HEBREWS 1:10-2:3

BRETHREN:

And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail." But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"?

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.

JOHN 1:43-51

Let us Attend! 

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone? But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins-He said to the paralytic, I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house. Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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= = = Scriptural Readings for The First Week of Great Lent = = =

Monday  Genesis 6:9-22   Proverbs 8:1-21

Tuesday  Genesis 7:1-5   Proverbs 8:23-9:11
Wednesday Genesis 7:6-9   Proverbs 9:12-18
Thursday  Genesis 7:11-8:3   Proverbs 10:1-22
Friday  Genesis 8:4-21   Proverbs 10:31-11:12
Saturday  1 Thess. 4:13-17 and Heb. 10:32-38 John 5:24-30 and Mark 2:14-17
Sunday  Hebrews 4:14-5:6  Mark 8:34-9:1

============================================================================

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

ST. GREGORY PALAMAS

On the second Sunday of Great Lent the memory of St. Gregory Palamas is celebrated. A bishop of Thessalonica who lived in the fourteenth century, he continued the battle against Western, Latin distortions of the Christian faith by teaching the importance of the deifying power of the uncreated Grace of God and preserving the true balance between immanence and transcendence with the doctrine of the relationship between the "essence" and "energies" of God.

In accordance with the Orthodox Faith he taught that the ascetic endeavor of fasting and prayer, particularly the practice of the Jesus Prayer according to the teachings of the hesychastic Fathers, prepares one to receive the grace-filled light of the Lord, which is like that which shone on Mt. Tabor at the Lord’s Transfiguration. In other words, if God wills, according to one’s striving, one can partake of divine blessedness while still on this sinful earth.

Thus the second Sunday of Great Lent has been set aside to commemorate this great Church Father, who made explicit the teaching which reveals the power of prayer and fasting.

ST. VLADIMIR PARISH FAMILY LENTEN POT-LUCK DINNERS

As we have done in previous years on Wednesday nights during the Great Lenten Season, we will be having Lenten Pot-Luck Dinners following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy which will begin at 6:30 PM. Following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, plan on staying with us for some Lenten Foods and Christian Fellowship and Discussion held in Daria Hall.

If anyone has any questions, please see or contact Fr. Jason or Mat. Katia.

Also, if anyone would like to bring a favorite Lenten Dish, Soup, etc. please sign the Sign-Up Sheet on the table in the back of church. Thank You!

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families!

Hope to see ALL of you on Wednesday Nights during Great Lent!!

COMMEMORATIONS AND PROSPHORA

We will be offering small prosphoras for commemoration. They will be located at the Candle Desk along with the Commemoration Sheets for The Living and for The Departed! If you would like Fr. Jason to remember a family member during the Liturgy as well as have commemorations taken out, please fill out one of the sheets and place it underneath one of the prosphoras. The tray with the prosphoras will then be taken back to the Altar so that Father can make the commemorations and place them on the Diskos prior to The Great Entrance. There is NO CHARGE for the prosphoras.

However, if you would like to make a donation to the church, May GOD Bless You!

If anyone has any questions, please see Fr. Jason!

CHURCH SCHOOL RETREAT

On Saturday March 20, 2010, the children and their families will gather for a Retreat following the Divine Liturgy. The Theme for the Retreat is: “The Meaning of the Divine Liturgy and its importance” A special part of this retreat will be having the children learn how to make Prosphora. They will be taught by Fr. Jason and the bread that the children bake will be used for the Divine Liturgy on Sunday March 21. If anyone has any questions, please see or contact Fr. Jason. May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you!

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What is prayer?

Food and rest are essential to sustain human life; knowledge, art, and culture in general enrich the mental capabilities of men, but only prayer reveals and expands our spiritual faculties.

God loves all His creations, and in particular He loves each of us since He is our Heavenly Father. As it is natural for children to want to see and converse with their parents, so it should also be natural and pleasant for us to converse with our Heavenly Father and to want to be in spiritual communion with Him. This conversation with God is called prayer. The soul, while uniting with God in prayer, simultaneously is united with the whole spiritual world — with the angels and saints. According to Saint John of Kronstadt, "Prayer is a golden bond of the Christian — a stranger and wanderer on earth — with the spiritual world of which he is a part, and even more so with God, the source of life."

Prayer is frequently accompanied by devout words and other outward signs of piety: the sign of the Cross, kneeling, prostration, etc. But prayer can also be offered without words, and without other external manifestations. This is the inner or hidden prayer of a pious soul, which is familiar through experience to many earnest Christians.

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT

FEBRUARY 21, 2010

CANDLES -- $186.00 

COFFEE HOUR -- 

COLLECTION PLATE -- $30.00 

ENVELOPES

Weekly  -- $1287.00 

Parish Dues -- $900.00

 Feast Day -- -0-

 Holy Day -- $70.00  (Pascha Flowers)

PROSPHORA --  $18.00

MISCELLANEOUS -- $50.00

 SR. “R” CLUB CHRISTMAS DONATION TO THE CHURCH: $50.00

TOTAL INCOME – $2541.00

TOTAL INCOME FOR JANUARY 2010: $20,141.89

TOTAL EXPENSE FOR JANUARY 2010: $13,471.14

NET INCOME FOR JANUARY 2010: $6,670.75

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The minutes from the Monthly Parish Council Meetings as well as the Financial Reports are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Church Hall Basement (near the window). These are posted for the benefit of the parishioners.

If you have any questions or concerns, please see Fr. Jason, Ludwig Koerte, or any member of the Parish Council. 

Always remember, EVERYONE is invited and encouraged to come to the monthly meetings of the Parish Council.

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We extend our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to all of you for your generosity and prayerful support for St. Vladimir Orthodox Church! May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families!

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St. Vladimir Orthodox Church

 812 Grand Street
 Trenton, NJ 08610

 (609) 393-1234

 www.saintvladimir.com

 NO. 61 FEBRUARY 21, 2010

EPISTLE: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-12:2 

GOSPEL: John 1:43-51

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST! GLORY FOREVER!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

W E L C O M E!

 We welcome all to the Divine Liturgy this morning, especially those who are visiting with us at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church. Everyone is invited to Daria Hall following the Divine Liturgy for Christian Fellowship. It is our prayer that your experience this morning was spiritually uplifting and you will return very soon to pray with our parish family.

 May the Lord bless you with many years of good health and happiness.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

THE SCHEDULE OF WEEKLY SERVICES and ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2010 

FIRST SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

CHURCH SCHOOL – 9:00 AM 

THE HOURS – 9:40 AM 

DIVINE LITURGY of St. Basil the Great – 10:00 AM 

 (Procession of Icons with Church School Children)

Fellowship following Liturgy in Daria Hall! COFFEE HOUR HOST:

Sr. “R” Club Meeting during Coffee Hour! 

4:00 P.M. Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers – Christ the Savior Church (Paramus, NJ)

Second Week of Great Lent {February 22-28}

Monday February 22 6:30 P.M. Little Compline

 7:00 P.M. Parish Council Meeting

Wednesday February 24  5:00 P.M.  Confession

  6:30 P.M.  Presanctified Liturgy

(Pot-Luck Lenten Meal and Discussion following Liturgy in Daria Hall)

Thursday February 25 9:30 A.M. Morning Prayers and Adult Education and Bible Study Class

Friday  February 26 8:30 A.M.  Confession

 9:30 A.M.  Presanctified Liturgy

  5:30 P.M.  Confession

   7:00 P.M.  Matins for Memorial Saturday

  8:00 P.M.  Adult Education and Bible Study Class

Saturday February 27 SECOND SATURDAY OF GREAT LENT – MEMORIAL SATURDAY

9:30 A.M. Divine Liturgy

3:00 P.M. Confession

4:30 P.M. Great Vespers – Confession following Vespers

Sunday  February 28 SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – ST. GREGORY PALAMAS 

9:00 A.M. Church School

9:40 A.M. The Hours

10:00 A.M. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

4:00 P.M. NJ Deanery Mission Vespers – Holy Trinity Church (Rahway, NJ)

* * * * * PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCE * * * * *

Please continue to remember in our daily prayers:

For the continued good health of Thy Servants:

All of our beloved parishioners and family members who are in hospitals, nursing homes, or homebound.

