The month of November is closely associated with the theme of Thanksgiving, the gathering of family, friends, good food and even football. Our fond memories of past holidays are filled with blessings shared with those we love. Of course, we also remember saying a prayer of thanksgiving before our delectable table set with wonderful and delicious dishes prepared lovingly and carefully by the marvelous cooks in the family. It may have been only a few minutes of prayer but solemnly said and earnestly meant. Our thoughts need now to return to these wonderful memories and to the sincere words of our prayers.

We all know of David, the beloved King of the Israelites, who was highly regarded by our Lord God in heaven. Read 1 Chronicles 16 and you will understand God’s regard for David. David has set a place for the ark of God in a tent where it was safe and preserved and he honors God by sacrifices, burnt-offerings and peace-offerings in acknowledgment of God’s favors, and he honors God by songs of appreciation and praise. He shares the blessings of bread, meat and a cake of raisins to all those present. David knows that all our prayers must express themselves in thanksgiving to Him from whom all our comforts are received. At this stressful time, we need to acknowledge the presence of God and ask for forgiveness and help; and to extend to Him and His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, thanksgiving for all His love and comfort. Remember your prayers this year at Thanksgiving and every day after.

David wrote this psalm in thanksgiving to God: "Deliver us, O God of our salvation, and gather and save us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to Thy Holy Name, and glory in Thy praise. Blessed be the LORD , the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!" (RSV 1 Chron 16:35-36)

There are four days in the calendar year dedicated to the Theotokos: her Birth, her Presentation into the Temple, the Annunciation, and her Dormition. As Joachim and Anna, her parents, had been childless for a long time, Anna prayed that she would dedicate her future child to the Temple of God. Faithful to her word, Anna presented her daughter Mary, to the holy Temple at the age of three on the 21st of November. Mary remained in the house of God for twelve years , emerging at the age of fifteen with a purity and wholesomeness found in no other creature of God.

The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea. The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. The Highest Hierarchy includes: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities. The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others. Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means “who is like unto God”), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander. The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts is on November 8.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in November. Among those are Matthew Kary on November 14, Jonas James Czech on November 16; Florence Junda, November 18; Juliana Kary, November 19; Mat. Lana Chaykivsky on Nov. 24; and Mirek Szestawicky on November 28. A very happy birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in November and May God grant you all Many Years!

Many thanks to all those who reliably donate to our food pantry. Helen Baron, our Food Pantry Coordinator would like to remind everyone that Thanksgiving and Christmas donations are now being collected to fill our baskets for our less fortunate neighbors. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Greetings to Fr. John Kluchko who was serving at St. John’s at this time. Fr, Marion is recuperating from recent eye surgery and is wished a speedy recovery. Meanwhile thanks to Fr. John for his meaningful and excellent services.