St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

October 28: The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

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"Wherever thy Protection casteth its shadow, O all-immaculate Virgin, thence is the might of the devil driven away; and every faithful human who calleth thereon is saved. Wherefore, as we hasten to its lightning-like brilliance, we are made beautiful with the sprinklings of the Spirit, and are made fragrant with the sweet scent of grace; and we rejoice spiritually, drawing forth the glittering lightnings of its miracles; for thy Protection’s well-spring of blessings is inexhaustible, and the stream of healings therefrom is bestowed without being spent. Hence, we earnestly pray: Shelter us at the hour of judgment, O all-compassionate Lady, and redeem us, lowly as we are, from the everlasting torments; for by thy mediation nothing is impossible."

- Doxastikon from Orthros for the Protection

For information about this feast, visit here or here.

7th Annual DOWAMA Parish Life Conference

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Glory to God! By the grace of God, through the prayers of St. Nicholas, St. Raphael, St. John the Divine and many others, we had a very blessed 7th Annual DOWAMA PLC in Shreveport, LA! Here's a picture of the St. Nicholas members who were present, along with His Grace, Bishop BASIL, at the conference banquet (which took place on Friday, June 17). More pictures will be available soon.

Thank you to all who worked hard to make this such a wonderful conference, and thank you to all our DOWAMA family members who came to be with us, or who supported us in so many ways. God grant you many years!

The Ascension

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On the Feast of the Ascension, from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops

"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, Which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." The Acts of the Apostles 1:11

"I believe ... He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end." The Symbol of Faith

On this great feast of the glorious Ascension into heaven of the God-Man, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we send our paternal blessings and prayerful best wishes for very happy feast to the Reverend Priests, the Deacons in Christ, the Monastics, and all pious and Christ-loving Orthodox Faithful. We also take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for your God-pleasing prayers by which the second annual Assembly of Bishops - held in Chicago, Illinois from May 25th through 27th - was mightily blessed. Once again, thank you, and a very happy feast.

The Members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America

Mid-Pentecost

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Mid-Pentecost

"On Mid-Pentecost we hear the call of the Lord: 'Whosoever thirsteth, let him come to Me and drink' (John 7:37). If this is so, then let us all run to Him. Whatever you thirst for - so long as it is not contrary to the Spirit of the Lord - you will find relief in Him." - St Theophan the Recluse, 1815-1894

Mid-Pentecost is, in the words of the Pentecostarion, "the middle of those days which commence with Christ God's saving Rising and which are sealed by Pentecost." It is a most radiant and majestic feast in that it is "illuminated by both the feasts" - flashing forth like a flawless diamond upon which brilliant light is shined from right and left, and gushing forth like a powerful fountain of water which is fed by two mighty streams. Let us all quaff deeply of "the waters of piety" which flow from Him Who is the very Well-spring of Life! "Having been enlightened by the Resurrection and Christ the Saviour, O ye brethren, and having reached the midst of the feast of the Master, let us truly keep the commandments of God, that we may be counted worthy to celebrate the Ascension and be vouchsafed the coming of the Holy Spirit" (Doxastikon on the Praises).

Beginning on the Leavetaking of the feast of Mid-Pentecost, Wednesday, May 25th and continuing through Friday, May 27th we members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America will gather in Chicago to pray and work together, doing our part in building up the Holy Church in this land to the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Among things to be discussed during the sessions in Chicago will be the work of our Assembly's thirteen committees, its Secretariat, and the fourteen agencies and endorsed-organizations. The prayers of all our Christ-loving clergy, monastics and lay people are earnestly requested, that the same Spirit Whom our Saviour poured forth as Living Water to sate the thirst of His Holy Disciples might inspire us as we labor for His glory.

The Members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America

Holy Week

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To learn about the Orthodox Christian celebration of Holy Week and Pascha, visit this link.

Schedule of Services for Holy Week and Pascha

Palm Sunday:

9am – Orthros

10am – Divine Liturgy*

6pm – Bridegroom Orthros

Great and Holy Monday:

9am – Hours

6pm – Bridegroom Orthros

Great and Holy Tuesday:

9am – Hours

6pm – Bridegroom Orthros

Great and Holy Wednesday:

10am – Presanctified Liturgy

6pm – Holy Unction

Great and Holy Thursday:

10am – Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil (Mystical Supper)

6pm – Orthros of Holy Friday with 12 Gospel Readings

Great and Holy Friday:

9am – Hours

3pm – Vespers with the Taking Down of the Lord’s Body

7pm – Orthros with Lamentations

Great and Holy Saturday:

10am – Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil (with Baptism)

Services of Holy Pascha

Saturday 10:30pm – Paschal Vigil begins*+

Sunday 12 noon – Agape Vespers*

* Potluck meals to follow these services

+Pascha baskets will be blessed following the Liturgy

The Week of the Cross: March 27 - April 2

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Sunday, March 27, was the middle Sunday of Great Lent, known as the Sunday of the Veneration of the Precious and Life-giving Cross. On this Sunday, and all during this week, we are reminded of the purpose of our Lenten journey and our destination: the passion, life-giving death and glorious resurrection of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Cross is the sign of our Lord's victory over death, accomplished by Him upon the Cross for our salvation. Throughout this week, the cross, decorated with flowers, remains in the center of the church and is venerated at the end of each service. Many of the hymns we sing at the services this week are tied to the theme of the Cross. At Tuesday's Orthros service, we sang:

"Great and most merciful art Thou, O Lord, for Thou hast given us for veneration Thy life-giving Cross, on which Thy hands and feet were nailed; and Thy Blood flowed upon it from Thy most pure side, as a fountain of life for us."

