Please note that there will be no Vigil on Saturday night, January 7. Instead, we will follow our usual parish practice and have Vespers after the parish meal on January 7. Please spread the word to those whom you know, or even suspect, were planning to attend Vigil on January 7.

Please note that the heavenly protector of our Sisterhood, St. Xenia of St. Petersburg is celebrated this year on February 6. Vigil will be held on February 5 at 6:00 p.m., with Divine Liturgy at 8:00 a.m. on February 6. All Sisters all called upon to prepare themselves to Confess and Commune of the Holy Mysteries on this most important feast day for the Sisterhood!

The schedule of services for the Nativity of the Lord can be found at the link below. Please put these important services on your schedule now! Please also note the times for confession that are available – some of these require an appointment to be made. Congratulations to all with the upcoming holy days!

NATIVITY OF THE LORD SCHEDULE

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

The Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America is committed to making high quality Orthodox theological education as accessible to all interested students as possible.

Applications for admission for the spring semester are due February 1, 2023. Classes begin February 13, 2023. Applications and further information on the Pastoral School programs can be found at our web site:

DCMA PASTORAL SCHOOL
Questions should be directed to the Dean of the Pastoral School, Priest Gregory Joyce:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Join us on Friday, January 13, 2023 for our annual Nativity Ball! All proceeds benefit Ann Arbor Orthodox Classical Academy! Last year's ball was GREAT GREAT GREAT! This year: EVEN BETTER!

Ball tickets make perfect Christmas gifts. Join us for a great evening of fun in celebration of our Lord's Incarnation, and help us raise money in support of our parish school! We aim to raise $5,000 to support our school, so even if you can't join us for the ball, visit the link below to help us reach that important goal!

BUY NATIVITY BALL TICKETS
THE LAST DAY TO BUY TICKETS IS JANUARY 6 - ACT NOW!

It is a pious tradition at St. Vladimir Church for virtually everyone to partake of the Holy Mysteries on the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity. Please confess early for the feast! Confessions will be heard at the following times – please take advantage of this opportunity!

Saturday, December 31: Confession 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (by appointment: see below)
Confession during and following Evening Services beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 1: Confession during and following Evening Services beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, January 3: Confession during and following Evening Services beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 4: Confession 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (by appointment: see below)
Confession during and following Evening Services beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 5: Confession during and following Evening Services beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, January 6: Confession 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (by appointment: see below)
Confession during and following Vigil beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 7: Confession 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. (by appointment: see below)

Click here take an appointment for Confession with Fr. Gregory
Please note: those who have confessed beginning December 31 need not confess again before Nativity, but are welcome to partake of the Holy Mysteries having prepared themselves by reading the appointed prayer rule and attending the Divine Services for the feast.

Temptations are never stronger than grace.

Monastic Wisdom: The Letters of Venerable Joseph the Hesychast

"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: Hebrews 8:7-13 & Mark 9:42-10:1
Tuesday: Hebrews 9:8-10, 15-23 & Mark 10:2-12
Wednesday: Hebrews 10:1-18 & Mark 10:11-16
Thursday: Hebrews 10:35-11:7 & Mark 10:17-27
Friday: Hebrews 1:1-12 & Luke 2:1-20
Saturday: Galatians 4:4-7 & Matthew 2:1-12

Понедельник: Евр. 8:7-13 и от Марка 9:42-10:1
Вторник: Евр. 9:8-10, 15-23 и от Марка 10:2-12
Среда: Евр. 10:1-18 и от Марка 10:11-16
Четверг: Евр. 10:35-11:7 и от Марка 10:17-27
Пятница: Евр. 1:1-12 и от Луки 2:1-20
Суббота: Гал. 4:4-7 и от Матфея 2:1-12

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

By St. Justin (Popovich):

http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/phronema/bible_how.aspx

By Bishop Kalistos (Ware):

http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/phronema/ware_howto.aspx

Please join us for a live broadcast of today's Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the 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