http://www.stlukesoc.org/index.htmlSt. Luke Orthodox ChurchenFr. Michael Lewiswww.stlukesoc.org2007-11-24T17:02:41-08:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 17:04:09 -0800Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-11-24T17:02:41-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-47http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-47"O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever" (Psalm 107:1)

Dear ones in Christ at St. Luke's,

With prayers and best wishes to you and all your loved ones for a most blessed Thanksgiving Day today, I offer you the following Akathist Prayer of thanksgiving to God, entitled: "Glory to God for all things". Amidst the beauty of this glorious day, please try to make a quiet moment to pray... to read and reflect upon all - or just a portion - of the following hymn.

With much love in Christ, whose life-giving Nativity we eagerly anticipate,

Fr. Michael

The Akathist Hymn: "Glory to God for All Things"

This Akathist, also called the "Akathist of Thanksgiving," was composed by Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov shortly before his death in a prison camp in 1940. The title is from the words of Saint John Chrysostom as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings.

Kontakion 1

Everlasting King, Thy will for our salvation is full of power. Thy right arm controls the whole course of human life. We give Thee thanks for all Thy mercies, seen and unseen. For eternal life, for the heavenly joys of the Kingdom which is to be. Grant mercy to us who sing Thy praise, both now and in the time to come. Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age.

Ikos 1

I was born a weak, defenceless child, but Thine angel spread his wings over my cradle to defend me. From birth until now Thy love has illumined my path, and has wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the generous gifts of Thy providence have been marvelously showered upon me. I give Thee thanks, with all who have come to know Thee, who call upon Thy name.

Glory to Thee for calling me into being
Glory to Thee, showing me the beauty of the universe
Glory to Thee, spreading out before me heaven and earth
Like the pages in a book of eternal wisdom
Glory to Thee for Thine eternity in this fleeting world
Glory to Thee for Thy mercies, seen and unseen
Glory to Thee through every sigh of my sorrow
Glory to Thee for every step of my life's journey
For every moment of glory
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 2

O Lord, how lovely it is to be Thy guest. Breeze full of scents; mountains reaching to the skies; waters like boundless mirrors, reflecting the sun's golden rays and the scudding clouds. All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing the depth of tenderness. Birds and beasts of the forest bear the imprint of Thy love. Blessed art thou, mother earth, in thy fleeting loveliness, which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last for ever, in the land where, amid beauty that grows not old, the cry rings out: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

Thou hast brought me into life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky like a chalice of deepest blue, where in the azure heights the birds are singing. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the melodious music of the streams. We have tasted fruit of fine flavour and the sweet-scented honey. We can live very well on Thine earth. It is a pleasure to be Thy guest.

Glory to Thee for the Feast Day of life
Glory to Thee for the perfume of lilies and roses
Glory to Thee for each different taste of berry and fruit
Glory to Thee for the sparkling silver of early morning dew
Glory to Thee for the joy of dawn's awakening
Glory to Thee for the new life each day brings
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 3

It is the Holy Spirit who makes us find joy in each flower, the exquisite scent, the delicate colour, the beauty of the Most High in the tiniest of things. Glory and honour to the Spirit, the Giver of Life, who covers the fields with their carpet of flowers, crowns the harvest with gold, and gives to us the joy of gazing at it with our eyes. O be joyful and sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

How glorious art Thou in the springtime, when every creature awakes to new life and joyfully sings Thy praises with a thousand tongues. Thou art the Source of Life, the Destroyer of Death. By the light of the moon, nightingales sing, and the valleys and hills lie like wedding garments, white as snow. All the earth is Thy promised bride awaiting her spotless husband. If the grass of the field is like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the Second Coming after the Resurrection! How splendid our bodies, how spotless our souls!

Glory to Thee, bringing from the depth of the earth an endless variety of colours, tastes and scents
Glory to Thee for the warmth and tenderness of the world of nature
Glory to Thee for the numberless creatures around us
Glory to Thee for the depths of Thy wisdom, the whole world a living sign of it
Glory to Thee; on my knees, I kiss the traces of Thine unseen hand
Glory to Thee, enlightening us with the clearness of eternal life
Glory to Thee for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of immortality
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 4

How filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on Thee; how life-giving Thy holy Word. To speak with Thee is more soothing than anointing with oil; sweeter than the honeycomb. To pray to Thee lifts the spirit, refreshes the soul. Where Thou art not, there is only emptiness; hearts are smitten with sadness; nature, and life itself, become sorrowful; where Thou art, the soul is filled with abundance, and its song resounds like a torrent of life: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

When the sun is setting, when quietness falls like the peace of eternal sleep, and the silence of the spent day reigns, then in the splendour of its declining rays, filtering through the clouds, I see Thy dwelling-place: fiery and purple, gold and blue, they speak prophet-like of the ineffable beauty of Thy presence, and call to us in their majesty. We turn to the Father.

Glory to Thee at the hushed hour of nightfall
Glory to Thee, covering the earth with peace
Glory to Thee for the last ray of the sun as it sets
Glory to Thee for sleep's repose that restores us
Glory to Thee for Thy goodness even in the time of darkness
When all the world is hidden from our eyes
Glory to Thee for the prayers offered by a trembling soul
Glory to Thee for the pledge of our reawakening
On that glorious last day, that day which has no evening
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 5

The dark storm clouds of life bring no terror to those in whose hearts Thy fire is burning brightly. Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and howling of the storm, but in the heart, in the presence of Christ, there is light and peace, silence: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

I see Thine heavens resplendent with stars. How glorious art Thou radiant with light! Eternity watches me by the rays of the distant stars. I am small, insignificant, but the Lord is at my side. Thy right arm guides me wherever I go.

Glory to Thee, ceaselessly watching over me
Glory to Thee for the encounters Thou dost arrange for me
Glory to Thee for the love of parents, for the faithfulness of friends
Glory to Thee for the humbleness of the animals which serve me
Glory to Thee for the unforgettable moments of life
Glory to Thee for the heart's innocent joy
Glory to Thee for the joy of living
Moving and being able to return Thy love
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 6

How great and how close art Thou in the powerful track of the storm! How mighty Thy right arm in the blinding flash of the lightning! How awesome Thy majesty! The voice of the Lord fills the fields, it speaks in the rustling of the trees. The voice of the Lord is in the thunder and the downpour. The voice of the Lord is heard above the waters. Praise be to Thee in the roar of mountains ablaze. Thou dost shake the earth like a garment; Thou dost pile up to the sky the waves of the sea. Praise be to Thee, bringing low the pride of man. Thou dost bring from his heart a cry of Penitence: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

When the lightning flash has lit up the camp dining hall, how feeble seems the light from the lamp. Thus dost Thou, like the lightning, unexpectedly light up my heart with flashes of intense joy. After Thy blinding light, how drab, how colourless, how illusory all else seems. My souls clings to Thee.

Glory to Thee, the highest peak of men's dreaming
Glory to Thee for our unquenchable thirst for communion with God
Glory to Thee, making us dissatisfied with earthly things
Glory to Thee, turning on us Thine healing rays
Glory to Thee, subduing the power of the spirits of darkness
And dooming to death every evil
Glory to Thee for the signs of Thy presence
For the joy of hearing Thy voice and living in Thy love
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 7

In the wondrous blending of sounds it is Thy call we hear; in the harmony of many voices, in the sublime beauty of music, in the glory of the works of great composers: Thou leadest us to the threshold of paradise to come, and to the choirs of angels. All true beauty has the power to draw the soul towards Thee, and to make it sing in ecstasy: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

The breath of Thine Holy Spirit inspires artists, poets and scientists. The power of Thy supreme knowledge makes them prophets and interpreters of Thy laws, who reveal the depths of Thy creative wisdom. Their works speak unwittingly of Thee. How great art Thou in Thy creation! How great art Thou in man!

Glory to Thee, showing Thine unsurpassable power in the laws of the universe
Glory to Thee, for all nature is filled with Thy laws
Glory to Thee for what Thou hast revealed to us in Thy mercy
Glory to Thee for what Thou hast hidden from us in Thy wisdom
Glory to Thee for the inventiveness of the human mind
Glory to Thee for the dignity of man's labour
Glory to Thee for the tongues of fire that bring inspiration
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 8

How near Thou art in the day of sickness. Thou Thyself visitest the sick; Thou Thyself bendest over the sufferer's bed. His heart speaks to Thee. In the throes of sorrow and suffering Thou bringest peace and unexpected consolation. Thou art the comforter. Thou art the love which watches over and heals us. To Thee we sing the song: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

When in childhood I called upon Thee consciously for the first time, Thou didst hear my prayer, and Thou didst fill my heart with the blessing of peace. At that moment I knew Thy goodness and knew how blessed are those who turn to Thee. I started to call upon Thee night and day; and now even now I call upon Thy name.

Glory to Thee, satisfying my desires with good things
Glory to Thee, watching over me day and night
Glory to Thee, curing affliction and emptiness with the healing flow of time
Glory to Thee, no loss is irreparable in Thee, Giver of eternal life to all
Glory to Thee, making immortal all that is lofty and good
Glory to Thee, promising us the longed-for meeting with our loved ones who have died
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 9

Why is it that on a Feast Day the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? Why is it that then a heavenly gladness fills our hearts; a gladness far beyond that of earth and the very air in church and in the altar becomes luminous? It is the breath of Thy gracious love. It is the reflection of the glory of Mount Tabor. Then do heaven and earth sing Thy praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

When Thou didst call me to serve my brothers and filled my soul with humility, one of Thy deep, piercing rays shone into my heart; it became luminous, full of light like iron glowing in the furnace. I have seen Thy face, face of mystery and of unapproachable glory.

Glory to Thee, transfiguring our lives with deeds of love
Glory to Thee, making wonderfully Sweet the keeping of Thy commandments
Glory to Thee, making Thyself known where man shows mercy on his neighbour
Glory to Thee, sending us failure and misfortune that we may understand the sorrows of others
Glory to Thee, rewarding us so well for the good we do
Glory to Thee, welcoming the impulse of our heart's love
Glory to Thee, raising to the heights of heaven every act of love in earth and sky
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 10

No one can put together what has crumbled into dust, but Thou canst restore a conscience turned to ashes. Thou canst restore to its former beauty a soul lost and without hope. With Thee, there is nothing that cannot be redeemed. Thou art love; Thou art Creator and Redeemer. We praise Thee, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

Remember, my God, the fall of Lucifer full of pride, keep me safe with the power of Thy Grace; save me from falling away from Thee. Save me from doubt. Incline my heart to hear Thy mysterious voice every moment of my life. Incline my heart to call upon Thee, present in everything.

