On August 6, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is viewed as one of the 12 Major Feasts of the Holy Orthodox Church. Christ’s Transfiguration occurred as His public ministry was drawing to a close. Soon before entering Jerusalem for the final time, our Lord went to the top of Mt. Tabor to pray, taking with him the Apostles Peter, James and John. Scriptural accounts tell us that Christ’s face “shone like the sun,” and His garments became “white as snow.” Appearing with Him were Moses and Elijah. God’s awesome voice reminded them that “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well-pleased. Hear Him.” The Apostles then found themselves alone with their Master once again. The mysterious manifestation had ended.

On August 15 we commemorate the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. The Dormition, the falling asleep of the blessed Mother of God is one of four days of the year which are chosen to honor the Virgin Mary. The other days are September 8, the nativity of the holy Mother; November 21, the Presentation of Mary at the Temple by her parents, Joachim and Anna; and March 25, the appearance before Mary of the Archangel Gabriel with the announcement that she would become the Mother of God. The Church calls the death of the Theotokos, Dormition, falling asleep, calling physical death sleep. What gives us cause to call the death of the Theotokos sleep is the glorious Assumption of her body to heaven three days after this event, when the tomb was found empty. In the Christian domain of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, we have two empty tombs, the one of our Lord in Jerusalem, and the other of His Holy Mother at Gethsemane, east of Jerusalem. The Theotokos is the first in the Resurrection.

The life of John the Baptist was one of sacrifice and penance. He preached a baptism of repentance, proclaiming the presence of the Savior to a people who had long awaited His coming. It can also be said that his blessed life was crowned by his noble death - his beheading was a direct result of his fearless condemnation of Herod’s sinful, scandalous behavior. It is no wonder that our Lord had this to say about St. John the Baptist: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women, there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11)

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in August: Nicholas Bzik, August 2; Cathy Lazorchak, August 10; Gregory Kary on August 12; Patricia Galley, August 14; and Marilyn Stagen, August 15; Samuel Czech, on August 17; Peter Czech, August 22; and Andrea Shaker on August 26.. Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their birthday in August, and also to Archbishop Michael on Aug. 28 and may God grant all of you Many Years!

It is with sadness and heartfelt sympathy that we report the passing of Jeffrey Rahnefeld on July 1 at the age of 66. He was the beloved son of Helen Rahnefeld, life-long parishioner of St. John’s Church, and leaves behind sister Janice Pecoraro and her family, and brother Richard. “O God of spirits, and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down Death, and overthrown the Devil, and given life unto Thy world: Do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed Servant, Jeffrey, in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sorrow, and sighing have fled away.” May his memory be Eternal.

Please remember our Food Pantry and our neighbors who need help. The news is reporting that all food distribution charities are having a problem keeping up with the many people who now are in need of help. Please bring in non-perishables and help replenish the supplies that are sorely needed.

Have a safe and happy vacation, but remember to attend church where you are!