Nativity Sunday

Scripture Lesson for this week                                             Nativity – Tone 3

Epistle: Gal 4:4-7                                                           Gospel: Matt 2:1-12

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• No Coffee Hour: There will be no Coffee Hour today after Liturgy.
• New Years Services: There will be no special new year service, only our normal Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10am.
• Weekly Envelopes: You may pick up your new Church envelopes today. Please see the printed list that has your name with a number next to it. That number next to your name is the number on the box that holds your envelopes. 
• Church Calenders: Please feel free to take home a Church calendar for the new year!

 

Thoughts on the Nativity from the Church Fathers

If the Word has been made man, it is so that men may be made gods. —St. Irenaeus

The Christmas tree reminds us of the tree of knowledge as well as the tree of life, but especially the latter. It underlines clearly the truth that Christ is the tree of life and that we cannot live or fulfill the purpose of our existence unless we taste of this tree, "the producer of this life." —Met. Hierotheos Vlachos

O Lord, give us leave this day to celebrate Your true birthday, of which our annual festival puts us in mind. This day is like Yourself: it is the friend of man. Year by year it returns throughout the centuries, growing old with the aged, renewing itself with the newborn child. Year by year it comes to us, passes, and then returns, full of the old magic. —St. Ephrem the Syrian

The Ancient of Days is become a Child, to make us children of God. From glory in the Heavens, because of His love for mankind, He now lies in a manger. He has taken on my body, so that I am made capable to have within myself His Spirit. He has taken unto Himself my nature, being garbed in my body, and gives me His Spirit, so that I, giving and in turn receiving, might discover the treasure of life. —St. Gregory, Wonderworker of Neo-Ceasarea

He who is God by nature converses with those whom he has made gods by grace, as a friend converses with his friends, face to face. —St. Symeon the New Theologian

The child in that distant Bethlehem cave has no desire that we fear him; he enters our hearts not by frightening us, by proving his power and authority, but by love alone. He is given to us as a child, and only as children can we in turn love him and give ourselves to him. The world is ruled by authority and power, by fear and domination. The child God liberates us from that. All he desires from us is our love, freely given and joyful; all he desires is that we give him our heart. And we give it to a defenseless, endlessly trusting child. —Fr. Alexander Schmemann

On this great day now celebrated, of shattered chains, of Satan shamed, of all demons put to flight, the all-destroying death is replaced by life, paradise is opened to the thief, curses be transformed into blessings, all sins forgiven and evil banished, truth is come, and they have proclaimed tidings filled with reverence and love for God, traits pure and immaculate are implanted, virtue is exalted upon the earth, angels have greeted people, and people make bold to converse with angels. From where and why has all this happened? From this, that God has descended into the world and exalted mankind unto Heaven. —St. Gregory Thaumatourgos

SUNDAY, December 1^st, 2011

Popadia Toni: Health of Martha and for a speedy recovery after a fall.

Health of family and parishioners. Memory of Nancy Boville's mother – 40

days.

Mary Perch: Christmas Donation

Donna Kimevski: Health of family for Christmas.

Carol & George Karakis: Health of Olga Perch, Martha and a speedy recovery,

Matushka Kobbs. Memory of Nancy Boville's mom & son & our family who

passed.

Alex & Raisa Minev: Memory of Rosa Karataeva.

Nicholas Kostoff: Health of parents Chris & Sophia Kostoff.

 

 

 

 

Sunday before the Nativity

Scripture Lesson for this week                      Sunday before Nativity – Tone 2

Epistle: Heb 11:9-10,17-23                                            Gospel: Matt 1:1-25

 Scripture Lesson for next week                         Nativity of Christ– Tone 3

Epistle: Gal 4:4-7                                                  Gospel: Matt 2:1-12

 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

·        Nativity Services:

o   Christmas Eve: Saturday, December 24^th Vespers, 5pm

o   Christmas Day: Sunday, December 25^th Divine Liturgy, 10am

• Poinsettias: If you would like to order poinsettias in health of memory of a loved one, you may do so through the Candle Table. Thanks!
• Prayers: Please keep in your prayers Martha Spanovich, who is recovering from a fall, Steve Dailey, Ann Fry's nephew-in-law who just has his leg amputated after an accident. Also, please keep in your prayers Joeseph Seif, who is a very close friend to Sub-Deacon Dan. He has a brain bleed and has suffered through a few strokes. He is currently in ICU. As always, please keep Sub-Deacon John Dodovich's brother, Philip, Diana Clance's father, Bernard, and Nadejda Hunter in your prayers.