Glory to Thee for every happening
Every condition Thy providence has put me in
Glory to Thee for what Thou speakest to me in my heart
Glory to Thee for what Thou revealest to me, asleep or awake
Glory to Thee for scattering our vain imaginations
Glory to Thee for raising us from the slough of our passions through suffering
Glory to Thee for curing our pride of heart by humiliation
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 11

Across the cold chains of the centuries, I feel the warmth of Thy breath, I feel Thy blood pulsing in my veins. Part of time has already gone, but now Thou art the present. I stand by Thy Cross; I was the cause of it. I cast myself down in the dust before it. Here is the triumph of love, the victory of salvation. Here the centuries themselves cannot remain silent, singing Thy praises: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Blessed are they that will share in the King's Banquet: but already on earth Thou givest me a foretaste of this blessedness. How many times with Thine own hand hast Thou held out to me Thy Body and Thy Blood, and I, though a miserable sinner, have received this Mystery, and have tasted Thy love, so ineffable, so heavenly.

Glory to Thee for the unquenchable fire of Thy Grace
Glory to Thee, building Thy Church, a haven of peace in a tortured world
Glory to Thee for the life-giving water of Baptism in which we find new birth
Glory to Thee, restoring to the penitent purity white as the lily
Glory to Thee for the cup of salvation and the bread of eternal joy
Glory to Thee for exalting us to the highest heaven
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 12

How often have I seen the reflection of Thy glory in the faces of the dead. How resplendent they were, with beauty and heavenly joy. How ethereal, how translucent their faces. How triumphant over suffering and death, their felicity and peace. Even in the silence they were calling upon Thee. In the hour of my death, enlighten my soul, too, that it may cry out to Thee: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

What sort of praise can I give Thee? I have never heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy reserved for the spirits above. But I know the praises that nature sings to Thee. In winter, I have beheld how silently in the moonlight the whole earth offers Thee prayer, clad in its white mantle of snow, sparkling like diamonds. I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in Thee, how the song of the birds is a chorus of praise to Thee. I have heard the mysterious mutterings of the forests about Thee, and the winds singing Thy praise as they stir the waters. I have understood how the choirs of stars proclaim Thy glory as they move forever in the depths of infinite space. What is my poor worship! All nature obeys Thee, I do not. Yet while I live, I see Thy love, I long to thank Thee, and call upon Thy name.

Glory to Thee, giving us light
Glory to Thee, loving us with love so deep, divine and infinite
Glory to Thee, blessing us with light, and with the host of angels and saints
Glory to Thee, Father all-holy, promising us a share in Thy Kingdom
Glory to Thee, Holy Spirit, life-giving Sun of the world to come
Glory to Thee for all things, Holy and most merciful Trinity
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 13

Life-giving and merciful Trinity, receive my thanksgiving for all Thy goodness. Make us worthy of Thy blessings, so that, when we have brought to fruit the talents Thou hast entrusted to us, we may enter into the joy of our Lord, forever exulting in the shout of victory: Alleluia!

(repeat Kontakion 13 and Alleluia three times)

Ikos 1

I was born a weak, defenceless child, but Thine angel spread his wings over my cradle to defend me. From birth until now Thy love has illumined my path, and has wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the generous gifts of Thy providence have been marvelously showered upon me. I give Thee thanks, with all who have come to know Thee, who call upon Thy name.

Glory to Thee for calling me into being
Glory to Thee, showing me the beauty of the universe
Glory to Thee, spreading out before me heaven and earth
Like the pages in a book of eternal wisdom
Glory to Thee for Thine eternity in this fleeting world
Glory to Thee for Thy mercies, seen and unseen
Glory to Thee through every sigh of my sorrow
Glory to Thee for every step of my life's journey
For every moment of glory
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age

Kontakion 1

Everlasting King, Thy will for our salvation is full of power. Thy right arm controls the whole course of human life. We give Thee thanks for all Thy mercies, seen and unseen. For eternal life, for the heavenly Joys of the Kingdom which is to be. Grant mercy to us who sing Thy praise, both now and in the time to come. Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age.

]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-05-31T19:15:08-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-46http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-46
I pray that you and your family are all greatly blessed by God during this fast-free week long continued celebration of Holy Pentecost! The Kneeling Prayers that we prayed together last Sunday are so powerful and inspirational. I look forward to bending my knees in prayer together with you every year.

Three quick notes...

1. We welcome into the world the newest member of St. Luke's, Tess Elisabeth Joly, born to Stefan and Mary Margaret this week on May 28th. She is a healthy baby girl, 6 lbs 10 oz, and 18.5 inches. Mom and dad are both healthy and radiating with joy!

2. Is anyone available on Sunday, July 15th, to give a ride to Mary Staykow and her son Michael, Orthodox Christians who are visiting our area from Oregon? They will be staying at a hotel on Harbor near Disneyland and would love to attend Divine Liturgy at St. Luke's. Please let me know.

3. This Sunday, June 3rd, I would like to treat you - all my beloved family - that means everyone in the parish family at St. Luke's - to a simple birthday lunch with sandwiches, veggies, fruit and cake. The children will also be treated to pizza in their church school classes (this is the last day of church school this year), but I imagine they still might have room for some cake afterwards.

As a reminder, June 3rd is also the last day to eat meat for a while. The Apostles Fast begins on June 4th and continues through June 29th.

Have a blessed remainder of Pentecost Week,

I hope to see you on Sunday,

Fr. Michael]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-05-22T08:46:12-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-45http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-45
Some of you have asked about the excerpts that I read from St. Seraphim's conversation with Motovilov in last Sunday's sermon that focused on the "Acquisition of the Holy Spirit".

The following link will take you to the entire conversation.

http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/wonderful.aspx

Its a few pages long, but in my humble opinion, this should be required reading for all Orthodox Christians.

On a personal note, when I first heard these words in a January 1980 sermon... they were a primary reason that I knew I needed to become Orthodox!

Looking forward to a blessed celebration of Holy Pentecost with you this coming Sunday,

Fr. Michael]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-04-16T17:34:33-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-44http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/index.html#unique-entry-id-44Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-03-30T21:49:21-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-43http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-43
Christ is in our midst!

Tomorrow is Lazarus Saturday, Sunday is Palm Sunday, and then Holy Week is already here!

For our parish's complete 2007 Schedule of Holy Week and Pascha Services, please visit the calendar page on our St. Luke's website by simply clicking on the following link:

http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/calendar/index.html

As you know, our Teen SOYO has always been instrumental in making the Holy Friday Vigil at the Tomb of Christ come to a spiritually beneficial fruition. This year is no different. We need teens and adults to sign-up to participate in the readings throughout the night. The Vigil will begin at 9pm on Friday night and last until 8am on Holy Saturday morning. The first two hours (from 9-11pm) have already been reserved for our younger children (under age 13) to read at the Tomb. Please see Pal Lengyel-Leahu regarding the first two hours.

The Holy Friday Vigil Sign-up Sheet will be available in the Narthex beginning with this evening's Little Compline Service. Please sign up and reserve your time slot/s as soon as possible!

For more helpful information about the Holy Friday Vigil, you can visit our Antiochian Archdiocese website at the following link: http://www.antiochian.org/great_friday_vigil

And, I will cut and paste (below) the Guidelines for Readers throughout the Holy Friday Vigil. These are also posted for easy reference in the Narthex.

With much love in Christ,

Fr. Michael

Guidelines for the Readers

THE ORDER OF THE READINGS: The order of Readings during the Holy Vigil is as follows: 1) The Lamentations 2) The Psalms 3) The Holy Gospels of St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John 4) The Acts of the Apostles. Repeat.

FOUR READERS EACH HOUR: Let's try to have at least four readers signed-up for every hour of the Holy Vigil throughout the night. Each reader is then be responsible to read for 15 minutes. You are welcome to sign up for more than one hour.

ARRIVE ON TIME: If, for example, you signed up to read from 2am-4am, please be here at 2am. The readers who were scheduled to finish at 2am will be expecting your arrival (so they may go home) and to continue the reading from where they've ended.

BY SIGNING UP TO READ DURING A PARTICULAR TIME, YOU'VE MADE A COMMITMENT TO BE HERE DURING THAT TIME, NOT SOME OTHER TIME: If, for example, you signed up to read from 6am-7am, but then suddenly decide that you will read from 9pm-10pm... two things happen. First, you take time away from those who made the commitment to be here from 9pm-10pm, forcing them to stay later in order to read. And second, you leave an empty time slot from 6am-7am, where you originally made a commitment to read, forcing someone else to unexpectedly cover you.

NO IDLE TALK IN THE CHURCH: Standing before tomb of God crucified in the flesh, our very Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we read in the utmost awe and reverence. If any other talking must occur, it may be proper to take place in the Fellowship Hall.

THIS IS NOT A SLEEP OVER/PARTY NIGHT: We must behave with holy reverence throughout the night, in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-03-16T16:40:07-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-42http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-42"Be ashamed when you sin, don't be ashamed when you repent.

There are two things: sin and repentance. Sin is the wound; repentance is the medicine. Sin is followed by shame; repentance is followed by boldness.

But Satan has overturned this order and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance."

+St. John Chrysostom]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-03-15T19:00:22-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-41http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-41
With heavy heart, I am writing you with the sad news that our beloved sister in Christ, Vida Shaer, fell asleep in the Lord this Tuesday evening, following a protracted and valliant struggle against cancer. May her memory be eternal! Our love and prayers are of course with her husband, Nadeem, her children, Helena and Jake, her parents and all her family.

The funeral service for Vida will take place at St. Luke's this Saturday, March 17th at 11am. Her burial will follow at Memory Garden Memorial Park in Brea. See http://www.memorygarden.com for their address and map. Afterwards, we will return to St. Luke's for the Meal of Mercy.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Vida can be made to St. Luke's.

Vida will be greatly missed. In her, God blessed us with such a wonderful example, an icon, of a faithful and virtuous Christian woman.

May her memory be eternal!]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-03-06T18:29:59-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-40http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/mar-2007#unique-entry-id-40
We've had a fascinating development at Martha and Mary House that I thought you would find interesting. One of the recurring challenges has been finding a good way to transport everyone at MMH together in one vehicle, especially at times when the house is operating at full capacity. Since Sarah has gotten to know the service manager at the local Toyota dealership over recent years, she sought some advice from him about what sort of moderately-priced used van might make sense for MMH. She also sought the prayers of many, including St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, to whom she is very devoted. Likewise, the dealership service manger agreed to pray on the matter, even though he cautioned that he "was not very much of a churchgoer".

Recently Sarah became aware of a particular used van, and sought the service manager's advice. He felt strongly that the vehicle in question was not appropriate -- probably due to concerns about reliability. His counsel was to look for a used Toyota Siena, a full-sized van. However, the estimated price seemed out of range.

