Sunday November 22, 2020, 24th Sunday after Pentecost
-- Upcoming Services and Events
November 22, 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
November 24, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 25, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 27, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
November 28, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 29, Sunday (25th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Thanksgiving Holiday
There will be no Wednesday evening service this week, nor office hours on Thursday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Important!- Changes Due to COVID
There will be no in-person attendance at services for at least the next several weeks. Father will still be serving the services, but Kh. Maria, Lizzy and Josiah will be the only chanters/assistants and the church will not be open for attendance. We will continue to livestream the services on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity If Johnson County in particular, and Iowa more generally can "flatten the curve" and get the virus back under some measure of control soon, we will take gradual steps to open back up to limited attendance as before.
The Medicine of Immortality
Father Ignatius will still be holding his regular office hours (Tues.-Thurs. 11-2, Fri. 9:15-12) and he welcomes anyone who wants to, to schedule an appointment to talk, to make a confession and/or to receive the Eucharist. If these hours don't work with your schedule and you still want to meet, let him know and he will work something out with you. As the Eucharist is so central to a healthy spiritual life, Father strongly encourages everyone to consider preparing themselves through self-examination, fasting and possibly confession (if it has been awhile) and to make an appointment so that you can receive the Lord's Body and Blood. We need the grace that comes to us through the sacraments. Jesus is our Life! During this time of forced separation, let us all work a little harder to reach out to each other and to check in on one another. We are woven together as a family through our mutual love of Christ. Let's keep each other in prayer.
Pledge Drive Update as of 11/18/2020
Currently, we have received 23 pledges, including 3 new pledges, for a total of $6,715 monthly to the General Fund and $1605 toward our Mortgage payment. That still leaves us significantly short for our general expenses. Our expenses this year (January through October) averaged $8,296.60 per month. We are also short by $246 for our monthly mortgage payment of $1851.00. If you are considering making a pledge for 2021, please let our treasurer, Karen Kuntz, know as soon as possible. You can make a pledge electronically on the church website: www.raphaelchurch.orgor email Karen at treasurerraphael@gmail.com.
Weekly Children's Message
Continuing weekly on Saturdays for at least the duration of the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be recording and posting a special message for the kids of the parish. These short videos will be posted to the church's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sermon Series: Highlights from the Pre-Communion Prayers
Beginning November 15 and continuing every Sunday throughout the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be preaching on some of the highlights from the nine pre-Communion Prayers that are commonly found in Orthodox prayer books.
Nativity Fast
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
Annual Voters' Meeting- Save the Date!
Our annual Voters' Meeting will be on Sunday, December 6 at 1:30PM on Zoom. Even though the meeting will be virtual we still need your participation. We will elect a member to the parish council, discuss and vote on a budget, and discuss and assess where we are at as a church after this most unusual year.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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)
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
Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy.
-- Fr. Alexander Schmemann
November 22, 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
November 24, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 25, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 27, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
November 28, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 29, Sunday (25th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Thanksgiving Holiday
There will be no Wednesday evening service this week, nor office hours on Thursday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Important!- Changes Due to COVID
There will be no in-person attendance at services for at least the next several weeks. Father will still be serving the services, but Kh. Maria, Lizzy and Josiah will be the only chanters/assistants and the church will not be open for attendance. We will continue to livestream the services on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity If Johnson County in particular, and Iowa more generally can "flatten the curve" and get the virus back under some measure of control soon, we will take gradual steps to open back up to limited attendance as before.
The Medicine of Immortality
Father Ignatius will still be holding his regular office hours (Tues.-Thurs. 11-2, Fri. 9:15-12) and he welcomes anyone who wants to, to schedule an appointment to talk, to make a confession and/or to receive the Eucharist. If these hours don't work with your schedule and you still want to meet, let him know and he will work something out with you. As the Eucharist is so central to a healthy spiritual life, Father strongly encourages everyone to consider preparing themselves through self-examination, fasting and possibly confession (if it has been awhile) and to make an appointment so that you can receive the Lord's Body and Blood. We need the grace that comes to us through the sacraments. Jesus is our Life! During this time of forced separation, let us all work a little harder to reach out to each other and to check in on one another. We are woven together as a family through our mutual love of Christ. Let's keep each other in prayer.
Pledge Drive Update as of 11/18/2020
Currently, we have received 23 pledges, including 3 new pledges, for a total of $6,715 monthly to the General Fund and $1605 toward our Mortgage payment. That still leaves us significantly short for our general expenses. Our expenses this year (January through October) averaged $8,296.60 per month. We are also short by $246 for our monthly mortgage payment of $1851.00. If you are considering making a pledge for 2021, please let our treasurer, Karen Kuntz, know as soon as possible. You can make a pledge electronically on the church website: www.raphaelchurch.orgor email Karen at treasurerraphael@gmail.com.
Weekly Children's Message
Continuing weekly on Saturdays for at least the duration of the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be recording and posting a special message for the kids of the parish. These short videos will be posted to the church's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sermon Series: Highlights from the Pre-Communion Prayers
Beginning November 15 and continuing every Sunday throughout the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be preaching on some of the highlights from the nine pre-Communion Prayers that are commonly found in Orthodox prayer books.
Nativity Fast
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
Annual Voters' Meeting- Save the Date!
Our annual Voters' Meeting will be on Sunday, December 6 at 1:30PM on Zoom. Even though the meeting will be virtual we still need your participation. We will elect a member to the parish council, discuss and vote on a budget, and discuss and assess where we are at as a church after this most unusual year.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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)
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
Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy.
-- Fr. Alexander Schmemann
Sunday November 15, 2020, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
November 15, 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
November 17, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 18, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
November 19, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
November 20, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
November 21, Saturday
+ Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple, 10:00AM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 22, Sunday (24th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Important!- Changes Due to COVID
Starting immediately, there will be no in-person attendance at services for at least the next several weeks. Father will still be serving the services, but Kh. Maria, Lizzy and Josiah will be the only chanters/assistants and the church will not be open for attendance. We will continue to livestream the services on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity. If Johnson County in particular, and Iowa more generally can "flatten the curve" and get the virus back under some measure of control soon, we will take gradual steps to open back up to limited attendance as before.
The Medicine of Immortality
Father Ignatius will still be holding his regular office hours (Tues.-Thurs. 11-2, Fri. 9:15-12) and he welcomes anyone who wants to, to schedule an appointment to talk, to make a confession and/or to receive the Eucharist. If these hours don't work with your schedule and you still want to meet, let him know and he will work something out with you. As the Eucharist is so central to a healthy spiritual life, Father strongly encourages everyone to consider preparing themselves through self-examination, fasting and possibly confession (if it has been awhile) and to make an appointment so that you can receive the Lord's Body and Blood. We need the grace that comes to us through the sacraments. Jesus is our Life! During this time of forced separation, let us all work a little harder to reach out to each other and to check in on one another. We are woven together as a family through our mutual love of Christ. Let's keep each other in prayer.
Weekly Children's Message
Beginning on November 14 and continuing weekly on Saturdays for at least the duration of the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be recording and posting a special message for the kids of the parish. These short videos will be posted to the church's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity .
Sermon Series: Highlights from the Pre-Communion Prayers
Beginning November 15 and continuing every Sunday throughout the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be preaching on some of the highlights from the nine pre-Communion Prayers that are commonly found in Orthodox prayer books.
Pledge Drive Update as of 11/12/2020
We currently have received 13 pledges, including two new pledges, for a total of $5,720 monthly to the General Fund and $1,394 for our Mortgage. I am currently working on a budget for next year. Our expenses are between $8- and $9,000 per month and our mortgage payment is currently $1,851. As you can see, we have a long way to go! If you are planning to pledge for 2021, please let me know ASAP. You can complete a confidential pledge form electronically here: www.raphaelchurch.org, email me at treasurerraphael@gmail.com, or return a paper form (available at the church, or email me and I can get one in the mail to you.) We will discuss the results of the pledge drive and a proposed budget at our Annual Meeting on December 6th. These are uncertain and challenging times for everyone. St Raphael is an anchor and a beacon of hope to all of us, and to the Iowa City community. Please help us keep the light of Orthodoxy shining brightly!
Thank you!
Karen Kuntz, Treasurer
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
No Virtual Coffee Hour on November 15
See next announcement for the reason why.
Virtual Presentation of C. S. Lewis's "Great Divorce" Novel
Are you a fan of C. S. Lewis? You have the opportunity to watch (for free!) an online dramatization of Lewis's quirky and thought-provoking novel which deals with heaven and hell. It will be broadcast online at 3:00PM CST on Sunday, November 15. Registration can be found at this link. https://fpatheatre.com/tour/tgd-general-public/ Instead of our regular virtual coffee hour, all who are interested can convene on Zoom at 5:00PM to discuss the presentation. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos Liturgy Rescheduled
Liturgy for this Great Feast is moved from 6:00PM on Friday, November 20, to 10:00AM on Saturday, November 21.
Annual Voters' Meeting- Save the Date!
Our annual Voters' Meeting will be on Sunday, December 6 at 1:30PM on Zoom. Even though the meeting will be virtual we still need your participation. We will elect a member to the parish council, discuss and vote on a budget, and discuss and assess where we are at as a church after this most unusual year.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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: “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” As He said this, Jesus called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 12:16-21)
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
In times of temptation, the weak look for who to blame. The strong look for God.
St. John Chrysostom
November 15, 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
November 17, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 18, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
November 19, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
November 20, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
November 21, Saturday
+ Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple, 10:00AM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 22, Sunday (24th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Important!- Changes Due to COVID
Starting immediately, there will be no in-person attendance at services for at least the next several weeks. Father will still be serving the services, but Kh. Maria, Lizzy and Josiah will be the only chanters/assistants and the church will not be open for attendance. We will continue to livestream the services on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity. If Johnson County in particular, and Iowa more generally can "flatten the curve" and get the virus back under some measure of control soon, we will take gradual steps to open back up to limited attendance as before.
The Medicine of Immortality
Father Ignatius will still be holding his regular office hours (Tues.-Thurs. 11-2, Fri. 9:15-12) and he welcomes anyone who wants to, to schedule an appointment to talk, to make a confession and/or to receive the Eucharist. If these hours don't work with your schedule and you still want to meet, let him know and he will work something out with you. As the Eucharist is so central to a healthy spiritual life, Father strongly encourages everyone to consider preparing themselves through self-examination, fasting and possibly confession (if it has been awhile) and to make an appointment so that you can receive the Lord's Body and Blood. We need the grace that comes to us through the sacraments. Jesus is our Life! During this time of forced separation, let us all work a little harder to reach out to each other and to check in on one another. We are woven together as a family through our mutual love of Christ. Let's keep each other in prayer.
Weekly Children's Message
Beginning on November 14 and continuing weekly on Saturdays for at least the duration of the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be recording and posting a special message for the kids of the parish. These short videos will be posted to the church's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity .
Sermon Series: Highlights from the Pre-Communion Prayers
Beginning November 15 and continuing every Sunday throughout the Nativity Fast, Fr. Ignatius will be preaching on some of the highlights from the nine pre-Communion Prayers that are commonly found in Orthodox prayer books.
Pledge Drive Update as of 11/12/2020
We currently have received 13 pledges, including two new pledges, for a total of $5,720 monthly to the General Fund and $1,394 for our Mortgage. I am currently working on a budget for next year. Our expenses are between $8- and $9,000 per month and our mortgage payment is currently $1,851. As you can see, we have a long way to go! If you are planning to pledge for 2021, please let me know ASAP. You can complete a confidential pledge form electronically here: www.raphaelchurch.org, email me at treasurerraphael@gmail.com, or return a paper form (available at the church, or email me and I can get one in the mail to you.) We will discuss the results of the pledge drive and a proposed budget at our Annual Meeting on December 6th. These are uncertain and challenging times for everyone. St Raphael is an anchor and a beacon of hope to all of us, and to the Iowa City community. Please help us keep the light of Orthodoxy shining brightly!
Thank you!
Karen Kuntz, Treasurer
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
No Virtual Coffee Hour on November 15
See next announcement for the reason why.
