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A Monthly Publication of

1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615

Vol. 7. No. 64 - September 2017

Pastor’s Message............................................................................................ Page 2 Life Passages ... Birthdays, Anniversaries..St John’s Stewards.................... Page 3 Community Outreach.................................................................................... Page 4 Summer in Review: Diocesan and Parish News & Photos.......................... Pgs 5-8 September News and Announcements………………………………………………… Pgs 9-11 Coming Events………………………………………………………………………………….. Pgs 12-14 Spiritual Reflections: On Prayer, Procrastination and The Spiritual Life The Holy Fathers on Raising Children and September Feasts………………… Pgs 15-19 Prayer Corner: Daily Scripture Readings, Prayer List.................................. Pgs 20-21 September Calendar of Services and Events................................................. Page 22

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The Prophet

The Official Monthly Publication of

The Orthodox Greek Catholic Church

of Saint John the Baptist

1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615

Parish Website: www.sjoc.org

Email: rppaproski@gmail.com

Pastor: Very. Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski

Phone & Fax: 203-375-2564 Cell: 203-260-0423 Parish Council President: William Bilcheck, Jr.

203-421-3121 email: madctatty@aol.com

Divine Services Vespers: Sat: 5:00 pm, Eve of Feasts: 7:00 pm

Divine Liturgy Sunday & Week Day 9:00 am

Services of Intercession as Announced

Coffee Hour Fellowship Sundays 10:30 am

Church School (Sept- May) Sundays: 10:45 am

Parish Ministries Coordinators

Church School Coordinator: Pani Carol Paproski

Junior ACRY Youth Group: Josef Samilenko

Senior ACRY: Hailey Meyernick

Outreach Coordinators

Community & Mary Householder/

Soup Kitchen Eve Nucifora

Bereavement Jean Lomme

Young Families Michelle Mihaly

The Sick /Shut-ins Eve Nucifora

Financial Investment William Bilcheck,Jr.

William Booth, Jr.

Thomas Decerbo

Matthew Mihaly

Property Maintenance/ Thomas Decerbo

Improvements Frank Meyernick

Scholarship Eve Nucifora

Helen Guman

Database Coordinator: Christine LeClerc

Webmaster: Michael Decerbo

SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE

SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE PROPHET

me

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Fr Peter’s Message

and we resume our “Orthodox Boot Camp” adult

education series. We also celebrate the Great Feasts of

the Nativity of the Mother of God and the Exaltation of

the Precious Cross, which set the tone for parish life in

this new Church Year.

As we begin the new Church Year, I ask all of our

parents to make the religious education of their children

a priority. Regular attendance at Church School and

Divine Liturgy and frequent participation in the Holy

Mysteries of Confession and Communion are essential

in the spiritual formation of our youth.

I encourage all of our adults to likewise and grow in the

Orthodox Faith by taking part in our adult education

classes which are now live streamed for your

convenience. Regular ( not just once or twice a year)

participation in the Holy Mysteries of Confession and

Communion is essential for our spiritual health and

well being. In doing so we also provide a good example

for our youth to follow.

I ask that we all challenge ourselves to be more

spiritually active this New Church Year so that we can

strengthen our relationship with our Lord, and build up

our parish.

Wishing you all of God’s choicest blessing in the New

Church Year, I remain,

With Love in Christ,

With Love in Christ,

Fr. Peter

Dear Brothers and Sisters in

Christ,

Glory Be To Jesus Christ!

I greet you with much joy

as begin the New Church

Year.

With Summer vacation

over and our children and

young adults back to

school, parish life now

shifts to high gear. Later

this month our Church

School program begins

and we resume

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_____________________________________________________________________________

St John’s Stewards: Doing the Work of the Church

St John’s Stewards: Doing the Work of the Church

Date Name Event

Sept 2 Eve Nucifora Birthday

Sept 3 Robert Mihaly Birthday

Sept 7 Josh Alderman, Cody Bilcheck Birthday

Sept 11 Debbie Booth, Monica Lomme Birthday

Sept 12 Sarah Booth Birthday

Sept 14 Kyle Lomme Birthday

Sept 17 Diane Rowland/Brian Biles Anniversary

Sept 19 Fr. Peter and Pani Carol Anniversary

Sept 21 Holly Bilcheck Birthday

Sept 23 Hunter Stirna Birthday

Sept 24 Lorraine Roman, Nicholas Gachi Birthday

Sept 25 Amanda Stirna Birthday

Sept 28 Barbara Gregory Birthday

COFFEE HOUR

Date Host

9/3 Lomme/Mihaly

9/10 Porter/LeClerc

9/17 Ryan/Nucifora

9/24 Stirna/Meyernick

10/1 Stokely

.

SPONSOR A CLEANING OF THE CHURCH

We are continuing to solicit sponsorships from our parishioners who wish to assist with the cleaning of the

Church, as we no longer able to sustain a volunteer cleaning force. You may offer a single cleaning

sponsorship of $30.00 or multiple cleaning sponsorships. If you are interested in doing so, please place

your donation in a donation envelope clearly marked with your name and the amount, indicating it is a

Cleaning Sponsorship, and place it in the metal collection box. You may also mail it to the Church. Thank

you for your consideration of this request.

