Sunday December 26, 2021- Sunday After Nativity
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Upcoming Services and Events
December 24, Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 3:00pm
December 25, Saturday
+ Festal Matins, 8:30am
+ Christmas Day Liturgy, 10:00am
December 26, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
December 27, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
December 24, Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 25, Saturday
+ Festal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 8:30am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 26, Sunday (Sunday After the Nativity of Christ)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Nativity Services
We will pray Royal Hours at 9:00am on Friday, December 24 and Vesperal Liturgy at 3:00pm on Friday, December 24. We will pray matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Saturday, December 25. Invite your friends and family!
Hierarchical Nativity Greetings
Nativity Letters from both Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Anthony are attached.
No Vespers on December 25
We will not have vespers scheduled for the evening of December 25.
Feasting After Fasting
Beginning on December 25, there is no fasting until January 5, the Eve of Theophany.
January/February Calendars Available
Calendars with services and other events for January and February are printed and available in the narthex.
Father Will Be Out of Town
There will be no office hours held and no hours prayers on December 29 and 30.
Scheduling House Blessings
Next week, Fr. Ignatius will start to contact some of you about scheduling a time in January or February for a house blessing.
Theophany Services
The next major feast is Theophany, the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. On Wednesday, January 5, we will have Royal Hours at 9:00am, matins at 5:00pm and Liturgy at 6:00pm.
Holy Bread and Artos Sign-up for 2022
Sign-up sheets for providing the holy bread for each liturgy in 2022 are posted on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. New this year- there are certain liturgical feasts that are ranked such that the services of litia and artoklasia can be inserted into vespers. Those opportunities when it would be appropriate to have the festal, sweet "artos" bread are also listed on this same sign-up sheet.
Contribute Toward Our Mortgage Without Spending a Dime!
Support St. Raphael Church while cleaning out your closet and decluttering your home. Consign items under the church's account numbers at Stuff, Etc East, Kidsworks, or Houseworks and 100% of the proceeds will go toward our mortgage principal.
Stuff, Etc. East - Account no. 22791
(319) 338-9909, 851 Hwy 6 E, Iowa City
Consign on a walk-in basis Tuesday-Saturday. One plastic tote (provided) and up to 5 larger items per person per visit. Any unaccepted items will be donated. Furniture is accepted seven days per week; drive around to the back of the building.
Houseworks - Account no. 019823
319-338-4357, 1800 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead for a consignment appointment. Items accepted include kitchenware, furniture, décor, some media (e.g. DVDs).
Kidworks - Account no. 19451
(319) 337-3921, 111 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead to make an appointment and to confirm types of items being accepted (e.g. in December they’re taking winter). Appointments are usually 9-9:45am M-S; Sundays 10-11:45 am; there are occasionally afternoon appointments available, particularly on weekends. Items must be free of rips, holes, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc. Unaccepted items are donated to Heartland AEA.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes He Who is mightier than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:1-8)
Food for Thought
He Whom nothing can contain, how is He held within a womb? And while in His Father’s arms, how in His Mother’s pure embrace? Such is His will and good pleasure, and as He knoweth. For being without flesh, He took flesh willingly; for us, He Who Is became what He was not. Without forsaking His own nature, He hath partaken of what we are. For Christ is born now, twofold in nature, to fill Heaven with mankind.
- kathisma in tone 4 from matins of the Nativity of Christ
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Pray With Us For The Financial Stability of St. Raphael Church
Those who attended our annual meeting a few weeks ago heard about an effort to organize so that there are one or more people/families committed to praying on a set day once a week, for the financial stability of our parish. Several of you responded. If you haven't yet and you would like to, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Sheets with suggested prayers are also available in the narthex.
Order of St. Ignatius Awareness
One of the main philanthropic funding mechanisms in our Archdiocese is the Order of St. Ignatius. Members of the Order help to fund a variety of programs both within and beyond the Archdiocese. For more information, go to: www.orderofstignatius.org
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Upcoming Services and Events
December 24, Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 3:00pm
December 25, Saturday
+ Festal Matins, 8:30am
+ Christmas Day Liturgy, 10:00am
December 26, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
December 27, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
December 24, Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 25, Saturday
+ Festal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 8:30am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 26, Sunday (Sunday After the Nativity of Christ)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Nativity Services
We will pray Royal Hours at 9:00am on Friday, December 24 and Vesperal Liturgy at 3:00pm on Friday, December 24. We will pray matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Saturday, December 25. Invite your friends and family!
Hierarchical Nativity Greetings
Nativity Letters from both Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Anthony are attached.
No Vespers on December 25
We will not have vespers scheduled for the evening of December 25.
Feasting After Fasting
Beginning on December 25, there is no fasting until January 5, the Eve of Theophany.
January/February Calendars Available
Calendars with services and other events for January and February are printed and available in the narthex.
Father Will Be Out of Town
There will be no office hours held and no hours prayers on December 29 and 30.
Scheduling House Blessings
Next week, Fr. Ignatius will start to contact some of you about scheduling a time in January or February for a house blessing.
Theophany Services
The next major feast is Theophany, the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. On Wednesday, January 5, we will have Royal Hours at 9:00am, matins at 5:00pm and Liturgy at 6:00pm.
Holy Bread and Artos Sign-up for 2022
Sign-up sheets for providing the holy bread for each liturgy in 2022 are posted on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. New this year- there are certain liturgical feasts that are ranked such that the services of litia and artoklasia can be inserted into vespers. Those opportunities when it would be appropriate to have the festal, sweet "artos" bread are also listed on this same sign-up sheet.
Contribute Toward Our Mortgage Without Spending a Dime!
Support St. Raphael Church while cleaning out your closet and decluttering your home. Consign items under the church's account numbers at Stuff, Etc East, Kidsworks, or Houseworks and 100% of the proceeds will go toward our mortgage principal.
Stuff, Etc. East - Account no. 22791
(319) 338-9909, 851 Hwy 6 E, Iowa City
Consign on a walk-in basis Tuesday-Saturday. One plastic tote (provided) and up to 5 larger items per person per visit. Any unaccepted items will be donated. Furniture is accepted seven days per week; drive around to the back of the building.
Houseworks - Account no. 019823
319-338-4357, 1800 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead for a consignment appointment. Items accepted include kitchenware, furniture, décor, some media (e.g. DVDs).
Kidworks - Account no. 19451
(319) 337-3921, 111 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead to make an appointment and to confirm types of items being accepted (e.g. in December they’re taking winter). Appointments are usually 9-9:45am M-S; Sundays 10-11:45 am; there are occasionally afternoon appointments available, particularly on weekends. Items must be free of rips, holes, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc. Unaccepted items are donated to Heartland AEA.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes He Who is mightier than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:1-8)
Food for Thought
He Whom nothing can contain, how is He held within a womb? And while in His Father’s arms, how in His Mother’s pure embrace? Such is His will and good pleasure, and as He knoweth. For being without flesh, He took flesh willingly; for us, He Who Is became what He was not. Without forsaking His own nature, He hath partaken of what we are. For Christ is born now, twofold in nature, to fill Heaven with mankind.
- kathisma in tone 4 from matins of the Nativity of Christ
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Pray With Us For The Financial Stability of St. Raphael Church
Those who attended our annual meeting a few weeks ago heard about an effort to organize so that there are one or more people/families committed to praying on a set day once a week, for the financial stability of our parish. Several of you responded. If you haven't yet and you would like to, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Sheets with suggested prayers are also available in the narthex.
Order of St. Ignatius Awareness
One of the main philanthropic funding mechanisms in our Archdiocese is the Order of St. Ignatius. Members of the Order help to fund a variety of programs both within and beyond the Archdiocese. For more information, go to: www.orderofstignatius.org
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday December 19, 2021- Sunday Before Nativity (Genealogy of Christ)
Upcoming Services and Events
December 18, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 19, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Ignatius of Antioch, 6:00pm
December 20, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
December 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
December 24, Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 25, Saturday
+ Festal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 8:30am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 26, Sunday (Sunday After the Nativity of Christ)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
St. Ignatius Day Service
We will commemorate St. Ignatius the Godbearer with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will pray Royal Hours at 9:00am on Friday, December 24 and Vesperal Liturgy at 3:00pm on Friday, December 24. We will pray matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Saturday, December 25. Invite your friends and family!
No Vespers on December 25
We will not have vespers scheduled for the evening of December 25. We will have matins and liturgy on the morning of December 26.
Decorating Church With Poinsettias
We are accepting donations of poinsettia plants anytime between now and Christmas. Please consider bringing one or more in to decorate our church during this festive season.
Nativity Letter From Bishop Anthony
Bishop Anthony's 2021 Nativity Letter is attached.
Feasting After Fasting
The preparatory time leading up to the celebration of the Lord's Nativity is forty days and one of the ways we prepare ourselves during this time is through fasting, giving up certain foods. Beginning on December 25, there is no fasting until January 5, the Eve of Theophany.
Holy Bread and Artos Sign-up for 2022
Sign-up sheets for providing the holy bread for each liturgy in 2022 are posted on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. New this year- there are certain liturgical feasts that are ranked such that the services of litia and artoklasia can be inserted into vespers. Those opportunities when it would be appropriate to have the festal, sweet "artos" bread are also listed on this same sign-up sheet.
Pray With Us For The Financial Stability of St. Raphael Church
Those who attended our annual meeting a few weeks ago heard about an effort to organize so that there are one or more people/families committed to praying on a set day once a week, for the financial stability of our parish. Several of you responded. If you haven't yet and you would like to, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Sheets with suggested prayers are also available in the narthex.
Contribute Toward Our Mortgage Without Spending a Dime!
Support St. Raphael Church while cleaning out your closet and decluttering your home. Consign items under the church's account numbers at Stuff, Etc East, Kidsworks, or Houseworks and 100% of the proceeds will go toward our mortgage principal.
Stuff, Etc. East - Account no. 22791
(319) 338-9909, 851 Hwy 6 E, Iowa City
Consign on a walk-in basis Tuesday-Saturday. One plastic tote (provided) and up to 5 larger items per person per visit. Any unaccepted items will be donated. Furniture is accepted seven days per week; drive around to the back of the building.
Houseworks - Account no. 019823
319-338-4357, 1800 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead for a consignment appointment. Items accepted include kitchenware, furniture, décor, some media (e.g. DVDs).
Kidworks - Account no. 19451
(319) 337-3921, 111 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead to make an appointment and to confirm types of items being accepted (e.g. in December they’re taking winter). Appointments are usually 9-9:45am M-S; Sundays 10-11:45 am; there are occasionally afternoon appointments available, particularly on weekends. Items must be free of rips, holes, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc. Unaccepted items are donated to Heartland AEA.
Order of St. Ignatius Awareness
One of the main philanthropic funding mechanisms in our Archdiocese is the Order of St. Ignatius. Members of the Order help to fund a variety of programs both within and beyond the Archdiocese. For more information, go to: www.orderofstignatius.org
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:13-23)
Food for Thought
Jesus said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."
Luke 12:15
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
December 18, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 19, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Ignatius of Antioch, 6:00pm
December 20, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
December 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
December 24, Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 25, Saturday
+ Festal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 8:30am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 26, Sunday (Sunday After the Nativity of Christ)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
St. Ignatius Day Service
We will commemorate St. Ignatius the Godbearer with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will pray Royal Hours at 9:00am on Friday, December 24 and Vesperal Liturgy at 3:00pm on Friday, December 24. We will pray matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Saturday, December 25. Invite your friends and family!
No Vespers on December 25
We will not have vespers scheduled for the evening of December 25. We will have matins and liturgy on the morning of December 26.
Decorating Church With Poinsettias
We are accepting donations of poinsettia plants anytime between now and Christmas. Please consider bringing one or more in to decorate our church during this festive season.
Nativity Letter From Bishop Anthony
Bishop Anthony's 2021 Nativity Letter is attached.
Feasting After Fasting
The preparatory time leading up to the celebration of the Lord's Nativity is forty days and one of the ways we prepare ourselves during this time is through fasting, giving up certain foods. Beginning on December 25, there is no fasting until January 5, the Eve of Theophany.
Holy Bread and Artos Sign-up for 2022
Sign-up sheets for providing the holy bread for each liturgy in 2022 are posted on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. New this year- there are certain liturgical feasts that are ranked such that the services of litia and artoklasia can be inserted into vespers. Those opportunities when it would be appropriate to have the festal, sweet "artos" bread are also listed on this same sign-up sheet.
Pray With Us For The Financial Stability of St. Raphael Church
Those who attended our annual meeting a few weeks ago heard about an effort to organize so that there are one or more people/families committed to praying on a set day once a week, for the financial stability of our parish. Several of you responded. If you haven't yet and you would like to, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Sheets with suggested prayers are also available in the narthex.
Contribute Toward Our Mortgage Without Spending a Dime!
Support St. Raphael Church while cleaning out your closet and decluttering your home. Consign items under the church's account numbers at Stuff, Etc East, Kidsworks, or Houseworks and 100% of the proceeds will go toward our mortgage principal.
Stuff, Etc. East - Account no. 22791
(319) 338-9909, 851 Hwy 6 E, Iowa City
Consign on a walk-in basis Tuesday-Saturday. One plastic tote (provided) and up to 5 larger items per person per visit. Any unaccepted items will be donated. Furniture is accepted seven days per week; drive around to the back of the building.
Houseworks - Account no. 019823
319-338-4357, 1800 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead for a consignment appointment. Items accepted include kitchenware, furniture, décor, some media (e.g. DVDs).
Kidworks - Account no. 19451
(319) 337-3921, 111 Stevens Dr, Iowa City
Call ahead to make an appointment and to confirm types of items being accepted (e.g. in December they’re taking winter). Appointments are usually 9-9:45am M-S; Sundays 10-11:45 am; there are occasionally afternoon appointments available, particularly on weekends. Items must be free of rips, holes, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc. Unaccepted items are donated to Heartland AEA.
Order of St. Ignatius Awareness
One of the main philanthropic funding mechanisms in our Archdiocese is the Order of St. Ignatius. Members of the Order help to fund a variety of programs both within and beyond the Archdiocese. For more information, go to: www.orderofstignatius.org
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:13-23)
Food for Thought
Jesus said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."
Luke 12:15
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday December 12, 2021- Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ
Upcoming Services and Events
December 11, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 12, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ OCF Study Time with Snacks and Soup, 5:00pm-8:00pm
December 13, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
+ OCF Study Time with Snacks and Soup, 5:00pm-8:00pm
December 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
December 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
December 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
December 18, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 19, Sunday (Sunday Before the Nativity of Christ)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Ignatius, 6:00pm
Newest Announcements
Annual Voters' Meeting Results
We discussed and passed a budget and we elected Brian Horak to another three year term on the parish council. Austin Collins was appointed to a three year term on the parish council. Karen Kuntz ended her service on the council. Thank you Karen for your service!
Choir Appreciation Sunday
Thank you to everyone who serves the church by singing in the choir. And thank you especially to our current choir leaders: Lori, Kristi and Lizzy. Your hard work enhances our ability to worship the Lord.
St. Ignatius Day Service
We will commemorate St. Ignatius the Godbearer with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will pray Royal Hours at 9:00am on Friday, December 24 and Vesperal Liturgy at 3:00pm on Friday, December 24. We will pray matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Saturday, December 25.
No Vespers on December 25
We will not have vespers scheduled for the evening of December 25. We will have matins and liturgy on the morning of December 26.
Decorating Church With Poinsettias
We are accepting donations of poinsettia plants anytime between now and Christmas. Please consider bringing one or more in to decorate our church during this festive season.
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus. (Matthew 1:1-25)
Food for Thought
“The submission of wives to husbands therefore finds its root in the service of husbands to their wives. Christ laid down His life for His bride the Church, and husbands are counseled to do the same for their brides (Ephesians 5:25). The wife declares to her husband, “I belong to my beloved”, because he first has said that he belongs to her (Songs 6:3).”
(Fr Lawrence Farley in ‘No Other Foundation’ blog)
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
December 11, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 12, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ OCF Study Time with Snacks and Soup, 5:00pm-8:00pm
December 13, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
+ OCF Study Time with Snacks and Soup, 5:00pm-8:00pm
December 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
December 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
December 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
December 18, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 19, Sunday (Sunday Before the Nativity of Christ)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Ignatius, 6:00pm
Newest Announcements
Annual Voters' Meeting Results
We discussed and passed a budget and we elected Brian Horak to another three year term on the parish council. Austin Collins was appointed to a three year term on the parish council. Karen Kuntz ended her service on the council. Thank you Karen for your service!
Choir Appreciation Sunday
Thank you to everyone who serves the church by singing in the choir. And thank you especially to our current choir leaders: Lori, Kristi and Lizzy. Your hard work enhances our ability to worship the Lord.
St. Ignatius Day Service
We will commemorate St. Ignatius the Godbearer with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will pray Royal Hours at 9:00am on Friday, December 24 and Vesperal Liturgy at 3:00pm on Friday, December 24. We will pray matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Saturday, December 25.
No Vespers on December 25
We will not have vespers scheduled for the evening of December 25. We will have matins and liturgy on the morning of December 26.
Decorating Church With Poinsettias
We are accepting donations of poinsettia plants anytime between now and Christmas. Please consider bringing one or more in to decorate our church during this festive season.
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus. (Matthew 1:1-25)
Food for Thought
“The submission of wives to husbands therefore finds its root in the service of husbands to their wives. Christ laid down His life for His bride the Church, and husbands are counseled to do the same for their brides (Ephesians 5:25). The wife declares to her husband, “I belong to my beloved”, because he first has said that he belongs to her (Songs 6:3).”
(Fr Lawrence Farley in ‘No Other Foundation’ blog)
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday December 5, 2021- St. Sabbas the Sanctifie
Upcoming Services and Events
December 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 5, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm and Annual Voters' Meeting
+ Great Vespers for St. Nicholas, 6:00pm
December 6, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
December 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
December 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ "Religion of the Apostles" book discussion, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
December 10, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
December 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 12, Sunday (Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ and St. Spyridon)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
St. Nicholas Visit for Kids
Rumor has it that St. Nicholas, or at least, one of his helpers, will be placing candy in childrens' shoes during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 5. Have your children leave their shoes in the narthex if you would like them to participate.
Annual Voters' Meeting
Our annual voters' meeting will be held following liturgy on Sunday, December 5. We will vote to fill parish council vacancies and vote on our budget for 2022. Please plan to attend!
St. Nicholas Day Service
We will commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 5.
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Luke 14:16-24)
Food for Thought
“Love Christ and put nothing before His Love. He is joy, He is life, He is light. Christ is Everything. He is the ultimate desire, He is everything. Everything beautiful is in Christ.”
- St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
December 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 5, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm and Annual Voters' Meeting
+ Great Vespers for St. Nicholas, 6:00pm
December 6, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
December 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
December 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ "Religion of the Apostles" book discussion, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
December 10, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
December 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 12, Sunday (Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ and St. Spyridon)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
St. Nicholas Visit for Kids
Rumor has it that St. Nicholas, or at least, one of his helpers, will be placing candy in childrens' shoes during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 5. Have your children leave their shoes in the narthex if you would like them to participate.
Annual Voters' Meeting
Our annual voters' meeting will be held following liturgy on Sunday, December 5. We will vote to fill parish council vacancies and vote on our budget for 2022. Please plan to attend!
St. Nicholas Day Service
We will commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 5.
2022 Calendars Available
Calendars for 2022, showing daily saints, Scripture readings, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons are now available in the narthex at church.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Luke 14:16-24)
Food for Thought
“Love Christ and put nothing before His Love. He is joy, He is life, He is light. Christ is Everything. He is the ultimate desire, He is everything. Everything beautiful is in Christ.”
- St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday November 28, 2021- 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
November 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 28, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 29, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
+ OCF compline, 6:30pm (at IMU Room 257)
December 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
December 2, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ "Religion of the Apostles" book discussion, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
December 3, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
December 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 5, Sunday (St. Sabbas the Sanctified)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour and Annual Voters' Meeting, 12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Nicholas, 6:00pm
Newest Announcements
Annual Voters' Meeting
Our annual voters' meeting will be held following liturgy on Sunday, December 5. We will vote to fill parish council vacancies and vote on our budget for 2022. Please plan to attend!
New Office Hours
Beginning this week, Father is changing his office hours. Tuesdays will now be his day off. Office Hours will be held on Mondays, 2:00pm-5:00pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:00am-2:00pm and Fridays 9:15am-12:00pm.
St. Nicholas Day Service
We will commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 5.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” As Jesus said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him. (Luke 13:10-17)
Food for Thought
The mouth which is continuously giving thanks, receives blessings from God. In the heart that always shows gratitude, grace abides.
- St. Isaac the Syrian
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
November 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 28, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 29, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
+ OCF compline, 6:30pm (at IMU Room 257)
December 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
December 2, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ "Religion of the Apostles" book discussion, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
December 3, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
December 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
December 5, Sunday (St. Sabbas the Sanctified)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour and Annual Voters' Meeting, 12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Nicholas, 6:00pm
Newest Announcements
Annual Voters' Meeting
Our annual voters' meeting will be held following liturgy on Sunday, December 5. We will vote to fill parish council vacancies and vote on our budget for 2022. Please plan to attend!
New Office Hours
Beginning this week, Father is changing his office hours. Tuesdays will now be his day off. Office Hours will be held on Mondays, 2:00pm-5:00pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:00am-2:00pm and Fridays 9:15am-12:00pm.
St. Nicholas Day Service
We will commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 5.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” As Jesus said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him. (Luke 13:10-17)
Food for Thought
The mouth which is continuously giving thanks, receives blessings from God. In the heart that always shows gratitude, grace abides.
- St. Isaac the Syrian
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday November 21, 2021- Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Upcoming Services and Events
November 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 21, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 22, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
November 23, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 28, Sunday (23rd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
New Office Hours
Beginning this week, Father is changing his office hours. Tuesdays will now be his day off. Office Hours will be held on Mondays, 2:00pm-5:00pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:00am-2:00pm and Fridays 9:15am-12:00pm.
Schedule Change for Thanksgiving
There will be no Nativity Paraklesis service this Wednesday, and no office hours and Hours Prayers this Thursday and Friday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Annual Voters' Meeting
Our annual voters' meeting will be held following liturgy on Sunday, December 5. We will vote to fill parish council vacancies and vote on our budget for 2022. Please plan to attend!
St. Nicholas Day Service
We will commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 5.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother.’” And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:18-27)
Food for Thought
"The great King comes in haste to enter a small cave, that he may make me great who had grown small, and that, as transcendent God, by his poverty without measure he may enrich me who had grown poor."