MOTHER OF GOD AND EVER-VIRGIN MARY
"The child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit"

The veneration of the Virgin Mary as Mother of God is firmly rooted in the doctrine of the Incarnation – that is, the human birth of the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ - which is the central message of Christmas. In the very word 'Theotokos' is revealed the mystery of the Incarnation. The Virgin Mary gave birth to God in the flesh (Jesus Christ), one person with two natures – human and divine. We venerate the Mother of God always in the light of her role in the Incarnation. We do not venerate her simply on account of her own virtue, but in virtue of the fact that Christ entered the world through her. This is why most icons of the Mother of God show her with Christ in her arms. The veneration of the Mother of God is something that some non-Orthodox Christians are not comfortable with. Does not all this veneration of the Virgin Mary overshadow Jesus Christ? This is almost the knee-jerk reaction of such people when looking upon the significant position of the Virgin Mary in Orthodox worship. But is it not odd that the idea of revering the Mother of God can seem strange, while the idea of worshipping someone who has a mother does not strike us as equally strange? The simple fact of the matter is this: there would be no Jesus without Mary. To venerate the Virgin Mary is to revere Christ becoming a man for our salvation, to fall down in awe before the great mystery of the Incarnation. He Whom heaven itself, even the highest heaven, could not contain is contained in the womb of a young woman! The Ancient of Days becomes a newborn child! He Who existed before the world began is born of a virgin! How can we worship God without revering His coming to earth and revealing Himself to us as flesh and blood? But how can we remember this without remembering the woman from whom He took flesh? And how can we remember her without wonder and adoration? This is why we have such a profound reverence for the Mother of God. For in this very word, 'Theotokos', is contained the whole mystery of the Incarnation and the salvation of the human race! The Mother of God is hailed also as Ever-virgin (aeiparthenos). The Church Fathers and hymns refer repeatedly to this paradox: virginity and motherhood are in nature mutually exclusive, but in the Mother of God the two opposites meet and are joined together. Christ was born not of man but of the Holy Spirit, and Orthodox Tradition holds that the Mother of God remained a virgin after the Birth of Christ as well as before. Some Christians contest this, quoting as their argument a passage in the Gospel of Matthew (13:54-56): "When Jesus had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" Orthodox Tradition understands these brothers and sisters as 'siblings' from a former wife of Joseph, and not from Mary. Furthermore, "The terminology of Israel… made no distinction between brothers and cousins but referred to all as "brothers". "Mary had become the mother of all mankind through giving birth to God. She belonged completely and utterly to Him: "Becoming the vessel for the Lord of Glory Himself, and carrying in the flesh Him whom heaven and earth cannot contain, surely would have been grounds to consider her life, including her body, as fully consecrated to God and sexual relations as unthinkable. Even in the comparatively minor (and strikingly parallel) incident of the Lord's entry through the East gate of the Temple in Ezekiel 43-44, prompts the call: "This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut" (44:2)". Whenever we revere the Mother of God, we remember Christ; we venerate His divine humility and condescension: "Today the Virgin gives birth to him who is above all being, and the earth offers the cave to him whom no one can approach; Angels with shepherds give glory, while Magi travel with a star; for to us there has been born a little Child, God before the ages".

Sunday, December 11

Scripture Lesson for this week               Sunday of the Forefathers  – Tone 1

Epistle: Col 3:4-11                                                   Gospel: Luke 14:16-24

 

Scripture Lesson for next week                  Sunday Before Nativity– Tone 2

Epistle: Heb 11:9-10,17-23                                    Gospel: Matt 1:1-25

 

