Bulletin for January 3, 2020

O Holy Apostle Philip,  

Intercede with the merciful God  

That He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.  

************* 

Christ is born! Glorify Him! + Christos razdajetsja! Slavite Jeho!   

From the Fathers of the Church …  

St. John Chrysostom  

You may ask, why did he wear a leather girdle?… Elijah also was so clothed, and likewise many others among holy men, either because they were engaged in heavy labor, or were upon a journey, or in any other necessity that involved labor, and because they despised ornament, and followed an austere way of life… Let us, putting away all excess, and drinking the healthy cup of moderation, live in a manner that is becoming and temperate. Let us give ourselves in earnest to prayer. And if we do not receive that for which we pray, let us persevere that we may receive it. And if we do receive it then, let us persevere all the more, for what we have received. For it is not his will to withhold the gift we ask for, but in his wisdom, to encourage our perseverance by delaying it.

Announcements  

• Dear Parishioners and Friends, during our gatherings, please follow all health and safety precautions issued by civil authorities. Use the space to allow distance between households, follow proper way of receiving Holy Communion. Per parish guidelines, consider your and others’ safety when coming to church, if you feel sick, you can choose to follow Sunday liturgy online, or pray the Typika. When in doubt, consult your decision with your pastor/confessor. Dispensation from Sunday attendance given by Bishop John for the faithful of our Eparchy is in effect at this time. Please know that you and your intentions are remembered on the altar at St. Philip’s. For confession and other needs, please contact Fr. Francis directly and make an appointment.
• We reviewed our health precautions with the Eparchy. Based on the conversation, I encourage you to practice strictly social distancing (leave an empty pew between households) wear face covering (mask/shield) when indoors, keep good airflow in the rooms (open windows), limit indoor interactions after church, and at all times practice good hand hygiene (wash hands with soap and water for 30 seconds, when not possible, use hand sanitizer).
• Tithes and Donations. Last Sunday, We received donations in tithes $; donations $, candles $, Building Fund $, Bake Sale $. Thank you for your generosity, may God bless you always.
• Prayer requests. Fr. Michael, Fr. Marcus, Fr. Chris, Fr. Randall, Fr. Michal, Sr. Patricia, Margaret, Gary and Ingrid, Margaret, Slawomir and Oceana, Becky, Alexis, Marion, Curtis, Ronald, Jeannine, Taylor, Lorrie, Frances, Alex, Leroy, Michael, Thomas, Carol, Michael, Jennifer, John, Elizabeth, Judy, Ruth, Dimitri, Christie, Viktoria.
• Christmas rolls “to go” are available for purchase after liturgies on Sunday. We have apricot rolls, walnut rolls, a chocolate walnut roll, and a prune lekvar (jam) roll. They are $17 and the proceeds support St Philip’s. The table set up in the hall downstairs, for service call on Amy or Darlene. Be sure and keep 6 feet apart from others and wear a mask when you pick up. Cash or check preferred.
• Theophany blessing of water usually takes place on the Eve of the Feast or on the feast itself. We also call it the “Great blessing of water,” or “Jordan Blessing,” to distinguish it from “Small blessing” which takes place on other occasions throughout the year. The prayers of the Great Blessing contain exorcism, and by means of water reclaim all the created world for God. The blessing given to the water is customarily extended to things, places and people sprinkled with the water. Theophany blessing of water gives occasion to annual blessing of homes. This year, we will pray the Great blessing of water as soon as we can. If you would like to have your home blessed, send an email to Fr. Francis to make arrangements.Liturgical schedule  

  Until further notice, social distancing and health safety provisions issued by local government are in place. When at St. Philip’s follow the guidelines issued on May 31.  

  This week, due to sickness, we will announce updates to liturgical schedule via email. Please check email before you leave for church. Hopefully we will be able to meet at church very soon.  

Tue	Jan 5th	–	Eve of Theophany. Day of strict fast.
Wed	Jan 6th	–	Theophany of Our Lord. Solemn Feast.
Sun	Jan 10th		Sunday after Theophany

For Confession, please call Fr. Francis for an appointment.

Fridays in general are days of penance. We observe simple fast – abstinence from meat foods. Let us remember one another as we offer our prayers and sacrifices to the Lord.