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A Monthly Publication of

1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615 Vol. 5 No. 41- May 2015

Pastor’s Message.................................................................................... Page 2 Life Passages ... Birthdays, Anniversaries.............................................. Page 3 St. John’s Stewards.. Community Outreach…………………………............. Page 4April - Month In Review, Parish & Diocesan News, Photos………………..Pgs 5-10 May News and Announcements…………………………………………………….. Page 11Coming Events .........................................................................................Pgs 12-14 Spiritual Food For Thought... Mid Pentecost…Tips For Orthodox Life Pgs 15-17 Prayer Corner: Daily Scripture Readings.............................................. Page 18Prayer Corner: Prayer List..................................................................... Page 19May Calendar of Liturgical Services and Events............................. Page 20

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The Prophet

The Official Monthly Publication of

The Orthodox Greek Catholic Churchof Saint John the Baptist

1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615Parish 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 ServicesVespers: Sat: 5:00 pm Eve of Feasts: 7:00 pmDivine Liturgy Sunday & Week Day 9:00 amServices of Intercession as AnnouncedCoffee Hour Fellowship Sundays 10:30 amChurch School Sundays: 10:45 am

Parish Ministries Coordinators

Church School Coordinator: Pani Carol Paproski

Junior ACRY Youth Group: Timothy Paproski

Outreach CoordinatorsCommunity & Mary Householder/Soup Kitchen Eve Nucifora Bereavement Jean LommeYoung Families Michelle Mihaly The Sick /Shut-ins M.Allis/E. Nucifora

Financial Investment William Bilcheck, Jr William Booth, Jr.

Thomas Decerbo Matthew Mihaly Orestes Mihaly

Property Maintenance/ Thomas Decerbo Improvements Frank Meyernick

Scholarship Eve Nucifora

Helen Guman

Database Coordinator: Christine LeClerc

Webmaster: Michael Decerbo

SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE MAY ISSUE OF THE PROPHET

MAY 21, 2015

Pastor’s Message!

What a blessing it is that we are now in the midst of the forty day celebration of the Saving Passion and Glorious Resurrection of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, here at St. John’s was incredible! No words can possibly describe the joy we experienced as we proclaimed for the first time this season the Truth of our Faith, that Christ is Risen From The Dead and By His Death He Conquered Death!

Our celebration, gives us hope and the strength to push away the darkness of despair, grief, sadness and pain that all of us in this fallen earthly life have experienced to one degree or another. Together, by our reception of the Holy Eucharist, we have in the words of the Paschal Canon, “partaken of a new drink..” a spring of immortality, welling up from the tomb of Christ from which we draw strength.

Now that we have beheld the light of the Resurrection, it is not enough for us to merely proclaim with our lips that Christ is Risen. We need to demonstrate by how we live our lives, that this truth is our firm foundation and anchor, and makes us who we are. As I passed the light of the Resurrection Candle to you in the darkness of the Church at the beginning of Resurrection Matins, all of us need to pass on the light of Christ to all those who we come in contact with. The world needs the light of truth and godliness and hope, now more than ever!

As candles inevitably burn down and their flame eventually goes out, so too will the Paschal Joy wane in our lives if we are not spiritually vigilant. This is why during this Paschal season the Church is preparing us for the Feast of Pentecost, where we will receive the Holy Spirit, who will come within us and give us the power to keep this Paschal Joy alive. In the coming weeks, the hymns of the Church will speak of the Holy Spirit, as being the Living Water which will help the new spiritual growth that has taken place in our souls during the Lenten and Paschal Seasons to firmly take root and grow to maturity. May this same Holy Spirit, help us to keep the Paschal joy alive in our hearts and souls, so that we may live life to the fullest and be found worthy to enter Paradise.

With Love in Christ,

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is RisenChristos Voskres! Voistinu Voskres!Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!