Those who are celebrating their birthdays/anniversaries this week

Marina (Moroz) 

Metropolitan THEODOSIUS 

Metropolitan HERMAN 

Bishop NIKOLAI 

Archpriest Vincent (Sevarino) 

Archpriest Joseph (Chupek) 

Archpiest Herman (Schick) 

Archpriest John (Perich) 

Archpriest John (Chupek) 

Archpriest Stephen and Prifteresha Margot (Siniari) and their family 

Archpriest Paul and Matushka Mary Shafran

Archpriest Daniel and Matushka Tamara Skvir

Prdn. Michael and Mat. Leslie, Elizabeth Sochka 

Archpriest William (Dubovick) 

Archpriest Sergei (Glagolev) 

Ivan and Marina and their family 

Robert and Elizabeth and their family  

Mat. Paraskeva 

Mat. Barbara (Kucynda)

Edwina 

Maxim 

Rida {Davis} 

Harry 

Dorothy 

David 

Dolores Gavin 

Mary  

Stephanie  

Svetlana 

Helena 

Darice 

Steven 

James

Margaret 

Jack 

Eileen (Yadlosky) 

Catherine 

John 

Ann  

Paul 

Robert  

Mary 

Jamie {Glatt} 

Nadia 

Arlene (Cancer) niece of Martha Lutz

Mary 

Irene 

Alexandra (Keysock) 

Charlotte (Aunt of Melody Stavisky) 

Asfeha (Manna – brother-in-law of Awet)

Inna 

Nicholas 

Mary {Lorchak} 

Olga (Toth)  

Nicholas 

Peter 

Zera {Kiristos Manna} 

John (Anne Cheslock’s mechanic)

George  

Pauline 

Robert (Husband of Joyce Beer) 

Newborn twins Theresa and Phillip and Cristie (Pat Webb’s cousin)

Elizabeth 

Olga 

John {Stefero} 

Martha 

Gwenn

Robert  

Brianna 

Ann {Walczak} 

Robert 

Gail 

Lydia (Loginow)    

Eve 

Kevin 

Olga (Klukowska)   

Gerald 

Sheri 

Tyler (Connelly)- leukemia:(Nephew of Joyce Beer)   

Xenia 

James (Seifert) 

Marie Chegnon (Mary Demeo’s daughter)

Shannon and the child, Reghan Alexandra, born of her 

Kenneth, Justin, Craig, Peter, Nadine, Don, Robert, and Latoya Lynne and those serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world.

MANY YEARS! МНОГАЯ ЛЕТА!

For the repose of the souls of Thy Servants who have departed this life:

All of those parishioners and pastors of This Holy House who have departed this life. Especially for Thy Servants:

Archpriest Eugene Vansuch 

Reader Michael Brusko (family friend of Fr. Jason/Mat. Katia) 

Vera (friend of Fr. Jason/Mat. Katia) 

Michael Kusnirik 

MEMORY ETERNAL! ВЕЧНАЯ ПАМЯТЬ!

HYMNS FOR THE DIVINE LITURGY

Troparion for Resurrection – Tone 4

When the women Disciples of the Lord learned from the Angel the joyous message of the Resurrection, they cast away the ancestral curse

and elatedly told the Apostles: “Death is overthrown!

Christ God is risen,// granting the world great mercy!”

Troparion for Sunday of Orthodoxy — Tone 2

We venerate Thy most pure image, O Good One; and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God. Of Thy good will Thou wast pleased to ascend the cross in the flesh and deliver Thy creatures from bondage to the Enemy. Therefore with thankfulness we cry aloud to Thee: “Thou hast filled all with joy, O our Savior,// for Thou alone have come to save the world.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Troparion for St. Vladimir — Tone 4

Holy Prince Vladimir, you were like a merchant in search of fine pearls. By sending servants to Constantinople for the Orthodox Faith, you found Christ, the priceless pearl. He appointed you to be another Paul, washing away in baptism your physical and spiritual blindness. We celebrate your memory, asking you to pray for all Orthodox Christians and for us, your spiritual children.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion for Sunday of Orthodoxy— Tone 8

No one could describe the Word of the Father; but when He took flesh from you, O Theotokos, He accepted to be described, and restored the fallen image to its former state by uniting it to divine beauty.//We confess and proclaim our salvation in words and images.

PROKEIMENON {Tone 4} The Song of the Fathers

Blessed are Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is

Thy name forever!  

 v. For Thou art just in all that You have done for us!

ALLELUIA VERSES

Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel also was among those who called on His Name. 

They called to the Lord and He answered them. 

THE HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS

All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace: the assembly of Angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a Child – our God before the ages.

He made your body into a throne, and your womb He made more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace. Glory to you!

COMMUNION HYMN

 Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest! Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous; praise befits the just! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

 ==================================================

**FLOWERS FOR THIS WEEK**

In front of the Icon of The Theotokos are offered by

Fr. Jason and Mat. Katia in honor of Matushka’s Mother, Marina,

as she celebrates her birthday and for her continued good health.

AND

In front of the Icon of Christ are offered by

Fr. Jason and Mat. Katia in honor of Matushka’s Mother, Marina,

as she celebrates her birthday and for her continued good health.

AND

Behind the Center Icon and in the Altar are offered by

Fr. Jason and Mat. Katia in honor of Matushka’s Mother, Marina,

as she celebrates her birthday and for her continued good health.

May GOD continue to bless and guide, Thy handmaiden of God, Marina, with

many more blessed years of good health and happiness.

MANY YEARS! МНОГАЯ ЛЕТА!

====================================================

REMINDER…..

1. The FEBRUARY Issue of the Enlightener and FEBRUARY Monthly Calendars and 2010 Home Blessing Schdules are located on the table in back of church and Daria Hall.

2. On-Going Collections: Dress for Success and St. Vladimir Non-Perishable Food Bank/Paper Goods and other collections.

3. TRAINED CPR/FIRST AID: Please see Darice Keyes! As well as on-going collection for Emergency Water Supply. Please bring your water bottles to church and place them in the Container in the Church Basement!

4. Don’t forget to check out our parish website: www.saintvladimir.org...especially

The St. Vladimir Photo Album!!

5. Please refer to the Table near the Candle Desk for more information about upcoming events within the life of our church, the diocese, and many other events

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*Please refer to the Weekly Bulletin and Church Website for any changes to the calendar*

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 THE CONSECRATION OF BISHOP-ELECT ARCHPRIEST MICHAEL DAHULICH
With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Archbishop of Washington and Locum tenens of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and in conjunction with the consecration of Bishop-Elect, Michael Dahulich, the following schedule is prepared:

Friday, May 7, 2010
Great Vespers for the Feast of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian, 7 p. m.
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 109 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Profession of Faith by Bishop-elect, Archimandrite Michael (Dahulich) 9:00 a. m.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH and the Holy Synod of Bishops

Banquet at the Casino-in-the-Park Restaurant, Jersey City, 1 to 5 p. m.
Banquet $75 per person. Children (8 & under) $25. The banquet seating reservation form is to be submitted by March 31, 2010. Seating is reserved in tables of eight according to order in which responses are received.

Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH and the Holy Synod of Bishops and Enthronement, 9:30 a. m.
Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, 59 East Second Street, New York, NY. 10003
Reception in Cathedral Auditorium

Motel accommodations are available at the DOUBLE TREE - JERSEY CITY, which is five blocks north of the church. To access online reservations, please go to: www.jerseycity.doubletree.com. At the site, enter the dates of travel and go to next screen. On this screen enter the Group/Convention Code SPP. Press the continue button and the rates will be displayed. Registration by April 16, 2010 will guarantee the daily rate of $109 plus tax, Friday May 7 – Sunday, May 9, 2010. If you prefer to make reservations via telephone, call 1-(800) 222-TREE. Parking is $20 daily. The reservation cut-off date is April 16, 2010.

Parking for the services at Saints Peter and Paul Church is available at Little Man Parking (Gotham Garage), 129 Montgomery Street, which is three short blocks from the church. There is also street parking. The municipal parking limitations will be suspended in the area. On Sunday there is street and garage parking for the service at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral.

HEBREWS 11:24-26, 32-12:2

BRETHREN:

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, and were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy.

They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

JOHN 1:43-51

Let us Attend! 

The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”  

Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

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= = = Scriptural Readings for The First Week of Great Lent = = =

Monday Genesis 3:21-4:7  Proverbs 3:34-4:22

Tuesday Genesis 4:8-15 Proverbs 5:1-15
Wednesday Genesis 4:16-26 Proverbs 5:15-6:4
Thursday Genesis 5:1-24  Proverbs 6:3-20
Friday Genesis 5:32-6:8 Proverbs 6:20-7:1
Saturday 1 Thess. 4:13-17 and Heb. 12:17-21 John 5:24-30 and John 10:9-16
Sunday Hebrews 1:10-2:3 and Heb. 7:26-8:2 Mark 2: 1-12 and John 10:9-16

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A NOTE ON HOSTING COFFEE HOURS DURING GREAT LENT

As we begin our Great Lenten Journey, we begin a lengthy season of prayer and fasting in which we abstain or fast from meat and dairy products until after the Paschal Divine Liturgy on Holy Pascha.

With this in mind, when we are hosting Brunch/Coffee Hour on Sundays, we will be observing the Fasting Guidelines prescribed by the Church and abstain/fast from ALL meat and dairy products both in foods and in beverages.

Please keep this in mind when planning to host a coffee hour.

If anyone has any questions or concerns with regards to the fasting guidelines and one’s preparations for Coffee Hour, please see or contact Fr. Jason.

ST. VLADIMIR PARISH FAMILY LENTEN POT-LUCK DINNERS

As we have done in previous years on Wednesday nights during the Great Lenten Season, we will be having Lenten Pot-Luck Dinners following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy which will begin at 6:30 PM. Following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, plan on staying with us for some Lenten Foods and Christian Fellowship and Discussion held in Daria Hall.

If anyone has any questions, please see or contact Fr. Jason or Mat. Katia.

Also, if anyone would like to bring a favorite Lenten Dish, Soup, etc. please sign the Sign-Up Sheet on the table in the back of church. Thank You!

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families!

Hope to see ALL of you on Wednesday Nights during Great Lent!!

COMMEMORATIONS AND PROSPHORA

Beginning with TODAY, we will be offering small prosphoras for commemoration. They will be located at the Candle Desk along with the Commemoration Sheets for The Living and for The Departed! If you would like Fr. Jason to remember a family member during the Liturgy as well as have commemorations taken out, please fill out one of the sheets and place it underneath one of the prosphoras. The tray with the prosphoras will then be taken back to the Altar so that Father can make the commemorations and place them on the Diskos prior to The Great Entrance. There is NO CHARGE for the prosphoras. However, if you would like to make a donation to the church, May GOD Bless You! If anyone has any questions, please see Fr. Jason!

