1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?

4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains for ever.

5 The sun rises and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.

6 The wind blows to the south, and goes round to the north; round and round goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns.

7 All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.

8 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; and there is nothing new under the sun.

10 Is there a thing of which it is said, "See, this is new"? It has been already, in the ages before us.

11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to happen among those who come after. (Eccl 1:1-11)

The Teacher above brings to us the fruitless search for changing the world, for reaching understanding and to possess happiness. Reading further in Ecclesiastes, we learn that everything happens at the time fixed for it; that greed and envy is the cause of man’s misery and that that misery can be helped by human companionship. Ecclesiastes ends with: “ The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Eccl 12:13-14)

The New Year brings new beginnings to us all. The time for resolutions is here again and once again we set goals for ourselves. Make your daily prayers and your constant attendance to church top priorities. When all has been said, do not let yourself be turned away from belief and obedience to God. Jesus said: “I know that after My departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert….” (Acts 20:29-31)

Friday, January 6, is the Theophany of Christ and Divine Liturgy will be at 9:30 AM followed by the Great Blessing of Water. Please attend this very important service for the Feast which reveals the Most Holy Trinity to the world through the Baptism of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. God the Father spoke from Heaven about His beloved Son, the Son was baptized by Saint John the Forerunner, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the Son in the form of a dove. Water will be available to take home to have ready for the blessing of your home.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in January. Among those are: Stephen Fabian, January 3; Joyce Cifaldi, January 6; Bob Czech, January 8; Ken Baron and Helen Rahnefeld, both on January 11; Joseph Pecoraro, January 13; Barbara Kary, January 18; Nicholas Alexander Silvestre, January 22; and Chris Baron on January 23.

Helen Baron, our coordinator for the food pantry, wants to thank everyone for their generous support in supplying food and money throughout the Holiday season. Many grateful families and individuals, who otherwise would have had an empty table, sat down to a wonderful dinner due to the help provided by those who care. However, the need is persistent so please continue your support and help re-stock the now empty shelves. Thank you for your help.