CHURCH CLEANING

Date Cleaner 8/28 -9/09 Cleaning Service

9/11-9/23 Cleaning Service

9/25-10/7 Cleaning Service

10/9-10/21 Cleaning Service

CHURCH READING

Date Hours Epistle 9/3 Holly Serge

9/10 Pani Carol Bill

9/17 Holly Matt

9/24/ Pani Carol Cantors

10/1 Holly Serge

Life Passages – September 2017

SLAVIC FOOD FEST WORKSHOPS

PAGACHI

Sat Sept 23

Sat Oct 7

Sat Oct 21

Sat Oct 28

STUFFED CABBAGE

Thurs Nov 2, 2017

Fri Nov 3, 2017

See Pani Carol or Father Peter if you can

help with the various workshops. Special

help will be needed preparing items for the

workshops ( you can bring night before)

and package stuffed cabbage in evenings of

11/2 and 11/3

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The Summer In Review – Parish Council News

COMMUNITY SUPPER PROGRAM UPDATE

We are responsible for providing supper once a month on Monday or Wednesday evenings at Christ

Episcopal Church from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm and quarterly on Mondays at St. George Episcopal Church, Bpt.

If you are able to work at a supper, or if you are able to make a salad or dessert for a scheduled meal, please

see Mary Householder or Eve Nucifora. If you would like to sponsor a meal, a donation of $125.00 would

cover an entire meal.

Many thanks to all who continue to assist with this ministry!.

PARISH COMMUNITY SUPPER SCHEDULE

Date: Location

9/18 Lord’s Kitchen, Christ Church, Stratford, CT

October TBD

November TBD

FOOD FOR THE NEEDY

Our Food Drive for Sterling House is ongoing and their needs are especially crucial in this difficult economy.

Child-friendly food items are needed. Among the items needed are hot and cold cereals, juices, pancake and waffle

mixes, frozen breakfast foods, peanut butter, jelly, tuna fish, instant puddings, crackers, snack foods, canned soups

and fruits, powdered drink mixes, boxed and canned potatoes and macaroni and cheese, as well as microwavable

and single-serving meals. Now refrigerated items such as milk and eggs are also accepted.

Special Requests: We are in need of a few basic items for a family in need: Frosted Flakes cereal, Rice, and Rice

mixes ( ie Rice a Roni) Canned Noodle Soups , Chicken Stock

We also need some basic items for a needy, mentally disabled person whom we directly help to tide him over until

the beginning of each month. Here are items our friend can use: Creamy Peanut Butter and Crackers, Vanilla

Wafer cookies, 2 Liter Bottle of Regular Pepsi, Paper Towels, Shampoo, (large bottle any brand), Folgers coffee.

Also, gift cards from Stop and Shop would be helpful so that we may purchase perishable food items such as

bread, milk, meat and other foods items that are needed.... If you can contribute any of these specific items, please

leave these items in Father Peter’s Office, not in the general food collection basket. Cash donations/gift cards

should be put in an envelope marked clearly for needy food purchase and placed in the collection box on the

candle desk. Thank You! “For I was Hungry and You Fed Me”

Parish Outreach & Community Service

BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT

Many thanks to all for the abundance of donations

to the Back-to-School Supply Drive for Sterling

House here in Stratford. We were able to provide

back packs & lunch bags and other basic school

supplies.

PARISH WISH LIST

1. Stop and Shop Gift Cards of any denominations for use in purchasing groceries for the needy

Any parishioner interested in donating are kindly asked to see Fr. Peter

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The Summer In Review –Around The Parish

Decerbo Family Vacation At Anna Maria Island, Florida

College Student Gathering at Buffalo Wild Wings on August 14

Parish Youth At Camp Nazareth The LeClerc Family On Vacation in Aruba

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Summer in Review - Our Week At Camp

Godfreda On Top Dizzy Bats Group Photo Diocesan Week 3

of the Pamper Pole

Campers Arrive On Sunday Afternoon Anointing At The St. Nectarios Service

“9 Square” Volley Ball The Ever Popular Gaga Ball

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The Summer In Review –Around The Parish

On July 22, Diane Rowland’s cousins from Slovakia, Diana and Nadezda Fedorová, Monika

and Slávka Tejbusová, Lubica Bacova and Peter Baca visited our parish.

Baby Novak John Petrov

Scenes from his baptism on July 6 at Yale New Haven Hospital (26 weeks)

After a very difficult two months, early arrival Novak John, ( born at 24 weeks and 5 days)

thanks to the miraculous intercessions of the Mother of God and the wonderful care at Yale

NICU, is making incredible progress. As of August 24th

, he is no longer supported by an

invasive respirator. Parents Irina and Daeian thank everyone for their prayers and ask that they

continue.

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The Summer In Review –Diocesan News

Youth Mission Teams Travel to Toronto and Alaska.