BIRTHDAYS: Larry Boville (13), Jonathan Halchak (13), Aaron Kimson (16)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Memorial/Coffee Hour: Nance Boville is having a Memorial and sponsoring Coffee Hour today for her mother, Esther, on the 40 days of her Falling Asleep in the Lord. Alex Mivev is also having a Memorial for the one year anniversary of Raisa's sister, Rose.  Memory Eternal!
• Prayers: Please keep in your prayers Martha Spanovich, who took a nasty fall last Sunday while leaving church. Her family took her to the City Hospital and found out she fractured a couple of bones in her hand, mashed her nose and cut her lips. Fortunately, there were no signs of a concussion. She is home and recovering! Cards are welcomed! Please pray for the health of Steve Dailey, Ann Fry's nephew-in-law who just has his leg amputated after an accident. Also, please keep in your prayers Joeseph Seif, who is a very close friend to Sub-Deacon Dan. He has a brain bleed and has suffered through a few strokes. He is currently in ICU. As always, please keep Sub-Deacon John Dodovich's brother, Philip, Diana Clance's father, Bernard, and Nadejda Hunter in your prayers.

 

Sunday of the Holy Forefathers

"On this Sunday the Church commemorates the Holy Forefathers. What connection is there between them and us? In general, the Church brings them to our attention now, right before Christmas, largely because of their faith – their belief in the promise given by God to Adam during his expulsion from the garden of Eden; that in the end a Saviour will come into the world and will redeem mankind from original sin. All the forefathers – who lived on earth long before the birth of Christ – lived and burned with this faith, never allowing it to be extinguished. They are a shining example to us, who are living on earth after the incarnation of our Lord. Just like those ancient people we, too, have never actually seen Christ: they only knew that He would come into the world, while we know that He did come into the world. But they firmly believed in His coming and their faith was justified. We are expected to have even greater faith. We must believe that the Lord was, and is, and will be; that He lived on earth as a man; that through His Church He remains with us constantly; and that He will again return to earth to judge mankind. But for such a faith the Lord Himself promises us eternal bliss. When Jesus Christ appeared before the doubting Apostle Thomas, who could not believe in the Lord's resurrection unless he actually touched Christ's wounds, and upon touching them cried out: "My Lord and my God!", then the Lord said to the apostle: "Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed; but blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

 

But apart from faith there is something else that binds us closely with the ancient forefathers – and that is their faithfulness to the awaited Messiah. They lived surrounded by a pagan world – a world which did not yet know Christ, but which had already rejected God. We too, dear brethren, live in a similar and even worse situation. For nineteen centuries after the birth of Christ the world lived with Christ and the Christian culture, but in the 20th century an abrupt change took place. We now live in a post-Christian era, in a world that has once again become totally immersed in paganism.

 

We often hear mention of the arrival of a "new age." However, there is nothing new in this "new age" except for its more modern form. It is the same old rejection of God and even negation of God, and moreover – a complete rejection of Christ and profanation of Christ. Most Christians do not even see how they are perverting their Christian faith in trying to modernize it, and how they are betraying Christ in attempting to unite with the religions of His persecutors and abusers. And so, dear brethren, against the background of this horrifying world, let us remember not only the faith of the Holy Forefathers, but also their faithfulness to Christ the Saviour; and as we prepare very soon to celebrate His Nativity, let us turn away from the paganism that surrounds us, and let us witness our total devotion and loyalty to the One Who said: "Lo, I am with you until the end of time." Amen.

(www.holy-transfiguration.org)

Sunday, December 4th

Scripture Lesson for this week          25^th Sunday after Pentecost   – Tone 8  

Epistle: Gal 3:23-29                                                  Gospel: Mark 5:24-34

 

Scripture Lesson for next week                  Sunday of Forefathers– Tone 1

Epistle: Col 3:4-11                                                   Gospel: Luke 14:16-24

 

BIRTHDAYS: Elisabeth Kimson (8)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Memorial/Coffee Hour: Ivan Ivanov is holding a Memorial Service and sponsoring Coffee Hour for his daughter, Michelle on the year anniversary of her Falling Asleep in the Lord. Also, Sandra Anderson passed away on Friday; Fr. Lou will be holding the memorial for her on Wednesday with a Mercy Meal to follow at St. Thomas. Please call St. George at 330.666.7116 for more details. Memory Eternal!
• Advent: Please fast according to you conscience; the fast will end December 25^th.  
• St. Luke's Advent Dinner: Today St. Luke's has invited us to their advent dinner from 5-7pm here at St. Thomas. They ask that families bring two side dishes & individuals bring one side dish.
• Prayers: Please pray for the health of Steve Dailey, Ann Fry's nephew-in-law who just has his leg amputated after an accident. Also, please keep in your prayers Joeseph Seif, who is a very close friend to Sub-Deacon Dan. He has a brain bleed and has suffered through a few strokes. He is currently in ICU. Alex & Jean Sombaty would like to thank their church family for their thoughts and prayers during their time of need. Yet another surgery has been completed on Wednesday Nov. 30 of which they won't know the results for another ten days. As always, please keep Sub-Deacon John Dodovich's brother, Philip and Diana Clance's father, Bernard in your prayers.

