ISSUE

37
March 2014

Monthly Newsletter for Stewards of Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church

Box & Spoon

2014 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Aaron Biedermann-President Halina Woroncow-Vice Pres. Tim Kelly Andru Peters-Secretary Don Jenkins Tia Maragos Erline Holman Robert Lytle Jacob Petersen STEWARDSHIP / OUTREACH John Maragos Chair Halina Woroncow Ari Kolas Diana Orbelo ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly- Chair Ari Kolas BUDGET Jacob Petersen Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Jacob Peterson Mark Smith John Maragos PHILOXENIA HOUSE Brad Holman Chair GREEK FESTIVAL Dan Jerghiu Chair Lorenda Jerghiu Silent auction Joe Forrer Set-up/Teardown Tim Kelly Outdoor Cooks Johnny Mangouras Marketing Ari Kolas Marketing Penny Kolas Pastries Maria Thomas Pastries Denise Mangouras Pastries Martha Voytovich Market place Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Ali Ostfeld Children Area

O Death, where is thy sting?!

Death is the touchstone of our attitude to life. People who are afraid of death are afraid of life. It is impossible not to be afraid of life with all its complexity and dangers if one is afraid of death. This means that to solve the problem of death is not a luxury. If we are afraid of death we will never be prepared to take ultimate risks; we will spend our life in a cowardly, careful and timid manner. It is only if we can face death, make sense of it, determine its place and our place in regard to it that we will be able to live in a fearless way and to the fulness of our ability. Too often we wait until the end of our life to face death, whereas we would have lived quite differently if only we had faced death at the outset. According to St. John Climacus, one of the essential steps in the transformation of our fallen nature and the acquisition of the virtues is "meleti thanatou", or the remembrance of death. In fact, Step 6 of his Ladder of Divine Ascent is dedicated to this very practice. On October 3rd the Church guides us to read this specific chapter from beginning to end, because at the end is the tale of the Blessed Hesychius the Horebite whom we celebrate today. St. John thought his tale to be the perfect seal on this beneficial chapter dedicated to the remembrance of death, and below I offer the ending portion of this chapter to see why: Some inquire and wonder: Why, when the remembrance of death is so beneficial to us, has God hidden from us the knowledge of the hour of death? not knowing that in this way God wonderfully accomplishes our salvation. For no one who foreknew his death would at once proceed to baptism or the monastic life; but everyone would spend all his days in iniquities, and only on the day of his death, would he approach baptism and repentance. From long habit, he would become confirmed in vice, and would remain utterly incorrigible. And I cannot be silent about the story of Hesychius the Horebite. He passed his life in complete negligence, without paying the least attention to his soul. Then he became extremely ill, and for an hour he expired. And when he came to himself, he begged us all to leave him immediately. And he built up the door of his cell, and he stayed in it for twelve years without ever uttering a word to anyone, and without eating anything but bread and water. And,

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23rd 2014

always remaining motionless, he was so rapt in spirit at what he had seen in his ecstasy, that he never changed this manner of life but was always as if out of his mind, and silently shed hot tears. But when he was about to die, we broke open the door and went in, and after many questions, this alone was all we heard from him: Forgive me! No one who has acquired the remembrance of death will ever be able to sin. We were amazed to see that one who had before been so negligent was so suddenly transfigured by this blessed change and transformation. We reverently buried him in the cemetery near the fort, and after some days we looked for his holy relics, but did not find them. So by Hesychiuss true and praiseworthy repentance, the Lord showed us that He accepts those who desire to amend, even after long negligence. Metropolitan ANTHONY of Sourozh