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Life Passages – May 2015

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

Date Name EventMay 2 Mike Dion BirthdayMay 5 Thomas Ivers BirthdayMay 6 Bill Bilcheck BirthdayMay11 Michelle Mihaly BirthdayMay 16 Ilya Mihaly BirthdayMay 16 Mike Kmetz Sr. BirthdayMay 19 Shianna Reeves BirthdayMay 20 Matt & Michelle Mihaly AnniversaryMay 22 Matthew Mihaly, Sr. BirthdayMay 23 Katherine Ivers Birthday

COFFEE HOURDate Host5/03 Bilcheck 5/10 Mother’s Day5/17 Booth/Nichols5/24 ---5/31 Ivers

SPONSOR A CLEANING OF THE CHURCH Realizing that many parishioners either are not physically able or do not have the time to help clean the Church, the parish council has found someone who is willing to perform a routine cleaning of the Church for $30.00. We are now soliciting sponsorships from our parishioners who wish to assist with the cleaning of the Church, but are not able to join the cleaning roster. You may offer a single cleaning sponsorship of $30.00 or multiple cleaning sponsorships. At the present time, our current volunteers are assigned to 4 cleaning sessions per year. With your sponsoring of one or more cleaning sessions, you will lighten the load of the few parishioners who are left on the church cleaning list. 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 CLEANINGDate Cleaner4/27-5/9 Cleaning Service5/11-5/23 Cleaning Service5/25-6/6 Cleaning Service6/8-6/20 Cleaning Service6/22-7/4 Decerbo

CHURCH READINGDate Hours Epistle5/03 Brett Rob Mihaly5/10 Pani Carol Cantors5/17 Holly Serge Mihaly5/24 --- ----5/31 Brett Bill Bilcheck

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Parish Outreach & Community Service ___________________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNITY SUPPER PROGRAM UPDATE

We are responsible for providing supper once a month on Wednesday Evening 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. Arrangements can be made to pick up your donation item if you would be unable to drop it off at the supper. If you would like to Sponsor a meal, a donation of $150.00 would cover an entire meal.

PARISH COMMUNITY SUPPER SCHEDULE

Date: Location5/13 Christ Church, Stratford6/01 Calvary-St George Church, Bridgeport 6/10 Christ Church, Stratford

FOOD FOR 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. Also: We 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. NO MORE RAVIOLI’S PLEASE 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”

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April 2015: The Month In Review

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Parish Council Updates

PARISH PARKING - The Parish Council is undertaking a feasibility study regarding the costs and regulatory issues associated with expanding the asphalt driveway parking area on the west side of the Church. Upon the completion of this study, the findings will be conveyed to the parishioners for feedback and further discussion

CHURCH GROUNDS MULCHING PARTY - A Church grounds mulching party/work day is scheduled for Saturday May 16th. Help is needed. Many hands will make light work. Please see Fr. Peter if you are able to help. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Church School UpdatesAfter a two-week break for Palm Sunday and Pascha, Pani Carol's class completed their study of the Old Testament. They first discussed what happened to the Hebrew people from about 400 B.C. until Jesus Christ was born. Then, the fourth and final section of the Old Testament, the Wisdom Writings, was covered. The Wisdom Writings contain the Psalms, Proverbs, the Book of Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. The Psalms were covered previously when King David was studied, but some of the Proverbs were read and each student chose one they liked to write on a bookmark. The story of Job was recounted and noted as an example of "righteous suffering." In the next two weeks the class will review what was studied this year and will finish the models of deacon, priest, and bishop. On the final day- May17th- the class will finish off the year with a fun review game!

Eve Nucifora’s class learned about the Lenten season and the Holy Days following Pascha- Ascension Day and Pentecost. During Great Lent, the girls made Easter cards, a few of which were sent to church shut-ins, and another sent to a man theye learned of who asked for prayers. This man is a prisoner, and since they learned to pray for and help all people, when the girls made felt crosses for themselves, there was also one sent to this man in an Easter card. Since the church school year is nearing the end, they've also begun review of thelessons from this (too brief) year, and look forward to the end of the year review game in May.____________________________________________________________________________________