JOHNSTOWN, PA ---

Christ The Saviour American Orthodox Church in North Royalton during her husband's ministry. She was a

devoted caregiver for her husband, Fr. Stephen for 26 years following a disability accident. She also worked in

the Children's department at Horne's/Dillards at Westgate for many years.

Funeral Services took place at St. Innocent Orthodox Church, 8526 Usher Rd. Olmsted Falls, OH on Friday

August 11. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park. May Her Memory Be Eternal!

JOHNSTOWN, PA - With the assistance of the

Orthodox Christian Mission Center, (OCMC) the

Orthodox Youth Mission Team participated in a week

long mission trip in Napaskiak, Alaska. The team of

high youth and adult leaders from parishes of the

Carpatho- Russian, Orthodox Church in American and

the Greek Orthodox Dioceses enjoyed this opportunity to

serve the Lord and put their faith to work. While in

Napaskiak, they were involved in a church construction

project and assisted with an Orthodox Youth Camp

program.

JOHNSTOWN, PA - A Youth Mission Team led by

Very Rev. Fr. Miles Zdinak Paproski, travelled to our

Diocesan St. John The Compassionate Mission in

Toronto, Canada from July 5-7, 2017. The trip was

sponsored by the Junior ACRY youth organization and

was comprised of Junior ACRY officers and members.

The purpose of the trip was to allow the youth to

experience life at the mission and be given the

opportunity to put their faith in Christ to work. During

their time at the mission they presented the proceeds of

the 2017 LentenYouth Project .

JOHNSTOWN, PA - Matushka Catherine Jula (Jugan), age 83, fell asleep in the Lord on

Monday August 7. 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late V. Rev. Dr. Stephen Jula,

the founding pastor of our Diocesan Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in North

Royalton, Ohio. She is survived by her children Ilarion (Rita), Maria Jula, and Anthony

(Linda), her grandchildren Stephanie, Catherine, Megan, and Nathaniel and siblings

Helen Hart, Millie Muir, George and Donald. She was pre-deceased by parents Michael

and Mary (nee Kozar) Jugan, one sister and five brothers.

Matushka Catherine worked at many bake sales and was a cantor and choir director at

Christ the Savior

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The Parish Semi-Annual Meeting took place on Sunday July 23, 2017 where the parishioners reviewed the

financial and spiritual progress of the first half of the year. Of note was the discussion of the Onofrey parking

lot and the approval to complete the remaining work needed for it to be used. The Church air conditioning

system at the time of press is in the process of being installed, It should be complete in mid September.

September News and Announcements

Slavic Food Fest – All Hands on Deck!

Our Annual Slavic Food Fest will take place on Saturday, November 4,

2017. As you know, this is one of our major parish fundraisers of the

year.

This year, we will again be offering foods for take-out only, on a pre-

order basis. This has eliminated the congestion in the parish hall and the

difficulty in having an ample supply of warm foods available. While this

greatly reduce the stress and workload on the day of the event, it

increases the preparation work, and necessitates taking and tracking

orders and taking extra time to pre-package food items. Further, to enable

us to reach our budgeted profit, we have to produce a large amount of

Pagachi.

We will need help making Pagachi, and are especially looking for people who are able to help at one or two

weekday sessions. We will also need help making stuffed cabbage, which will take place the week of the sale.

We need people to come in the evening after work to package the stuffed

cabbage after it is cooled. (See work schedule on page 3)

Also, we will need our faithful to make ethnic and Fall themed baked

items to have for sale on the order pick-up date and those who are willing

to make and pre-package Halushki and/or cabbage and noodles.

On the day of the event we will need people to act as cashiers and order

fillers and assist customers bringing orders to their cars, as well as guide

the parking.

Tim Paproski settles in at UCONN

Een

We also will be soliciting Festival Sponsors as we have in the past,

which has enabled us to completely cover all our expenses, so that

all income is pure profit. This allows our faithful who are not able

to actively participate in the event the opportunity to provide much

needed and appreciated assistance. A copy of the Festival

Sponsorship form is found on Page 10 of this edition of The

Prophet.

Summer In Review – Parish News

10

SLAVIC FOOD FEST

SPONSORSHIP

DONATION FORM

Name: _____________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________________

Please Accept The Enclosed Donation of $____________

(Suggested minimum donation : $100.00)

To Help Make This Fundraiser A Success.

(Individual/Business) Name You Would Like in Festival Sign

(Please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous)

___________________________________________________

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 24, 2017

You may place your donation along with this form in the

Donation Collection Box in the back of the church. or

Send to:

St. John the Baptist Church

1240 Broadbridge Avenue

Stratford, CT 06615

Attn: Food Fest Sponsorship Campaign

Please Make Checks Payable to: Orth. G. C. Church of St. John The Baptist

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Church Picnic

It is that time of year again where we begin preparing for our Church

Picnic which will take place on Sunday Sept 24, 2017 following

Divine Liturgy from 12 Noon – 5:00 pm.

This is an important social activity for our parish that gives us an

opportunity to gather as a family. All of our parishioners’ help is

needed to make this event a success. Please invite your family

members who may not come to Church regularly. Invite your friends

and neighbors who are un-churched and don't have a parish home... and

of course, please come yourself.