- from Nativity Paraklesis, Ode 5
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Opportunity to Help A Family of Refugees
Our brothers and sisters at St. Nicholas Mission in Davenport have connections to a family who has settled in the Quad Cities area from Afghanistan. They are raising funds so that more family members still in Afghanistan will be able to relocate to America. This is a wonderful opportunity to help welcome the foreigner into our midst, as we are taught in numerous places in the Scriptures. https://donorbox.org/help-barikzay-family
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
November 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 21, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 22, Monday
+ Office Hours, 2:00pm-5:00pm
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00pm
November 23, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 28, Sunday (23rd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
New Office Hours
Beginning this week, Father is changing his office hours. Tuesdays will now be his day off. Office Hours will be held on Mondays, 2:00pm-5:00pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:00am-2:00pm and Fridays 9:15am-12:00pm.
Schedule Change for Thanksgiving
There will be no Nativity Paraklesis service this Wednesday, and no office hours and Hours Prayers this Thursday and Friday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Annual Voters' Meeting
Our annual voters' meeting will be held following liturgy on Sunday, December 5. We will vote to fill parish council vacancies and vote on our budget for 2022. Please plan to attend!
St. Nicholas Day Service
We will commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with Great Vespers at 6:00pm on December 5.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother.’” And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:18-27)
Food for Thought
"The great King comes in haste to enter a small cave, that he may make me great who had grown small, and that, as transcendent God, by his poverty without measure he may enrich me who had grown poor."
- from Nativity Paraklesis, Ode 5
________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Opportunity to Help A Family of Refugees
Our brothers and sisters at St. Nicholas Mission in Davenport have connections to a family who has settled in the Quad Cities area from Afghanistan. They are raising funds so that more family members still in Afghanistan will be able to relocate to America. This is a wonderful opportunity to help welcome the foreigner into our midst, as we are taught in numerous places in the Scriptures. https://donorbox.org/help-barikzay-family
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Nativity Fast
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2022, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, July and October and the 2nd Sunday of April- January 16, April 10, July 17 and October 16. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday November 14, 2021- St. Philip the Apostle
Upcoming Services and Events
November 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 14, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 15, Monday
+ OCF Compline, 6:30pm at IMU Rm. 257
November 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
November 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
November 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
November 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 21, Sunday (Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
A Recent Note Sent From Bishop Anthony-
"Wonderful celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the parish of St. Raphael of Brooklyn. The Divine Liturgy was inspiring and beautiful. Our prayers are with you. +Anthony"
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Opportunity to Help A Family of Refugees
Our brothers and sisters at St. Nicholas Mission in Davenport have connections to a family who has settled in the Quad Cities area from Afghanistan. They are raising funds so that more family members still in Afghanistan will be able to relocate to America. This is a wonderful opportunity to help welcome the foreigner into our midst, as we are taught in numerous places in the Scriptures. https://donorbox.org/help-barikzay-family
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 15-19)
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, is sponsoring these activities during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 15-19.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28)
Food for Thought
"If but ten among us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
-- St. John Chrysostom
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 18- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
November 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 14, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 15, Monday
+ OCF Compline, 6:30pm at IMU Rm. 257
November 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00pm
November 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
November 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
November 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 21, Sunday (Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
A Recent Note Sent From Bishop Anthony-
"Wonderful celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the parish of St. Raphael of Brooklyn. The Divine Liturgy was inspiring and beautiful. Our prayers are with you. +Anthony"
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Opportunity to Help A Family of Refugees
Our brothers and sisters at St. Nicholas Mission in Davenport have connections to a family who has settled in the Quad Cities area from Afghanistan. They are raising funds so that more family members still in Afghanistan will be able to relocate to America. This is a wonderful opportunity to help welcome the foreigner into our midst, as we are taught in numerous places in the Scriptures. https://donorbox.org/help-barikzay-family
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 15-19)
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, is sponsoring these activities during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 15-19.
- Nov. 15 – Soup Luncheon & Sock Drive: Enjoy homemade soups, breads, and desserts from 11am-1pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (123 E Market Street, Iowa City). We will be accepting free-will donations and new socks for our winter emergency shelter.
- Nov. 16 – Film Screening: Sidewalk Stories: This heartfelt black and white silent film is presented in partnership with FilmScene with cookies courtesy of Cookies & Dreams. Join us on Tuesday, November 16 at 6:30pm. Please note: to ensure safety, covid protocols will be in place. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit icfilmscene.org/. See you at the movies!
- Nov. 17 – Foodies Fighting Homelessness: Purchase tickets for your whole family, or a few friends, and enjoy a night of full bellies and great conversation together, wherever & however you feel most comfortable - via in-person dining or to-go orders from the participating restaurant of your choosing. Meal tickets include a 3-course meal with one wine or beer pairing. Learn more about this year’s event and purchase tickets at shelterhouseiowa.org/foodies/.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28)
Food for Thought
"If but ten among us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
-- St. John Chrysostom
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 18- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday November 7, 2021- 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
November 6, Saturday
+ Matins and Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:30/10:00am
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 7, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
November 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
November 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
November 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 14, Sunday (St. Philip the Apostle)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Clocks will fall back one hour in the night between November 6 and November 7.
Thank You
Thank you to Michael Fisher, Lizzy Valentine, Mathea Ilia-Grigore and her son who helped clean the building and grounds last week.
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
St. Raphael Feast Day, November 5/6
We will celebrate our patron saint with Great Vespers at 7:00pm on Friday, November 5 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday, November 6.
St. Raphael Choir Members Singing at Dostoevsky Exhibit
On November 11, the 200th anniversary of Fydor Dostoevsky's birthday, members of our own choir will be singing a short selection of liturgical hymns at the Dostoevsky at 200 exhibit in the University of Iowa's Main Library Gallery. Professor Anna Barker will be available to chat and give tours from 3:00 - 4:00 pm, our choir will perform at 4:00 pm, and there will be Russian tea and pancakes available between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 15-19)
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, is sponsoring these activities during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 15-19.
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.” But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
Food for Thought
"Holiness is not simply righteousness, for which the righteous merit the enjoyment of blessedness in the Kingdom of God, but rather such a height of righteousness that men are filled with the grace of God to the extent that it flows from them upon those who associate with them. Great is their blessedness; it proceeds from personal experience of the Glory of God. Being filled also with love for men, which proceeds from love of God, they are responsive to men's needs, and upon their supplication they appear also as intercessors and defenders for them before God."
— St. John Maximovitch
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Nov. 6- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 11- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 18- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
November 6, Saturday
+ Matins and Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:30/10:00am
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 7, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
November 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
November 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
November 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 14, Sunday (St. Philip the Apostle)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Clocks will fall back one hour in the night between November 6 and November 7.
Thank You
Thank you to Michael Fisher, Lizzy Valentine, Mathea Ilia-Grigore and her son who helped clean the building and grounds last week.
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
St. Raphael Feast Day, November 5/6
We will celebrate our patron saint with Great Vespers at 7:00pm on Friday, November 5 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday, November 6.
St. Raphael Choir Members Singing at Dostoevsky Exhibit
On November 11, the 200th anniversary of Fydor Dostoevsky's birthday, members of our own choir will be singing a short selection of liturgical hymns at the Dostoevsky at 200 exhibit in the University of Iowa's Main Library Gallery. Professor Anna Barker will be available to chat and give tours from 3:00 - 4:00 pm, our choir will perform at 4:00 pm, and there will be Russian tea and pancakes available between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 15-19)
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, is sponsoring these activities during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 15-19.
- Nov. 15 – Soup Luncheon & Sock Drive: Enjoy homemade soups, breads, and desserts from 11am-1pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (123 E Market Street, Iowa City). We will be accepting free-will donations and new socks for our winter emergency shelter.
- Nov. 16 – Film Screening: Sidewalk Stories: This heartfelt black and white silent film is presented in partnership with FilmScene with cookies courtesy of Cookies & Dreams. Join us on Tuesday, November 16 at 6:30pm. Please note: to ensure safety, covid protocols will be in place. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit icfilmscene.org/. See you at the movies!
- Nov. 17 – Foodies Fighting Homelessness: Purchase tickets for your whole family, or a few friends, and enjoy a night of full bellies and great conversation together, wherever & however you feel most comfortable - via in-person dining or to-go orders from the participating restaurant of your choosing. Meal tickets include a 3-course meal with one wine or beer pairing. Learn more about this year’s event and purchase tickets at shelterhouseiowa.org/foodies/.
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
November 15 marks the beginning of 40 days of preparation for the coming of our Lord at His Nativity. During this time, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs and on certain days, from wine and oil. The printed November/December calendar has the specifics of the fasting guidelines, as does this page. https://stnicholasla.org/files/2021-Fasting-Calendar.pdf If/when you are celebrating American Thanksgiving, you may dispense with the fast to celebrate that holiday. As always, if you have specific questions about how or why to implement the discipline of fasting into your life, feel free to ask Fr. Ignatius.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Consider Pre-Planning End-of-Life Healthcare and Death Arrangements
It is never too early to make certain decisions about your healthcare and death arrangements before you ever become incapacitated. Do your loved ones a favor and put your wishes in writing so that your family is not left with the burden of trying to guess what your wishes might have been. Here are two worksheet-style documents that are meant to help you in this important process. https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/christianwitness/2015-11-another-gift-for-my-loved-ones.pdf
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.” But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
Food for Thought
"Holiness is not simply righteousness, for which the righteous merit the enjoyment of blessedness in the Kingdom of God, but rather such a height of righteousness that men are filled with the grace of God to the extent that it flows from them upon those who associate with them. Great is their blessedness; it proceeds from personal experience of the Glory of God. Being filled also with love for men, which proceeds from love of God, they are responsive to men's needs, and upon their supplication they appear also as intercessors and defenders for them before God."
— St. John Maximovitch
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Nov. 6- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 11- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 18- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday October 31, 2021- 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
October 30, Saturday
+ Church and Grounds Cleaning, 1:00pm-5:00pm
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 31, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 1, Monday
+ OCF Compline at UI Danforth Chapel, 6:30pm
November 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
November 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
November 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7:00pm
November 6, Saturday
+ Matins and Divine Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:30am/10:00am
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 7, Sunday (20th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Memory Eternal!
With profound sadness, but with hope in the Resurrection, this week we laid to rest Fr. Maximos Herman, a good friend of the parish and former parishioner. Our condolences go out to his wife Matushka Angela and their son Jonathan. May Father's memory be eternal.
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Nov.-Dec. Calendars Available
Calendars showing upcoming services, events and fasting and feasting days and periods are printed and available in the narthex.
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
St. Raphael Feast Day, November 5/6
We will celebrate our patron saint with Great Vespers at 7:00pm on Friday, November 5 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday, November 6.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
A Reflection on the Repose of Fr. Maximos, by Presbytera Magda Andronache
Dear friend, we came to say good-bye with one last Liturgy, an odd thing wherein your hands do not offer the Gifts nor your lips touch the chalice, but in which you are mystically both present and beyond us, already in that glorious Liturgy. We came in at the end of the vigil, the last of the relay-readers evenly chanting the words of the One who walked among mankind and now, as you are, is present in a new way. You lay quietly all through the night as the gospels murmured their heartbeat through the sleeping church.
Through the Liturgy, I am pulled here and there with the little tugs of children, always in motion, in contrast to this your stillness, of our friend the priest, your sin a grain of sand covered and re-covered in repentance until you lie as a white and hardened pearl, swathed in gold and white cloth, a precious treasure now laid up in heaven. Your feet bear the worn sandals of your earthly life, now resting as you embark upon a strange and wondrous journey.
The bishop speaks of your priesthood, dropping words of grace to further surround you, like sweet-smelling mastic sealing the relics in the altar table at a consecration. The bishop leads the hands of your brother priests, those hands which had once and twice led you around the altar of the Lord, vesting you in garments of that glory to which you are now heir.
Your humor and your gentleness were given out freely, and now are memory. The mourners take pictures as though slips of hair, cut for tokens of remembrance, as the gold-garbed clergy escort your casket to the waiting hearse, monastery-bound. And yet, each frozen photograph conveys an untruth, pretending that all bodies have the same stillness: both we who mourn and sing, and you who shine, breathless as the icons of the saints.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed round Him. And a woman, who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him, and touched the fringe of His garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround Thee and press upon Thee! And Thou sayest, ‘Who touched Me?’” But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from Me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While Jesus was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 8:41-56)
Food for Thought
"Take great care of your children. Wh live in a time when much freedom is given to the expression of thought but little care is taken that thoughts should be founded on truth. Teach them to love truth."
- St. Macarius of Optina
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Sermon
The sermon that Bishop Anthony gave to us during his visit in September is now posted to his YouTube channel here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ku2Pg5sIk
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 30- Worship: The Sacraments
Nov. 6- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 4- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 11- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 18- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
October 30, Saturday
+ Church and Grounds Cleaning, 1:00pm-5:00pm
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 31, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
November 1, Monday
+ OCF Compline at UI Danforth Chapel, 6:30pm
November 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
November 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
November 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
November 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7:00pm
November 6, Saturday
+ Matins and Divine Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:30am/10:00am
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 7, Sunday (20th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Memory Eternal!
With profound sadness, but with hope in the Resurrection, this week we laid to rest Fr. Maximos Herman, a good friend of the parish and former parishioner. Our condolences go out to his wife Matushka Angela and their son Jonathan. May Father's memory be eternal.
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Nov.-Dec. Calendars Available
Calendars showing upcoming services, events and fasting and feasting days and periods are printed and available in the narthex.
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
St. Raphael Feast Day, November 5/6
We will celebrate our patron saint with Great Vespers at 7:00pm on Friday, November 5 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday, November 6.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
A Reflection on the Repose of Fr. Maximos, by Presbytera Magda Andronache
Dear friend, we came to say good-bye with one last Liturgy, an odd thing wherein your hands do not offer the Gifts nor your lips touch the chalice, but in which you are mystically both present and beyond us, already in that glorious Liturgy. We came in at the end of the vigil, the last of the relay-readers evenly chanting the words of the One who walked among mankind and now, as you are, is present in a new way. You lay quietly all through the night as the gospels murmured their heartbeat through the sleeping church.
Through the Liturgy, I am pulled here and there with the little tugs of children, always in motion, in contrast to this your stillness, of our friend the priest, your sin a grain of sand covered and re-covered in repentance until you lie as a white and hardened pearl, swathed in gold and white cloth, a precious treasure now laid up in heaven. Your feet bear the worn sandals of your earthly life, now resting as you embark upon a strange and wondrous journey.
The bishop speaks of your priesthood, dropping words of grace to further surround you, like sweet-smelling mastic sealing the relics in the altar table at a consecration. The bishop leads the hands of your brother priests, those hands which had once and twice led you around the altar of the Lord, vesting you in garments of that glory to which you are now heir.
Your humor and your gentleness were given out freely, and now are memory. The mourners take pictures as though slips of hair, cut for tokens of remembrance, as the gold-garbed clergy escort your casket to the waiting hearse, monastery-bound. And yet, each frozen photograph conveys an untruth, pretending that all bodies have the same stillness: both we who mourn and sing, and you who shine, breathless as the icons of the saints.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed round Him. And a woman, who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him, and touched the fringe of His garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround Thee and press upon Thee! And Thou sayest, ‘Who touched Me?’” But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from Me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While Jesus was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 8:41-56)
Food for Thought
"Take great care of your children. Wh live in a time when much freedom is given to the expression of thought but little care is taken that thoughts should be founded on truth. Teach them to love truth."
- St. Macarius of Optina
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Sermon
The sermon that Bishop Anthony gave to us during his visit in September is now posted to his YouTube channel here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ku2Pg5sIk
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 30- Worship: The Sacraments
Nov. 6- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
November 4- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 11- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 18- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
December 9- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday October 24, 2021- 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
October 16, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 17, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 23, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 24, Sunday (18th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
October 24 is Run for the Schools
On Sunday morning, October 24, our church's neighborhood will be closed to vehicle traffic due to the Run for the Schools Road Races which will be taking place. The best place to park will be the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage a few blocks west of the church. Enter on the Washington Street side of the garage. Parking is free on Sundays.
The Silver Age of Love: A Concert of Russian Love Songs from the 1920s-30s
Oleg Timofeyev will be playing his Russian seven-string guitar and Anton Belov will be singing. The concert is at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N. Johnson St., Iowa City) on Monday, October 25 at 7:30pm. Admission is $15 per person, $12 for students and seniors.
The Grand Inquisitor Performance by the Riverside Theatre
This week, until October 31, the Riverside Theatre is sponsoring daily free shows of Dostoevsky's most famous chapter, The Grand Inquisitor from The Brothers Karamazov. The shows are free but seating is limited and so you must register ahead of time. All shows will be performed in the Dostoevsky exhibition space in the University of Iowa's Main Library. https://riversidetheatre.org/the-grand-inquisitor/
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
St. Raphael Feast Day, November 5/6
We will celebrate our patron saint with Great Vespers at 7:00pm on Friday, November 5 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday, November 6.
Bishop Anthony's Sermon
The sermon that Bishop Anthony gave to us during his visit in September is now posted to his YouTube channel here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ku2Pg5sIk
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.' (Luke 16:19-31)
Food for Thought
"Child care is the most beautiful prayer."
- St. Iakovos of Evia
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
Anniversary Dinner Ticket Payment
There are still some people who attended our 20th Anniversary Dinner with Bishop Anthony last month, who have not paid. If this is you, our treasurer asks that you send in payment as soon as you can. Thank you.
A New Opportunity for Young Adults to Serve
The youth and young adults of our Church are vital to a vibrant expression of Orthodox Christianity in the United States AND their life in the Orthodox Faith is vital to their vibrancy as human beings.
Understanding this, the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States have declared 2021 the “Year of the Youth.” At their most recent gathering they ushered in a new era for young adult ministry by blessing the newly formed Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) as an official Assembly agency!
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
October 16, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 17, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 23, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 24, Sunday (18th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Parish Survey- Please Respond!
Your parish council has put together a brief, four question survey. We need your input. Please respond by November 14. The survey is found at this link. https://bit.ly/ParishSurvey2021.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form ASAP. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
October 24 is Run for the Schools
On Sunday morning, October 24, our church's neighborhood will be closed to vehicle traffic due to the Run for the Schools Road Races which will be taking place. The best place to park will be the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage a few blocks west of the church. Enter on the Washington Street side of the garage. Parking is free on Sundays.
The Silver Age of Love: A Concert of Russian Love Songs from the 1920s-30s
Oleg Timofeyev will be playing his Russian seven-string guitar and Anton Belov will be singing. The concert is at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N. Johnson St., Iowa City) on Monday, October 25 at 7:30pm. Admission is $15 per person, $12 for students and seniors.
The Grand Inquisitor Performance by the Riverside Theatre
This week, until October 31, the Riverside Theatre is sponsoring daily free shows of Dostoevsky's most famous chapter, The Grand Inquisitor from The Brothers Karamazov. The shows are free but seating is limited and so you must register ahead of time. All shows will be performed in the Dostoevsky exhibition space in the University of Iowa's Main Library. https://riversidetheatre.org/the-grand-inquisitor/
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
St. Raphael Feast Day, November 5/6
We will celebrate our patron saint with Great Vespers at 7:00pm on Friday, November 5 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday, November 6.
Bishop Anthony's Sermon
The sermon that Bishop Anthony gave to us during his visit in September is now posted to his YouTube channel here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ku2Pg5sIk
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.' (Luke 16:19-31)
Food for Thought
"Child care is the most beautiful prayer."
- St. Iakovos of Evia
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
Anniversary Dinner Ticket Payment
There are still some people who attended our 20th Anniversary Dinner with Bishop Anthony last month, who have not paid. If this is you, our treasurer asks that you send in payment as soon as you can. Thank you.
A New Opportunity for Young Adults to Serve
The youth and young adults of our Church are vital to a vibrant expression of Orthodox Christianity in the United States AND their life in the Orthodox Faith is vital to their vibrancy as human beings.
Understanding this, the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States have declared 2021 the “Year of the Youth.” At their most recent gathering they ushered in a new era for young adult ministry by blessing the newly formed Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) as an official Assembly agency!
- VISIT our website at http://www.orthodoxvolunteercorps.org
- While your there, learn more about OVC and MAKE A VITAL GIFT of support
- REGISTER for our virtual kick-off event to be held at 8:00pm on November 9th at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M4wTlaikRy22XF6WY6Tz1g
- FOLLOW OVC on Instagram @Orthodox-Volunteer-Corps
- LIKE OVC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Orthodox-Volunteer-Corps-250561116836019
- PRAY for OVC and Orthodox Christian young adults!
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday October 17, 2021- Sunday of the Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council
Upcoming Services and Events
October 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 1:00pm
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 17, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 23, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 24, Sunday (18th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Services this Sunday
This Sunday, October 17,we will pray matins and liturgy in the fresh, cool air outside.
Memorial Prayers for the Departed this Sunday
Sunday, October 17 is one of our general, quarterly times to pray for our departed Orthodox loved ones by name at the end of liturgy. If you would like your Orthodox departed loved ones prayed for, please send your list of names to Fr. Ignatius ASAP.
Thank You!
Thank you to all who generously responded to our recent request for olive oil donations. We have a good supply that will last us for awhile now. But we will never turn down a donation and it will always be eventually used.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by this Sunday, October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Special Olympics Awareness Day
Across our Archdiocese on Sunday, October 17, we will hear about the annual ministry that is the Special Olympics Sports Camp, which is held at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania. We ask for your generosity and help. Donations from the faithful across the Archdiocese cover the cost of the camp, about $70,000. When the camp takes place in August 2022, this will be its 40th year. If you choose to donate to this request, please make sure your donation is clearly marked "Special Olympics" so that we can channel the funds properly.
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
October 24 is Run for the Schools
On Sunday morning, October 24, our neighborhood will be closed to vehicle traffic due to the Run for the Schools Road Races which will be taking place. The best place to park will be the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage a few blocks west of the church. Enter on the Washington Street side of the garage. Parking is free on Sundays.
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
A New Opportunity for Young Adults to Serve
The youth and young adults of our Church are vital to a vibrant expression of Orthodox Christianity in the United States AND their life in the Orthodox Faith is vital to their vibrancy as human beings.
Understanding this, the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States have declared 2021 the “Year of the Youth.” At their most recent gathering they ushered in a new era for young adult ministry by blessing the newly formed Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) as an official Assembly agency!
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as He stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech Thee, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.] Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:26-39)
Food for Thought
Saint Paisios of the Holy Mountain Answers the Questions of his Young Visitor
The young man asked the saint: “The Lord taught us to pray to God the Father. The Orthodox Church, however, also prays to the All Holy Theotokos and the saints who were simple human beings. Is this the right thing to do?”
The saint responded: “ All of the prayers go to our God. When we pray to the All Holy Theotokos and the saints we ask them to pray for us to our Lord and their prayers have great power.”
The young man at that point interrupted Saint Paisios and said: ” Yes, but the All Holy Theotokos and the saints were people who died. They can’t hear us and they are not omnipresent. Does God become angry and irritated when we pray to them?”
