St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church
Newsletter: April 2006
Paschal Baptism
From the earliest days of the Church, Pascha was the time par excellence to baptize, and it is this ancient custom that we follow at St. Herman’s. Though technically it is the Holy Saturday Liturgy of St. Basil that is the baptismal service (hence all those lessons about water!), at our parish we hold baptisms just before the midnight services of Paschal Matins and Liturgy. This not only makes the connection between baptism and Pascha all the more vivid, it ensures that more of the community can be present for the baptisms themselves.
For the catechumens being baptized, this preservation of the baptismal/Paschal link is meant to make an indelible impression. Forever after, they cannot see a baptism performed without thinking of the joy of Christ’s resurrection; nor can they think of Pascha without also thinking of their own baptismal commitment to Christ. There exists in their minds and hearts an indissoluble link between Pascha and baptism—and therefore between commitment to Jesus Christ and unfading joy. The Church’s ancient practice of holding Paschal baptism reveals to all (not just to catechumens) the true nature of Christian discipleship. Being a disciple of Jesus is not primarily about keeping rules, or about fulfilling duties, or about straining to be something other than one is. Certainly there are rules and duties and plenty of opportunity for ascetic exploits. But these things are not the heart of discipleship, and they do not make up its essence. Pascha, with its radiant and jubilant shouting, reveals that discipleship to Jesus is primarily about joy, for without joy, there is no true discipleship to Jesus.
By joy, of course, I do not mean good mood, or euphoria. No one can be euphorious all the time. By joy I mean the internal link with the Lord, burning like a pilot-light in the furnace of the heart, that lifts the heart even in times of darkness, and makes it sing. It is the hope that illumines us whenever we stand before Christ in prayer, and look into His face. Baptism kindles that pilot-light, and the obedience of faith keeps it burning. Pascha, as a time of joy, r
Whether we were baptized at Pascha or not, the liturgical tradition of Paschal baptism gives this truth to us all: to follow Jesus, even though the world around us may get darker and ever more dangerous, is to tread the path of light and joy and eternal triumph.
All my love,
Saint Herman's Daughter Mission!
From the beginning of St. Herman's parish, it has always been our intention to "reproduce" by founding yet other Orthodox missions in BC. As we announced in church last month, Bishop Seraphim has recently blessed the establishment of two new mission stations for Vancouver, both run by "alumni" of St. Herman's: Fr. Justin's
St. John of Shanghai Mission Station, and a mission station ( not yet named) by Fr. Christopher.
Fr. Christopher, as well as serving the UBC Holy Cross Chaplaincy, is also taking steps towards planting a mission somewhere near the UBC campus. Several people have become catechumens at Holy Resurrection Church (where Fr. Chris is currently attached) who will help form the nucleus of the new mission.
Fr. Justin has begun his preliminary work by establishing the Thursday study and compline at the home of Peter & Judy Choi. We wish both missions God's direction and love, and pledge our prayers!
In the same directive that blessed the establishment of these missions, the Bishop especially charged St. Herman's to treat St. John's Mission as a spiritual daughter and to give it our special support. In the Bishop's words, "Throughout the history of this project, this missionary work of Father Justin has been understood to be under the protection of, and with the support of, and a development from, St. Herman's Church. It is in this direction that the main focus should be, of the Parish and her faithful." It is appropriate therefore that we treat this parish as our own daughter,
(with the understanding that the entire work is under the direction of Fr. Justin).
Gestation leading to childbirth is a difficult and lengthy business, and much patience is necessary (ask any pregnant mother!) As the Bishop said in the letter quoted above, "It is important to remember that mission work in BC is generally likely to be slow." Fr. Justin will doubtless keep us informed of ongoing progress and needs. Meanwhile, let us all pledge to him our prayers, so that St. John of Shanghai Mission can, with God's help, bring more souls to the fullness of the Orthodox Faith.
You can read more about St. John of Shanghai Mission at:
April 2006++++
please see the separate sheet for detailed Lenten fasting rules!
Remember to fast totally from noon for Presanctified or vesperal liturgies.
THERE is A SIGN-UP SHEET for soup, buns etc. for evening liturgies. Please note this is just to keep everyone from bringing the same item—as on Sundays, we need everyone to pitch in and bring food so there will be enough to feed both ourselves and any visitors who may come.
APRIL Special EVENTS
For remaining Lenten & Holy Week services, please see the Calendar.
Fri. Apr.7-Mon.10—Fr. Lawrence at Arch. Council in Edmonton. Fr. Justin will serve all services in his absence.
Sat. April 8—Chattaway twins shower 1-4pm at Folsters'
Sat. April 15—Cleanup day starting w. 10 am Lazarus Sat. Matins
Wed. April 26— regular Wednesday Vespers & study resume
posted by matushkadonna | Post Page
|
0 comments