St. Nicholas Archbishop of Myra, December 6^th

More than 1,600 years ago, in the year 270 AD, St. Nicholas was born not far from Myra, in a land that is now part of the country of Turkey. In those days Orthodox Christians were persecuted for their faith. It wasn't easy to be a Christian. Many of them were tortured and executed because they believed in Christ.

Nicholas was taught by his parents to love the Lord with his whole mind, heart, soul, and with ail his strength. When they died he inherited their money. He used this to help the poor, the hungry, and the sick. Whenever he helped anyone he did it secretly, so that only God would know, He did not want praise from people; he wanted his reward to be only in Heaven.

After he gave away the money his parents had left him he decided to become a monk. He went to a monastery where he lived and worked and prayed, intending to spend the rest of his life repenting of his sins. But soon it became clear that God wanted him to be a priest, and so he began to study the Law of God.

St. Nicholas became the parish priest of a village church after his ordination. He worked very hard, instructing his flock and helping those in need. He also performed all the Divine Services and was a spiritual father to all.

One day the Archbishop of Myra died. The other bishops, as well as the priests and people of the town, gathered to choose a successor. They couldn't decide who should be their new archbishop. They kept a vigil and prayed all night long in the cathedral, begging God to guide them. God revealed to one of the bishops that the first priest to enter the church in the morning should be chosen as the new archbishop. At sunrise, a simple priest, Father Nicholas, came quietly into the cathedral to say his morning prayers. In this way, the Lord God revealed His choice for archbishop.

In the year 325 a great Council of the Orthodox Church was held in the city of Nicea. 317 bishops from all over the world came. At this Council part of the Creed we sing in every Divine Liturgy was written down and St. Nicholas had a wonderful opportunity to defend the teachings of the Church against Arius who denied that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh and was leading many people astray by his false teaching. 

St. Nicholas followed the words of our Lord, Lay up treasure for yourself in Heaven, by saying his prayers every day, by fasting, and by performing many good deeds. God was so pleased that He worked many miracles through him. Because he was able to calm storms on the sea he became known as the patron saint of sailors. Because he protected children (he even raised 3 children from the dead!), he is also a patron of young people. He was able to multiply food, just as our Saviour did with the fish and loaves, and in this way he once kept a whole city from starving. People began to call him a "wonderworker". They were so inspired by his life of service to others that many of them, too, began to lead holy lives, filled with good deeds.

After a long life, God called his slave home to heaven on December 6, 343. He was buried in his cathedral, but in the year 1087, his relics were taken to Italy to save them from the Turks who were persecuting Christians and destroying churches and holy objects, and they remain to this day in the city of Bari. The Orthodox Church celebrates this translation of his relics on May 9. St. Nicholas led a life so pleasing to God, that God glorified His saint even after his death. As a sign of God's grace, myrrh comes from the relics of St. Nicholas and many sick people anoint themselves with it and receive healing.  

Sunday, November 27

Scripture Lesson for this week           "Sign" Icon of the Theotokos – Tone 7  

Epistle: Eph 2:14-22                                                  Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

 

Scripture Lesson for next week           25^thSunday after Pentecost   – Tone 8

Epistle: Gal 3:23-29                                                  Gospel: Mark 5:24-34

 

BIRTHDAYS: William Fry (1)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

·        Advent: Please fast according to you conscience; the fast will end December 25^th.  

·        Big Christmas Tree: Change of date! We will be putting up and decorating the large Christmas tree on Friday, Dec. 2nd, starting at 6pm.  Everyone is welcome to come and help or heckle - it's always a fun time!  Also, we could use some muscle after Liturgy on Sunday, Nov 27th, to carry the pieces up to the big hall so it is ready to assemble on Friday. See Robin or Jim W. with questions or ideas. Thanks in advance!