And at Wednesday's Orthros:

"O sign of joy, unconquerable weapon, rampart of the Church, glory of martyrs, adornment of apostles, firm support of bishops, strengthen my sickly soul, and count me worthy to venerate thee and to sing thy praises, crying: O ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all forever."

By the might of the precious and life-giving Cross, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us!

March 25, 2011

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Great Feast of the Annunciation

The Holy Spirit has come upon the most pure Maiden, and the Son of God has become incarnate. We bow before the mystery which, in the words of St. Gregory Palamas, is “believed not known, worshipped not investigated.”

The Lord Jesus Christ, a sweet-scented and spiritual fragrance, is poured out into the world. Before His Incarnation the Son of God was a “myrrh kept within” and in the womb of the Holy Virgin He becomes a “myrrh poured out” (Song of Songs 1:3). The Theotokos herself, who carried the Incarnate Christ in her womb, becomes the “vessel of the fragrant myrrh.” The Holy Virgin becomes a spiritual perfume flask and in bearing Christ, the inexhaustible myrrh, she comes to pour forth this myrrh to fill our souls with its fragrance.[1] By the miracle of the Annunciation mankind itself becomes deified, the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon and anoints Holy Mary, and mankind is united to God.

This miracle of the Holy Annunciation is often depicted upon the Beautiful Gates of temple iconostasis as a witness to the liturgical fact that each divine liturgy is another Annunciation, another descent of the Holy Spirit and revelation of the Incarnate Christ come to fashion all believers into sacred vessels for the divine myrrh of God’s presence.

On the occasion of the Great Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, we convey our paternal love, blessings and prayerful best wishes for a very happy feast to all of the Christ-loving Clergy, Monastics and Laity.

The Members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America

Pure Week - March 7-13, 2011

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This Sunday: Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy

On the first Sunday of Great Lent we commemorate the decisions of the 7th Ecumenical Council regarding the Holy Icons in 787, as well as the final restoration of the icons, which took place in 843. This latter event became known as "the triumph of Orthodoxy" thereafter, with the first Sunday of the 40-day fasting period being appointed for its annual celebration.

Lenten Greeting from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops:

Pure Monday, March 7
Great and Holy Lent

To the Reverend Priests, the Deacons in Christ, the monastics, and all the pious and Christ-loving Orthodox faithful in our beloved nation:

"Let us set out with joy upon the season of the Fast, and prepare ourselves for spiritual combat. Let us purify our soul and cleanse our flesh; and as we fast from food, let us abstain also from every passion. Rejoicing in the virtues of the Spirit may we persevere with love, and so be counted worthy to see the solemn Passion of Christ our God, and with great spiritual gladness to behold His holy Passover."

Vespers of the Sunday of Forgiveness

Beloved Faithful, Dear to Christ:

The holy days of Lent constitute a spiritual tithe of the year. Our investment in the forty days of the Great Fast sanctifies the entire year, and provides sufficient grace to serve as a foundation for spiritual progress day in and out. These are days of grace, of divine energy made accessible to support our own repentance and transformation. This sacred season of the Fast is honored by our authentic engagement in the spiritual disciplines of fasting, praying, and almsgiving through which, with the powerful assistance of the Man-Loving God, we are enabled to push through clouds of discouragement which obscure our vision of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to trod down every obstacle and sin that hinders our progress towards God's heavenly Kingdom. By the embrace of self-denial and mortification in Lent, we are enabled to become partakers of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at Holy Pascha.

We call all the Orthodox Christian faithful to lay aside earthly cares, and to seek the Lord while He may be found. Jealous for your spiritual advancement, and desiring the joy of hearing of our children walking in the truth (3 John 4), we lift our arms and bless your engagement of the Holy Fast with the sign of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.

With paternal love in Christ,

The Officers and Members of the Assembly of Bishops

February 24, 2011

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The Triodion - We are now in the middle of the three preparatory weeks leading up to Great Lent. The "Triodion" period, which lasts from the 4th Sunday before Great Lent through Holy Saturday, has begun. This period takes its name from the Liturgical book used during these weeks of preparation and all of Great Lent, known as the Triodion ("Three Odes" - because only three odes are sung in many Lenten canons). The 4 preparatory Sundays of the Triodion highlight important themes in the Christian life, themes that we would do well to keep in mind during the Lenten journey that lies ahead of us. The first Sunday of the Triodion was the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, on which we are reminded that "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14). Last Sunday was the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, on which we are reminded the Heavenly Father's magnificent love for us sinners, and the forgiveness and restoration that is ours when we return to Him in repentance. We were also reminded to rejoice when we see others repenting and receiving mercy, for there is great rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner. (Luke 15:7,10) This coming Sunday is the Sunday of the Last Judgment, when we will meditate on the theme of the final judgment of all people when we stand before the Throne of God. We are reminded that Sunday to be merciful to others, seeing people in need as the "least of these," the brethren of the Lord (Matt. 25:40) That Sunday is also known as Meatfare Sunday, as it is the last day on which we eat meat until Pascha. The 4th and final Sunday of the pre-Lenten period is known as Forgiveness Sunday. We are reminded of the immeasurable value of granting and receiving true forgiveness, as we participate in the beautiful Vespers of Forgiveness that day. Because it is the last day before Great Lent begins, that Sunday is also known as Cheesefare Sunday. Having finished up our "cheesefare" (dairy, eggs, etc.), we begin the strict fast the following day, which is known as "Clean Monday."