Based on the "Siena" advice, Sarah earnestly sought the help of St. John of Shanghai. The result was a phone call she received shortly thereafter. A couple in X county called MMH to say that they had a perfectly good, low-mileage Toyota Siena van, and that they would be happy to donate it to MMH if there were any need for such a vehicle!

A wonderful turn of events, and a testament to the prayers of all, including our saintly forbearers.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-02-26T20:21:55-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-39http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-39
Christ is in our midst!

Well, here they go again. Holy Pascha is drawing near, and thus like clockwork, the blind fools of this world, who in their satanic delusion are ever bent on trying to deny Jesus Christ... and thereby our Holy Orthodox Faith and all true Christians... yes, they're at it once more, trying to undermine the very foundation of Christianity, the Resurrection of our incarnate God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hey, this time they hope to dazzle us with their "vast knowledge and scientific wisdom" via a so-called documentary, scheduled to air next Sunday March 4th on the Discovery Channel, in which they are claiming to have "discovered" the tomb of Christ and his family. What's that you say, the tomb of Christ? Gee whiz, if Christ is in the tomb, then there couldn't possibly be any resurrection. So I guess this whole Christianity thing is just a colossal hoax fostered upon us poor ignorant folk the past 2,000 years. That's what they beleive, and that's the lie they'd like others to swallow too.

However, its clearly they who are the hoax! The following AP Article reveals that their "discovery" is nothing but garbage.

I ask and strongly encourage all the faithful of St. Luke's NOT to watch this show next week. At best, its only a waste of time... but more likely, it will serve only to pollute our eyes and minds with the stench of satan... who in biblical language is called the father of all lies!

Your unworthy servant, Fr. Michael

Scholars, Clergy Slam Jesus Documentary
By MARSHALL THOMPSON

February 26, 2007

Archaeologists and clergymen in the Holy Land derided claims in a new documentary produced by the Oscar-winning director James Cameron that contradict major Christian tenets. 'The Lost Tomb of Christ,' which the Discovery Channel will run on March 4, argues that 10 ancient ossuaries _ small caskets used to store bones _ discovered in a suburb of Jerusalem in 1980 may have contained the bones of Jesus and his family, according to a press release issued by the Discovery Channel.

One of the caskets even bears the title, 'Judah, son of Jesus,' hinting that Jesus may have had a son. And the very fact that Jesus had an ossuary would contradict the Christian belief that he was resurrected and ascended to heaven.

Most Christians believe Jesus' body spent three days at the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City. The burial site identified in Cameron's documentary is in a southern Jerusalem neighborhood nowhere near the church.

In 1996, when the BBC aired a short documentary on the same subject, archaeologists challenged the claims. Amos Kloner, the first archaeologist to examine the site, said the idea fails to hold up by archaeological standards but makes for profitable television.

'They just want to get money for it,' Kloner said.

The claims have raised the ire of Christian leaders in the Holy Land.

'The historical, religious and archaeological evidence show that the place where Christ was buried is the Church of the Resurrection,' said Attallah Hana, a Greek Orthodox clergyman in Jerusalem. The documentary, he said, 'contradicts the religious principles and the historic and spiritual principles that we hold tightly to.'

Stephen Pfann, a biblical scholar at the University of the Holy Land in Jerusalem who was interviewed in the documentary, said the film's hypothesis holds little weight.

'I don't think that Christians are going to buy into this,' Pfann said. 'But skeptics, in general, would like to see something that pokes holes into the story that so many people hold dear.'

'How possible is it?' Pfann said. 'On a scale of one through 10 _ 10 being completely possible _ it's probably a one, maybe a one and a half.'

Pfann is even unsure that the name 'Jesus' on the caskets was read correctly. He thinks it's more likely the name 'Hanun.'

Kloner also said the filmmakers' assertions are false.

'It was an ordinary middle-class Jerusalem burial cave,' Kloner said. 'The names on the caskets are the most common names found among Jews at the time.'

Archaeologists also balk at the filmmaker's claim that the James Ossuary _ the center of a famous antiquities fraud in Israel _ might have originated from the same cave. In 2005, Israel charged five suspects with forgery in connection with the infamous bone box.

'I don't think the James Ossuary came from the same cave,' said Dan Bahat, an archaeologist at Bar-Ilan University. 'If it were found there, the man who made the forgery would have taken something better. He would have taken Jesus.'

Although the documentary makers claim to have found the tomb of Jesus, the British Broadcasting Corporation beat them to the punch by 11 years.

Osnat Goaz, a spokeswoman for the Israeli government agency responsible for archaeology, declined to comment before the documentary was aired.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-02-21T19:17:37-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-38http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-38
Wow... powerful and prophetic!

February 5, 1979: All these days, while watching on television the raging crowd on the streets of Tehran , with the astounding idolization of Ayatollah Khomeni, I feel that despite all its technocracy, the West is bankrupt. The West has nothing to offer to the Third, Fourth or other worlds that are just awakening. The reason, it seems to me, is quite simple. The First world never had any other dream than Christianity –maybe better to say- than Christ! Only around Christ did "freedom," culture," "technocracy" have any meaning. But the West renounced Christ and Christianity; renounced them for the sake of the freedoms that Christianity had planted. Marx, Engels, Freud are stages of that renunciation. And with that renunciation, the soul was lost. Everything started to decay and into everything entered death. It was the renunciation of Christianity, of its vision, but mainly the renunciation of Christianity by Christians themselves. And thousands of people now clamor about the mysterious Islamic Republic.

February 22, 1979: Passionate interest in Iran 's events. The papers are filled with the war between China and Vietnam, but I seem to be completely bewitched by this Ayatollah. I know why of course: because of religion, because in Iran, right now, is the focus of what is happening with Christianity; its weakening, its dying away as a power in history… In Iran the power of Islam flared up in that old man. It will probably be defeated and crushed by the same West with its other power, the mysticism of the masses, of Marxism, Leninism: but the West, as Christianity, is dying. It poses so many deep questions about the essence of Christianity. Islam, to sum it up, is anti-Christian.

It seems that:

-- The West – secular, hedonistic, technological, etc. lives by its renunciation of Christianity. I emphasize, not by its indifference to Christianity, but precisely renunciation (happiness, economics, sex, abortion)
-- The revolutionary West lives by its fight with Christianity, with the Christian man, the homo Christianus
-- The East is divided between Western renunciation (Japan, maybe now China, with their dream to modernize) and the fight with the West under either the sign of revolution or Islam

The "death of Christianity"! It sounds horrible. But is it so? It constantly seems to me (and gives me inner light and joy!) that the death of Christianity is needed, so that Christ would be resurrected. The deadly weakness of Christianity lies in only one thing – forgetting and neglecting Christ. In the Gospel, Christ always says "I" – He says about Himself that He will come back in glory as a King. One must love Him, expect Him, rejoice in Him and about Him. When nothing of Christianity will remain only Christ will be visible; and neither revolution, nor Islam, nor hedonism will have any power left. Now is the time for prayer.

Come, Lord Jesus.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-02-21T19:16:33-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-37http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-37An icon? This ponytailed monk will leave that image to others

Father Justin Sinaites has 'rock star' status as overseer of a Byzantine exhibition at the Getty Museum . He's eager to return home to Egypt .

By Martha Groves, Times Staff Writer
February 20, 2007

With his long black robes and salt-and-pepper beard and ponytail, Father Justin Sinaites hardly looks the part of rock star. But when the tall, lean monk walks through the exhibition of Byzantine icons and manuscripts on display through March 4 at the J. Paul Getty Museum, visitors descend on him like so many grown-up groupies.

"I recognized you from the video," said Heidi Singh, a Buddhist minister who rushed to Father Justin's side as he stood one recent morning before a 6th century icon of St. Peter. Later, a group of visitors crowded around him to ask about St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai, Egypt, where he lives with 24 other Greek Orthodox monks and serves as librarian.

Call Father Justin the icon of the icons.

Because he speaks English and knows the exhibition's 43 icons, six manuscripts and four liturgical objects intimately, Father Justin was tapped as a "courier" to monitor their care on a rare trip outside their desert home, 8,000 miles away. So far, more than 171,000 people have toured the exhibition, "Holy Image, Hallowed Ground: Icons From Sinai."

It is an unlikely role for a man who grew up in a Baptist household in Texas and came to Greek Orthodoxy as a college student. Like the icons themselves, Father Justin's path to St. Catherine's, at the foot of the mountain where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, speaks of faith, humility and love.

Born in 1949, Father Justin grew up in El Paso with three siblings. While studying at the University of Texas in Austin , he became fascinated by history, first medieval and then Byzantine. He read voraciously about the early church and began attending the Greek Orthodox church in San Antonio (because Austin did not yet have one). He was drawn by the church's "continuity and the perfect balance of doctrines."

"The Orthodox church became the most important thing for me," Father Justin said in a recent interview at the Getty.

His parents "didn't understand anything about the Orthodox church," he said. "I tried to explain it to them, but that only made them more confused."

He graduated in 1971 with majors in English and history. While continuing to study Orthodox history and theology, he marked time by building traditional pipe organs in Austin and then counseling delinquent boys in Houston .

On Lazarus Saturday (a celebration of Christ's raising of Lazarus from the dead, held on the day before Palm Sunday) in 1974, his 25th birthday, he entered the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Brookline , Mass. , as a novice.

In 1978, Father Justin spent two days at the Sacred and Imperial Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount of Sinai — known more familiarly as the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine, Sinai (still a mouthful), or, simply, St. Catherine's Monastery.

"I had already read a tremendous amount and had a tremendous love for the place," Father Justin said, adding that he had known since before he became a novice that it was the place he wanted to be. But in 1978 it was out of the question for an American to join the monks' community there.

On a pilgrimage in 1995, Father Justin again spent two days at the monastery. After living for more than 20 years in the Brookline monastery, Father Justin knew the Greek language and the monks' way of life.

By then, Damianos, archbishop of Sinai, and the Holy Council of the Fathers were willing to make an exception to the general rule that St. Catherine's monks had to be of Greek descent. In February 1996, Father Justin moved to Sinai, where he was greeted by almond trees bursting into bloom, an auspicious sign. He immediately felt at home.

"Sinai is such an astonishing place," he said. "The continuity that first attracted me [to Greek Orthodoxy] is something you experience to an intense degree at Sinai."

Sinai is not the most hospitable of environments. Blisteringly hot in summer, numbingly cold in winter, the peninsula retains much of the wildness that the ancient Israelites beheld after Moses led them out of Egypt and across the parted Red Sea . Today the area is home to Bedouins and few others.