There is no cost to attend, however, help is needed setting up, buying

some picnic items, running volleyball and picnic games, raffle prizes,

desserts, setting up the grounds, moving tables, and taking turns at the

grill. To help with the planning, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the church hall letting us know

how many will be attending and what task you can help us with. Deadline for signing up is Sunday Sept 17.

// Church Tag Sale Sept 29-3014

Help is needed to assist at the Tag Sale. Please see Tom Decerbo to offer your assistance. Thank You!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Church School Begins Sunday Sept 17014

It is that time of year again, when we begin a new Church School Year!

Classes will begin for the 2017-2018 Academic year on Sunday

September 17, 2017 and will continue until May 20, 2018.

An exciting year is planned for our children by their teachers, Amy

Booth, Hailey Meyernick, Eve Nucifora, Pani Carol & Fr. Peter

The purpose of our religious education classes is to help instill in our

youth a curiosity for learning, an excitement for the faith, and a desire for

them to want to know more about and grow in their Orthodox Faith. This

spiritual formation is of paramount importance. We must do all that we

can as a Church and as parents, grandparents, godparents and fellow parish family members to help our youth

stay actively involved in the Church, so that they are equipped to and are desirous of carrying the torch of faith

our parents have handed down to us. The very survival of our parish into the next generation depends on it.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Youth News

Thankfully, once again, three youth from our parish were able to go to Camp this year and Hailey and Tim

spent nearly the entire summer working at Camp. This year’s theme was “I will Give Thanks to The Lord With

My Whole heart and I will Praise Your Hame Forever” A great time was had by al.l,.

Those parish youth interested in joining our Junior ACRY Youth group, which is held jointly with St John’s

Church –Silver Lane, are asked to speak to Fr. Peter.

September News and Announcements

12

Coming Events -At Our Sister Orthodox Parishes

St Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church Odyssey 2017

Our 36th Annual Greek Festival!

Labor Day Weekend

Sept 1-4, 2017

12 noon to 10 PM (Fri. Sat. Sun.)

12 noon to 8 PM (Mon.)

FREE ADMISSION

RAIN OR SHINE

480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT

WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF

EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

CHURCHES OF GREATER

BRIDGEPORT

The September meeting of the Women's Council of

Eastern Orthodox Christian Churches Inc. will take

place on Saturday,September 23, 201t at Holy Ghost

Russian Orthodox Church, East Main Street,

Bridgeport, CT ., at1:30pm.

The proposed slate of elected officers for the next two

year term will be presented.

.

All women in our Orthodox churches are invited to

attend, and join our group. Dues are $10 per year.

Sunday September 10th

Dinner Admission: $10.00/adult

Bingo Admission: $1.00/person

Orthodox Women’s Council Meeting Schedule For 2017-2018

(All meetings are at 1:30pm, except as noted) Sept. 23 HOLY GHOST RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 1510 East Main St, Bpt Oct. 21 ST. DIMITRIE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 504 Sport Hill Rd. Easton ***ELECTION MEETING & POT LUCK LUNCH @ 12:30PM*** Nov. 18 ST. NICHOLAS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 5458 Park Ave. December ---NO MEETING--- Jan. 20 HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4070 Park Ave. Bpt Feb. 24 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH 1240 Broadbridge Ave. March 24 ST. GEORGE ALBANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 5490 Main St Trumbull April 21 ST. MARY UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 10 Oakwood St. Bpt May ---TO BE DETERMINED--- June/July/August --- NO MEETINGS—HAPPY SUMMER!

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Church Grounds Work Day: Holy Monday. Tim,

Jason, Hailey and Dan weeded and mulched

parish gardens in time for Pascha

Parish youth listen to Gospel

Reading during Paschal Procession

Save The Date

Sat November 8 Slavic Food Fest

Sat December 20

0 Christmas Pastry Roll Sale

You Are Cordially Invited To attend the

2016 BENEFIT DINNER

sponsored by

The Fellowship of Orthodox Churches of Connecticut

Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

St Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Orange, CT

Honored Guest Speaker

Fr. Chad Hatfield

President of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

President of St. Vladimir's Seminary. Father Chad came to SVOTS from St. Herman Seminary in Alaska,

where he was serving as the Dean. He presently serves as a member of the Metropolitan Council of the

Orthodox Church in America (OCA). His experience in various pastoral, teaching and administrative

roles, spread over some 30 years of ordained ministry, are now blended into his ministry at SVOTS.

FORCC IN ACTION - Power Point Presentation

Reservations Required by September 21, 2017 Advance ticket sales only – No tickets sold at the door

Menu: Chicken or Fish

Adult dinner donation = $35.00 Child’s dinner donation = $10.00 Please See Fr. Peter For Reservations

Nina Kosowsky 203-924-0936 or Bill Balamaci 203-876-2379

Proceeds of this dinner provide major funding for FORCC programs.

Save The Date

Sat November 4 Slavic Food Fest

Sun October 15 NE Deanery DDD Dinner 4:30 pm Roberto’s Restaurant - Monroe

Sat December 16 Christmas Pastry Roll Sale

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GUEST COLLUMNIST:

Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly, Parish Son and Dean

Prayer

of prayer, telling myself that I should get up earlier to pray to God. I felt inferior, riddled with guilt and shame.