·        St. Luke's Advent Dinner: Next Sunday, St. Luke's has invited us to their advent dinner from 5-7pm here at St. Thomas. They ask that families bring two side dishes & individuals bring one side dish.

 

SUNDAY, November 27^th, 2011

Mitov Family: Health of Mitov family & memory of Fr. Stefan Mitov.

Tom & Christine Baker: Health of Baker family.

Mary Lazaroff: Health of Lazaroff famiy.

Sofi Kimivski: Memory of Nick Konstandaras' daughter, June.

Chris & Sophia Kostoff: Health of the Kostoff family.

Elaine Marzuola: Memory of my cousin Angela Naus, 4 years, we still miss her! Memory of Fr. Stefan Mitov. Birthday of grate-granddaughter, Elise, 8 years, may God grant her many more years.

Mary Perch: Memroy of Nick Konstandaras' daughter, June.

 

 

Sunday, November 20

Scripture Lesson for this week                               Forefeast of Entry– Tone 6  

Epistle: Eph 2:2-10                                      Gospel: Luke 12:16-21

 

Scripture Lesson for next week           "Sign" Icon of the Theotokos– Tone 7

Epistle: Eph 2:14-22                                    Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

 

BIRTHDAYS: Daniel Jurabaev (20), Mary Nicoloff (22), Sophie Palmer (22)

 

ANNIVERSARYS: Casey & Elaine Marzuola (20), Ryun & Denise Louie (21) Steve & Nance Watts (21), Joe & Kari Sheehan (24)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Memorial Service: We will have a Memorial Service for Rev. Fr. Mitov on the anniversary of his Falling Asleep in the Lord. Popadia Mitov is also sponsoring coffee hour. Memory Eternal!!
• Advent: Please fast according to you conscience; the fast will end December 25^th.  

·         Big Thank You's: Thank you to all the donors who helped pay for a new floor for the business office and a big thanks to Rich Zahoranski and Steve Yovanovich (the elder) for doing the work! Also, Thank you to Jim and Robin Waltenberger for giving up part of their Saturday to do some cleaning in the church basement.  Shelves were rearranged, items restocked and much junk removed! Finally, thanks to Diana & Nicholas Wood and Martha Spanovich who put in almost two days of work cleaning out all the leaves in the courtyard.  Thank you so much for your hard work on some windy days.

• Big Christmas Tree: Change of date! We will be putting up and decorating the large Christmas tree on Friday, Dec. 2nd, starting at 6pm.  Everyone is welcome to come and help or heckle - it's always a fun time!  Also, we could use some muscle after Liturgy on Sunday, Nov 27th, to carry the pieces up to the big hall so it is ready to assemble on Friday. See Robin or Jim W. with questions or ideas. Thanks in advance!
• Dishwasher: One of St. Luke's parishioners worshiped with us last week and heard of our need to pay off the dishwasher repairs.  St. Luke's Vestry was approached about the bill and they have donated the funds to pay off the account! Many thanks and many years to them for their generosity!!
• Fallen Tree: As most of you may know, one of the large oak trees to the north of our property had dropped two very big limbs in the past few months.  Our Lady of the Cedars Church was contacted by Parish President George Karakis and the tree was removed this week.

SUNDAY, November 6^th, 2011

Popadia Toni: Health of family and parishioners.

Nancy Boville: Memory of Esther F. Troutman.

 

SUNDAY, November 13^th, 2011

Popadia Toni: Memory of the daughter of Nick Konstandaras, June & Rev. Fr. Stephen.

Nancy Boville: Health of Diana Clance's father, Bernard. Thank you to all for

remembering my mother in your prayers.

Sunday, November 13

Scripture Lesson for this week               22^nd Sunday after Pentecost– Tone 5  

Epistle: Heb 7:26-8:2                                Gospel: John 10:9-16

 

Scripture Lesson for next week             23^rd Sunday after Pentecost – Tone6

Epistle: Eph 2:2-10                                Gospel: Luke 12:16-21

 

BIRTHDAYS: Bess Fry (15), Stacey Sporup (17)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Memorial Service: We will have a Memorial Service for Nick Konstandaras' daughter, June, who Fell Asleep in the Lord this past week. We will also have a memorial for all of the Veterans and all of the departed of St. Thomas parish, for Memorial Saturday,  including Carol Ludwig on her 5 year anniversary. Memory Eternal!!!
• Parish Priest: St. Thomas is pleased to inform the parish that Fr. Vlado was voted as the new priest. He is currently part-time; in case of an emergency, please contact Father Lou Mashie at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church 330.666.7116, or Father Ian Pac-Urar at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church 330. 666.1782.
• Advent: Advent starts this Tuesday, November 15^th. Please fast according to you conscience; the fast will end December 25^th.  