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** CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSHUA and SHANNON DUMAS **

We express our sincere and heartfelt congratulations to

Joshua and Shannon Dumas on the occasion of the birth of their beautiful daughter, Reghan Alexandra.

May God continue to bless and guide Joshua, Shannon, and Reghan Alexandra

with many more blessed years of good health and happiness!

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In and through Christ, by means of the Holy Spirit, all men can share in the glory of God and become participants in God's own holiness. The participation of men in the "nature of God" already begins in the Church of Christ, the final fruit of the salvation history of the Old Testament. In the Church, the Kingdom of God is present which is "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 14:17). In the Church of Christ already begins that perpetual praise of the Holy God which exists now in the heavens and will fill all creation when Christ comes in the glory of His Kingdom at the end of the ages.

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SOME NOTES ON PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE GREAT LENTEN SEASON

As we have begun our Great Lenten Journey, The Church calls each of us to examine our lives through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and repentance. The Church gives us this great opportunity for us grow spiritually and strengthen our spiritual life. How does one fulfill this during Great Lent?

We should dedicate more time to prayer. Since prayer is the most important action that connects us with God and nourishes our spiritual life, we must make a special effort to pray especially now during the Great Lenten Season and allow this time to be a renewal for our spiritual growth and new beginning. To help with this growth, we have extra services that are offered throughout the course of the week to help us with our prayer and spiritual life. Along with prayer comes fasting for the two go hand-in-hand. We cannot have one without the other. The Church prescribes that we fast and abstain from meat and dairy products throughout the Great Lenten Season. We must also strive to fast and abstain from certain foods as well as entertainment that try to take our attention away from God. We should make a sincere effort to limit ourselves as much as the circumstances of our lives allow us. During the course of Great Lent, we should try and help someone in need, provide assistance to a charity organization, reach out and help! Also, we should make our Lenten Confession for Great Lent is a time of repentance. By coming to confession, we can examine our conscience and ask the Lord to heal us from our infirmities.

If anyone has any questions on confession, fasting, or the services of the Church, please see Fr. Jason.

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families.

 Have a blessed, peaceful, prayerful, and Holy Great Lenten Journey and Season.

HOLY CONFESSION DURING GREAT LENT

To help with our preparations for Holy Confession,

Fr. Jason has set up some times for Confessions:

SATURDAYS - 8:30 to 9:30 AM

 3:00 to 4:30 PM (Feb. 20-March 6)

 4:30 to 6:00 PM (March 13-27)

WEDNESDAYS - 5:00 to 6:30 PM

FRIDAYS – 8:00 to 9:30 AM

 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Also Confessions will be heard before and after every service or by appointment.

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT

FEBRUARY 14, 2010

CANDLES -- $87.00 

COFFEE HOUR  -- 

COLLECTION PLATE -- $51.00 

ENVELOPES

Weekly -- $1010.00 

Parish Dues -- $435.00

 Feast Day  -- -0-

 Holy Day -- $20.00

PROSPHORA -- -0-

MISCELLANEOUS -- $1312.00

  GENERAL DONATION TO THE CHURCH: $490.00

 DONATION TO CHURCH FOR KAVCHOK BAPTISM: $300.00

 PROFIT FROM CHURCH SCHOOL: $522.00

TOTAL INCOME – $2895.00

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The minutes from the Monthly Parish Council Meetings as well as the Financial Reports are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Church Hall Basement (near the window). These are posted for the benefit of the parishioners. If you have any questions or concerns, please see Fr. Jason, Ludwig Koerte, or any member of the Parish Council. Always remember, EVERYONE is invited and encouraged to come to the monthly meetings of the Parish Council.

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We extend our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to all of you for your generosity and prayerful support for St. Vladimir Orthodox Church! May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families!

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ALSO, ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28 WE WILL SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY YEARS TO OUR BELOVED PARISHIONERS WHO CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAYS IN FEBRUARY:

Andrew Webb (Feb. 6) 

Nadja Nowicki (Feb. 6) 

Ivan Moroz (Feb. 8) 

Catarina Kasmer (Feb. 10) 

Aiden Godun (Feb. 14) 

Marina Moroz (Feb. 22)

Elizabeth Kavchok (Feb. 29)

NEWS FOR ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE WEEKLY BULLETIN

If anyone would like to have an announcement or recognition of some sort in the weekly bulletin or would like to have an announcement made on Sunday Morning, please get it to Fr. Jason by Thursday afternoon and he will make sure it is placed in the weekly bulletin. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to see or contact Fr. Jason at the Rectory/Church Office– (609) 393-1234 or on his cell phone (609) 851-3811. You may also contact Father via his email address: jvansuch@hotmail.com. Thank You very much for your cooperation! May God continue to bless you and guide you.

2. PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

The Monthly meetings of the Parish Council will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. The February monthly meeting was held on MONDAY FEBRUARY 22 at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of the Church Hall following Little Compline at 6:30. We express our sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Ludwig Koerte and to all members of the Parish Council and parishioners who come to the meetings. We look forward to seeing all of you at these meeting as we discuss the life of our parish. If anyone would like to discuss something at the council meeting, please see or contact Fr. Jason and Ludwig Koerte ahead of time. Also, if any parish council member is unable to attend the Monthly Parish Council Meeting, kindly let Fr. Jason and Ludwig Koerte know ahead of time so that proper arrangements may be made. May GOD continue to bless and guide all of us as we continue the work of the Church in building up the Body of Christ here at St. Vladimir. Thank You!

3. ADDRESS OF MR. NICHOLAS PAPAHARALAMBOS (Mat. Fran’s brother)

Some parishioners have asked from Fr. Jason’s Uncle’s address to send him a card. If you would like to send a card to Father’s Uncle, please see the address below. He would love to hear from youJ

By the Grace of God and through all of your prayers, he is coming along slowly but coming along through his therapy and other activities. We thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support, thoughts, and cards for Father’s Uncle.

Mr. Nicholas Papaharalambos

Old Orchard Health Care Center

4100 Freemansburg Avenue, Room 139

Easton, PA 15845

4. EASTER CANDY SALES

Once again, the members of the Senior ‘R’ Club will be selling Easter Candy as a fundraiser for the Church. If anyone would like to purchase this delicious candy, please see any member of the Senior ‘R’ Club who would be happy to take your order!! If anyone has any questions, please see Paul Worobei and he will be able to help you. The sale will be on-going from now until Pascha!

Let us help support the Senior ‘R’ Club by enjoying some sweets (after Pascha). 

**ST. VLADIMIR EDUCATION CORNER**

As we continue with our spiritual journey, it is very important that we feed and nourish our souls with the food that God provides for us through the Divine Services of the Church, through The Holy Icons, through Holy Scripture, through the Lives of Saints, through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and through living and proclaiming Christ to all.

With this in mind, each week we will have an article in the weekly bulletin about a specific topic that has been asked about or brought up by our parishioners. These articles will be under the section:

“ST. VLADIMIR EDUCATION CORNER”!

If you would like to have learn information about any aspect of The Orthodox Faith, please let Father know and he will research and provide the information for you and for everyone. Also, you may put your thoughts or questions in the Box in the Daria Hall marked: ‘QUESTIONS FOR FATHER JASON’!!

This is indeed a way that we can and will grow together in faith and in love as we all strive to grow spiritually by continually feeding our souls. The Second Section: BIBLE and CHURCH HISTORY!

THE HOLY BIBLE:  PRIESTHOOD

The God of the Old Testament was the Holy God. The word holy means separate, different, unlike anything else that exists. The Holy God of the Old Testament revealed Himself to His chosen people who were able to behold His glory. The glory of the Lord was a special divine manifestation of the Person and Presence of God. It consisted in the vision of light, majesty and beauty and was accompanied by the voice of the Lord and His holy angels. It created in the persons who observed it overwhelming feelings of fear and fascination, as well as profound convictions of peace, well-being, and joy.

In this way did Moses experience the Holy God in His divine glory on Horeb, the mountain of God., before the passover, and in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt.

Other select persons of the Old Testament also experienced the presence of divine holiness and the glory of God. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Elijah, and Ezekiel had such experiences, as did Isaiah whose classic vision has become a standard part of the Church's liturgical prayer. The psalms also sing of the holiness of God and proclaim that all creation speaks of God's glory (see Ps 8, 19, 93, 104, 148, et. al.).

The main teaching of the Old Testament and the foundation of all of its life was that God's people should share in His holiness. This was the purpose of the entire Law of Moses in its commandments of morality and worship.

The people were to be holy and to gain the wisdom and righteousness of God through their service and worship of Him. All of the so-called Wisdom writings of the Old Testament, and all of the teachings of the prophets and psalms are centered around this same fundamental fact: God's people should acquire and express the holiness, wisdom, glory, and righteousness of God Himself. This, and nothing else is the meaning and purpose of man's life as created and guided by God.

The ultimate perfection of God's purpose for man is fulfilled in Christ. He alone is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. He alone is the "Holy One of God" (Mk 1:24, Lk 1:35, 4:34). He alone is perfectly righteous and wholly without sin. Thus, St Peter speaks of Jesus to the people after the event of Pentecost.

