Friends,

Christ is Risen!

I have received multiple reports from multiple women that they have been asked if they are pregnant. And they are not.

I do not understand this. But I know that such ridiculous questions are not a part of any modern culture. A woman will tell you if she is pregnant when she is ready to do so. You NEVER ask – NEVER.

I hope this note will be the end of this silliness. I care about this because this is the OPPOSITE of hospitality. We are trying to attract people to our parish – not drive them away. Asking such inane questions just drives people AWAY from STV. And thus – this must stop. Such questions are not and never will be blessed.

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This year we have acquired the extremely bad habit of leaving the church after Holy Communion but before the end of the Liturgy.

The fathers of the church are of one mind in this regard: either you come on time and leave after the kissing of the cross, or if that is not possible, you come late and leave after the kissing of the cross. It is interesting that they are so unanimous in this regard in fact. This is a very strong rule.

Liturgy always ends about noon. A bit later during Great Lent, but as a rule: noon. Thus, the Lord is asking us to be in His house 2 of 168 hours of the week, or approximately 1% of the week.

Of course, once in a while it will happen that something important is going on and we have to sneak out a bit early. This is understood. But this is not what I am talking about. I am talking about a habit that we have acquired as a parish family where dozens of people are leaving every Sunday between Holy Communion and the kissing of the cross. Let us put an end to this and remain until the end of the Liturgy as is the standard for Orthodox Christians.

In Christ,

Fr. Gregory