Haven’t we all at sometimes felt like this – we start a rule of prayer after lent or after a good confession and

things are going well. Then something in our life changes and that rule of prayer is all upset. We probably

don’t even realize it at first but we find ourselves a few days in and realize, wow I haven’t said morning prayers

or I forgot to pray at night. Maybe we do realize it, and try to fit in prayers after a late night when we are truly

too tired or we berate ourselves for getting up late in the morning and we do not having time to say prayers

because we will be late for work or getting the kids to school.

Prayer, above all else, is a conversation with God. It is a dialogue with God. One where we not only talk to

God but also must stop and listen to Him. Do you know people who talk over you in a conversation where you

cannot get a word in edgewise? It’s as if you are not even there, as if your opinion doesn’t matter to them. You

can see this because they won’t even let you complete a sentence. They are not listening. Is this us when we are

praying to God? Are we just listing off things to God as if He doesn’t know what our needs are? Are we afraid

of the quiet moments in prayer? Are we so busy with our lives and accomplishing the things on our to-do list

that we forget to listen to God? I remember when my mother was alive and I used to stop by in the morning and

have coffee with her. As we sipped the dark thick coffee from her electric percolator (probably what gave me

my aggressively straight hair), we talked about a lot of things; we shared about a lot of things. While we never

really solved problems and often they were old problems, I always left with a sense of love and comfort. Our

relationship grew because we talked, not that I listed all my problems and she solved them. But that we shared

ourselves – our joys and, our concerns and our sorrows – with each other. This is prayer; a way for us to grow

deeper in our relationship with God.

(Continued on Page 16)

What is it about prayer that is necessary for us and yet at the

same time so difficult. Growing up I always looked at prayer

as something formal that I did. While my mother would kneel

beside me, we would make the sign of the cross and begin to

say prayers – simple prayers such as the Our Father and then

pray for my mom and dad and my brothers and grandparents by

name. I did not know really who I was talking to in the

prayers, I just did what my mom did. I trusted her. I loved her.

If she thought it was important for me to say these prayers and

mention my family by name then who was I to question her

who took such great care of me and loved me so much.

As I got older I began to pray on my own. It was a difficult and

often dry. I tried to increase the number of prayers because I

found them to be deep and rich with meaning. Often these

prayers that I added were, first, a great benefit. But then the

length became a burden – my life crashed into my prayers. I

struggled with the guilt I put on myself for not keeping my rule

f prayer, telling myself that I should get up earlier to pray to

God

16

Prayer

(Continued From Page 15)

The other thing we have to remember is that our whole life can and should be a prayer. If we understand that

Liturgy in Greek means work then from birth to death, our life should be seen as a Divine Liturgy – a divine

work that we offer up to God. Prayer cannot be limited to just words. Remember the parable that Christ

offered to us about the two sons who were asked by their father to go and do work in the field. The first son

said yes but did not go, the second son said no, but later on went and did the work. The second son is praised

for actually doing the will of the father. For us, those moments in our life that sneak up on us, a late night at

work or taking care of a sick child, a rushed morning trying to get to work on time or the kids off to school.

Those should not be seen as separate from our daily prayers, but actually as part of our daily prayers that we

offer up to God. Those are just a much an act of prayer if you purposefully make them a connection to God

rather than seeing your life as separate from your prayers. Your very life itself, your moment to moment

activity, is also very much part of your prayer.

Just recently I was privileged to be at the bedside of one of my parishioners who was slowly dying. In the final

days he appeared to be in a deep sleep, often unable to respond to anyone in the room. Yet when I would begin

the prayers with him, he would struggle to make the sign of the cross, he would say as best as he could with all

his strength, the words to “Our Father.” There was still something there that connected him to our God. And it

was the simple prayer of ‘Our Father’ and the simple act of making the sign of the cross; the first prayers that

we learn as children. These were the prayers that he was using to greet our Lord. These were the prayers that

my mother taught me at me bedside. In looking at prayer I find myself looking more closely at what my mother

taught me as a child. Once again I see not some rote rule of prayer to an austere God whom we have to pester

with endless petitions to get His attention. But rather a loving God who listens to the concerns and care of a

loving mother, who lovingly and gently introduced me to this loving God by kneeling with me at my bedside.

The same God who introduced me to Our Father who is heaven and who I in turn have tried to introduce to my

family and my parishioners. The same God that I hope they will all continue to deepen their love and

relationship with through the gentle back and forth, offering, sharing, listening—praying

VIEWS FROM THE PEWS:

Writings and Submissions from Our Parishioners

Spiritual Truisms

“We try to take life one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack us at once.”

“The longer you chase temptation, the further you go in the wrong direction.”