Upcoming Services
This evening (Wed.) 6pm - Vespers (for St. Theodore the Soldier), followed by Catechism
Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
           5:30pm - Vespers w. Trisagion for the Departed
Saturday, 8am - Akathist for Departed
               9am - Divine Liturgy (Saturday of Souls)
               5:45pm - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers (Followed by Fellowship potluck)
Sunday services as usual

Announcements
Saturday of Souls - This Saturday, the day before the Sunday of the Last Judgment, is known as a "Saturday of Souls." Special services are offered with commemorations of our departed loved ones. There will be Vespers at 5:30 on Friday evening, and on Saturday morning, the Akathist for the Departed at 8am and the Divine Liturgy at 9am. If you haven't already, please send me names of your departed loved ones to be commemorated.

Altar servers' meeting - at 4:30pm this Saturday afternoon there will be a meeting of our altar servers.

Fellowship Potluck - our next parish fellowship potluck will be this Saturday, Feb. 26, following Great Vespers, at the Lahayes' home. It is being graciously hosted by Ethelyn Lahaye and Eddie Marsh.

Meatfare and Cheesefare - Remember that this Sunday is the last day on which we eat meat. The following week, known as cheesefare week, we abstain from meat but eat everything else (including Wednesday and Friday) in order to finish up all our cheese, eggs, milk, etc.

Akathist to St. Juliana - Next Wednesday, March 2, we will pray the Akathist to St. Juliana of Lazarevo, the patroness of our Ladies' Group, in place of Vespers.

February 2, 2011 - February 9, 2011

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From the website of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in North and Central America:

Great Feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple

“The Lord is circumcised according to the Law, brought to Jerusalem according to the Law, presented to the Lord as it is written in the Law and a sacrifice is offered as the Law demands. Notice that the Creator and Lord of the Law is completely obedient to the Law. What does He achieve by this? He makes our nature obedient in all things to the Father. He completely heals us of its disobedience and transforms the curse on it into a blessing. As all human nature was in Adam, so it is in Christ. All who received their being from the earthly Adam have returned to the earth and been brought down, alas, to Hades. But, according to the apostle, through the heavenly Adam we have all been called up to heaven and made worthy of its glory and grace.” (From a Homily for the Meeting of the Lord by St. Gregory Palamas)

On the occasion of the Great Feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, we convey our paternal love, blessings and prayerful best wishes for a very happy feast to all of the Christ-loving Clergy, Monastics and Laity.

- The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America

January 30, 2011 - The Three Holy Hierarchs

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On January 30, the Church celebrates the memory of three great Saints, known collectively as the Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom. While each one has his own feast day, this feast was instituted in response to a debate concerning these Saints that took place during the 11th century. While the faithful of that time were eager to honor these great luminaries, they were divided over the question of which was the greatest. God then allowed St. John, Metropolitan of Euchaita to see a vision in which all three appeared in great glory together, saying, "As you see, we are one in God and there is nothing contradictory in us; neither is there a first or a second among us." From that time, this feast day of the Three Hierarchs has been kept in the Church and the faithful have been led to honor them equally, recognizing their common participation in God's glory.

"Let us who love their words come together with hymns, and honor the three great torch-bearers of the Triune Godhead: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. These men have enlightened the world with the rays of their divine doctrines. They are flowing rivers of wisdom, and have filled all creation with springs of heavenly knowledge. They ceaselessly intercede for us before the Holy Trinity.”

- Troparion of the Three Hierarchs (Tone 1)

January 6, 2011 - Holy Theophany

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Christ is baptized! In the Jordan!

Today we celebrate the feast of the Theophany, which commemorates the baptism of the Lord in the Jordan river (Mark 1:9-11, Matt. 3:13-17). In this event, we see the clear manifestation of God as Trinity: the Son is baptized by John the Baptist, the Father voice bears witness to the Son, and the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove. The Lord Jesus Christ is shown forth as both true God and true man. Rather than washing Him who needed no cleansing, the water of the Jordan river is cleansed by Christ, and along with the Jordan, all of Creation is made new. In celebrating this Feast, we proclaim and participate in the reversal of the Fall of Adam and the renewal of all Creation, which is inaugurated by Christ's baptism.

"Our God is in heaven and on earth: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased!" - Ps. 113:11

"Great art Thou, O Lord, and wondrous are Thy works, and no word sufficeth to hymn Thy wonders" - From the Great Sanctification of Water

December 25 - 31 - The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

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Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Merry Christmas to all as we continue to celebrate the feast of our Savior's birth this week. This is a fast-free week, symbolizing the joyful and celebratory character of this radiant feast, the "Winter Pascha". May our Lord Jesus Christ, who was born in a cave and lay in a manger for our salvation, fill our hearts with the true heavenly peace and invincible joy that He came to bring us. May our hearts always sing in prayer, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men!"

Services this Week
Tues. 12/28, 6pm - Vespers for Holy Innocents with prayers for Sanctity of Life
Wed. 12/29, 6pm - Akathist of the Nativity
Fri. 12/31, 5:45pm - Leavetaking of Nativity, 6pm - Great Vespers of Circumcision and St. Basil
Sat. 1/1, 9am - Orthros, 10am - Liturgy
Sat. Evening and Sun. Morning - usual times

December 15, 2010 - St. Eleftherios

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December 15th is the feast day of the Holy Hieromartyr Eleftherios, who is the patron Saint of our Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America. The reason why he was chosen as our patron is that it was on December 15th of 2004 that our Diocese was formally established by His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP with the blessing of His Beatitude, Patriarch IGNATIUS IV. Through the prayers of St. Eleftherios, may God grant His Grace, our Bishop BASIL, and all the people of our diocese many years and abundant blessings!