A typical day at the monastery for Father Justin and the other monks starts with a service from 4 to 7:30 am. There is another service at noon and vespers at 4 p.m. The monks dine together, do chores and study.

Once an enigmatic place at the edge of the world, reachable only by dirt roads, St. Catherine's, for better or worse, has seen the modern world move much closer. Nearby luxury hotels accommodate tourists, many of whom — sometimes 1,000 a day — find the paved road that now leads most of the way to St. Catherine's. (Among the visitors in 1998 were Father Justin's parents, who, he said, "were impressed and became at ease with my being there.")

An American businessman set up a computer and modem and introduced e-mail to the ancient fortress, built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

The technology "has caused the whole world to shrink," Father Justin said. "Many feel the end of isolation at Sinai is a great tragedy. But the archbishop believes that people need to experience the ancient traditions."

Months ago, an e-mail request from a young man in Southern California prompted Father Justin to carry with him to Los Angeles leaves he had cut from the plant that purportedly is the "burning bush" where Moses heard the voice of God, as described in the book of Exodus. The man's friend, John Valadez, accepted the leaves after Father Justin's recent lecture at the Getty. "It was a wonderful blessing," Valadez said.

For years, the monastery's thick walls and remote location protected the monks and the precious icons, candlesticks and ancient vestments. The arid climate also helped.

Father Justin praised the Getty's care in constructing airtight shipping crates for the fragile objects, most of which had never left Sinai — where, he said, the maximum humidity is 30%, about as low as a museum could maintain. To avoid exposure to excessive humidity, each object was unloaded and installed, under Father Justin's watchful eye, in a quick 15 minutes.

Father Justin and a colleague, Father Porphyrios, typically spend their days in Los Angeles shuttling between a Getty-owned apartment in Brentwood and the hilltop Getty, where Father Justin spends hours doing research in the library. He has also visited the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens and given lectures, using a Mac laptop, at the Getty and elsewhere about the icons and manuscripts and the effort he is leading to digitally photograph the manuscript collection.

Father Justin has also seen a sister and plans to visit his parents later this month.

On Sundays when he's not traveling, he and Father Porphyrios assist with services at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral on South Normandie Avenue.

Father John Bakas, the dean of St. Sophia, will join Father Justin and Father Porphyrios and other Orthodox clergy on Saturday evening for a highly unusual service celebrating the restoration of the icons at the Getty.

The clergy will then lead a procession through the gallery, observing icons that survived what is known as iconoclasm, a period in the 8th century when many icons were destroyed.

Father John said he has been impressed by Father Justin's devotion.

"You don't think of El Paso , Texas , being the home of ascetic Sinai monks," he said. "He's a very humble, understated individual who typifies the ancient model of the ascetic desert father."

Father Justin appears eager for the "rock star" days to end so that he can return to Sinai.

"Some people think coming here would be a break, and it is," he said. "But there are different responsibilities. You look forward to going back because that's where your spiritual center is."]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-01-12T19:03:30-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jan-2007#unique-entry-id-36http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jan-2007#unique-entry-id-36Posted 1/11/2007 4:00 PM ET
By Tom Breen, Associated Press

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Greg Mencotti worried he would never find a spiritual home.
The Sunday school teacher grew up Roman Catholic, lost his faith and became an atheist. Eventually, he returned to Christianity, this time as a born-again Christian, spending years worshipping in a Methodist congregation. Still, he felt his search wasn't over.

That led him to the Holy Spirit Antiochian Orthodox Church in Huntington, W. Va., a denomination with Mideast roots that, like all Orthodox groups, traces its origins to the earliest days of Christianity.

Today, Mencotti is one of about 250 million Orthodox believers worldwide — and among a significant number of newcomers attracted to this ancient way of worship. The trend is especially notable since so few in the United States know about the Orthodox churches here.

"I was like most Americans," said Mencotti, who was urged by his wife to explore Orthodox worship. "I didn't understand anything about Orthodoxy."

Orthodoxy was born from the Great Schism of 1054, when feuds over papal authority and differences in the liturgy split Christianity into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox halves.

In the United States, Orthodox Christians are a fraction of religious believers, numbering about 1.2 million, according to estimates by Orthodox researchers.

In the past, their growth had been largely fueled by immigration, with churches forming mainly along ethnic lines. Some converts came to Orthodoxy through marriage to a church member.

But now about one-third of all U.S. Orthodox priests are converts — and that number is likely to grow, according to Alexei D. Krindatch, research director at the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, Calif. A 2006 survey of the four Orthodox seminaries in the country found that about 43% of seminarians are converts, Krindatch said.

There are no exact figures on the rate of conversion across the 22 separate U.S. Orthodox jurisdictions. But when Mencotti began attending Orthodox worship, the church was packed with converts, including the church's pastor, the Rev. John Dixon.

The Rev. John Matusiak, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Wheaton, Ill., part of the Orthodox Church in America, said his parish has grown from 20 people in the early 1990s to more than 600 today, with the overwhelming majority of new members younger than 40.

Krindatch's research found that one-third of the more than 200 U.S. parishes in the Antiochian Orthodox Church were founded after 1990.

Matusiak said growth is especially apparent in suburbs and commuter towns. "People in Wheaton weren't flocking to Orthodoxy, because there was never a church here," Matusiak said.

Many converts credit the beauty of the liturgy and the durability of the theology, which can be a comfort to those seeking shelter from divisive battles over biblical interpretation in other Christian traditions.

Dixon, who was raised an Old Regular Baptist, an austere faith of the Southern Appalachians, said his conversion grew from his studies about the origins of Christianity as an undergraduate at Marshall University. The turning point came when he first attended services at an Orthodox church.

"As soon as I came in that day," he says, "I knew I was home."

Convert-fueled growth, though, has its challenges.

Like converts in all faiths, the newly Orthodox bring a zeal that can be unsettling for those born into the church, who tend to be more easygoing in their religious observance. Parishes run the risk of dividing between new and lifelong parishioners, Krindatch says.

"Converts to Orthodoxy form their own little quasi-seminary and it's almost a closed group," says the Rev. Joseph Huneycutt, associate pastor of St. George Anti-ochian Orthodox Church in Houston, who was raised Southern Baptist then became Orthodox.

And some worry about converts' impact on the churches. They are entering the parishes at a time when many lay activists across Orthodox denominations are pushing church leaders to let go of ethnic divisions and pool resources so they can better evangelize in the United States.

Huneycutt, author of One Flew Over the Onion Dome, a book about conversion, and the editor of OrthoDixie, a blog about Orthodoxy in the South, said he was drawn to the faith by the beauty of its rituals and its teachings.

On his first visit, he said the church was filled with the smell of incense and the sound of the chanted Divine Liturgy. The altar was largely concealed by the iconostasis, a large screen or wall hung with icons of Christ, Mary, angels and Apostles. And worshippers received Communion from a chalice and spoon.

"I had become convinced that the Eucharist was the center of Christian worship — ancient Christian worship," Huneycutt says. "Once I had reached that point in my personal walk with Christ, there was no going back."]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2007-01-12T19:02:27-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jan-2007#unique-entry-id-35http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jan-2007#unique-entry-id-35
Christ is in our midst!

Invitation from Fr. Nicholas Ceko:

I am very pleased to announce the visit to Los Angeles of Father Thomas Hopko, well known pastor, theologian and author. In order to make the most of this visit, and to share fellowship with one another, I take this opportunity to invite you and the young adults (ages 18-35 or so) in your parish to a speciall gathering of Orthodox young adults for dinner and fellowship on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at St. Steven Serbian Orthodox Cathedral - 1621 West Garvey Avenue in Alhambra. The evening will begin with Vespers at 6pm, followed by dinner in our social hall. After dinner, Fr. Thomas will speak to the young adults and address their specific questions on topics especially of interest to them. The dinner is free, as I hope we can gather as many young adults in our area to spend time with one another in fellowship and conversation with this beloved priest as our guest.

I encourage all parishioners ages 18-35 to attend this evening and take advantage of this great opportunity!

And, as St. Steven's is offering to host us for a free dinner after Vespers, common courtesy demands that we call Fr. Nicholas ahead of time (626-284-9100) to RSVP.

Please make plans to attend!

Yours in Christ, Fr. Michael]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-11-10T13:19:55-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-34http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-34Ensamble!

Their voices were majestic and beautiful! Sincere thanks to everyone
who atended last night: we were indeed blessed with a fantastic
attendance! And also, special thanks to everyone who invited their
family, friends and co-workers too.

Heartfelt thanks also to everyone who donated, to everyone who brought
tasty home-made goodies for us to enjoy during intermission, and to the
host families. God bless you all!

2. On another note, we are hosting a "Camp at Home Day" at St. Luke's
tomorrow (Saturday) lasting from 9am - 4pm and open to the youth of the
Southern CA deanery. Your children can register at the door.

The day begins at 9am with Matins. This is a Saturday Matins and its a
bit unique. If you'd like to attend, all are welcome to come to Matins
tomorrow, that is: you don't have to be a "youth" to attend the morning
service.

Vespers will be at 6pm as usual.

3. As a reminder, Holy Advent begins on Wednesday, November 15th.
]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-11-08T13:17:58-08:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-33http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-33
Christ is in our midst!

From the ancient and remote Orthodox monastery of St. Catherine's in the Sinai desert of Egypt, they are coming. Fifty-two precious icons and liturgical objects, many of which have never left their home in Mt. Sinai, are on their way to Los Angeles for a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the Getty Center.

Please see the following link for more detailed information, photos, and even a video tour of St. Catherine's!

http://www.getty.edu/art/installation_highlights/previews/sinai.html

We would like to arrange a bus-trip outing from St. Luke's to the Getty Center during Advent. The exhibition runs from November 14th through March 4th. We will do everything possible to keep the cost to attend very minimal, as we want to encourage as many parishioners as possible to take advantage of this precious blessing. Unless we have immanent plans to travel to the Sinai desert and visit St. Catherine's, this exhibition at the Getty is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.

Please sign-up with Bernadeen Scholl after Liturgy if you are interested in attending. Let us know what day of the week would be best for you. If there is sufficient interest - and I sure hope there is - we will proceed making the necessary arrangements.

PS: See you tomorrow evening at 7pm for the Valaam Ensamble!

Yours in Christ, Fr. Michael]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-10-16T18:17:23-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/oct-2006#unique-entry-id-32http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/oct-2006#unique-entry-id-32
Just a quick note to remind everyone that tomorrow evening, Tuesday,
October 17th at 6:30 pm, we will celebrate the Evening Divine Liturgy in
honor of the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, our common patron saint
and heavenly intercessor before the Throne of God.

To receive Holy Communion, please fast completely after having had a
light mid-day meal.

