{"id":6348,"date":"2017-11-28T18:48:29","date_gmt":"2017-11-28T23:48:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=6348"},"modified":"2017-11-28T18:48:29","modified_gmt":"2017-11-28T23:48:29","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-november-28-2017-the-holy-prophet-zephaniah-decorate-the-church-christmas-pot-luck-st-nicholas-day-celebration-wisdom-from-the-fathers-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-november-28-2017-the-holy-prophet-zephaniah-decorate-the-church-christmas-pot-luck-st-nicholas-day-celebration-wisdom-from-the-fathers-more\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter November 28, 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"

Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Fourteenth Sunday of Luke <\/h2>\n

The Holy Prophet Zephaniah<\/h4>\n
\n\"The<\/p>\n

The Prophet Zephania<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, a native of Mount Sarabatha, from the tribe of Simeon. He lived and prophesied in the seventh century before Christ, at the time of Josiah the pious king of Judah (641-610 B.C.). Zephaniah was also a contemporary of the Prophets Jeremiah and Habakkuk. Having great humility and a pure mind raised to God, he was found worthy of the grace of God to discern the future.<\/p>\n

The prophet spoke boldly against the religious and moral corruption, when, in view of the idolatry which had penetrated even into the sanctuary, he warned that God would “destroy out of this place the remnant of Baal, and the names of the … priests” (Zeph. 1:4), and pleaded for a return to the simplicity of their fathers instead of the luxurious foreign clothing which was worn especially in aristocratic circles (1:8). He saw Jerusalem as a filthy and polluted and oppressing city (Zeph. 3:1-4).<\/p>\n

Foreseeing the advent of the Messiah, he enthusiastically exclaimed: “Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem” (Zeph. 3:14). Further he proclaimed that the gentiles will become the people of God when the Messiah comes, and that the Messiah will be the judge of all rational creatures, giving to all according to their works.<\/p>\n

This seer of mysteries entered into rest at his birthplace to await the General Resurrection and his reward from God. His name is commonly transliterated Sophonias in Bibles translated from the Latin Vulgate or Septuagint. The name might mean “Yahweh has concealed”, “[he whom] Yahweh has hidden”, or “Yahweh lies in wait.” He is numbered among the so-called Minor Prophets.<\/p>\n

Read the complete history on the Mystagogy<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Living the Orthodox Faith Class Continues Wednesday, November 29 at 7:00pm<\/h2>\n

“Living the Orthodox Faith” will look at why our Church does things the way it does, and how to do it properly. We will learn about the sign up the cross, how to enter the Church properly (candles and veneration), how to make a home altar, and more. This is a very practical class, not theological as much as how to live the Orthodox life as an Orthodox Christian.<\/p>\n

Can’t make the class? Join in on Facebook Live<\/a>! You can also view last week’s class too. <\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Decorate the Social Hall for Christmas on Saturday, December 2 at 10:00am<\/h2>\n
\n\"Decorate\n<\/div>\n

We have all the supplies (tree, lights, wire, etc.). Coffee and bagels provided.<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Church Pot-Luck Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 6:00pm<\/h2>\n
\n\"Pot\n<\/div>\n

St. Peter’s Pot Luck’s are always a great time of fellowship. Please bring a dish in this category and sign up in the Social Hall:<\/p>\n