January 2008 Newsletter Items

The Calendar is updated.

LIVING IN A BLESSED HOME

It is the custom of the Orthodox to have their homes blessed by the priest in the days following the Feast of Theophany every January 6. The rite of house blessing is brief but wonderful—it not only brings the blessing of God upon one’s home for the coming year, but also binds the domestic family together as part of the Family of God. The preparations are easy: one simply prepares a table with a bowl of Holy Water, a leafy sprig (to sprinkle the Holy Water), an icon, a candle (for carrying from room to room) and a list of names of the living and the departed for the priest to offer to God as part of the rite. (I can provide Holy Water and sprig if you do not have one available.) The prayers themselves take only a few minutes, and then the family leads the priest from room to room (the head of the house carrying the candle) as all sing the Theophany tropar and the priest sprinkles the walls of each room with Holy Water. At the end, the priest sprinkles all present with the Holy Water (it is my practice to bless any animals within reach also). The whole visit need last no longer than twenty minutes—but what an important few minutes it is. For it is in this way that one consecrates one’s home and life there to the Lord for the months that follow.
It is always my great joy to visit the homes of the faithful in the parish. I am never too busy to visit, especially for such a joyful occasion. All you need do is call to arrange for a convenient time.

Yours in the Lord,
Fr. Lawrence

JANUARY EVENTS:


Sat. Jan. 5 – 7 pm Theophany Vespers and Blessing of Waters


Sun. Jan. 6 –10 am Theophany Liturgy followed by

outdoor blessing of water (Fraser River) weather permitting

Sun. Jan. 20 – Annual Congregational Meeting after Liturgy
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Fasting rules for JANUARY 2008
Jan. 1– Jan 4 Fast free period continues
Jan. 5 Eve of Theophany fast— wine & oil allowed

All Wed. & Fri. after Theophany (Jan 6) are normal fast days—NO meat, dairy, eggs, fish (fish w. backbone), wine (all alcohol) or olive oil.

Exceptions: wine & oil are allowed on the following saints’ days:
Jan. 11 Theodosius the Great
Jan25 Gregory the Theologian
Jan 30 Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great,
Gregory the Theologian,
John Chrysostom

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THANKS to EVERYONE who served in the Lord’s Church at St. Herman’s in AD 2007

Too many to list— but of particular note recently:

Sandy Folster supplied the Hogwarts castle. The raffle raised over $300 for St. Arseny Camp

Koinonia Ministry DONORS of items to homeless care packets: Maria C. & Angelina H. report more than 60 bags were filled and distributed.

Kai L. and his intrepid team caring for the building –we have a new sink & counter, new shed, new candle table, more coat hooks & probably lots of stuff we don’t notice!

Pres. Sava Duran & all our parish council who keep things moving here at St. Herman’s!
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MANY YEARS to newly-received Members Dec 23/07:
by baptism:

Dylan Falk
Peter Hall
Andrew (Seraphim) Friesen
Lindsey (Diordia) Friesen
Ryan (Tikhon) Bishop

by chrismation:
Robyn (Anastasia) Bishop
Meike (Macrina) Hall