Youth/ ACRY News

Many of our members will be attending the ACRY Bowling Tournament here in Stratford at St. John's on Silver Lane on Memorial Day Weekend. All ACRY and non ACRY members are welcome to attend. There are plenty of activities planned for those who aren't interested in bowling as well. The deadline to register is May 10th. Please see Hailey or Father Peter if interested. The New England Deanery camping week at Camp Nazareth is July 19th - 25th. Camp is a great experience and all of our parish youth should be attending. If interested, please talk to Father Peter. The deadline to register is June 1st. Congratulations to Tim and Hailey who will both be working at camp this summer as counselors. – Submitted By Hailey Meyernick

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April 2015: The Month In ReviewNews From Across The Diocese

Bishop Gregory’s Holy Week Schedule

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- His Grace Bishop Gregory, used the time of Holy Week to visit seven Diocesan Parishes in Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia from Columbus Ohio to Manasses, VA. He also visited St. St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Warren, Ohio, where he presided over a Pan-Orthodox Unction Service. His Grace returned to Christ the Saviour Cathedral for Resurrection Matins and the Paschal Divine Liturgy. The faithful of these parishes truly were blessed to spend time

praying with their Bishop during this Holy Season.

Clergy Convocation

CAMP NAZARETH -- In the joy of the Resurrection,Priests from throughout the Diocese gathered at Camp Nazareth on Tuesday April 14th with His Grace Bishop Gregory for their annual Convocation. The Diocesan Priests spent three days in prayer, study and Christian fellowship to strengthen their bond of unity.

During their time together, the Diocesan Priests had the opportunity to spend some quality time with His Grace, Bishop Gregory and their brothers in Christ during this most joyful and Bright Week of the Year.

New On-Line Summer Camp Registration System

MERCER, PA [Camp Nazareth] The Diocesan Chancery and Camp Nazareth are pleased to announce that Camp now has Online Registration available to register for Summer Camp. The new online system went “live” today and can be accessed through the Camp Nazareth website at campnazareth.org. This new system will enable our campers and their parents to complete most of the registration process without having to keep track of paper documents and material. It will also simplify the process for the Camp when it comes to registration. The new system will allow campers and their families to pay for Camp online

In related news, the Diocesan Apostolate for Information Technology, in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's Department of Internet Ministries has completely re-designed the Camp Nazareth website. The new website contains many new features and provides a more graphically appealing and user-friendly design. Check out the new website at http://www.campnazareth.org

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FIRST HOLY CONFESSION & COMMUNION OF TY ROGERSON – (4/19/15)

The Month In Review: April 2015 –Photo Gallery

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HOLY WEEK & PASCHA 2015

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PASCHA 2015

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Bishop Gregory- Christ The Saviour Cathedral Ottowa, Ontario, Canada

Hawk Run, PAStratford (Silver Lane) Manville, NJ

Homestead, PA Niles, IL

Asheville, NC

Pascha & Holy Week Around The Diocese

Niles, IL Morgantown, WV

Potomac, MD 10

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MAY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mother’s Day Breakfast - The Annual Mother’s Day breakfast will take place on Sunda y May 11. All are invited to attend. All parish men are asked to see Tom Decerbo to offer their assistance.

Church Dues- $75.00 per person. Please make arrangements to pay your dues ASAP. As always if there is a financial hardship please see Fr. Peter. If necessary they may be adjusted or waived.

Camp Nazareth Raffle Tickets are on sale. $20.00 each. Grand Prize is $10,000.00. Bible Study Our Study of the Gospel of St. Matthew continues. All are welcome to join us on Wed

Mornings at 11:00 am. Spring and Summer Fellowship Activities - St John’s Church of Bridgeport is organizing a group

outing to the New Haven Food Tour on Saturday June 13 at 3:00. This is a mile walk around the theater district and Yale University. The tour lasts about 3 hours and visits 6-7 restaurants serving both food tastes and drinks. The price for that is $68 per person! If anyone is interested, please let Matt Mihaly know by 6/1 which is the reservations deadline. Parishioners are asked to see Deb Sutyak of the Entertainment committee with any additional suggestions for activities to take place during the spring and summer months. Some suggestions are outings to sports games, the new micro-brewery in Stratford, Murder Mystery Cruise, Hiking, Theatre outing.