The apostle Paul concurs with the teaching of Peter by referring to Christ not merely as holy, righteous and wise, but as Himself the very holiness, righteousness and wisdom of God Himself in human flesh.

The glory of God is revealed in the person of Christ. This is the consistent witness of the apostles who beheld the "Kingdom of God come with power" on the mountain of the Transfiguration .

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT:

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

THE RESTORATION OF HOLY ICONS

Commemorated on February 21

Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme. The first Sunday is called the Feast of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. It is a historical feast commemorating the return of the icons to the churches in the year 843 after the heresy of iconoclasm was overcome. The spiritual theme of the day is first of all the victory of the True Faith. "This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith" (1 Jn 5:4). Secondly, the icons of the saints bear witness that man, "created in the image and likeness of God" (Gen 1:26), becomes holy and godlike through the purification of himself as God's living image.

The Seventh Ecumenical Council.

The Seventh Ecumenical Council was convened in 787 A.D., in the city of Nicea, under the Empress Irene, widow of the Emperor Leo IV, and was composed of 367 fathers.

The Council was convened against the iconoclastic heresy, which had been raging for sixty years before the Council, under the Greek Emperor Leo III, who, wishing to convert the Mohammedans to Christianity, considered it necessary to do away with the veneration of icons. This heresy continued under his son, Constantine V Copronymus, and his grandson, Leo IV.

The Council condemned and repudiated the iconoclastic heresy and determined to provide and to put in the holy churches, together with the likeness of the honored and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, holy icons, to honor and render homage to them, elevating the soul and heart to the Lord God, the Mother of God and the Saints, who are represented in these icons. After the Seventh Ecumenical Council, persecution of the holy icons arose anew under the Emperors Leo V, of Armenian origin, Michael II, and Theophilus, and for twenty-five years disturbed the Church.

Veneration of the holy icons was finally restored and affirmed by the local synod of Constantinople in 843 A.D., under the Empress Theodora.

At this council, in thanksgiving to the Lord God for having given the Church victory over the iconoclasts and all heretics, the celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy was established on the first Sunday of Great Lent, which is celebrated by the Orthodox Church throughout the world.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

FEBRUARY 2010

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2010 {Sunday of Orthodoxy}

Panahyda for Departed Members of the Kusnirik Family

Senior “R” Club Meeting during Coffee Hour

Easter Bake Sale Meeting following Senior “R” Club Meeting

Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers

(Christ the Savior Church Paramus, NJ) – 4:00 PM

Second Week of Great Lent {February 22-28}

Monday, February 22 6:30 P.M. Little Compline

  7:00 P.M. Parish Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 24 5:00 P.M. Confession

   6:30 P.M. Presanctified Liturgy

 (Pot-Luck Lenten Meal following Liturgy in Daria Hall)

Thursday, February 25 9:30 A.M. Adult Education and Bible Study Class

Friday, February 26  8:30 A.M. Confession

  9:30 A.M. Presanctified Liturgy

  5:30 P.M. Confession

   7:00 P.M. Matins for Memorial Saturday

   8:00 P.M. Adult Education and Bible Study Class

Saturday, February 27 SECOND SATURDAY OF GREAT LENT – MEMORIAL SATURDAY

 9:30 A.M. Divine Liturgy

 3:00 P.M. Confession

 4:30 P.M. Great Vespers – Confession following Vespers

Sunday, February 28  SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – ST. GREGORY PALAMAS  9:00 A.M. Church School

9:40 A.M. The Hours

10:00 A.M. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

4:00 P.M. Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers – Holy Trinity Church (Rahway, NJ)

The Synodikon of the Seventh Ecumenical Council{Proclaimed on Sunday of Orthodoxy}

As the Prophets beheld,
As the Apostles taught,
As the Church received,
As the Teachers dogmatized,
As the Universe agreed,
As Grace illumined,
As the Truth revealed,
As falsehood passed away,
As Wisdom presented,
As Christ awarded,

Thus we declare,
Thus we assert,
Thus we proclaim Christ our true God
and honor His saints,

In words,
In writings,
In thoughts,
In sacrifices,
In churches,
In holy icons.

On the one hand, worshipping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord.
And on the other hand, honoring and venerating His Saints as true servants of the same Lord.

This is the Faith of the Apostles.
This is the Faith of the Fathers.
This is the Faith of the Orthodox.
This is the Faith which has established the Universe.

THE SPECIAL MONTHLY CHARITY COLLECTION

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

‘Bringing Christ to all’

The Collection for the Month of FEBRUARY will be for

THE ARCHPRIEST EUGENE VANSUCH IMPROVEMENT FUND

Here at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, we are always looking for ways to grow our parish but spiritually and physically. As we have already seen, over the past year, our parish has grown in both aspects: spiritually with more services being offered and our parishioners taking a more active role in the life of the parish both spiritually and liturgically and physically with two (2) families joining our parish along with some individuals joining our parish as well. This, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, is Growth! 

However, we do some parishioners who would love to come to pray and attend services in our beautiful church but unfortunately they are unable to because there is no accessibility into the church. This is a situation that has been passed around for years. When the ever-memorable Archpriest Eugene Vansuch, of blessed memory, was the parish priest here, he mentioned that handicap accessibility must be a priority for the entire parish to undertake so that the church can be accessible to ALL!

With that in mind, a Handicap Accessibility Committee has been formulated under the lay leadership of Mr. Ray George. The committee has been working very hard in gathering information from various sources and architects to see what would be the best possible solution for us here at St. Vladimir’s.  This is something that will be accomplished but we need everyone’s help and assistance. We must continue to love one another! We must continue to pray for one another! We must continue to respect and care for one another! We must minister to everyone! We must always remember, St. Vladimir Orthodox Church belongs to God, we are just the caretakers. Also, a church is a hospital for sinners and not a museum of saints! Therefore we must do our best to make it easily accessible for everyone.

With that in mind, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, a Fund has been established to help collect resources to make this dream a reality! We already have $2000 in there…we have a long way to go.

Please take a moment to reflect upon what God has given you, and to discern how you might be able to return to God a portion of the blessings you have received.

For more information about the Handicap Accessibility Project, you may see or contact Fr. Jason, Ray George or any member of the Handicap Accessibility Committee and they will be able to provide information for you.

This collection will take place NEXT SUNDAY!! May GOD continue to bless and guide you!

Sunday of Orthodoxy
Can There Any Good Thing Come Out of Nazareth?

John 1: 43-51

From The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Matthew

by Blessed Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria

43-45. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of Whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Andrew, by listening to the Forerunner, and Peter, by listening to Andrew, both followed Christ. But it appears that Philip, without the prompting of another, obeyed Jesus at once when He said to him, Follow me. How was he convinced so instantaneously? It appears, first of all, that the voice of the Lord stung his soul with love. The sound of the Lord’s voice was not like that of any other; for those who were worthy, it immediately kindled within them a burning love for Him. As Cleopas and the other disciple on the road to Emmaus said, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way? [Lk. 24:32] Furthermore, Philip had pondered earnestly within his heart, and continuously studied the books of Moses, and was always waiting for the coming of the Christ; therefore, as soon as he saw Him, he was convinced. This is why he said, We have found … Jesus, which shows that he had always been seeking Him. Perhaps he had learned something about Christ from Andrew and Peter. Because they were of the same city, it is likely that they had talked together and discussed the Lord. The Evangelist seems to imply this when He says, Now Philip was of … the city of Andrew and John. This was a very small city, more like a village. Therefore, we should marvel at Christ’s power, that from such insignificant places He chose His pre-eminent disciples. Philip does not keep this good thing to himself, but shares it with Nathanael. Because Nathanael was a diligent student of the law and knew it thoroughly, Philip refers him to the law and the prophets. Philip calls the Lord the son of Joseph, because they thought He was his child. And he names Him of Nazareth, although He was, properly speaking, of Bethlehem. He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. Because the manner of His birth was hidden from most, while His upbringing was apparent, they called Him Jesus of Nazareth.