(of note the young man later explained that the minute he uttered the words “Yes, but..” he felt a divine power sharpening all of his senses and enabling him “absorb” everything the holy elder had to say)
"My child," the Saint answered, "the reality is that none of us die, we are all alive in the eyes of our God. When someone dies, they die for us; those who have stayed behind on Earth. He did not die in the eyes of our God. And if the departed person has become close to God and interacts with Him, he learns from Christ that we have asked the departed person to pray on our behalf and so he prays, and Christ listens to his mediation and is delighted. The prayer of a righteous person has great power."
From the article “A conversation with Saint Paisios” published in the journal “Osios Gregorios”
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Anniversary Dinner Ticket Payment
There are still some people who attended our 20th Anniversary Dinner with Bishop Anthony last month, who have not paid. If this is you, our treasurer asks that you send in payment as soon as you can. Thank you.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 9- The Church of God
Oct. 16- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoev
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
October 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 1:00pm
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 17, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 23, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 24, Sunday (18th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Services this Sunday
This Sunday, October 17,we will pray matins and liturgy in the fresh, cool air outside.
Memorial Prayers for the Departed this Sunday
Sunday, October 17 is one of our general, quarterly times to pray for our departed Orthodox loved ones by name at the end of liturgy. If you would like your Orthodox departed loved ones prayed for, please send your list of names to Fr. Ignatius ASAP.
Thank You!
Thank you to all who generously responded to our recent request for olive oil donations. We have a good supply that will last us for awhile now. But we will never turn down a donation and it will always be eventually used.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry has seen a slight increase in usage recently and this has led to less inventory. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by this Sunday, October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Special Olympics Awareness Day
Across our Archdiocese on Sunday, October 17, we will hear about the annual ministry that is the Special Olympics Sports Camp, which is held at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania. We ask for your generosity and help. Donations from the faithful across the Archdiocese cover the cost of the camp, about $70,000. When the camp takes place in August 2022, this will be its 40th year. If you choose to donate to this request, please make sure your donation is clearly marked "Special Olympics" so that we can channel the funds properly.
Sacraments Apart from the Services-
Fr. Ignatius believes strongly that we all should be gathering regularly to pray together and to worship the Lord at our scheduled divine services. This is the normal time to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. When we approach the sacraments in faith, God supplies us His healing and energizing grace However, if you are currently uncomfortable with attending the services for any reason, you are still encouraged to receive the sacraments. Fr. Ignatius is willing to schedule a time for you to make a confession, and/or receive the Eucharist or Holy Unction. Do not let the circumstances surrounding this virus keep you from exercising your faith in this way.
October 24 is Run for the Schools
On Sunday morning, October 24, our neighborhood will be closed to vehicle traffic due to the Run for the Schools Road Races which will be taking place. The best place to park will be the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage a few blocks west of the church. Enter on the Washington Street side of the garage. Parking is free on Sundays.
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
A New Opportunity for Young Adults to Serve
The youth and young adults of our Church are vital to a vibrant expression of Orthodox Christianity in the United States AND their life in the Orthodox Faith is vital to their vibrancy as human beings.
Understanding this, the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States have declared 2021 the “Year of the Youth.” At their most recent gathering they ushered in a new era for young adult ministry by blessing the newly formed Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) as an official Assembly agency!
- VISIT our website at http://www.orthodoxvolunteercorps.org
- While your there, learn more about OVC and MAKE A VITAL GIFT of support
- REGISTER for our virtual kick-off event to be held at 8:00pm on November 9th at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M4wTlaikRy22XF6WY6Tz1g
- FOLLOW OVC on Instagram @Orthodox-Volunteer-Corps
- LIKE OVC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Orthodox-Volunteer-Corps-250561116836019
- PRAY for OVC and Orthodox Christian young adults!
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as He stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech Thee, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.] Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:26-39)
Food for Thought
Saint Paisios of the Holy Mountain Answers the Questions of his Young Visitor
The young man asked the saint: “The Lord taught us to pray to God the Father. The Orthodox Church, however, also prays to the All Holy Theotokos and the saints who were simple human beings. Is this the right thing to do?”
The saint responded: “ All of the prayers go to our God. When we pray to the All Holy Theotokos and the saints we ask them to pray for us to our Lord and their prayers have great power.”
The young man at that point interrupted Saint Paisios and said: ” Yes, but the All Holy Theotokos and the saints were people who died. They can’t hear us and they are not omnipresent. Does God become angry and irritated when we pray to them?”
(of note the young man later explained that the minute he uttered the words “Yes, but..” he felt a divine power sharpening all of his senses and enabling him “absorb” everything the holy elder had to say)
"My child," the Saint answered, "the reality is that none of us die, we are all alive in the eyes of our God. When someone dies, they die for us; those who have stayed behind on Earth. He did not die in the eyes of our God. And if the departed person has become close to God and interacts with Him, he learns from Christ that we have asked the departed person to pray on our behalf and so he prays, and Christ listens to his mediation and is delighted. The prayer of a righteous person has great power."
From the article “A conversation with Saint Paisios” published in the journal “Osios Gregorios”
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Anniversary Dinner Ticket Payment
There are still some people who attended our 20th Anniversary Dinner with Bishop Anthony last month, who have not paid. If this is you, our treasurer asks that you send in payment as soon as you can. Thank you.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 9- The Church of God
Oct. 16- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoev
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday October 10, 2021- 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
October 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 10, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 12, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 13, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 14, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 15, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 1:00pm
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 17, Sunday (Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Anniversary Dinner Ticket Payment
There are still some people who attended our 20th Anniversary Dinner with Bishop Anthony last month, who have not paid. If this is you, our treasurer asks that you send in payment as soon as you can. Thank you.
October 17 is Special Olympics Awareness Day
During announcements on Sunday, October 17, you will hear about an opportunity to support this most worthy ministry.
October 24 is Run for the Schools
On Sunday morning, October 24, our neighborhood will be closed to vehicle traffic due to the Run for the Schools Road Races which will be taking place. The best place to park will be the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage a few blocks west of the church. Enter on the Washington Street side of the garage. Parking is free on Sundays.
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:5-15)
Food for Thought
O Master, Lord our God, who hast appointed in heaven orders and hosts of angels and archangels for the service of Thy glory; cause that with our entrance there may be an entrance of holy angels serving with us an glorifying Thy goodness: for unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
- a prayer said by the clergy at the Little Entrance of vespers and Liturgy
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 9- The Church of God
Oct. 16- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 14- Chapter 3 "The Powers of the Spiritual World" (pp. 65-83)
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
October 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 10, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 12, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 13, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 14, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 15, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 1:00pm
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 17, Sunday (Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Anniversary Dinner Ticket Payment
There are still some people who attended our 20th Anniversary Dinner with Bishop Anthony last month, who have not paid. If this is you, our treasurer asks that you send in payment as soon as you can. Thank you.
October 17 is Special Olympics Awareness Day
During announcements on Sunday, October 17, you will hear about an opportunity to support this most worthy ministry.
October 24 is Run for the Schools
On Sunday morning, October 24, our neighborhood will be closed to vehicle traffic due to the Run for the Schools Road Races which will be taking place. The best place to park will be the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage a few blocks west of the church. Enter on the Washington Street side of the garage. Parking is free on Sundays.
Cleaning Day on October 30
In anticipation of St. Raphael's feast day on November 6, we will need some volunteers to help clean the church and the grounds on Saturday, October 30, from 1pm until 5pm.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:5-15)
Food for Thought
O Master, Lord our God, who hast appointed in heaven orders and hosts of angels and archangels for the service of Thy glory; cause that with our entrance there may be an entrance of holy angels serving with us an glorifying Thy goodness: for unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
- a prayer said by the clergy at the Little Entrance of vespers and Liturgy
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 9- The Church of God
Oct. 16- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 14- Chapter 3 "The Powers of the Spiritual World" (pp. 65-83)
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday October 3, 2021- 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
October 2, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 3, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 5, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 6, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 7, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 8, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 9, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 10, Sunday (16th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Intro to Orthodoxy Class Takes a Week Off
Fr. Ignatius has a schedule conflict and won't be teaching the Intro to Orthodoxy class on October 2. it will resume on October 9.
Metropolitan Joseph's Encyclical for the Year of Youth
Our archpastor, Metropolitan Joseph, has released a significant encyclical which focuses on youth and the Church. Please read it with care. In conjunction with this letter, the Archdiocese is launching an online survey for clergy, teens, young adults, youth workers, parents, and teachers. The archdiocese realizes that we urgently need to get a deeper understanding of the current state of our relationship with our youth. This survey, and additional resources can be found at: www.antiochianyouth.org.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and many of His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you: arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!” (Luke 7:11-16)
Food for Thought
The Mystery which was hidden from everlasting and was unknown of the angels, O Theotokos, was revealed through thee, to those who dwell upon earth. In that God, having become incarnate— in unconfused union—of His own good will accepted the Cross for our sake. Whereby He raised again the first created, and hath saved our souls from death.
- Resurrectional Theotokion in Tone 4
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 9- The Church of God
Oct. 16- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 7- Chapter 2 "The Spirit, Presence and Name of God" (pp. 53-61)
October 14- Chapter 3 "The Powers of the Spiritual World" (pp. 65-83)
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
October 2, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 3, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
October 5, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
October 6, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
October 7, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 8, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 9, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 10, Sunday (16th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Intro to Orthodoxy Class Takes a Week Off
Fr. Ignatius has a schedule conflict and won't be teaching the Intro to Orthodoxy class on October 2. it will resume on October 9.
Metropolitan Joseph's Encyclical for the Year of Youth
Our archpastor, Metropolitan Joseph, has released a significant encyclical which focuses on youth and the Church. Please read it with care. In conjunction with this letter, the Archdiocese is launching an online survey for clergy, teens, young adults, youth workers, parents, and teachers. The archdiocese realizes that we urgently need to get a deeper understanding of the current state of our relationship with our youth. This survey, and additional resources can be found at: www.antiochianyouth.org.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and many of His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you: arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!” (Luke 7:11-16)
Food for Thought
The Mystery which was hidden from everlasting and was unknown of the angels, O Theotokos, was revealed through thee, to those who dwell upon earth. In that God, having become incarnate— in unconfused union—of His own good will accepted the Cross for our sake. Whereby He raised again the first created, and hath saved our souls from death.
- Resurrectional Theotokion in Tone 4
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Oct. 9- The Church of God
Oct. 16- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 23- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 30- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
October 7- Chapter 2 "The Spirit, Presence and Name of God" (pp. 53-61)
October 14- Chapter 3 "The Powers of the Spiritual World" (pp. 65-83)
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, and Derek Ward in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday September 26, 2021- St. John the Theologian
Upcoming Services and Events
September 25, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 26, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
September 29, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 1, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 2, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 3, Sunday (15th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Liturgy on the Lawn This Sunday
We will hold matins and Divine Liturgy on our lawn and front porch this Sunday, September 26.
Congratulations!
Daniel Hettrick was received into the Orthodox Church through the sacrament of chrismation last Sunday, September 19. His patron saint is St. Moses the Ethiopian and Newman Abuissa is his godfather. May God grant him many years!
Metropolitan Joseph's Encyclical for the Year of Youth
Our archpastor, Metropolitan Joseph, has released a significant encyclical which focuses on youth and the Church. Please read it with care. In conjunction with this letter, the Archdiocese is launching an online survey for clergy, teens, young adults, youth workers, parents, and teachers. The archdiocese realizes that we urgently need to get a deeper understanding of the current state of our relationship with our youth. This survey, and additional resources can be found at: www.antiochianyouth.org.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
No Office Hours or Hours Prayers on Tuesday or Wednesday
Fr. Ignatius will be briefly out of town this week and so there will be no office hours or Hours Prayers on September 28 and 29.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:31-36)
Food for Thought
"The soul of a humble man is like the sea: throw a stone into the sea--for a moment it will ruffle the surface a little, and then sink to the bottom. Thus do afflictions disappear down into the heart of the humble man, because the strength of the Lord is with him."
- St. Silouan of Mount Athos
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Sept. 25- God and Humankind: The Trinity, The Image of God, Sin, Theosis
Oct. 2- The Church of God
Oct. 9- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 16- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 23- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
September 30- Chapter 1 "Divine Father and Son" (pp. 13-51)
October 7- Chapter 2 "The Spirit, Presence and Name of God" (pp. 53-61)
October 14- Chapter 3 "The Powers of the Spiritual World" (pp. 65-83)
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
September 25, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 26, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
September 29, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
October 1, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
October 2, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 3, Sunday (15th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Liturgy on the Lawn This Sunday
We will hold matins and Divine Liturgy on our lawn and front porch this Sunday, September 26.
Congratulations!
Daniel Hettrick was received into the Orthodox Church through the sacrament of chrismation last Sunday, September 19. His patron saint is St. Moses the Ethiopian and Newman Abuissa is his godfather. May God grant him many years!
Metropolitan Joseph's Encyclical for the Year of Youth
Our archpastor, Metropolitan Joseph, has released a significant encyclical which focuses on youth and the Church. Please read it with care. In conjunction with this letter, the Archdiocese is launching an online survey for clergy, teens, young adults, youth workers, parents, and teachers. The archdiocese realizes that we urgently need to get a deeper understanding of the current state of our relationship with our youth. This survey, and additional resources can be found at: www.antiochianyouth.org.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
No Office Hours or Hours Prayers on Tuesday or Wednesday
Fr. Ignatius will be briefly out of town this week and so there will be no office hours or Hours Prayers on September 28 and 29.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:31-36)
Food for Thought
"The soul of a humble man is like the sea: throw a stone into the sea--for a moment it will ruffle the surface a little, and then sink to the bottom. Thus do afflictions disappear down into the heart of the humble man, because the strength of the Lord is with him."
- St. Silouan of Mount Athos
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. Remaining dates and topics are as follows:
Sept. 25- God and Humankind: The Trinity, The Image of God, Sin, Theosis
Oct. 2- The Church of God
Oct. 9- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 16- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 23- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we began a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles. The remaining reading schedule is as follows:
September 30- Chapter 1 "Divine Father and Son" (pp. 13-51)
October 7- Chapter 2 "The Spirit, Presence and Name of God" (pp. 53-61)
October 14- Chapter 3 "The Powers of the Spiritual World" (pp. 65-83)
October 21- Chapter 4 "The Spiritual Powers of Evil and Human Rebellions" (pp. 85-118)
October 28- Chapter 5 "The Saints in Glory" (pp. 119-146)
November 4- Chapter 6 "Being and Chaos" (pp. 149-166)
November 11- Chapter 7 "Atonement for the Whole World" (pp. 167-197)
November 18- Chapter 8 "God's People Israel" (pp. 201-231)
November 25- No discussion Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2- Chapter 9 and Afterword "The Law of God" (pp. 233-271)
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday September 19, 2021- Sunday after the Elevation of the Precious Cross
Upcoming Services and Events
September 18, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 19, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
September 20, Monday
+ OCF meeting at Room 257 at IMU, 6:30pm
September 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
September 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 25, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 26, Sunday (St. John the Theologian)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Thank You!
So many people worked very hard to help us pull off a stellar weekend with Bishop Anthony and the celebration of our parish's 20th Anniversary. Our choir, visiting clergy, all those who cooked, planned, decorated, moved equipment, attended, prayed- you are very much appreciated. May God bless you! Bishop Anthony was very pleased with his visit. You make your priest proud!
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
You are invited! Our college group will be meeting on Monday, September 20 at 6:30 in the IMU (Iowa Memorial Union) Room 257.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Do You Have Local Room for Rent?
Someone has reached out to Fr. Ignatius, asking if anyone in our parish might have a room to rent on a temporary basis. They are Orthodox and need a place to stay until they can find a job and get settled. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you want to learn more.
Group Photo with Bishop Anthony
A group photo with Bishop Anthony from his visit on September 12 is attached.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. The dates and topics are as follows:
Sept. 18- Holy Tradition: The Source of the Orthodox Faith
Sept. 25- God and Humankind: The Trinity, The Image of God, Sin, Theosis
Oct. 2- The Church of God
Oct. 9- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 16- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 23- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, standing by the Cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your Son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own. This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things, which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. (John 19:25-27, 21:24-25)
Food for Thought
Love the Lord, all you His saints, for the Lord seeks out truth, and He repays those who act with great arrogance. Be courageous, and let your heart be strengthened, all who hope in the Lord.
- Psalm 30:24-25
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
September 18, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 19, Sunday
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
September 20, Monday
+ OCF meeting at Room 257 at IMU, 6:30pm
September 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Religion of the Apostles Book Discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm
September 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 25, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 26, Sunday (St. John the Theologian)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Thank You!
So many people worked very hard to help us pull off a stellar weekend with Bishop Anthony and the celebration of our parish's 20th Anniversary. Our choir, visiting clergy, all those who cooked, planned, decorated, moved equipment, attended, prayed- you are very much appreciated. May God bless you! Bishop Anthony was very pleased with his visit. You make your priest proud!
Bishop Anthony's Word to our Parish in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic
"We respect your freedom, but we expect your responsibility."
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
You are invited! Our college group will be meeting on Monday, September 20 at 6:30 in the IMU (Iowa Memorial Union) Room 257.
2022 Financial Pledging Information
Pledge packets for 2022 are ready and being distributed in person and through the mail. They are also available at www.raphaelchurch.org where you can also see some helpful graphics showing the progress made toward fully funding our budget. Your Parish Council requests that you prayerfully consider what you plan to give to St. Raphael Church in 2022 and return the pledge form by October 17. All pledge commitments are confidential and if your income changes in the future and your pledge needs to be adjusted, our treasurer will accommodate you- no questions asked.
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, October 30. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is chili with cheese, cornbread, fruit, dessert and beverages. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: https://bit.ly/CWHmeal10-30.
Do You Have Local Room for Rent?
Someone has reached out to Fr. Ignatius, asking if anyone in our parish might have a room to rent on a temporary basis. They are Orthodox and need a place to stay until they can find a job and get settled. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you want to learn more.
Group Photo with Bishop Anthony
A group photo with Bishop Anthony from his visit on September 12 is attached.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. The dates and topics are as follows:
Sept. 18- Holy Tradition: The Source of the Orthodox Faith
Sept. 25- God and Humankind: The Trinity, The Image of God, Sin, Theosis
Oct. 2- The Church of God
Oct. 9- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 16- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 23- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, standing by the Cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your Son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own. This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things, which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. (John 19:25-27, 21:24-25)
Food for Thought
Love the Lord, all you His saints, for the Lord seeks out truth, and He repays those who act with great arrogance. Be courageous, and let your heart be strengthened, all who hope in the Lord.
- Psalm 30:24-25
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday September 12, 2021- Sunday before the Elevation of the Precious Cross
Upcoming Services and Events
September 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 4:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ 20th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration at City Park (200 Park Rd., Iowa City), Shelter #6, 6:00pm
September 12, Sunday
+ Matins & Hierarchical Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Parish Council meeting with Bishop Anthony, 1:00pm
September 13, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious Cross, 6:00pm
September 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 18, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 19, Sunday (Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Plan to be with our Bishop!
His Grace Bishop Anthony will be with us for Great Vespers at 4:00pm on September 11 and matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 8:45/10:00am on September 12.
Group Photo Following Liturgy
We will take a group photo with His Grace Bishop Anthony on the church porch after Liturgy on September 12.
Anniversary Dinner Location Moved
In consideration of the locally higher levels of transmission of COVID recently, it was decided to move our Anniversary Dinner and Celebration outdoors. We will be at Lower City Park (200 Park Rd., Iowa City), Pavilion #6 from 6-8pm.
Upcoming Festal Liturgy
We will commemorate the Elevation of the Precious Cross with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 13.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. The dates and topics are as follows:
Sept. 18- Holy Tradition: The Source of the Orthodox Faith
Sept. 25- God and Humankind: The Trinity, The Image of God, Sin, Theosis
Oct. 2- The Church of God
Oct. 9- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 16- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 23- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
Thank You
Thank you to Maria Lucia Cetlaus and Irakliy Surguladze and his crew for installing the new fence along the Eastern side of our property in the backyard.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Food for Thought
No spiritual activity permeates Orthodoxy as much as veneration. For the non-Orthodox, veneration is often mistaken for worship. We kiss icons; sing hymns to saints; cry out “Most Holy Theotokos, save us!” And all of this scandalizes the non-Orthodox who think we have fallen into some backwater of paganized Christianity. It is not unusual to hear Orthodox who more or less apologize for this activity and seek to minimize it. “We are only trying to give honor to the saints, etc.” What is lacking, all too often, is a vigorous explanation for the work of veneration and its central place in the Christian life.
- Fr. Stephen Freeman in The Act of Veneration https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/glory2godforallthings/2016/01/17/the-act-of-veneration/
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague signed an order dated August 19 mandating masks in public places within Iowa City, including houses of worship.
3. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law in May prohibiting mask mandates.
4. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
September 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 4:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ 20th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration at City Park (200 Park Rd., Iowa City), Shelter #6, 6:00pm
September 12, Sunday
+ Matins & Hierarchical Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Parish Council meeting with Bishop Anthony, 1:00pm
September 13, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious Cross, 6:00pm
September 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 18, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 19, Sunday (Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Plan to be with our Bishop!
His Grace Bishop Anthony will be with us for Great Vespers at 4:00pm on September 11 and matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 8:45/10:00am on September 12.
Group Photo Following Liturgy
We will take a group photo with His Grace Bishop Anthony on the church porch after Liturgy on September 12.
Anniversary Dinner Location Moved
In consideration of the locally higher levels of transmission of COVID recently, it was decided to move our Anniversary Dinner and Celebration outdoors. We will be at Lower City Park (200 Park Rd., Iowa City), Pavilion #6 from 6-8pm.
Upcoming Festal Liturgy
We will commemorate the Elevation of the Precious Cross with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 13.
Intro to Orthodoxy Classes
Would you or someone you know like a basic introduction to the Orthodox faith? You/they are invited to join in on a six week series of in-person classes on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm, beginning September 18. The dates and topics are as follows:
Sept. 18- Holy Tradition: The Source of the Orthodox Faith
Sept. 25- God and Humankind: The Trinity, The Image of God, Sin, Theosis
Oct. 2- The Church of God
Oct. 9- Worship: The Earthly Heaven
Oct. 16- Worship: The Sacraments
Oct. 23- Worship: Feasts, Fasts and Private Prayer
Religion of the Apostles Book Study
On September 23 at 7pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122), we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Olive Oil Donations Accepted
Our supply of olive oil for the church's oil lamps is low right now. We are accepting donations of olive oil. Regular grade (non-extra virgin) burns best with our wicks.
Thank You
Thank you to Maria Lucia Cetlaus and Irakliy Surguladze and his crew for installing the new fence along the Eastern side of our property in the backyard.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Food for Thought
No spiritual activity permeates Orthodoxy as much as veneration. For the non-Orthodox, veneration is often mistaken for worship. We kiss icons; sing hymns to saints; cry out “Most Holy Theotokos, save us!” And all of this scandalizes the non-Orthodox who think we have fallen into some backwater of paganized Christianity. It is not unusual to hear Orthodox who more or less apologize for this activity and seek to minimize it. “We are only trying to give honor to the saints, etc.” What is lacking, all too often, is a vigorous explanation for the work of veneration and its central place in the Christian life.