. Singing the Responses to Divine Liturgy

The next youth Sunday is May 10th - Mother’s Day. Our parish youth, under the direction of Tim Paproski, will lead the singing of the Plain Chant responses to the Divine Liturgy. All teenagers and church school students are invited and encouraged to attend.

Now Available!!!!!!

Online Registration for Camp NazarethSummer Program

Visit the Camp website at campnazareth.org to Register Online

Some Features of the Online System: Online payment available Confirmation Emails to users Can handle Scholarships and Camperships Payment Reminders Saves Historical Data Users can receive emails of Camp news

Don’t Wait! Register Today!

Online Registration made possible by a gift from the National A.C.R.Y.

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COMING DIOCESAN EVENTS

ThirdAnnual Family Camp at Camp Nazareth June 5-7

His Grace, Bishop Gregory has issued a cordial invitation to all Diocesan Youth and their families to join him at Camp Nazareth for the third annual Family Camp which will take place during Camp Nazareth's upcoming Family Day Weekend. The text of his pastoral letter, Protocol No. 7, is as follows:

Glory to Jesus Christ! Our Diocese is pleased to offer our third annual Family Camp at Camp Nazareth this year in conjunction with Family Day. The event is exactly what it sounds like. Families “camping” together in the Camp cabins and participating in a weekend of services, games, discussions, activities and challenges that are all designed to help families deepen their relationship with God

and with one another. Encourage them to come, and, if you are able, come yourselves with your families.Last year we had 10 Families and a total of 36 participants. We had a wonderful time together and look forward to being together again this year. For more information, see Fr. Peter.

Camp Nazareth Family Day Raffle

We have received our allotment of Family Day Raffle tickets. Each ticket is $20.00 with a chance to win $10,000.00. Please see Fr. Peter to purchase your ticket today.

Camp Nazareth Annual Family Day – Sunday June 7, 2015

Fellowship& fun all day including Music entertainment, swimming, craft activities, games and the Raffle Drawing

10am -- DIVINE LITURGYLunch/Picnic following Liturgy

MENU: Prime Rib Sandwich Barbeque ChickenPotato Salad Pasta Salad Tossed Salad

Homemade DessertsChips/Dip

DrinksVegetarian Option: Vegetable Primavera

Adults $10.00 Under 13 : $6.00 Under 5: freeFAMILY PRICE: $30.00 (includes 2 parents & all under age 13) Don’t Forget About Family Camp June 5-7, 2015

Camp Nazareth – New England Deanery- July 19-25, 2015

It is time to start planning for Camp Nazareth this summer. We are going the first week and the registration deadline is June 1. Early bird deadline (saving you $20.00) is May 15. Complete information as well as downloadable registration forms are available at http://www.campnazareth.org/Forms&Registration.htm. If you do not have computer access, please see Fr. Peter. Also sure to let Fr. Peter know if your child is going to camp so that you have a spot on the Deanery Camp bus.

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Young Women’s Retreat

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Parish Calendar Of Coming EventsSat May 2 Carpatho-Rusyn Society Lecture – St. John’s Church BridgeportSun May 10 Mother’s Day BreakfastFri June 5 Family Camp Weekend – Camp Nazareth

Sun June 7 Family Day – Camp Nazareth Sun June 21 Father’s Day Breakfast Sun June 28- July 1 Diocesan Altarboy Retreat Sun July 12 Semi-Annual Meeting Sun July 19-25 New England Deanery Camp Week, Camp Nazareth

COMING EVENTS – PARISH & DEANERY

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RED, WHITE AND BLUE DINNER

BINGO

St John’s Church on Silver Lane will hold their annual Red, White and Blue Dinner and Bingo on Sun May 17

Dinner Menu:ham, potatoes, veggies, dessert and beverage.

Dinner: 4:00 pm

Bingo: 5:30 p.m.

Reservations should be made by May 10, 2015to Carole Krochta. Phone: 203.375.2621cwkrochta@optonline.net

Cost for dinner is $10.00 (adults) $5.00 (children). Bingo admission: $1.00.

