Bulletin for July 5, 2020

O Holy Apostle Philip,

Intercede with the merciful God

That he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

************* 

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever! + Slava Isusu Christu! Slava i vo viki!  

From the Desert Fathers …

Abba Antonios said: “The time is coming when people will be seized by manias and will behave like madmen. And if they see anyone acting reasonably, they will rise up against him saying: ‘You are insane.’ And they will have accurately said this to him, for he will not be like them.”

The same Abba Antonios, pondering the ways of God, once asked: “Lord, how does it happen that many live very few years and yet others reach a ripe old age? And how is it that some live in poverty while others are rich? And how is it that the unjust continue to grow richer and the just are poor?” Then he heard a voice say to him: “Antonios, watch yourself, for those things which you ask about belong to the inscrutable ways of God’s wisdom and it is not to your benefit to learn of them.”

While still a neophyte in monastic life, Moses the Black (the Ethiopian) was warring against carnal desire. So he went, in a state of turbulence, to confess to Abba Isidoros. The elder listened to him sympathetically and, when he had given him words of appropriate counsel, told him to return to his cell. However, inasmuch as Abba Moses was still hesitant, for fear of the flame of evil desires rekindling during his return, Abba Isidoros took him by the hand and led him to a small roof atop his cell. “Look here,” he told him, directing him towards the West. Thereupon Moses saw an entire army of wicked spirits with drawn bows, ready for warfare, and was terrified. “Look towards the East now,” the elder told him once more. Myriads of angels in military formation were standing ready to confront the enemy. “All of these,” Abba Isidoros told him, “are assigned by God to help the struggler. Do you see how our defenders are many more and incomparably stronger than our enemies?” Moses thanked God with his heart for this revelation and, taking courage, returned to his cell to continue his struggle.

“Do you wish God to hear your prayer immediately, brother?” asks Abba Zenon. “When you lift your hands up to heaven, pray first of all, with your heart, for your enemies and God will grant you speedily whatever else you request.”

Announcements

• Dear Parishioners and Friends, please follow all health and safety precautions issued by civil authorities (latest guideline released on July 2). For St. Philip’s specific guidelines, read the document sent to you on May 31. Bishop Thomas has now ended the dispensation from Sunday and holy days attendance, which means we are encouraged to fully resume public prayer and sacramental life in our parish. Per parish guidelines, consider your and others’ safety when coming to church, if you feel sick, you can choose to follow Sunday liturgy via Facebook. When in doubt, consult your decision with your pastor/confessor. 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.
• Last Sunday, 19+39 souls came to pray at St. Philip’s. We received donations in tithes $; donations $, teen group donation $, candles $. Thank you for your generosity, may God bless you always.
• If you cannot come to church for safety, health or other reasons, sanctify your Sunday at home. Join live streaming services (http://liveliturgy.com/) or  pray the Typika service. Put on your Sunday clothes, silence your phone, set up your computer in your prayer corner, light a candle, open your prayer book, and join the praying church. Pray a prayer of spiritual communion. May the Lord visit you with many graces.
• Prayer requests. Fr. Michael, Fr. George, Fr. Mel, Fr. Marcus, Fr. Chris, Fr. Randall, Fr. Michal, Sr. Patricia, Gary and Ingrid, Margaret and Don, Margaret, Slawomir and Oceana, Becky, Alexis, Marion, Curtis, Ronald, Jeannine, Taylor, Lorrie, Frances, Alex, Leroy, Michael, Thomas, Carol, Michael, Jennifer, John, Elizabeth, Kurt.
• Save the date. On July 19, 2020, Most Reverend Bishop John Pazak of the Eparchy of Phoenix will lay hands on Subdeacon Tim Belke and ordain him a deacon for St. Philip’s church. May your prayers and sacrifices support the upcoming ministry in our parish.
• Fireworks Sale. Thank you to all who came to help, buy or provided other kind of help with this event. Special thanks go to Martin Baker who chaired the event this year, and Steve Prescott for spending nights at church to keep watch. Thank you for your support and sacrifices in order to make this fundraiser happen.
• Our children’s Atrium is in need of volunteers and students. Hopefully, we can resume classes after the summer. For more information, ask Fr. Francis.
• Construction update. The roof is finished! Rejoice! Final cost of the new roof will be published in a future bulletin. If you would like to contribute to this project, simply mark your donation “new roof” and we’ll use it to pay the bill. Thank you for your generosity.
• Eparchial Appeal 2020. We have reached our monetary goal, To this date, 8 households participated in the Appeal, which is about half of our parish. Please join with a small donation so we can reach our goal of 100% participation. Ask Fr. Francis about the form, for an easy way to donate online, go to: http://ephx.org/giving/.  
• 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.

Sun	Jun 12th	8:00 AM Divine Liturgy. 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy.	6th Sunday after Pentecost. Tone 5.