Quit telling God how big your storm is, and tell your storm how big your God is. “

- Submitted by Elsi Lotufo -

17

Procrastination and The Spiritual Life

In our fast-paced society that prizes productivity and efficiency, procrastination is clearly a problem that can

sabotage career and advancement. In a world preoccupied with high stress and low self-esteem, procrastination

can be a serious issue contributing to more frequent physical illness as well mood disorders such as anxiety and

depression. And even in Christian circles, procrastination can be a spiritual snare, for procrastination in

repentance and the keeping of God’s commandments can destroy our very souls. Even though failing to follow

through and complete an intended task until the last minute can keep us from our goals at every level, leaving us

anxious, depressed and even seemingly far from God, we still procrastinate.

Psychologists often view the problem of procrastination as a problem of disconnect between intention and

behavior. For instance, in his thesis entitled “Ruminating About Procrastination,” Brett W. Guidry notes that

procrastination is a “delay of some sort, needless, and counterproductive…The idea of delaying an intended

behavior seems to be crucial in defining procrastination. Without this intention-behavior gap, it is difficult to

claim that procrastination has occurred.” Much like in the Lord’s parable about a certain man with two sons, the

procrastinator says to himself, “I go, sir: and went not.” (Matthew 28-30). In procrastination, the discrepancy

between intention and behavior is also experienced as transgression of an inner law that the self has set.

Procrastination can be viewed as a personal moral failure often expressed by so-called “should” statements such

as, “I should have started this by now” or “I should have already completed this.” Such realizations not only can

lower self-esteem, but also can lead to anxiety, stress, and ensuing health problems.

Guidry goes on to point out that procrastination represents a breakdown in self-regulation or self-discipline, in

part due to the fact that procrastinators are also more impulsive by nature with an inability to stick to a given

task. Joseph R. Ferrari examined the relationship between impulsivity and procrastination and found that

procrastinators “spend less preparation time on tasks that were likely to succeed and more time on projects

likely to fail (Lay, 1990); they also tend to underestimate the time required to complete tasks.” Ferrari

concludes “ frequent procrastination (e.g., indecisiveness and pronounced tendencies to avoid threatening

situations) is related to dysfunctional impulsiveness (high speed-high error)… To the extent that these

procrastinators possess deficits in cognitive processing abilities, tendencies to speed up and work faster to

complete a task by deadline will likely result in poor performance because of the subsequent lack of sufficient

time and ability to perform efficiently.” (Continued on Page 18)

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Procrastination and The Spiritual Life

(Continued From Page 17)

In other words, procrastination, the guilty feelings about failing to do what we intended to do, arise from poor

judgment, poor self-control, and a failure to face squarely our own problems. In spiritual terms, we could say

there is a lack of discernment, asceticism, and courage. Procrastinators are like the man who failed to sit down

and count the cost like the parable of the man in intending to build a tower (Luke 14:28). They resemble Eve

who saw the fruit was pleasant to the eyes, took it and ate it (Genesis 3:6). They view their project or problem,

much like the fearful disciples afraid to face a storm or even a young girl warming herself by fire (Mark 14:69).

In patristic terms, procrastination involves a kind weakness in the three parts of the soul, the reasoning, the

desiring, and the aggressive faculties. In particular, there is a lack of planning in the reasoning faculty, shifting

fancies in the desiring faculty, and apprehension in the aggressive faculty. Fortunately, the fathers have time-

tested methods for dealing with spiritual sickness in each of these areas.

And the basic method in all cases is prayer. The three-fold ill of procrastination can be healed by actively

turning to God on a daily basis, seeking His wisdom, His strength, and His assistance in the tasks of the day. It

means asking God’s help to strengthen our good intentions, by faith proceeding to implement those intentions,

and by calling on His Name disregarding the distractions and temptations that get in our way. We need to heed

our Lord’s words: “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch,” watching our plans, our desires, and our

courage all in the light of His victory over every foe. If we do this in the spiritual life, we can also learn to do it

in other areas. Encouraging watchfulness in his monks, Elder Ephraim would urge, “Compel yourselves; say the

Prayer; stop idle talk; close your mouths to criticism; place doors and locks against unnecessary words; time

passes and does not come back; and woe to us if time goes by without spiritual profit.” Putting first the kingdom

of God and his righteousness, let’s first try to be watchful in our spiritual life by turning to God who can then

help us overcome this obstacle in all the areas of our life to His glory. Amen.

Wisdom on Raising Children From The Fathers of the Church

Therefore I beg you to take care for the good upbringing of your children. First of all think of the salvation

of their souls. God has placed you as the heads and teachers over your families. It is your duty to watch, and

to watch continually after the behavior of your wife and children. Listen to St. Paul. If your wives, says he,

want to learn anything, let them learn it from their husbands. Educate your children in the teaching and

instructions of the Lord (cf. I Cor. 14:35, Eph. 6:4). Imitate Job, who continually looked after his children

and offered sacrifices for mercy towards any secret misdeeds they might have committed (Job 1:5). Imitate

Abraham, who concerned himself less with the acquisition of riches than with the keeping of God's law by

every member of his house, and about whom the Lord witnessed: For I know that he will order his sons, and

his house after him, and they will keep the ways of the Lord, to do justice and judgment (Gen. 18:19).