There will be a lenten pot-luck celebration meal in the Fellowship Hall
following the Evening Liturgy tomorrow. If you are able, please bring
something to share - and thus there will be bounty for all to partake!

Our Parish Feast Day celebration will continue this Sunday, the 22nd,
with a BBQ and picnic following the Divine Liturgy. There will also be
a Silent Auction, including many tremendous items, all the proceeds of
which will benefit our parish Camp Fund.

I look forward to seeing you!

Through the intercessions of the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, may
God continue to bless us all!]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-09-09T16:24:52-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/sep-2006#unique-entry-id-31http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/sep-2006#unique-entry-id-31
We received the following invitation from St. Paul's in Irvine. It is always a blessing to hear Fr. Thomas Hopko speak, and certainly worthwhile to save the dates on our calendars. Fliers with complete information are presently available in our Narthex.

Blessed Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos today!

Yours in Christ, Fr. Michael

Dear Reverend Fathers and Friends,

We hope you can join us for our Spiritual Odyssey with Father Thomas Hopko this year on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7 at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church at 4949 Alton Pkwy., Irvine, CA 92604; phone: 949-733-2366. The theme is "If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him" (2 Timothy 2:11). Child care will be provided. Please feel free to print the attached flyer and to include it in your Sunday bulletin and/or monthly bulletin. If you would like us to mail you any flyers directly, please contact me at 949-733-2366 or at dlangis@stpaulsirvine.org We hope you and your parishioners will be able to join us!

Respectfully yours,
Dean Langis
Pastoral Assistant]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-08-23T20:22:39-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-30http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-30
You may recall that we were visited several years ago by Nathan and Lynette Hoppe and their children, who are OCMC (Orthodox Christian Missions Center) Missionaries serving in Albania. I beseech your prayers especially at this time for Lynette - see below:

Dear friends of OCMC,

These next days are approaching the final moments on earth of Lynette Hoppe. We request your prayers for Lynette and all her family and coworkers. Lynette's life, ministry and the manner in which she has faced this encounter with cancer have been an inspiration to many. Only one week ago she was writing about her experiences as camp counselor in Albania. Now, in the words of her husband, she "…has begun to slip away from us."

The following link leads to a recent update from Nathan on Lynette's condition and of prayer requests.

http://www.prayforlynette.org/

The Georgena Parris Memorial College Scholarship Fund: Although this has been in the Bulletin every week for over a month and I have also been announcing this Scholarship's availability in Church after Liturgy: to date, we have only received two completed Applications. This Sunday, August 27th is the deadline for receiving Applications. Please bring your completed Application to Church on Sunday, or mail it to the Church Office ASAP.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-08-20T19:20:36-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-29http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-29
GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED

I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.

He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..."

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.

He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.

He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different.

Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.

The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied.

He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.

He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside.

"That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.

His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.

He doesn't know what it means to be discontented.

His life is simple.

He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.

He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.

He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.

Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.

It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap . .. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

Kevin won't be surprised at all!]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-08-20T19:15:57-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-28http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-28and Pastoral Practice at St Vladimir's Seminary have been made available
online for free MP3 download from St Vladimir's Seminary Press (www.svspress.com).

All you have to do is add these items to your shopping
cart and select "Free of Charge" at checkout.
Once downloaded, these can be burned to a CD or downloaded to an iPod or
similar device .

The available lectures are as follows:

* "Death and the Rest of our Life" Fr John Garvey
* "An End to All Endings" Dr David Bently Hart
* "Life and Death Today: Ethical Issues" Dr Lila Kalinich
* "Death in the Fathers" Fr John Behr
* "Death in the Old Testament" Fr Paul Nadim Tarazi
* "Death in the New Testament" Dr John Barnet
* "The Development of the Christian Funeral" Dr Paul Meyendorff
* "What Happens When We Die?" Dr Peter Bouteneff
* "The Psalms: Commemorating the Departed" Mark Bailey
* "Legal Implications of Death" Anne Glynn Mackoul

Click this link to access the free lectures at SVS Press]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-08-20T19:14:05-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-27http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-27August 15th - Blessed Great Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos! Please see the excerpt from a beautiful sermon by St Gregory Palamas below.

Elizabeth Assad: Our dear sister in Christ and long-time fellow parishioner at St. Luke's has fallen asleep in the Lord at the blessed age of 95. May her memory be eternal! Visitation will be on Tuesday the 15th from 4-8pm at Westminster Mortuary, which is located on Beach Blvd., south of the 22 Fwy. Funeral service will be at St. Luke's on Wednesday the 16th at 11am, followed by internment at Westminster Memorial, and a Mercy Meal back here at the St. Luke's Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please call the church at 714-971-2244.

Teen SOYO "Swim and Study": On Wednesday evening the 16th beginning at 6pm, hosted at the Lengyel-Leahu home. Many thanks for hosting us! The address is 1692 Sierra Alta Drive in Santa Ana, CA 92705. We ask that our young ladies bring a modest one-piece (not a two-piece) bathing suit to wear for swimming. Parents can pick up their teens at 9:30pm. I look forward to seeing you this Wednesday evening! Should be great fun, and we'll also have time to talk together. And, I'm happy that we really had a great time together this past Sunday playing wiffleball etc!

Please note, the SOYO Outing scheduled for Saturday the 19th after Vespers is going to be postponed.

St. Gregory Palamas: For the complete text, go to - http://www.oca.org/FSsermons-details.asp?SID=4&ID=9

And who will the Only-Begotten love more than His Mother? He was Begotten of Her inexplicably in the fullness of time without a father, just as He was Begotten of the Father in eternity without a mother. How could He Who came to fulfill the Law not increase the honor due to His Mother even beyond the requirements of the Law?

Thus, since through Her alone did He Who "appeared upon earth and lived among mankind" (Baruch 3: 38), come unto us, being invisible to all before this time, so in the age to come, without Her intercession... every form of spiritual gift would be beyond the capacity of created beings. She alone has received the fulness of Him Who fills all things, and now through Her, all may receive it, for She dispenses it according to the capacity of each, and in proportion to the purity of each, since She is both the treasury and the overseer of the riches of God.

It is an eternal law in the heavens, that the inferior enter into communion with what is beyond being through the superior. Certainly, the Virgin Mother is incomparably superior to all. It is through Her that all partake of God, who otherwise would not partake. Those who know God understand Her to be the container of Him Who contains all. All who praise God praise Her together with Him. She Herself is the pardoner of all that went before Her, and intercessor for all that came after Her, and agent of eternal blessings. She is the subject of the prophecies of the prophets, the principle of the Apostles, the foundation of the martyrs, the premise of the Church's teachers. She is the glory of the earth-born, the joy of heavenly beings, and the adornment of all creatures. She is the beginning, the source and root of inexpressible blessings. She is the supreme perfection of all that is holy.

O divine, and now heavenly, Virgin! How can I relate everything concerning you? How can I glorify you, the Treasury of Glory? ... mere movement towards you illumines the mind, ...through you the spirit of a man is enlightened by... the Holy Spirit. You have become the treasury of divine gifts, and their repository; though not to keep them for yourself, but so that you might fill all of created nature with the gifts of grace. For the Master of those inexhaustible treasures entrusted them to you so that they might be bestowed. Why else would He have granted blessings, which would otherwise remain hidden and unbestowed?

Therefore, O Lady, grant your mercy and your grace abundantly to all your people, your inheritence. Deliver us from the misfortunes afflicting us. Behold how much and how greatly we are oppressed... by those both without and within. By your might transform all for the best.... bestow your help and healing commensurate with our passions, ...granting to our souls and our bodies abundant grace for every need. Though we may be incapable of containing your riches, increase our capacity and so grant them to us that we, saved and strengthened by your grace, may glorify the Pre-eternal Word Who was Incarnate of you for our sakes, together with His Unoriginate Father and Life-Creating Spirit, both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-08-20T19:12:34-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-26http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-26
Here are a few updates from our Church School:

The Church School, High School Grads, and Altar Server Recognition Sunday will be postponed from this coming Sunday until September 10th. I must admit that it just will not make sense to have it this week as there are simply too many families away on vacation at this time. God bless everyone with peaceful travel and a safe return home.

The First Day of Church School this year will be September 17th. Please mark your calendars.

Many Thanks to those who have offered to serve as Church School teachers this coming year! Your faithful dedication is such a blessing!

K-1 Elizabeth Bowan; 2-3 Freydel Bushala; 4-5 Lisa Tita; 6-7 Pal Lengyel-Leahu with Kirstie Jones; 8-9 Kyra Lewis and Diana Stanford; 10-12 Kimberly and Todd Corbin. God bless you all!

More help would still be greatly appreciated: If you'd like to be a teacher's helper and/or a substitute, please contact Donna Greenhut or I.

As these things go, it appears that we will not have a pre-school group this year. But, as we are very blessed to see on Sundays, there is a large group of toddlers on the horizon, who will soon be ready for Church School in the next year or two.

Anyone who needs to register a NEW Church School student should please see Donna Greenhut.

I think that covers everything for now!

Much love in Christ, Fr. Michael

]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-08-20T19:10:40-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-25http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-25
Christ is in our midst!

Here follows a few quick parish updates:

The Special Collection taken this past Sunday to aid victims of the ongoing war in the Middle East exceeded $800.00 Many thanks to all those who contributed in their love for God and our fellow man! If perchance you were not at the Transfiguration Liturgy this past Sunday and would still like to make a donation, this can be made out to "St. Luke Orthodox Church" and we in turn will forward one check to our Antiochian Archdiocese.

Beautiful New Benches were professionally preped, painted and installed this past Saturday by our Parish Council member Tom Thomas together with his all-star volunteer staff of parishioners, consisting of four men and two young ladies (who did all the painting!). Enjoy the new benches!!!

The eagerly anticipated Fellowship Hall Bathroom Rennovation was scheduled to begin at the beginning of August (i.e., now!). However, through no fault of his own, the highly recommended Contractor we hired has become delayed at his present job-site due to the constant modifications by his client. Therefore, we are now expecting the work to begin at the beginning of September. This much needed and desired rennovation would not be possible were it not for your gracious offerings this past Christmas and Pascha. Many thanks to all!!!

Last but not least, I hope you've noticed the greatly improved condition of our grounds. Our last crew was slacking off, to say the least. So, we hired a new crew last month, and they have been working very hard to clean things up and provide us with beautifully kept church grounds.

God bless you all! Hope to see you at a Paraklesis Service this week!

