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<\/a>Persecution of Christians ceased during the fourth century, but heresies arose within the Church itself. One of the most pernicious of these heresies was Arianism. Arius, a priest of Alexandria, was a man of immense pride and ambition. In denying the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His equality with God the Father, Arius falsely taught that the Savior is not consubstantial with the Father, but is only a created being.<\/p>\n
A local Council, convened with Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria presiding, condemned the false teachings of Arius. However, Arius would not submit to the authority of the Church. He wrote to many bishops, denouncing the decrees of the local Council. He spread his false teaching throughout the East, receiving support from certain Eastern bishops.<\/p>\n
Investigating these dissentions, the holy emperor Constantine (May 21) consulted Bishop Hosius of Cordova (Aug. 27), who assured him that the heresy of Arius was directed against the most fundamental dogma of Christ’s Church, and so he decided to convene an Ecumenical Council. In 325, 318 bishops representing Christian Churches from various lands gathered together at Nicea.<\/p>\n
Read the complete story on the Orthodox Church in America website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n The Ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Ascension is when Jesus Christ ascended into heaven to resume his rightful place at the right hand of the Father. It is the completion of Christ’s earthly ministry. Following about two weeks later the Holy Spirit descends, the Church begins, and the era of the New Covenant (God’s new way of dealing with men) begins. <\/p>\n We will commemorate Ascension with a Divine Liturgy on the Eve of Ascension on May 16, 2018 starting at 6:30pm.<\/p>\n Next Sunday is Pentecost and and immediately following the Divine Liturgy we will read the Pentecost Prayers in their entirety. Plan on staying about an extra half hour.<\/p>\n Why are we doing this? One reason is that Pentecost is a major feast day in our Church. Pentecost (the fifty days) is when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples and then all the people in Jerusalem, the same Holy Spirit that Adam lost is restored through Jesus Christ (the Second Adam) and makes our salvation possible.<\/p>\n If Christ hung on a cross to make our salvation possible (and he did), then we can pray these prayers that have been given to us by our Fathers in order to receive Christ’s salvation more deeply. It takes discipline, but there is never any growth without it. <\/p>\n As the prayers are read. As you listen, absorb them. Let them sink in. Keep in mind what Fr. Hans taught about worship a few Sundays ago and embrace it through these prayers. You soul will experience a measure of reordering – of healing – that will become evident in the days ahead.<\/p>\n That is why we come to Church. That is why we are Orthodox.<\/p>\n Fr. Hans will be traveling to Russia the last two weeks of May.<\/p>\n We will still have church every Sunday. The substitute priest will be Fr. Kyrill Williams, an OCA priest and hospital chaplain working in St. Petersburg (Forida, not Russia). <\/p>\n In case of pastoral emergencies please contact Fr. Paul Girgis from St. Paul’s at 509-845-4540. Fr. Paul has graciously consented to help us while Fr. Hans is out of town.<\/p>\n Seniors, join us for the first of many monthly get-togethers. Meet your friends, enjoy the conversation, and share in some good food!<\/p>\n We meet at noon on Thursday, June 7 at noon at Church.<\/p>\n Barbara Dionysopoulos is preparing a delicious lunch of Roast Pork Tenderloin with Greek style Roast Potatoes, Broccoli Spear, Greek Salad, and dessert and coffee. The cost is $5.00 to cover the food.<\/p>\n We need to know how many are coming so sign up in the social hall (sheet on the table in the hallway).<\/p>\n The luncheons are a good opportunity for seniors to get together socially for a few hours every month. There is no minimum age requirement for these luncheons, but we want seniors to attend to get them a hot meal and meet with friends socially.<\/p>\n For questions call Barbara at 239-826-1655.<\/p>\n The shelves are bare. They need rice, canned vegetables, beans, and cereal. Please consider picking up a few extra items the next time you are shopping and bring them to Church. We will get to Interfaith Charities.<\/p>\n Interfaith Charities is a coalition of churches and business that help the poor in the San Carlos and south Fort Myers area (view their website<\/a>). We partner with them to help the working poor in our area as part of our mission to serve the poor around us.<\/p>\n Join us for a pilgrimage to the Panagia Vlahernon Monastery near Ocala on Saturday, July 7, 2018. We will leave the church at 8:00am and return between 9:00-10:00pm. We will rent a bus and ride up together. More details forthcoming.<\/p>\nThe Ascension Divine Liturgy on May 16, 2018 at 6:30pm<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nPentecost Prayers Immediately Following the Divine Liturgy on May 27<\/h2>\n
Fr. Hans Out of Town May 17-31<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nCalling All Seniors! Luncheon on Thursday, June 7 at Noon.<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nInterfaith Charites Needs More Help<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nMark Your Calendar!<\/h2>\n
Pilgrimage to Panagia Vlahernon Greek Orthodox Monastery on Saturday, July 7, 2018<\/h4>\n
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