For the life of St. Eleftherios, visit http://www.antiochian.org/steleftherios

Services this week:
Thursday Evening 5:30pm - Vespers for Holy Prophet Daniel, Three Holy Youths, and St. Dionysios of Zakynthos

Friday, 7am - Divine Liturgy

Saturday, 5:45pm - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday morning services as usual
Monday 8am - Orthros 9am - Liturgy for St. Ignatius and St. John of Kronstadt

Announcements:
- Stewardship: please turn in stewardship forms as soon as possible, and no later than Sunday, Dec. 26 so that the budget committee can prepare for 2011.

- Cleaning this Saturday: to prepare for the feast of the Nativity, all are invited to come help clean the church this Saturday, Dec. 18, beginning at 4pm. Let's make the temple beautiful for the Lord's birth!

- Christmas caroling and decorating the church this Sunday: The teen SOYO, children of the church, and children at heart are invited to decorate, eat lunch together, and go Christmas caroling at Live Oak Retirement home this Sunday, Dec. 19, following Liturgy.

- Pageant cancelled: There will not be a Christmas pageant, as previously scheduled for this Sunday evening. In lieu of that will be the other activities mentioned above.

- St. Ignatius Sunday - this Sunday is St. Ignatius Sunday. Members of the Order of St. Ignatius are encouraged to wear their cross.

- Christmas tree: if anyone would like to donate a real Christmas tree for the church this year, or contribute towards one, please let Fr. Daniel know. Also, donations of poinsettias and other greenery or flowers for the Nativity are welcome.

- Collecting Winter Clothes for the Needy: The next activity of the St. Peter the Merciful Orthodox Outreach will be a distribution of warm winter clothing to those in need. Please bring donations of coats, hats, gloves and scarves to the church by Sunday, December 19 or the following Sunday.

- Services next week: please see the December calendar for all service times next week, including services for the Nativity.

- Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops: The new website of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America was launched this week by His Grace, Bishop BASIL. Check it out at http://www.episcopalassembly.org/

December 6, 2010 - Happy St. Nicholas Day!!!

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Blessed feast of St. Nicholas! God grant you all many years!

Here's a greeting sent by His Grace, Bishop Basil to our community:

"Dear to Christ, Father Daniel, Presbytera Maria and the faithful of St Nicholas Church:

Blessings, much love and prayerful best wishes for a very happy patronal feast. Happy feast! Many years!

+Bishop Basil"

Below, find the story of a modern miracle worked by St. Nicholas, which I read after Liturgy yesterday. Through the prayers of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, may the Lord work many wonders in our midst, and especially the wonder of granting us a vibrant, child-like faith in Him!

With love in Christ,
Fr. Daniel

"It happened in Siberia. The White Army under Kolchak was retreating. Eugene Nikolaevich, in spite of a severe wound suffered in the First World War, served in Kolchak's forces in the rank of first lieutenant. It was a harsh winter.
Entering some village, the partisans seized a peasant suspected of collaborating with the Reds. It was decided to execute him. Eugene Nikolaevich ordered the prisoner to be locked up.
That night, as the lieutenant was sitting alone writing out the accusation, there came a knock at the door. He opened it and in stepped an old man wearing a skoufia, like those worn by monks, and an old cassock. "Mister officer," he said, "you have an arrested peasant here. Don't kill him. He's innocent."
"And who are you?" inquired Eugene Nikolaevich.
"I am the rector of the local church, Fr. Nicholas," answered the old man, and left.
Eugene Nikolaevich thought it over and decided to release the prisoner. Early in the morning he ordered a sleigh to be harnessed, had the prisoner get in, took some bread, and told the escorts: "I'm going to shoot him." Once in the forest he untied the prisoner, gave him the bread, and said: ‘Into the woods with you, and don't cross our path again!”
Returning to the village, Eugene Nikolacyich went to the church. It was locked. He asked a peasant walking by: "Where does Fr. Nicholas live? .... The Reds shot him long ago," came the reply. Eugene Nikolaevich was taken aback, but he decided to look around the church. Someone unlocked the door for him, and he went inside. Suddenly he saw to the right an icon of St. Nicholas and immediately recognized him as his nocturnal visitor; in the icon the wonderworking hierarch was depicted wearing the very same skoufia."

Alexandra Dabbart
"Novoye Russkoe Slovo”

December 1, 2010

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Blessings and greetings in Christ on this 3rd Wednesday of the Nativity Fast. Today, Dec. 1, we commemorate St. Philaret the Merciful. See below for his remarkable life.

Cherishing Damaged Icons
"Christ saw the beauty of the divine image in every person who came to him. Perhaps it was hidden or deformed, but it was beauty, nevertheless. We must do the same. Each of us resembles a damaged icon. When anyone gives us a painted icon that has been damaged by age or circumstances, or profaned by human sinfulness, we always treat it with tenderness, with reverence and with a broken heart. It is what remains of its former beauty, and not what has been lost, that is important. And that is how we should learn to treat ourselves and each other.

~Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, This Holy Man, Gillian Crow (tr), p. 194.

Services this week:
This evening (Wed.) 6pm - Advent Paraklesis, followed by Catechism class
Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
6pm - Great Vespers (Ss. Barbara and John of Damascus)
Saturday, 5:45pm - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday morning services as usual
Sunday 5:30pm - Great Vespers for Feast of St. Nicholas
Monday 9am - Orthros 10am - Liturgy for St. Nicholas

Announcements:

- Feast of St. Nicholas: This coming Sunday is the day before the Feast of St. Nicholas, which is our patronal feast. Since the feast falls on Monday, we will have our “Creative Arts Festival” and treats for children on Sunday, along with a parish potluck. Price of admission for the Creative Arts Festival: 1 canned or boxed food item. The services for the feast will include: Great Vespers on Sunday evening at 5:30pm, Orthros Monday morning at 9 and Liturgy at 10.