- Fr. Stephen Freeman in The Act of Veneration https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/glory2godforallthings/2016/01/17/the-act-of-veneration/
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague signed an order dated August 19 mandating masks in public places within Iowa City, including houses of worship.
3. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law in May prohibiting mask mandates.
4. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday September 5, 2021- 11th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
September 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 5, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
September 7, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos, 6:00pm
September 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
September 10, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 4:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ 20th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration, 6:00pm (at Old Brick)
September 12, Sunday (Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross)
+ Matins & Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Liturgy This Sunday
The weather looks to be good for being able to have matins and liturgy this Sunday (Sept. 5) on the porch and front lawn.
Plan to be with our Bishop!
His Grace Bishop Anthony will be with us for Great Vespers at 4:00pm on September 11 and matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 8:45/10:00am on September 12.
Upcoming Festal Liturgies
We will commemorate the Nativity of the Theotokos with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 7 and the Elevation of the Precious Cross with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 13.
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:13-17)
Food for Thought
Icons in churches and houses are necessary because they remind us of the immortality of the saints; that "they live unto Him" (Luke 20:38)- that in God they see, hear and help us.
- St. John of Kronstadt
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague signed an order dated August 19 mandating masks in public places within Iowa City, including houses of worship.
3. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law in May prohibiting mask mandates.
4. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are now available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Shelter House BBQ Bash Fundraiser
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, will be hosting both virtual and in-person fundraising BBQ Bash events this year! Both will deliver an evening of mouth-watering bbq smoked meats paired with delicious side dishes, prepared by the talented pitmasters at Pop's BBQ. Vegetarian options available.
The in-person event will be hosted at the old Antique Car Museum in Coralville on September 24th from 5:30 - 8:30pm with delicious food from Pop's BBQ Iowa City, refreshing drinks from Big Grove Brewery, and live music from Ross Clowser Music. For the safety and well-being of our attendees & community, we are limiting the number of available tickets for the in-person element.
They are in need of volunteers to help set up, tear down, food and drink service, and supervision of games. Volunteers will receive a meal voucher for the event! If you are available and would like to help, sign up at: bit.ly/bbqbashvolunteer
For those who wish to participate virtually, they are excited to partner with Pop’s BBQ and CHOMP Delivery again to bring your food right to your door (curbside also available). Meals can be redeemed all weekend from September 24th-26th. While enjoying your meal, you can access the virtual component of this year’s event. Groove to some bluesy rockabilly music with our curated playlist, join in on Shelter House trivia, and learn more about why housing is a human right. Get your tickets at https://shelterhouseiowa.org/bbq-bash/. $40 for the in-person event, $25 for pick-up/delivery.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
September 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 5, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
September 7, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos, 6:00pm
September 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
September 10, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 4:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ 20th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration, 6:00pm (at Old Brick)
September 12, Sunday (Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross)
+ Matins & Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Liturgy This Sunday
The weather looks to be good for being able to have matins and liturgy this Sunday (Sept. 5) on the porch and front lawn.
Plan to be with our Bishop!
His Grace Bishop Anthony will be with us for Great Vespers at 4:00pm on September 11 and matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 8:45/10:00am on September 12.
Upcoming Festal Liturgies
We will commemorate the Nativity of the Theotokos with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 7 and the Elevation of the Precious Cross with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 13.
A New Tool For Inquirers (and those who care about them)
If you have ever wanted to recommend an introductory website on Orthodoxy to interested family or friends, www.orthodoxintro.org is just the site. This site is put together by trusted priests who are also available to answer inquirers' questions.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:13-17)
Food for Thought
Icons in churches and houses are necessary because they remind us of the immortality of the saints; that "they live unto Him" (Luke 20:38)- that in God they see, hear and help us.
- St. John of Kronstadt
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
1. Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."
Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
2. Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague signed an order dated August 19 mandating masks in public places within Iowa City, including houses of worship.
3. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law in May prohibiting mask mandates.
4. The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are now available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Shelter House BBQ Bash Fundraiser
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, will be hosting both virtual and in-person fundraising BBQ Bash events this year! Both will deliver an evening of mouth-watering bbq smoked meats paired with delicious side dishes, prepared by the talented pitmasters at Pop's BBQ. Vegetarian options available.
The in-person event will be hosted at the old Antique Car Museum in Coralville on September 24th from 5:30 - 8:30pm with delicious food from Pop's BBQ Iowa City, refreshing drinks from Big Grove Brewery, and live music from Ross Clowser Music. For the safety and well-being of our attendees & community, we are limiting the number of available tickets for the in-person element.
They are in need of volunteers to help set up, tear down, food and drink service, and supervision of games. Volunteers will receive a meal voucher for the event! If you are available and would like to help, sign up at: bit.ly/bbqbashvolunteer
For those who wish to participate virtually, they are excited to partner with Pop’s BBQ and CHOMP Delivery again to bring your food right to your door (curbside also available). Meals can be redeemed all weekend from September 24th-26th. While enjoying your meal, you can access the virtual component of this year’s event. Groove to some bluesy rockabilly music with our curated playlist, join in on Shelter House trivia, and learn more about why housing is a human right. Get your tickets at https://shelterhouseiowa.org/bbq-bash/. $40 for the in-person event, $25 for pick-up/delivery.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday August 29, 2021- The Beheading of St. John the Forerunner
Upcoming Services and Events
August 28, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 29, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 31, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 2, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
September 3, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 5, Sunday (11th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Plan to be with our Bishop!
His Grace Bishop Anthony will be with us for Great Vespers at 4:00pm on September 11 and matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 8:45/10:00am on September 12.
Upcoming Festal Liturgies
We will commemorate the Nativity of the Theotokos with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 7 and the Elevation of the Precious Cross with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 13.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:23-35)
Food for Thought
Carry each other's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Phone/Technology Etiquette During Services
We all have these amazing little devices called smart phones in our pockets that are great for communication and for feeding us information. But we need to be periodically reminded about proper usage of these devices in the context of our common prayer and worship at church.
August 29 Campers' Coffee Hour Fundraiser
Our campers have not been able to attend Camp St. George these last two summers but are hopeful that camp will return in 2022. The families of campers will provide food during coffee hour on Sunday, August 29. They will ask for donations to their fund to help defray camp tuition costs.
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are now available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Shelter House BBQ Bash Fundraiser
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, will be hosting both virtual and in-person fundraising BBQ Bash events this year! Both will deliver an evening of mouth-watering bbq smoked meats paired with delicious side dishes, prepared by the talented pitmasters at Pop's BBQ. Vegetarian options available.
The in-person event will be hosted at the old Antique Car Museum in Coralville on September 24th from 5:30 - 8:30pm with delicious food from Pop's BBQ Iowa City, refreshing drinks from Big Grove Brewery, and live music from Ross Clowser Music. For the safety and well-being of our attendees & community, we are limiting the number of available tickets for the in-person element.
They are in need of volunteers to help set up, tear down, food and drink service, and supervision of games. Volunteers will receive a meal voucher for the event! If you are available and would like to help, sign up at: bit.ly/bbqbashvolunteer
For those who wish to participate virtually, they are excited to partner with Pop’s BBQ and CHOMP Delivery again to bring your food right to your door (curbside also available). Meals can be redeemed all weekend from September 24th-26th. While enjoying your meal, you can access the virtual component of this year’s event. Groove to some bluesy rockabilly music with our curated playlist, join in on Shelter House trivia, and learn more about why housing is a human right. Get your tickets at https://shelterhouseiowa.org/bbq-bash/. $40 for the in-person event, $25 for pick-up/delivery.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
August 28, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 29, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 31, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
September 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
September 2, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
September 3, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
September 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 5, Sunday (11th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Plan to be with our Bishop!
His Grace Bishop Anthony will be with us for Great Vespers at 4:00pm on September 11 and matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 8:45/10:00am on September 12.
Upcoming Festal Liturgies
We will commemorate the Nativity of the Theotokos with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 7 and the Elevation of the Precious Cross with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on September 13.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:23-35)
Food for Thought
Carry each other's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
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Recurring Announcements
Phone/Technology Etiquette During Services
We all have these amazing little devices called smart phones in our pockets that are great for communication and for feeding us information. But we need to be periodically reminded about proper usage of these devices in the context of our common prayer and worship at church.
- If having your phone in your pocket during services is too much of a distraction/temptation for you, then leave it in your car or elsewhere away from your reach. The world can wait. We have come to join with the angels and saints in worshipping the Creator of the Universe. As we sing in the Cherubic Hymn, we must "lay aside all earthly cares." Why? So "that we may receive the King of all!" In general, you do not need your phone during services.
- If you choose to take pictures/video during a service, and especially if you plan to post those pictures online, make sure that the people who are in the pictures are okay with you taking and posting them. Some people feel strongly about not being shown receiving the Eucharist or not having their children's pictures posted online.
- There should be no texting during services unless there is a real emergency. Checking texts or sports scores or other news can wait until after the service.
- Above all, be considerate of others. What we do and how we conduct ourselves has an effect on others. Do not use your phone in a way that is going to be a distraction to your brothers and sisters in Christ. For example, FaceTiming or any other broadcasting during a service is inappropriate if others in church can hear a conversation on the other end. Silence your phone. It should not be making any noise during the services.
August 29 Campers' Coffee Hour Fundraiser
Our campers have not been able to attend Camp St. George these last two summers but are hopeful that camp will return in 2022. The families of campers will provide food during coffee hour on Sunday, August 29. They will ask for donations to their fund to help defray camp tuition costs.
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation.
- Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission." Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
- Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague signed an order dated August 19 mandating masks in public places within Iowa City, including houses of worship.
- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law in May prohibiting mask mandates.
- The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies are now available to purchase at the church bookstore. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Shelter House BBQ Bash Fundraiser
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, will be hosting both virtual and in-person fundraising BBQ Bash events this year! Both will deliver an evening of mouth-watering bbq smoked meats paired with delicious side dishes, prepared by the talented pitmasters at Pop's BBQ. Vegetarian options available.
The in-person event will be hosted at the old Antique Car Museum in Coralville on September 24th from 5:30 - 8:30pm with delicious food from Pop's BBQ Iowa City, refreshing drinks from Big Grove Brewery, and live music from Ross Clowser Music. For the safety and well-being of our attendees & community, we are limiting the number of available tickets for the in-person element.
They are in need of volunteers to help set up, tear down, food and drink service, and supervision of games. Volunteers will receive a meal voucher for the event! If you are available and would like to help, sign up at: bit.ly/bbqbashvolunteer
For those who wish to participate virtually, they are excited to partner with Pop’s BBQ and CHOMP Delivery again to bring your food right to your door (curbside also available). Meals can be redeemed all weekend from September 24th-26th. While enjoying your meal, you can access the virtual component of this year’s event. Groove to some bluesy rockabilly music with our curated playlist, join in on Shelter House trivia, and learn more about why housing is a human right. Get your tickets at https://shelterhouseiowa.org/bbq-bash/. $40 for the in-person event, $25 for pick-up/delivery.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday August 22, 2021- 9th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
August 21, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 22, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 24, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 25, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
August 26, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
August 27, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
August 28, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 29, Sunday (Beheading of St. John the Forerunner)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Buy Your Tickets!
Following vespers on Saturday, September 11, we will be gathering with Bishop Anthony for a special dinner at Old Brick to celebrate our parish's 20th anniversary. All details are on the attached invitation. Please RSVP by August 21. Tickets can be purcahsed on the church's website at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/events.html. There you can choose the option of "September Dinner with Bishop Anthony."
Annual Blessing of Students and Teachers On Sunday
Following Liturgy on Sunday, August 22, all students and teachers present will be blessed at the start of the new academic year.
Phone/Technology Etiquette During Services
We all have these amazing little devices called smart phones in our pockets that are great for communication and for feeding us information. But we need to be periodically reminded about proper usage of these devices in the context of our common prayer and worship at church.
August 29 Campers' Coffee Hour Fundraiser
Our campers have not been able to attend Camp St. George these last two summers but are hopeful that camp will return in 2022. The families of campers will provide food during coffee hour on Sunday, August 29. They will ask for donations to their fund to help defray camp tuition costs.
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation. Case numbers are rising again.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies will be available to purchase at the church bookstore soon. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Shelter House BBQ Bash Fundraiser
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, will be hosting both virtual and in-person fundraising BBQ Bash events this year! Both will deliver an evening of mouth-watering bbq smoked meats paired with delicious side dishes, prepared by the talented pitmasters at Pop's BBQ. Vegetarian options available.
The in-person event will be hosted at the old Antique Car Museum in Coralville on September 24th from 5:30 - 8:30pm with delicious food from Pop's BBQ Iowa City, refreshing drinks from Big Grove Brewery, and live music from Ross Clowser Music. For the safety and well-being of our attendees & community, we are limiting the number of available tickets for the in-person element.
They are in need of volunteers to help set up, tear down, food and drink service, and supervision of games. Volunteers will receive a meal voucher for the event! If you are available and would like to help, sign up at: bit.ly/bbqbashvolunteer
For those who wish to participate virtually, they are excited to partner with Pop’s BBQ and CHOMP Delivery again to bring your food right to your door (curbside also available). Meals can be redeemed all weekend from September 24th-26th. While enjoying your meal, you can access the virtual component of this year’s event. Groove to some bluesy rockabilly music with our curated playlist, join in on Shelter House trivia, and learn more about why housing is a human right. Get your tickets at https://shelterhouseiowa.org/bbq-bash/. $40 for the in-person event, $25 for pick-up/delivery.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus’ Name had become known, and King Herod heard of it. Some said, “John the Baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in Him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptizer.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. The Apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. (Mark 6:14-30)
Food for Thought
"Blessed is the Lord my God Who trains my hands for battle. my fingers for war. He is my mercy and my refuge, my helper and my deliverer, my protector in Whom I hope."
- Psalm 143:1-2
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/. A group of us plan to go to the grand opening on August 26 at 4pm. Join us if you can!
Can You Tutor Someone in Modern Greek?
We have a request from a graduate student at the University of Iowa for a tutor in modern Greek. This position would be paid. If you are interested, please speak with Alli or Fr. Ignatius.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
August 21, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 22, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 24, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 25, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
August 26, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
August 27, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
August 28, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 29, Sunday (Beheading of St. John the Forerunner)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Buy Your Tickets!
Following vespers on Saturday, September 11, we will be gathering with Bishop Anthony for a special dinner at Old Brick to celebrate our parish's 20th anniversary. All details are on the attached invitation. Please RSVP by August 21. Tickets can be purcahsed on the church's website at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/events.html. There you can choose the option of "September Dinner with Bishop Anthony."
Annual Blessing of Students and Teachers On Sunday
Following Liturgy on Sunday, August 22, all students and teachers present will be blessed at the start of the new academic year.
Phone/Technology Etiquette During Services
We all have these amazing little devices called smart phones in our pockets that are great for communication and for feeding us information. But we need to be periodically reminded about proper usage of these devices in the context of our common prayer and worship at church.
- If having your phone in your pocket during services is too much of a distraction/temptation for you, then leave it in your car or elsewhere away from your reach. The world can wait. We have come to join with the angels and saints in worshipping the Creator of the Universe. As we sing in the Cherubic Hymn, we must "lay aside all earthly cares." Why? So "that we may receive the King of all!" In general, you do not need your phone during services.
- If you choose to take pictures/video during a service, and especially if you plan to post those pictures online, make sure that the people who are in the pictures are okay with you taking and posting them. Some people feel strongly about not being shown receiving the Eucharist or not having their children's pictures posted online.
- There should be no texting during services unless there is a real emergency. Checking texts or sports scores or other news can wait until after the service.
- Above all, be considerate of others. What we do and how we conduct ourselves has an effect on others. Do not use your phone in a way that is going to be a distraction to your brothers and sisters in Christ. For example, FaceTiming or any other broadcasting during a service is inappropriate if others in church can hear a conversation on the other end. Silence your phone. It should not be making any noise during the services.
August 29 Campers' Coffee Hour Fundraiser
Our campers have not been able to attend Camp St. George these last two summers but are hopeful that camp will return in 2022. The families of campers will provide food during coffee hour on Sunday, August 29. They will ask for donations to their fund to help defray camp tuition costs.
Current CDC Masking Recommendations, Local Ordinance and State Law
The following is for your information. Our parish is making no judgments about the conflicting laws and ordinances from different jurisdictions. We are not siding with one political entity over another. That is for the courts to decide. Our Archdiocese has given no further guidance regarding masking or other behaviors since the Delta variant has become a problem. However, Bishop Anthony has encouraged us to rely on Dr. Todd Wiblin's advice and Dr. Todd says masking is good and appropriate in our current local situation. Case numbers are rising again.
- Current CDC Guidelines- "If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission." Johnson County is considered an area of high transmission.
- Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague signed an order dated August 19 mandating masks in public places within Iowa City, including houses of worship.
- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law in May prohibiting mask mandates.
- The bottom line is, all are welcome. Nobody should be made to feel inferior based on their masking or not masking. We must always act based on love for our fellow parishioners. Services are still being live streamed on Facebook for those who can't or choose not to attend in person.
Coffee Hours In Consideration of COVID
Our resident infectious diseases expert, Dr. Todd Wiblin, says that coffee hour is a setting where COVID-19 can more easily transmit. In order to reduce that risk, you are encouraged to take your food and a chair, and go outside to enjoy conversations with others.
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies will be available to purchase at the church bookstore soon. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Shelter House BBQ Bash Fundraiser
The local homeless shelter, Shelter House, will be hosting both virtual and in-person fundraising BBQ Bash events this year! Both will deliver an evening of mouth-watering bbq smoked meats paired with delicious side dishes, prepared by the talented pitmasters at Pop's BBQ. Vegetarian options available.
The in-person event will be hosted at the old Antique Car Museum in Coralville on September 24th from 5:30 - 8:30pm with delicious food from Pop's BBQ Iowa City, refreshing drinks from Big Grove Brewery, and live music from Ross Clowser Music. For the safety and well-being of our attendees & community, we are limiting the number of available tickets for the in-person element.
They are in need of volunteers to help set up, tear down, food and drink service, and supervision of games. Volunteers will receive a meal voucher for the event! If you are available and would like to help, sign up at: bit.ly/bbqbashvolunteer
For those who wish to participate virtually, they are excited to partner with Pop’s BBQ and CHOMP Delivery again to bring your food right to your door (curbside also available). Meals can be redeemed all weekend from September 24th-26th. While enjoying your meal, you can access the virtual component of this year’s event. Groove to some bluesy rockabilly music with our curated playlist, join in on Shelter House trivia, and learn more about why housing is a human right. Get your tickets at https://shelterhouseiowa.org/bbq-bash/. $40 for the in-person event, $25 for pick-up/delivery.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus’ Name had become known, and King Herod heard of it. Some said, “John the Baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in Him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptizer.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. The Apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. (Mark 6:14-30)
Food for Thought
"Blessed is the Lord my God Who trains my hands for battle. my fingers for war. He is my mercy and my refuge, my helper and my deliverer, my protector in Whom I hope."
- Psalm 143:1-2
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/. A group of us plan to go to the grand opening on August 26 at 4pm. Join us if you can!
Can You Tutor Someone in Modern Greek?
We have a request from a graduate student at the University of Iowa for a tutor in modern Greek. This position would be paid. If you are interested, please speak with Alli or Fr. Ignatius.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday August 15, 2021- The Dormition of the Theotokos
Upcoming Services and Events
August 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 15, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 17, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 18, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
August 19, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
August 20, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
August 21, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 22, Sunday (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Buy Your Tickets!
Following vespers on Saturday, September 11, we will be gathering with Bishop Anthony for a special dinner at Old Brick to celebrate our parish's 20th anniversary. All details are on the attached invitation. Please RSVP by August 21. Tickets can be purcahsed on the church's website at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/events.html. There you can choose the option of "September Dinner with Bishop Anthony."
Annual Blessing of Students and Teachers Next Sunday
Following Liturgy on Sunday, August 22, all students and teachers present will be blessed at the start of the new academic year.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Becky Morey who recently received a scholarship for her studies from the Antiochian Women's organization.
Can You Tutor Someone in Modern Greek?
We have a request from a graduate student at the University of Iowa for a tutor in modern Greek. This position would be paid. If you are interested, please speak with Alli or Fr. Ignatius.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/. A group of us plan to go to the grand opening on August 26 at 4pm. Join us if you can!
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies will be available to purchase at the church bookstore soon. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus made the Disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the Disciples’ boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Thee, bid me come to Thee on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly, Thou art the Son of God.” And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. (Matthew 14:22-34)
Food for Thought
The Lord reigns; let the people tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved!
Psalm 98:1
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Financial Summary for January-June 2021
1. Overall giving over expenses is running $3,500 in the black for the six months!!
2. Sunday giving is returning with almost $6600.....this is from non-pledged donations.
3. Pledges are being met.
4. Donations are up.
5. Expenses are over by $24.80 which is good. Some areas that are budgeted have not been utilized, some that are not budgeted have.
6. However, overall at this point in time, we are underbudgeted by $6840. This means that if we did not have the Sunday money and extra donations, we would be running a deficit and eating into the cash reserves.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
August 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 15, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 17, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 18, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm
August 19, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
August 20, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
August 21, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 22, Sunday (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Buy Your Tickets!
Following vespers on Saturday, September 11, we will be gathering with Bishop Anthony for a special dinner at Old Brick to celebrate our parish's 20th anniversary. All details are on the attached invitation. Please RSVP by August 21. Tickets can be purcahsed on the church's website at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/events.html. There you can choose the option of "September Dinner with Bishop Anthony."
Annual Blessing of Students and Teachers Next Sunday
Following Liturgy on Sunday, August 22, all students and teachers present will be blessed at the start of the new academic year.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Becky Morey who recently received a scholarship for her studies from the Antiochian Women's organization.
Can You Tutor Someone in Modern Greek?
We have a request from a graduate student at the University of Iowa for a tutor in modern Greek. This position would be paid. If you are interested, please speak with Alli or Fr. Ignatius.
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/. A group of us plan to go to the grand opening on August 26 at 4pm. Join us if you can!
Book and Fellowship Group News
We will be finishing up our study of the Book of Acts on September 9. On September 23, we will start a ten week discussion and study of Fr. Stephen De Young's The Religion of the Apostles, an eye-opening and groundbreaking work that helps us to understand our Christian faith by providing all sorts of context and background relating to the cultures and beliefs of the Ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. If you are a fan of the Lord of Spirits podcast on Ancient Faith, which is co-hosted by Fr. Stephen, you will really appreciate his book. Copies will be available to purchase at the church bookstore soon. You can also purchase the eBook version of this title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, and the audiobook version from Audible.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus made the Disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the Disciples’ boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Thee, bid me come to Thee on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly, Thou art the Son of God.” And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. (Matthew 14:22-34)
Food for Thought
The Lord reigns; let the people tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved!