David, when he was near death, wanted to leave Solomon the surest inheritance; he called him to himself in

order to repeat the following wise instructions: that the Lord may confirm his word which he spoke, saying,

f thy children shall take heed to their way to walk before me in truth with all their heart, I promise thee,

saying, there shall not fail thee a man on the throne of Israel (III Kings 2:4). These are the examples that we

should follow during our lives and with our final breath!

- St John Chrysostom

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September Feasts

The Elevation of the Holy Cross is one of the Great Feasts of the

Orthodox Church, and is celebrated on Sept 14/27 . This feast

celebrates two events:

The finding of the Cross by the Empress Helen (the mother of

St. Constantine the Great) on Golgotha in 326 AD, the place

where Christ was crucified.

The recovery of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified

from the Persians. The Persians had captured the True Cross as

a prize of war when they sacked Jerusalem in 614 AD. It was

recovered by the forces of the Byzantine Empire (Eastern

Roman Empire)) in 627 AD, when Emperor Heraclius

decisively defeated the Sassanid Persians at The Battle of

Nineveh, surrounding their capital Ctesiphon, recovering the

True Cross, and breaking the power of the Sassanid dynasty.

The Elevation took place on March 21, 630 AD, when

Emperor Heraclius entered Jerusalem amidst great rejoicing,

and together with Patriarch Zacharios (609-632), transferred

the Cross of Christ with great solemnity into the temple of the

Resurrection, joyously held up for veneration by the

faithful.

The Nativity of the Mother of God. Is celebrated on Sept 8/21

and commemorates the miraculous birth of the Mother of God to

the righteous Joachim and Anna who were of advanced age.

Over the years they remained faithful to God, even though their

prayers for a child were unanswered. One day, when Joachim

came to the temple to make an offering, he was turned away by

the High Priest who chastised him for his lack of children. To

hide his shame, Joachim retreated to the hill country to live

among the shepherds and their flocks.

As Joachim was praying, his wife Anna was praying at the same

time at their house in Jerusalem. An angel appeared to both of

them and announced that Anna would have a child whose name

would be known throughout the world. Anna promised to offer

her child as a gift to the Lord. Joachim returned home, and in

due time Anna bore a daughter, Mary.

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www.asna.ca.

WEEK OF AUGUST 28, 2017

M Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 10:38-42,11:27-28 Dormition of the Theotokos

T. 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5; Mark 3:13-19 Translation of Image of Our Savior

W. 2 Corinthians. 9:12-10:7; Mark 3:20-27; Martyr Myron The Presbyter

Th. 2 Corinthians 10:7-18 Mark 3:28-35 Martyrs Florus & Laurus

F. 2 Corinthians 11:5-21; Mark 4:1-9 Martyr Andrew Stratelates

St I Corinthians 2:6-9; Matthew 19:3-12; Holy Prophet Samuel

S. I Corinthians 16:13-24 Matthew 21:33-42; Holy Apostle Thaddeus

WEEK OF SEPT 4, 2017

M. 2 Corinthians 12:10-19; Mark 4:10-23 Holy Martyr Agathonika

T. 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2; Mark 4:24-34 Holy Martyr Lupus

W 2 Corinthians 13:3-13 Mark 4:35-41 Priest-Martyr Eutychius

T. Galatians 1:1-10,20:2-5 Mark 5:1-20 Transl Relics Apostle Bartholomew

F. Galatians 2:6-2; Mark 5:22-24,35-6:1 Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalia

St 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Matthew 22:15-22 St. Poemen the Great

S. 2 Corinthians1:21-2:4 Matthew 22:1-14 St Moses the Ethiopian

WEEK OF SEPT 11, 2017

M. Acts 13:25-32 ; Mark 6:14-30 Beheading of St John The Baptist

T. Galatians 2:21-3:7 Mark 6:1-7 St Alexander Nevsky

W. Galatians 3:15-22 Mark 6:7-13 Placing of Sash of Theotokos

Th. Galatians 3:23-4:5 Mark 6:30-45 St Simeon the Stylite

F. Galatians 4:8-21 Mark 6:45-53 Holy Martyr Mamas

St. 1 Corinthians 4:17-5:5 Matt 24:1-13 Priest Martyr Anthimus

S 2 Corinthians 4:6-15 Matthew 22:35-46 Priest-Martyr Babylas

WEEK OF SEPT 18, 2017

M. Galatians 4:28-5:10; Mark 6:54-7:8 Sts Zacharias & Elizabeth

T. Galatians 5:11-21; Mark 7:5-16 Miracle of St. Michael

W. Galatians 6:2-10 Mark 7:14-24 Martyr Sozon of Cilicia

Th. Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 10:38-42,11:27-28 Nativity of the Theotokos

F. Ephesians 1:7-17; Mark 8:1-10 Sts Joachim and Anna

St. 1 Corinthians 10:23-28 Matthew 4:34-44 Holy Martyr Menodora

St 1 Corinthians 2:6-9 Matt 10:37-11:1 Sat before Elevation of Cross

S. Gal 6:11-18 John 3:13-17 Sun Before The Elevation of Cross

WEEK OF SEPT 25, 2017

M. Ephesians 1:22-2:3 Mark 10:46-52 Priest Martyr Autonomus

T. Ephesians 2:19-3:7 Mark 11:11-23 The Centurion Cornelius

W. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35 Exaltation of the Cross

