Quotations from St. John of Kronstadt
St. John was a Russian Orthodox priest who lived from 1829-1908. He is much loved because of his practical wisdom especially concerning prayer.
“Prayer for others is very beneficial to the man himself who prays; it purifies the heart, strengthens faith and hope in God, and arouses love for God and our neighbor.”
“There is nothing impossible unto those who believe; lively and unshaken faith can accomplish great miracles in the twinkling of an eye. Besides, even without our sincere and firm faith, miracles are accomplished, such as the miracles of the sacraments; for God’s Mystery is always accomplished, even though we were incredulous or unbelieving at the time of its celebration.”
“The greatest gift of God, which we mostly need and which we very often obtain from God, through our prayers, is peace or rest of heart. As the Lord Himself says: “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Therefore, having obtained this rest, rejoice, and consider yourself as rich and possessing all things.”
Liturgy for the Entrance of the Theotokos on Friday, February 1, 2013
Our sister parish St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church (get map) will celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the Entrance of the Theotokos at 6:30pm on Friday, February 1, 2013.
Bible Studies Resume Tuesday, February 5 at 7pm.
Bible studies start this Tuesday, February 5 at Tom and Frieda Hansen’s home starting and 7pm (get map). We will continue our study of the book of John. Mark you calendars and bring your questions. If you have a friend who would like to attend bring them along!
Visit to Tony and Linda Kurdsjuk on February 17.
We miss Tony and Linda on Sundays and they miss coming. Several people have mentioned giving them a visit, so on February 17 Tony and Linda would love to see their friends at their home after Church. We will leave after Divine Liturgy. Please mention it Mary Copeland if you will be attending so we can tell Linda how many people to expect.
Sunday Scripture Readings
Epistle
I Timothy 4:9-15 (32nd Sunday after Pentecost)
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory
The Reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to Timothy
TIMOTHY, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public readings of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
Gospel
Luke 19:1-10 (15th Sunday of Luke)
The Reading of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke
At that time: He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way.
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”
And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”