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The Feast of Mid-Pentecost

The fifty days following Pascha until the Feast of Pentecost are known as the period of the Pentecostarion in the Orthodox Church. At the mid-point between these great feasts of Pascha and Pentecost, on the twenty-fifth day which is always a Wedneday, is one of the most beloved feasts for the most devout Orthodox Christians known quit simply as Mid-Pentecost. Mid-Pentecost is to the Pentecostarion what the Third Sunday of Great Lent which honors the Holy Cross is to the period of Great Lent. It is a day which helps us focus on the central theme of the entire period. Whereas the mid-point of Great Lent reminds us to bear up the Cross of Christ bravely so that we may daily die with Christ in order to experience the Resurrection of our Lord, so also the mid-point of the Pentecostarion enlightens us regarding the theme of the fifty days following Pascha - which is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit poured out as a gift upon all the faithful who partake of the living water which is Christ Himself.

The central theme woven throughout the period of the Pentecostarion therefore is water. This becomes the central theme of the period because it is the central theme of the Gospel of John which we read in its entirety during the Pentecostarion and which naturally flows into the Acts of the Apostles which is also read during this period in its entirety. This theme appears for the first time on Pascha itself in the joyous Canon of the Feast of Feasts written by Saint John the Damascene when he invites us to "drink a new drink," not "brought forth from a barren rock," as in the Old Testament under Moses, but which rather "springeth forth from the grave of Christ." Then during the Paschal Divine Liturgy the priest processes with the Gospel and chants loudly from Psalm 67:27 saying: "In the congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springs of Israel."

When Renewal or Bright Week is over the Church wisely sets up two Sundays in which to abolish all doubts concerning the Resurrection of Christ, that of the Sunday of Saint Thomas and the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women. This is done in order to ensure that we all partake of the living water that only the risen Lord can give. The following three Sundays, as we approach Pentecost, the theme of water becomes more and more central in the hymns of the Church. Thus we are found one Sunday at the Sheep's Pool with the Paralytic, then at the Well of Jacob with the Samaritan Woman, and finally at the Pool of Siloam with the Blind Man. During this festive period we hear concerning the "living water" which if one partakes of "he will never thirst". We are taught that it is our Savior Himself who is this living water, and we partake of Him through the baptismal waters and the Cup of Life which issued forth from His side at His crucifixion unto remission of sins and life everlasting. Then on Pentecost we have grace rained upon our parched souls and bodies so that we may be fruitful and have a great harvest as we hear from the holy Gospel on that day: "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink". Finally the Pentecostarion concludes with the Feast of All Saints, that is those who partook of the "waters of piety", which is the harvest of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The Fathers teach us that the feast of Mid-Pentecost stands in the middle of the fifty-day period from Pascha to Pentecost as a mighty flowing river of divine grace which have these two great feasts as its source. Pascha and Pentecost are united in Mid-Pentecost. Without Pascha there is no Pentecost and without Pentecost there is no purpose to Pascha.

We read the following entry in The Great Horologion that further explains the details of the feast: (Continued on Page 16)

SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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The Feast of Mid-Pentecost (Continued From Page 15)

"After the Saviour had miraculously healed the paralytic, the Jews, especially the Pharisees and Scribes, were moved to envy and persecuted Him, and sought to slay Him, using the excuse that He did not keep the Sabbath, since He worked miracles on that day. Jesus then departed to Galilee. About the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles, He went up again to the Temple and taught. The Jews, marveling at the wisdom of His words, said, 'how knoweth this man letters, having never learned?' But Christ first reproached their unbelief and lawlessness, then proved to them by the Law that they sought to slay Him unjustly, supposedly as a despiser of the Law, since He had healed the paralytic on the Sabbath.

"Therefore, since the things spoken of by Christ in the middle of the Feast of the Tabernacles are related to the Sunday of the Paralytic that is just passed, and since we have already reached the midpoint of the fifty days between Pascha and Pentecost, the Church has appointed this present feast as a bond between the two great Feasts, thereby uniting, as it were, the two into one, and partaking of the grace of them both. Therefore today’s feast is called Mid‐Pentecost, and the Gospel Reading, 'At Mid‐feast'—though it refers to the Feast of the Tabernacles—is used.

