Glory to Jesus Christ!
Bible Study
Our Bible study through the Gospel of St. John will continue tonight, Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at 7pm. All are welcome!
Catechumen/Inquirer class will continue to alternate every other week with the Bible study. (Next Catechumen/Inquirer class on 03 September 2025 at 7pm).
Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Rob & Stacy and children, Michael, Nicholas, Michael, and James), new mothers and babies, the sick, the poor, travelers, those impacted by war and calamities, and those in need.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,…” — 1st Epistle of St. Timothy 2.1
Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer John
29 August is the commemoration of the Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer John. The Beheading of St. John is also a strict fast day, regardless of its place in the week, in honor of the Saint. In some Orthodox cultures pious people will not eat food from a flat plate, use a knife, or eat food that is round in shape on this day. [from the Orthodox Church in America website]
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 31 August 2025, is the 12th Sunday after Pentecost. The readings for this Sunday are:
1 Corinthians 15.1–11 (Epistle):
[1] Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, [2] by which you are saved, if you hold it fast — unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. [8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. [9] For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. [11] Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. (Revised Standard Version)
Matthew 19.16-26 (Gospel):
[16] And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” [17] And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” [18] He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, [19] Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [20] The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” [21] Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” [22] When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. [23] And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” [25] When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” [26] But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Revised Standard Version)
Happy New Year!?
Yes! The new church year begins on 01 September. This is a perfect time for renewing a prayer rule or Bible reading plan. There is also a recent, pious practice of Greek origin of placing an icon outside the home’s entrance on the eve of the new year to bless the home.
New Date for Metropolitan Antony’s Visit
As announced last Sunday during the announcements, Metropolitan Antony’s visit to our parish will now be on Sunday, 05 October 2025.
Thank you for your understanding and please continue to keep Vladyka Antony in your prayers as he recovers from his recent heart-related procedure.
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
As a reminder, we will collect school supply items for the Harford County Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive from now until September 7th, at which point they will be delivered to Harford schools. Donations can be deposited in the bins located in the restroom hallway.
This Week and Looking Ahead
- Bible Study on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at 7pm.
- The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptizer John, Friday, 29 August 2025. (strict fast)
- Vespers on Saturday, 30 August 2025, at 6pm.
- Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 31 August 2025, at 9:00am.
- Beginning of the new church year on Monday, 1 September 2025.
- The Feast of Nativity of the Theotokos on Monday, 8 September 2025.
- Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sunday, 14 September 2025.
- Metropolitan Antony’s visit, Sunday, 05 October 2025
- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA Sobor, 16-19 October 2025