Yours in Christ, Fr. Michael]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-08-20T19:08:56-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-24http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/aug-2006#unique-entry-id-24Wisdom from the Holy Fathers: Great honor is due the Holy Cross, for upon it, as if upon an altar, Christ in His love for man has burned up our sins. The Cross has exposed our shame and disgrace, not the Lord's. In truth, the Holy Cross proclaims Christ's unfathomable love for mankind. Hence, our thoughts about the Cross should, in part, cause us to be ashamed and ought to inspire in us repentance for our sins. It is for us to take up our cross as the Lord took up His for us and our salvation. Of course, an object that brings about the death of an important person evokes in us sadness and pain, and we do not treasure it. That does not happen, however, with the Cross of Christ. On the contrary, it brings forth joyfulness and regeneration. For it was not, as some say, a place of execution, but rather a place of sacrifice wherein was offered the greatest and most honorable sacrifice of the ages – the Son of Man for our salvation. From Elder Cleopa Ilie of Romania

Paraklesis Service every night this week at 7pm: As a reminder, we are still in the midst of the Holy Dormition Fast, which begins every year on August 1st and lasts through August 14th. Guidelines for the Holy Dormition Fast are available in the Narthex. During this time, it is traditional to offer the Small Supplicatory Canon (Paraklesis) to the Theotokos, and at St. Luke's, we will have this beautiful worship service every evening this week (Monday, August 7th through Friday August, 11th) at 7pm. Please try to attend at least one of the five services. When you attend, bring a list of those (living) whom you wish to have commemorated in prayer during the Paraklesis. Then, the Great Feast of the Holy Dormition itself will be celebrated in our parish at the Evening Divine Liturgy on Monday, August 14th at 6:30pm. The Liturgy will be followed by the annual Blessing of Flowers and a non-lenten potluck meal in the Fellowship Hall.

Blessed Feast of the Holy Transfiguration (August 6th)! According to the Holy Gospel and to our liturgical prayers, it is clear that the Holy Transfiguration became a means to strengthen the Apostles during the Crucifixion of Christ and afterwards. The Transfiguration actually happened only several weeks before the Crucifixion itself. Had the chronological day been chosen to commemorate this miracle, it would have had to have been incorporated into Great Lent. August 6th was instead chosen by the Holy Fathers of the Church, as it prefigures the Elevation of the Holy Cross, forty days before its annual celebration on September 14th. Saint Helena, mother of Saint Constantine, built a chapel on Mount Tabor, at the same place where the Apostle Peter once offered to build three tabernacles. The Apostles Peter, James and John were there to witness the Transfiguration of Christ. "And His face shone as the sun, and His raiment became white as snow. And a voice came out of the cloud saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: listen to Him."

Albania: As many of you know, our daughter Anastasia is presently in Albania, together with our dear fellow-parishioners, David and Nicole Feliciano. Your prayers and best wishes are deeply appreciated. They are working together with OCMC Missionaries George Russell and Family. You may recall that George visited St. Luke's several months ago and spoke with us about Orthodox missionary endeavors in Albania and offered us an inspirational slide presentation after Liturgy. If you are interested and would like to follow along with their journey, you can visit David and Nicole's nice website at www.stolencarrots.com where daily journal and photo updates are available.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-07-13T19:24:33-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-23http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-23More Wisdom from the Holy Fathers: Abba Poemen the Shepherd said, 'Give not your heart to that which does not satisfy your heart.'

He also said, 'If you are silent, you will possess peace wherever you live.'

He also said, 'The nature of water is soft, and the nature of stone is hard; but if a bottle is hung above the stone, allowing the water to fall down drop by drop, it wears away the stone. So it is with the Word of God: it is soft and our heart is hard, but the man who hears the Word of God often opens his heart to the fear of God.'

News from our Church School: We were blessed by God with a most fruitful and successful Church School year! Many thanks to all the faithful teachers, helpers, parents and children who contributed to this glorious year of Orthodox Christian education, formation and most importantly, transformation!

However, looking ahead to next year (beginning in September!) it is clear that we're going to need more help, especially with teachers and teacher's helpers in the following classes: Preschool, K and 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 4th and 5th. Please see Fr. Michael or Donna Greenhut, our Church School supervisor, if you'd be willing to help and fulfill this most rewarding endeavor. Many thanks!

Let's also plan to have our Recognition Sunday in honor of our Church School's Creative Arts Awards winners, the Altar Server Award winners, and in honor of our ten High School grads - on Sunday, August 13th.

News from our Teen SOYO: Our Youth Director, Paul Kinan, has put together an outstanding and full schedule of events for this summer. I think the teens will really enjoy themselves at these activities! The following dates are provided now so that our teens and their parents can mark their schedules and plan to attend as many events as possible.

Wednesday, July 19th: SOYO "Swim & Study". Time and place TBA.

Tuesday, July 25th: Teen SOYO Beach Outing with other teens from the local Orthodox Churches, from 9am – 9pm. Further details will follow.

Sunday, July 30th: SOYO Bakesale

Wednesday, August 9th: SOYO "Swim & Study". Time and place TBA.

Sunday, August 13th: Teen SOYO lenten picnic and wiffleball game after Liturgy.

Saturday, August 19th: SOYO Outing after Vespers. Perhaps it will be bowling.

Wednesday, August 23rd: SOYO "Swim & Study". Time and place TBA.

Saturday, September 2nd: SOYO Outing after Vespers. Bonfire at the Beach.

Paul will be communicating directly with the teens and their parents via email and the SOYO "Myspace" to convey all the details etc. of these gatherings. Many thanks to Paul and to all those who have volunteered to help with Youth Ministry at St. Luke's. God bless you always!

In the next few weeks, there will be a new tri-fold presentation area in the Fellowship Hall where the teens will be able to display cool pictures of their recent events, post important SOYO News, etc. Everyone is welcome to take a peek and enjoy!]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-07-13T19:22:35-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-22http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-22
Christ is in our midst!

Wisdom from the Holy Fathers: A brother who had been wronged by another brother came to see Abba Sisoes. He said to him, 'My brother has hurt me and I want to avenge myself.' The old man begged him, saying, 'No, my child, leave vengeance to God.' The brother said, 'I shall not rest until I have avenged myself.' The old man said, 'Brother, let us pray.' Then he stood up and said, 'God, we no longer need You to care for us, since we do justice for ourselves.' When he heard these words, the brother prostrated himself before the old man's feet and said, 'I will no longer seek justice from my brother. Forgive me, abba.'

Another brother asked Abba Sisoes, 'I have fallen, Abba; what shall I do?' The old main said to him, 'Get up again.' The brother said, 'I have gotten up again, but again have I fallen.' The old man said, 'Get up again and again.' So the brother asked, 'How many times?' The old man replied, 'Until you are taken up either in virtue or in sin. For a man presents himself to Christ at the judgment in that state in which he is found.'

This Sunday, July 16th, the Blessing of Cars: Following this Sunday's Divine Liturgy, we will have the annual (Saint Elias – July 20th) prayer and blessing of all our cars in the parking lot. After venerating the Cross in Church, proceed outside to your car, open the doors and stand by it. The clergy will then come along and sprinkle both you and your car.

Fr. Michael away two weeks: I will depart Monday morning, July 17th, for the bi-annual Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village in Western PA (1st week). Afterwards, I will drive to Eastern PA to enjoy some time (2nd week) with my mom, grandmom and brother. I will return home, God willing, on Saturday evening, July 29th, thereby missing only one Sunday at St. Luke's – July 23rd.

Services at St. Luke's on Sunday, July 23rd: In my absence, Deacon Jon Fate will lead the Holy Services at St. Luke's on this day. Thank you, Deacon Jon!

Please prepare to receive Holy Communion as usual. The Service of the Ninth Hour will begin promptly at 9:45am (no Matins today) followed immediately by the Service of Typika at 10am, the Service of Preparation for Holy Communion, the reception of Holy Communion, and the Prayers of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion. Copies of these Services will be available in the Narthex so that everyone present can follow along in the Prayers. Many thanks also to the chanters and readers who have offered to help.

Just as on a normal Sunday, the Services will last until at least 11am, perhaps 11:15am. This is noted so that everyone can plan their day accordingly.

News from Church School and Teen SOYO: will follow in a separate message later today!

I look forward to seeing everyone at Services this weekend!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Michael]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-06-29T08:11:06-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-21http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-21God grant you many years!

Some Parish News: We were blessed with an enthusiastic, engaging and in general, simply awesome Teen SOYO gathering this past Sunday afternoon! With approximately 20 teens present; there was singing, swimming, great discussion, and of course, plenty of food! We really have wonderful teens at St. Luke's, which is a testament to their loving parents! Many thanks to all those who support Youth Ministry in our parish! Our new parish Youth Director, Paul Kinan, offered a warm encouraging introduction to the parish this Sunday, and I'm sure we'll be hearing much more in the future.

Also, many thanks to all those who came out to help this past Tuesday at Project Real Help. Although they neglected to inform us that it had been "cancelled"; through your help and dedication, we were still able to provide bag lunches for the needy, across the street in the park, as their hunger and need doesn't just conveniently get "cancelled"!

As usual (just as a reminder) we have Great Vespers on Saturday evening at 6pm, Orthros on Sunday morning at 9am, followed by Divine Liturgy at 10am. There will also be a one-year Trisagion in loving memory of Margaret Kouparadze.

Many thanks to all who came out last evening for the Divine Liturgy in celebration of the Holy Apostles. It was very beautiful.

True Freedom: Soon, on July 4th, we will rightly celebrate the freedom that we enjoy here in America. We are all thankful and count it a blessing to live in America, where we are free to worship in the Orthodox Christian Church. Still, there is a freedom that transcends earthly freedom:

From the First catechetical lecture of our holy father Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem, to those who are to be enlightened, delivered at Jerusalem, as an introductory lecture to those who had come forward for baptism.

If any here is a slave of sin, let him promptly prepare himself through faith for the new birth into freedom and adoption; and having put off the miserable bondage of his sins, and taken on him the most blessed bondage of the Lord, so may he be counted worthy to inherit the kingdom of heaven. Put off, by confession, the old man, which waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit, that ye may put on the new man, which is renewed according to knowledge of Him that created him. Get you the earnest of the Holy Spirit through faith, that ye may be able to be received into the everlasting habitations. Come for the mystical Seal, that ye may be easily recognized by the Master; be ye numbered among the holy and spiritual flock of Christ, to be set apart on His right hand, and inherit the life prepared for you. For they to whom the rough garments of their sins still clings are found on the left hand, because they came not to the grace of God which is given through Christ at the new birth of Baptism: new birth I mean not of bodies, but the spiritual new birth of the soul. For our bodies are begotten by parents who are seen, but our souls are begotten anew through faith: for the Spirit bloweth where it listeth: and then, if thou be found worthy, thou mayest hear, Well done, good and faithful servant, when thou art found to have no defilement of hypocrisy in thy conscience.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-06-22T18:10:49-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-20http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-20
"Christ is in our midst!"