"It should be noted that there were three great Jewish feasts: the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Passover was celebrated on the 15th of Nissan, the first month of the Jewish calendar, which roughly coincides with our March. This feast commemorated that day on which the Hebrews were commanded to eat the lamb in the evening and anoint the doors of its houses with its blood. Then, having escaped bondage and death at the hands of the Egyptians, they passed through the Red Sea to come to the Promised Land. It is called 'the feast of Unleavened Bread,' because they ate unleavened bread for seven days. Pentecost was celebrated fifty days after Passover, first of all, because the Hebrew tribes had reached Mount Sinai after leaving Egypt, and there received the Law from God; secondly, it was celebrated to commemorate their entry into the Promised Land, where also they ate bread, after having been fed with manna forty years in the desert. Therefore, on this day they offered to God a sacrifice of bread prepared with new wheat. Finally, they also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles from the 15th to the 22nd of 'the seventh month,' which corresponds roughly to our September. During this time, they lived in booths made of branches in commemoration of the forty years they spent in the desert, living in tabernacles, that is, in tents (Ex. 12:10‐20; Lev. 23 LXX). "

The Feast of Mid-Pentecost is celebrated for an entire week until the following Wednesday, making it an eight day feast. During this entire time the hymns of Mid-Pentecost are joined with that of Pascha. Because of the theme of water, traditionally the Church celebrates the Lesser Blessing of the Waters on this day, preferably with a procession with the Holy Cross to a water spring. The theme of the feast not only invokes water, but even more central to the Gospel chronology it honors Christ as Teacher and Wisdom as He reveals Himself between the stories of the Paralytic and that of the Blind Man. During this time we are told: "Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught...Jesus answered them, and said, 'My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself'" (John 7:14-30). The icon for this feast depicts the young Jesus teaching the elders in the Temple (Luke 2:46, 47) at which time Jesus first revealed Himself as a teacher or rabbi. Traditional Orthodox icons will depict Jesus as larger than the elders, showing his superior spiritual status.

Since the hymns of the Church invoke and praise our Lord as the Wisdom of God spoken of in the Book of Proverbs, it is traditional that all churches named after Holy Wisdom or Hagia Sophia celebrate their feast on this day. In fact, Greek scholar Constantine Kalokyre has written a study titled "The Churches of the Wisdom of God and the Date of their Celebration", which appeared in the periodical Saint Gregory Palamas, no. 71 (723) (1988), pp. 538-617. In this study he comes to the conclusion that the Great Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople celebrated its feast day on Mid-Pentecost. From http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/46565.htm

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Practical Tips for Orthodox Living Excerpts from The Shepherd

THE FOLLOWING "TIPS" were sent us by Mother Pelagia of Lesna Convent, who prefaces them with the remark: "Orthodox families train their children from a very early age to acquire religious habits, in some of which I was myself, as a Protestant, brought up." Her first tips are:

1) Prayers are said morning and evening, either together as a family or individually.

2) A blessing (grace, we called it) is said by the head of the family before a meal, and a prayer of thanks afterwards.

3) On entering a room where there is an icon, cross yourself before it and say a brief prayer.

4) When leaving one's dwelling, make the sign of the cross over the door and pray for its protection.

5) On seeing a priest, abbot or abbess, or even when phoning them or writing to them, always ask their blessing.

6) Before going to bed, make the sign of the cross over it and pray for protection during sleep.

7) When you hear of anyone's death, immediately say a prayer for their eternal memory.

8) If discussing or planning the future say: "As God wills."

9) If you offend or hurt anyone, say as soon as possible, "Forgive me," always trying to take the blame yourself

10) If something turns out well, say "Praise be (to God)."

11) If something turns out badly, if there is pain, sickness or any kind of trouble, say "Praise be to God for all things," since God is all good and, though we might not understand the purpose of these things, undoubtedly they have been permitted by God

12) If you begin some task, say, "God help me," or if someone else' working: "May God help you," (How sad that this expression is so perverted in the modern exclamation "God help you!")