- Stewardship Forms have been mailed out to parish members. Please fill out your form and bring it to church this coming Sunday, December 5th.

- Almsgiving opportunities: Remember to bring in canned/boxed goods for our ongoing food drive, and remember, during this Advent season to look for other ways to give alms to those in need. One way to give alms is to donate to our parish discretionary fund, from which we help those who come to us with special needs.

- Texarkana: The next service and meeting in Texarkana will take place next Friday, Dec. 10, at 6pm.

- New iconography at Holy Trinity in Santa Fe: For an interview in the "Santa Fe New Mexican" with FATHER JOHN BETHANCOURT of Holy Trinity/Santa Fe, NM accompanied by photos of the new iconography recently installed in the church temple, visit: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Ancient-art-in-modern-shrine-Iconographer-s-work-a--dream-come-

The Life of St. Philaret the Merciful
Philaret was from the village of Amnia in Paphlagonia. Early in life, Philaret was a very wealthy man, but by distributing abundant alms to the poor he himself became extremely poor. However, he was not afraid of poverty, and, not heeding the complaints of his wife and children, he continued his charitable works with hope in God, Who said: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7). Once, while he was plowing in the field, a man came to him and complained that one of his oxen had died in the harness and that he was unable to plow with only one ox. Philaret then unharnessed one of his oxen and gave it to him. He even gave his remaining horse to a man who was summoned to go to war. He gave away the calf of his last cow, and when he saw how the cow pined for her missing calf, and the calf for the cow, he called the man and gave him the cow too. And thus the aged Philaret was left without food in an empty house. But he prayed to God and placed his hope in Him. And God did not abandon the righteous one to be put to shame in his hope. At that time the Empress Irene reigned with her young son, Constantine. According to the custom of that time, the empress sent men throughout the whole empire to seek the best and most distinguished maiden to whom she could wed her son, the emperor. By God's providence, these men happened to stay overnight in Philaret's house, and they saw his most beautiful and modest granddaughter Maria, the daughter of his daughter Hypatia, and took her to Constantinople. The emperor was well pleased with her, married her, and moved Philaret and all his family to the capital, giving him great honors and riches. Philaret did not become proud as a result of this unexpected good fortune, but, thankful to God, he continued to perform good works even more than he had before, and thus he continued until his death. At the age of ninety he summoned his children, blessed them, and instructed them to cleave to God and to God's law, and with his clairvoyant spirit he prophesied to all of them how they would live out this life, as once had Jacob. After that he went to the Rodolfia Monastery and gave up his soul to God. At his death his face shone like the sun, and after his death an unusual, sweet fragrance came forth from his body and miracles took place at his relics. This righteous man entered into rest in the year 797. His wife, Theosevia, and all his children and grandchildren lived a God-pleasing life and reposed in the Lord.

~From the Prologue From Ochrid

November 25, 2010 - Thanksgiving and St. Katherine

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Happy Thanksgiving! Today is not only Thanksgiving Day; it is also the feast of the Holy Great Martyr Katherine, and the leavetaking of the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple. So many overlapping reasons for joy and giving thanks this day!

Fr. Alexander Schmemann celebrated his last Divine Liturgy in this world on Thanksgiving day in 1983, at St. Vladimir's Seminary. At that Liturgy, he gave the following short sermon, in the form of a prayer, which were his last public words:

Thank You, O Lord!
Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy.

Thank You, O Lord, for having accepted this Eucharist, which we offered to the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and which filled our hearts with the joy, peace and righteousness of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, O Lord, for having revealed Yourself unto us and given us the foretaste of Your Kingdom.

Thank You, O Lord, for having united us to one another in serving You and Your Holy Church.

Thank You, O Lord, for having helped us to overcome all difficulties, tensions, passions, temptations and restored peace, mutual love and joy in sharing the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, O Lord, for the sufferings You bestowed upon us, for they are purifying us from selfishness and reminding us of the "one thing needed;" Your eternal Kingdom.

Thank You, O Lord, for having given us this country where we are free to Worship You.

Thank You, O Lord, for this school, where the name of God is proclaimed.

Thank You, O Lord, for our families: husbands, wives and, especially, children who teach us how to celebrate Your holy Name in joy, movement and holy noise.

Thank You, O Lord, for everyone and everything.

Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your deeds, and no word is sufficient to celebrate Your miracles.

Lord, it is good to be here! Amen.

I give thanks to God for St. Nicholas Church and for each one of you. May the Lord enable us always to live in a spirit of gratitude, and with our hearts filled with the "joy, peace and righteousness of the Holy Spirit"!

Announcements:
Baptism This Saturday - Remember that Evangeline Tolosa will be baptized this Saturday, Nov. 27, at 3pm. All are invited for the baptism and the reception that will follow.

Creative Arts Festival coming - St. Nicholas day is coming, and along with it, our annual St. Nicholas "Creative Arts Festival". This year's theme is "St. Nicholas the Wonderworker." How has St. Nicholas touched your life, and/or the lives of others, through the miracles God has worked through him? Everyone is encouraged to submit art projects, poetry, etc., by Sat., Dec. 4. Short speeches are also encouraged. The festival will take place following Liturgy on Sunday, Dec. 5. Price of admission for the festival: 1 can or box of non-perishable food for the needy.