Psalm 98:1
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Financial Summary for January-June 2021
1. Overall giving over expenses is running $3,500 in the black for the six months!!
2. Sunday giving is returning with almost $6600.....this is from non-pledged donations.
3. Pledges are being met.
4. Donations are up.
5. Expenses are over by $24.80 which is good. Some areas that are budgeted have not been utilized, some that are not budgeted have.
6. However, overall at this point in time, we are underbudgeted by $6840. This means that if we did not have the Sunday money and extra donations, we would be running a deficit and eating into the cash reserves.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday August 8, 2021- 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
August 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 8, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 9, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
August 13, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 15, Sunday (The DOrmition of the Theotokos)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Buy Your Tickets!
Following vespers on Saturday, September 11, we will be gathering with Bishop Anthony for a special dinner at Old Brick to celebrate our parish's 20th anniversary. All details are on the attached invitation. Please RSVP by August 21. Tickets can be purcahsed on the church's website at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/events.html. There you can choose the option of "September Dinner with Bishop Anthony."
Memory Eternal!
Our condolences go out to Bogdana Rus Velterean on the recent passing of her brother Bogdan. May his memory be eternal!
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Financial Summary for January-June 2021
1. Overall giving over expenses is running $3,500 in the black for the six months!!
2. Sunday giving is returning with almost $6600.....this is from non-pledged donations.
3. Pledges are being met.
4. Donations are up.
5. Expenses are over by $24.80 which is good. Some areas that are budgeted have not been utilized, some that are not budgeted have.
6. However, overall at this point in time, we are underbudgeted by $6840. This means that if we did not have the Sunday money and extra donations, we would be running a deficit and eating into the cash reserves.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to Him and said, “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” As He said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the breasts that Thou didst suck!” But He said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28)
Food for Thought
When Thou wast transfigured, O Savior, on a high mountain, in the presence of Thy chief Disciples, Thou didst shine forth in glory, symbolizing that they who are recognized for the sublimity of virtue, shall also be made worthy of divine glory. As for Moses and Elijah, when they conversed with Christ they made manifest that He was the Lord of the living and the dead, and that He was the God Who spake of old in the law and the Prophets, the same to Whom the voice of the Father did bear witness from a radiant cloud, saying, Him do ye hear; for He it is Who by the Cross hath taken captive Hades and hath bestowed life eternal to the dead.
- Stichera from "O Lord I Have Cried" at vespers of the Feast of the Transfiguration
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
August 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 8, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 9, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
August 13, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 15, Sunday (The DOrmition of the Theotokos)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Buy Your Tickets!
Following vespers on Saturday, September 11, we will be gathering with Bishop Anthony for a special dinner at Old Brick to celebrate our parish's 20th anniversary. All details are on the attached invitation. Please RSVP by August 21. Tickets can be purcahsed on the church's website at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/events.html. There you can choose the option of "September Dinner with Bishop Anthony."
Memory Eternal!
Our condolences go out to Bogdana Rus Velterean on the recent passing of her brother Bogdan. May his memory be eternal!
Dostoevsky Exhibit at UI Main Library Gallery
The free exhibit "From Revolutionary Outcast to a Man of God: Dostoevsky at 200" is showing at the University of IOwa's Main Library Gallery from August 16-December 17. Dr. Anna Barker has put together a wonderfully informative and engaging exhibit on the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky that does not shy away from the spiritual side of this great author. 2021 marks 200 years from Dostoevsky's birth. Fr. Ignatius is scheduled to give a talk at the exhibit in October and members of our own choir will be singing at the exhibit in November. For more information, go to http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/from-revolutionary-outcast-to-a-man-of-god-dostoevsky-at-200/.
Financial Summary for January-June 2021
1. Overall giving over expenses is running $3,500 in the black for the six months!!
2. Sunday giving is returning with almost $6600.....this is from non-pledged donations.
3. Pledges are being met.
4. Donations are up.
5. Expenses are over by $24.80 which is good. Some areas that are budgeted have not been utilized, some that are not budgeted have.
6. However, overall at this point in time, we are underbudgeted by $6840. This means that if we did not have the Sunday money and extra donations, we would be running a deficit and eating into the cash reserves.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to Him and said, “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” As He said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the breasts that Thou didst suck!” But He said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28)
Food for Thought
When Thou wast transfigured, O Savior, on a high mountain, in the presence of Thy chief Disciples, Thou didst shine forth in glory, symbolizing that they who are recognized for the sublimity of virtue, shall also be made worthy of divine glory. As for Moses and Elijah, when they conversed with Christ they made manifest that He was the Lord of the living and the dead, and that He was the God Who spake of old in the law and the Prophets, the same to Whom the voice of the Father did bear witness from a radiant cloud, saying, Him do ye hear; for He it is Who by the Cross hath taken captive Hades and hath bestowed life eternal to the dead.
- Stichera from "O Lord I Have Cried" at vespers of the Feast of the Transfiguration
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday August 1, 2021- 6th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
July 31, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 1, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 2, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 3, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 4, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 5, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Transfiguration, 6:00pm
August 6, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 8, Sunday (7th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Save the Date!
Bishop Anthony will be with us the weekend of September 11-12. On Saturday evening, September 11, we will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of St. Raphael Church with a special dinner at Old Brick at 6pm. A file is attached announcing the relevant information. Please share this with anyone who would be interested to attend. We want a full house at the services and at the dinner that weekend!
Memory Eternal!
Our condolences go out to Evren Sasmazer and his family upon the recent passing of his father Haluk. May his memory be eternal!
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast lasts from August 1-14, culminating in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. During this time, in addition to fasting, we will be praying the Paraklesis service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm. Also, during this time, we celebrate the Lord's Transfiguration with Vesperal Liturgy on August 5 at 6pm. Please plan ahead and make yourself available to come to one or more of these special services.
No Book of Acts Study This Week
Due to the scheduling of vesperal liturgy for the Feast of the Lord's Transfiguration, there will be no Bible study on Thursday, August 5. We will resume on August 12.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud: “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, “See that no one knows it.” But they went away and spread His fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to Him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. (Matthew 9:27-35)
Food for Thought
Remember that love of the neighbor is the first work you must strive for. And you do not even need to leave your house to find that neighbor; your husband is that neighbor, your mother is that neighbor and so are your children.
- Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
July 31, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 1, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
August 2, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 3, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
August 4, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 5, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Transfiguration, 6:00pm
August 6, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Paraklesis, 7:00pm
August 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 8, Sunday (7th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Save the Date!
Bishop Anthony will be with us the weekend of September 11-12. On Saturday evening, September 11, we will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of St. Raphael Church with a special dinner at Old Brick at 6pm. A file is attached announcing the relevant information. Please share this with anyone who would be interested to attend. We want a full house at the services and at the dinner that weekend!
Memory Eternal!
Our condolences go out to Evren Sasmazer and his family upon the recent passing of his father Haluk. May his memory be eternal!
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast lasts from August 1-14, culminating in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. During this time, in addition to fasting, we will be praying the Paraklesis service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm. Also, during this time, we celebrate the Lord's Transfiguration with Vesperal Liturgy on August 5 at 6pm. Please plan ahead and make yourself available to come to one or more of these special services.
No Book of Acts Study This Week
Due to the scheduling of vesperal liturgy for the Feast of the Lord's Transfiguration, there will be no Bible study on Thursday, August 5. We will resume on August 12.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud: “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, “See that no one knows it.” But they went away and spread His fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to Him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. (Matthew 9:27-35)
Food for Thought
Remember that love of the neighbor is the first work you must strive for. And you do not even need to leave your house to find that neighbor; your husband is that neighbor, your mother is that neighbor and so are your children.
- Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday July 25, 2021- Dormition of St. Anna
Upcoming Services and Events
July 24, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 25, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
July 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 30, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
July 31, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 1, Sunday (6th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Save the Date!
Bishop Anthony will be with us the weekend of September 11-12. On Saturday evening, September 11, we will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of St. Raphael Church with a special dinner at Old Brick at 6pm. A file is attached announcing the relevant information. Please share this with anyone who would be interested to attend. We want a full house at the services and at the dinner that weekend!
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast lasts from August 1-14, culminating in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. During this time, in addition to fasting, we will be praying the Paraklesis service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm. Also, during this time, we celebrate the Lord's Transfiguration with Vesperal Liturgy on August 5 at 6pm. Please plan ahead and make yourself available to come to one or more of these special services.
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to His own city. And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, Who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8)
Food for Thought
“How You bring sweetness to those who think of You,
how life-giving is your word, it is softer than oil, sweeter than honey to talk with You.
Praying to you brings life into us and gives us wings.
What trembling then fills the heart; what dignity and greatness and wisdom there are in nature and all of life.
Where you are not — there is emptiness.
Where You are — there is richness of soul, a torrent of life:
Alleluia.”
From the Akathist of Thanksgiving
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
July 24, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 25, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
July 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 30, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
July 31, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 1, Sunday (6th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
20th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Anthony, Save the Date!
Bishop Anthony will be with us the weekend of September 11-12. On Saturday evening, September 11, we will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of St. Raphael Church with a special dinner at Old Brick at 6pm. A file is attached announcing the relevant information. Please share this with anyone who would be interested to attend. We want a full house at the services and at the dinner that weekend!
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast lasts from August 1-14, culminating in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. During this time, in addition to fasting, we will be praying the Paraklesis service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm. Also, during this time, we celebrate the Lord's Transfiguration with Vesperal Liturgy on August 5 at 6pm. Please plan ahead and make yourself available to come to one or more of these special services.
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to His own city. And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, Who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8)
Food for Thought
“How You bring sweetness to those who think of You,
how life-giving is your word, it is softer than oil, sweeter than honey to talk with You.
Praying to you brings life into us and gives us wings.
What trembling then fills the heart; what dignity and greatness and wisdom there are in nature and all of life.
Where you are not — there is emptiness.
Where You are — there is richness of soul, a torrent of life:
Alleluia.”
From the Akathist of Thanksgiving
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday July 18, 2021- Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council
Upcoming Services and Events
July 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 18, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 20, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
July 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 23, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
July 24, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 25, Sunday (Dormition of St. Anna)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast lasts from August 1-14, culminating in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. During this time, in addition to fasting, we will be praying the Paraklesis service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm. Also, during this time, we celebrate the Lord's Transfiguration with Vesperal Liturgy on August 5 at 6pm. Please plan ahead and make yourself available to come to one or more of these special services.
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met Him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have we to do to Thee, O Son of God? Art Thou come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged Him, “If Thou castest us out, send us away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat He crossed over and came to His own city. (Matthew 8:28-9:1)
Food for Thought
"God is the center of the circle, and people - the radii. As they come closer to the center they come closer to each other."
- Elder Nectarius of Optina
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
July 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 18, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 20, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
July 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 23, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
July 24, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 25, Sunday (Dormition of St. Anna)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast lasts from August 1-14, culminating in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. During this time, in addition to fasting, we will be praying the Paraklesis service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm. Also, during this time, we celebrate the Lord's Transfiguration with Vesperal Liturgy on August 5 at 6pm. Please plan ahead and make yourself available to come to one or more of these special services.
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met Him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have we to do to Thee, O Son of God? Art Thou come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged Him, “If Thou castest us out, send us away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat He crossed over and came to His own city. (Matthew 8:28-9:1)
Food for Thought
"God is the center of the circle, and people - the radii. As they come closer to the center they come closer to each other."
- Elder Nectarius of Optina
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday July 11, 2021- 3rd Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
July 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 11, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 14, Wednesday
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 15, Thursday
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm on Zoom
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 18, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Father Ignatius is on Vacation
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town this week, July 11-16. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers. If you need to get in touch with him, he will be reachable via phone.
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to: https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-19)
Food for Thought
"Christ manifested the perfection of the Divine image in man and the possibility for our nature of assimilating the fulness of divinization to the very extent that, after His ascension. He placed our nature 'on the right hand of the Father.'"
- St. Sophrony of Essex, "We Shall See Him As He Is", p. 193
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
July 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 11, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 14, Wednesday
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 15, Thursday
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm on Zoom
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 18, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Father Ignatius is on Vacation
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town this week, July 11-16. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers. If you need to get in touch with him, he will be reachable via phone.
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to: https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-19)
Food for Thought
"Christ manifested the perfection of the Divine image in man and the possibility for our nature of assimilating the fulness of divinization to the very extent that, after His ascension. He placed our nature 'on the right hand of the Father.'"
- St. Sophrony of Essex, "We Shall See Him As He Is", p. 193
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday July 4, 2021- 2nd Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
July 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 4, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
July 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 9, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
July 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 11, Sunday (3rd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to: https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of heaven: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon himself in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:22-33)
Food for Thought
“Christ, invisible to the bodily eye, manifests Himself on earth clearly through His Church… The Church is the Body of Christ both because its parts are united to Christ through His divine mysteries and because through her Christ works in the world.”
-- St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
July 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 4, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
July 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
July 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 9, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
July 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 11, Sunday (3rd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
"Conversations on Atonement" Conference
On Saturday, July 31, St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia is hosting a day-long conference titled "Conversations on Atonement" featuring Fr. Patrick Reardon and Dr. Marcus Plested. On-line attendance is $15. For more information, go to: https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/event-details/conversations-on-atonement
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of heaven: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon himself in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:22-33)
Food for Thought
“Christ, invisible to the bodily eye, manifests Himself on earth clearly through His Church… The Church is the Body of Christ both because its parts are united to Christ through His divine mysteries and because through her Christ works in the world.”
-- St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 12- Acts 19-20
August 19- Acts 21-22
August 26- Acts 23-24
September 2- Acts 25-26
September 9- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday June 27, 2021- All Saints Sunday
Upcoming Services and Events
June 26, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 27, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
June 28, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Sts. Peter and Paul, 6:00pm
June 29, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 30, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 2, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
July 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 4, Sunday (2nd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Vesperal Liturgy for Sts. Peter and Paul
We commemorate the patron saints of our Patriarchate with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on June 28.
Apostles's Fast
The Apostles' Fast is very short this year, lasting just one day, on June 28.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to former St. Raphael Church member Nestan Tsiskaridze and her new husband Luke Bullock. They were married at St. Athanasius Church in Santa Barbara, California earlier this month. May God grant them many years!
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people. (Matthew 4:18-23)
Food for Thought
Can you place your hope in the world? Whom has it not deceived? To whom has it not lied? It promises much but gives very little. Only those who hope in the Lord are not deceived in their hope!
- St. Anthony of Optina
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
June 26, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 27, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
June 28, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Sts. Peter and Paul, 6:00pm
June 29, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 30, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
July 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
July 2, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
July 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 4, Sunday (2nd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Vesperal Liturgy for Sts. Peter and Paul
We commemorate the patron saints of our Patriarchate with Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00pm on June 28.
Apostles's Fast
The Apostles' Fast is very short this year, lasting just one day, on June 28.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to former St. Raphael Church member Nestan Tsiskaridze and her new husband Luke Bullock. They were married at St. Athanasius Church in Santa Barbara, California earlier this month. May God grant them many years!
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people. (Matthew 4:18-23)
Food for Thought
Can you place your hope in the world? Whom has it not deceived? To whom has it not lied? It promises much but gives very little. Only those who hope in the Lord are not deceived in their hope!
- St. Anthony of Optina
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday June 20, 2021- Sunday of Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
June 19, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm on Zoom
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 20, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 22, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 23, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
June 24, Thursday
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 25, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 26, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 27, Sunday (All Saints Sunday)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Memory Eternal
Memorial prayers will be offered on Sunday for Elena, the mother of Andrei Perkhounkov and mother-in-law of Yelena Perkhounkova. May her memory be eternal.
Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost
We celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, June 20. On that evening at 5:00pm, we will pray the special kneeling vespers service, full of profound prayers. We have been standing in the resurrection of Christ since Pascha with no kneeling or prostrations during our prayers. Now that the paschal season is over, we return to the posture of kneeling in this service.
Feasting and Fasting
There is no fasting during the week following Pentecost, June 20-26. The Apostles' Fast is very short this year, just one day, on June 28.
Happy Father's Day
May God grant all fathers, godfathers and grandfathers many years!
No Office Hours on June 24-
Fr. Ignatius will be out of the office on June 24.
Want List for Church's Community Garden
Thanks to Kristi Abuissa, our church garden is in the ground and growing again. She is soliciting donations of materials to enhance the garden. Please consider donating:
- Hose
- Hose reel / hose caddy
- Dual garden hose connector
- Seedlings (cabbages, pumpkins, and squash, cukes)
- More tomato cages
- Low garden fence wire
- Canning jars
Virtual Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference
1. Go to https://www.antiochianevents.com/toledo
2. Select Registration and Register!
3. You will be sent links to the meetings before the event on June 26.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His disciples, “Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father Who is in heaven; but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father Who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed Thee. What then shall we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the New World, when the Son of Man shall sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundred fold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30)
Food for Thought
We are called to go forth and boldly proclaim the Good News, following in the footsteps of the Disciples. But, we cannot do this unless we know what we are talking about. We must know our Faith inside and out. We must sharpen the sword of the intellect through prayer, ministry to others and study.
+ His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams which provide food for our coffee hours, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 24- Acts 7-8
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
June 19, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm on Zoom
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 20, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 22, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 23, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
June 24, Thursday
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 25, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 26, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 27, Sunday (All Saints Sunday)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Memory Eternal
Memorial prayers will be offered on Sunday for Elena, the mother of Andrei Perkhounkov and mother-in-law of Yelena Perkhounkova. May her memory be eternal.
Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost
We celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, June 20. On that evening at 5:00pm, we will pray the special kneeling vespers service, full of profound prayers. We have been standing in the resurrection of Christ since Pascha with no kneeling or prostrations during our prayers. Now that the paschal season is over, we return to the posture of kneeling in this service.
Feasting and Fasting
There is no fasting during the week following Pentecost, June 20-26. The Apostles' Fast is very short this year, just one day, on June 28.
Happy Father's Day
May God grant all fathers, godfathers and grandfathers many years!
No Office Hours on June 24-
Fr. Ignatius will be out of the office on June 24.
Want List for Church's Community Garden
Thanks to Kristi Abuissa, our church garden is in the ground and growing again. She is soliciting donations of materials to enhance the garden. Please consider donating:
- Hose
- Hose reel / hose caddy
- Dual garden hose connector
- Seedlings (cabbages, pumpkins, and squash, cukes)
- More tomato cages
- Low garden fence wire
- Canning jars
Virtual Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference
- Hear from our Beloved Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Anthony (General Assembly)
- Learn from the Department of Christian Education (Christian Education)
- Meet with Antiochian Women throughout the Diocese to share ideas (Antiochian Women)
- Join other young adults from the Diocese at the Young Adult Ministry gathering (Young Adult Ministry)
- High School Seniors will be presented to Bishop Anthony (if you have a graduating senior, contact our Midwest Diocesan Youth Directors Amal Michael ([email protected]) or Julia Shaheen ([email protected]) ASAP!
- Attend a choir forum to hear the latest and greatest from our Diocesan Sacred Music Coordinator (Sacred Music)
- Understand how parishes around the Diocese have connected with their youth by using The Relationship Project (The Relationship Project)
1. Go to https://www.antiochianevents.com/toledo
2. Select Registration and Register!
3. You will be sent links to the meetings before the event on June 26.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His disciples, “Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father Who is in heaven; but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father Who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed Thee. What then shall we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the New World, when the Son of Man shall sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundred fold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30)
Food for Thought
We are called to go forth and boldly proclaim the Good News, following in the footsteps of the Disciples. But, we cannot do this unless we know what we are talking about. We must know our Faith inside and out. We must sharpen the sword of the intellect through prayer, ministry to others and study.
+ His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams which provide food for our coffee hours, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 24- Acts 7-8
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday June 13, 2021- Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council
Upcoming Services and Events
June 12, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 13, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
June 15, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 16, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
June 17, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 18, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 19, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 20, Sunday (Feast of Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost, 5"00pm
Newest Announcements
Congratulations!
Becky Morey recently graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. May God grant her many years!
Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost
We celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, June 20. On that evening at 5:00pm, we will pray the special kneeling vespers service, full of profound prayers. We have been standing in the resurrection of Christ since Pascha with no kneeling or prostrations during our prayers. Now that the paschal season is over, we return to the posture of kneeling in this service.
Virtual Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference
1. Go to https://www.antiochianevents.com/toledo
2. Select Registration and Register!
3. You will be sent links to the meetings before the event on June 26.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now this He said about the Spirit, which those who believed in Him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, many of the people said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over Him. Some of them wanted to arrest Him, but no one laid hands on Him. The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!” The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd, who do not know the Law, are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our Law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.” Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 7:37-52, 8:12)
Food for Thought
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
I Peter 5:6-7
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams which provide food for our coffee hours, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 17- Acts 5-6
June 24- Acts 7-8
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
June 12, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 13, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
June 15, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 16, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist on Zoom, 7:00pm
June 17, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 18, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 19, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 20, Sunday (Feast of Pentecost)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
+ Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost, 5"00pm
Newest Announcements
Congratulations!
Becky Morey recently graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. May God grant her many years!
Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost
We celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, June 20. On that evening at 5:00pm, we will pray the special kneeling vespers service, full of profound prayers. We have been standing in the resurrection of Christ since Pascha with no kneeling or prostrations during our prayers. Now that the paschal season is over, we return to the posture of kneeling in this service.
Virtual Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference
- Hear from our Beloved Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Anthony (General Assembly)
- Learn from the Department of Christian Education (Christian Education)
- Meet with Antiochian Women throughout the Diocese to share ideas (Antiochian Women)
- Join other young adults from the Diocese at the Young Adult Ministry gathering (Young Adult Ministry)
- High School Seniors will be presented to Bishop Anthony (if you have a graduating senior, contact our Midwest Diocesan Youth Directors Amal Michael ([email protected]) or Julia Shaheen ([email protected]) ASAP!
- Attend a choir forum to hear the latest and greatest from our Diocesan Sacred Music Coordinator (Sacred Music)
- Understand how parishes around the Diocese have connected with their youth by using The Relationship Project (The Relationship Project)
1. Go to https://www.antiochianevents.com/toledo
2. Select Registration and Register!
3. You will be sent links to the meetings before the event on June 26.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now this He said about the Spirit, which those who believed in Him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, many of the people said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over Him. Some of them wanted to arrest Him, but no one laid hands on Him. The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!” The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd, who do not know the Law, are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our Law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.” Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 7:37-52, 8:12)
Food for Thought
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
I Peter 5:6-7
__________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams which provide food for our coffee hours, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 17- Acts 5-6
June 24- Acts 7-8
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday June 6, 2021- Sunday of the Blind Man
Upcoming Services and Events
June 5, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 6, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
June 8, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 9, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Ascension, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 10, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 11, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 12, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 13, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Resuming In-Person Coffee Hour
Beginning on Sunday, June 6, we will resume in person coffee hour with food and fellowship! As this will be the first in-person coffee hour in over a year, we are encouraging everyone to come to liturgy and to stay for food and fellowship. There will be pulled pork sandwiches, salad, and tiramisu.
