Humans are competitive and judgmental! We relentlessly compare and evaluate each other in relation to power, salary, clothes, cars, housing, etc. Being competitive makes us look at others and relate their behavior to our own. We all know people who fit the following examples. Jason is always talking about others but we say we would never repeat the things he does.  My neighbor is always showing off her new clothes and she just bought a new car but we say she really should give more to the poor instead of surrounding herself in all her finery.   Many people think they hate that man who is running for office in our town. They really don’t know him personally but somehow they know he is awful.  We constantly judge others and not even realize what we are doing!

Unfortunately many people who judge others do not think of those they judge poorly as rational creatures, made by God and subject under Him.  Importantly, everyone needs to realize that those who judge and those whom are they are judging are BOTH accountable to God. How sad that many of those who are judging others are unaware that they may possibly have done the same things of which they are complaining.  Nothing is hidden from God.  No one should ever be misled by the thought that they will escape God’s judgment!

 “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.  We know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who do such things.  Do you suppose, O man, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? (Rom 2:1-6)

In Romans 2 the apostle Paul preaches to all the people accusing them for their bad behavior and self-conceit in judging others.  He expresses himself in general terms with the hope that his accusations may reach everyone, especially those in power,   that think they have the right to censure, control, and condemn others.  Paul says “Do you suppose, O man, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God?”  We must not take the outcome of God’s final judgment for granted. In every Divine Liturgy Orthodox Christians pray, “For a good defense before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ, let us pray to the lord.” May the Lord have mercy on us all! 

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in August: Nicholas Bzik, August 2; Gregory Kary on August 12; Patricia Galley, August 14; and Marilyn Stagen, August 15; Samuel Czech, on August 17; Peter Czech, August 22; and Andrea Shaker on August 26. Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their birthday in August, and also to Archbishop Michael on Aug. 28 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. Helen Baron, our food basket coordinator, thanks you and may God bless you abundantly for your generosity.

More pictures concerning our 100th Anniversary have been posted in the Photo Gallery.  Enjoy!