46-48. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto Him, Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Philip had said that Christ was from Nazareth. But Nathanael, astute in the law, knew from the Scriptures that the Messiah should come from Bethlehem. This is why he said, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip answered, Come and see, knowing that once he tasted Christ’s words, he would never leave Him. Christ commends Nathanael for being a true Israelite, who said nothing either to curry favor or to cause enmity. Nathanael’s words stemmed not from disbelief, but from a discerning mind well-versed in the law, which knew that the Christ would come from Bethlehem and not from Nazareth. How then does Nathanael respond to the Lord? Does he become conceited from these words of praise? Not in the least. Persisting in his desire to establish clearly and certainly the identity of this Man, he asks, Whence knowest Thou me? Then the Lord reveals His very divinity by speaking of things which no one could have known except Nathanael and Philip, because they had spoken and acted alone. Although He was not present, Christ knew all that had taken place when Philip spoke with Nathanael. This is why is He says, when thou wast under the fig tree. Before Philip drew near, the Lord spoke these words concerning Nathanael, lest anyone should suspect that Philip had told Him of the fig tree and his conversation with Nathanael. At once Nathanael understood Who the Lord was, and confessed Him to be the Son of God. Hear what he says:

49-51. Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And He saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

Prophecy has great power, even greater than miracles, to move a man to believe. The demons are able to simulate miracles and appear to do them. But no one can have clear foreknowledge of future events, and predict them accurately, not even an angel, and even less so, the demons. Therefore the Lord drew Nathanael to Himself by telling him the place where he had been standing, and that Philip had called to him, and that he was a true Israelite. When he heard these things Nathanael sensed the greatness of the Lord, as much as he was able to at that time, and confessed Him to be the Son of God. Yet his confession was not the same as Peter’s. [See Mt. 16:16-18.] Peter confessed Him to be the Son of God, that is, true God. Therefore the Lord blessed Peter, and entrusted the Church to him. But Nathanael confesses Him to be merely a man Who by grace and His own virtue has been adopted as a son of God. This is made clear by what he says next, Thou art the King of Israel. Do you see? Nathanael has not yet attained to the perfect knowledge of the true divinity of the Only-begotten. He believes in Him as a man beloved by God, and as the King of Israel. If he had confessed Him to be truly God, he would not have called Him the King of Israel, but the King of all. Therefore the Lord does not bless him, as He did Peter, but corrects him, and leads his thoughts upwards to comprehend something of His divinity. Ye shall see, He says, the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. He is saying, "Do not understand Me to be merely a man, but rather the Master of the angels." He Whom the angels serve cannot be merely a man, but only true God. All these things did, in fact, take place at His Crucifixion and Ascension. As the time of His Passion approached, an angel from heaven strengthened Him; at His Tomb there was an angel, and again at His Ascension, as Luke relates. [See Acts 1:10-11.] Some have understood the fig tree to represent the law. Like the fig, the law contains sweetness, but it is hard to get at, covered over, as with leaves, by the harshness of the legal observations and the difficulty of the commandments. They say, then, that the Lord saw Nathanael, that is, looked down graciously upon him, and knew his thoughts, while he was still under the law. Consider this interpretation as well, O reader, if you find it pleasing: the Lord saw Nathanael under the fig tree, that is, under the law, or, within the law, searching out its depths. If he had not been searching out the depth of the law, the Lord would not have seen him. Know this as well, that Galilee means "rolling down." The Lord, then, went forth to that place in this world which is sunk low, that is to say, to our human nature. And while we were still under the fig tree, under the sway of sweet sin, which is mixed with much bitterness on account of the regret and the punishments which follow, the Lover of man saw us, and chose those who confess Him to be the Son of God and the King of each one who sees God (for Israel means "seeing God"). Indeed, if we persevere with zeal, He will count us worthy to see greater things than these. We shall behold angels ascending to the height of divine knowledge of Him, and descending again, because they cannot know His unknowable essence. In another sense, a man ascends when he immerses himself in the study of the divinity of the Only-begotten, and he descends when he delights in the contemplation of His Incarnation and descent into hades.

St. Vladimir Orthodox Church

 812 Grand Street
 Trenton, NJ 08610

 (609) 393-1234

 www.saintvladimir.com

 NO. 59 FEBRUARY 7, 2010

EPISTLE: 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2 

GOSPEL: Matthew 25:30-46 

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!   GLORY FOREVER!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

W E L C O M E!

 We welcome all to the Divine Liturgy this morning, especially those who are visiting with us at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church. Everyone is invited to Daria Hall following the Divine Liturgy for Christian Fellowship. It is our prayer that your experience this morning was spiritually uplifting and you will return very soon to pray with our parish family.

 May the Lord bless you with many years of good health and happiness.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

THE SCHEDULE OF WEEKLY SERVICES and ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2010 {Sunday of The Last Judgment}

THE HOURS – 9:40 AM  DIVINE LITURGY – 10:00 AM 

MONDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2010

CHOIR REHEARSAL – 7:30 PM 

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2010 

Fr. Jason will be away all day attending the NJ Deanery Meeting!

LITTLE COMPLINE – 7:00 PM ADULT EDUCATION – 7:30 to 9:00 PM 

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2010

AKATHIST TO OUR LORD – 9:30 AM ADULT EDUCATION – 10:00 to 11:30 AM

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2010 

GREAT VESPERS – 4:30 PM Followed by Absolution and Confession

Parish Lenten Pot-Luck Dinner in Daria Hall following Vespers

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2010 {Cheesefare Sunday}

CHURCH SCHOOL – 9:00 AM 

THE HOURS – 9:40 AM  DIVINE LITURGY – 10:00 AM 

Installation of Parish Council Officers!

Fellowship following Liturgy in Daria Hall! 

Sr. “R” Club Meeting during Coffee Hour

Baptism of Tamsin Ksenia Kavchok – 1:00 PM

FORGIVENESS VESPERS with RITE OF FORGIVENESS: 5:00 PM

* * * * * PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCE * * * * *

Please continue to remember in our daily prayers:

For the continued good health of Thy Servants:

All of our beloved parishioners and family members who are in hospitals, nursing homes, or homebound.

Those who are celebrating their birthdays/anniversaries this week

Andrew (Webb) 

Nadja (Nowicki) 

Catarina (Kasmer)  

Ivan (Moroz) 

Metropolitan THEODOSIUS  

Metropolitan HERMAN 

Bishop NIKOLAI 

Archpriest Vincent (Sevarino) 

Archpriest Joseph (Chupek) 

Archpiest Herman (Schick) 

Archpriest John (Perich) 

Archpriest John (Chupek) 

Archpriest Stephen and Prifteresha Margot (Siniari) and their family 

Archpriest Paul and Matushka Mary  Shafran

Archpriest Daniel and Matushka Tamara Skvir

Prdn. Michael and Mat. Leslie, Elizabeth Sochka 

Archpriest William (Dubovick) 

Archpriest Sergei (Glagolev) 

Ivan and Marina and their family 

Robert and Elizabeth and their family     

Mat. Paraskeva  

Mat. Barbara (Kucynda)

Edwina 

Maxim  

Rida {Davis} 

Harry 

Dorothy 

David 

Dolores Gavin 

Mary 

Stephanie  

Svetlana  

Helena 

Darice 

Steven 

James

Margaret  

Jack   

Eileen (Yadlosky)  

Catherine  

John  

Ann 

Paul 

Robert  

Mary  

Jamie {Glatt}  

Nadia 

Arleene (Cancer) niece of Martha Lutz

Mary 

Irene  

Alexandra (Keysock) 

Charlotte (Aunt of Melody Stavisky) 

Asfeha (Manna – brother-in-law of Awet)

Inna 

Nicholas  

Mary {Lorchak}  

Olga (Toth)   

Nicholas  

Peter  

Zera {Kiristos Manna}  

John (Anne Cheslock’s mechanic)

George 

Pauline  

Robert (Husband of Joyce Beer)   

 Newborn twins Theresa and Phillip and Cristie (Pat Webb’s cousin)

Elizabeth 

Olga   

John {Stefero}  

Martha 

Gwenn

Robert   

Brianna 

Ann {Walczak}  

Robert  

Gail  

Lydia (Loginow)     

Eve  

Kevin  

Olga (Klukowska)   

Gerald 

Sheri  

Tyler (Connelly)- leukemia:(Nephew of Joyce Beer)   

Xenia 

James (Seifert)  

Marie Chegnon (Mary Demeo’s daughter)

Shannon (Dumas) and the child to be born of her 

Kenneth, Justin, Craig, Peter, Nadine, Don, Robert, and Latoya Lynne and those serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world.

MANY YEARS! МНОГАЯ ЛЕТА!

For the repose of the souls of Thy Servants who have departed this life:

All of those parishioners and pastors of This Holy House who have departed this life. Especially for Thy Servants:

Archpriest Eugene Vansuch 

Reader Michael Brusko (family friend of Fr. Jason/Mat. Katia)

MEMORY ETERNAL! ВЕЧНАЯ ПАМЯТЬ!

HYMNS FOR THE DIVINE LITURGY

Troparion for Resurrection – Tone 2

When Thou didst descend to death, O Life Immortal, Thou didst destroy hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead. And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out:// “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!”

Troparion for Feast of the Meeting of Our Lord — Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace! From you shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God. Enlightening those who sat in darkness!
Rejoice, and be glad, O righteous elder; You accepted in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who grants us the Resurrection.

Troparion for St. Vladimir — Tone 4

Holy Prince Vladimir, you were like a merchant in search of fine pearls. By sending servants to Constantinople for the Orthodox Faith, you found Christ, the priceless pearl. He appointed you to be another Paul, washing away in baptism your physical and spiritual blindness. We celebrate your memory, asking you to pray for all Orthodox Christians and for us, your spiritual children.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion for Sunday of Last Judgment — Tone 1

When You, O God, shall come to earth with glory, all things shall tremble and the river of fire shall flow before Your judgment seat; the books shall be opened and the hidden things disclosed! Then deliver me from the unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Your right hand, righteous Judge!

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion for Feast of the Meeting of Our Lord — Tone 1

By Your nativity, You did sanctify the Virgin's womb,
And did bless Simeon's hands, O Christ God.
Now You have come and saved us through love.
Grant peace to all Orthodox Christians, O only Lover of man!

PROKEIMENON {Tone 2} 

The Lord is my strength and my song! He has become my salvation!

 v. The Lord has chasten me sorely, but He has not given me over unto death! 

ALLELUIA VERSES

May the Lord hear thee in the day of trouble! May the Name of the God of Jacob protect Thee!

Save the King, O Lord, and hear us on the day we call on Thee!

THE HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS

It is truly meet to bless You, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Without defilement, You gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos, we magnify You!