Th. Ephesians 4:14-19 Mark 11:27-33 The Great Martyr Nicetas

F. Ephesians 4:17-25 Mark 12:1-12 Great Martyr Euphemia

St. 1 Corinthians14:20-25 Matt 25:1-13 St Sophia and Her 3 Daughters

S Galatians 2:16-20 Mark 8:34-9:1 St Eumenos of Gortnya

Prayer Before Reading Holy Scripture

O Master Who loves mankind, illuminate our hearts with the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open

the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed

commandments, that we may overcome all carnal desires, entering upon a spiritual life and understanding

and acting in all things according to Your holy will. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies,

O Christ God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, gracious and

life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen

Daily Scripture Readings

21

Prayer List

Living Members of Parish Family And Friends Protopresbyter Luke Barbara (Reeves) Shirley Sedlock Protopresbyter. John Pani Patricia (Duranko) Florence (Gachi) Priest Seraphim Richard (Kaschak) Karolina Gregory (Sabak) Priest John (Baranik) Charles (Householder) Audrey (Fatse) Richard (Kaschak Jr) Mary Ann & Richard Frank (Meyernick) Lou (Gregory) Serge (Mihaly) Michael & Jackie (Banik) Kelly (Friend of Eve) Regis (LeClerc) Katherine Nina (Kuchma) Esther (Johnson) Joshua (Habansky) Geoffrey & Christine Roger (Vanhouten) Zachary Deborah Jason Irene (Knapp) Carol Judy Elsi (Lotufo) Penny (Elsi’s daughter) Lisa (Brown)

Thomas (Ivers) Kennedy Family Karen (Ivers) Christopher (Zinski) Rachel (friend of Karen) John (Cybul) Gregory (Cybul) Priest James (Gleason) Marge (Allis) Robert Victoria Randy & Janice Kassiani (Nikolakis) Samantha Marilyn Garry & Barbara (Nichols) Lisa (Brown) Cynthia (Dion) Matthew (Friend of Mary) Virginia (friend of Eve) Alice (VanHouten) Judy Brown Family Ernie (Friend of Marcia L) Donna (Pierce) Betty & Daniel Andrew Sean Protopresbyter George Child Emma Walter (Litzie) Dolores (Goneau) Amanda & Will Grace (Sawczyczn) Robert (Franco) Nina Cheri-Lynn Ricky Renee Rachel (Rosenguard) Rolf John (Kratky) Michael (Serge’s friend) Chris, Kyle, Alex & Lana Child Jackson Sandy Joseph Mildred

Infant Novak (John) Departed Members Of Our Parish Family And Friends

John (Pataky) Martha (Sciuto) Joseph (Krisak) Anna (Sutyak) Michael (Sutyak) George & Julia (Kraynak) Catherine (Decerbo) Louis (Decerbo) Nicholas (Papillo)

Prayer Corner

A Prayer For The Sick

O Christ, You alone are prompt to defend us; quickly

visit Your suffering servant (name). Through the

prayers of the Mother of God, deliver (him, her) from

sickness and bitter pain. Heal (him, her) so that (he,

she) may sing to You and always praise You for You

alone love us.

22

5un Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 ACRY

2 CONVENTION

NO VESPERS

3 9:00 am Liturgy

Coffee Hour:

Lomme /Mihaly

4

5

6 7

8 10 am Liturgy

Rep. J Pataky Cambridge

Manor

9

5:00 pm Great

Vespers

10 9:00 am Liturgy

Panachida M Sciuto

Coffee Hour:

Porter/LeClerc

11BEHEADING

OF ST JOHN

9:00 am Liturgy

Church Cleaner:

Cleaning Service

12 7:00 pm

Moleben

to St. Nectarios

7:30 pm Parish

Council Meeting

13

14

15

9:00 am Liturgy Repose C & L

Decerbo & Pani

Gizella Mihaly

16 5:00 pm Great

Vespers

17 9:00 am Liturgy

Panachida J. Krisak

Church School TEEN CLERGY RAP

Coffee Hour:

Ryan/Nucifora

18

19

20 5:00 pm

Catechism Class 6:30 pm Great

Vespers & Litya

7:30 pm Adult Ed

21 NATIVITY

OF THE

THEOTOKOS

9:00 am Liturgy

Seniors Fellowship

22

23 9:00 AM

PAGACHI

WORKSHOP &

PICNIC SETUP

5:00 pm Vespers

24 9:00 am Liturgy

CHURCH PICNIC

Church School

Coffee Hour:

Stirna/Meyernick

25

Church Cleaner:

Cleaning Service

26

7:00 pm Great

Vespers & Litya

27 ELEVATION OF THE CROSS 9:00 am Liturgy

5:00 pm Catechism

7:00 pm Adult Ed

28

29

Tag Sale

30

Tag Sale

5:00 pm Vespers

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH

LITURGICAL SERVICES & EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017