More Wisdom from St. Silouan of Mt. Athos "On the Will of God":

Abba Pimen said: `Our own will is like a wall of brass between us and God, preventing us from coming near to Him or contemplating His mercy.'

We must always pray to the Lord for peace of soul that we may the more easily fulfill the Lord's commandments; for the Lord loves those who strive to do His will, and thus they attain profound peace in God.

He who does the Lord's will is content with all things, though he be poor or sick and suffering, because the grace of God gladdens his heart. But the man who is discontent with his lot and murmurs against his fate, or against those who cause him offence, should realize that his spirit is in a state of pride, which has taken from him his sense of gratitude towards God.

But if it be so with you: do not lose heart but try to trust firmly in the Lord and ask Him for a humble spirit; and, when the lowly spirit of God comes to you, you will then love Him and be at rest in spite of all tribulations.

The soul that has acquired humility is always mindful of God, and thinks to itself: `God has created me. He suffered for me. He forgives me my sins and comforts me. He feeds me and cares for me. Why then should I take thought for myself, and what is there to fear, even if death should threaten me?'

The "Summertime Fast":

We are in the midst the fast of Saints Peter and Paul, which happens to be very brief this year, lasting only from Monday June 19th through the celebration of the Evening Divine Liturgy commemorating the "foremost of the ranks of the apostles" on Wednesday, June 28th. Liturgy that evening will begin at 6:30 pm and will be followed by a pot-luck.

I called this the "Summertime Fast" as in the Orthodox Church we have four major fasts, each of which roughly corresponds to one of the four seasons of the year: Great Lent (spring), Saints Peter and Paul (summer), the Dormition of the Theotokos (fall), and Advent (winter).

St. Luke's Yahoogroup Update:

Several new pictures have just been posted. They are from our beautiful Pentecost Grecian Luncheon, sponsored by the Men of St. Luke's, together with the annual Raffle, sponsored by the Ladies of St. Luke's. This was a beautiful parish celebration! It seems that everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Many thanks to all those who worked and supported this event in any way!

Here is the link to our yahoogroup site… http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stlukesoc/

Have you seen our newly updated parish website lately? Take a peek at… www.stlukesoc.org

Camp St. Nicholas – our Camp Fund:

If your children (parishioners of St. Luke's) are going to Camp St. Nicholas this summer and you would like financial assistance from our parish's Camp Fund, please contact us at the Church Office ASAP so we can include you on our list for distribution!

Many thanks to those who have been preparing all the homemade ethnic foods that are sold in support of the Camp Fund… and to everyone who supports this great cause!

Also, if your financial situation is such that you need a full scholarship to send your child to Camp, please contact me ASAP as there are still funds available through our St. Ignatius Camp Scholarship.

Our new Parish Youth Director!

On behalf of the Parish Council, I am exceedingly pleased to announce that we have recently been blessed to receive a new Parish Youth Director who has graciously and humbly volunteered to offer his time and effort working with the youth at St. Luke's… someone that we all know, trust, and love; he is a long-time faithful parishioner at St. Luke's… Paul Kinan. Thank you, Paul! Following the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, Paul will be making an initial brief presentation to the parish about Youth Ministry here at St. Luke's, our vision and goals etc. As he is enthusiastic and eager to get things started… there will be a teen gathering this Sunday afternoon! A separate email will be sent to all the teens and their parents including all the details.

St. Julian of Tarsus (commemorated today):

As I see it, the whole purpose of the Church, in general, is to create saints; and the whole purpose of Youth Ministry, in particular, is also to produce saints… who just happen to be young! Take for example…

Julian was of noble and senatorial origin. He lived in Tarsus in Cilicia and suffered during the reign of Diocletian. Even though he was only eighteen years of age when he was subjected to torture for the Faith, St. Julian was sufficiently educated and strengthened in Christian piety. The imperial deputy led him from town to town for an entire year torturing him and all the time trying to persuade him to deny Christ. Julian's mother followed her son from a distance. When the deputy seized Julian's mother and sent her to counsel her son to deny Christ, for three days in prison she spoke the opposite advice, teaching him and encouraging him not to despair in spirit but with thanksgiving and courage go to his death. The torturers then sewed Julian in a sack with sand, scorpions and serpents and tossed the sack into the sea and Julian's mother also died under torture. His relics were tossed by the waves to the shore and the faithful translated them to Alexandria and honorably buried them in the year 290 A.D. Later, St. Julian's relics were translated to Antioch. Later on, St. John Chrysostom, himself, delivered a eulogy [an oration of praise] for the holy martyr Julian. St. John Chrysostom said: "From the mouth of the martyr came a holy voice and, together with the voice, a light emanated brighter than the rays of the sun." Further, he added: "Take anyone, be it a madman or one possessed, and bring him to the grave of this saint where the relics of the martyr repose and you will see how he [the demon] without fail will leap out and flee as from a burning fire." It is obvious from these words how numerous miracles must have taken place at the grave of St. Julian.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-06-01T20:34:39-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-19http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-19
Blessed Great Feast of the Ascension! The following brief teaching on the power of the Cross and the Ascension of Christ comes from Saint Cyril of Jerusalem's "Baptismal Catechesis - Oration Four" (5th century). Notice how St. Cyril says "in fact, He who was crucified on Golgotha here, has ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives on the East". Imagine that! He was teaching the class of catechumens on the very spot where Christ was crucified!

ON THE RESURRECTION.

12. But He who descended into the regions beneath the earth came up again; and Jesus truly rose again the third day. And if the Jews ever worry thee, meet them at once by asking thus: Did Jonas come forth from the whale on the third day, and hath not Christ then risen from the earth on the third day? Is a dead man raised to life on touching the bones of Elisha, and is it not much easier for the Maker of mankind to be raised by the power of the Father? Well then, He truly rose, and after He had risen was seen again of the disciples: and twelve disciples were witnesses of His Resurrection, who bare witness not in pleasing words, but contended even unto torture and death for the truth of the Resurrection. What then, shall every word be established at the mouth of two of three witnesses, according to the Scripture, and, though twelve bear witness to the Resurrection of Christ, art thou still incredulous in regard to His Resurrection?

CONCERNING THE ASCENSION.

13. But when Jesus had finished His course of patient endurance, and had redeemed mankind from their sins, He ascended again into the heavens, a cloud receiving Him up: and as He went up Angels were beside Him, and Apostles were beholding. But if any man disbelieves the words which I speak, let him believe the actual power of the things now seen. All kings when they die have their power extinguished with their life: but Christ crucified is worshipped by the whole world. We proclaim The Crucified, and the devils tremble now. Many have been crucified at various times; but of what other who was crucified did the invocation ever drive the devils away?

14. Let us, therefore, not be ashamed of the Cross of Christ; but though another hide it, do thou openly seal it upon thy forehead, that the devils may behold the royal sign and flee trembling far away. Make then this sign at eating and drinking, at sitting, at lying down, at rising up, at speaking, at walking: in a word, at every act. For He who was here crucified is in heaven above. If after being crucified and buried He had remained in the tomb, we should have had cause to be ashamed; but, in fact, He who was crucified on Golgotha here, has ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives on the East. For after having gone down hence into Hades, and come up again to us, He ascended again from us into heaven, His Father addressing Him, and saying, Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.

ON THE JUDGMENT TO COME.

15. This Jesus Christ who is gone up shall come again, not from earth but from heaven: and I say, 'not from earth', because there are many Antichrists to come at this time from earth. For already, as thou hast seen, many have begun to say, I am the Christ: and the abomination of desolation is yet to come, assuming to himself the false title of Christ. But look thou for the true Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, coming henceforth no more from earth, but from heaven, appearing to all more bright than any lightning and brilliancy of light, with angel guards attended, that He may judge both quick and dead, and reign in a heavenly, eternal kingdom, which shall have no end. For on this point also, I pray thee, make thyself sure, since there are many who say that Christ's Kingdom hath an end.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-05-31T20:32:33-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-18http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-18
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

Today is the last day to officially greet you with the powerful proclamation, "Christ is Risen!", words announcing to all mankind the joyous news that Light has burst forth into darkness, and Life has forever destroyed death. Today thus comes to a conclusion our annual paschal celeration in commemoration of our risen Lord Jesus Christ's forty-day sojourn among us after his life-giving resurrection. This day is known in the Church as the Leavetaking of Pascha... yet as we all know, the joy of Holy Pascha shall never leave us! "Christ is Risen!" "Truly He is Risen!"

As a reminder, tonight at 6:30 pm, we will celebrate the Evening Divine Liturgy in commemoration of the Holy Ascension. All are encouraged to come and participate in the celebration of this Great Feast Day! In addition to our usual preparations, (that is, praying the pre-communion prayers, being at peace with others, etc.), remember to fast completely from all food and drink following a light mid-day meal in order to receive Holy Communion.

Please allow me this opportunity to share one last reflection on the Holy Resurrection of Christ to rightly conclude the 2006 Pascha season. This excerpt comes from St. Gregory Nazianzus' First Oration on Holy Pascha...

Yesterday I was crucified with Him; today I am glorified with Him; yesterday I died with Him; today I am quickened with Him; yesterday I was buried with Him; today I rise with Him. But let us offer to Him Who suffered and rose again for us - you will think perhaps that I am going to say gold, or silver, or woven work or transparent and costly stones, the mere passing material of earth, that remains here below, and is for the most part always possessed by bad men, slaves of the world and of the Prince of the world. Let us offer ourselves, the possession most precious to God, and most fitting; let us give back to the Image what is made after the Image. Let us recognize our Dignity; let us honour our Archetype; let us know the power of the Mystery, and for what Christ died.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-05-19T20:58:36-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-16http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-16"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27

How can we do this? America no longer uses the word "orphan" within its borders. Here, we now refer to the children whose parents are dead, gone, or otherwise unable to care for them, as "foster children". These are our orphans in distress.

Foster parents live the spirit of the above verse as they incorporate foster children into their families, manifesting godly love in a way that these children and their biological families may not otherwise ever know.

When a debilitating crisis hits a family, foster parents take the children into their home while the biological parents recover, make the changes they need to make, or until an adoptive family is chosen. The basic parenting principle is the same as with your own children: you love them as your own while preparing them to leave. But the time frame is much shorter, perhaps 18 months rather than 18 years. Within foster care there are various options to choose from, such as length of stay, age range, gender, and specific medical conditions. The length of stay options include Respite Care (from a few hours to a couple of weeks), Emergency Shelter Homes (up to 30 days), and Long Term Placements (indefinite stay).