Stewardship Sunday - Dec. 5 will also be our stewardship Sunday this year. See the stewardship mailing you will be receiving soon.

November 17, 2010

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:48 -0500

Blessings on this 3rd day of the Nativity fast, on which we celebrate the feast of St. Gregory the Wonderworker. St. Gregory lived in the 3rd century, was made bishop of Neocaesarea against his will, and was known as a second Moses for all the miracles he worked. Here is a very edifying account from his life of how God delivers those who put all their hope in Him:

"While he was still at the school of philosophy in Alexandria, St. Gregory preserved the purity of his soul and his body, as he preserved it to the end of his life. In this, he was an exception among the dissolute youth of that time. This evoked envy and hatred among his companions. In order to debase Gregory, they found a harlot to help them carry out an evil plan. Once, when Gregory was standing in the square with eminent teachers and philosophers, the foul woman approached him and loudly demanded that Gregory pay her the remainder due for impure relations with her. Some of the people present were scandalized, while others were angry at this shameless woman and began to chase her away; but she shouted even louder, demanding money. The innocent Gregory blushed, as any decent man would before such coarse slander, but he displayed neither anger nor hatred, and asked a friend to give her the amount that she sought so she would leave. The friend heeded Gregory, and gave her the money she wanted. But at that moment God let an evil spirit enter the woman and she fell to the ground and began writhing and convulsing, gnashing her teeth, and foaming at the mouth. Seeing this, everyone was terrified. But St. Gregory, innocent as a lamb, prayed to God for her, and the woman was healed and arose. Thus, instead of humiliation, Gregory acquired even greater glory." ~ From the Prologue From Ochrid, Nov. 17

Services and Events this week:
This evening (Wed.) 6pm - Vespers, followed by Catechism class
Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
Saturday, 5:45pm - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday services as usual

Announcements
- The Nativity of our Lord is coming! The Nativity Fast started this past Monday, Nov. 15. This is a lenten fast, with allowance for fish, wine and oil on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For Nativity Fast resources for you and your family, see Fr. Daniel.

- Food Needed for Thanksgiving: The SB Rescue Mission has sent out a request for food to feed the homeless and needy at Thanksgiving. Especially needed are turkeys and hams, as well as pies and other desserts. Or, financial donations can be made so that they can purchase the needed food. If anyone would like to donate through the church, please bring your donations to the church by Friday, Nov. 19, and we will get them to the Mission. You can also bring your donations directly to the Rescue Mission. For more details, visit: www.sbrescuemission.com

- Thanksgiving Liturgy: The Feast of St. Catherine the Great and the Leavetaking of the Entrance of the Theotokos both fall on Thanksgiving this year. There will be festal services beginning with Great Vespers on Wednesday evening, and Liturgy on Thursday morning. Before you celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, come celebrate the Eucharist (the truest Thanksgiving!) with your St. Nicholas family.

-Tolosa Baptism: On Saturday, Nov. 27 at 3pm we will baptize Evangeline Elisabeth Tolosa. Please come and welcome the newest member of St. Nicholas!

-Almsgiving opportunities: Remember to bring in canned/boxed goods for our ongoing food drive, and remember, during this Advent season to look for other ways to give alms to those in need. One way to give alms is to donate to our parish discretionary fund, from which we help those who come to us with special needs.

-Other Parish needs: We need donors for icons and other items in the church, as well as soil and plants (bulbs) for our new gardens. Also, if you can donate a little time and energy, we can use some help with the preparation of the flowerbeds. See Fr. Daniel for details.

November 3, 2010

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:48 -0500

Tomorrow is the feast of St. Ioannikios the Great. St. Ioannikios was a shepherd in his youth, then he served in the military. Finally after finishing his military service, he became a monk at Mt. Olympus in Asia Minor. He was a great ascetic, and a wonderworker both during his lifetime and after his repose. Though he was physically massive and powerful, he was known as a truly meek and humble man, using his strength to fight evil rather than to do harm to others. He is the author of the beautiful prayer we pray at Compline: "The Father is my hope; the Son is my refuge; the Holy Spirit is my protector; O Holy Trinity, glory to Thee!"

To ponder:

"Watch yourselves - your passions especially - in your home life, where they appear freely, like moles in a safe place." ~ St. John of Kronstadt.

Services and Events this week:
This evening (Wed.) 6pm - Akathist to St. Raphael; 6:45 - Catechism Class
Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
   6pm - Vespers for St. Raphael's Feast
Saturday, 9am - Orthros   10am - Liturgy for St. Raphael's Feast
               5pm - Moussa Baptism 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday services as usual

Announcements
-Remember that Daylight Savings Time ends this coming weekend, on Nov. 6/7. Turn your clocks back (fall back) on Saturday night. If you forget, that's okay - just come to church early!

-Feast of St. Raphael of Brooklyn: St. Raphael's feast day is on November 6. There will be a full cycle of services with Liturgy at 10am on Saturday morning, followed by our 3rd Annual Train Station Pilgrimage.

-The Ladies and the SOYO will meet following Liturgy this Sunday, Nov. 7.

- Feast of the Holy Archangels: The Synaxis of Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven is this coming Monday, Nov. 8. Orthros will be at 8am and Liturgy at 9am. Come honor our bodiless protectors!

- St. Nektarios - There will be an Akathist to St. Nektarios on Monday evening (Nov. 8) at 5:30pm, to celebrate the feast day of St. Nektarios which is the following day (Nov. 9).