Virtual Presentation of C. S. Lewis's "Great Divorce" Novel
Are you a fan of C. S. Lewis? You have the opportunity to watch (for free!) an online dramatization of Lewis's quirky and thought-provoking novel which deals with heaven and hell. It will be broadcast online at 3:00PM CST on Sunday, November 15. Registration can be found at this link. https://fpatheatre.com/tour/tgd-general-public/ Instead of our regular virtual coffee hour, all who are interested can convene on Zoom at 5:00PM to discuss the presentation. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos Liturgy Rescheduled
Liturgy for this Great Feast is moved from 6:00PM on Friday, November 20, to 10:00AM on Saturday, November 21.
Annual Voters' Meeting- Save the Date!
Our annual Voters' Meeting will be on Sunday, December 6 at 1:30PM on Zoom. Even though the meeting will be virtual we still need your participation. We will elect a member to the parish council, discuss and vote on a budget, and discuss and assess where we are at as a church after this most unusual year.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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: “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” As He said this, Jesus called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 12:16-21)
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
In times of temptation, the weak look for who to blame. The strong look for God.
St. John Chrysostom
Sunday November 8, 2020, Synaxis of the Holy Archangels
Upcoming Services and Events
November 8, 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
November 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
November 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
November 13, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7:00PM
November 14, Saturday
+ Matins and Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:45/10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 15, Sunday (23rd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sunday November 8 Services Outside
The weather looks to be cooperative to have matins and liturgy on our front porch this Sunday, November 8. That being the case, there will be no attendance restrictions for those services.
Pledge Drive Update
We have received pledges totaling $4,850 for the General Fund, and $1195 for the Mortgage. If you are a regular pledging household, please return your pledge as soon as possible. If you have not made a pledge commitment in the past, please prayerfully consider it. Yes, giving to the church pays our bills, but the spiritual benefits of tithing make the giver far richer!
The Parish Council needs your responses by November 15th to create a prudent budget for 2021. You can access information on the 2021 Pledge Drive, and an online pledge form, on the home page of our website at www.raphaelchurch.org. Printed copies are available in the church narthex. If you would like a paper copy mailed to you, please let Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Karen know.
Help Feed the Hungry Sat. Nov. 14-
The Catholic Worker House in Iowa City provides a nutritious, free meal for 60 people each Saturday and Sunday, supplied by volunteers. St. Raphael parish will provide this food on Sat. Nov. 14 in honor of our patron saint. We are planning a pulled-pork sandwich meal, and we need volunteers to sign up to bring items here. Options still available are 20 servings of coleslaw, 40 servings of quartered pickle spears, 60 servings of veggies (like baby carrots, grape tomatoes, etc.); feel free to sign up for one or more options. We will each drop off our food at the backdoor of the CWH between 3:30-3:45pm on Sat. 11/14. The Catholic Worker House staff will assemble and package the meals. They are located across the street from Kirkwood Community College on Lower Muscatine Road; look for their food pantry by the sidewalk and the colorful Catholic Worker mural (painted by former St. Raphael member Tony Carter!) on their garage. These meals are much appreciated by their patrons in this time of need. When we feed the hungry, we are serving the Lord: “I was hungry, and you fed Me” (Matthew 25:35).
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
No Virtual Coffee Hour on November 15
See next announcement for the reason why.
Virtual Presentation of C. S. Lewis's "Great Divorce" Novel
Are you a fan of C. S. Lewis? You have the opportunity to watch (for free!) an online dramatization of Lewis's quirky and thought-provoking novel which deals with heaven and hell. It will be broadcast online at 3:00PM CST on Sunday, November 15. Registration can be found at this link. https://fpatheatre.com/tour/tgd-general-public/ Instead of our regular virtual coffee hour, all who are interested can convene on Zoom at 5:00PM to discuss the presentation. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Looking for a Gift?
Help keep Orthodox Christian vestment tradition alive! Krista West, ecclesiastical tailor, now offers folk embroidery kits and patterns inspired by traditional motifs and designs from many Orthodox lands (Greek, Balkan, Ukrainian, etc) at her Avlea Folk Embroidery website, www.avlea.life. The finished pieces are wonderful for decorating a home or icon corner and are helping keep her vestment workshop open during the COVID economic downturn.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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)
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 then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Colossians 3:1-4
November 8, 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
November 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
November 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
November 13, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7:00PM
November 14, Saturday
+ Matins and Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:45/10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 15, Sunday (23rd Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sunday November 8 Services Outside
The weather looks to be cooperative to have matins and liturgy on our front porch this Sunday, November 8. That being the case, there will be no attendance restrictions for those services.
Pledge Drive Update
We have received pledges totaling $4,850 for the General Fund, and $1195 for the Mortgage. If you are a regular pledging household, please return your pledge as soon as possible. If you have not made a pledge commitment in the past, please prayerfully consider it. Yes, giving to the church pays our bills, but the spiritual benefits of tithing make the giver far richer!
The Parish Council needs your responses by November 15th to create a prudent budget for 2021. You can access information on the 2021 Pledge Drive, and an online pledge form, on the home page of our website at www.raphaelchurch.org. Printed copies are available in the church narthex. If you would like a paper copy mailed to you, please let Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Karen know.
Help Feed the Hungry Sat. Nov. 14-
The Catholic Worker House in Iowa City provides a nutritious, free meal for 60 people each Saturday and Sunday, supplied by volunteers. St. Raphael parish will provide this food on Sat. Nov. 14 in honor of our patron saint. We are planning a pulled-pork sandwich meal, and we need volunteers to sign up to bring items here. Options still available are 20 servings of coleslaw, 40 servings of quartered pickle spears, 60 servings of veggies (like baby carrots, grape tomatoes, etc.); feel free to sign up for one or more options. We will each drop off our food at the backdoor of the CWH between 3:30-3:45pm on Sat. 11/14. The Catholic Worker House staff will assemble and package the meals. They are located across the street from Kirkwood Community College on Lower Muscatine Road; look for their food pantry by the sidewalk and the colorful Catholic Worker mural (painted by former St. Raphael member Tony Carter!) on their garage. These meals are much appreciated by their patrons in this time of need. When we feed the hungry, we are serving the Lord: “I was hungry, and you fed Me” (Matthew 25:35).
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
No Virtual Coffee Hour on November 15
See next announcement for the reason why.
Virtual Presentation of C. S. Lewis's "Great Divorce" Novel
Are you a fan of C. S. Lewis? You have the opportunity to watch (for free!) an online dramatization of Lewis's quirky and thought-provoking novel which deals with heaven and hell. It will be broadcast online at 3:00PM CST on Sunday, November 15. Registration can be found at this link. https://fpatheatre.com/tour/tgd-general-public/ Instead of our regular virtual coffee hour, all who are interested can convene on Zoom at 5:00PM to discuss the presentation. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Looking for a Gift?
Help keep Orthodox Christian vestment tradition alive! Krista West, ecclesiastical tailor, now offers folk embroidery kits and patterns inspired by traditional motifs and designs from many Orthodox lands (Greek, Balkan, Ukrainian, etc) at her Avlea Folk Embroidery website, www.avlea.life. The finished pieces are wonderful for decorating a home or icon corner and are helping keep her vestment workshop open during the COVID economic downturn.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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)
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 then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Colossians 3:1-4
Sunday November 1, 2020, Sts. Cosmas and Damian
Upcoming Services and Events
November 1, 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
November 3, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 4, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
November 5, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
November 6, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7:00PM
November 7, Saturday
+ Matins and Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:45/10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 8, Sunday (Synaxis of the Holy Archangels)
+ 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
Pledge Drive Update
As of Wednesday, October 28, 2020, we have received 4 pledges totaling $1,145 for the General Fund, and $675 for the Mortgage. We have a long way to go! If you are a regular pledging household, please return your pledge as soon as possible. If you have not made a pledge commitment in the past, please prayerfully consider it. Yes, giving to the church pays our bills, but the spiritual benefits of tithing make the giver far richer!
The Parish Council needs your responses by November 15th to create a prudent budget for 2021. You can access information on the 2021 Pledge Drive, and an online pledge form, on the home page of our website at www.raphaelchurch.org. Printed copies are available in the church narthex. If you would like a paper copy mailed to you, please let Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Karen know.
Perspective in Anticipation of the Election
After November 3, roughly half of St. Raphael's members will be happy and the other half will be disappointed. For proper perspective, keep this Psalm verse (146:3) in mind, "Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men, in whom there is no salvation." Jesus is still King and always will be!
Daylight Savings Time Ends on November 1
Clocks need to be set back one hour early on November 1.
No Office Hours November 5
Fr. Ignatius will not be in the office on Thursday, November 5.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
We will celebrate our patron saint with vespers at 7:00PM on Friday, November 6 and matins and liturgy at 8:45 and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 7.
Correction
Contrary to what was previously announced, there will be no gathering at the Morey's farm in Mt. Pleasant on November 7. There was a concern that socializing over a meal could be an opportunity for viral spread. We hope to reschedule this event in the Spring. Vespers that day will be at the church, as usual.
Help Feed the Hungry Sat. Nov. 14-
The Catholic Worker House in Iowa City provides a nutritious, free meal for 60 people each Saturday and Sunday, supplied by volunteers. St. Raphael parish will provide this food on Sat. Nov. 14 in honor of our patron saint. We are planning a pulled-pork sandwich meal, and we need volunteers to sign up to bring items here. Options include 20 servings of buns, sides, or desserts; feel free to sign up for one or more options. We will each drop off our food at the backdoor of the CWH between 3:30-3:45pm on Sat. 11/14. The Catholic Worker House staff will assemble and package the meals. They are located across the street from Kirkwood Community College on Lower Muscatine Road; look for their food pantry by the sidewalk and the colorful Catholic Worker mural (painted by former St. Raphael member Tony Carter!) on their garage. These meals are much appreciated by their patrons in this time of need. When we feed the hungry, we are serving the Lord: “I was hungry, and you fed Me” (Matthew 25:35).
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
Thank You
Thank you to Todd, Karen, Elizabeth and Joseph who helped during our clean-up day last weekend. Things are looking good around the church in anticipation of our feast day for St. Raphael next weekend.
Looking for a Gift?
Help keep Orthodox Christian vestment tradition alive! Krista West, ecclesiastical tailor, now offers folk embroidery kits and patterns inspired by traditional motifs and designs from many Orthodox lands (Greek, Balkan, Ukrainian, etc) at her Avlea Folk Embroidery website, www.avlea.life. The finished pieces are wonderful for decorating a home or icon corner and are helping keep her vestment workshop open during the COVID economic downturn.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
October 31- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
November 1- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-1
November 4- Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-4
November 6- Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7PM - http://bit.ly/VespersStRaphael11-6
November 7- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgyStRaphael11-7
November 7- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-7
November 8- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-8
November 11- Akathist to the Theotokos, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-11
November 14- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-14
November 15- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-15
November 18- Nativity Paraklesis, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Paraklesis11-18
November 20- Vesperal Liturgy for Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 6PM - http://bit.ly/EntranceTheotokos11-20
November 21- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-21
November 22- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-22
November 28- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-28
November 29- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-29
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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)
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 He Who in Himself can lack nothing, chooses to need us, it is because we need to be needed.
C. S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain
November 1, 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
November 3, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
November 4, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
November 5, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
November 6, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7:00PM
November 7, Saturday
+ Matins and Liturgy for St. Raphael, 8:45/10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 8, Sunday (Synaxis of the Holy Archangels)
+ 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
Pledge Drive Update
As of Wednesday, October 28, 2020, we have received 4 pledges totaling $1,145 for the General Fund, and $675 for the Mortgage. We have a long way to go! If you are a regular pledging household, please return your pledge as soon as possible. If you have not made a pledge commitment in the past, please prayerfully consider it. Yes, giving to the church pays our bills, but the spiritual benefits of tithing make the giver far richer!
The Parish Council needs your responses by November 15th to create a prudent budget for 2021. You can access information on the 2021 Pledge Drive, and an online pledge form, on the home page of our website at www.raphaelchurch.org. Printed copies are available in the church narthex. If you would like a paper copy mailed to you, please let Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Karen know.
Perspective in Anticipation of the Election
After November 3, roughly half of St. Raphael's members will be happy and the other half will be disappointed. For proper perspective, keep this Psalm verse (146:3) in mind, "Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men, in whom there is no salvation." Jesus is still King and always will be!
Daylight Savings Time Ends on November 1
Clocks need to be set back one hour early on November 1.