COMMUNION HYMN

 Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest!  

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

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**FLOWERS FOR THIS WEEK**

In front of the Icon of The Theotokos are offered by

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH

AND

In front of the Icon of Christ are offered by

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH

AND

Behind the Center Icon and in the Altar are offered by

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of us with

many more blessed years of good health and happiness.

MANY YEARS! МНОГАЯ ЛЕТА!

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REMINDER…..

1. The FEBRUARY Issue of the Enlightener and FEBRUARY Monthly Calendars and 2010 Home Blessing Schdules are located on the table in back of church and Daria Hall.

2. On-Going Collections: Dress for Success and St. Vladimir Non-Perishable Food Bank/Paper Goods and other collections.

3. TRAINED CPR/FIRST AIDE: Please see Darice Keyes! As well as on-going collection for Emergency Water Supply. Please bring your water bottles to church and place them in the Container in the Church Basement!

4. Don’t forget to check out our parish website: www.saintvladimir.org...especially

The St. Vladimir Photo Album!!

5. Please refer to the Table near the Candle Desk for more information about upcoming events within the life of our church, the diocese, and many other events

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*Please refer to the Weekly Bulletin and Church Website for any changes to the calendar*

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THE CONSECRATION OF BISHOP-ELECT ARCHPRIEST MICHAEL DAHULICH
With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Archbishop of Washington and Locum tenens of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and in conjunction with the consecration of Bishop-Elect, Michael Dahulich, the following schedule is prepared:

Friday, May 7, 2010
Great Vespers for the Feast of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian, 7 p. m.
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 109 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Profession of Faith by Bishop-elect, Archimandrite Michael (Dahulich) 9:00 a. m.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH and the Holy Synod of Bishops

Banquet at the Casino-in-the-Park Restaurant, Jersey City, 1 to 5 p. m.
Banquet $75 per person. Children (8 & under) $25. The banquet seating reservation form is to be submitted by March 31, 2010. Seating is reserved in tables of eight according to order in which responses are received.

Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH and the Holy Synod of Bishops and Enthronement, 9:30 a. m.
Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, 59 East Second Street, New York, NY. 10003
Reception in Cathedral Auditorium

Motel accommodations are available at the DOUBLE TREE - JERSEY CITY, which is five blocks north of the church. To access online reservations, please go to: www.jerseycity.doubletree.com. At the site, enter the dates of travel and go to next screen. On this screen enter the Group/Convention Code SPP. Press the continue button and the rates will be displayed. Registration by April 16, 2010 will guarantee the daily rate of $109 plus tax, Friday May 7 – Sunday, May 9, 2010. If you prefer to make reservations via telephone, call 1-(800) 222-TREE. Parking is $20 daily. The reservation cut-off date is April 16, 2010.

Parking for the services at Saints Peter and Paul Church is available at Little Man Parking (Gotham Garage), 129 Montgomery Street, which is three short blocks from the church. There is also street parking. The municipal parking limitations will be suspended in the area. On Sunday there is street and garage parking for the service at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:8-9:2

BRETHREN:

But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 

Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

MATTHEW 25:31-46 {SUNDAY OF THE LAST JUDGMENT}

Let us Attend! 

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

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= = = Scriptural Readings for the Week = = =

Monday  3  John 1:1-15      Luke 19:29-40, 22:7-39

Tuesday  Jude 1:1-10  Luke 22:39-42, 45-23:1
Wednesday   Joel 2:12-26   Joel 3:12-21
Thursday    Jude 1:11-25      Luke 23:2-34, 44-56
Friday    Zechariah 8:7-17 Zechariah 8:19-23
Saturday    Romans 14:19-26   Matt. 6:1-13
Sunday    Romans 13:11-14:4 Matt. 6:14-21

============================================================================

** A SINCERE AND HEARTFELT THANK YOU **

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!  GLORY FOREVER!

 Greetings to all of you on this Sunday of the Last Judgment. I trust and pray that all of you are doing well. 

 I just wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you for your love, thoughts, concern, support, phone calls, emails, and prayers during my recent illness. The flu really takes a lot out of you. You know how much I love to serve the services and how much I enjoy being in church and seeing all of you, my dear spiritual children and parish family, but I physically just could not serve last week. I appreciate your understanding.

 I am blessed to have such a wonderful loving parish family. Please know how much Matushka and I love all of you and how blessed we are to have you in our life.

 Please be assured of my continued love, support, guidance, and prayers for all of you and your families. 

 May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you with many more blessed years of good health and happiness.

Once again, Thank You!

With Love in Christ,

Fr. Jason

A Friendly Reminder about the Mural Project

Anyone who purchased a mural block should remember to pay their

25% obligation for this year ASAP! As we can see, the Mural is coming along so beautifully. We thank Anne Cheslock for her tireless efforts in painting the Mural and for preparing it for everyone to take part in this Parish Community Project headed by the Senior “R” Club. If you have not purchased a mural block, you still can!! There are plenty of blocks open that still need to be purchased. Let us come together as a parish family and support this wonderful project. Fore more information, please see Paul, Anne, Darice, or Nina. Also, a letter will be going out to all parishioners within the near future. Thank you for your continued support! May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families!

FIRE EVACUATION PLAN

At the October Meeting of the Parish Council, a discussion was held with regards to emergency evacuation plans in the event of a fire in the church and/or Daria Hall. With that in mind, after much discussion, the Parish Council asked Darice Keyes to work with Fr. Jason on evacuation plans as well as to compile a list of parishioners who will be willing to assist with the movement of everyone

out of the church or Daria Hall in the event of a fire. 

This would allow for a smooth and calmer exit from the church. 

If anyone would like to assist with this, please see or contact Fr. Jason or Darice.

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families.

GREAT LENT BEGINS ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 15

On Monday February 15, The Orthodox Church will begin Her Lenten Journey towards the Feast of Feasts – Holy Pascha! In order for us to begin our journey with a clean heart, mind, and soul, The Church prescribes a beautiful Vespers Services to be celebrated on the Eve of the beginning of Great Lent. It is called: FORGIVENESS VESPERS. Here at St. Vladimir’s on Sunday February 14 at 5:00 PM, we celebrate Forgiveness Vespers. Let us begin the Fast with Joy as we hear in the Vespers Stikera for Lord I Call. Let us begin our Lenten Journey together as a family and as a parish family. We should all make every effort to attend this Vespers Service and the services of Great Lent so that we can truly be enriched and filled with God’s Forgiveness and Love as we celebrate The Resurrection of Our Lord on Pascha!

The house of the Lord was of the same pattern as Moses' tabernacle. It had the outer court, the inner sanctuary and the most holy place in which the ark of the covenant was kept. It had the altars for incense, libations and burnt offerings. It had the lampstands and the table for the bread of the Presence. It had all of the utensils and vestments necessary for the service of the Lord (see 1 Kg 6-8). When Solomon finished building the temple, (+c. 960 BC) he conducted a great celebration of dedication.

Solomon then blessed the people and addressed them concerning the building of the temple which the Lord promised David that his son would build. He then offered a long prayer of dedication, asking God to be with the people and to receive their prayers offered in the temple. Thus, the temple which Solomon built to the Lord became the sole place for the formal worship and the priestly sacrifices of the People of God. The temple was destroyed during the time of Babylonian captivity, and was restored in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah only to be defiled again by foreign invaders, and finally destroyed completely by the Romans in the year 70 AD.

It was prophesied in the Old Testament that the time would come when the glory of the Lord would fill all creation. It was foretold that in the time of the Messianic King, God would dwell in men as in His holy temple. The ritual sacrifices of the temple would cease, as the perfect and everlasting covenant of mercy and peace would be accomplished between God and man (see Isa 55:3, 61:1-11, 66:18-23, Jer 31:31-34. Ezek 34:22-31, 37:24-28).

When Jesus came, the new and everlasting covenant between God and man was established forever. The temple of God became the body of Christ, which was the assembly of His people filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Indeed, one of the accusations against Jesus at the time of His crucifixion was that He said that He would destroy the temple in Jerusalem. In Christ, the Messiah, human persons become the temple of the Living God. The deacon Stephen, the first Christian martyr, bore witness to this and died for his testimony (see Acts 7:44-59). The apostle Paul also taught this explicitly, as did the apostle Peter.

Jesus Christ is not only the living temple of God -- God Himself in human flesh -- through whom all men become God's temple in the Holy Spirit; Jesus is also the one great high priest and the one perfect sacrificial offering, Who assumes and fulfills the entire Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament which was merely a "shadow" of the "reality" to come. Upon the cross, Jesus sacrificed Himself. He rose from the dead and entered the sanctuary in heaven. After this, there is no other priesthood and no other sacrifice well-pleasing to God (see Heb 6-10). In the Church of Christ, there is only one priesthood and one sacrifice. It is the priesthood of Jesus and the sacrifice of the Cross. The entire Church of Christ is a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:4). The ordained clergy of the Church exists to manifest and realize the unique priesthood of Jesus in the community which is the "body of Christ"
In the Kingdom of God, Christ, the great High Priest and Lamb will rule. He Who "was dead and is alive again" (Rev 2:8) will govern all creation which will be the dwelling place of God. Thus, the Old Testament temple, the priesthood and the sacrifices are all fulfilled in Christ Who is Himself the Temple and the Priest and the Sacrificed Lamb of the Kingdom of God which exists for His People whom He has made "a kingdom, priests to His God and Father" (Rev 1:16, 6:10).