-Wine Tasting Fundraiser: This year's fundraiser is coming up on Tuesday, November 9th, and will take place at Savoie's at 6:30pm. Tickets are available through Barry Busada. Items for the silent auction are still needed. Please be sure to get silent auction forms to Jan asap. For more information about the silent auction, contact Jan or Hanan.

-Parish Retreat: Mark your calendar for a retreat at St. Nicholas on Saturday, November 13. Our guest speaker will be Mother Nektaria from St. Paul's Skete in Grand Junction, TN. See the flyer for details.

- The Nativity Fast begins on Monday, Nov. 15. See the fasting guidelines below.

- Parish Council: the next meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 15 at 6pm.

- Ladies' Book Club: the next meeting will be on Tues., Nov. 16 at 6pm.

THE NATIVITY FAST, which begins on Monday, November 15th, is divided into two periods: The 1st period is November 15th through December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but with katalysis [allowance] for wine and oil on Tuesday and Thursday (though some also permit fish on Tuesday and Thursday during this 1st period) and for fish, wine and oil on Saturday and Sunday. The 2nd period is December 20th through the 24th (the period of the Forefeast) when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed Monday through Friday, but with katalysis for wine and oil on Saturday and Sunday.

October 26, 2010 - Holy Great Martyr Demetrios

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:48 -0500

Today is the feast of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrios, the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki. This Saint, known for miraculous healings and as the steadfast protector of Thessaloniki, was a soldier who was faithful to Christ even unto death. And now, having died to this world, he lives eternally with Christ. Those who were present at Liturgy this morning were blessed with a cotton ball dipped in the fragrant myrrh that flows from St. Demetrios' relics in the church named for him in Thessaloniki.

From Vespers for Feast of St. Demetrios
"O all-holy Lady, help of the world and hope of Christians, thee do we now beseech and thee do we supplicate, O good one, that thou make thy Son and Lord gracious unto us who have sinned and are in despair, O Theotokos; for thou canst do so by using thy boldness with Him as His Mother. Hasten, O immaculate Virgin, hasten to mediate and rescue thy people from the peril that is come upon us; for thy tender compassion's sake, disdain not those who praise thee."
(Theotokion on "Lord, I have cried")

Services and Events this week:
Tomorrow (Wed.) 6pm - Vespers; 6:45 - Catechism Class

Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
6pm - Prayers for Life at Hope Medical Group
Saturday, 5:45 - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday services as usual

Announcements

- 40 Days for Life: on the evening of October 29, St. Nicholas and St. George will team up for prayer at the Hope Medical center. Please come and stand with us in prayer for the unborn, their parents, and all those involved in the abortion industry.

- Wonderworking Icon of the Theotokos: The Kursk Root icon will be visiting DeQueen, AR on Saturday, October 30. An Akathist service will be held at 10am at All Saints of America Mission. Don't miss this opportunity to venerate this miracle-working icon of the Mother of God.

- Collection for Seminarians this Sunday: Besides being "Youth Month," October is also "Seminarian Month" in our Archdiocese. Support the future clergy and other servants of the Church in our Archdiocese by your gifts this Sunday, October 31.

-Feast of St. Raphael of Brooklyn: St. Raphael's feast day is on November 6. There will be a full cycle of services with Liturgy at 10am on Saturday morning, followed by our 3rd Annual Train Station Pilgrimage.

-Wine Tasting Fundraiser: This year's fundraiser is coming up on Tuesday, November 9th, and will take place at Savoie's at 6:30pm. Tickets are available through Barry Busada. Items for the silent auction are needed. For information about the silent auction, contact Jan or Hanan.

-Parish Retreat: Mark your calendar for a retreat at St. Nicholas on Saturday, November 13. Our guest speaker will be Mother Nektaria from St. Paul's Skete in Grand Junction, TN. See the flyer for details.

October 13, 2010

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:48 -0500

On God's Mercy, Shown to Those Who Are Merciful
"It is well in every respect to give to the poor, besides obtaining mercy on the terrible day of judgment. Even here, while on earth, those who give alms often obtain great mercies from their neighbors, and that which others only obtain for large sums of money is given to them freely. Indeed, will not the Lover of mankind, the most-righteous and the most-bountiful heavenly Father, Whose children are shown compassion by the merciful, reward them here also, in order to encourage them to still greater works of mercy, as well as to the amendment of the unmerciful, who mock at the merciful? He will reward them both worthily and righteously."
~ St. John of Kronstadt

Services and Events this week:
Tonight (Wed.) 6pm - Vespers; Catechism class postponed

Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
Saturday, 5:45 - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday services as usual

Announcements
.
-SOYO news: this Sunday, October 17, the SOYO will be participating in the choir and collecting for the annual Special Olympics Awareness day. Please be generous!

-THE 2010 PILGRIMAGE to the shrine church of Our Lady of Walsingham/Mesquite, TX will be held this Saturday, October 16th.

-Liturgy for feast of St. Luke - Next Monday, October 18, at 9am.

-Ladies' Book Club: the next meeting of the book club is this coming Tuesday, October 19, at 6pm.

-Ark-La-Tex Crisis Pregnancy Center fundraising banquet - Thursday, October 21 at 6:30pm. Featured Speaker - Pam Tebow (mother of Tim Tebow). A group of us attended the banquet last year; consider attending again this year in support of a worthy cause.

-Next Texarkana Trip - the next visit with our Texarkana group will be on Friday, October 22.

-THE 2010 DOWAMA FALL GATHERING & RETREAT will be hosted at St Elijah/Oklahoma City, OK on Friday and Saturday, October 22nd & 23rd (ending in the afternoon). Featured speaker will be KHOURIYA SUSAN WALLACE of St Andrew/Oklahoma City, OK.