No Office Hours November 5
Fr. Ignatius will not be in the office on Thursday, November 5.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
We will celebrate our patron saint with vespers at 7:00PM on Friday, November 6 and matins and liturgy at 8:45 and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 7.
Correction
Contrary to what was previously announced, there will be no gathering at the Morey's farm in Mt. Pleasant on November 7. There was a concern that socializing over a meal could be an opportunity for viral spread. We hope to reschedule this event in the Spring. Vespers that day will be at the church, as usual.
Help Feed the Hungry Sat. Nov. 14-
The Catholic Worker House in Iowa City provides a nutritious, free meal for 60 people each Saturday and Sunday, supplied by volunteers. St. Raphael parish will provide this food on Sat. Nov. 14 in honor of our patron saint. We are planning a pulled-pork sandwich meal, and we need volunteers to sign up to bring items here. Options include 20 servings of buns, sides, or desserts; feel free to sign up for one or more options. We will each drop off our food at the backdoor of the CWH between 3:30-3:45pm on Sat. 11/14. The Catholic Worker House staff will assemble and package the meals. They are located across the street from Kirkwood Community College on Lower Muscatine Road; look for their food pantry by the sidewalk and the colorful Catholic Worker mural (painted by former St. Raphael member Tony Carter!) on their garage. These meals are much appreciated by their patrons in this time of need. When we feed the hungry, we are serving the Lord: “I was hungry, and you fed Me” (Matthew 25:35).
Nativity Fast Begins November 15
The time of preparation for the Feast of the Lord's Nativity, commonly called Advent or the Nativity Fast, begins on November 15 and lasts through December 24. During this time, we simplify our diet by abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy and we give more attention to self-examination and repentance. Furthermore, we are encouraged to be more intentional about performing acts of mercy. On Wednesdays during this time, we will pray the Nativity Paraklesis service.
Thank You
Thank you to Todd, Karen, Elizabeth and Joseph who helped during our clean-up day last weekend. Things are looking good around the church in anticipation of our feast day for St. Raphael next weekend.
Looking for a Gift?
Help keep Orthodox Christian vestment tradition alive! Krista West, ecclesiastical tailor, now offers folk embroidery kits and patterns inspired by traditional motifs and designs from many Orthodox lands (Greek, Balkan, Ukrainian, etc) at her Avlea Folk Embroidery website, www.avlea.life. The finished pieces are wonderful for decorating a home or icon corner and are helping keep her vestment workshop open during the COVID economic downturn.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
October 31- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
November 1- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-1
November 4- Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-4
November 6- Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7PM - http://bit.ly/VespersStRaphael11-6
November 7- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgyStRaphael11-7
November 7- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-7
November 8- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-8
November 11- Akathist to the Theotokos, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-11
November 14- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-14
November 15- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-15
November 18- Nativity Paraklesis, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Paraklesis11-18
November 20- Vesperal Liturgy for Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 6PM - http://bit.ly/EntranceTheotokos11-20
November 21- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-21
November 22- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-22
November 28- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-28
November 29- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-29
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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)
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 He Who in Himself can lack nothing, chooses to need us, it is because we need to be needed.
C. S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain
Sunday October 25, 2020, 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
October 25, 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
October 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
October 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 30, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 31, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 1, Sunday (Sts. Cosmas and Damian)
+ 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
Pledge Packet Information Has Been Emailed and Posted
You can access information on the 2021 Pledge Drive on the home page of our website at www.raphaelchurch.org. Printed hard copies are available in the church narthex. If you would like a hard copy mailed to you, please let Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Karen know.
Slight Increase in Attendance Allowance
In addition to guidance from the archdiocese, we have been relying upon the professional guidance of Dr. Todd Wiblin to help us safely manage attendance numbers during this pandemic. At his suggestion, we have slightly increased the allowable number of attendees to services to 15. It is still necessary to sign up in order to attend, unless it happens that Sunday morning services are held outside in good weather, in which case, there are no attendance limits. Sign up links are below.
Daylight Savings Time Ends on November 1
Clocks need to be set back one hour early on November 1.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
We will celebrate our patron saint with vespers at 7:00PM on Friday, November 6 and matins and liturgy at 8:45 and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 7.
Correction
Contrary to what was previously announced, there will be no gathering at the Morey's farm in Mt. Pleasant on November 7. There was a concern that socializing over a meal could be an opportunity for viral spread. We hope to reschedule this event in the Spring. Vespers that day will be at the church, as usual.
Opportunity to Serve Through Food
On Saturday, November 14, we will be providing a meal for 60 people at the Catholic Worker House in Iowa City. Food will need to be dropped offHere is the link to the Sign-up Genius in order to bring food. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4CAFAA28A64-catholic.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
October 24- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
October 25- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
October 28- Akathist, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
October 31- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
November 1- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-1
November 4- Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-4
November 6- Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7PM - http://bit.ly/VespersStRaphael11-6
November 7- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgyStRaphael11-7
November 7- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-7
November 8- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-8
November 11- Akathist to the Theotokos, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-11
November 14- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-14
November 15- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-15
November 18- Nativity Paraklesis, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Paraklesis11-18
November 20- Vesperal Liturgy for Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 6PM - http://bit.ly/EntranceTheotokos11-20
November 21- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-21
November 22- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-22
November 28- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-28
November 29- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-29
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 Lazarus, 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 Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus 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 Lazarus 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 him, ‘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)
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
"But this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:13-14)
October 25, 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
October 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
October 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 30, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 31, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
November 1, Sunday (Sts. Cosmas and Damian)
+ 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
Pledge Packet Information Has Been Emailed and Posted
You can access information on the 2021 Pledge Drive on the home page of our website at www.raphaelchurch.org. Printed hard copies are available in the church narthex. If you would like a hard copy mailed to you, please let Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Karen know.
Slight Increase in Attendance Allowance
In addition to guidance from the archdiocese, we have been relying upon the professional guidance of Dr. Todd Wiblin to help us safely manage attendance numbers during this pandemic. At his suggestion, we have slightly increased the allowable number of attendees to services to 15. It is still necessary to sign up in order to attend, unless it happens that Sunday morning services are held outside in good weather, in which case, there are no attendance limits. Sign up links are below.
Daylight Savings Time Ends on November 1
Clocks need to be set back one hour early on November 1.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
We will celebrate our patron saint with vespers at 7:00PM on Friday, November 6 and matins and liturgy at 8:45 and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 7.
Correction
Contrary to what was previously announced, there will be no gathering at the Morey's farm in Mt. Pleasant on November 7. There was a concern that socializing over a meal could be an opportunity for viral spread. We hope to reschedule this event in the Spring. Vespers that day will be at the church, as usual.
Opportunity to Serve Through Food
On Saturday, November 14, we will be providing a meal for 60 people at the Catholic Worker House in Iowa City. Food will need to be dropped offHere is the link to the Sign-up Genius in order to bring food. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4CAFAA28A64-catholic.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
October 24- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
October 25- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
October 28- Akathist, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
October 31- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
November 1- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-1
November 4- Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-4
November 6- Great Vespers for St. Raphael, 7PM - http://bit.ly/VespersStRaphael11-6
November 7- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgyStRaphael11-7
November 7- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-7
November 8- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-8
November 11- Akathist to the Theotokos, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Akathist11-11
November 14- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-14
November 15- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-15
November 18- Nativity Paraklesis, 7PM - http://bit.ly/Paraklesis11-18
November 20- Vesperal Liturgy for Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 6PM - http://bit.ly/EntranceTheotokos11-20
November 21- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-21
November 22- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-22
November 28- Great Vespers, 5PM - http://bit.ly/Vespers11-28
November 29- Matins and Liturgy, 8:45/10AM - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy11-29
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 Lazarus, 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 Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus 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 Lazarus 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 him, ‘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)
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
"But this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:13-14)
Sunday October 18, 2020, Feast Day of St. Luke the Evangelist
Upcoming Services and Events
October 18, 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
October 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 23, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 24, Saturday
+ Fall Clean-up Day, 1:00PM-5:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 25, Sunday (20th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Fall Clean-up Day
From 1:00PM-5:00PM on Saturday, October 24, we need volunteers to clean up both the building and the yard.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
We will celebrate our patron saint with vespers at 7:00PM on Friday, November 6 and matins and liturgy at 8:45 and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 7.
Opportunity to Serve Through Food
On Saturday, November 14, we will be providing a meal for 60 people at the Catholic Worker House in Iowa City. More information will be coming in the next few weeks. If you want to help by providing some of the food, please speak to Lori or Alli.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Oct. 18, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-18
Oct. 21, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-21
Oct. 24, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
Oct. 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
Oct. 28, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
Oct. 31, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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)
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
"Silence is a mystery of the age to come."
St. Isaac of Syria, Homily 65
October 18, 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
October 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 23, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 24, Saturday
+ Fall Clean-up Day, 1:00PM-5:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 25, Sunday (20th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Fall Clean-up Day
From 1:00PM-5:00PM on Saturday, October 24, we need volunteers to clean up both the building and the yard.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
We will celebrate our patron saint with vespers at 7:00PM on Friday, November 6 and matins and liturgy at 8:45 and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 7.
Opportunity to Serve Through Food
On Saturday, November 14, we will be providing a meal for 60 people at the Catholic Worker House in Iowa City. More information will be coming in the next few weeks. If you want to help by providing some of the food, please speak to Lori or Alli.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Oct. 18, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-18
Oct. 21, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-21
Oct. 24, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
Oct. 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
Oct. 28, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
Oct. 31, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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)
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
"Silence is a mystery of the age to come."
St. Isaac of Syria, Homily 65
Sunday October 11, 2020, Sunday of the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council
Upcoming Services and Events
October 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
October 14, Wednesday
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 15, Thursday
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM on Zoom
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 18, Sunday (Feast Day of St. Luke the Evangelist)
+ 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
Father Will Be Traveling
Father will be out of town October 12-17. There will be no office hours of Hours Prayers during those days. He will also be out of town October 19-20. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers on October 20. Father should be reachable by phone. In case of emergency, please contact Fr. Fred Shaheen at 319-651-6452.
Holy Bread Baker Needed
We do not yet have anyone who has agreed to make the holy bread for Sunday, October 18. If you can do so, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Financial Update
As we all know, 2020 has not been a normal year and with the lockdown and societal unrest, finances have been unsteady for many people. But thank God, through your generosity, St. Raphael Church has been able to meet its financial obligations through the first 8 months of the year. Here is a snapshot of where we are at as of August 31.
General fund - $64524.97 as of August 31, 2020 (some of these funds are earmarked so not available for operations)
Building fund - $8313.29 as of August 31, 2020 (same thing - some are earmarked.)
Giving - $77571.70 as of August 31
Budgeted - $80392 as of August 31
Shortfall of $2820.30
Actual expenses - $81519.26
Budgeted - $80876.80
Overspent by $642.46
We applied for and received a loan for $11671 from the Paycheck Protection Program offered by the Small Business Administration as part of Coronavirus Relief. This amount is not calculated in any of the figures above. We are still waiting to hear how much of this loan will be forgivable and how much we will have to pay back.
Fall Clean-up Day
From 1:00PM-5:00PM on Saturday, October 24, we need volunteers to clean up both the building and the yard.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Opportunity to Serve Through Food
On Saturday, November 14, we will be providing a meal for 60 people at the Catholic WOrker House in Iowa City. More information will be coming in the next few weeks. If you want to help by providing some of the food, please speak to Lori or Alli.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Oct. 10, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-10
Oct. 11, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-11
Oct. 14, 7pm- Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-14
Oct. 17, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-17
Oct. 18, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-18
Oct. 21, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-21
Oct. 24, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
Oct. 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
Oct. 28, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
Oct. 31, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, “He who hears you hears Me, and he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” The Seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!” And Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the spirit and said, “I thank Thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was Thy gracious will.” (Luke 10:16-21)
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
Instead of an avenger, be a deliverer. Instead of a faultfinder, be a soother. Instead of a betrayer, be a martyr. Instead of a chider, be a defender. Beseech God in behalf of sinners that they receive mercy, and pray to Him for the righteous that they be preserved [in their righteousness]. Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of justice to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted, be afflicted in mind. Love all men....