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams which provide food for our coffee hours, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Leavetaking of Pascha and Feast of the Lord's Ascension
We say farewell to the paschal season after Wednesday, June 9 when we celebrate the Lord's Ascension with Vesperal Liturgy at 6pm. Beginning Friday, June 11, we resume the weekly fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Are Your Children Interested in Singing in a Children's Choir this Summer?
Hannah Valentine is interested in working with your children and teaching them several of the spiritual songs that St. Nikolai Velimirovic composed. Sunday nights seem to work best. As restrictions have been lifted, the rehearsals would be in-person and not virtual. If your children are interested, please contact Hannah or Fr. Ignatius.
Virtual Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference
Our diocesan Parish Life Conference will be held online this year on Saturday, June 26. More information will be forthcoming.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son that the Son may glorify Thee, since Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom Thou hast given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent. I glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou gavest Me to do; and now, Father, glorify Thou Me in Thy own presence with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was made. I have manifested Thy Name to the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy word. Now they know that everything that Thou hast given Me is from Thee; for I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from Thee; and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine; all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one. While I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name, which Thou have given Me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” (John 17:1-13)
Food for Thought
“We were created for eternal life by our Creator, we are called to it by the word of God, and we are renewed by holy Baptism. And Christ the Son of God came into the world for this, that He should call us and take us there, and He is the one thing needful. For this reason your very first endeavor and care should be to receive it. Without it everything is as nothing, though you have the whole world under you.” - St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 10- Acts 3-4
June 17- Acts 5-6
June 24- Acts 7-8
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
June 5, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 6, Sunday
+ Matins & Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
June 8, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
June 9, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Ascension, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 10, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 11, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 12, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 13, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Resuming In-Person Coffee Hour
Beginning on Sunday, June 6, we will resume in person coffee hour with food and fellowship! As this will be the first in-person coffee hour in over a year, we are encouraging everyone to come to liturgy and to stay for food and fellowship. There will be pulled pork sandwiches, salad, and tiramisu.
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams which provide food for our coffee hours, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Leavetaking of Pascha and Feast of the Lord's Ascension
We say farewell to the paschal season after Wednesday, June 9 when we celebrate the Lord's Ascension with Vesperal Liturgy at 6pm. Beginning Friday, June 11, we resume the weekly fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Are Your Children Interested in Singing in a Children's Choir this Summer?
Hannah Valentine is interested in working with your children and teaching them several of the spiritual songs that St. Nikolai Velimirovic composed. Sunday nights seem to work best. As restrictions have been lifted, the rehearsals would be in-person and not virtual. If your children are interested, please contact Hannah or Fr. Ignatius.
Virtual Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference
Our diocesan Parish Life Conference will be held online this year on Saturday, June 26. More information will be forthcoming.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son that the Son may glorify Thee, since Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom Thou hast given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent. I glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou gavest Me to do; and now, Father, glorify Thou Me in Thy own presence with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was made. I have manifested Thy Name to the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy word. Now they know that everything that Thou hast given Me is from Thee; for I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from Thee; and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine; all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one. While I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name, which Thou have given Me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” (John 17:1-13)
Food for Thought
“We were created for eternal life by our Creator, we are called to it by the word of God, and we are renewed by holy Baptism. And Christ the Son of God came into the world for this, that He should call us and take us there, and He is the one thing needful. For this reason your very first endeavor and care should be to receive it. Without it everything is as nothing, though you have the whole world under you.” - St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Study on the Book of Acts
Throughout the summer, we will be reading and discussing the Book of Acts together over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. One need not commit to attend all of the sessions in order to participate in some. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 10- Acts 3-4
June 17- Acts 5-6
June 24- Acts 7-8
July 1- Acts 9-10
July 8- Acts 11-12
July 15- Acts 13-14
July 22- Acts 15-16
July 29- Acts 17-18
August 5- Acts 19-20
August 12- Acts 21-22
August 19- Acts 23-24
August 26- Acts 25-26
September 2- Acts 27-28
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday May 30, 2021- Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Kristur er upprisinn! Tha Crìosd air èiridh! Icha'kuxi Kajvaltik Kristo!
Upcoming Services and Events
June 2, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
June 3, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 4, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 5, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 6, Sunday (Sunday of the Blind Man)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Thursday Evening Book of Acts Study
Our weekly study and fellowship group on Zoom is returning on June 3. We will read through the Book of Acts, two chapters a week, and discuss. All are welcome. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Resuming In-Person Coffee Hour
Beginning on Sunday, June 6, we will resume in person coffee hour with food!
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to Luka Surguladze who graduated from West High School and to Josiah Valentine who graduated from Clear Creek Amana High School. Congratulations to Anna Baynton who graduated from Mount Holyoke College and to Mikey Pyevich who graduated from the University of Iowa.
Are Your Children Interested in Singing in a Children's Choir this Summer?
Hannah Valentine is interested in working with your children and teaching them several of the spiritual songs that St. Nikolai Velimirovic composed. Sunday nights seem to work best. As restrictions have been lifted, the rehearsals would be in-person and not virtual. If your children are interested, please contact Hannah or Fr. Ignatius.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus was passing, he saw a man blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,” which means “Sent.” So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he;” others said, “No, but he is like him.” He said, “I am the man.” They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, “What do you say about Him, since He has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore, his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.” So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become His disciples?” And they reviled him, saying, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He comes from.” The man answered, “Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him He said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered, “And who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen Him, and it is He who speaks to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. (John 9:1-38)
Food for Thought
A drop of prayer is worth more than a sea of worrying.
-St. Nikolai Velimirovic
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are taking a two week break and will begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14 week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Upcoming Services and Events
June 2, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
June 3, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book of Acts Study & Discussion, 7:00pm on Zoom
June 4, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
June 5, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 6, Sunday (Sunday of the Blind Man)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee/Fellowship Hour, 12:00pm
Newest Announcements
Thursday Evening Book of Acts Study
Our weekly study and fellowship group on Zoom is returning on June 3. We will read through the Book of Acts, two chapters a week, and discuss. All are welcome. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Resuming In-Person Coffee Hour
Beginning on Sunday, June 6, we will resume in person coffee hour with food!
Would you like to be on a Food Team?
There are four different food teams, one assigned to each Sunday of the month. If you are not yet on one of these teams, and you would like to contribute to our coffee hours once a month by bringing food, please contact Fr. Ignatius and let him know your interest.
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to Luka Surguladze who graduated from West High School and to Josiah Valentine who graduated from Clear Creek Amana High School. Congratulations to Anna Baynton who graduated from Mount Holyoke College and to Mikey Pyevich who graduated from the University of Iowa.
Are Your Children Interested in Singing in a Children's Choir this Summer?
Hannah Valentine is interested in working with your children and teaching them several of the spiritual songs that St. Nikolai Velimirovic composed. Sunday nights seem to work best. As restrictions have been lifted, the rehearsals would be in-person and not virtual. If your children are interested, please contact Hannah or Fr. Ignatius.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus was passing, he saw a man blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,” which means “Sent.” So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he;” others said, “No, but he is like him.” He said, “I am the man.” They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, “What do you say about Him, since He has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore, his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.” So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become His disciples?” And they reviled him, saying, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He comes from.” The man answered, “Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him He said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered, “And who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen Him, and it is He who speaks to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. (John 9:1-38)
Food for Thought
A drop of prayer is worth more than a sea of worrying.
-St. Nikolai Velimirovic
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are taking a two week break and will begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14 week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday May 23, 2021- Sunday of the Paralytic
Masih barkhaste ast! Kristusaq Aglagikuk! Kristo Amefufukka!
Upcoming Services and Events
May 23, Sunday of the Paralytic (4th Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
May 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 28, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
May 29, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 30, Sunday (Sunday of the Samaritan Woman)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
Newest Announcements
Lifting of COVID Restrictions
Following a recent letter from Metropolitan Joseph, masks and social distancing are no longer required at church. We have ended the online system of managing and limiting church attendance. If people choose to still wear masks, they are welcomed to do so and should not be dissuaded by others. Decisions will be made soon about when in-person coffee hour will return. If you have been told by your doctor not to get vaccinated and/or you are immuno-compromised and would feel more comfortable having an area set apart from unmasked people in the church, please confidentially let Fr. Ignatius know and we will try to accommodate you.
Our Shared Life in Christ Post-Pandemic
Fr. Ignatius appreciates these words recently written by Fr. Fred Shaheen to the faithful at St. George Church. Let us also put this into practice at St. Raphael Church.
"The issue of mask-wearing has been a divisive one over the last year. Please keep in mind that another person wearing or not wearing a mask at Church should in no way be the cause for any of us to stumble. Fully vaccinated people may still choose to wear a mask at Church and should not be prevented from doing so. Others may want to distance themselves even though we are not imposing seating restrictions. We should never judge or condemn what anyone else chooses to do according to what makes them feel safe. With the new openness in policy, each of us is called to interact with honesty, integrity and, most important of all, love and concern for the well-being of the other. May our conduct always be pleasing to God."
Welcome Fr. Maximos Herman
Fr. Maximos will be filling in for Fr. Ignatius on Sunday, May 30. Please welcome him!
St. John the Baptist Church Summer Bake Sale
A flyer advertising St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church's Summer Bake Sale is attached.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as He was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His Disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that Thou, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and Who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Art Thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst forever; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered Him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and Thou sayest that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming [He Who is called Christ]; when He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I Who speak to you am He.” Just then His Disciples came. They marveled that He was talking with a woman, but none said, “What dost Thou wish?” or, “Why art Thou talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city, and said to the people, “Come, see a man Who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the city and were coming to Him. Meanwhile the Disciples besought Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” So the Disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him food?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Many Samaritans from that city believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He said to me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His words. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:5-42)
Food for Thought
"... contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
Jude 3
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are taking a two week break and will begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14 week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Upcoming Services and Events
May 23, Sunday of the Paralytic (4th Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
May 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 28, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
May 29, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 30, Sunday (Sunday of the Samaritan Woman)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
Newest Announcements
Lifting of COVID Restrictions
Following a recent letter from Metropolitan Joseph, masks and social distancing are no longer required at church. We have ended the online system of managing and limiting church attendance. If people choose to still wear masks, they are welcomed to do so and should not be dissuaded by others. Decisions will be made soon about when in-person coffee hour will return. If you have been told by your doctor not to get vaccinated and/or you are immuno-compromised and would feel more comfortable having an area set apart from unmasked people in the church, please confidentially let Fr. Ignatius know and we will try to accommodate you.
Our Shared Life in Christ Post-Pandemic
Fr. Ignatius appreciates these words recently written by Fr. Fred Shaheen to the faithful at St. George Church. Let us also put this into practice at St. Raphael Church.
"The issue of mask-wearing has been a divisive one over the last year. Please keep in mind that another person wearing or not wearing a mask at Church should in no way be the cause for any of us to stumble. Fully vaccinated people may still choose to wear a mask at Church and should not be prevented from doing so. Others may want to distance themselves even though we are not imposing seating restrictions. We should never judge or condemn what anyone else chooses to do according to what makes them feel safe. With the new openness in policy, each of us is called to interact with honesty, integrity and, most important of all, love and concern for the well-being of the other. May our conduct always be pleasing to God."
Welcome Fr. Maximos Herman
Fr. Maximos will be filling in for Fr. Ignatius on Sunday, May 30. Please welcome him!
St. John the Baptist Church Summer Bake Sale
A flyer advertising St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church's Summer Bake Sale is attached.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as He was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His Disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that Thou, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and Who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Art Thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst forever; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered Him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and Thou sayest that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming [He Who is called Christ]; when He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I Who speak to you am He.” Just then His Disciples came. They marveled that He was talking with a woman, but none said, “What dost Thou wish?” or, “Why art Thou talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city, and said to the people, “Come, see a man Who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the city and were coming to Him. Meanwhile the Disciples besought Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” So the Disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him food?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Many Samaritans from that city believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He said to me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His words. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:5-42)
Food for Thought
"... contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
Jude 3
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are taking a two week break and will begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14 week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday May 16, 2021- Myrrhbearers Sunday
Christu uyirthezhunnettu! Hristós diril–Dí! Christos tensiou!
Upcoming Services and Events
May 16, Myrrhbearers Sunday (3rd Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
May 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 21, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
May 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 23, Sunday (Sunday of the Paralytic)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
Newest Announcements
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, May 22. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, fruit, pickle spears, dessert and milk and/or iced tea and/or lemonade. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: http://bit.ly/CWHmeal5-22.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Letter from Metropolitan Joseph on Youth Ministries
A letter from Metropolitan Joseph on revitalizing Youth Ministries in the Archdiocese is available here.
Wednesday Night Services
We are returning to akathist services on Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. If you would like to participate, let Fr. Ignatius know and he will include you in the communications sharing the service texts and reading/singing "assignments."
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are taking a two week break and will begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14 week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, May 15, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-15
Sunday, May 16, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-16
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-22
Sunday, May 23, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-23
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-29
Sunday, May 30, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-30
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first, after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for 38 years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me said to me, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befalls you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus Who had healed him. (John 5:1-15)
Food for Thought
This is the day of Resurrection; let us be radiant for the festival, and let us embrace one another. Let us say, O brethren, even to those that hate us: Let us forgive all things by the Resurrection. And thus let us cry: Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!
-Doxastikon of Pascha
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Upcoming Services and Events
May 16, Myrrhbearers Sunday (3rd Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
May 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 21, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
May 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 23, Sunday (Sunday of the Paralytic)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
Newest Announcements
Providing a Meal for the Catholic Worker House Guests
St. Raphael Orthodox Church has signed up to provide food for a meal to serve 60 at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, across from Kirkwood Community College) on Saturday, May 22. Food will be dropped off at CWH at 2:30 pm to be packaged and distributed as grab-and-go meals. The menu is pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, fruit, pickle spears, dessert and milk and/or iced tea and/or lemonade. To commit to providing one or more menu items, go to: http://bit.ly/CWHmeal5-22.
Raising Money for Jenny Hope and John Michalski's Medical Expenses
St. Raphael Church members Jenny Hope and John Michalski need to raise $12,000 to utilize the services of a Functional Medicine MD for their various health concerns. Can you help them out? Here is the link to learn more and to donate. https://gofund.me/96349e5e
Letter from Metropolitan Joseph on Youth Ministries
A letter from Metropolitan Joseph on revitalizing Youth Ministries in the Archdiocese is available here.
Wednesday Night Services
We are returning to akathist services on Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. If you would like to participate, let Fr. Ignatius know and he will include you in the communications sharing the service texts and reading/singing "assignments."
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are taking a two week break and will begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14 week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, May 15, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-15
Sunday, May 16, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-16
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-22
Sunday, May 23, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-23
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-29
Sunday, May 30, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-30
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first, after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for 38 years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me said to me, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befalls you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus Who had healed him. (John 5:1-15)
Food for Thought
This is the day of Resurrection; let us be radiant for the festival, and let us embrace one another. Let us say, O brethren, even to those that hate us: Let us forgive all things by the Resurrection. And thus let us cry: Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!
-Doxastikon of Pascha
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday May 9, 2021- Thomas Sunday
Hristos a inviat! Khristos voskrese! Kriste agsdga!
Upcoming Services and Events
May 9, Thomas Sunday (2nd Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
May 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Weekly Fellowship & Book Group, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 14, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
May 15, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm (on Zoom)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 16, Sunday (Myrrhbearers Sunday)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
Newest Announcements
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Wednesday Night Services
We are returning to akathist services on Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. If you would like to participate, let Fr. Ignatius know and he will include you in the communications sharing the service texts and "assignments."
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are finishing up our discussion of "Everyday Saints" this Thursday. We will then take a two week break and begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14-week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Attendance Limits
We have been able to make some adjustments to our attendance limits to allow for more people. Including altar servers, choir members and greeters, up to 33 people can now attend indoor services.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, May 8, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-8
Sunday, May 9, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-9
Saturday, May 15, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-15
Sunday, May 16, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-16
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-22
Sunday, May 23, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-23
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-29
Sunday, May 30, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-30
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if He were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that He was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb, which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid. And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb at the rising of the sun. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a long white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He is risen; He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you.” And they went out quickly and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 15:43-16:8)
Food for Thought
When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee!
- Resurrectional Apolytikion in Tone 2
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Upcoming Services and Events
May 9, Thomas Sunday (2nd Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
May 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
May 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Akathist, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Weekly Fellowship & Book Group, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 14, Friday
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
May 15, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00pm (on Zoom)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 16, Sunday (Myrrhbearers Sunday)
+ Matins & Divine Liturgy, 8:45am/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00pm (on Zoom)
Newest Announcements
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Wednesday Night Services
We are returning to akathist services on Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. If you would like to participate, let Fr. Ignatius know and he will include you in the communications sharing the service texts and "assignments."
Weekly Book Discussion and Fellowship Group on Zoom
We are finishing up our discussion of "Everyday Saints" this Thursday. We will then take a two week break and begin a study of the Book of Acts beginning on Thursday June 3. All are welcome to join this 14-week study and discussion of Acts which will last through the summer.
Attendance Limits
We have been able to make some adjustments to our attendance limits to allow for more people. Including altar servers, choir members and greeters, up to 33 people can now attend indoor services.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, May 8, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-8
Sunday, May 9, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-9
Saturday, May 15, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-15
Sunday, May 16, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-16
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-22
Sunday, May 23, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-23
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-29
Sunday, May 30, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-30
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if He were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that He was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb, which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid. And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb at the rising of the sun. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a long white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He is risen; He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you.” And they went out quickly and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 15:43-16:8)
Food for Thought
When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee!
- Resurrectional Apolytikion in Tone 2
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday May 2, 2021- Great and Holy Pascha
Christ is risen! Al-massieh qam! Christos anesti!
Upcoming Services and Events
April 30, Holy Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am
+ Funeral Bier Decorating, 11:30am
+ Great Vespers (taking the Lord from the Cross), 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Lamentations Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Psalm Reading Vigil through the night, 9:30pm-9:00am
May 1, Holy Saturday
+ Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Paschal Rush Service, 11:40pm
May 2, Great and Holy Pascha
+ Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 12:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Agape Vespers, 12:30pm (live streamed on Facebook page) followed by
+ Paschal Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
May 4, Bright Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Paschal Hours, 12:00pm
May 5, Bright Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00-2:00pm
+ Paschal Hours, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 6, Bright Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Paschal Hours 12:00pm
+ Week Book Discussion and Fellowship. 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 7, Bright Friday
+ Paschal Hours, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
May 8, Bright Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 9, Sunday (Thomas Sunday)
+ Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee Hour
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Services and Overflow Considerations
We will hold the Holy Friday Lamentations Service (Fri- 7pm) and the Paschal Midnight Office/Matins (Sat.- 11:40pm) outside on our front porch. There will be no attendance limits for these two services. Following the conclusion of Paschal Matins, around 1:15am, we will proceed inside for Paschal Liturgy. Inside, we must limit attendance in the nave to those who have signed up. However, if you haven't signed up and want to attend, you will be able to stand in the narthex, on the porch or in our fellowship hall, where there will be a livestream on a TV.
A Patristic Homily on the Burial of the Divine Body of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
For some Patristic insight into what the Church is commemorating on Holy Friday and Holy Saturday, Dr. David Ford reads "A Patristic Homily on the Burial of the Divine Body of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" by St. Epiphanius of Cyprus. https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/sost/on_the_burial If you prefer to read the text instead of listening to the audio, the pdf file can be found here. https://steliascathedral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/St.-Epiphanius-Homily.pdf
Hierarchs' Paschal Letters
Please read the Paschal Letters from Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Anthony.
Memory Eternal
On Thursday, we marked the five year anniversary of the repose of Gabriela Muste's mother Viorica with Memorial Prayers for the Departed. A bouquet of flowers was given to the church in her memory.
Thank You
Thank you to Joseph Rowan, Maria-Lucia Cetlaus, Todd Wiblin, Karen Kuntz, Evren Sasmazer, Hannah Valentine and Lizzy Valentine for working to clean-up and beautify the church building and grounds right before Holy Week.
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Adjustment to Attendance Limits
We have been able to make some adjustments to our attendance limits to allow for more people. Including altar servers, choir members and greeters, up to 33 people can now attend indoor services.
Can You Read In A Language Other Than English?
If so, consider signing up to read the Agape Vespers Gospel selection, May 2 at 12:30pm. The text is John 20:19-25. We have copies in several dozen languages at the church.
Two Different Psalm-Reading Vigils
We will hold our traditional Psalm-reading Vigil in the church following the Holy Friday Lamentations Service. A sign-up, to volunteer for one hour time slots, is posted at church. However, if you can't or prefer not to come into church but would still like to honor our Lord by participating in this sacred experience, there is a sign-up posted online on our website, to volunteer to pray the Psalms at home during that same night.
Paschal Picnic
Following Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon (May 2 at about 2pm) we will gather at the picnic shelter in Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City) for an outdoor picnic and Easter Egg hunt. Bring food to share. No fasting restrictions!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the end of Paschal Matins.
May-June Calendars Available
The calendars listing services and events for the months of May and June are printed and available in the church narthex.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 30, 3 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-30
Friday, April 30, 7 pm - Lamentations - http://bit.ly/Lamentations4-30
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 9:00 am - Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy5-1
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 11:40 pm - Great and Holy Pascha - Rush Service, Matins, & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Pascha2021
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:30 pm - Agape Vespers - http://bit.ly/AgapeVespers5-2
Saturday, May 8, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-8
Sunday, May 9, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-9
Saturday, May 15, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-15
Sunday, May 16, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-16
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-22
Sunday, May 23, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-23
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-29
Sunday, May 30, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-30
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be to you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be to you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, you have believed because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name. (John 19:20-31)
Food for Thought
Today hath Hades groaned, crying: My power hath vanished, because I received a dead Man as one of the dead, but I could not hold him completely. Rather, I lost with Him those who were under my reign. From the beginning of time I have held control over the dead, but this One raised all. Wherefore, glory be to Thy Crucifixion and to Thy Resurrection, O Lord.
