Newsletter: April 2005

Concerning Readers

This month we begin a new educational series on Holy Orders, and other ministries in the Church. First to be considered is the office of Reader.

In the Church, the office of Reader is one of the so-called “Minor Orders” (the “Major Orders” being those of Deacon, Priest and Bishop). In our present Byzantine practice, one is set apart for the office of Reader by the Bishop in the rite of tonsure, done prior to the Divine Liturgy.

The Bishop makes the Sign of the Cross thrice over the candidate’s head and prays for him, chanting hymns to the apostles, to St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil and St. Gregory (theologians to whom our Liturgies are ascribed). Next the Bishop tonsures the candidate’s head in the Name of the Trinity, cutting off small pieces of hair in the shape of a cross. The candidate is then clothed in a small phelon (or vestment) and prayed for again, that God might enable him, “with all wisdom and understanding, to exercise the study and reading of (His) divine words."

The newly-tonsured Reader then reads a passage chosen by the Bishop from the Epistles. After a final prayer (in which the office of Reader is said to be "the first degree in the priesthood"), the Bishop proclaims that “the servant of God (name) has become a Reader in the Church of (his parish)” in the Name of the Trinity.

Ancient custom (reflected in such canons as canon 15 of the Council of Laodicea in the 4^th C) permits only those set apart for this ministry by tonsure to read liturgically in church. At St. Herman’s we follow this ancient practice, though non-tonsured Orthodox may read in “emergency” times when no tonsured readers are available. Our Bishop’s present practice is to tonsure only men as Readers, since many regard this Office as the first step towards priesthood (as one of the prayers states).

Like all official ministries in the Church, the work of Reader should not be lightly undertaken or lightly regarded. Readers should study the Scriptures, and never forget their high calling (sometimes expressed by the Reader wearing a long-sleeved cassock, or riassa). The Reader should familiarize himself with the passages to be read before Liturgy begins, and be prepared to chant in such a way as to make the text immediately understandable - slowly, clearly, and loudly enough to be heard. The rest of us (including the priest and others in the altar) must listen to his words and let them sink into our hearts. We are listening, not just to the Reader, but to the apostles and other writers of Scripture whose words are being read for our salvation.

All my love in the Lord,

Fr. Lawrence

Reminder: SPRING AHEAD!

Set clocks ahead one hour

SATURDAY NIGHT APRIL 2^nd

Community Announcements

1. Sat. Apr 2 4:30 pm Creative arts group

2. Sat. night Apr. 2 SPRING AHEAD one hour!

3. Sats. Apr. 2 and 9 Memorial trisagion after Vespers

4. Sat. Apr. 16 vespers EARLY at 6 pm w. Bp Seraphim

5. Sat. Apr 23 Lazarus Sat. 10 am Kids' day & church cleanup

6. Mon. Apr 25—Sun. May 1 Holy week and PASCHAL services see calendar

Memorial Saturdays

On some of the Saturdays of Great Lent, special memorials are made for the departed. This year, Saturdays April 2 and 9 will be kept as Memorial Saturdays, with a Trisagion for the Departed served after Great Vespers. Please let Fr. Lawrence know the names of any departed loved ones you would like remembered at these services.

Fasting Rules for April 2005

All of GREAT LENT until Apr. 24 N o meat, fish eggs or dairy until Pascha. Seafood and shellfish are permitted.

Pre-eucharistic complete fast from at least noon on the days of Presanctified Liturgy.

PALM SUNDAY fish permitted.

HOLY WEEK Apr 25-30 . Lenten food. Holy Friday Full fast until after veneration of the shroud for those with the strength.

For more detailed rules, please see the separate sheet from last month's newsletter.

Confessions

The OCA suggests approximately 6 week intervals between confessions, for those not under discipline and who receive communion regularly. Members are encouraged to use the fasting periods as appropriate times of self-examination and confession. Most Saturdays after vespers you can come to either of our priests without an appointment, but otherwise it is best to call ahead. Confessions in our parish are not done just before the liturgy, so please plan ahead. It is also best not to wait till the last minute in Holy Week to make an appointment .

OOPS!! Sorry about last month's calendar confusion. Please note that there IS a Presanctified Liturgy on Friday, April 1^st. Please check the service schedule in the April Calendar carefully, as we have services only on selected Wednesdays and Fridays this year.