St. Isaac of Syria, Homily 64
October 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
October 14, Wednesday
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 15, Thursday
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM on Zoom
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 18, Sunday (Feast Day of St. Luke the Evangelist)
+ 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
Father Will Be Traveling
Father will be out of town October 12-17. There will be no office hours of Hours Prayers during those days. He will also be out of town October 19-20. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers on October 20. Father should be reachable by phone. In case of emergency, please contact Fr. Fred Shaheen at 319-651-6452.
Holy Bread Baker Needed
We do not yet have anyone who has agreed to make the holy bread for Sunday, October 18. If you can do so, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Financial Update
As we all know, 2020 has not been a normal year and with the lockdown and societal unrest, finances have been unsteady for many people. But thank God, through your generosity, St. Raphael Church has been able to meet its financial obligations through the first 8 months of the year. Here is a snapshot of where we are at as of August 31.
General fund - $64524.97 as of August 31, 2020 (some of these funds are earmarked so not available for operations)
Building fund - $8313.29 as of August 31, 2020 (same thing - some are earmarked.)
Giving - $77571.70 as of August 31
Budgeted - $80392 as of August 31
Shortfall of $2820.30
Actual expenses - $81519.26
Budgeted - $80876.80
Overspent by $642.46
We applied for and received a loan for $11671 from the Paycheck Protection Program offered by the Small Business Administration as part of Coronavirus Relief. This amount is not calculated in any of the figures above. We are still waiting to hear how much of this loan will be forgivable and how much we will have to pay back.
Fall Clean-up Day
From 1:00PM-5:00PM on Saturday, October 24, we need volunteers to clean up both the building and the yard.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Opportunity to Serve Through Food
On Saturday, November 14, we will be providing a meal for 60 people at the Catholic WOrker House in Iowa City. More information will be coming in the next few weeks. If you want to help by providing some of the food, please speak to Lori or Alli.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Oct. 10, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-10
Oct. 11, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-11
Oct. 14, 7pm- Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-14
Oct. 17, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-17
Oct. 18, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-18
Oct. 21, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-21
Oct. 24, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
Oct. 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
Oct. 28, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
Oct. 31, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, “He who hears you hears Me, and he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” The Seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!” And Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the spirit and said, “I thank Thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was Thy gracious will.” (Luke 10:16-21)
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
Instead of an avenger, be a deliverer. Instead of a faultfinder, be a soother. Instead of a betrayer, be a martyr. Instead of a chider, be a defender. Beseech God in behalf of sinners that they receive mercy, and pray to Him for the righteous that they be preserved [in their righteousness]. Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of justice to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted, be afflicted in mind. Love all men....
St. Isaac of Syria, Homily 64
Sunday October 4, 2020, 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
October 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
October 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
October 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to our Savior Jesus Christ, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 9, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 11, Sunday (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council)
+ 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
Financial Update
As we all know, 2020 has not been a normal year and with the lockdown and societal unrest, finances have been unsteady for many people. But thank God, through your generosity, St. Raphael Church has been able to meet its financial obligations through the first 8 months of the year. Here is a snapshot of where we are at as of August 31.
General fund - $64524.97 as of August 31, 2020 (some of these funds are earmarked so not available for operations)
Building fund - $8313.29 as of August 31, 2020 (same thing - some are earmarked.)
Giving - $77571.70 as of August 31
Budgeted - $80392 as of August 31
Shortfall of $2820.30
Actual expenses - $81519.26
Budgeted - $80876.80
Overspent by $642.46
We applied for and received a loan for $11671 from the Paycheck Protection Program offered by the Small Business Administration as part of Coronavirus Relief. This amount is not calculated in any of the figures above. We are still waiting to hear how much of this loan will be forgivable and how much we will have to pay back.
Outdoor Sunday Services to Continue
For the next few weeks, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Fall Clean-up Day
From 1:00PM-5:00PM on Saturday, October 24, we need volunteers to clean up both the building and the yard.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Preparing for Unrest or Disaster
One aspect of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us is to properly prepare. In the Church we talk a lot about spiritual preparedness, but let us also consider the steps we might take to be prepared should, for example, another strict COVID-related lockdown be put in place later this Fall or Winter, or, God forbid, there is increased unrest and violence in our streets, due to a natural disaster, racial discord or political upheaval. There are various helpful resources listed at https://www.ready.gov/. In addition, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has a template for a Family Communication Plan which might be useful in case of social upheaval. https://iocc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Family_Comm_Plan_Final.pdf
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
October 3, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-3
October 4, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-4
October 7, 7pm- Akathist to our Savior - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-7
Oct. 10, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-10
Oct. 11, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-11
Oct. 14, 7pm- Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-14
Oct. 17, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-17
Oct. 18, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-18
Oct. 21, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-21
Oct. 24, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
Oct. 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
Oct. 28, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
Oct. 31, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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: “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)
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
How Christians Are to Live in the World-
For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined, and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.
To sum up all in one word — what the soul is in the body, Christians are in the world. The soul is dispersed through all the members of the body, and Christians are scattered through all the cities of the world. The soul dwells in the body, yet is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, yet are not of the world. The invisible soul is guarded by the visible body, and Christians are known indeed to be in the world, but their godliness remains invisible. The flesh hates the soul, and wars against it, though itself suffering no injury, because it is prevented from enjoying pleasures; the world also hates the Christians, though in nowise injured, because they abjure pleasures. The soul loves the flesh that hates it, and [loves also] the members; Christians likewise love those that hate them. The soul is imprisoned in the body, yet keeps together that very body; and Christians are confined in the world as in a prison, and yet they keep together the world. The immortal soul dwells in a mortal tabernacle; and Christians dwell as sojourners in corruptible [bodies], looking for an incorruptible dwelling in the heavens. The soul, when but ill-provided with food and drink, becomes better; in like manner, the Christians, though subjected day by day to punishment, increase the more in number. God has assigned them this illustrious position, which it were unlawful for them to forsake.
Epistle to Diognetus (2nd century), chapters 5-6
October 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
October 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
October 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to our Savior Jesus Christ, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 9, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 11, Sunday (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council)
+ 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
Financial Update
As we all know, 2020 has not been a normal year and with the lockdown and societal unrest, finances have been unsteady for many people. But thank God, through your generosity, St. Raphael Church has been able to meet its financial obligations through the first 8 months of the year. Here is a snapshot of where we are at as of August 31.
General fund - $64524.97 as of August 31, 2020 (some of these funds are earmarked so not available for operations)
Building fund - $8313.29 as of August 31, 2020 (same thing - some are earmarked.)
Giving - $77571.70 as of August 31
Budgeted - $80392 as of August 31
Shortfall of $2820.30
Actual expenses - $81519.26
Budgeted - $80876.80
Overspent by $642.46
We applied for and received a loan for $11671 from the Paycheck Protection Program offered by the Small Business Administration as part of Coronavirus Relief. This amount is not calculated in any of the figures above. We are still waiting to hear how much of this loan will be forgivable and how much we will have to pay back.
Outdoor Sunday Services to Continue
For the next few weeks, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Fall Clean-up Day
From 1:00PM-5:00PM on Saturday, October 24, we need volunteers to clean up both the building and the yard.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Preparing for Unrest or Disaster
One aspect of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us is to properly prepare. In the Church we talk a lot about spiritual preparedness, but let us also consider the steps we might take to be prepared should, for example, another strict COVID-related lockdown be put in place later this Fall or Winter, or, God forbid, there is increased unrest and violence in our streets, due to a natural disaster, racial discord or political upheaval. There are various helpful resources listed at https://www.ready.gov/. In addition, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has a template for a Family Communication Plan which might be useful in case of social upheaval. https://iocc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Family_Comm_Plan_Final.pdf
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
October 3, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-3
October 4, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-4
October 7, 7pm- Akathist to our Savior - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-7
Oct. 10, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-10
Oct. 11, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-11
Oct. 14, 7pm- Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-14
Oct. 17, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-17
Oct. 18, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-18
Oct. 21, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-21
Oct. 24, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-24
Oct. 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-25
Oct. 28, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-28
Oct. 31, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-31
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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: “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)
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
How Christians Are to Live in the World-
For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined, and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.
To sum up all in one word — what the soul is in the body, Christians are in the world. The soul is dispersed through all the members of the body, and Christians are scattered through all the cities of the world. The soul dwells in the body, yet is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, yet are not of the world. The invisible soul is guarded by the visible body, and Christians are known indeed to be in the world, but their godliness remains invisible. The flesh hates the soul, and wars against it, though itself suffering no injury, because it is prevented from enjoying pleasures; the world also hates the Christians, though in nowise injured, because they abjure pleasures. The soul loves the flesh that hates it, and [loves also] the members; Christians likewise love those that hate them. The soul is imprisoned in the body, yet keeps together that very body; and Christians are confined in the world as in a prison, and yet they keep together the world. The immortal soul dwells in a mortal tabernacle; and Christians dwell as sojourners in corruptible [bodies], looking for an incorruptible dwelling in the heavens. The soul, when but ill-provided with food and drink, becomes better; in like manner, the Christians, though subjected day by day to punishment, increase the more in number. God has assigned them this illustrious position, which it were unlawful for them to forsake.
Epistle to Diognetus (2nd century), chapters 5-6
Sunday September 27, 2020, 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
September 27, 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
September 29, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 30, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Canon for Racial Reconciliation, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 4, Sunday (17th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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 Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Preparing for Unrest or Disaster
One aspect of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us is to properly prepare. In the Church we talk a lot about spiritual preparedness, but let us also consider the steps we might take to be prepared should, for example, another strict COVID-related lockdown be put in place later this Fall or Winter, or, God forbid, there is increased unrest and violence in our streets, due to a natural disaster, racial discord or political upheaval. September is designated as National Preparedness Month. There are various helpful resources listed at https://www.ready.gov/september. In addition, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has a template for a Family Communication Plan which might be useful in case of social upheaval. https://iocc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Family_Comm_Plan_Final.pdf
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 26, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-26
September 27, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-27
September 30, 7pm, Canon for Racial Reconciliation - http://bit.ly/RacialReconciliation9-30
October 3, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-3
October 4, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-4
October 7, 7pm- Akathist to our Savior - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-7
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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: “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)
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 only reason for the creation of the world and the coming of Christ into it was to enter into the abundant love of God, which brought both into being. The strength of God’s love in relation to creation is reflected in Christ’s coming into the world.”
St. Isaac the Syrian
September 27, 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
September 29, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 30, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Canon for Racial Reconciliation, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
October 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
October 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
October 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
October 4, Sunday (17th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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 Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
New Date for Bishop's Visit
It did not seem feasible to have Bishop Anthony with us in November, given the local situation with the pandemic and our need to limit attendance and abstain from social gatherings. Therefore, we have rescheduled him for February 26-28, 2021. February 27 is the secondary feast day of St. Raphael, being the day of his repose. More information about the schedule for this weekend will be released as we get closer to the dates.
Preparing for Unrest or Disaster
One aspect of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us is to properly prepare. In the Church we talk a lot about spiritual preparedness, but let us also consider the steps we might take to be prepared should, for example, another strict COVID-related lockdown be put in place later this Fall or Winter, or, God forbid, there is increased unrest and violence in our streets, due to a natural disaster, racial discord or political upheaval. September is designated as National Preparedness Month. There are various helpful resources listed at https://www.ready.gov/september. In addition, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has a template for a Family Communication Plan which might be useful in case of social upheaval. https://iocc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Family_Comm_Plan_Final.pdf
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 26, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-26
September 27, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-27
September 30, 7pm, Canon for Racial Reconciliation - http://bit.ly/RacialReconciliation9-30
October 3, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers10-3
October 4, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy10-4
October 7, 7pm- Akathist to our Savior - http://bit.ly/Akathist10-7
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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: “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)
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 only reason for the creation of the world and the coming of Christ into it was to enter into the abundant love of God, which brought both into being. The strength of God’s love in relation to creation is reflected in Christ’s coming into the world.”
St. Isaac the Syrian
Sunday September 20, 2020, Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross
Upcoming Services and Events
September 20, 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
September 22, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 23, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 24, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
September 25, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 26, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 27, Sunday (16th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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 Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Mark Your Calendars- Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony is scheduled to be with us the weekend of November 13-15. As we get closer to this time, a schedule will be released. Please keep your schedule open and plan to be with our bishop.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 19, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-19
September 20, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-20
September 23, 7pm, Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-23
September 26, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-26
September 27, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-27
September 30, 7pm, Canon for Racial Reconciliation - http://bit.ly/RacialReconciliation9-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, “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)
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
"Cast thy care upon the Lord, and He will nourish thee..."