THE AKATHIST HYMN TO THE HOLY THEOTOKOS

Rejoice, unfading rose. Rejoice, the only one who budded forth the unfading

apple. Rejoice, birth-giver of the aromatic balm of the King of all. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded, the world's salvation."The Akathist Hymn is a profound, devotional poem, which sings the praises of the Holy Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary. It is one of the most beloved services in the Orthodox Church. It was composed in the imperial city of Constantinople, "the city of the Virgin," by St. Romanos the Melodist, who reposed in the year 556. The Akathist Hymn has proven so popular in the liturgical life of the Church that many other hymns have been written following its format. These include Akathists to Our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Cross, and to many Saints. The Akathist hymn consists of praises directed to the Mother of God, beginning with the salutation of the Archangel Gabriel: "Rejoice." As the hymn is chanted all of the events related to our Lord's Incarnation pass before us for our contemplation. The Archangel Gabriel marvels at the Divine self-emptying and the renewal of creation which will occur when Christ comes to dwell in the Virgin's womb. The unborn John the Baptist prophetically rejoices. The shepherds recognize Christ as a blameless Lamb, and rejoice that in the Virgin "the things of earth join chorus with the heavens." The pagan Magi following the light of the star, praise Her for revealing the light of the world. The word "akathistos" means "not sitting," i.e., standing; normally all participants stand while it is being prayed. The hymn is comprised of 24 stanzas, arranged in an acrostic following the Greek alphabet. The stanzas alternate between long and short. Each short stanza is written in prose and ends with the singing of "Alleluia." Each longer stanza ends with the refrain: "Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded." The first part of the hymn is about the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary by the Angel. It describes Marys surprise at the news, her visit to her mother and Josephs doubts as to her innocence. The second part is about the birth of Christ, the worship of the Shepherds and Magi, the flight to Egypt and the visit to Saint Simeon in the Temple. In the third part the hymn directs our attention to the renewal of the world by Christs coming, and the amazement of the Angels and the wise men at the sight of the ANNUNCIATION Incarnation of Gods Son. The fourth and the last part is once more a lyric and rhetorical Mon. 3/24: Great Vespers 6pm appraisal of Virgin Mary, whom the poet adorns with the most beautiful of adjectives Tues. 3/25: Orthros/Divine asking her to accept his poetical offering and to intercede for the salvation of human race Liturgy w/ Artoklasia 8:30am from the earthly sin. Orthodox Christian Observance of the Akathist Hymn On the first four Fridays of Great Lent during the service of the Small Compline the Akathist Hymn is Today marks the crowning observed in the following order: The chanting of the nine Odes or Canon. The chanting of the Kontakion with censing ("Ti Ipermacho" - "O Champion General..."). The chanting by of our salvation and the the priest of the first part of the stanzas on the first Friday, the second part on the second revelation of the mystery Friday, the third part on the third Friday and the fourth part on the fourth Friday. The before all ages. chanting of the Kontakion with censing. Veneration of the Icon with the chanting of the Theotokion before the conclusion of the Compline Service.

Praising Thee we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Palm Sunday, April 13th 2014

Calendar for March 2014

Saturday Sunday March 1st March 2nd 2nd Saturday of Souls Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:30am Cheesefare Luncheon after Liturgy (last day of dairy consumption until Pascha) Mission Sunday, OCMC Coin Boxes given to Sunday School students Forgiveness Vespers beginning of Great Lent Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday March 3rd March 4th March 5th March 6th March 7th March 8th March 9th March 10th March 12th March 13th March 14th March 16th March 17th March 19th March 20th March 21st March 23rd March 24th March 25th March 26th March 27th March 28th March 30th March 31st CLEAN MONDAY- Great Compline Service Great Compline Philoptochos Meeting in the Church Library Presanctified Liturgy Great Compline Akathist Hymn 3rd Saturday of Souls Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service (please bring Kolyva) 1st Sunday of Lent: Sunday of Orthodoxy Daylight Savings Begins! Spring Forward! Great Compline Presanctified Liturgy GOYA Faith Night after Liturgy Great Compline JOY Faith Night BEFORE Compline Akathist Hymn 2nd Sunday of Lent: St. Gregory Palamas Great Compline Presanctified Liturgy Parish Council Meeting after Liturgy Great Compline St. Philothei Project Akathist Hymn GOYA Lenten Lock-in after Akathist, overnighter 3rd Sunday of Lent: Sunday of the Holy Cross Great Vespers for Feast of the Annunciation Annunciation Orthros/Divine Liturgy Presanctified Liturgy Great Compline Akathist Hymn 4th Sunday of Lent: St. John Klimakos Great Compline 6pm 6pm 6pm 8:30am 6pm 8:30am 6pm 8:30am 6pm 6pm 6pm 7pm -ish 6pm 4:30pm 6pm 8:30am 6pm 6pm 7:15pm 6pm 8:30am 6pm 6pm 6pm 7pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 8:30am

