{"id":7722,"date":"2019-06-11T22:44:10","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T02:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=7722"},"modified":"2019-06-11T22:44:10","modified_gmt":"2019-06-12T02:44:10","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-june-11-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-june-11-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter June 11, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Fiftieth Day after Pascha
\nThe Great Feast of Pentecost<\/h2>\n

\"Pentecost<\/p>\n

Fifty days after the Resurrection, on the existing Jewish feast of Pentecost, while the disciples and many other followers of Jesus Christ were gathered together to pray, the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of “cloven tongues of fire,” with the sound of a mighty rushing wind, and they began to speak in languages that they did not know. There were many visitors from the Jewish diaspora to Jerusalem at that time for the Jewish observance of the feast, and they were astonished to hear these untaught fisherman speaking praises to God in their alien tongues. This account is detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2.<\/p>\n

The number fifty, as in the fiftieth day after Pascha, stands for eternal and heavenly fulfillment, seven times seven, plus one.<\/p>\n

The Orthodox Church sees Pentecost as the final fulfillment of the mission of Jesus Christ and the first beginning of the messianic age of the Kingdom of God, mystically present in his Church. It is traditionally called the beginning of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.<\/p>\n

Besides celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit, the feast also celebrates the full revelation of the divine Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Hymns of the Church celebrate the sign of the final act of God’s self-disclosure to the world of His creation.<\/p>\n

To Orthodox Christians, the feast of Pentecost is not just a celebration of an event in history. It is also a celebration their membership in the Church. They have lived Pentecost and received “the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit” in the sacrament of chrismation.<\/p>\n

Read more on the Orthodox Wiki<\/a>website.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Pentecost Prayers Immediately Following the Divine Liturgy<\/h2>\n

\"Pentecost<\/p>\n

Immediately following the Divine Liturgy we will read the Pentecost Prayers.<\/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 discipline. <\/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

For those who cannot kneel to physical limitations, it is entirely appropriate to remain seated and both bow you head and “bow the knees of your heart” as scripture says. For those of us who can kneel, we should kneel.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Michael Strezev Accepted to Masters Music Program<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Many of you know Michael, our parishioner from Moldavia. Michael makes his living playing the organ which is why you see him enter liturgy late on most Sundays. He plays for other churches.<\/p>\n

Most don’t know that Michael is an accomplished organ player, one with great promise and talent. He was encouraged by a faculty member of the Eastman School of Music to audition there and was accepted into their Master’s program. He begins his studies in August. He needs to raise $20,000 plus living expenses. <\/p>\n

Michael has been granted a scholarship that covers half of his expenses to start. A person associated with the Naples Philharmonic is arranging a fund raising concert to help him meet the second half of his expenses. Location and time will be announced. It would be could if those of us who can help him attend the concert in support of his goals. <\/p>\n

If would also be good if anyone who could help him do so. My prayer is that the money comes in for Michael through both work and gifts and that he be able to complete this course of study in his fledgling career.<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Fr. Hans Our of Town from Wednesday, June 12 to Saturday June 15, 2019<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He will be attending the Parish Life Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

He will be available by cell phone – 239-24-4775<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Father’s Day Barbecue on Sunday Following Pentecost Prayers<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Here’s the menu:<\/p>\n