Psalm 54:23
September 20, 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
September 22, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 23, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 24, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Wellsprings of Religion Book discussion, 7:00PM on Zoom
September 25, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 26, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 27, Sunday (16th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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 Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Mark Your Calendars- Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony is scheduled to be with us the weekend of November 13-15. As we get closer to this time, a schedule will be released. Please keep your schedule open and plan to be with our bishop.
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is November 7
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 19, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-19
September 20, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-20
September 23, 7pm, Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-23
September 26, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-26
September 27, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-27
September 30, 7pm, Canon for Racial Reconciliation - http://bit.ly/RacialReconciliation9-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, “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)
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
"Cast thy care upon the Lord, and He will nourish thee..."
Psalm 54:23
Sunday September 13, 2020, Feast of the Elevation of the Cross (Transferred)
Upcoming Services and Events
September 13, 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
September 15, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 16, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to the St. Raphael, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 17, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 18, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 19, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 20, Sunday (Sunday after the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross)
+ 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 Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Mark Your Calendars- Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony is scheduled to be with us the weekend of November 13-15. As we get closer to this time, a schedule will be released. Please keep your schedule open and plan to be with our bishop.
September/October Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the next two months are available to pick up in the church narthex.
"In the Name of Choice" New Docuseries
Deacon Adam Roberts, in association with the Antiochian Archdiocese, has produced a compelling, 9-part documentary which is available to watch for free on Youtube. Each episode is about 9-10 minutes in length. In this series, it is shown how many women feel they don't have a choice and are pressured into getting an abortion to solve the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. This series also demonstrates that there are many organizations operating from a pro-life perspective that care for both the mother and the child, before and after birth. The groups offer tangible help to women who are contemplating abortion so that abortion does not appear to be the only choice available. You can watch this series at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqHdjnB4y44&list=PL-kNZLm1VGuoh8-fQ_cJfWCF-AicmPnES
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is just two months away!
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 12, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-12
September 13, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-13
September 16, 7pm, Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-16
September 19, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-19
September 20, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-20
September 23, 7pm, Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-23
September 26, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-26
September 27, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-27
September 30, 7pm, Canon for Racial Reconciliation - http://bit.ly/RacialReconciliation9-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, “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)
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 Most High planted in the middle of Paradise The thrice blessed wood, the gift of life for us, In order that, in approaching it, Adam might find eternal and immortal life, But he did not strive earnestly to know this life, And he failed to attain it, and revealed death. However, the robber, seeing how the plant in Eden Had been beautifully transplanted in Golgotha, Recognized the life in it and said to himself: `This is what my father lost formerly In Paradise.'”
+ St. Romanos the Melodist, On the Adoration at the Cross
September 13, 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
September 15, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 16, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to the St. Raphael, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 17, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 18, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 19, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 20, Sunday (Sunday after the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross)
+ 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 Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Mark Your Calendars- Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony is scheduled to be with us the weekend of November 13-15. As we get closer to this time, a schedule will be released. Please keep your schedule open and plan to be with our bishop.
September/October Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the next two months are available to pick up in the church narthex.
"In the Name of Choice" New Docuseries
Deacon Adam Roberts, in association with the Antiochian Archdiocese, has produced a compelling, 9-part documentary which is available to watch for free on Youtube. Each episode is about 9-10 minutes in length. In this series, it is shown how many women feel they don't have a choice and are pressured into getting an abortion to solve the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. This series also demonstrates that there are many organizations operating from a pro-life perspective that care for both the mother and the child, before and after birth. The groups offer tangible help to women who are contemplating abortion so that abortion does not appear to be the only choice available. You can watch this series at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqHdjnB4y44&list=PL-kNZLm1VGuoh8-fQ_cJfWCF-AicmPnES
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is just two months away!
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 12, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-12
September 13, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-13
September 16, 7pm, Akathist to St. Raphael - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-16
September 19, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-19
September 20, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-20
September 23, 7pm, Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-23
September 26, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-26
September 27, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-27
September 30, 7pm, Canon for Racial Reconciliation - http://bit.ly/RacialReconciliation9-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, “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)
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 Most High planted in the middle of Paradise The thrice blessed wood, the gift of life for us, In order that, in approaching it, Adam might find eternal and immortal life, But he did not strive earnestly to know this life, And he failed to attain it, and revealed death. However, the robber, seeing how the plant in Eden Had been beautifully transplanted in Golgotha, Recognized the life in it and said to himself: `This is what my father lost formerly In Paradise.'”
+ St. Romanos the Melodist, On the Adoration at the Cross
Sunday September 6, 2020, 13th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
September 6, 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
September 7, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos, 6:00PM
September 8, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 9, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 10, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 11, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 12, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 13, Sunday (Feast of the Elevation of the Precious Cross, transferred)
+ 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
Congratulations and Many Years!
On Sunday, August 30, we received three catechumens by chrismation into the Church. Elizabeth Michael, took St. Elizabeth the mother of the Forerunner as her patron saint. Maria-Lucia Cetlaus was her sponsor. Austin Collins took St. Alexander Hotovitsky as his patron saint. Todd Wiblin was his sponsor. Maddie Collins took St. Herman of Alaska as her patron saint. Karen Kuntz was her sponsor. May God grant them many years!
Nativity of the Theotokos
On September 7 at 6:00PM, we will celebrate the first major feast of the new church year with Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos.
Outdoor Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services. Some photos from last Sunday's liturgy are attached.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Holy Bread Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to provide the holy bread for September 13 and 20. Please let Fr. Ignatius know if you can do it.
Thank You from the Gebretsadik Family
Leti's family from Arizona says thank you to all who helped them out recently during their troubles. They really appreciate it.
September/October Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the next two months are available to pick up in the church narthex.
"In the Name of Choice" New Docuseries
Deacon Adam Roberts, in association with the Antiochian Archdiocese, has produced a compelling, 9-part documentary which is available to watch for free on Youtube. Each episode is about 9-10 minutes in length. In this series, it is shown how many women feel they don't have a choice and are pressured into getting an abortion to solve the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. This series also demonstrates that there are many organizations operating from a pro-life perspective that care for both the mother and the child, before and after birth. The groups offer tangible help to women who are contemplating abortion so that abortion does not appear to be the only choice available. You can watch this series at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqHdjnB4y44&list=PL-kNZLm1VGuoh8-fQ_cJfWCF-AicmPnES
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is just two months away!
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 5, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-5
September 6, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy (sign up in case of inclement weather) - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-6
September 7, 6pm, Vesperal Liturgy for Nativity of the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/NativityTheotokos9-7
September 9, 7pm, Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-9
September 12, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-12
September 13, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy (sign up in case of inclement weather) - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-13
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death. And they came to Pontius Pilate saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no crime in Him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die, because He has made Himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where art Thou from?” But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to Him, “Wilt Thou not speak to me? Knowest Thou not that I have power to release Thee, and power to crucify Thee?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over Me unless it had been given you from above. When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement”, and in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.” Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed Him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away, and He went out, bearing His own Cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew “Golgotha.” There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the Cross; it read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Now standing by the Cross of Jesus were His mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, 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 home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now fulfilled, said, “It is finished’; and He bowed His head and gave up the spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true. (John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35)
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
"Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8) It is for us to begin. If we take one step towards the Lord, He takes ten towards us- He who saw the prodigal son while He was yet at a distance and had compassion and ran and embraced him.
Tito Colliander
September 6, 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
September 7, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos, 6:00PM
September 8, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 9, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 10, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 11, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 12, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 13, Sunday (Feast of the Elevation of the Precious Cross, transferred)
+ 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
Congratulations and Many Years!
On Sunday, August 30, we received three catechumens by chrismation into the Church. Elizabeth Michael, took St. Elizabeth the mother of the Forerunner as her patron saint. Maria-Lucia Cetlaus was her sponsor. Austin Collins took St. Alexander Hotovitsky as his patron saint. Todd Wiblin was his sponsor. Maddie Collins took St. Herman of Alaska as her patron saint. Karen Kuntz was her sponsor. May God grant them many years!
Nativity of the Theotokos
On September 7 at 6:00PM, we will celebrate the first major feast of the new church year with Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos.
Outdoor Sunday Services to Continue
For September and into October, we will continue to have our Sunday matins and liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard. Please continue to wear masks and to stay socially distanced from people not in your immediate household. There will be no attendance limit for these outdoor services but should the weather not permit us to be outdoors on a particular Sunday, then only those who have signed up online will be able to attend indoors as we still must limit attendance for indoor services. Some photos from last Sunday's liturgy are attached.
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Holy Bread Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to provide the holy bread for September 13 and 20. Please let Fr. Ignatius know if you can do it.
Thank You from the Gebretsadik Family
Leti's family from Arizona says thank you to all who helped them out recently during their troubles. They really appreciate it.
September/October Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the next two months are available to pick up in the church narthex.
"In the Name of Choice" New Docuseries
Deacon Adam Roberts, in association with the Antiochian Archdiocese, has produced a compelling, 9-part documentary which is available to watch for free on Youtube. Each episode is about 9-10 minutes in length. In this series, it is shown how many women feel they don't have a choice and are pressured into getting an abortion to solve the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. This series also demonstrates that there are many organizations operating from a pro-life perspective that care for both the mother and the child, before and after birth. The groups offer tangible help to women who are contemplating abortion so that abortion does not appear to be the only choice available. You can watch this series at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqHdjnB4y44&list=PL-kNZLm1VGuoh8-fQ_cJfWCF-AicmPnES
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is just two months away!
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
September 5, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-5
September 6, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy (sign up in case of inclement weather) - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-6
September 7, 6pm, Vesperal Liturgy for Nativity of the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/NativityTheotokos9-7
September 9, 7pm, Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-9
September 12, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-12
September 13, 8:45/10am, Matins and Divine Liturgy (sign up in case of inclement weather) - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-13
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death. And they came to Pontius Pilate saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no crime in Him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die, because He has made Himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where art Thou from?” But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to Him, “Wilt Thou not speak to me? Knowest Thou not that I have power to release Thee, and power to crucify Thee?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over Me unless it had been given you from above. When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement”, and in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.” Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed Him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away, and He went out, bearing His own Cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew “Golgotha.” There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the Cross; it read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Now standing by the Cross of Jesus were His mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, 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 home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now fulfilled, said, “It is finished’; and He bowed His head and gave up the spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true. (John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35)
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
"Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8) It is for us to begin. If we take one step towards the Lord, He takes ten towards us- He who saw the prodigal son while He was yet at a distance and had compassion and ran and embraced him.
Tito Colliander
Sunday August 30, 2020, 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
August 30, 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
September 1, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 2, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 3, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 4, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 5, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 6, Sunday (13th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Appeal for Beirut Update
Thanks to generous donations to St Raphael, we have been able to donate a total of $620 to the Archdiocese appeal for Beirut Relief! Those funds have been forwarded to the Archdiocese as soon as they have been received. Our gifts will help the people of Beirut, and the churches there, to rebuild after the terrible explosion they suffered a few weeks ago. Thank you all!
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is just two months away!
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Becky Morey who was awarded a scholarship from the North American Board of the Antiochian Women. This scholarship will help pay for Becky's educational costs.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - No need to sign up for this as we will be outside.
September 2, 7pm, Akathist to our Lord and Savior - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-2
September 5, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-5
September 6, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-6
September 7, 6pm, Vesperal Liturgy for Nativity of the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/NativityTheotokos9-7
September 9, 7pm, Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-9
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?’” Matthew 21:33-44)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
Ephesians 6:10-18
August 30, 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
September 1, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 2, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
September 3, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
September 4, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
September 5, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
September 6, Sunday (13th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Meal Train for John and Jenny
St. Raphael Church members John Michalski and Jenny Hope have been dealing with multiple, long term health problems. One way that we can support them through this difficult time is to provide meals for them so that they don't have to worry about cooking. Here is the link to an organized Meal Train sign-up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv/
Appeal for Beirut Update
Thanks to generous donations to St Raphael, we have been able to donate a total of $620 to the Archdiocese appeal for Beirut Relief! Those funds have been forwarded to the Archdiocese as soon as they have been received. Our gifts will help the people of Beirut, and the churches there, to rebuild after the terrible explosion they suffered a few weeks ago. Thank you all!
