Protection of the Most-Holy Theotokos - "Today we Orthodox people joyfully keep festival, being illumined by thy glorious coming among us, O Mother of God; and gazing upon thy most pure image, we say with compunction:  Shelter us with thy most precious Protection, and deliver us from all evil, and pray to thy Son, Christ our God, that He save our souls."  (Dismissal Hymn, Tone 4)

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy.    “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.  But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same.  And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.  But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.  For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.  Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”  

Divine Liturgy.  The Gospel reading for today:  “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.  But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same.  And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.  But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.  For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.  Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”  

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy. - Tomorrow we commemorate the Glorification of St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Holy Apostle James.  "Chosen by God in a turbulent time, You glorified God in complete holiness, and attained greatness through humility.   You showed forth the power of God through simplicity and piety; you laid down your life for the Church and her people.   O Holy Confessor and Patriarch, Father Tikhon, pray to Christ God to Whom you were also crucified that He may save our souls."    (Troparion)

General confession following Vespers.   

Divine Litrugy - Glorification of St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Holy Apostle James - "A gentle manner adorned you.  You showed kindness and compassion to those who repented.  You were firm and unbending in confessing the Orthodox Faith and zealous in loving the Lord.  O Holy Hierarch of Christ and Confessor Tikhon, pray for us that we may not be separated from the love of God which is of Christ Jesus, our King and Lord. "   (Kontakion) 

Please give Barbara all articles by this date.  Thank you.

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy - Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council - Tomorrow we remember the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council under the holy Patriarch Tarasius who met in the year 787.  At this council it was decreed that the veneration of icons was not idolatry, because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes to the prototype (the person depicted).  It also upheld the possibility of depicting Christ, Who became man and took flesh at His Incarnation.  The Father, on the other hand, cannot be represented in his eternal nature, because "no man has seen God at any time."  (John 1:18)

Divine Liturgy.  -  We are honored here at St. John's to greet His Eminence Archbishop Michael this weekend.  John 13:34-35 tells us "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one aother.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."   His Eminence, our Archbishop Michael, has shown this love and discipleship through his constant and untiring efforts on behalf of his diocese.  May God grant Archbishop Michael Many Years that he may continue the important work that he is doing for us all!  

Please attend this important meeting.    

St. Demetrius Memorial Saturday.  Divine Liturgy and Panikhida.

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy.

Divine Liturgy.

Great Martyr and Myrrhgusheer Demetrius.

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy.

Divine Liturgy.   If it be by sword, O Lord, that peace must come to my life, let it be.  But let it be Your sword and Your peace.  Amen     (Prayer by Anthony M. Coniaris)