy, Classes & Brunch

Tuesday:  6:00pm Vespers & Quietude; Yard Work Party

Wednesday:  6:00 pm Ascension Vespers & Litia

Thursday: 6:00 am Ascension Divine Liturgy; 6:00 pm Readers’ Vespers; 7:00 pm Choir

Saturday:  6:00 pm Vespers

Sunday: 8:30 am Matins; 9:30 am Divine Liturgy, Classes, Brunch

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Saint Christopher: “Christ-bearer”

The popular and best-known legend of Saint Christopher gives the background for his designation as the patron saint of travel.  There is general agreement that he died in the third century.  He is known to have died a martyr of the faith after converting many to Christianity.

He was a Canaanite who served his king, especially in matters requiring strength.  The tale has it that he was huge with an ugly face and an even uglier demeanor.  He was taken prisoner in a war with the Romans in North Africa, present day Libya.  He was forced to travel a great distance back to Rome.

While on his way back, a hermit told Christopher that because of his great size and strength, he should assist people to cross the river and this would be pleasing to God.  He assisted many travelers and he was happy in his service to God.  One evening outside his hut a little child, all alone, asked if he would help in crossing.  Christopher hoisted the child upon his shoulders and started across.  The river became turbulent and the child became heavier with each step.  He struggled across with great difficulty and said to the child, “I do not think the whole world could be as heavy on my shoulders as you were.”  The child replied, “You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but also him who made it.  I am Christ your King.“

Once home at Rome, Christopher was assigned as an army officer during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.  This emperor pursued a persecution of Christians, and to his surprise one of his personnel guards refused to participate and proclaimed himself a Christian.  That Christian was St. George.  The Diocletian ordered that George be tortured and killed.  Christopher watched the torture and killing, and shortly after declared himself to be a Christian as well.  The emperor condemned Christopher be tortured and put to death.

He is patron of mariners, floods, sailors, surfers, boatman, and protector against hailstorms and lightning.  Relating to carrying the Christ child, St. Christopher is the patron of people who lift and carry, porters, transportation and transportation workers.  But probably the most important patronage of all (though usually overshadowed by the patronage of travel) Saint Christopher is the patron saint of a Christian end to our lives.

The Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

St. Photini / Fatima / Svetlana / Clare / Fiona

Tuesday:  6:00 pm Vespers & Quietude

Thursday: 6:00 pm Vespers

Saturday:  6:00 pm Vespers & Panikhida

Sunday:  8:30 am Matins; 9:30 am Divine Liturgy, Brunch