As a Foster Home Licensing Worker for the County of Orange, I am privileged to work with Orange County foster parents on a daily basis. These "angels" humbly give of themselves for the sake of the children. This is a powerful way to share God's Love! As a member of the St. Luke's parish family, I want you to be aware of this opportunity. Many of us have experienced the pain of victimization, abuse, and broken families. I believe that ultimately, St. Luke's has proven itself to be a place of healing. And there comes a time when one is ready to reach out and help another heal. If you love children and would like to help hurting families, consider becoming a foster parent; find out more about your options, and talk with your family and friends about it. How wonderful would it be if a team of families here at St. Luke's decided to foster together as their ministry?!

Yes, Orange County has families that need help too. There may even be one in your neighborhood. And no, this is not the only way to love your neighbor. But consider if it might be yours.

Feel free to contact me with any questions at brian.timothy@ssa.ocgov.com

Sincerely, Brian Timothy

brian.timothy@ssa.ocgov.com

Additional Resources:

The Child SHARE Program "helps build congregation-based teams of foster parents, adoptive parents, respite (part-time) families, baby-sitters, volunteers, and `special friends' who can make a profound difference for a child...". Find out more at www.childshare.org or 1-877-957-4452.

A group of Orthodox priests and laity started the Guadalupe Home for Boys in Yucaipa, which grew into the Trinity Foster Family Agency. Trinity FFA can be found at www.trinitycfs.org


]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-05-19T16:27:50-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-15http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-15Christ is Risen!

The following was received today from our parishioner Betty Kurkjian. I think it may be of interest...

www.armeniacards.com

Dear All:

During his trips to Armenia as part of the responsibilities of his previous employment, our son, Bob, visited an orphanage and discovered the unique and beautiful hand-embroidered greeting cards the older children make there. The sale of these cards helps support the orphanage. When he first brought me packets of the cards, I was delighted and surprised to see the fine workmanship--intricately embroidered designs on paper. I had certainly never seen such a product.

As many of you know, I really like fine stationery, so I began to use these greeting cards, and found that everyone who received one was equally as pleased as I. Recently, at a baby shower, the card received no less attention than did the cute little baby items. The grandma-to-be even plans to frame the card.

Needless to say, I have a nice supply--one for every occasion, and some that can be used for any occasion. If you live in my area, I will be glad to give you a personal showing.

Please check-out the website Bob has developed to market the cards: Armeniacards.com. For just a little more than the cost of a typical Hallmark card, you can purchase cards that will delight the recipients as well as support a most worthy cause.

Do pass this on you your friends and family members.

Many thanks, Betty K.

From Bob...

As some of you know, I have been working on getting a small business off the ground to help support Zatik orphanage in Armenia. The result is www.armeniacards.com.

45% of all purchases go back to the orphanage and once you see these incredible, handmade cards, I think you will agree that they are well worth the money. They make great gifts too. After doing a little scouting, I found cards of significantly lower quality and design for much more money in high-end paper shops here in DC and LA.

Take a look at the website (and please let me know if you find any errors). We can also make custom cards, based on your design or just your ideas. No card is exactly like the another, since each one is handmade.

Please pass along this message as you see fit and help support Zatik.
]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-05-18T16:49:14-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-14http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-14Communiqué of a Fellowship of Orthodox Bishops

Concerning the "Da Vinci Code," and the "Gospel of Judas."

May 16, 2006

A fellowship of Orthodox Bishops was hosted by His Grace Joseph, bishop of Los Angeles and all the West (Antiochian Orthodox Church) on May 16, 2006, in the presence of bishops Serapion, (Coptic Orthodox Church), C. Eugene, (Syrian Orthodox Church), Moushegh (Armenian apostolic Church), Hovnan (Armenian Church). During the fellowship, the topics of "Da Vinci Code," and the "Gospel of Judas," were discussed. In conclusion to the discussion, it was decided that this fellowship communiqué be distributed among the Faithful.

We as Orthodox bishops caution our faithful about the movie "Da Vinci Code," which falsifies the reality of our Lord Jesus Christ. Based on fiction and falsehood, this movie tries to discredit the fundamentals of our Christian Orthodox faith, and to attack the authenticity of the New Testament.

Also we caution our faithful about the "Gospel of Judas." This "gospel," better entitled the Judas Document, is neither "good news" (the meaning of "gospel") nor was it written by Judas Iscariot—nor is it even particularly "new." This ancient manuscript was roundly condemned and refuted by the early Church Fathers.

In the midst of the media's relentless avalanche of anti-Christian propaganda concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, we are confident that you are standing firm in your Orthodox faith. Battling for our Apostolic Faith, which bears the Truth of Who Jesus Christ is, we must remain undismayed by attacks that the media launches against the accuracy and veracity of the four Gospels.]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-05-16T16:47:41-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-13http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-13Christ is Risen!

The Feast of Mid-Pentecost Service tonight! The Evening Divine Liturgy in celebration of this beautiful feast will begin tonight at 6:30 pm. In order to receive Holy Communion, fast completely after having had a light mid-day meal. A non-lenten pot-luck meal will be shared in the Fellowship Hall afterwards. Bring something to share.

Hymns from tonight's service…

There is come now the middle of those days which commence with Christ God's saving Rising and which are sealed by Pentecost, that divine day. Illuminated by both the feasts and joining both, it is radiant and also is now rendered majestic, mani festing and showing the presence of the great glory of the Ascension of our Master, Christ.

The bountiful pouring forth of the Divine Spirit upon all is now at hand, as the Scripture saith. This is proclaimed by the mid-point of the blest period after Christ God's death and His burial and rising, when He gave His disciples His unfailing and true promise, which revealed and showed forth most clearly the coming of the Comforter.

As we come together on the Mid-feast between Thy Resurrection and the divine coming of Thy Holy Spirit, O Christ, we praise the mysteries of Thy wonders. Wherefore, on this day do Thou send down Thy great mercy unto us.

More pictures posted: Recent photos of many Ladies of St. Luke's enjoying the annual Prayer Sister Luncheon have been posted on our yahoogroup site. This was a beautiful gathering!

Update from our Parish Council Chairman…

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ Is Risen !

The parish elected 4 wonderful new council members this year. We welcomed Bernadeen Scholl, Sheryle Kelishes, Jim Juroe and Michael Savage. Each new member brings enthusiasm and a willingness to do what is needed to keep St. Luke's running as smoothly as possible.

I wanted to take a few moments to keep everyone updated on projects, tasks etc. that your council has been working on since the beginning of 2006.

The first major project this year was to treat the Church and the hall for termite infestation. The Church itself was spot treated in a few areas but the hall and Sunday school buildings needed to be completely tented. Needless to say, it was quite an inconvenience for Father Michael and Anna for a few days. It appears that the majority of the termite damage was to the benches that are located between the hall and the school building. The men's club agreed to try and repair the damaged wood etc. Unfortunately, the damage is such that the benches will need to be replaced. Those replacements should occur in the near future.

In addition, when the hall was tented, the gas company had to shut the gas off to the building to prevent explosion etc. When the tent was removed, the gas company found what they believed was a gas leak somewhere under the concrete between the bar b que area and the hall. We had several professionals come out and assess the situation. Fortunately, the repairs were relatively minor and were completed in a few days.

The last 2 council's have been working on ways to improve the appearance and explore various ways to expand or make the existing restrooms more user friendly. Many roadblocks were uncovered which included building code update requirements, permits, etc. We believe we are in the final phases of the planning and work should begin in the near future.

The medical building is beginning to get back to normal. We lost several long term tenants which resulted in 3 vacant suites. The suites needed refurbishing which included repairs, new carpets, paint etc. One of the units has been leased and we have several interested parties in the remaining units.

A youth advisory committee was developed to address any issues concerning the youth of our parish. The committee has met either in person, via e-mail etc. on many occasions. The committee will lend guidance to any volunteer or staff youth director. The committee is currently addressing ways to best serve our youth which now includes finding a replacement for our youth director who has recently resigned the position.

As you can see, we are off to a productive start for 2006. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact myself or any member of the council. Feedback is always appreciated.

In Christ, Nick Barson]]>Fr. Michael LewisHome2006-05-05T12:32:18-07:00http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-12http://www.stlukesoc.org/parishlife/blog/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-12Christ is Risen!

Have you ever wondered about the Artos (the large loaf of sweet bread) that is blessed on Holy Pascha, then blessed again on Bright Saturday at Vespers, and at last distributed for the faithful to partake of following the Divine Liturgy on Thomas Sunday? The following is a very good explanation...

In the Orthodox Church, it is the custom for a single loaf of blessed sweet bread (in Greek "Artos") to lie before the Iconostasis throughout Bright Week, in memory of the Risen Christ, before it is shared among the whole congregation. Depicted atop the Artos are either the symbol of Christ's victory over death, the Cross, surrounded by a crown of thorns, or an icon of the Resurrection of Christ. On the first day of Pascha, during the midnight Liturgy, after the Prayer Before the Ambo, the Artos is blessed by a special prayer and sprinkling with Holy Water. Throughout Bright Week, at the end of the weekday Liturgies, the Artos is carried around the church in solemn procession. On the Saturday of Bright Week it is blessed again and distributed to the congregation (sometimes this is done after Sunday Liturgy on St. Thomas Sunday).

The significance of the Artos is that it serves to remind all Christians of the events connected with the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. While still living on earth, the Lord called Himself the Bread of Life, saying: I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and He who believes in Me shall never thirst (John 6:35). After His Resurrection, more than once Jesus appeared to His disciples, ate before them and blessed their own food. For example, as evening fell on the first day of His Resurrection, He was recognized in Emmaus by two of His disciples as He blessed and broke bread (Luke 24:13-35).

On the 40th day after His Resurrection, the Lord ascended into heaven, and His disciples and followers found comfort in their memories of the Lord: they recalled His every word, His every step and His every action. When they met for common prayer, they would partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, remembering the Last Supper. When they sat down to an ordinary meal, they would leave a place at the head of the table empty for the invisibly present Lord and would lay bread at that place.

Remembering this custom of the Apostles', the Fathers of the Church made it their custom to put out the Artos at the Paschal Feast in memory of the appearances of the Risen Lord to His disciples, and also in memory of the fact that the Lord Who suffered and was resurrected for our salvation has made Himself the true Bread of Life and is invisibly present in His church always (Matt. 28:20).

Whereas special Paschal breads, called in Russian "kulichi" or "kulachi" are broken and eaten on the first day of Pascha, the Artos is kept whole throughout the entire Bright Week as a reminder of the presence of the Risen Savior in the midst of those who believe in Him, and is only divided and distributed on Saturday. In this way Bright Week begins and ends with the eating of especially baked and blessed bread.

The Artos may also be compared to the unleavened bread of the Old Testament, of which ancient Is