- A Parish Life Conference general committee meeting will take place on Sunday, October 24. Everyone in the parish is encouraged to attend. This will be another general meeting, with all committees reporting on their progress to date. We need your participation!

- 40 Days for Life: on the evening of October 29, St. Nicholas and St. George will team up for prayer at the Hope Medical center. Please come and stand with us in prayer for the unborn, their parents, and all those involved in the abortion industry. For news about the local 40 Days campaign, see the forwarded message below.

- Wonderworking Icon of the Theotokos: The Kursk Root icon will be visiting DeQueen, AR on Saturday, October 30. A Molieben service will be held at 10am at All Saints of America Mission. Don't miss this opportunity to venerate this miracle-working icon of the Mother of God.

-Parish Retreat: Mark your calendar for a retreat at St. Nicholas on Saturday, November 13. Our guest speaker will be Mother Nektaria from St. Paul's Skete in Grand Junction, TN. Other details TBA.

September 21, 2010 - Leavetaking of the Exaltation of the Cross

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:48 -0500

Today is the last day - the Leavetaking - of the feast of the Exaltation of the precious and life-giving Cross of our Lord! May this feast continue to inspire us throughout the year to grow ever more deeply in true discipleship of Christ, which always means to deny ourselves and to take up our Cross as we follow our Lord through death into Life!

"The Cross is the guardian of the whole earth; the Cross is the beauty of the Church. The Cross is the strength of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful. The Cross is the glory of angels and the wounder of demons." ~ Exapostilarion of the Feast of the Cross

Please remember in your prayers His Grace, Bishop Basil, who is in Istanbul today meeting with His Beatitude, Patriarch Bartholomeos, along with other members of the executive committee of the Episcopal Assembly of North America. They are, of course, discussing the work of the Episcopal Assembly, which has much to do with the future of the Orthodox Church here in the US. Please pray for the meeting to be blessed, for the Lord's will to prevail, and for safe travels for our bishops.

Services and Events this week:
Tonight (Tues.) 6pm - Ladies' Book Club meeting (Steps of Transformation, first part)
Tomorrow (Wed.) 6pm - Great Vespers for the Conception of the Forerunner, followed by Catechism Class

Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
Saturday, 5:45 - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday services as usual

Announcements
-Orthodoxy 101: A new catechism class will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 22, following Vespers (6:45pm). An introduction for those who are new to the Orthodox Church, and a refresher for anyone else who'd like to join us!

-Prayers for Life at Hope Medical Group: in conjunction with 40 Days for Life, a prayer and fasting campaign to stop abortion, we will be holding a prayer service outside the location of the local abortion provider on October 1 at 5:30pm. The campaign lasts from September 22 - October 31. There are many other opportunities to participate; stay tuned for additional times when St. Nicholas and/or St. George will be involved, or visit the 40 Days for Life website to sign up: www.40daysforlife.com.

-Ladies' Meeting: the next meeting will take place on Sunday, October 3.

-THE 2010 PILGRIMAGE to the shrine church of Our Lady of Walsingham/Mesquite, TX will be held on Saturday, October 16th. Schedule posted at on the evening church; more details to follow.
-THE 2010 DOWAMA FALL GATHERING & RETREAT will be hosted at St Elijah/Oklahoma City, OK on Friday and Saturday, October 22nd & 23rd (ending in the afternoon). Featured speaker will be KHOURIYA SUSAN WALLACE of St Andrew/Oklahoma City, OK.

September 15, 2010 - Week of the Exaltation of the Cross

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:48 -0500

This week we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord.

On Forgetting Ourselves and Being Remembered by God

"Whoever has faith in God and a sacrificial spirit does not consider himself. When someone does not cultivate the spirit of sacrifice, he thinks only of himself and wants everybody else to sacrifice themselves for him. But whoever thinks only of himself is isolated from others as well as from God – a double isolation – in which case he cannot receive divine grace. He becomes a useless person. One can readily see that he who thinks constantly of himself, his difficulties and troubles, and so on, will not find even human assistance when a need arises. Not having divine assistance is one thin, but not having even human assitance is quite another. Then he will struggle one way or another to find some help. He will torment himself trying to find some help from men, but he will not find such help. On the contrary, someone who does not think of himself but thinks constantly of others, in the good sense, will be thought of constantly by God, and then others will also think of him. The more one forgets himself, the more God remembers him.”
-Elder Paisios the Athonite

Services this week
Tonight (Wed.) 6pm - Vespers - feast of St. Euphemia
Friday, 7:15am - 1st Hour and Men's Meeting
Saturday, 5:45 - 9th Hour; 6pm - Great Vespers
Sunday services as usual

Announcements
-The Race for the Cure is this Saturday, Sept. 18; please contact Mary Blanchard with any questions about participating.
-The SOYO will meet this Sunday, September 19.
-Ladies' Book Club: the first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 21 at 6pm at the church. The reading is the first part of the book Steps of Transformation.
-Orthodoxy 101: A new catechism class will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 22, following Vespers (6:45pm). An introduction for those who are new to the Orthodox Church, and a refresher for anyone else who'd like to join us!
-THE 2010 PILGRIMAGE to the shrine church of Our Lady of Walsingham/Mesquite, TX will be held on Saturday, October 16th. Schedule posted at church; more details to follow.
-THE 2010 DOWAMA FALL GATHERING & RETREAT will be hosted at St Elijah/Oklahoma City, OK on Friday and Saturday, October 22nd & 23rd (ending in the afternoon). Featured speaker will be KHOURIYA SUSAN WALLACE of St Andrew/Oklahoma City, OK.