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23rd 2014

Calendar for April 2014

Tuesday Wednesday Friday Sunday Wednesday Friday Saturday April 1st April 2nd Philoptochos Meeting in the Church Library 6pm 9am 6pm 8:30am 6pm 9am 8:30am Presanctified Liturgy *Morning Service* Great Compline w/ Canon of St Andrew of Crete April 4th Final Akathist Hymn April 6th Final Sunday of Lent: St. Mary the Egyptian April 9th Presanctified Liturgy GOYA Faith Night after Liturgy April 11th Presanctified Liturgy *Morning Service* April 12th Saturday of Lazarus Orthros/Divine Liturgy Church Cleaning after Liturgy, volunteers needed! April 13th PALM SUNDAY Plaki Lunchoen after Liturgy (Philoptochos Fundraiser) Decorating for Holy Week after Luncheon 1st Bridegroom Service April 14th Bridegroom Service April 15th Bridegroom Service April 16th Holy Unction Service Orthros for Holy Thursday ** those who cannot be present at 3:30pm Unction Service may annointed after the 7pm Service ** April 17th Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil Paschal egg dying in Church Kitchen after Liturgy Holy Passion Service/12 Gospels Reading of the entire Psalter after service April 18th Royal Hours GOYA Holy Friday Retreat after Royal Hours Apokathilosis/Taking down from Cross Lamentations April 19th Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil **Decorating for Pascha after Liturgy** ANASTASIS/RESURRECTION Parish-wide Paschal Dinner and celebration after Liturgy April 20th Agape Vespers April 23rd St. George the Great Martyr Orthros/Divine Liturgy Parish Council Meeting April 25th Zoodochos Pigi/Theotokos of the Life-Giving Fount Orthros/Divine Liturgy April 27th GOYA Event TBA April 28th-May 1st Metropolis Clergy Retreat, Fr. Mark away

Sunday

8:30am

Holy Monday Holy Tuesday Holy Wednesday

7pm 7pm 7pm 3:30pm 7pm

Holy Thursday

8:30am 7pm 9am 3pm 7pm 8:30am 11pm 11am 8:30am 6:30pm 8:30am

Holy Friday

Holy Saturday

Pascha Sunday Wednesday

Friday Sunday Monday-Thursday

Praising Thee we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Palm Sunday, April 13th 2014

Mission Coin Boxes

Sunday March 2nd is Mission Sunday. Our Sunday School children will be given coin boxes to raise money during Lent to support the philanthropic endeavors of our 15 brave Orthodox Christian Missionaries around the world. Please support the parish childrens efforts of almsgiving to those who are working in third world countries to introduce the natives to the love and hope of Jesus Christ and the Orthodox faith. To learn more about our Orthodox Missionaries and their work, please see the Orthodox Christian Mission Centers website at www.ocmc.org. Thank you.

Cheesefare Luncheon Fundraiser

A Cheesefare Luncheon, hosted by our Philoptochos Society, is on Sunday March 2nd following Divine Liturgy in the Church hall. All proceeds go to Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology. We will be serving homemade Tyropitas and spanokopitas with a salad and cheesecake for dessert for $8 dollars adults and $4 children (Mac and cheese is available for the children). Please join us in supporting the college. Thank you.

Palm Sunday Dinner

Sunday April 17th
Palm Sunday Luncheon in the church hall following Divine Liturgy!! A fish plaki dinner with salad and dessert will be served.

$12 adults and $6 children.

All proceeds go toward the philanthropic charities of our Philoptochos Society. God bless you in your generosity to others. Thank you!!