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** CONGRATULATIONS TO RON and ALISON KAVCHOK **

We express our sincere and heartfelt congratulations to

Ron and Alison Kavchok on the occasion of the baptism into

 The Holy Orthodox Faith of their daughter, Tamsin Ksenia.

May God continue to bless and guide Ron, Allison, Matthew, and Tamsin Ksenia

with many more blessed years of good health and happiness!

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ALSO, ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28 WE WILL SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY YEARS TO OUR BELOVED PARISHIONERS WHO CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAYS IN FEBRUARY:

 Andrew Webb (Feb. 6) Ivan Moroz (Feb. 8) Catarina Kasmer (Feb. 10) 

  Nadja Nowicki (Feb. 6) Aiden Godun ( Feb. 14) Marina Moroz (Feb. 22)

  Elizabeth Kavchok (Feb. 29)

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT

JANUARY 31, 2010

CANDLES  -- $100.00 

COFFEE HOUR -- 

COLLECTION PLATE -- $67.00  

ENVELOPES

Weekly -- $877.00 

Parish Dues -- $145.00

 Feast Day -- -0-

 Holy Day --  $8.00

MISCELLANEOUS -- $300.00 

  DONATION TO CHURCH FOR MURAL PROJECT – $150.00 

  DONATION TO CHURCH FOR PAYROLL EXPENSE – $50.00

 REPAYMENT OF CHANGE TO CHURCH – $100.00

TOTAL INCOME – $1497.00

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The minutes from the Monthly Parish Council Meetings as well as the Financial Reports are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Church Hall Basement (near the window). These are posted for the benefit of the parishioners.

If you have any questions or concerns, please see Fr. Jason, Tony Kasmer, or any member of the Parish Council. 

Always remember, EVERYONE is invited and encouraged to come to the monthly meetings of the Parish Council.

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We extend our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to all of you for your generosity and prayerful support for St. Vladimir Orthodox Church! May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families!

NEWS FOR ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE WEEKLY BULLETIN

If anyone would like to have an announcement or recognition of some sort in the weekly bulletin or would like to have an announcement made on Sunday Morning, please get it to Fr. Jason by Thursday afternoon and he will make sure it is placed in the weekly bulletin. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to see or contact Fr. Jason at the Rectory/Church Office– (609) 393-1234 or on his cell phone (609) 851-3811. You may also contact Father via his email address: jvansuch@hotmail.com. Thank You very much for your cooperation! May God continue to bless you and guide you.

2. PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

The Monthly meetings of the Parish Council will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. The February monthly meeting was held on TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23 at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of the Church Hall following Little Compline at 6:30. We express our sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Ludwig Koerte and to all members of the Parish Council and parishioners who come to the meetings. We look forward to seeing all of you at these meeting as we discuss the life of our parish. If anyone would like to discuss something at the council meeting, please see or contact Fr. Jason and Ludwig Koerte ahead of time. Also, if any parish council member is unable to attend the Monthly Parish Council Meeting, kindly let Fr. Jason and Ludwig Koerte know ahead of time so that proper arrangements may be made. May GOD continue to bless and guide all of us as we continue the work of the Church in building up the Body of Christ here at St. Vladimir. Thank You!

3. ADDRESS OF MR. NICHOLAS PAPAHARALAMBOS (Mat. Fran’s brother)

Some parishioners have asked from Fr. Jason’s Uncle’s address to send him a card. If you would like to send a card to Father’s Uncle, please see the address below. He would love to hear from youJ

By the Grace of God and through all of your prayers, he is coming along slowly but coming along through his therapy and other activities. We thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support, thoughts, and cards for Father’s Uncle.

Mr. Nicholas Papaharalambos

Old Orchard Health Care Center

4100 Freemansburg Avenue

Room 139

Easton PA 158045

4. EASTER CANDY SALES

Once again, the members of the Senior ‘R’ Club will be selling Easter Candy as a fundraiser for the Church. If anyone would like to purchase this delicious candy, please see any member of the Senior ‘R’ Club who would be happy to take your order!! If anyone has any questions, please see Paul Worobei and he will be able to help you. The sale will be on-going from now until Pascha!

Let us help support the Senior ‘R’ Club by enjoying some sweets (after Pascha). 

**ST. VLADIMIR EDUCATION CORNER**

As we continue with our spiritual journey, it is very important that we feed and nourish our souls with the food that God provides for us through the Divine Services of the Church, through The Holy Icons, through Holy Scripture, through the Lives of Saints, through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and through living and proclaiming Christ to all.

With this in mind, each week we will have an article in the weekly bulletin about a specific topic that has been asked about or brought up by our parishioners. These articles will be under the section:

“ST. VLADIMIR EDUCATION CORNER”!

If you would like to have learn information about any aspect of The Orthodox Faith, please let Father know and he will research and provide the information for you and for everyone. Also, you may put your thoughts or questions in the Box in the Daria Hall marked: ‘QUESTIONS FOR FATHER JASON’!!

This is indeed a way that we can and will grow together in faith and in love as we all strive to grow spiritually by continually feeding our souls. The Second Section: BIBLE and CHURCH HISTORY!

THE HOLY BIBLE:  PRIESTHOOD

When speaking of Abraham, we mentioned how Jesus Christ is the "priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." As the "priest for ever," Jesus is also the completion and fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood of the Levites.

In the Old Testament, God ordered Moses to build the tabernacle with a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice.

In the tabernacle there was a sanctuary surrounded by a court yard. Within the sanctuary was the "most holy place." A special ark was built to hold the tables of the covenant law surrounded by two cherubim. The ark was kept in the most holy place. Above the ark of the covenant was the mercy seat from which Moses would speak to the people (Ex 25:14-22).

In the sanctuary, special tables were placed which held "plates and dishes for incense" and "flagons and bowls with which to pour libations." There also was the golden altar upon which the animal sacrifices were offered.

A lampstand of gold, with "seven lamps for it" which were lighted with pure olive oil, was placed in the sanctuary. And between the various part of the tabernacle, curtains were hung. The priests of the tabernacle were to be the Levites, the men from the tribe of Levi.

God commanded that special vestments be made for the priests to wear when serving in the sanctuary (Ex 28). He also ordered that special oil be blended for the anointing of all of the utensils of the tabernacle, as well as for the anointing of the priests. He also ordered special incense to be made for burning in the holy place.

God also provided a very detailed code concerning worship and the offering of the various sacrifices. He explained which animals should be selected and how they should be killed. He told which offerings should be made on which occasions and for what purposes. He gave instructions about offerings for peace and for praise, for thanksgiving and mercy, for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God in times of transgression. He also told which feasts should be observed, when they should be kept and how they should be celebrated, The books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are filled with such specific and detailed instructions.

While passing through the desert and into the promised land, the People of God carried the tabernacle with them. They set it up in each place where they camped. Finally, after the crossing of the Jordan River and the settlement in Canaan, the city of Jerusalem was established by David the king. David's son Solomon was then commanded by God to build the temple in which the worship of God would take place and the ritual sacrifices would be offered.

THE SUNDAY OF THE LAST JUDGMENT

Commemorated on February 7

The next Sunday is called Meatfare Sunday since it is officially the last day before Easter for eating meat. It commemorates Christ's parable of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46). We are reminded this day that it is not enough for us to see Jesus, to see ourselves as we are, and to come home to God as his prodigal sons. We must also be his sons by following Christ, his only-begotten divine Son, and by seeing Christ in every man and by serving Christ through them. Our salvation and final judgment will depend upon our deeds, not merely on our intentions or even on the mercies of God devoid of our own personal cooperation and obedience.

… for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and in prison and you visited me. For truly I say to you, if you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me (Mt 25).

We are saved not merely by prayer and fasting, not by "religious exercises" alone. We are saved by serving Christ through his people, the goal toward which all piety and prayer is ultimately directed.

THE SPECIAL MONTHLY CHARITY COLLECTION

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY

‘Bringing Christ to all’

The Collection for the Month of JANUARY will be for

THE HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY FUND

Here at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, we are always looking for ways to grow our parish but spiritually and physically. As we have already seen, over the past year, our parish has grown in both aspects: spiritually with more services being offered and our parishioners taking a more active role in the life of the parish both spiritually and liturgically and physically with two (2) families joining our parish along with some individuals joining our parish as well. This, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, is Growth! 

However, we do some parishioners who would love to come to pray and attend services in our beautiful church but unfortunately they are unable to because there is no accessibility into the church. This is a situation that has been passed around for years. When the ever-memorable Archpriest Eugene Vansuch, of blessed memory, was the parish priest here, he mentioned that handicap accessibility must be a priority for the entire parish to undertake so that the church can be accessible to ALL!

With that in mind, a Handicap Accessibility Committee has been formulated under the lay leadership of Mr. Ray George. The committee has been working very hard in gathering information from various sources and architects to see what would be the best possible solution for us here at St. Vladimir’s. This is something that will be accomplished but we need everyone’s help and assistance.  We must continue to love one another! We must continue to pray for one another! We must continue to respect and care for one another! We must minister to everyone! We must always remember, St. Vladimir Orthodox Church belongs to God, we are just the caretakers. Also, a church is a hospital for sinners and not a museum of saints! Therefore we must do our best to make it easily accessible for everyone.

With that in mind, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, a Fund has been established to help collect resources to make this dream a reality! We already have $2000 in there…we have a long way to go.

