Newsletter: January 2006

Community and Communion

The year 2006 will be, we expect, a year of growth and expansion. The parish is stretching itself more and more, having more Bible studies (in both Vancouver and Abbotsford), doing more interior renovations, doing more charitable work and outreach, having more on-line communications. There are Women’s Nights, Men’s Nights, Youth nights. With so much happening, maintaining unity becomes even more important. As the parish reaches out and becomes more far-flung (with some of us even coming from south of the border), we need to not lose sight of our common center and our common source of strength: the divine and common Chalice from which we all partake on Sunday mornings. The preservation of unity and fostering of fellowship has always been a challenge at St. Herman’s, since we have always been so spread out. Now, with a number of priests (and deacons in training), and with an expanding number of activities, the nurturing of our sense of belonging to one another becomes all the more important.

The Church cannot be reduced to programmes. For many years, inquirers have asked me, “What kinds of programmes do you have at St. Herman’s?” I have always answered (with my tongue only a bit in my cheek), “The Divine Liturgy!” That is, whatever activities we may do, our main activity, task, joy and mandate as a parish is to assemble on Sunday morning to offer the Eucharistic Sacrifice as a single family and as the royal priesthood. (see article on page two re: preparation for communion).

Wherever we may live, be it in the west of Vancouver, the east of Chilliwack, or even south in the United States, we are one family in Christ, and we belong to one another. The Lord calls us to grow. But He also calls us to grow together, and to continue to bear one another’s burdens, as one family, united around His saving presence in our midst.

All my love,

Fr. Lawrence

 

Annual Meeting Time again!

St. Herman's is famous for quick and efficient and positive annual meetings, so there is no excuse to miss this important event in the life of our parish!

SUNDAY JANUARY 29th immediately after Liturgy.

Communicant members of the parish in good standing may vote; others who worship regularly with us are welcome to attend. The secret to our efficiency is that agenda is not accepted from the floor; if you have a concern you think might be appropriately dealt with in this venue, or a nomination to parish council, submit it to a member of parish council by Jan. 21st.

 

Charitable works this Dec. at St. Herman's:

• Bake Sale : proceeds $255 for the Orthodox Stocking Fund
• Hamper Donations : $346
• Coat collection: Lots! J thanks to all who helped out!

 

Fasting Rules January 2006

All Days until January 5 are fast-free days in celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord.

• January 5, Eve of Theophany, like regular Wednesdays and Fridays, is a strict fast day with no meat, fish, eggs or dairy, wine or olive oil.
• Fri. Jan. 6 —Theophany- Complete fast from at least noon for communion; festal food afterward as it is a fast-free day

Other days when the fast is partially eased, these foods allowed :

• Wed. Jan 11 —St. Theodosius- wine & oil
• Fri. Jan 20 – St. Euthymius- fish wine & oil
• Wed Jan25 —St Gregory the Theologian- fish wine & oil
• Fri. Jan 27 - Trans. Relics Jn. Chrysostom- fish wine & oil

 

JANUARY EVENTS

• Wed. Jan. 4—7: 00 pm regular daily Vespers and Studies resume
• Fri. Jan. 6- Theophany – 7:00 p.m. Vesperal Liturgy/festal meal
• Tues. Jan. 10--7 :00 p.m.Abbotsford study (now once a month)
• Sun. Jan. 29 th —Annual Parish Meeting after Liturgy

 

House blessings

Theophany is the feast celebrating the Baptism of Our Lord, by which the waters of the world are sanctified. At this day's service we bless water for use through the year; remember to bring a bottle to take home holy water.

At this time it is also customary to invite the priest to come and bless our homes with us for the coming year.

Attached to the newsletter you will find a leaflet telling you how to prepare for the blessing of your home

Theophany comes up quickly after Christmas! Schedule a time now with one of the clergy to come and bless your home.

 

Preparing for Communion

Communicants must be living in a manner befitting Orthodox Christians, coming regularly to confession. In addition, the proper inner spiritual disposition is strengthened and expressed by doing the following things:

1. Keep one’s heart in peace. Attending Vespers is best, but at very least one should be prayerful. No partying on Saturday night!

2. Fast, abstaining from food and water, from midnight on.

3. Pray pre-Communion prayers from the Prayer Book. Parents should include some such prayers as they lead their children in bedtime prayers. (One need not say all the available prayers; a selection may be made. Your confessor can help make this selection to determine one’s personal rule.)

4. Come to Liturgy on time—i.e. at 10.00 am. We wouldn’t come late to a family dinner; how much less should we come late for the Lord’s Supper?

5. Exchange the Peace with those around during the service, as an expression of inner repentance and desire to be reconciled with all. We cannot receive the Holy Mysteries to our salvation if we come to the Chalice with unforgiveness in our heart.