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23rd 2014

Youth Team Report

Well, weve had a long, hard, unrelenting winter, and we have needed to cancel a few youth events, but hope springs eternal, and the energy and enthusiasm of our parish youth and teachers has not waned as we wait for the snow to melt and the first buds of spring to appear! This month, we would like to introduce our Grade 3-4 class, taught by Loredana Jerghiuta and Kris Brekke.

Our class curriculum teaches the children about the Church as a whole, exploring the Sacraments, Feast days, the Prayers of the Church and the Divine Liturgy. With the context of the lessons we also have a reading from the Bible and getting the children more and more familiarized with the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Our class recently was visited by Mrs. Calli Kelly and got their Orthodox Mission Coin Boxes. We learned once again about the missionaries of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and those who leave their homes to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth and hope of the Orthodox faith with the over one billion people who have yet to receive it. The class got so motivated that they decided to take some initiatives. Please give them the proper support they need to grow their ministry.

Please keep the children and their mission work in your prayers.
Our 5th and 6th grade class is taught by Catherine Weiler and Terri Mettler. A goal of our Church School curriculum this year is to enhance our students knowledge of the Holy Scriptures from a young age and build upon that familiarity through the grades. In this class: We have been studying stories from the Old Testament and how they relate to the coming and love of Christ for all of us. We first review the story we discussed the prior week and then watch a cartoon DVD/movie about the days story. We discuss what we learned from the story and the explanation in the Orthodox Study Bible. On occasions, we read verses that relate to the story.

Praising Thee we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Palm Sunday, April 13th 2014

Youth Team Report

- continued -

Fellowship this month included the participation of a number of our JOY and GOYA students in the Metropolis Basketball Tournament, which was hosted by St. Marys GOC this year. Holy Anargyroi combined with St. George to field the teams, and each walked away with a 2nd Place Trophy for their efforts. Congratulations to our young people for their spirited participation and excellent sportsmanship! Our parish was well represented. We are proud of you!

GOYA Basketball Tournament 2014

JOY Basketball Tournament 2014

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23rd 2014

Youth Team Report

- continued -

GOYA was finally able to take advantage of the Minnesota winter to go snow-tubing at Ironwood Springs. The hills were fast and bumpy, and the best rides seemed to be had in tandem. The entire group chained together for the final run of the afternoon a snake of tubes and bundled friends, squealing with delightand just a touch of apprehension! GOYAs Faith Night reflected on the theme of discrimination, the societal influences we experience to that end, versus the Christian message that God loves and welcomes us equally: For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. (Romans 10:12). We considered pending legislation in Arizona, whether this was discriminatory in effect or an attempt to recognize and support individual religious freedom in society. We agreed that this issue offers another challenge to consider how the teachings of our faith fit within the context of current affairs. GOYA has started to raise money for their mission trip with YOCAMA in June to visit and serve members of the Navajo nation in New Mexico. We have a beautiful diptych icon of the Theotokos and Christ which we are raffling off on March 9th, Orthodoxy Sunday. Just ask any of the GOYAns or their leaders for a ticket if you would like to donate to our cause. And please be sure to come over to coffee hour on March 9th to hear our youth sing a hymn, read an essay, or expound on a chosen theme regarding our faith at our parishs St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. We are completing the Triodion period, with Forgiveness Sunday just ahead, followed by our Lenten journey to Pascha. We wish our parish family and friends a spiritually rewarding passage as we prepare with peace and joy for the Resurrection of our Lord. Kali sarakosti. Youth Team Coordinators, JOY - Loredana Jerghiuta GOYA - Halina Woroncow and Mike Brekke

Praising Thee we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Palm Sunday, April 13th 2014

Philoxenia House News

I am feeling a little out of step writing this article, because we are combining March and April which means that I am writing this with the feeling that 2013 is long gone. Before too much time slips away, I have to share two very important events that took place in 2013 in regards to the financial support of this ministry. First, I am pleased to announce that once again this year the Philoxenia House was awarded $15,000 by the George Eisenberg Foundation. This support is vital for this ministry to continue, and we are very thankful and pleased. Second I am happy to announce that our small friends in Illinois who go by Together We Care were able to raise $1,225 for the Philoxenia House Ministry. This is the third year that these children were able to raise over $1,200. In case you missed the story of Together We Care in the Philoxenia House newsletter this year, the following is a brief introduction to the group and their mission.

