In Matthew Chapter 12, Jesus says: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, “I will return to my house from which I came,” And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Stated in the Orthodox Study Bible: The heart in Scripture refers to the center of consciousness, the seat of the intellect and the will, and the place from which spiritual life proceeds. When God’s grace permeates the heart, it masters the body and guides all actions and thoughts. On the other hand, when malice and evil capture the heart, a person becomes full of darkness and spiritual confusion. When the devil is gone out, he is uneasy, for he sleeps not except if he has done mischief, he walks in dry places, like one that is very melancholy; he seeks rest but finds none, till he returns again. Thus, we guard our hearts.

Unless there is full repentance and the Holy Spirit dwells in a person, an expelled demon will return with others and reoccupy its abode. If we had decided to better our lives this year, let this be a warning to everyone of letting fall a good work of reforming their lives and returning to that wickedness which they seemed to have forsaken; for the last state of such will be worse than the first.

Divine Liturgy on Nov 8, 2025 will be in honor of Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers. An angel is a pure spirit created by God. The name applies to certain spiritual beings which are endowed by God with intelligence, will and power and are employed by God as the ministers of His will. Angels, the first created beings, are not to be worshipped according to a canon of the fourth century Council of Laodicea. The number of the Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that “thousands of thousands ministered before Him and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him” (Dan. 7:10).

There is perfect unity as well as obedience between the orders. 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.

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 9, following Divine Liturgy. Everyone is welcome to enjoy our delicious pre-Nativity and pre-Thanksgiving feast.