If you have never read this passage before, perhaps now is the time to read the following from the Bible. The letter from St. Paul is written to the members of the community of the Ephesians. It is from Eph 2:1-10:

"And you He made alive, when you were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience. Among these we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of body and mind, and so we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God - not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  (Eph 2:1-10)

And further: "Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands - remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end."  (Eph 2:11-17)

The world is divided into those who follow the course of this world following the prince of the power of the air and the kingdom of the air, Satan, the author of disobedience and rebellion. His rule has no basis and is spiritual death. And the others are those who follow the King of the uncreated Kingdom, our Lord and God the Father who rules the Heavenly places by mercy and love and His rule is Heavenly Blessings, kindness and eternal life. Jesus came to tear down the dividing wall of hostility and unite us all on earth to live together in peace.   These are the two sides from which everyone must choose.

We must always pray as God’s People; in Church together and at home, alone behind closed doors as the saints teach us. We must ask God for what we need; thank Him for what we have; praise Him for His mighty holiness and His tender mercy and love; lament before Him over our frustrations, confusions, and sorrows; and seek from Him light in the face of darkness and comfort in the midst of affliction. He is our Comfort and Hope.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in November. Among those are Matthew Kary on November 14; Jonas James Czech on November 16; Juliana Kary, November 19; Mat. Lana Chaykivsky on Nov. 24; Ben Kalemba on Nov. 27 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.

Our parish will be having a Thanksgiving Party at our Church hall on November 12, following Divine Liturgy.   Everyone is welcome to enjoy our delicious pre-Nativity and pre-Thanksgiving feast.