Our Patronal Feast honoring St Raphael is just two months away!
If you have been participating in the Year of Prayer to St Raphael, it’s time to refresh your efforts. Between now and the first Saturday in November, Nov 7th, let's multiply our prayers to our patron, beseeching him for guidance for our parish, and for the world. Materials for your home devotions, including his Akathist and other prayer resources are available on the church website or in a basket in the Narthex at the church. If you would like us to mail you a packet of materials, just ask Father or Karen, and we can get them to you.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Becky Morey who was awarded a scholarship from the North American Board of the Antiochian Women. This scholarship will help pay for Becky's educational costs.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - No need to sign up for this as we will be outside.
September 2, 7pm, Akathist to our Lord and Savior - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-2
September 5, 5pm, Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers9-5
September 6, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy9-6
September 7, 6pm, Vesperal Liturgy for Nativity of the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/NativityTheotokos9-7
September 9, 7pm, Akathist to the Theotokos - http://bit.ly/Akathist9-9
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?’” Matthew 21:33-44)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
Ephesians 6:10-18
Sunday August 23, 2020, 11th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
August 23, 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
August 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
August 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 28, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
August 29, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 30, Sunday (12th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Liturgy on the Porch
If the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. In addition, we are planning on receiving four catechumens into the Church. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household. There is no need to sign up online for this service.
Liturgy for St. John the Forerunner
On Friday, August 28 at 6:00PM, we will celebrate vesperal liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. For it is unlawful to assert that they preached before they possessed perfect knowledge, as some do even venture to say, boasting themselves as improvers of the apostles. For, after our Lord rose from the dead, [the apostles] were invested with power from on high when the Holy Spirit came down [upon them], were filled from all [His gifts], and had perfect knowledge: they departed to the ends of the earth, preaching the glad tidings of the good things [sent] from God to us, and proclaiming the peace of heaven to men, who indeed do all equally and individually possess the Gospel of God. Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him. Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.
These have all declared to us that there is one God, Creator of heaven and earth, announced by the law and the prophets; and one Christ the Son of God. If any one do not agree to these truths, he despises the companions of the Lord; nay more, he despises Christ Himself the Lord; yea, he despises the Father also, and stands self-condemned, resisting and opposing his own salvation, as is the case with all heretics.
--St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, III.1.1-2
August 23, 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
August 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (Live streamed on Facebook page)
August 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 28, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
August 29, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 30, Sunday (12th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Liturgy on the Porch
If the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. In addition, we are planning on receiving four catechumens into the Church. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household. There is no need to sign up online for this service.
Liturgy for St. John the Forerunner
On Friday, August 28 at 6:00PM, we will celebrate vesperal liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. For it is unlawful to assert that they preached before they possessed perfect knowledge, as some do even venture to say, boasting themselves as improvers of the apostles. For, after our Lord rose from the dead, [the apostles] were invested with power from on high when the Holy Spirit came down [upon them], were filled from all [His gifts], and had perfect knowledge: they departed to the ends of the earth, preaching the glad tidings of the good things [sent] from God to us, and proclaiming the peace of heaven to men, who indeed do all equally and individually possess the Gospel of God. Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him. Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.
These have all declared to us that there is one God, Creator of heaven and earth, announced by the law and the prophets; and one Christ the Son of God. If any one do not agree to these truths, he despises the companions of the Lord; nay more, he despises Christ Himself the Lord; yea, he despises the Father also, and stands self-condemned, resisting and opposing his own salvation, as is the case with all heretics.
--St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, III.1.1-2
Sunday August 16, 2020, 10th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
August 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 21, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
August 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 23, Sunday (11th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Liturgy on the Porch
If the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. In addition, we are planning on receiving four catechumens into the Church. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household. There is no need to sign up online for this service.
Liturgy for St. John the Forerunner
On Friday, August 28 at 6:00PM, we will celebrate vesperal liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 15, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-15
August 16, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-16
August 19, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-19
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14
August 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 21, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
August 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 23, Sunday (11th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Liturgy on the Porch
If the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. In addition, we are planning on receiving four catechumens into the Church. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household. There is no need to sign up online for this service.
Liturgy for St. John the Forerunner
On Friday, August 28 at 6:00PM, we will celebrate vesperal liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 15, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-15
August 16, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-16
August 19, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-19
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14
Sunday August 9, 2020, 9th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
August 10, Monday
+ Paraklesis service, 7:00PM
August 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition, 6:00PM
August 15, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 16, Sunday (10th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Holy Bread Bakers Needed
We need someone to provide the holy bread on August 16 and August 23. Any volunteers?
Dormition Fast
In preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, we are fasting from August 1-14. During this time we will also be praying the Paraklesis service at 7:00PM on August 3, 7, 10 and 12. We also will have Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord at 6:00PM on August 5 and Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Liturgy on the Porch
If the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 8, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-8
August 9, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-9
August 10, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-10
August 12, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-12
August 14, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition - https://bit.ly/Dormition8-14
August 15, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-15
August 16, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-16
August 19, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-19
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before Him said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to Thy disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” Jesus said to them, “Because you have no faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.” As they were traveling together through Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will rise on the third day.” (Matthew 17:14-23)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Psalm 90:1-6
August 10, Monday
+ Paraklesis service, 7:00PM
August 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition, 6:00PM
August 15, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 16, Sunday (10th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Holy Bread Bakers Needed
We need someone to provide the holy bread on August 16 and August 23. Any volunteers?
Dormition Fast
In preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, we are fasting from August 1-14. During this time we will also be praying the Paraklesis service at 7:00PM on August 3, 7, 10 and 12. We also will have Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord at 6:00PM on August 5 and Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Liturgy on the Porch
If the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 8, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-8
August 9, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-9
August 10, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-10
August 12, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-12
August 14, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition - https://bit.ly/Dormition8-14
August 15, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-15
August 16, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-16
August 19, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-19
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before Him said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to Thy disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” Jesus said to them, “Because you have no faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.” As they were traveling together through Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will rise on the third day.” (Matthew 17:14-23)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Psalm 90:1-6
Sunday August 2, 2020, 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
August 3, Monday
+ Paraklesis service, 7:00PM
August 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord, 6:00PM
August 6, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Paraklesis service, 7:00PM
August 8, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 9, Sunday (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Nino Kintsurashvili and Carlo Kind who were married at St. Raphael Church on July 25th. May God grant them many years!
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The latest council meeting minutes are here.
Dormition Fast
In preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, we fast from August 1-14. During this time we will also be praying the Paraklesis service at 7:00PM on August 3, 7, 10 and 12. We also will have Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord at 6:00PM on August 5 and Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Liturgy on the Porch
If we are still needing to limit indoor attendance due to COVID-19 at the end of August, and if the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 1, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-1
August 2, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-2
August 3, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-3-20
August 5, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Transfiguration - https://bit.ly/Transfiguration8-5
August 7, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-7
August 8, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-8
August 9, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-9
August 10, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-10
August 12, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-12
August 14, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition - https://bit.ly/Dormition8-14
August 15, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-15
August 16, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-16
August 19, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-19
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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 doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us.
--C. S. Lewis
August 3, Monday
+ Paraklesis service, 7:00PM
August 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
August 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord, 6:00PM
August 6, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
August 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Paraklesis service, 7:00PM
August 8, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 9, Sunday (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Nino Kintsurashvili and Carlo Kind who were married at St. Raphael Church on July 25th. May God grant them many years!
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The latest council meeting minutes are here.
Dormition Fast
In preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, we fast from August 1-14. During this time we will also be praying the Paraklesis service at 7:00PM on August 3, 7, 10 and 12. We also will have Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord at 6:00PM on August 5 and Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Liturgy on the Porch
If we are still needing to limit indoor attendance due to COVID-19 at the end of August, and if the weather cooperates, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy on the front porch and in the front yard of church on Sunday, August 30. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. This will also be the Sunday of the annual blessing of students and teachers as it is at the beginning of the new school year. We ask that people attending still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people not of their household.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twelve people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
August 1, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-1
August 2, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-2
August 3, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-3-20
August 5, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Transfiguration - https://bit.ly/Transfiguration8-5
August 7, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-7
August 8, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-8
August 9, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-9
August 10, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-10
August 12, 7pm- Paraklesis - https://bit.ly/Paraklesis8-12
August 14, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition - https://bit.ly/Dormition8-14
August 15, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-15
August 16, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-16
August 19, 7pm- Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-19
August 22, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-22
August 23, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-23
August 26, 7pm- Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist8-26
August 28, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for Beheading of the Forerunner - https://bit.ly/BeheadingStJohn8-28
August 29, 5pm- Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers8-29
August 30, 8:45/10am- Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy8-30
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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 doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us.
--C. S. Lewis
Sunday July 26, 2020, 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
July 28, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
July 29, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Canon for Racial Reconciliation, 7:00PM
July 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 31, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
August 1, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 2, Sunday (8th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Evren Sasmazer who entered into the Church through the sacraments of Confession, Baptism, Chrismation and the Eucharist on Saturday, July 18. His patron saint is St. Nikolai of Japan and his sponsor is Jerome Deister. May God grant him many years!
Dormition Fast
In preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, we fast from August 1-14. During this time we will also be praying the Paraklesis service at 7:00PM on August 3, 7, 10 and 12. We also will have Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord at 6:00PM on August 5 and Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
New Office Hours and Hours Prayers Times
Due to a change in his family schedule, Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours. He will be in the office and available for appointments from 11AM-2PM Tuesday-Thursday and 9:15AM-12PM on Fridays with 6th Hour Prayers at 12PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays and 3rd Hour Prayers at 9AM on Fridays.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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 earth will never become paradise under the current state of affairs, but it is and will be an arena of preparation for the heavenly life.
--St. Theophan the Recluse
July 28, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
July 29, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Canon for Racial Reconciliation, 7:00PM
July 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 31, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
August 1, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
August 2, Sunday (8th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Evren Sasmazer who entered into the Church through the sacraments of Confession, Baptism, Chrismation and the Eucharist on Saturday, July 18. His patron saint is St. Nikolai of Japan and his sponsor is Jerome Deister. May God grant him many years!
Dormition Fast
In preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, we fast from August 1-14. During this time we will also be praying the Paraklesis service at 7:00PM on August 3, 7, 10 and 12. We also will have Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord at 6:00PM on August 5 and Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
New Office Hours and Hours Prayers Times
Due to a change in his family schedule, Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours. He will be in the office and available for appointments from 11AM-2PM Tuesday-Thursday and 9:15AM-12PM on Fridays with 6th Hour Prayers at 12PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays and 3rd Hour Prayers at 9AM on Fridays.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, 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 earth will never become paradise under the current state of affairs, but it is and will be an arena of preparation for the heavenly life.
--St. Theophan the Recluse
Sunday July 19, 2020, Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council
Upcoming Services and Events
July 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
July 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
July 25, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 26, Sunday (7th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Tony Haddad and Karen Grajczyk-Haddad who were married at St.George Church in Cedar Rapids on July 4th. May God grant them many years!
Change in Parish Council Membership
Elena Boriuk recently resigned her position on the parish council. Thank you, Elena, for serving the church in this way. As her position was appointed as opposed to elected, Fr. Ignatius has appointed Mike Darjania to fill the vacancy. Your parish council consists of Newman Abuissa, chair; Karen Kuntz, treasurer; Julia Buchkina, Secretary; Bryan Horak, Alli Rockwell and Mike Darjania. Thank you Mike, for agreeing to take on this role.
New Sign Installed
Recently, the sign in our front yard was vandalized with some graffiti. It was cleaned off, which resulted in some fading of the colors. In the past, the glass that we have had in front of the sign has been broken by vandals. The new sign is a vinyl sticker mounted on Lexan, a very durable, plexiglass like material.