Stichera from Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Upcoming Services and Events
April 30, Holy Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am
+ Funeral Bier Decorating, 11:30am
+ Great Vespers (taking the Lord from the Cross), 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Lamentations Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Psalm Reading Vigil through the night, 9:30pm-9:00am
May 1, Holy Saturday
+ Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Paschal Rush Service, 11:40pm
May 2, Great and Holy Pascha
+ Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 12:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Agape Vespers, 12:30pm (live streamed on Facebook page) followed by
+ Paschal Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
May 4, Bright Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Paschal Hours, 12:00pm
May 5, Bright Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00-2:00pm
+ Paschal Hours, 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 6, Bright Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ Paschal Hours 12:00pm
+ Week Book Discussion and Fellowship. 7:00pm (on Zoom)
May 7, Bright Friday
+ Paschal Hours, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
May 8, Bright Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 9, Sunday (Thomas Sunday)
+ Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Coffee Hour
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Services and Overflow Considerations
We will hold the Holy Friday Lamentations Service (Fri- 7pm) and the Paschal Midnight Office/Matins (Sat.- 11:40pm) outside on our front porch. There will be no attendance limits for these two services. Following the conclusion of Paschal Matins, around 1:15am, we will proceed inside for Paschal Liturgy. Inside, we must limit attendance in the nave to those who have signed up. However, if you haven't signed up and want to attend, you will be able to stand in the narthex, on the porch or in our fellowship hall, where there will be a livestream on a TV.
A Patristic Homily on the Burial of the Divine Body of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
For some Patristic insight into what the Church is commemorating on Holy Friday and Holy Saturday, Dr. David Ford reads "A Patristic Homily on the Burial of the Divine Body of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" by St. Epiphanius of Cyprus. https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/sost/on_the_burial If you prefer to read the text instead of listening to the audio, the pdf file can be found here. https://steliascathedral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/St.-Epiphanius-Homily.pdf
Hierarchs' Paschal Letters
Please read the Paschal Letters from Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Anthony.
Memory Eternal
On Thursday, we marked the five year anniversary of the repose of Gabriela Muste's mother Viorica with Memorial Prayers for the Departed. A bouquet of flowers was given to the church in her memory.
Thank You
Thank you to Joseph Rowan, Maria-Lucia Cetlaus, Todd Wiblin, Karen Kuntz, Evren Sasmazer, Hannah Valentine and Lizzy Valentine for working to clean-up and beautify the church building and grounds right before Holy Week.
Paschal Feasting
We have fasted for about 7 weeks during Lent and Holy Week. Now, for the 40 day Paschal season, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays until the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on June 10. Celebrate the Risen Christ with good food!
Adjustment to Attendance Limits
We have been able to make some adjustments to our attendance limits to allow for more people. Including altar servers, choir members and greeters, up to 33 people can now attend indoor services.
Can You Read In A Language Other Than English?
If so, consider signing up to read the Agape Vespers Gospel selection, May 2 at 12:30pm. The text is John 20:19-25. We have copies in several dozen languages at the church.
Two Different Psalm-Reading Vigils
We will hold our traditional Psalm-reading Vigil in the church following the Holy Friday Lamentations Service. A sign-up, to volunteer for one hour time slots, is posted at church. However, if you can't or prefer not to come into church but would still like to honor our Lord by participating in this sacred experience, there is a sign-up posted online on our website, to volunteer to pray the Psalms at home during that same night.
Paschal Picnic
Following Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon (May 2 at about 2pm) we will gather at the picnic shelter in Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City) for an outdoor picnic and Easter Egg hunt. Bring food to share. No fasting restrictions!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the end of Paschal Matins.
May-June Calendars Available
The calendars listing services and events for the months of May and June are printed and available in the church narthex.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 30, 3 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-30
Friday, April 30, 7 pm - Lamentations - http://bit.ly/Lamentations4-30
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 9:00 am - Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy5-1
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 11:40 pm - Great and Holy Pascha - Rush Service, Matins, & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Pascha2021
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:30 pm - Agape Vespers - http://bit.ly/AgapeVespers5-2
Saturday, May 8, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-8
Sunday, May 9, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-9
Saturday, May 15, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-15
Sunday, May 16, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-16
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-22
Sunday, May 23, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-23
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers5-29
Sunday, May 30, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-30
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be to you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be to you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, you have believed because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name. (John 19:20-31)
Food for Thought
Today hath Hades groaned, crying: My power hath vanished, because I received a dead Man as one of the dead, but I could not hold him completely. Rather, I lost with Him those who were under my reign. From the beginning of time I have held control over the dead, but this One raised all. Wherefore, glory be to Thy Crucifixion and to Thy Resurrection, O Lord.
Stichera from Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday April 25, 2021- The Triumphal Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
Upcoming Services and Events
April 25, Palm Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page) followed by outdoor potluck
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 26, Holy Monday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 27, Holy Tuesday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 21, Holy Wednesday
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 9:00am
+ Holy Unction Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 29, Holy Thursday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00am
+ Rite of Footwashing, 6:00pm
+ Twelve Passion Gospels Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 30, Holy Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Decorating Funeral Bier, 11:30am
+ Great Vespers, 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Lamentations Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Psalm-Reading Vigils through the night
May 1, Holy Saturday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Rush Service, 11:40pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 2, Sunday (Great and Holy Pascha)
+ Paschal Matins and Liturgy, 12:00am (midnight) (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Agape Vespers, 12:30pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Paschal Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City), 2:00-4:00pm
Newest Announcements
Outside Liturgy and Potluck This Sunday
The weather is cooperating and so we will have matins and liturgy on the front porch for Palm Sunday. Wear a jacket. It may be a bit cool. No attendance limits and no need to sign up. Following liturgy, we will have a potluck picnic in the backyard. Bring fasting food (or fish!) to share.
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Adjustment to Attendance Limits
We have been able to make some adjustments to our attendance limits to allow for more people. Including altar servers, choir members and greeters, up to 33 people can now attend indoor services.
Metropolitan Joseph's Palm Sunday Letter
Metropolitan Joseph's Palm Sunday letter is attached for you to read.
Confession: It's not too Late!
There is still time to schedule your confession before Pascha. Come to the Heavenly Physician and let Him heal you.
Paschal Appeal Reminder
Does St. Raphael Church make a difference in your life? Have you benefited from what our parish has to offer you? If so, consider making a special Paschal donation to help us cover our expenses. Donations can be mailed to the church or they can be made online at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We are grateful for your support.
No Office Hours During Holy Week
Fr. Ignatius won't be holding office hours during Holy Week but he will be around the church plenty before, during and after services.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
Can You Read A Language Other Than English?
If so, consider signing up to read the Agape Vespers Gospel selection, May 2 at 12:30pm. The text is John 20:19-25. We have copies in several dozen languages at the church.
Two Different Psalm-Reading Vigils
We will hold our traditional Psalm-reading Vigil in the church following the Holy Friday Lamentations Service. A sign-up, to volunteer for one hour time slots, is posted at church. However, if you can't or prefer not to come into church but would still like to honor our Lord by participating in this sacred experience, there is a sign-up posted online on our website, to volunteer to pray the Psalms at home during that same night.
Paschal Picnic
Following Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon (about 2pm) we will gather at the picnic shelter in Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City) for an outdoor picnic and Easter Egg hunt. Bring food to share. No fasting restrictions!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
May-June Calendars Available
The calendars listing services and events for the months of May and June are printed and available in the church narthex.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Sunday, April 25, 8:45/10 am - Palm Sunday Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/PalmSunday4-25
Sunday, April 25, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-25
Monday, April 26, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-26
Tuesday, April 27, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-27
Wednesday, April 28, 9 am - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-28
Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm - Holy Unction - http://bit.ly/Unction4-28
Thursday, April 29, 9 am - St. Basil Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy4-29
Thursday, April 29, 6 pm - Rite of Footwashing - http://bit.ly/Footwashing4-29
Thursday, April 29, 7 pm - Twelve Passion Gospels Service - http://bit.ly/PassionGospels4-29
Friday, April 30, 9 am - Royal Hours - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours4-30
Friday, April 30, 3 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-30
Friday, April 30, 7 pm - Lamentations - http://bit.ly/Lamentations4-30
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 9:00 am - Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy5-1
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 11:40 pm - Great and Holy Pascha - Rush Service, Matins, & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Pascha2021
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:30 pm - Agape Vespers - http://bit.ly/AgapeVespers5-2
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world knew Him not. He came to His own home, and His own people received Him not. But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to Him, and cried, “This was He of Whom I said, ‘He Who comes after me ranks before me, for He was before me.’”) And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-17)
Food for Thought
"The Church is supra-political (above politics). The eternal government of Christ supersedes anything that happens politically on Earth. No loyalty is above the presentation of the Kingdom of God. If we grow mystically in the Body of Christ through sacramental participation in the Church, we continue to develop our spiritual bodies within our physical bodies - our political opinions are always secondary to our mystical growth and the content and quality of our faith."
-Bishop Anthony
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
April 25, Palm Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page) followed by outdoor potluck
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 26, Holy Monday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 27, Holy Tuesday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 21, Holy Wednesday
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 9:00am
+ Holy Unction Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 29, Holy Thursday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00am
+ Rite of Footwashing, 6:00pm
+ Twelve Passion Gospels Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 30, Holy Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Decorating Funeral Bier, 11:30am
+ Great Vespers, 3:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Lamentations Service, 7:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Psalm-Reading Vigils through the night
May 1, Holy Saturday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Rush Service, 11:40pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 2, Sunday (Great and Holy Pascha)
+ Paschal Matins and Liturgy, 12:00am (midnight) (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Agape Vespers, 12:30pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Paschal Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City), 2:00-4:00pm
Newest Announcements
Outside Liturgy and Potluck This Sunday
The weather is cooperating and so we will have matins and liturgy on the front porch for Palm Sunday. Wear a jacket. It may be a bit cool. No attendance limits and no need to sign up. Following liturgy, we will have a potluck picnic in the backyard. Bring fasting food (or fish!) to share.
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Adjustment to Attendance Limits
We have been able to make some adjustments to our attendance limits to allow for more people. Including altar servers, choir members and greeters, up to 33 people can now attend indoor services.
Metropolitan Joseph's Palm Sunday Letter
Metropolitan Joseph's Palm Sunday letter is attached for you to read.
Confession: It's not too Late!
There is still time to schedule your confession before Pascha. Come to the Heavenly Physician and let Him heal you.
Paschal Appeal Reminder
Does St. Raphael Church make a difference in your life? Have you benefited from what our parish has to offer you? If so, consider making a special Paschal donation to help us cover our expenses. Donations can be mailed to the church or they can be made online at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We are grateful for your support.
No Office Hours During Holy Week
Fr. Ignatius won't be holding office hours during Holy Week but he will be around the church plenty before, during and after services.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
Can You Read A Language Other Than English?
If so, consider signing up to read the Agape Vespers Gospel selection, May 2 at 12:30pm. The text is John 20:19-25. We have copies in several dozen languages at the church.
Two Different Psalm-Reading Vigils
We will hold our traditional Psalm-reading Vigil in the church following the Holy Friday Lamentations Service. A sign-up, to volunteer for one hour time slots, is posted at church. However, if you can't or prefer not to come into church but would still like to honor our Lord by participating in this sacred experience, there is a sign-up posted online on our website, to volunteer to pray the Psalms at home during that same night.
Paschal Picnic
Following Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon (about 2pm) we will gather at the picnic shelter in Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City) for an outdoor picnic and Easter Egg hunt. Bring food to share. No fasting restrictions!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
May-June Calendars Available
The calendars listing services and events for the months of May and June are printed and available in the church narthex.
Return Your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes
Following Pascha, please remember to return your Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes so that we can make sure the money goes where it needs to be.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 33. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Sunday, April 25, 8:45/10 am - Palm Sunday Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/PalmSunday4-25
Sunday, April 25, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-25
Monday, April 26, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-26
Tuesday, April 27, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-27
Wednesday, April 28, 9 am - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-28
Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm - Holy Unction - http://bit.ly/Unction4-28
Thursday, April 29, 9 am - St. Basil Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy4-29
Thursday, April 29, 6 pm - Rite of Footwashing - http://bit.ly/Footwashing4-29
Thursday, April 29, 7 pm - Twelve Passion Gospels Service - http://bit.ly/PassionGospels4-29
Friday, April 30, 9 am - Royal Hours - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours4-30
Friday, April 30, 3 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-30
Friday, April 30, 7 pm - Lamentations - http://bit.ly/Lamentations4-30
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 9:00 am - Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy5-1
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 11:40 pm - Great and Holy Pascha - Rush Service, Matins, & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Pascha2021
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:30 pm - Agape Vespers - http://bit.ly/AgapeVespers5-2
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world knew Him not. He came to His own home, and His own people received Him not. But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to Him, and cried, “This was He of Whom I said, ‘He Who comes after me ranks before me, for He was before me.’”) And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-17)
Food for Thought
"The Church is supra-political (above politics). The eternal government of Christ supersedes anything that happens politically on Earth. No loyalty is above the presentation of the Kingdom of God. If we grow mystically in the Body of Christ through sacramental participation in the Church, we continue to develop our spiritual bodies within our physical bodies - our political opinions are always secondary to our mystical growth and the content and quality of our faith."
-Bishop Anthony
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday April 18, 2021- Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt (5th Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
April 18, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Choir rehearsal, 1:00pm
April 20, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
April 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Soup Supper
April 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book Discussion and Fellowship Group, 7:00pm on Zoom
April 23, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus, 7:00pm
April 24, Saturday
+ Matins & Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday, 8:45am/10:00am
+ Clean-up Work Party, 1:00pm-4:30pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 25, Sunday (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Backyard Coffee Hour Potluck (weather permitting)
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Liturgy this Sunday
We are planning to have matins and liturgy on the porch and front yard this Sunday, April 18. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and a jacket. It will be a bit cool. There will be no attendance limits and there is no need to sign up online to attend.
Memorial Prayers for the Departed following Liturgy
Once a quarter, we are offering general Memorial Prayers for the Departed following Liturgy on Sunday, April 18. We will be praying for our departed loved ones this Sunday, April 18. If you have Orthodox loved ones who you want remembered and prayed for, send the list of names to Fr. Ignatius as soon as possible.
Choir Rehearsal
We are planning for a full choir to be able to sing during Pascha and in order to do so, we need to have one more rehearsal. All are welcome to join the choir, but if you want to sing in the choir for Pascha, please come to rehearsal on Sunday, April 18, 1:00-3:00pm.
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Palm Sunday Potluck Coffee Hour
If the weather cooperates, we will plan to have an outdoor potluck coffee hour in our back yard following liturgy on April 25. All are invited to bring some food to share.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 16, 7 pm- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn- http://bit.ly/Akathist4-16
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Wednesday, April 21, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-21
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Sunday, April 25, 8:45/10 am - Palm Sunday Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/PalmSunday4-25
Sunday, April 25, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-25
Monday, April 26, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-26
Tuesday, April 27, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-27
Wednesday, April 28, 9 am - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-28
Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm - Holy Unction - http://bit.ly/Unction4-28
Thursday, April 29, 9 am - St. Basil Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy4-29
Thursday, April 29, 6 pm - Rite of Footwashing - http://bit.ly/Footwashing4-29
Thursday, April 29, 7 pm - Twelve Passion Gospels Service - http://bit.ly/PassionGospels4-29
Friday, April 30, 9 am - Royal Hours - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours4-30
Friday, April 30, 3 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-30
Friday, April 30, 7 pm - Lamentations - http://bit.ly/Lamentations4-30
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 9:00 am - Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy5-1
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 11:40 pm - Great and Holy Pascha - Rush Service, Matins, & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Pascha2021
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:30 pm - Agape Vespers - http://bit.ly/AgapeVespers5-2
Assembly of Bishops Launches Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey
The Assembly of Bishops, comprised of all 51 Orthodox bishops in America, has recently put together a survey dealing with mental health, which is designed to better inform them about the mental health needs of Orthodox faithful, so that ministries and resources can be developed to address those needs. This survey consists of 30 questions an should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please consider taking it, and encouraging others you know to take it as well. The survey can be found at: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mental-health-task-force/mental-health-needs-assessment-survey
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign. (John 12:1-18)
Food for Thought
“You cut out the wild pursuits of your soul and the passions of the flesh with the sword of abstinence and self-control. You drowned out the images of immorality with the stillness of ascetic discipline. And you watered the entire desert with the river of your tears, and you produced for us the fruits of repentance. Therefore, O devout Saint Mary, we celebrate your memory."
from the service to St. Mary of Egypt
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
April 18, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Choir rehearsal, 1:00pm
April 20, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
April 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Soup Supper
April 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Book Discussion and Fellowship Group, 7:00pm on Zoom
April 23, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus, 7:00pm
April 24, Saturday
+ Matins & Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday, 8:45am/10:00am
+ Clean-up Work Party, 1:00pm-4:30pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 25, Sunday (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Backyard Coffee Hour Potluck (weather permitting)
Newest Announcements
Outdoor Liturgy this Sunday
We are planning to have matins and liturgy on the porch and front yard this Sunday, April 18. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and a jacket. It will be a bit cool. There will be no attendance limits and there is no need to sign up online to attend.
Memorial Prayers for the Departed following Liturgy
Once a quarter, we are offering general Memorial Prayers for the Departed following Liturgy on Sunday, April 18. We will be praying for our departed loved ones this Sunday, April 18. If you have Orthodox loved ones who you want remembered and prayed for, send the list of names to Fr. Ignatius as soon as possible.
Choir Rehearsal
We are planning for a full choir to be able to sing during Pascha and in order to do so, we need to have one more rehearsal. All are welcome to join the choir, but if you want to sing in the choir for Pascha, please come to rehearsal on Sunday, April 18, 1:00-3:00pm.
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Palm Sunday Potluck Coffee Hour
If the weather cooperates, we will plan to have an outdoor potluck coffee hour in our back yard following liturgy on April 25. All are invited to bring some food to share.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 16, 7 pm- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn- http://bit.ly/Akathist4-16
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Wednesday, April 21, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-21
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Sunday, April 25, 8:45/10 am - Palm Sunday Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/PalmSunday4-25
Sunday, April 25, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-25
Monday, April 26, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-26
Tuesday, April 27, 7 pm - Bridegroom Matins - http://bit.ly/Bridegroom4-27
Wednesday, April 28, 9 am - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-28
Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm - Holy Unction - http://bit.ly/Unction4-28
Thursday, April 29, 9 am - St. Basil Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy4-29
Thursday, April 29, 6 pm - Rite of Footwashing - http://bit.ly/Footwashing4-29
Thursday, April 29, 7 pm - Twelve Passion Gospels Service - http://bit.ly/PassionGospels4-29
Friday, April 30, 9 am - Royal Hours - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours4-30
Friday, April 30, 3 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-30
Friday, April 30, 7 pm - Lamentations - http://bit.ly/Lamentations4-30
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 9:00 am - Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy - http://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy5-1
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 11:40 pm - Great and Holy Pascha - Rush Service, Matins, & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Pascha2021
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:30 pm - Agape Vespers - http://bit.ly/AgapeVespers5-2
Assembly of Bishops Launches Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey
The Assembly of Bishops, comprised of all 51 Orthodox bishops in America, has recently put together a survey dealing with mental health, which is designed to better inform them about the mental health needs of Orthodox faithful, so that ministries and resources can be developed to address those needs. This survey consists of 30 questions an should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please consider taking it, and encouraging others you know to take it as well. The survey can be found at: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mental-health-task-force/mental-health-needs-assessment-survey
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign. (John 12:1-18)
Food for Thought
“You cut out the wild pursuits of your soul and the passions of the flesh with the sword of abstinence and self-control. You drowned out the images of immorality with the stillness of ascetic discipline. And you watered the entire desert with the river of your tears, and you produced for us the fruits of repentance. Therefore, O devout Saint Mary, we celebrate your memory."
from the service to St. Mary of Egypt
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday April 11, 2021- Sunday of St. John Climacus (4th Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
April 11, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00pm
April 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00pm
April 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew and Life of St. Mary of Egypt, 6:00pm
April 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 16, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00pm
April 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 18, Sunday (Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt- 5th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Choir Rehearsal, 1:00-3:00pm
Newest Announcements
Choir Rehearsals
We are planning for a full choir to be able to sing during Pascha and in order to do so, we need to have rehearsals. All are welcome to join the choir, but if you want to sing in the choir for Pascha, please come to both rehearsals if possible, but at minimum to one. These will be in person at church on Saturday, April 10, 2:00-4:30pm and Sunday, April 18, 1:00-3:00pm.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the great climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil through the night
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Volunteer Needed for Holy Bread
On Palm Sunday, April 25, we need a double batch of holy bread, Please sign-up at church or contact Fr. Ignatius if you are able to make the bread. The bread needs to be brought to the church no later than 6pm on Saturday, April 24.
Palm Sunday Potluck Coffee Hour
If the weather cooperates, we will plan to have an outdoor potluck coffee hour in our back yard following liturgy on April 25. All are invited to bring some food to share.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn http://bit.ly/Akathist4-9
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Wednesday, April 21, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-21
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Assembly of Bishops Launches Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey
The Assembly of Bishops, comprised of all 51 Orthodox bishops in America, has recently put together a survey dealing with mental health, which is designed to better inform them about the mental health needs of Orthodox faithful, so that ministries and resources can be developed to address those needs. This survey consists of 30 questions an should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please consider taking it, and encouraging others you know to take it as well. The survey can be found at: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mental-health-task-force/mental-health-needs-assessment-survey
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples, and began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:32-45)
Food for Thought
The Psalms: the torment and beauty and God-hungering and God-knowing- everything is in them; absolutely nothing whatsoever has been excluded, even the tiniest detail. Without the Gospels, of course, and the great teachings of Saint Paul, we couldn't finally know the Psalms in their true nature: as the perfect prayer-system. Our Lord knew this; He made His own life whole in and through the Psalms. The Gospels reflect His practice in this perfect system- for He alone brought it into perfection by the practice of it on the level of personhood.
As He accomplished this great work of making inward the Psalms, He made them into one unified and complete work. For prior to His accomplishment, the poems were spiritually scattered (though gathered into one text)- that is, they were "used" at certain liturgies of the Temple, but they were not experienced as one experience of personhood. Our Lord prayed them all, and so He made them all.. one, coherent.
Note well: He did not "personalize" the Psalms; rather, He made them responsive to His Personhood- that is: who He was (and is) in (and as) God. He accomplished the great work of making inward the Psalms. He made them into one unified and complete work....
-Donald Sheehan in The Shield of Psalmic Prayer, pp. 2-3
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
April 11, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00pm
April 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00pm
April 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew and Life of St. Mary of Egypt, 6:00pm
April 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 16, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00pm
April 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 18, Sunday (Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt- 5th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Choir Rehearsal, 1:00-3:00pm
Newest Announcements
Choir Rehearsals
We are planning for a full choir to be able to sing during Pascha and in order to do so, we need to have rehearsals. All are welcome to join the choir, but if you want to sing in the choir for Pascha, please come to both rehearsals if possible, but at minimum to one. These will be in person at church on Saturday, April 10, 2:00-4:30pm and Sunday, April 18, 1:00-3:00pm.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the great climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil through the night
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Volunteer Needed for Holy Bread
On Palm Sunday, April 25, we need a double batch of holy bread, Please sign-up at church or contact Fr. Ignatius if you are able to make the bread. The bread needs to be brought to the church no later than 6pm on Saturday, April 24.