13) Cross yourself and say a brief prayer before even the shortest journey by car.

14) For a longer and more difficult journey, ask a priest to sing a Moleben, failing that, at home say the troparion and kontakion for a journey.

15) If there is a possibility of future trouble of any kind, either for yourself or for someone you care for, say an Akathist to the Mother of God.

16) When you receive a blessing after prayer, always remember to thank God; if it is a small thing, you may add a prayer of thanksgiving to your daily prayers or make an offering. For matters of greater import, ask the priest to serve the Thanksgiving Moleben. But NEVER neglect to give thanks.

(Adapted From http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/practical.aspx)

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WEEK OF APRIL 27, 2015M Acts 6:8-7:5; 47-60; John 4:46-54; St Martin The ConfessorT. Acts 8:5-17; John 6:27-33; Holy Apostle AristarchW. Acts 8:18-25; John 6:35-39; Martyrs Agape & IreneT. Acts 8:26-39; John 6:40-44; Priest-Martyr SimeonF. Acts 8:40-9:19; John 6:48-54; St John of DecapolisSat Acts 9:19-31; John 15;17-16:2; St John of the Old CavesSun Acts 9:32-42; John 5:1-15; Sunday of the Paralytic

WEEK OF MAY 4, 2015

M Acts 10:1-16; John 7:1-13; Preist-Martyr JanuariusT. Acts 10:21-33; John 7:1-13; St Theodore the Sykeopte W. Acts 14:6-18; John 7:14-30 Feast of Mid-PentecostT. Acts 10:34-43; John 8:12-20; Martyr Sabbas Sratelates

Acts 10:44--11:10; John 8:21-30; St Mark The Evangelist S. Acts 12:1-11; John 8:31-42; Priest-Martyr Basil S. Acts 11:19-26, 29-30; John 4:5-42; Sunof the Samaritan Woman

WEEK OF MAY 11, 2015M. Acts 12:12-17; John 8:42-51 Apostles Jason and SosipaterT. Acts 12:25-13:12; John 8:51-59; 9 Martyrs of CyzicusW. Acts 13:13-24; John 6:5-14; Holy Apostle James Zebedee Th. Acts 14:20-27; John 9:39-10:9; Prophet Jeremiah F. Acts 15:5-34; John 10:17-28; Apostle Simeon ZelotesSt Acts 15:35-41; John 10:27-38; St Athanasius the Great S. Acts 16:16-34; John 9:1-38; The Sunday of the Blind Man

WEEK OF MAY 18, 2015M. Acts 17:1-15; John 11:47-57; Great Martyr IreneT. Acts 26:1-5;12-20; John 10:1-9; St. Job The Long SufferingW. Acts 18:22-28; John 12:36-47; Sign of the Precious CrossT. Acts 1:1-12; Luke 24:36-53; Ascension of Our Lord F. Acts 19:1-8; John 14:1-11; Trans of Relics of St. Nich. S. Acts 20:7-12; John 14:10-21; Apostle Simeon ZealotesS. Acts 20:16-18, 28-36; John 17:1-13; Fathers of 1st Ecum. Council

WEEK OF MAY 25, 2015 M. Acts 21:8-14; John 14:26-15:7; St Epiphanius of Cyprus

T. Acts 21:26-32; John 16:2-13; Virgin Martyr Glyceria W. Acts 23:1-11; John 16:15-23; Holy Martyr Isidore of Chios Th. Acts 25:13-19; John 16:23-33; St Pachomius The Great F. Acts 27:1-44; John 17:18-26; St. Theodoere the Sanctified St. Acts 28: 1-31; John 21:15-25; Holy Apostle AndronicusS. Acts 2:1-11, John 7:37-52;8:12; Holy Pentecost

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

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Prayer List Living Members of Parish Family And Friends