Together We Care
Referring to themselves as Together We Care a group of children from St. Demetrios Orthodox Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, driven by the influence of the beloved and late Fr. Jim Tsoulos, gave up one Christmas gift each to raise money for the Philoxenia House Ministry. The mission was to come together, as they always have during the holidays, but skip out on the grab bag. The parents now had the opportunity to talk to the kids about the important message of giving and explain that the money raised will help support housing facilities for sick patients and their families at the Philoxenia House. On the second year, the children have decided to give up two gifts. Two of the children, Niko and Demetri Eliopoulos even started giving up birthday presents to help the cause. What a wonderful thing they have done. The children and their parents are hoping for a field trip someday to visit the Philoxenia House. Bravo not only to the children, but to their wonderful parents who are helping to create in the children caring, giving hearts. I am sure that Fr. Tsoulos is smiling with pride.

Together We Care learning more about Fr.Tsoulos and the Philoxenia House Ministry.

One of the fun parts: counting the money

The Together We Care children

The leaders of Together We Care would love to hear your inspirational stories of giving and can be reached at: togetherwecare2011@gmail.com. Thank you all who gave to the Philoxenia House Ministry in 2013. Sincerely in Christ, Bradley Holman President Philoxenia House Ministry

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23rd 2014

Philoptochos Society
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Our meetings continue to be the fist Tuesday of the month at 6pm in the Church library. The dates of the next two meetings are Tuesdays March 4th and April 1st at 6pm in the Church library. Philoptochos is the philanthropic arm of our Church; we work together in helping others. Most women parishioners in our parish are Philoptochos members. Our board include the following members: President Calli Kelly, Vice President Kristine Brekke, Treasurer Loredana Jerghiuta, Secretaries Effie Psimos and Angie Rustad, Board members Penny Kolas and Anna Ryabova and our Spiritual Advisor Father Mark Munoz. Please see any of us in regard to mission work within our parish. Recent donations that we collected have been $278 from our loukoumathes sale (for our budget) and $540 in a tray passing for St Basil Academy. Thank you to all who helped us with the sale and who gave generously to the tray passing. March: On Sunday March 2nd we will host a Cheesefare Luncheon in which the proceeds go to Hellenic College/ Holy Cross School of Theology. We will be serving Tyropitas and Spanokopitas with a salad and cheesecake for desserts. There will be mac and cheese for the children who request it. The cost is $8 adults and $4 children. Please join us in supporting a good donation to the college. Also in March, if you have not done so already please give your Philoptochos dues to our treasurer Loredana Jerghiuta. Dues are free will donations with the minimum due to give at $21 (which goes to the National and Regional levels). If possible, any dues over $30 would be great. Thank you. April: Philoptochos will host the Palm Sunday dinner on April 13th following Divine Liturgy in which the proceeds go directly to our chapter to distribute to the many charities that we support. This will be a fish plaki dinner with salad and dessert for $12 adults and $6 children. Again please join us in raising money for those in need. Thank you. Also in April, volunteers are needed to dye the red eggs for the Pascha Resurrection service. The egg dying will take place in the Church kitchen after the Thursday morning service on April 17th. In the upcoming weeks; I will send out emails to our Society members for help in the various ministries and fundraisers that we are involved in. There will be more details in these emails. In closing, I leave you, a loving dialog between our Lord Jesus Christ and His close friend and disciple, Martha, whose brother Lazarus has died. This discussion is in the Gospel reading (John 11:1-45) for Lazarus Saturday which is on April 12th this year. There is much spiritual insight that can be gleaned from the entire Gospel reading and also the icon of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Personally, I love that here (John 11:21-27) Jesus Christ shares the truth of who He is to Martha and leads her in a proclamation of faith towards Him. In this, I see their love and care for each other, very much like when Jesus asked His disciples Who do you say that I am? and Peter responded with his affirmation that Jesus is the Messiah, You are the Christ. in Mark 8:29. Enjoy this Gospel reading that holds the spiritual love and beauty in the words shared between Jesus Christ and His dear friend, the Myrrhbearer, Saint Martha. Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if You have been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You. Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. Martha said to Him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to Him, Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. -Jesus Christ and Martha in John 11:21-27 With sisterly love in CHRIST+ Calli Kelly Philoptochos President