New Office Hours and Hours Prayers Times
Due to a change in his family schedule, Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours. He will be in the office and available for appointments from 11AM-2PM Tuesday-Thursday and 9:15AM-12PM on Fridays with 6th Hour Prayers at 12PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays and 3rd Hour Prayers at 9AM on Fridays.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
July 18, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-18
July 19, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-19
July 22, 7pm Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-22
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 person that is struggling to the best of his abilities, who has no desire to live a disorderly life, but who—in the course of the struggle for faith and life—falls and rises again and again, God will never abandon. And if he has the slightest will not to grieve God, he will go to Paradise with his shoes on. The Benevolent God will, surprisingly, push him into Paradise. God will ensure that he takes him at his best, in repentance. He may have to struggle all his life, but God will not abandon him; He will take him at the best possible time.
- St. Paisios the Athonite, Spiritual Counsels II
July 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
July 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
July 25, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 26, Sunday (7th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Tony Haddad and Karen Grajczyk-Haddad who were married at St.George Church in Cedar Rapids on July 4th. May God grant them many years!
Change in Parish Council Membership
Elena Boriuk recently resigned her position on the parish council. Thank you, Elena, for serving the church in this way. As her position was appointed as opposed to elected, Fr. Ignatius has appointed Mike Darjania to fill the vacancy. Your parish council consists of Newman Abuissa, chair; Karen Kuntz, treasurer; Julia Buchkina, Secretary; Bryan Horak, Alli Rockwell and Mike Darjania. Thank you Mike, for agreeing to take on this role.
New Sign Installed
Recently, the sign in our front yard was vandalized with some graffiti. It was cleaned off, which resulted in some fading of the colors. In the past, the glass that we have had in front of the sign has been broken by vandals. The new sign is a vinyl sticker mounted on Lexan, a very durable, plexiglass like material.
New Office Hours and Hours Prayers Times
Due to a change in his family schedule, Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours. He will be in the office and available for appointments from 11AM-2PM Tuesday-Thursday and 9:15AM-12PM on Fridays with 6th Hour Prayers at 12PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays and 3rd Hour Prayers at 9AM on Fridays.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
July 18, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-18
July 19, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-19
July 22, 7pm Akathist - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-22
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 person that is struggling to the best of his abilities, who has no desire to live a disorderly life, but who—in the course of the struggle for faith and life—falls and rises again and again, God will never abandon. And if he has the slightest will not to grieve God, he will go to Paradise with his shoes on. The Benevolent God will, surprisingly, push him into Paradise. God will ensure that he takes him at his best, in repentance. He may have to struggle all his life, but God will not abandon him; He will take him at the best possible time.
- St. Paisios the Athonite, Spiritual Counsels II
Sunday July 5, 2020- 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Services and Events
July 8, Wednesday
+ Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7:00PM
July 9, Thursday
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 11, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 12, Sunday (5th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
July 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
July 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM
July 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
July 18, Saturday
+ Holy Baptism of Evren Sasmazer, 10:30AM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 19, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10AM
+ Fellowship Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Fr. Ignatius Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town from July 5-13. He can be reached on his cell phone during this time. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers during this time. In the case of a pastoral emergency, please call Fr. Fred Shaheen at 319-651-6452.
Please Welcome Fr. Maximos Herman
Fr. Maximos will be filling in for Fr. Ignatius on Sunday, July 12. Please welcome him!
New Office Hours and Hours Prayers Times
Due to a change in his family schedule, Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours. He will be in the office and available for appointments from 11AM-2PM Tuesday-Thursday and 9:15AM-12PM on Fridays with 6th Hour Prayers at 12PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays and 3rd Hour Prayers at 9AM on Fridays.
July-August Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the months of July and August are printed and available for pick-up in the narthex.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
July 8, 7pm Akathist to Jesus Christ - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-8
July 11, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-11
July 12, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-12
July 15, 7pm Akathist to the Theotokos - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-15
July 18, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-18
July 19, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-19
July 22, 7pm Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-22
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Olive Oil Donations
We are running low on olive oil to use in the lamps that burn before the icons and on the altar. Donations of oil are welcome. Regular grade (not extra-virgin) oil burns best.
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your hearts take courage; yea, wait for the Lord!
Psalm 26/27:13-14
July 8, Wednesday
+ Akathist to our Lord and Savior, 7:00PM
July 9, Thursday
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 11, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 12, Sunday (5th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
July 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
July 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM
July 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
July 18, Saturday
+ Holy Baptism of Evren Sasmazer, 10:30AM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 19, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10AM
+ Fellowship Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Fr. Ignatius Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town from July 5-13. He can be reached on his cell phone during this time. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers during this time. In the case of a pastoral emergency, please call Fr. Fred Shaheen at 319-651-6452.
Please Welcome Fr. Maximos Herman
Fr. Maximos will be filling in for Fr. Ignatius on Sunday, July 12. Please welcome him!
New Office Hours and Hours Prayers Times
Due to a change in his family schedule, Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours. He will be in the office and available for appointments from 11AM-2PM Tuesday-Thursday and 9:15AM-12PM on Fridays with 6th Hour Prayers at 12PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays and 3rd Hour Prayers at 9AM on Fridays.
July-August Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the months of July and August are printed and available for pick-up in the narthex.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
July 8, 7pm Akathist to Jesus Christ - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-8
July 11, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-11
July 12, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-12
July 15, 7pm Akathist to the Theotokos - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-15
July 18, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-18
July 19, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-19
July 22, 7pm Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-22
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Olive Oil Donations
We are running low on olive oil to use in the lamps that burn before the icons and on the altar. Donations of oil are welcome. Regular grade (not extra-virgin) oil burns best.
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your hearts take courage; yea, wait for the Lord!
Psalm 26/27:13-14
Sunday June 28, 2020- Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, transferred
This Week's Services and Events
June 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, 6:00PM
July 2, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 3, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
July 4, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 5, Sunday (4th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
July-August Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the months of July and August are printed and available for pick-up in the narthex.
Panel Discussion on Racial Reconciliation
On July 1 at 7PM, there will be an online panel discussion on Racial Reconciliation hosted by the Antiochian Archdiocese Department of Missions and Evangelism. For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/2854519618004183/
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twenty people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Vespers 6/27 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-27
Matins/Liturgy 6/28 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-28
July 1, 6pm Vesperal Liturgy for St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco - https://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy7-1
July 4, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-4
July 5, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-5
July 8, 7pm Akathist to Jesus Christ - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-8
July 11, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-11
July 12, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-12
July 15, 7pm Akathist to the Theotokos - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-15
July 18, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-18
July 19, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-19
July 22, 7pm Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-22
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Olive Oil Donations
We are running low on olive oil to use in the lamps that burn before the icons and on the altar. Donations of oil are welcome. Regular grade (not extra-virgin) oil burns best.
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
June Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The June 2020 Parish Council meeting minutes are attached.
New Email Address for Fr. Ignatius
Father's frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org email address is being deactivated. You can contact him at frignatiusval@gmail.com or at saintraphaeliowacity@gmail.com
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching Him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion answered Him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard him, He marveled, and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; be it done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. (Matthew 8:5-13)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
We are all one because God is our Father and is everywhere... We experience the joy of unity, of love, and we become one with everyone. There is nothing more magnificent! ... No one should wish to be saved alone without all others being save. It is a mistake for someone to pray for himself, that he himself may be saved. We must love others... When we set ourselves apart from others, we are not Christians.
St. Porphyrios
June 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, 6:00PM
July 2, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
July 3, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
July 4, Saturday
+ Reader's Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
July 5, Sunday (4th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
July-August Calendars Printed
Calendars showing services and other events for the months of July and August are printed and available for pick-up in the narthex.
Panel Discussion on Racial Reconciliation
On July 1 at 7PM, there will be an online panel discussion on Racial Reconciliation hosted by the Antiochian Archdiocese Department of Missions and Evangelism. For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/2854519618004183/
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twenty people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Vespers 6/27 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-27
Matins/Liturgy 6/28 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-28
July 1, 6pm Vesperal Liturgy for St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco - https://bit.ly/VesperalLiturgy7-1
July 4, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-4
July 5, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-5
July 8, 7pm Akathist to Jesus Christ - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-8
July 11, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-11
July 12, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-12
July 15, 7pm Akathist to the Theotokos - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-15
July 18, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-18
July 19, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-19
July 22, 7pm Akathist to St. Raphael - https://bit.ly/Akathist7-22
July 25, 5pm Great Vespers - https://bit.ly/Vespers7-25
July 26, 8:45/10am Matins and Divine Liturgy - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy7-26
July 29, 7pm Canon for Racial Reconciliation - https://bit.ly/Canon7-29
Olive Oil Donations
We are running low on olive oil to use in the lamps that burn before the icons and on the altar. Donations of oil are welcome. Regular grade (not extra-virgin) oil burns best.
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
June Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The June 2020 Parish Council meeting minutes are attached.
New Email Address for Fr. Ignatius
Father's frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org email address is being deactivated. You can contact him at frignatiusval@gmail.com or at saintraphaeliowacity@gmail.com
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
We have moved our pantry back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching Him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion answered Him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard him, He marveled, and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; be it done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. (Matthew 8:5-13)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
We are all one because God is our Father and is everywhere... We experience the joy of unity, of love, and we become one with everyone. There is nothing more magnificent! ... No one should wish to be saved alone without all others being save. It is a mistake for someone to pray for himself, that he himself may be saved. We must love others... When we set ourselves apart from others, we are not Christians.
St. Porphyrios
Sunday June 21, 2020, 2nd Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
June 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. John the Forerunner, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
June 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 28, Sunday (Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, transferred)
+ 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
Happy Father's Day
To all fathers and godfathers, Happy Father's Day. May God grant you many years!
Online Opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment This Week
The Archdiocesan Department of Homeschooling is presenting a series of online Zoom seminars on a variety of topics of interest to Orthodox Christians this week. Go to: https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/689 to learn more.
Apostles' Fast
The Apostles' fast began on Monday, June 15 and goes through Sunday, June 28. During this period, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs, wine and oil. Wine and oil are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you have any questions about how to implement fasting in your life or the reasons why the Church asks us to fast, please speak with Fr. Ignatius
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twenty people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Vespers 6/20 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-20
Matins/Liturgy 6/21 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-21
Akathist to St. John the Baptist - https://bit.ly/Akathist6-24
Vespers 6/27 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-27
Matins/Liturgy 6/28 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-28
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
New Email Address for Fr. Ignatius
Father's frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org email address is being deactivated. You can contact him at frignatiusval@gmail.com or at saintraphaeliowacity@gmail.com
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
We have moved our panty back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Rejoice, O ye heavens; sound the trumpets, ye foundations of the earth; thunder forth gladness, O ye mountains; for behold, Emmanuel hath nailed to the Cross our sins; and the Giver of Life hath slain death, raising up Adam; for He is the Lover of mankind.
From Stichera at "O Lord I have Cried" Vespers, tone 1
June 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. John the Forerunner, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
June 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 28, Sunday (Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, transferred)
+ 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
Happy Father's Day
To all fathers and godfathers, Happy Father's Day. May God grant you many years!
Online Opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment This Week
The Archdiocesan Department of Homeschooling is presenting a series of online Zoom seminars on a variety of topics of interest to Orthodox Christians this week. Go to: https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/689 to learn more.
Apostles' Fast
The Apostles' fast began on Monday, June 15 and goes through Sunday, June 28. During this period, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs, wine and oil. Wine and oil are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you have any questions about how to implement fasting in your life or the reasons why the Church asks us to fast, please speak with Fr. Ignatius
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to twenty people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Vespers 6/20 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-20
Matins/Liturgy 6/21 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-21
Akathist to St. John the Baptist - https://bit.ly/Akathist6-24
Vespers 6/27 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-27
Matins/Liturgy 6/28 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-28
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
New Email Address for Fr. Ignatius
Father's frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org email address is being deactivated. You can contact him at frignatiusval@gmail.com or at saintraphaeliowacity@gmail.com
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
We have moved our panty back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Rejoice, O ye heavens; sound the trumpets, ye foundations of the earth; thunder forth gladness, O ye mountains; for behold, Emmanuel hath nailed to the Cross our sins; and the Giver of Life hath slain death, raising up Adam; for He is the Lover of mankind.
