Parish Announcements
Spiritual Pearl: On Orthodox Icons and Triumph of Orthodoxy
“Churches are adorned with icons. Icons are not simply pictures of certain people or events. An icon is a symbol of the invisible. It depicts not only the outward, visible countenance of the Lord and His saints, but also their inner likeness, their sanctity.”
St. John Maximovitch of San Francisco
Spiritual Pearl: On Fighting the Good Fight
“Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. For this cause take up the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the good tidings of peace; above all, take up the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
-St. Paul to the Ephesians
Message from Metropolitan Andrew: Great Lent 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
As we enter into the Great Fast, I ask forgiveness for any offense or lack of attention I have manifested during the year that has passed. May each of us forgive form his heart any with whom we are at enmity, that our souls may be at peace; that our fast may be pleasing to God. The better our Fast, the better our Pascha, and the better our Pascha the better the rest of the year.
God send His grace to each of you to strengthen you in the coming struggle. I recommend that you read the daily service of the Triodion, which are available online. It takes about half an hour and within them you will find spiritual enlightenment, and also come to know these most beautiful Church hymns of the whole year.
Pray for me.
In Christ,
+ Vladyka Andrew