·         Thank You: Big thank you to our moving helpers on Saturday morning: Brad, Dan, Rich & Steve for their help with the office and the conference room. Extra thanks to Steve for cleaning carpet in office. Also, thank you the ladies (and men!) who helped work the bake sale at Polywogs to Frogs!

• Big Christmas Tree: 'Tis the season to be jolly and to share good times with friends and families.  You have an opportunity to share good times with friends the first Saturday in December, December 3^rd, when we will be putting up and decorating the large Christmas tree in the banquet hall .There will be spirits and Lenten snacks for all.  Please let Ann Fry know you want to come and have a good time! Thanks!
• Prayers:  Sub-Deacon John Dodovich's brother Philip has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Please keep Phillip in your prayers as well as the Dodovich family. Also, please remember Stevan Stanisic in your prayers; Stevan is the 36 year old young man from Sarasota, Florida that was not expected to live because his pancreas had infected his stomach area so intensely. He is now in the Cleveland Clinic. Also, Yvonne Henkle is in ICU at Akron City in very dire condition.  She is the cousin of Sandra Anderson (daughter of Mike and Sadie Thomas).  She has pneumonia, is jaundiced and in need of a liver transplant. As always, please pray for  Diana Clance's father, Bernard, who fell last Saturday evening in is home , fracturing his pelvis; he has been moved from home to Barberton  Hospital.  And continue praying for Alex Sombaty's spouse, Jean Sombaty and Elaine Marzuola's Aunt, Nadejda Hunter. Our fellow brothers and sister's in Christ need our prayers; this is what St. Thomas does best! Thank you for your heart-felt prayers.
• Donations for Dishwasher: Thanks to the generous contributions from all of you, we have collected close to $500 out of the $1200 to put towards the repairs needed on our dishwasher! Thank you!!!
• Donors Needed: Our hall dishwasher needs some major repairs. A total of $1200 is needed. We only need $700 more! Please see Ann Fry if you could donate part of this sum to help complete this project. Thank you!
• E-mail addresses, cell phone numbers and other updated contact information is needed: The Board is working on an updated membership and 'friends of the parish' directory. We are mostly seeking out e-mail addresses from everyone, so that we can communicate with parish family members more frequently and more efficiently!  Please see a Board Member to give your e-mail address and updated contact information, if you haven't done so already.  

 

Sunday November 6

Scripture Lesson for this week                21^st Sunday after Pentecost– Tone 4  

Epistle: Gal 2:16-20                                  Gospel: Luke 8:41-56

 

Scripture Lesson for next week             22^nd Sunday after Pentecost – Tone 5

Epistle: Heb 7:26-8:2                                Gospel: John 10:9-16

 

ANNIVERSARYS: Tom & Olivera Gutshal (10)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Parish Priest: St. Thomas is pleased to inform the parish that Fr. Vlado was voted as the new priest. He is currently part-time; in case of an emergency, please contact Father Lou Mashie at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church 330.666.7116, or Father Ian Pac-Urar at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church 330. 666.1782.
• Big Christmas Tree: 'Tis the season to be jolly and to share good times with friends and families.  You have an opportunity to share good times with friends the first Saturday in December, December 3^rd, when we will be putting up and decorating the large Christmas tree in the banquet hall .There will be spirits and Lenten snacks for all.  Please let Ann Fry know you want to come and have a good time! Thanks!
• Pollywogs to Frogs Bake Sale: St. Thomas will be selling baked goods again during Pollywogs to Frogs since our sale was so successful last time! If you would please help St. Thomas out by baking for the bake sale this coming weekend, we would appreciate it! You may drop your baked goods off at St. Thomas this Thursday, November 10^th. Please contact Annie Fry during coffee hour or by phone if you have any questions. 330.328.5393.
• Donations for Dishwasher: Thanks to the generous contributions from all of you, we have collected close to $500 out of the $1200 to put towards the repairs needed on our dishwasher! Thank you!!!
• Prayers:  Please keep Diana Clance's father, Bernard, who is back home, Alex Sombaty's spouse, Jean Sombaty and Elaine Marzuola's Aunt, Nadejda Hunter in your prayers.
• Donors Needed: Our hall dishwasher needs some major repairs. A total of $1200 is needed. We only need $700 more! Please see Ann Fry if you could donate part of this sum to help complete this project. Thank you!
• E-mail addresses, cell phone numbers and other updated contact information is needed: The Board is working on an updated membership and 'friends of the parish' directory. We are mostly seeking out e-mail addresses from everyone, so that we can communicate with parish family members more frequently and more efficiently!  Please see a Board Member to give your e-mail address and updated contact information, if you haven't done so already.  