Praising Thee we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Palm Sunday, April 13th 2014

We enjoyed our 4th Annual Parish Ethnic Potluck this past month -- an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our church family, united in faith. Over 30 dishes were shared, providing a taste of Norway, Spain, Germany, Poland, Russia, Romania, Greece, Mexico, and America. To add to the feast and fellowship, we enjoyed a game of guess who, where each of us submitted a fact about ourselves that might not be known to others. Can you guess which of our parishioners can ride a unicycle? Who rescued sea turtles in Costa Rica? Who has a Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do? Who was a rodeo judge? Who was a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz? Who could polka and square dance like there was no tomorrow? If you missed the Potluck, ask around at Coffee Hour and see if you can learn the answers!

OUTREACH Parish Potluck!

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23rd 2014

OUTREACH New Member Highlight Oleg Pecherskii and Anna Ryaboya

Imagine taking your critically ill baby to a foreign country where you dont know the language but where there is a chance he could be helped. Thats what Anna Ryabova and her husband Oleg Pecherskii did a few years ago when they left Russia and brought young Roman and his older brother Sergei to America. They had to leave so much behind, including their jobs - Annas as a stock analyst and Olegs as a computer programmer - but if they didnt come, Roman might not survive. But wait this story has a happy ending! Mayo has saved Roman and our Parish has stepped in to make them think of Rochester as their home. Indeed, Anna states that they are happy at last. Their journey began several years ago when Roman was born with defective kidneys. The Russian doctors said they had no way to treat him. The Germans and the Swiss told them the same thing. But Oleg would not stop searching. He promised Anna that Roman would live and that he would do everything to see that he does. He found Mayo, and Mayo said yes. Not only did it offer hope, it also paid their way here. Their life became even more dramatic when, in a marathon day involving four surgeries, the Mayo doctors gave them back their son. Four surgeries, in one day? Yes, the surgeons removed one of Olegs kidneys and gave it to a woman in Wisconsin. Then they removed a kidney from her son and gave it to Roman who took to it like it was his own. This all happened on Annas birthday and she says it was the best present she ever had. They decided to return home to Russia because they missed their family and also their pets. But they got the same story - the Russian doctors would not take him as a patient. So they came back to Rochester where medical help is available if they need it. They hope to soon take their place in American society. Roman is thriving. And so is his brother Sergei who learned English quickly in his schools ESL program. He is now in the 6th grade at Willow Creek Middle School where math is his favorite subject. His favorite activity? - playing with his little brother. Holy Anargyroi is an important part of their story too. Anna says, I think our history should be not about us. It's a story about people in the Church. And these people are so friendly - we've gotten a lot of warmth and loveThis is the best.

Praising Thee we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Palm Sunday, April 13th 2014

CHURCH NEEDS LIST

Please Contact Fr. Mark or Jackie to Donate
Coffee and coffee filters Candles Two AEDs (automated external defibrillator) Metropolis basketball tournament registration fee OCMC support (Divided between Hoppe and GOYA missions) $110 per case 5 cases per year $4,200 per year $1300 each $300 per year $500 per month

BUDGET CUTS
Please Contact Fr. Mark or Jackie to Donate
Church School texts/supplies Parish youth activities Outreach efforts Repairs: Air Conditioner (7/8/2013) $750 per year $1,000 per year $500 per year $1,000

ST. MARK THE ASCETIC

Do not think about or do anything without a spiritual purpose, whereby it is done for God. For If you travel without purpose, you shall labor in vain. (Homilies, 1.54)

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23rd 2014

For The Lenten Journey...