Protopresbyter Luke Barbara (Reeves) Shirley SedlockFr. John (Duranko) Pani Patricia (Duranko) Florence (Gachi)Garry & Barbara (Nichols) Richard (Kaschak) Pearl (Nucifora) Kassiani (Nickolakis) Keith Charles (Householder)Audrey (Fatse) Richard (Kaschak Jr) Greg & KimFrank (Meyernick) Lou (Gregory) Katherine (Macura)Serge (Mihaly) Michael ( Banik) Kelly (Friend of Eve)Mary (Nichols) Nina (Kuchma) Esther (Johnson) Joshua (Habansky) Geoffrey & Jennifer Roger (Vanhouten)Zachary Catie (Bradford) Child Diana Irene (Knapp) Carol JudyElsi (Lotufo) Penny (Elsi’s daughter) Propresbyter John (Gido)Thomas (Ivers) Kennedy Family Karen (Ivers)Christopher (Zinski) Rachel (friend of Karen) John (Cybul)Gregory (Cybul) Priest James (Gleason) Marge (Allis)Robert Joseph (Loposky) Randy & Janice Caleb (Goneau) Edward & Laurie Shannon (Friend of Arlene)Infant Jack Nicholas (Papillo) Cynthia (Dion)Marion (Fallon) Virginia (friend of Eve) Alice (VanHouten)Nicholas (Gachi) Judy Donna (Pierce)June (Friend of Marcia L) Ernie (Friend of Marcia L) Stephen Michael (Lomme) Carolann BettySean Daniel Child Emma Walter (Litzie) Child Oliver Amada & Will

Mildred (Fife) Gregory (Sabak) Robert (Franco) Nina Karolina Victoria, Archie

Departed Members Of Our Parish Family And Friends Margaret (Gregory) Ilona (Steinhaus) Jack (Murad) Jac k Ann (Bilcheck)

Prayer Corner

A Prayer For The SickO 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.

A Prayer For The DepartedO God of spirits and of all flesh, Who has conquered death and destroyed Satan, and Who has granted life to Your world; O Lord, rest the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) [Name] in a serene, luxuriant and peaceful place where all pain and sorrow and lamentation are absent; as a gracious God Who loves mankind, forgive all transgressions committed by (him, her, them) by word or deed or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin; You alone are without sin, Your truth is truth in eternity and Your Word is Truth. For You, O Christ our God, are the resurrection, life and repose of Your departed servant(s) [Name], who (has, have) fallen asleep, and we give glory to You and Your eternal Father, and Your Most-Holy, Gracious and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 10 am Liturgy Cambridge Manor -Rep. Popadics Fam

25:00 pm Vespers

3 9:00 am LiturgyPanachida Rep. Marge Gregory & Helen Zysk Church School/ Bilcheck Coffee Hour

4 5 6 11:00 am Bible Study7:00 pm Moleben to The Mother of God

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8 99:00 am Liturgy Rep. Rep. Ilona Steinhaus5:00 pm Vespers

10 Mother‘s Day9:00 am Liturgy

M Mother’s Day Breakfast.

11 Church Cleaner: Cleaning Service

127:00 pm Moleben to St. Nectarios7:30 pm ParishCouncil Meeting

13 11:00 am Bible Study

14 15 16 9:00 am Church Grounds Mulching Party5:00 pm Vespers

17 9:00 am Liturgy/Panachida Rep. Ann Bilcheck/ Last Church School Class/ Booth/Nichols Coffee Hour

18 1910:00 am GeneralPanachida & Blessing of Graves Stratford, CT

2011:00 am Bible Study7:00 pm Great Vespers

21 ASCENSION9:00 am Liturgy

22 ACRY Bowling TournamentStratford, CT

23 ACRY Bowling TournamentStratford, CTNo Vespers

24 9:00 am Liturgy- St John’s Silver Lane, Stratford Ordination of Nicholas Mihaly to Deaconate

25 9:00 am Grave Blessing Stfd &10:30 am Monroe

26Church Cleaner:Cleaning Service

2711:00 am Bible Study

28 29 309:00 am Liturgy All Souls Saturday5:00 pm Vespers

31 9:00 am LiturgyIvers Coffee Hour

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCHLITURGICAL SERVICES & EVENTS

MAY 2015

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