May 12 - St. Vasilje of Ostrog
May 15 - St. Athanasius the Great
May 18 - Fourth Sunday of Pascha, Sunday of the Paralytic
May 19 - Transfer of the Relics of St. Sava of Serbia
May 21 - Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian
May 22 - Transfer of the Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
May 24 - Sts Cyril and Methodius, St. Nikodim of Pec.
May 25 - Fifth Sunday of Pascha, Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
June 1 - Sixth Sunday of Pascha, Sunday of the Blind Man
June 1 - Parish Outdoor Religious Program and Picnic
June 3 - Holy Equal to the Apostles Constantine and Helen, Ven. Jelena of Decani.
St. Sava, above all, had Christ in his heart. That was the moving force for everything
else. That was the lighthouse showing him the way. St. Sava was deeply religious. He was
imbued with true piety. Such he was when youthful enthusiasm and inspiration carried him
to the Holy Mount, and such he remained until his last days. Why precisely did he go to the
Holy Mount? Could he not practice his asceticism somewhere else? Perhaps, he could.
it was certain the Holy Mount was the most ideal place for the young prince to withdraw
into the solitude and into himself, to meet God in his own bosom, and to meet his neighbor
and himself. In the Holy Mount, he achieved just that. Secluded in the Holy Mount, he found
the way to higher life.
(.Introduction to Serbian Orthodox Church History,
Johnstown, Pa. Reprinted 2003, p. 28
)
To Consider
· The importance of individuals and families to observe their Slava.
· The importance of Holy Confession and Holy Communion.
· The importance of daily prayer and reading The Gospel.
Recent Activities of Parish Priest
May 5 - Went to Ruby Memorial Hospital where a friend of Orthodox Christians had surgery.
May 6 - Went to Diocesan Center in Mars and to two homes where celebrations of the
St. George Slava were taking place.
From the Wisdom of Sirach
Be established in your understanding and let your word be consistent.
Be quick to listen and give your answer with patience.
(5:10-11 SAAS)
Sunday of the Myrrhbearers
Mark 15:43-47 16:1-8
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom
of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate
marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been
dead for some time. So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.
Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in
tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observered where He was laid. Now when the
Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that
they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week,
they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, "Who will
roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw
that the stone had been rolled away----for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they
saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed, you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.
He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.. But go, tell His
disciples---and Peter-that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him,
as He said to you." So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled
and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
The Gospel of St. Mark states Joseph of Arimathea was waiting for the kingdom of God.
Joseph of Aritmathea held a prominent position. How many people in prominent positions
today are waiting for the kingdom of God?
How many people today out of the millions and millions existing even think about the
kingdom of God? Of those people who have heard the Gospel preached with regularity,
how many make it a part of their daily lives and consciously think about the kingdom of God?
Orthodox believers are expected to be faithful believers throughout life.
How many homes reflect the teachings of the Faith on a daily basis throughout the year?
Today is Mothers Day in America. Mothers are the first teachers of children.
Mothers influence the way children will grow. Mothers have the opportunity to bring
love into the life of newborn children.
Mothers and fathers are role models for their children. What do the children see the
parents doing? What does the parents' behavior teach the children?
What percent of Orthodox homes in each country have parents who take their children to
the Divine Liturgy each Sunday and on major feast days?
What do young sons and daughters hear in the home from their parents regarding the
Lord Jesus Christ? What do the young sons and daughters see in their homes regarding
ethical and moral behavior?
What kind of language do parents permit their children to use in the home? What kind
of language do parents use in the home? What kind of books and video images and computer
images are permitted in the homes of believers?
Parish churches need committed believers. Parish churches need believers who will live
the Orthodox Faith everyday of every year. Parish churches need people who love Jesus Christ,
want to be nourished by Christ and united with Christ.
Parish churches become vibrant and growing Christian communities when the believers
take the Gospel seriously. There are no shortcuts to the kingdom of God.
Joseph of Arimathea acted on his faith. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' Body.
Jesus was a executed prisoner. Joseph of Arimathea was not deterred in seeking to bury the
Body of this recently executed prisoner.
How many people in current prominent positions daily act in Christian faith doing what
may be unpopular but important and right?
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Joses and Salome showed their love for the Crucified
Christ by going to His Tomb. These courageous ladies were not deterred by what might be
considered an unpopular act. They showed love for Christ even though He was considered
worthy of Crucifixion.
Mary Magdalene, Mary the Joses, Salome and Joseph of Arimathea valued the Lord Jesus Christ. They acted on their love for Christ. Christians of each century, Christians of each era have a responsibility to show their love for Christ. We show our love for
Christ by doing what is right according to Christ each day of our lives.
Joseph of Arimathea acted alone. He gave of himself. He provided the tomb for the Body
of Christ. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Joses and Salome got up early in the morning
to go to the Tomb of Jesus.
The three women loved Jesus sufficiently that they were ready to get up very early in
the morning to go to His Tomb to anoint Jesus' Body with spices.
Where is the love for Jesus in the present day that believers are willing to get up early
in the morning to go to the Tomb of Christ? Where is the love for Jesus in the present day
that believers are willing to act on their faith and stand firm for Christ?
The actions of Joseph of Arimathea and of the three women who went to the Tomb of Christ
are remembered for centuries because they loved Christ and acted on that love.
Each person of each century determines what he or she will be remembered for.
Each person determines whether he or she will be remembered for loving Christ and
being a stalwart follower of Christ.
St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.
April 28 / May 11, 2008
Holy Apostles Jason and Sosipater.
Fr. Rodney Torbic
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