SUNDAY, October 30^th, 2011

Popadia Toni: Happy Birthday to Fr. Vlado.

George & Carol Karakis: Donation for dishwasher.

Kostoff Family: Health of parents Christ & Sophia Kostoff.

 

 

Sunday, October 30

Scripture Lesson for this week                20^th Sunday after Pentecost– Tone 3  

Epistle: Gal 1:11-19                                 Gospel: Luke 8:26-31

 

Scripture Lesson for next week             21^st Sundayafter Pentecost – Tone 4

Epistle: Gal 2:16-20                                  Gospel: Luke 8:41-56

 

BIRTHDAYS: Fr. Vlado (30), Kristen Latchaw (3)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Parish Priest: St. Thomas is pleased to inform the parish that Fr. Vlado was voted as the new priest. He is currently part-time; in case of an emergency, please contact Father Lou Mashie at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church (330)-666-7116, or Father Ian Pac-Urar at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church (330)- 666-1782.
• Memorial Service/Coffee Hour: Annie Fry is having a Memorial Service and sponsoring Coffee Hour in memory of her parents, Don Hoyt Trachsel, 15 years, & Mary (Dudich) Trachsel, 25 years. Memory Eternal!
• Baby Shower: Ladies, please remember to join us after church for the Baby Shower for Julie and Joe Zampeno and their baby son, Zeno, in the Buffet Room behind our big hall today!
• Prayers:  Please keep Diana Clance's father, Bernard, who is back home, Alex Sombaty's spouse, Jean Sombaty and Elaine Marzuola's Aunt, Nadejda Hunter in your prayers.
• Donors Needed: Our hall dishwasher needs some major repairs. A total of $1200 is needed. Please see Ann Fry if you could donate part of this sum to help complete this project. Thank you!
• E-mail addresses, cell phone numbers and other updated contact information is needed: The Board is working on an updated membership and 'friends of the parish' directory. We are mostly seeking out e-mail addresses from everyone, so that we can communicate with parish family members more frequently and more efficiently!  Please see a Board Member to give your e-mail address and updated contact information, if you haven't done so already.  

SUNDAY, October 16^th, 2011

Elaine Marzuola: Memory of cousin Christine Stephanoff & dad Red Welch on his 30 years. We still miss him.

Angelo & Mary Nicoloff: Safe trip to Florida & good health.

Steve & Rose Yovanovich: Memory of father Tom Kostoff.

 SUNDAY, October 23^rd, 2011

Popadia Toni: Memoryf of Nancy Boville's mother Esther.

Jim & Diana Clance: Memory of Nancy Boville's mother.

George & Carol Karakis: Health of Nancy Boville, Diana Clance's dad Bernard & her mom, & Gus Karos. Memory of Nancy Boville's mom & son.

Gus & Joanne Karos: Health of Diana Clance's father Bernard & her mom. Memory of Nancy Boville's mom.

Elaine Marzuola: Memory of Esther – mother of Nancy Boville.

 

 

Sunday, October 23rd

Scripture Lesson for this week                19^th Sunday after Pentecost– Tone 2   

Epistle: 2 Cor 11:31-12; 6                        Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

 

Scripture Lesson for next week             20^thSundayafter Pentecost – Tone 3

Epistle: Gal 1:11-19                                 Gospel: Luke 8:26-31

 

BIRTHDAYS: Scott Spidell (24), Steve Yovanovich (24), Karen Dodovich (27), Brad Bruns (28)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

·       Memorial Service: We will have a Memorial Service for Nancy Boville's mother, Esther, who Fell Asleep in the Lord this past Thursday. Memory Eternal!