Please take a moment to reflect upon what God has given you, and to discern how you might be able to return to God a portion of the blessings you have received.

For more information about the Handicap Accessibility Project, you may see or contact Fr. Jason, Ray George or any member of the Handicap Accessibility Committee and they will be able to provide information for you.

This collection will take place TODAY!! May GOD continue to bless and guide you!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

FEBRUARY 2010

Senior “R” Club Meeting during Coffee Hour

Forgiveness Vespers with The Rite of Forgiveness – 5:00 PM

Baptism of Tamsin Ksenia Kavchok – 1:00 PM

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2010 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR GREAT LENT 2010

The Schedule of Services for Great Lent will be available NEXT SUNDAY! They will be located on the table in the back of church as well as on the Information Table in Daria Hall. In addition to these copies, schedules will be emailed out to those on our email list and mailed out to those on our mailing list. If you do not receive a copy of the schedule, please see Fr. Jason and he will make sure to get you a copy.

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As we begin our final preparations for Great Lent, let us make an every effort to come and participate more in the Liturgical and Spiritual Life of the parish by coming to the services offered during the week ….especially during Great Lent!!

“Let us begin the fast with joy!”

“Have Mercy on us, O God, have mercy on us!”

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**A REMINDER**

This is the last week of preparations before we begin Great Lent! With that in mind, TODAY is the LAST day we are permitted to eat meat until Holy Pascha. Also, this week is the LAST week we are permitted to eat milk and dairy products until Holy Pascha!

With that in mind, when hosting coffee hour we must refrain from using meat and dairy products

in our foods and beverages.

If anyone has any questions about fasting or restrictions when hosting coffee hour, please see

Fr. Jason and he will help you and guide you!

COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF THE LAST JUDGMENT

Today's Gospel reading is Matthew 25:31-46, the parable of the Last Judgment. It reminds us that while trusting in Christ's love and mercy, we must not forget His righteous judgment when He comes again in glory. If our hearts remain hardened and unrepentant, we should not expect the Lord to overlook our transgressions simply because He is a good and loving God. Although He does not desire the death of a sinner, He also expects us to turn from our wickedness and live (Ezek. 33:11). This same idea is expressed in the prayer read by the priest after the penitent has confessed his or her sins (Slavic practice).

The time for repentance and forgiveness is now, in the present life. At the Second Coming, Christ will appear as the righteous Judge, Who will render to every man according to his deeds" (Rom. 2:6). Then the time for entreating God's mercy and forgiveness will have passed.

As Father Alexander Schmemann reminds us in his book GREAT LENT (Ch. 1:4), sin is the absence of love, it is separation and isolation. When Christ comes to judge the world, His criterion for judgment will be love. Christian love entails seeing Christ in other people, our family, our friends, and everyone else we may encounter in our lives. We shall be judged on whether we have loved, or not loved, our neighbor. We show Christian love when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit those who are sick or in prison. If we did such things for the least of Christ's brethren, then we also did them for Christ (Mt.25:40). If we did not do such things for the least of the brethren, neither did we do them for Christ (Mt.25:45).

Today is the last day for eating meat and meat products until Pascha, though eggs and dairy products are permitted every day during the coming week. This limited fasting prepares us gradually for the more intense fasting of Great Lent.

Meatfare Sunday/The Last Judgment

Matthew 25:31-46

From The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Matthew

by Blessed Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria

31-33. When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Since the first coming of the Lord was not with glory but with dishonor and indignity, He says, When He shall come in His glory. For at the second coming He will come with glory, escorted by angels. First He will divide the saints from the sinners, delivering them from tribulations, and set them on His right, and then speak to them. He calls the saints sheep on account of their gentleness, and because they yield fruit and useful things for us, as do sheep, providing wool, which is divine and spiritual protection, and milk, which is the sustenance that is needed. The goats are the sinners, for they walk along the precipices and are unruly and fruitless.

34-40. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and ye fed Me: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.

He does not give honor or punishment until He has first judged. For He loves mankind and teaches us to do the same as well, not to punish until we have made a careful examination. In this way those blessed as they have been accepted by the Father. He considers them to be inheritors of the kingdom to show that God makes them participants in His own glory as His sons. For He did not say, "receive", but rather inherit, as a man would say of his father’s estate. By the least brethren He means either His own disciples or, simply, all the poor. For every poor man is Christ’s brother for the very reason that Christ, too, spent His life in poverty. See also God’s righteousness, how He acclaims the saints; and see the good disposition of their mind, how they deny, with befitting modesty, that they have cared for Him. But the Lord accepts as for Himself the things that were done for the poor.

41-46. Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry, and ye gave Me nothing to eat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in: naked, and ye clothed Me not: sick, or in prison, and ye visited Me not. Then shall they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee? Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

He sends those on the left into the fire which had been prepared for the devil. For as the demons are without compassion and are cruelly and maliciously disposed towards us, it is fitting that those who are of like mind with them, and who have been cursed by their own deeds, should merit the same punishment. See that God did not prepare the fire for men, nor did He make hell for us, but for the devil—I make myself liable to hell. Tremble, then, O man, and understand from this that these men were not punished as fornicators, or robbers, or perpetrators of any other vice, but for not having done good. For indeed, if you consider things well, the robber is he who has much and does not give alms, even if he does no obvious injury. For whatever he has in excess of his needs, he has stolen from those who are in need and who have not received anything from him. For if he had shared these things with them, they would not be in need. Now that he has locked these things up and kept them for himself, for this very reason they are in need. So he who does not give alms is a robber, doing injustice to all those whom he could have helped but did not, and for this reason he and those like him shall go away into eternal punishment which never ends; but the righteous shall enter into eternal life. Just as the saints have unceasing joy, so too the unjust have unceasing punishment, despite the gibberish of Origen who says that there is an end to hell and that sinners will not be punished for ever, but that there will be a time when they enter the place of the righteous because they have been purified by suffering in hell. (1) Origen is clearly refuted here, both when the Lord speaks of everlasting punishment, that is, never ending, and when He likens the righteous to sheep and the sinners to goats. For just as a goat can never become a sheep, neither can a sinner ever be cleansed and become righteous after the Judgement. Outer darkness [mentioned in the preceding parable of the talents] is that which is furthest from the light of God and for that reason renders the punishment more harsh. There is another reason that could be mentioned, and that is that the sinner is in darkness even in this life, as he has fallen away from the Sun of Righteousness, but as there is still hope of conversion, this is not yet the outer darkness. But when he has died and an examination has been made of the things he has done, then the outer darkness in its turn receives him. For there is no longer any hope of conversion, but he undergoes a complete deprivation of the good things of God. While he is here in this life he enjoys to some degree the good things of God, I mean, the tangible things of creation, and he believes that he is in some manner a servant of God, living out his life in God’s house, which is this creation, being fed by Him and provided with the necessities of life. But then he will be altogether cut off from God, having no share at all in the good things of God. This is that darkness which is called outer by comparison to the darkness here, which is not outer because the sinner is not yet completely cut off from this time onward. You, then, O reader, flee from this absence of compassion, and practice almsgiving, both tangible and spiritual. Feed Christ Who hungers for our salvation. If you give food and drink to him who hungers and thirsts for teaching, you have given food and drink to Christ. For within the Christian there is Christ, and faith is nourished and increased by teaching. If you should see someone who has become a stranger to his heavenly fatherland, take him in with you. While you yourself are entering into the heavens, lead him in as well, lest while you preach to others, you yourself be rejected. If a man should cast off the garment of incorruption which he had at his baptism, so that he is naked, clothe him; and if one should be infirm in faith, as Paul says, help him; and visit him who is shut up in the dark prison of this body and give him counsel which is as a light to him. Perform, then, all of these six types of love, both bodily and also spiritually, for we consist of both soul and body, and these acts of love are to be accomplished by both.

St. Vladimir Orthodox Church

 812 Grand Street
 Trenton, NJ 08610

 (609) 393-1234

 www.saintvladimir.com

 NO. 57 JANUARY 24, 2010

EPISTLE: 2 Timothy 3:10-15 

GOSPEL: Luke 18:10-14 

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST! GLORY FOREVER!

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W E L C O M E!

 We welcome all to the Divine Liturgy this morning, especially those who are visiting with us at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church. Everyone is invited to Daria Hall following the Divine Liturgy for Christian Fellowship. It is our prayer that your experience this morning was spiritually uplifting and you will return very soon to pray with our parish family.

 May the Lord bless you with many years of good health and happiness.

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THE SCHEDULE OF WEEKLY SERVICES and ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY JANAURY 24, 2010 {Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee}

CHURCH SCHOOL – 9:00 AM

HOURS – 9:40 AM  DIVINE LITURGY – 10:00 AM

Fellowship following Liturgy in Daria Hall! COFFEE HOUR HOST: Awet Tesfa

MISSION OUTREACH MEETING IN CHURCH BASEMENT following Coffee Hour!

**As this is the week following the Publican and the Pharisee, there is a general dispensation from fasting this week. Meat and Dairy Products may be eaten on Wednesday and Friday**

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27, 2010

CHOIR REHEARSAL – 7:30 PM 

FRIDAY JANUARY 29, 2010

EVE OF THE FEAST OF THREE HIERARCHS

GREAT VESPERS – 7:00 PM 

SATURDAY JANUARY 30, 2010

THE FEAST OF THREE HIERARCHS

THE HOU