Palm Sunday Potluck Coffee Hour
If the weather cooperates, we will plan to have an outdoor potluck coffee hour in our back yard following liturgy on April 25. All are invited to bring some food to share.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn http://bit.ly/Akathist4-9
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Wednesday, April 21, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-21
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Assembly of Bishops Launches Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey
The Assembly of Bishops, comprised of all 51 Orthodox bishops in America, has recently put together a survey dealing with mental health, which is designed to better inform them about the mental health needs of Orthodox faithful, so that ministries and resources can be developed to address those needs. This survey consists of 30 questions an should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please consider taking it, and encouraging others you know to take it as well. The survey can be found at: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mental-health-task-force/mental-health-needs-assessment-survey
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples, and began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:32-45)
Food for Thought
The Psalms: the torment and beauty and God-hungering and God-knowing- everything is in them; absolutely nothing whatsoever has been excluded, even the tiniest detail. Without the Gospels, of course, and the great teachings of Saint Paul, we couldn't finally know the Psalms in their true nature: as the perfect prayer-system. Our Lord knew this; He made His own life whole in and through the Psalms. The Gospels reflect His practice in this perfect system- for He alone brought it into perfection by the practice of it on the level of personhood.
As He accomplished this great work of making inward the Psalms, He made them into one unified and complete work. For prior to His accomplishment, the poems were spiritually scattered (though gathered into one text)- that is, they were "used" at certain liturgies of the Temple, but they were not experienced as one experience of personhood. Our Lord prayed them all, and so He made them all.. one, coherent.
Note well: He did not "personalize" the Psalms; rather, He made them responsive to His Personhood- that is: who He was (and is) in (and as) God. He accomplished the great work of making inward the Psalms. He made them into one unified and complete work....
-Donald Sheehan in The Shield of Psalmic Prayer, pp. 2-3
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday April 4, 2021- Sunday of the Exaltation of the Cross (3rd Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
April 4, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
April 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
April 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 9, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 11, Sunday (Sunday of St. John Climacus- 4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Liturgy on the Porch!
The weather is cooperating and so we will celebrate matins and liturgy outside on the front porch this Sunday, April 4. For this day, there will be no attendance restrictions and no need to sign-up online.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to the climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html or mailed to the church (722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240) and marked "Pascha Appeal."
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.” (Mark 9:17-31)
Food for Thought
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.
James 2:8
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
April 4, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
April 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
April 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 9, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 11, Sunday (Sunday of St. John Climacus- 4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Liturgy on the Porch!
The weather is cooperating and so we will celebrate matins and liturgy outside on the front porch this Sunday, April 4. For this day, there will be no attendance restrictions and no need to sign-up online.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to the climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html or mailed to the church (722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240) and marked "Pascha Appeal."
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.” (Mark 9:17-31)
Food for Thought
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.
James 2:8
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday March 28, 2021- Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
March 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 31, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 4, Sunday (Sunday of the Adoration of the Precious Cross- 3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Friday, April 2, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Sunday, April 4, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-4
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Food for Thought
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
March 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 31, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 4, Sunday (Sunday of the Adoration of the Precious Cross- 3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Friday, April 2, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Sunday, April 4, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-4
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Food for Thought
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday March 21, 2021- Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy (1st Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
March 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
March 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vespers for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Fish Dinner
March 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 28, Sunday (Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas- 2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Feast of Annunciation and Fish Dinner
We celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with two services this week: vespers on Wednesday at 6:00PM and Vesperal Liturgy on Thursday at 6:00PM. Because of the joyous nature of this feast, the Lenten Fast is relaxed and fish is allowed. There will be a take home fish dinner provided for all who attend Liturgy on Thursday evening. Don't miss it. Make sure to sign up for the services online.
A Virtual Retreat for Women
Antiochian Women Midwest is sponsoring a virtual retreat on March 27 with Mother Gabriella, abbess of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI. The title of her talk is The Theotokos: The Most Powerful Woman in the World. For more information, including how to register, open up the attached poster.
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
We are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and He was preaching the Word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now, some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all. So that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“God is everywhere. There is no place God is not…You cry out to Him, ‘Where art Thou, my God?’ And He answers, “I am present, my child! I am always beside you.’ Both inside and outside, above and below, wherever you turn, everything shouts, ‘God!’ In Him we live and move. We breathe God, we eat God, we clothe ourselves with God. Everything praises and blesses God. All of creation shouts His praise. Everything animate and inanimate speaks wondrously and glorifies the Creator. Let every breath praise the Lord!”
+ St. Joseph the Heyschast
March 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
March 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vespers for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Fish Dinner
March 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 28, Sunday (Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas- 2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Feast of Annunciation and Fish Dinner
We celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with two services this week: vespers on Wednesday at 6:00PM and Vesperal Liturgy on Thursday at 6:00PM. Because of the joyous nature of this feast, the Lenten Fast is relaxed and fish is allowed. There will be a take home fish dinner provided for all who attend Liturgy on Thursday evening. Don't miss it. Make sure to sign up for the services online.
A Virtual Retreat for Women
Antiochian Women Midwest is sponsoring a virtual retreat on March 27 with Mother Gabriella, abbess of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI. The title of her talk is The Theotokos: The Most Powerful Woman in the World. For more information, including how to register, open up the attached poster.
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
We are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and He was preaching the Word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now, some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all. So that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“God is everywhere. There is no place God is not…You cry out to Him, ‘Where art Thou, my God?’ And He answers, “I am present, my child! I am always beside you.’ Both inside and outside, above and below, wherever you turn, everything shouts, ‘God!’ In Him we live and move. We breathe God, we eat God, we clothe ourselves with God. Everything praises and blesses God. All of creation shouts His praise. Everything animate and inanimate speaks wondrously and glorifies the Creator. Let every breath praise the Lord!”
+ St. Joseph the Heyschast
Sunday March 14, 2021- Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)
Upcoming Services and Events
March 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
March 15, Monday
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Soup Supper
March 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy- 1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Spring Forward!
Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 14. Clocks will be set ahead one hour between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
A Video Message Previewing the First Week of Lent
To watch a brief video message from Fr. Ignatius on the services of the first week of Lent, go to: https://fb.watch/4a7nAeffS-/
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Cheesefare Sunday
After Sunday March 14, we give up dairy and eggs and on weekdays, wine and oil, entering fully into the Lenten fast. Let us be modest in what we consume, joyfully thanking God for everything we have, and using our resources to help others. In this, we can enter more fully into the spirit of the Fast, which is so much more than just abstaining from certain foods. If we abstain from certain foods but fail to work on repentance, loving our neighbors, and partaking more fully of the life of the Church, then all we have done is to embark upon a diet instead of a spiritual discipline.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
Once again, we are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Shelter House Book Sale Fundraiser
The annual fundraiser for the Shelter House homeless shelter in Iowa City is approaching. For more details, please see the attached poster.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:43-51)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
O ye faithful, with peaceful hearts and in sincerity let us greet the holy season of the Fast; let us each ask for the remission of his sins, that we may be sharers in the joy that comes through forgiveness.
-- From Ode Nine of the Canon for Monday of Cheese Week
March 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
March 15, Monday
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Soup Supper
March 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy- 1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Spring Forward!
Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 14. Clocks will be set ahead one hour between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
A Video Message Previewing the First Week of Lent
To watch a brief video message from Fr. Ignatius on the services of the first week of Lent, go to: https://fb.watch/4a7nAeffS-/
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Cheesefare Sunday
After Sunday March 14, we give up dairy and eggs and on weekdays, wine and oil, entering fully into the Lenten fast. Let us be modest in what we consume, joyfully thanking God for everything we have, and using our resources to help others. In this, we can enter more fully into the spirit of the Fast, which is so much more than just abstaining from certain foods. If we abstain from certain foods but fail to work on repentance, loving our neighbors, and partaking more fully of the life of the Church, then all we have done is to embark upon a diet instead of a spiritual discipline.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
Once again, we are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Shelter House Book Sale Fundraiser
The annual fundraiser for the Shelter House homeless shelter in Iowa City is approaching. For more details, please see the attached poster.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:43-51)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
O ye faithful, with peaceful hearts and in sincerity let us greet the holy season of the Fast; let us each ask for the remission of his sins, that we may be sharers in the joy that comes through forgiveness.
-- From Ode Nine of the Canon for Monday of Cheese Week
Sunday March 7, 2021- Sunday of the Final Judgment
Upcoming Services and Events
March 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting on Zoom, 1:30PM
March 10, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 14, Sunday (Forgiveness Sunday- Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
No Office Hours March 9-10
Fr. Ignatius will not be holding office hours on March 9 and 10. There will be no Hours prayers offered those days either.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with our local regulations and the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions.
Joint Statement on Religious and Political Extremism and Fundamentalism Issued
Metropolitan Joseph recently hosted Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America. They issued a joint statement which can be read here. https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/885
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Looking Ahead to Lent
Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20. Here is that schedule:
Sunday March 14, 6:00PM- Forgiveness Vespers
Monday March 15, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Tuesday March 16, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Wednesday March 17, 6:00PM- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts
Thursday March 18, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Friday March 19, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:14-21)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
When a man repents, he repents not only for himself, but for the whole Adam, for the whole creation.
- Archimandrite Zacharias of Essex
March 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting on Zoom, 1:30PM
March 10, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 14, Sunday (Forgiveness Sunday- Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
No Office Hours March 9-10
Fr. Ignatius will not be holding office hours on March 9 and 10. There will be no Hours prayers offered those days either.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with our local regulations and the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions.
Joint Statement on Religious and Political Extremism and Fundamentalism Issued
Metropolitan Joseph recently hosted Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America. They issued a joint statement which can be read here. https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/885
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Looking Ahead to Lent
Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20. Here is that schedule:
Sunday March 14, 6:00PM- Forgiveness Vespers
Monday March 15, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Tuesday March 16, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Wednesday March 17, 6:00PM- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts
Thursday March 18, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Friday March 19, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:14-21)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
When a man repents, he repents not only for himself, but for the whole Adam, for the whole creation.
- Archimandrite Zacharias of Essex
Sunday February 28, 2021- Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Upcoming Services and Events
February 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 7, Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgement- Meatfare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit Cancelled
Please pray for Bishop Anthony. While he was having dinner in Chicago last night, his car was stolen. Inside the car were his clothes, his vestments and his computer. He will not be able to come visit us this weekend. When we have rescheduled him, we will let you know.
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Thursday Nights
Now meeting weekly on Zoom throughout Lent, we are reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We started to use the Lenten Triodion in services on Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
Sunday, February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:6-11
February 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 7, Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgement- Meatfare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit Cancelled
Please pray for Bishop Anthony. While he was having dinner in Chicago last night, his car was stolen. Inside the car were his clothes, his vestments and his computer. He will not be able to come visit us this weekend. When we have rescheduled him, we will let you know.
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Thursday Nights
Now meeting weekly on Zoom throughout Lent, we are reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We started to use the Lenten Triodion in services on Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
Sunday, February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:6-11
Sunday February 21, 2021- Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
Upcoming Services and Events
February 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 28, Sunday (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have slightly increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:11-32)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"The meaning of ‘to deny oneself’ is this: courageously to persevere in prayer.”
St. Isaac of Syria, Ascetical Homilies, 66
February 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 28, Sunday (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have slightly increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:11-32)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"The meaning of ‘to deny oneself’ is this: courageously to persevere in prayer.”
St. Isaac of Syria, Ascetical Homilies, 66
Sunday February 14, 2021- Sunday of the Canaanite Woman
Upcoming Services and Events
February 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1. Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3.
https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Hierarchical Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Hierarchical Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“What an honor it is to my nature that in the small chamber constituting my dwelling-place, or in my heart, I am able to converse with Him Who upholds heaven and earth in His right hand, Whom the powers of heaven serve in fear, with Him Who is infinite love!”
—St John of Kronstadt
February 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1. Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3.
https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Hierarchical Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Hierarchical Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“What an honor it is to my nature that in the small chamber constituting my dwelling-place, or in my heart, I am able to converse with Him Who upholds heaven and earth in His right hand, Whom the powers of heaven serve in fear, with Him Who is infinite love!”
—St John of Kronstadt
Sunday February 7, 2021- Afterfeast of the Presentation of the Lord
Upcoming Services and Events
January 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 14, Sunday (Sunday of the Canaanite Woman)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Online Orthodox Marriage Retreat, February 13
Marriage is hard work. Sometimes, it's harder than it needs to be because we don't have the right tools to help us in our struggles. Join Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh for a life-giving online marriage retreat. Drawing on their professional experience as a priest and a psychologist, and their personal experience as a married couple, the Louhs will help you understand what makes couples argue and how you can turn those hard times into strengths. As you learn more about the mind and heart of your marriage, you'll be more able to renew the love that forms the foundation of your relationship.
To register, go to:https://store.ancientfaith.com/renewing-your-marriage-retreat/ Only one registration is needed per couple/household. Registration for this event will close on Wednesday, February 10 at 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time. Fee is $40 per couple.
Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on Wednesday, February 10.
Retreat is on Saturday, February 13, 2021, 9:30 am - 2:15 pm CST
Sessions: Uncommon Love: Understand how faith and psychology contribute to your journey toward lasting love. Learn practical steps you can take to rediscover and nurture the foundation of your marriage.
Uncommon Conflict: Discover the root causes of conflict in marriage, both with your spouse and within yourself. Learn proven techniques you can use to handle anger and disagreement, turning conflict into a source of strength.
Q&A: ask your questions and get answers!
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released soon. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Contact him to schedule a time for him to come.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her one word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:21-28)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"To know that Christ died is history. To believe that He died for me is salvation."
- St. Theophan the Recluse
January 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 14, Sunday (Sunday of the Canaanite Woman)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Online Orthodox Marriage Retreat, February 13
Marriage is hard work. Sometimes, it's harder than it needs to be because we don't have the right tools to help us in our struggles. Join Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh for a life-giving online marriage retreat. Drawing on their professional experience as a priest and a psychologist, and their personal experience as a married couple, the Louhs will help you understand what makes couples argue and how you can turn those hard times into strengths. As you learn more about the mind and heart of your marriage, you'll be more able to renew the love that forms the foundation of your relationship.
To register, go to:https://store.ancientfaith.com/renewing-your-marriage-retreat/ Only one registration is needed per couple/household. Registration for this event will close on Wednesday, February 10 at 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time. Fee is $40 per couple.
Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on Wednesday, February 10.
Retreat is on Saturday, February 13, 2021, 9:30 am - 2:15 pm CST
Sessions: Uncommon Love: Understand how faith and psychology contribute to your journey toward lasting love. Learn practical steps you can take to rediscover and nurture the foundation of your marriage.
Uncommon Conflict: Discover the root causes of conflict in marriage, both with your spouse and within yourself. Learn proven techniques you can use to handle anger and disagreement, turning conflict into a source of strength.
Q&A: ask your questions and get answers!
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released soon. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Contact him to schedule a time for him to come.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her one word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:21-28)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"To know that Christ died is history. To believe that He died for me is salvation."
- St. Theophan the Recluse
Sunday January 31, 2021, Zacchaeus Sunday
Upcoming Services and Events
January 31, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 1, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Presentation of the Lord, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
February 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 7, Sunday (Afterfeast of the Presentation of the Lord)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Assembly of Bishops Statement Regarding Developments in Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccines & Immunizations
To read this timely statement, go to: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/836
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. Sign up to participate here!
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita.
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
February 1, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - http://bit.ly/Presentation2-1
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 8:8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
As salt is needed for all kinds of food, so humility is needed for all kinds of virtues.
- St. Isaac of Syria
January 31, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 1, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Presentation of the Lord, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
February 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 7, Sunday (Afterfeast of the Presentation of the Lord)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Assembly of Bishops Statement Regarding Developments in Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccines & Immunizations
To read this timely statement, go to: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/836
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. Sign up to participate here!
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita.
- February 1, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 3: The Blessing of Fasting
- February 8, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 4: Examining Exercise
- February 15, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 5: Stomping Out Stress
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
February 1, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - http://bit.ly/Presentation2-1
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 8:8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
As salt is needed for all kinds of food, so humility is needed for all kinds of virtues.
- St. Isaac of Syria
Sunday January 24, 2021, St. Xenia of St. Petersburg
Upcoming Services and Events
January 24, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 26, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
January 27, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 28, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 29, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 30, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 31, Sunday (Zacchaeus Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."
I John 4:7-9
January 24, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 26, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
January 27, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 28, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 29, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 30, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 31, Sunday (Zacchaeus Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
- January 25, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 2: Eating in Balance
- February 1, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 3: The Blessing of Fasting
- February 8, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 4: Examining Exercise
- February 15, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 5: Stomping Out Stress
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."
I John 4:7-9
Sunday January 17, 2021, St. Anthony the Great
Upcoming Services and Events
January 17, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 23, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 24, Sunday (St. Xenia of St. Petersburg, Fool-for-Christ)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
Holy Dormition Monastery Micro-Retreat on Zoom The nuns of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI, along with area clergy, are hosting a micro-retreat on Zoom on Thursday, January 21 starting at 3:45PM CST. For more information and to register, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4116104861477/WN_IGwcv0RVQOW05kesL6_zmw?fbclid=IwAR2X08h-3_ahhupf5pK7K1EoIE2LcQVIEQE87ZOI3GQ3eTg9FoR92zK2XdE
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Local News Coverage of Blessing of Water
To read local news coverage on our recent outdoor blessing of the waters service, go to: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/orthodox-churches-bless-iowa-river-and-look-to-faith-for-a-bright-future
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-6:2
January 17, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 23, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 24, Sunday (St. Xenia of St. Petersburg, Fool-for-Christ)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
- January 18, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 1: What's Good and Proper to Eat?
- January 25, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 2: Eating in Balance
- February 1, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 3: The Blessing of Fasting
- February 8, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 4: Examining Exercise
- February 15, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 5: Stomping Out Stress
Holy Dormition Monastery Micro-Retreat on Zoom The nuns of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI, along with area clergy, are hosting a micro-retreat on Zoom on Thursday, January 21 starting at 3:45PM CST. For more information and to register, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4116104861477/WN_IGwcv0RVQOW05kesL6_zmw?fbclid=IwAR2X08h-3_ahhupf5pK7K1EoIE2LcQVIEQE87ZOI3GQ3eTg9FoR92zK2XdE
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Local News Coverage of Blessing of Water
To read local news coverage on our recent outdoor blessing of the waters service, go to: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/orthodox-churches-bless-iowa-river-and-look-to-faith-for-a-bright-future
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-6:2
Sunday January 10, 2021, Sunday after Theophany
Upcoming Services and Events
January 10, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 12, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 13, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 14, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 15, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM (on Zoom)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 17, Sunday (St. Anthony the Great)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we will do again with akathists on Wednesday nights, beginning January 13. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are resuming on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:12-19)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”
― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956
January 10, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 12, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 13, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 14, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 15, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM (on Zoom)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 17, Sunday (St. Anthony the Great)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we will do again with akathists on Wednesday nights, beginning January 13. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are resuming on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:12-19)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”
― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956
Sunday January 3, 2021, Sunday before Theophany
Upcoming Services and Events
January 3, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 5, Tuesday
+ Royal Hours for Theophany, 9:00AM
+ Matins and Liturgy for Theophany, 5:00PM
January 6, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (livestreamed on Facebook page)
January 7, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 8, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 10, Sunday (Sunday after Theophany)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 2, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-2
January 3, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-3
January 5, 9am- Royal Hours for Theophany - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours1-5
January 5, 5pm- Matins & Liturgy for Theophany - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-5
January 6, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist1-6
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
Mortgage Loan News
Your Parish Council was able to recently refinance our building's mortgage loan, lowering the interest rate from 4.35% to 4%.
January/February Calendars Available
Calendars listing the services and other events scheduled for the months of January and February are available to pick up at church.
Theophany Services
Tuesday, January 5- Royal Hours, 9:00AM; Matins & Liturgy, 5:00PM
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are taking three weeks off and will resume on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:12-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
The more one reads and studies the Bible, the more he finds reasons to study it as often and as frequently as he can. According to St. John Chrysostom, it is like an aromatic root, which produces more and more aroma the more it is rubbed.
Just as important as knowing why we should read the Bible is knowing how we should read the Bible.
The best guides for this are the holy Fathers, headed by St. John Chrysostom who, in a manner of speaking, has written a fifth Gospel.
The holy Fathers recommend serious preparation before reading and studying the Bible; but of what does this preparation consist?
First of all in prayer. Pray to the Lord to illuminate your mind--so that you may understand the words of the Bible--and to fill your heart with His grace--so that you may feel the truth and life of those words.
Be aware that these are God's words, which He is speaking and saying to you personally. Prayer, together with the other virtues found in the Gospel, is the best preparation a person can have for understanding the Bible.
How should we read the Bible? Prayerfully and reverently, for in each word there is another drop of eternal truth, and all the words together make up the boundless ocean of the Eternal Truth.
-- "How to Read the Bible and Why," an essay excerpt by St. Justin Popović
January 3, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 5, Tuesday
+ Royal Hours for Theophany, 9:00AM
+ Matins and Liturgy for Theophany, 5:00PM
January 6, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (livestreamed on Facebook page)
January 7, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 8, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 10, Sunday (Sunday after Theophany)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 2, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-2
January 3, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-3
January 5, 9am- Royal Hours for Theophany - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours1-5
January 5, 5pm- Matins & Liturgy for Theophany - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-5
January 6, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist1-6
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
Mortgage Loan News
Your Parish Council was able to recently refinance our building's mortgage loan, lowering the interest rate from 4.35% to 4%.
January/February Calendars Available
Calendars listing the services and other events scheduled for the months of January and February are available to pick up at church.
Theophany Services
Tuesday, January 5- Royal Hours, 9:00AM; Matins & Liturgy, 5:00PM
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are taking three weeks off and will resume on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:12-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
The more one reads and studies the Bible, the more he finds reasons to study it as often and as frequently as he can. According to St. John Chrysostom, it is like an aromatic root, which produces more and more aroma the more it is rubbed.
Just as important as knowing why we should read the Bible is knowing how we should read the Bible.
The best guides for this are the holy Fathers, headed by St. John Chrysostom who, in a manner of speaking, has written a fifth Gospel.
The holy Fathers recommend serious preparation before reading and studying the Bible; but of what does this preparation consist?
First of all in prayer. Pray to the Lord to illuminate your mind--so that you may understand the words of the Bible--and to fill your heart with His grace--so that you may feel the truth and life of those words.
Be aware that these are God's words, which He is speaking and saying to you personally. Prayer, together with the other virtues found in the Gospel, is the best preparation a person can have for understanding the Bible.
How should we read the Bible? Prayerfully and reverently, for in each word there is another drop of eternal truth, and all the words together make up the boundless ocean of the Eternal Truth.
-- "How to Read the Bible and Why," an essay excerpt by St. Justin Popović
