"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: I Corinthians 9:13-18 & Matthew 16:1-6
Tuesday: I Corinthians 10:5-12 & Matthew 16:6-12
Wednesday: I Corinthians 10:12-22 & Matthew 16:20-24
Thursday: I Corinthians 10:28-11:7 & Matthew 16:24-28
Friday: I Corinthians 11:8-22 & Matthew 17:10-18
Saturday: Romans 13:1-10 & Matthew 12:30-37

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

This short article explains to us not just HOW to read the scriptures, but also what our goal should be in reading the scriptures. A short read and well worth it:

http://www.chrysostompress.org/reading_scripture.html

As noted in the article above we need God's help and blessing to read and understand the scriptures correctly. What better way to entreat God's help in this regard than through prayer? Please find the prayer before reading the scriptures here:

http://www.chrysostompress.org/prayer_b ... pture.html

Our weekly bulletin, "Sunday Reading", has been posted at the following link:

http://www.stvladimiraami.org/SundayRea ... eading.pdf

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

http://www.stvladimiraami.org:8000/liturgy.mp3

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:

http://soundoftheparish.blogspot.com/

Please find this week's issue of "The Good News" at the link below. This bulletin/handout contains the Troparia and Kontakia that will be sung by the choir at today's Divine Liturgy as well as the readings from the Epistle and Gospel readings of the day - all in both English and Russian. This little bulletin is distributed to visitors and others who may find it useful by our parish Greeters on duty today at St. Vladimir's. We cordially invite you to join us at St. Vladimir's for Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. - or any Sunday soon. You are always welcome at St. Vladimir's!

This Sunday's "The Good News":

http://stvladimiraami.org/pamphlets/goodnews.pdf

With the blessing of Archbishop Peter there will be a special parish meeting on Sunday, July 23 following the Divine Liturgy. Official notification can be found here – please join us:

http://stvladimiraami.org/flyers/extrao ... -23-17.pdf

We only have ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION - and this is what our Greeter Ministry is all about: welcoming new people to St. Vladimir's, making them feel at home, being a resource for their questions, helping resolve any issues they have while at St. Vladimir's, and providing them a resource for more information in the future.

Learn more/join the greeter ministry:

https://goo.gl/forms/c4Qw5PI1M4j6ATDO2

It is time! Time to sign up for this year's Russian Festival! Time to encourage friends, acquaintances, neighbors, coworkers, and everyone you know to join us for this wonderfully fun activity, which is also our MOST IMPORTANT OUTREACH TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY! Do not miss - sign up today!

Sign up sheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Yh4aUfPECd7q0JW41W2Rp4__WRyZeCrtDZrZrod5rEI/edit?usp=sharing

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 September 1, 2017. Classes begin September 11, 2017. Applications and further information on the Pastoral School programs can be found at our web site:

http://orthodoxtheologicalschool.org/

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

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Give us your feedback! We want know what you think and how we can do things better - use this form to share with us (or email to info@stvladimiraami.org or post on our Facebook page anytime):

https://goo.gl/forms/cPFls9XgfdiLBmOn2

Archbishop Peter and our diocesan St. John Kochurov Society are calling "100 Members for 100 Years" in honor of the upcoming 2017 centennial of St. John's martyrdom. Donate and join today to immediately aid our diocesan youth, missions, and monasteries facing critical needs:

https://stjohn.networkforgood.com/projects/21107-join-st-john-kochurov-society