·       Parish Meeting: Our parish meeting will be today following Divine Liturgy. The Sisterhood will provide a luncheon.

·       Prayers:  Please keep Diana Clance's father, Bernard, who is back home, Alex Sombaty's spouse, Jean Sombaty and Elaine Marzuola's Aunt, Nadejda Hunter in your prayers.

·       Calling all handymen! There are some repairs and maintenance items that need to be performed in the church and the hall. If you are a handy guy or lady, please see Ann Fry to lend a hand.

·       Donors Needed: Our hall dishwasher needs some major repairs. A total of $1200 is needed. Please see Ann Fry if you could donate part of this sum to help complete this project. Thank you!

·       E-mail addresses, cell phone numbers and other updated contact information is needed: The Board is working on an updated membership and 'friends of the parish' directory. We are mostly seeking out e-mail addresses from everyone, so that we can communicate with parish family members more frequently and more efficiently!  Please see a Board Member to give your e-mail address and updated contact information, if you haven't done so already.  

 

Sunday, October 16

Scripture Lesson for this week                      18^th Sunday after Pentecost– Tone 1    

Epistle: 2 Cor 9:6-11                                    Gospel: Luke 8:5-15

 

Scripture Lesson for next week                      19^th Sunday after Pentecost – Tone 2

Epistle: 2 Cor 11:31-12; 6                        Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

 

BIRTHDAYS: Stacey Zahoranski (17)

ANNIVERSARYS: Alex & Raisa Minev (18), George & Carol Karakis (19), Dan Machar & Lisa Sprinston (21)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• OCW Tea: A big thank you for the many ladies from St. Thomas attending the OCW tea. We were very proud with our St. Thomas turn out.  Thank you to Popadia Kim, Popadia Toni, Sara, Ann, Joanne, Stacey, Stephanie and Robin for their decorating, baking, serving and cleanup.  Thank you Fr. Vlado for welcoming the ladies.  It was such a joy to receive so many compliments on our sponsoring the OCW tea again this year!
• Parish Meeting: St Thomas will have a parish meeting NEXT Sunday, October 23^rd. If you are unsure if you are a member and eligible to vote, please see Sara Tyrrell.
• Proposed By-Law Changes: Please pick up a copy of the Proposed By-Law changes at the Candle Table, seeing that they will be discussed at next week's meeting.
• Prayers:  Please keep Diana Clance's father, Bernard, Alex Sombaty' spouse, Jean Sombaty and Elaine Marzuola's Aunt, Nadejda Hunter in your prayers.
• Calling all handymen! There are some repairs and maintenance items that need to be performed in the church and the hall. If you are a handy guy or lady, please see Ann Fry to lend a hand.
• Donors Needed: Our hall dishwasher needs some major repairs. A total of $1200 is needed. Please see Ann Fry if you could donate part of this sum to help complete this project. Thank you!
• Baby Shower:  October 30th, following the Divine Liturgy, our Sisterhood will shower Julia Zumpano, with gifts and love, for the newest addition to the Zumpano family Baby Zeno!! All are welcome! We will have lunch, shower her and Zeno with gifts, and most of all, we will enjoy fun, friendship, laughter and the joy of the Holy Spirit, as we welcome Baby Zeno into the world! Please see Rose Yovanovich or Stacey Zahoranski, to RSVP for the shower, and for details on Julia's baby registry!
• E-mail addresses, cell phone numbers and other updated contact information is needed: The Board is working on an updated membership and 'friends of the parish' directory. We are mostly seeking out e-mail addresses from everyone, so that we can communicate with parish family members more frequently and more efficiently!  Please see a Board Member to give your e-mail address and updated contact information, if you haven't done so already.  

SUNDAY, October 9^th, 2011

Christine Baker: Health of George Baker, Tom Baker & Mary Baker.

Mary Lazaroff: Health of George Baker and Baker Family. Memory of Vasilika Lazaroff.

Steve & Rose Yovanovich: Memory of cousin Helen Vasiloff – 40 days since her passing away.