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

Fridays in general are days of fasting and penance, we observe abstinence from meat foods. Let us remember one another as we offer our sacrifices to God.

Bulletin for June 28, 2020

O Holy Apostle Philip,

Intercede with the merciful God

That he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

*************

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

+ Slava Isusu Christu! Slava i vo viki!  

From the Desert Fathers …

Abba Elias said, ‘An old man was living in a temple and the demons came to say to him, “Leave this place which belongs to us,” and the old man said, “No place belongs to you.” Then they began to scatter his palm leaves about, one by one, and the old man went on gathering them together with perseverance. A little later the devil took his hand and pulled him to the door. When the old man reached the door, he seized the lintel with the other hand crying out, “Jesus, save me.” Immediately the devil fled away. Then the old man began to weep. Then the Lord said to him, “Why are you weeping?” and the old man said, “Because, the devils have dared to seize a man and treat him like this.’ The Lord said to him, “You had been careless. As soon as you turned to me again, you see I was beside you.” I say this, because it is necessary to take great pains, and anyone who does not do so, cannot come to his God. For He himself was crucified for our sake.

Abba John Colobos said, “If a king wishes to capture a city of the enemy, he first takes control of water and food, and thus the enemy submits to him, reduced by famine. So too with the passions of the flesh: if a person lives in fasting and hunger, the enemy withers away from his soul.”

Announcements

• Dear Parishioners and Friends, please follow all health and safety precautions issued by civil authorities. For St. Philip’s specific guidelines, read the document sent to you on May 31. Bishop Thomas has now ended the dispensation from Sunday and holy days attendance, which means we are encouraged to fully resume public prayer and sacramental life in our parish. Per parish guidelines, consider your and others’ safety when coming to church, if you feel sick, you can choose to follow Sunday liturgy via Facebook. When in doubt, consult your decision with your pastor/confessor. 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.
• Last Sunday, 26+34 souls came to pray at St. Philip’s. We received donations in: tithes $; donations $, teen group donation $, Building Fund $. Thank you for your generosity, may God bless you always.
• Live streaming of liturgical services. You can find multiple churches streaming at various times of day at http://liveliturgy.com/ Put on your Sunday clothes, silence your phone, set up your computer in your prayer corner, light a candle, open your prayer book, and join the praying church. Pray a prayer of spiritual communion. May the Lord visit you with many graces.
• Prayer requests. Fr. Michael, Fr. George, Fr. Mel, Fr. Marcus, Fr. Chris, Fr. Randall, Fr. Michal, Sr. Patricia, Gary and Ingrid, Margaret and Don, Margaret, Slawomir and Oceana, Becky, Alexis, Marion, Curtis, Ronald, Jeannine, Taylor, Lorrie, Frances, Alex, Leroy, Michael, Thomas, Carol, Michael, Jennifer, John, Elizabeth, Kurt.
• Save the date. On July 19, 2020, Most Reverend Bishop John Pazak of the Eparchy of Phoenix will lay hands on Subdeacon Tim Belke and ordain him a deacon for St. Philip’s church. May your prayers and sacrifices support the upcoming ministry in our parish.
• Fireworks Sale. Hopefully you’ve had a chance to sign up on our volunteer schedule emailed to you, if not, contact Elizabeth Baker (916-915-3161) for an easy signup. Please let your family, friends and neighbors know we are selling fireworks. Thank you for your support and sacrifices in order to make this fundraiser happen.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Sale. Thank you for supporting our youth activities. You can pick up your order on July 1 at St. Philip’s between 1 – 4 pm, or expect your home delivery during the day.
• Our children’s Atrium is in need of volunteers and students. Hopefully, we can resume classes after the summer. For more information, ask Fr. Francis.
• Construction update. Our construction is still on hold. The final cost of the new roof will be published in a future bulletin. If you would like to contribute to this project, simply mark your donation “new roof” and we’ll use it to pay the bill. Thank you for your generosity. We pray for the safety of our workers, for God’s blessing upon their work, and for good (cool and dry) weather.
• Eparchial Appeal 2020. We have reached our monetary goal, to this date 8 households participated in the Appeal. Please join with a small donation so with can reach our goal of 100% participation. Ask Fr. Francis about the form, for an easy way to donate online, go to: http://ephx.org/giving/.  

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.

Mon	Jun 29th	5:30 PM Divine Liturgy.	Prime Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul. Solemn Holy Day of Obligation.
Sat	Jul 4th	5:30 PM Vigil Divine Liturgy.
Sun	Jun 5th	8:00 AM Divine Liturgy.	5th Sunday after Pentecost. Tone 4.

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

Fridays in general are days of fasting and penance, we observe abstinence from meat foods. Let us remember one another as we offer our sacrifices to God.

Bulletin for June 21, 2020

O Holy Apostle Philip, 

Intercede with the merciful God 

That He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

*************

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

+ Slava Isusu Christu! Slava i vo viki!  

