We present here a short educational offering for both children and adults on the upcoming Sunday's principle Gospel reading so that all can better prepare for the Divine Services. Parents are asked to review the children’s portion with their children. It is very important for us to attend the Divine Services on Sundays and whenever else we are able, but in addition it is our spiritual responsibility to educate ourselves and our families in the faith. It is our hope that this mid-week offering will be an aid in this regard. Please contact Fr. Gregory with questions or suggestions.

For Various Ages: from the Antiochian Archdiocese

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

We are very enthused to welcome our children to Vacation Bible School this year with the theme of “The Armor of God”! Learn more and sign up at this link – REGISTER TODAY:

REGISTER FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

FIVE LINES FOR EVERY ST. VLADIMIRIAN TO READ FOR THIS WEEK!

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“Give Blood, Receive the Spirit.”

Abba Longinus
Sayings of the Desert Fathers

"This is the cause of all evils: the ignorance of the Scriptures. We go into battle without arms, and how ought we to come off safe?" -St. John Chrysostom, Homily IX on Colossians.

In order to help increase the general knowledge of scripture in our parish family we present here for your edification the scripture readings for the coming week. At least one Gospel Reading and one Epistle reading are assigned for each day of the year (although during Great Lent the readings are from the Old Testament). Hearing or reading only those readings appointed for Sunday merely scratches the surface of the great spiritual wealth that the scriptures provide us. Some of the readings are easily understandable – others are less so. As Orthodox Christians we do not make private interpretation of scripture, but rather consult the fathers of the Church for their explanations to aid us in our understanding. Those wishing to have access to such explanations are asked to contact Fr. Gregory or inquire in the kiosk for further reading in this regard. Bibles may also be acquired in the kiosk.

Monday: Acts 12:12-17 & John 8:42-51
Tuesday: Acts 12:25-13:12 & John 8:51-59
Wednesday: Acts 13:13-24 & John 6:5-14
Thursday: Acts 14:20-27 & John 9:39-10:9
Friday: Acts 15:5-34 & John 10:17-28
Saturday: Acts 15:35-41 & John 10:27-38

Понедельник: Деян. 12:12-17 и от Иоанна 8:42-51
Вторник: Деян. 12:25-13:12 и Иоанна 8:51-59
Среда: Деян. 13:13-24 и от Иоанна 6:5-14
Четверг: Деян. 14:20-27 и от Иоанна 9:39-10:9
Пятница: Деян. 15:5-34 и от Иоанна 10:17-28
Суббота: Деян. 15:35-41 и от Иоанна 10:27-38

Please find below several very nice articles on how to read the scripture from an Orthodox point of view.

By St. Justin (Popovich)

By Bishop Kalistos (Ware)

Today's Liturgy is live now at following link:

ST. VLADIMIR AUDIO LIVE STREAM
Please remember - the stream only broadcasts live services. If you would like to listen to previously recorded and edited services please visit our sound blog:

SOUND OF THE PARISH BLOG

Our parish Sunday publications are available now at the link below. Find our Prayer List, "Good News", and "Sunday Reading", plus other parish publications!
PARISH PUBLICATIONS ENGLISH + РУССКИЙ