We are accustomed to think of January 1st as the beginning of the year. But the tradition of calculating the start of a new year with autumn was common to the lands of the Bible and to all the lands around the Mediterranean. The summer harvest was at an end, the crops were stored, and people prepared for a new agricultural cycle. It was an appropriate time to begin a new year.

According to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind (Luke 4:16-22). “And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and He went to the synagogue, as His custom was, on the sabbath day. And He stood up to read; and there was given to Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

It is appropriate for us to welcome the Church New Year with prayer. Many of the hymns for the first day of the Church year state that the coming year is God's to give and God's to bless –A YEAR OF THE LORD!   "Bless, O Lord, the beginning of the year with Thy goodness!"

"Christ our God, Thy kingdom is an everlasting one and Thy lordship is over all. Thou has made all things with wisdom and have established proper times and seasons for our lives. We give thanks to Thee in all circumstances and for all things. Grant that this liturgical year be for all of us a year of grace. Make us worthy with purity of heart always to praise you. Lord, glory to Thee! "

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in September: Betty Czech, September 1; Fr. Maryan Chaykivsky, Sept 19; Irina Chaykivsky, Sept 24 and Janice Pecoraro on September 30.   Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their birthday in September and May God grant  all of you  Many Years!

Remember our needy neighbors. The Food Pantry is always in need of food items. Please keep those less fortunate in mind and help us to feed those in need. A basket is in the vestibule of the church for your convenience. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.

Plans are in the works for our annual outdoor picnic on the rectory grounds. Good food and good company and even activities for the children will be available. So save the date and be with us on Sunday, September 17 following Divine Liturgy. All are welcome!