From the Fathers of the Church

St. Augustine of Hippo 

We know that all our works are pure and pleasing in the sight of God if they are performed with a single heart. This means that they are performed out of charity and with an intention that is fixed on heaven. For “love is the fulfillment of the law.” Therefore in this passage we ought to understand the eye as the intention with which we perform all our actions. If this intention is pure and upright and directing its gaze where it ought to be directed, then unfailingly all our works are good works, because they are performed in accordance with that intention. And by the expression “whole body,” Christ designated all those works that he reproves and that he commands us to put to death. For the apostle also designates certain works as our “members.” “Therefore,” Paul writes, “mortify your members which are on earth: fornication, uncleanness, covetousness,”” and all other such things.

Announcements 

• Dear Parishioners and Friends, please follow all health and safety precautions issued by civil authorities. For St. Philip’s specific guidelines, read the document sent to you on May 31. Bishop Thomas has now ended the dispensation from Sunday and holy days attendance, which means we are encouraged to fully resume public prayer and sacramental life in our parish. Per parish guidelines, consider your and others’ safety when coming to church, if you feel sick, you can choose to follow Sunday liturgy via Facebook or LiveLiturgy. When in doubt, consult your decision with your pastor/confessor. 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.
• Last Sunday, 78 souls came to pray at St. Philip’s. We received donations in: tithes $; donations $, Building Fund $, gift shop $. Thank you for your generosity, may God bless you always. 
• Live streaming of liturgical services. You can find multiple churches streaming at various times of day at http://liveliturgy.com/ Put on your Sunday clothes, silence your phone, set up your computer in your prayer corner, light a candle, open your prayer book, and join the praying church. Pray a prayer of spiritual communion. May the Lord visit you with many graces. 
• Prayer requests. Fr. Michael, Fr. George, Fr. Mel, Fr. Marcus, Fr. Chris, Fr. Randall, Fr. Michal, Sr. Patricia, Gary and Ingrid, Margaret and Don, Margaret, Slawomir and Oceana, Becky, Alexis, Marion, Curtis, Ronald, Jeannine, Taylor, Lorrie, Frances, Alex, Leroy, Michael, Thomas, Carol, Michael, Jennifer, John, Elizabeth. 
• Happy Fathers’ Day! May God grant our fathers, grandfathers and godfathers many happy years, in joy, health and His abundant blessing.
• Fireworks Sale. We plan to open our stand on June 30, if you are able to help, please contact Fr. Francis, each day we need to cover 4 three-hour shifts with at least three people. Let your family and friends know they can get their fireworks at St. Philip’s. Thank you for your sacrifices in making this fundraiser happen.
• Save the date. On July 19, 2020, Most Reverend Bishop John Pazak of the Eparchy of Phoenix will lay hands on Subdeacon Tim Belke and ordain him a deacon for St. Philip’s church. May your prayers and sacrifices support the upcoming ministry in our parish.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Sale. Organized by our youth group “Fellowship of the lake,”this fundraiser is to benefit our annual retreat trip at the lake. Since our lodging is costly this year, we are in need of sponsors and fundraising. Please consider stocking your freezer with good quality homemade treats – original cookie recipe and Leatherby’s vanilla/choc mint/cookies ‘n cream ice cream. You can order by filling out the form (on the attached flier) and giving it to Fr. Francis (parish office/collection basket) or simply put your order into an email and send to frmurin@ephx.org. You must order by June 25, pickup or deliveries on July 1.
• Apostles’ Fast, also known as Peter’s Fast, began on June 8 (it concludes on the Eve of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 28). This is one of the four fasting seasons in our liturgical year. No special fasting rule has been issued by our bishop, the faithful can at minimum observe abstinence from meat foods on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Construction update. Our construction is still on hold. The final cost of the new roof will be published in a future bulletin. If you would like to contribute to this project, simply mark your donation “new roof” and we’ll use it to pay the bill. Thank you for your generosity. We pray for the safety of our workers, for God’s blessing upon their work, and for good (cool and dry) weather.
• Eparchial Appeal 2020 concluded on May 31. We have reached our monetary goal, but have fallen short of 100% participation. If you have it in your heart to contribute a symbolic amount to this year’s Appeal, you can do so, use the pledge card that was mailed to your home, or ask Fr. Francis for one. Please send you pledge cards and donations directly to the Eparchy of Phoenix. To donate online, go to: http://ephx.org/giving/. 
  
  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.

Wed	Jun 24th	5:30 PM Divine Liturgy.	Nativity of John the Baptist. Solemn Feast.
Sun	Jun 28th	8:00 AM Divine Liturgy.  9:30 AM Divine Liturgy.	4th Sunday after Pentecost. Tone 3

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

Fridays in general are days of fasting and penance, we observe abstinence from meat foods. During the time of Apostles’ fast, we are encouraged to take on a stricter fasting discipline. Let us remember one another as we offer our sacrifices to God.