From the November 2008 Newsletter

Glory to God for All Things!

As some may be aware from reading either the official OCA website at www.oca.org or the independent news and commentary site at www.ocanews.org, there is trouble in Orthodox paradise here in the OCA. For several years there has been corruption, lying and embezzlement taking place, and this whole mess, having come to light, is now being dealt with by bishops, clergy and laity alike. Many are saying that the Holy Synod of our bishops have been too slow to deal with the crisis, and many blame them for expressing confidence in the (former) Metropolitan where none was deserved. Much more could be said, and doubtless will be said at the upcoming All-American Council in Pittsburgh. As well as trying to sort through the pain of the past, that Council must elect a new Metropolitan. I and our official lay delegate, as well as some observers, will be attending this historic meeting, and we ask your prayers that we may join with the whole Church in seeking the Lord’s will.

For those who will not be at that Council and for whom the whole thing is bewildering, confusing and painful, you may be asking, what is the way forward?

To any tempted to be discouraged, I would offer the following: “Welcome to planet earth!” Or, to put it more Biblically, “Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to his earth and his plans perish. The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations!” (Ps. 146, the Second Antiphon). The Church has survived this, and worse, and will survive the present crisis.
We must and will hold accountable those who have done wrong, and repent and forgive and be forgiven and generally muddle through as best we can. But as we do this our focus must remain on the Lord in heaven, not on what goes on in Syosset, Pittsburgh, or anywhere else on earth. If we lived in the days of St. John Chrysostom, we would be even more discouraged, watching him hounded to death by the powerful prelate Theophilus of Alexandria, and then seeing Theophilus escape all earthly censure and die with honour. But die he did, and his plans perished. St. John Chrysostom was vindicated, and the Church has judged his cause truly. Our days are not so bad as the days of St. John. Let the cry
which was on the dying lips of the saint be in our hearts as well, as we look to the Lord and take the long view: “Glory to God for all things!”
Yours in the Lord
Fr. Lawrence

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Note:

Fr. Lawrence will be away at Archdiocesan Council Oct. 30-Nov. 5 . Services will continue as normal.
Dn. Kurt will tend to pastoral needs at this time.

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Special note!!

NEW TIME FOR VESPERS

Beginning Sat. Nov. 8

Wednesday and Saturday vespers

will be held at
6:30 p.m.
as will any other evening services

Saturdays- Vespers will be followed by a study at the home of a parishioner (this month, the Wrights).

Wednesdays- there will be no formal Study, but Fr. Lawrence will be available for questions or confession.

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NOV. SPECIAL EVENTS

Sat. NOV. 1— remember to SET CLOCKS BACK one hour at bedtime!!_______________________

Fri. Nov. 14— Men’s gathering, location TBA ________________________

Thurs. Nov. 20— Vesperal Liturgy on eve of Entrance of the Theotokos _________________________

NOTE
Oct 30– Nov 5 Fr Lawrence will be away at Archdiocesan Council; for pastoral needs see Dn. Kurt.
Nov 10-14 —BOTH Fr. Lawrence & Dn. Kurt will be at the All-American Council. In emergency at this time see:

Fr. John B. 604-882-5682

All services continue as usual

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November fasting—— Wednesdays & Fridays till Advent beginning November 15th are regular fast days. No meat, fish, dairy & eggs or wine & oil.
ADVENT FASTING this month: as regular fast days EXCEPT: Fish, wine & oil allowed weekends and Entrance Feast Nov. 21; wine & oil allowed Tues. & Thurs.

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DIAKONIA UPDATE

We continue to collect new socks to be distributed to impoverished and homeless people. As the weather gets colder, please also donate gloves. Starting in November, we will also be collecting little treats (individually wrapped small candies and chocolate bars) and cough drops/throat lozenges. At the end of the month, we will put together goodie bags to be distributed near Saint Nicholas Day. Thank you for your continued support!— Maria Campbell

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Coming up—Women's pre-Christmas
quiet day in the country.
Date: December 13
Time: 11 am
Place: Theresia's (49175 Elkview Road, Chilliwack)
what to do:
· pray (Akathist to the Mother of God)
· eat (Advent food and drink)
· relax (conversation, laughter, and discussion, crafts and hobbies,
· inhale the fresh air on a walk, perhaps even roll in the snow)
feel free to bring a small, interesting tidbit to nibble, if it doesn't stress you out.