{"id":7599,"date":"2019-03-26T05:00:18","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T09:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=7599"},"modified":"2019-03-26T05:00:18","modified_gmt":"2019-03-26T09:00:18","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-march-26-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-march-26-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter March 26, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Third Sunday of Great Lent
\nVeneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross <\/h2>\n

Hypatios the Wonderworker, bishop of Gangra; Venerable Akakios the Confessor, Bishop of Melitene; and the Prophet Joel<\/h4>\n

\"Elevation<\/p>\n

Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme. This Sunday’s theme is that in the cross of Christ crucified lies both “the power of God and the wisdom of God” for those being saved (1 Cor 1:24). On this Sunday in the middle of the Lenten season, the cross stands in the middle of the church, not merely to remind the faithful of Christ’s redemption and for them to keep the goal of their Lenten efforts, but also as a reminder: “He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38).<\/p>\n

Historical theme<\/strong><\/p>\n

The historical theme, as seen in the hymnology, is the victory and joy of the cross, not the suffering. The Church fathers equate the life-giving cross with the tree of life and plant it in the middle of the Lenten pilgrimage. It was the tree that was planted in Paradise; it is to remind the faithful of both Adam’s bliss and how he was deprived from it.<\/p>\n

Personal theme<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the catechumens of the early church, and the faithful preparing for Pascha today, the spiritual theme starts to change from personal faith, and personal effort, to Christ. The Church teaches that it is Christ’s cross that saves. One cannot take up his own cross and follow Christ unless one has Christ’s cross which he took up to save mankind. Partaking of this tree, one will no longer die, but will be kept alive.<\/p>\n

This is done to refresh, reassure and to encourage those participating in Great Lent. The Church equates the appearance of the cross at this time to the banners and symbols that precede the return of a victorious king. The Epistle reading is from Hebrews 4:14-5:6 and explains Christ’s priesthood, and the Gospel lesson from Mark 8:34-9:1 ends with And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”<\/p>\n

From Orthodoxwiki website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Fr. Thomas Hopko on “Taking Up Your Cross”<\/h2>\n

\"Click<\/p>\n

On the third Sunday of Great Lent, we concentrate on the Cross of Christ, and Fr. Tom helps us understand what it means to take up our cross.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Listen here:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a><\/p>\n

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Presentation of IOTA Conference at St. Peter’s<\/h2>\n

Orthodox Christian Laity will be offering a presentation on the recent conference held in Romania that was attended by Orthodox Christian scholars around the world. Professor Gayle Woloschak will be the speaker.<\/p>\n

The presentation will be held at St. Peter’s on Friday, March 29, 2019. Salutations begins at 5:30 that evening followed by a light lenten supper. The presentation begins at 7:00pm.<\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a>
Click view on the website<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

St. Basil Liturgy During Lent<\/h2>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

On the Sundays of Lent we worship with the Liturgy of St. Basil instead of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. What is the difference between the two? The Liturgy of St Basil is a bit longer because the priests prayers a longer, say 10 minutes or so.<\/p>\n

The Liturgy of St. Basil is derived from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Learn About Lent<\/h2>\n

\"Click<\/a><\/p>\n

Check out the rich resoures about Lent and Holy Week on the Antiochian website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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St. Peter Second Annual Bake Sale<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Orders are closed. Pick up your items on Sunday, April 7 or April 14.<\/p>\n

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Stewardship Drive Report<\/h2>\n

\"Pledge<\/p>\n

In order to meet our operating Budget goal for 2019 we need to take in $16,666.00 each month.<\/p>\n

In January We Took In $23,716, approximately $7,000 above our goal. However, giving is high in January as some people pay their stewardship for the whole year. Extra accrued in January goes into savings for leaner months.<\/p>\n

In February we took in $16,577, just a few dollars short of our monthly needs.<\/p>\n

Please pledge in order to meet our goal. Pledge forms are available on the table in the narthex.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Lent and Holy Week Schedule Posted<\/h2>\n

Click the image to view and print. Copies will also be available at Church.<\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a><\/p>\n

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Lenten Supper Schedule<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Following the Presanctified Liturgies on Wednesday evenings during Great Lent, we share in a Lenten supper. During the supper a short program will be held. This year’s theme is “Orthodox Saints.”<\/p>\n