From Stichera at "O Lord I have Cried" Vespers, tone 1
Sunday June 14, 2020, All Saints Sunday
This Week's Services and Events
June 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
June 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 21, Sunday (1st Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Apostles' Fast Begins
The Apostles' fast begins on Monday, June 15 and goes through Sunday, June 28. During this period, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs, wine and oil. Wine and oil are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you have any questions about how to implement fasting in your life or the reasons why the Church asks us to fast, please speak with Fr. Ignatius
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest. Very soon, we anticipate increasing the attendance limit to twenty.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Akathist to St. Raphael- https://bit.ly/Akathist6-17
Vespers 6/20 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-20
Matins/Liturgy 6/21 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-21
Akathist to St. John the Baptist - https://bit.ly/Akathist6-24
Vespers 6/27 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-27
Matins/Liturgy 6/28 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-28
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
New Email Address for Fr. Ignatius
Father's frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org email address is being deactivated. You can contact him at frignatiusval@gmail.com or at saintraphaeliowacity@gmail.com
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
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
We have moved our panty back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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. AndHe said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left theirnets 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
"For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half-gone, Thy all-powerful Word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne, into the midst of the land that was doomed."
Wisdom of Solomon 18:15
June 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
June 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 21, Sunday (1st Sunday after Pentecost)
+ 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
Apostles' Fast Begins
The Apostles' fast begins on Monday, June 15 and goes through Sunday, June 28. During this period, we abstain from meat, dairy and eggs, wine and oil. Wine and oil are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you have any questions about how to implement fasting in your life or the reasons why the Church asks us to fast, please speak with Fr. Ignatius
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest. Very soon, we anticipate increasing the attendance limit to twenty.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services.
Akathist to St. Raphael- https://bit.ly/Akathist6-17
Vespers 6/20 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-20
Matins/Liturgy 6/21 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-21
Akathist to St. John the Baptist - https://bit.ly/Akathist6-24
Vespers 6/27 - https://bit.ly/Vespers6-27
Matins/Liturgy 6/28 - https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-28
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
New Email Address for Fr. Ignatius
Father's frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org email address is being deactivated. You can contact him at frignatiusval@gmail.com or at saintraphaeliowacity@gmail.com
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
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
We have moved our panty back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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. AndHe said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left theirnets 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
"For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half-gone, Thy all-powerful Word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne, into the midst of the land that was doomed."
Wisdom of Solomon 18:15
Sunday June 7, 2020, Pentecost Sunday
This Week's Services and Events
June 7, 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
+ Kneeling Vespers, 6:00PM
June 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 11, Thursday
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 14, All Saints Sunday
+ Matins, 9:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Typika, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Kneeling Vespers
On Sunday evening, June 7, at 6:00PM, we have what is known as Kneeling Vespers. Throughout the Paschal season, which has now come to a close, the posture of kneeling or prostrating does not take place in the church, as it does during Lent. This is because we are celebrating that Christ is risen from the dead! To make the point that the Paschal season is now over, some beautiful prayers are incorporated into vespers following Pentecost liturgy, during which the people are asked to kneel. Come and pray with us!
Fr. Ignatius Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town Thursday June 11-Sunday June 14. There will be reader's vespers on Saturday at 5:00PM and matins and Typika with no Eucharist on Sunday. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers on Thursday or Friday. If there is an emergency, don't hesitate to call him.
Fast-Free Week
There is no fasting on Wednesday or Friday this week.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services. The date of the service is at the end of each link.
https://bit.ly/Vespers6-6
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-7
https://bit.ly/KneelingVespers6-7
https://bit.ly/Akathist6-10
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
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
We have moved our panty back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise, having sent upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them Thou hast fished the universe, O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.
Troparion of the Feast of Pentecost
June 7, 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
+ Kneeling Vespers, 6:00PM
June 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 11, Thursday
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 14, All Saints Sunday
+ Matins, 9:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Typika, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Kneeling Vespers
On Sunday evening, June 7, at 6:00PM, we have what is known as Kneeling Vespers. Throughout the Paschal season, which has now come to a close, the posture of kneeling or prostrating does not take place in the church, as it does during Lent. This is because we are celebrating that Christ is risen from the dead! To make the point that the Paschal season is now over, some beautiful prayers are incorporated into vespers following Pentecost liturgy, during which the people are asked to kneel. Come and pray with us!
Fr. Ignatius Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town Thursday June 11-Sunday June 14. There will be reader's vespers on Saturday at 5:00PM and matins and Typika with no Eucharist on Sunday. There will be no office hours or Hours Prayers on Thursday or Friday. If there is an emergency, don't hesitate to call him.
Fast-Free Week
There is no fasting on Wednesday or Friday this week.
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online. We are limited to ten people attending, in addition to two chanters, an altar server and a priest.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming services. The date of the service is at the end of each link.
https://bit.ly/Vespers6-6
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-7
https://bit.ly/KneelingVespers6-7
https://bit.ly/Akathist6-10
Food Pantry to Benefit from Hy-Vee Program
The St. Raphael Church Food Pantry has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of July in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits. The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. Our pantry was selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1125 N. Dodge St., Iowa City. Our pantry will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red "My Heart" Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
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
We have moved our panty back inside the church, now that the building is open. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise, having sent upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them Thou hast fished the universe, O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.
Troparion of the Feast of Pentecost
Sunday May 31, 2020, Sunday of the After-feast of the Ascension
This Week's Services and Events
May 31, 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
June 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Canon for Racial Reconciliation, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
June 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 7, Pentecost 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
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming. The date of the service is at the end of each link.
https://bit.ly/Akathist6-3
https://bit.ly/Vespers6-6
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-7
https://bit.ly/KneelingVespers6-7
https://bit.ly/Akathist6-10
A Note From Your Treasurer
May 24, 2020, Christ is Risen!- If your family has been filling a Food For Hungry People donation box, please try to drop off your box at the church within the next couple weeks, if possible. I would like to total the gifts and forward our congregation’s contribution. Unfortunately, food insecurity has been increasing around the world as the virus has impacted businesses and jobs. The FFHP is one program that helps meet this need.
Thanks to everyone who has been dropping off food for the St Raphael Food Pantry. Keep in mind, that if you would like to give a financial gift to the pantry, you are welcome to do that as well—just clearly designate you gift for “food pantry.” Funds will be used to purchase needed items to keep the pantry stocked.
Again, thanks to everyone for being very faithful in fulfilling your pledges over the past few months. Our income is slightly behind where we would normally be because we did not have the extra attendance and cash giving we normally have during the Pascha season. We anticipate that our giving will continue to run behind over the summer. Summer is historically a lower income time for us, and our attendance will likely continue to be limited for safety. We will be monitoring our income and expenses closely over the coming weeks and months and keeping you informed.
Good News! Yesterday (May 22nd) we learned that we were awarded a Paycheck Protection Program Loan as part of the COVID-19 Relief program. We will be able to use these funds to support our basic operations over the next few months. Since our largest expense is Father’s salary and benefits, having these funds will assure our financial stability. We anticipate our giving will continue to be lower than usual while our attendance is limited. This is a loan, so we will be monitoring the funds carefully and developing a repayment plan as our attendance and giving return to normal.
As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns about the church finances or your pledges.
Karen Kuntz, Treasurer
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our cofee 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
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of limited attendance when many are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh."
John 6:51
May 31, 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
June 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
June 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Canon for Racial Reconciliation, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Discussion on the Kontakia of the Life of Christ of St. Romanos the Melodist, 7:00PM
June 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
June 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
June 7, Pentecost 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
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with limited attendance, assuming that we also follow rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online.
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for upcoming. The date of the service is at the end of each link.
https://bit.ly/Akathist6-3
https://bit.ly/Vespers6-6
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy6-7
https://bit.ly/KneelingVespers6-7
https://bit.ly/Akathist6-10
A Note From Your Treasurer
May 24, 2020, Christ is Risen!- If your family has been filling a Food For Hungry People donation box, please try to drop off your box at the church within the next couple weeks, if possible. I would like to total the gifts and forward our congregation’s contribution. Unfortunately, food insecurity has been increasing around the world as the virus has impacted businesses and jobs. The FFHP is one program that helps meet this need.
Thanks to everyone who has been dropping off food for the St Raphael Food Pantry. Keep in mind, that if you would like to give a financial gift to the pantry, you are welcome to do that as well—just clearly designate you gift for “food pantry.” Funds will be used to purchase needed items to keep the pantry stocked.
Again, thanks to everyone for being very faithful in fulfilling your pledges over the past few months. Our income is slightly behind where we would normally be because we did not have the extra attendance and cash giving we normally have during the Pascha season. We anticipate that our giving will continue to run behind over the summer. Summer is historically a lower income time for us, and our attendance will likely continue to be limited for safety. We will be monitoring our income and expenses closely over the coming weeks and months and keeping you informed.
Good News! Yesterday (May 22nd) we learned that we were awarded a Paycheck Protection Program Loan as part of the COVID-19 Relief program. We will be able to use these funds to support our basic operations over the next few months. Since our largest expense is Father’s salary and benefits, having these funds will assure our financial stability. We anticipate our giving will continue to be lower than usual while our attendance is limited. This is a loan, so we will be monitoring the funds carefully and developing a repayment plan as our attendance and giving return to normal.
As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns about the church finances or your pledges.
Karen Kuntz, Treasurer
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our cofee 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
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of limited attendance when many are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh."
John 6:51
Sunday May 24, 2020, 6th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Blind Man)
Christ is risen!
Tha Crìosd air èiridh! Masih barkhaste ast!
This Week's Services and Events
May 24, 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 26, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers for Leave-taking of Pascha, 6:00PM
May 27, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Ascension, 6:00PM
May 28, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 29, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
May 30, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
May 31, 7th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the First Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with very limited attendance, assuming that we also follow some rather rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online (links below).
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for services until the end of the month. The date of the service is at the end of each link, for example, 5-27 is May 27, this Wednesday.
https://bit.ly/LeavetakingPascha5-26
https://bit.ly/Ascension5-27
https://bit.ly/Vespers5-30
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-31
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Maryam Abuissa who graduates from City High School as valedictorian. May God grant her many years!
Leave-taking of Pascha
Because of the pandemic this year, we were not able to have a full and proper celebration of Pascha together. On Tuesday, May 26 at 6:00PM, we will say goodbye to the Paschal season with a vespers service. This service has nearly all of the paschal character as the main service of Pascha. Sign up, and come to hear "Christ is risen!" one more time.
Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
Forty days after His Resurrection, the Lord ascended to heaven, sitting down at the right hand of the Father. We celebrate this event, which was "for our salvation", with a Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00PM on Wednesday, May 27. Sign up here.
Fasting Resumes
The weekly fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays resumes this Friday, May 29.
A Note From Your Treasurer
May 24, 2020, Christ is Risen!- If your family has been filling a Food For Hungry People donation box, please try to drop off your box at the church within the next couple weeks, if possible. I would like to total the gifts and forward our congregation’s contribution. Unfortunately, food insecurity has been increasing around the world as the virus has impacted businesses and jobs. The FFHP is one program that helps meet this need.
Thanks to everyone who has been dropping off food for the St Raphael Food Pantry. Keep in mind, that if you would like to give a financial gift to the pantry, you are welcome to do that as well—just clearly designate you gift for “food pantry.” Funds will be used to purchase needed items to keep the pantry stocked.
Again, thanks to everyone for being very faithful in fulfilling your pledges over the past few months. Our income is slightly behind where we would normally be because we did not have the extra attendance and cash giving we normally have during the Pascha season. We anticipate that our giving will continue to run behind over the summer. Summer is historically a lower income time for us, and our attendance will likely continue to be limited for safety. We will be monitoring our income and expenses closely over the coming weeks and months and keeping you informed.
Good News! Yesterday (May 22nd) we learned that we were awarded a Paycheck Protection Program Loan as part of the COVID-19 Relief program. We will be able to use these funds to support our basic operations over the next few months. Since our largest expense is Father’s salary and benefits, having these funds will assure our financial stability. We anticipate our giving will continue to be lower than usual while our attendance is limited. This is a loan, so we will be monitoring the funds carefully and developing a repayment plan as our attendance and giving return to normal.
As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns about the church finances or your pledges.
Karen Kuntz, Treasurer
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
Read the approved May Parish Council meeting minutes here.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our cofee 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
In-Person Office Hours Return
With the church building not under lockdown, Fr. Ignatius has resumed his in-person office hours. See schedule above for times.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when many are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorifyThy 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Difficult times lie ahead
…with God’s permission, a strong jolt will come our way. Difficult times lie ahead. We will be greatly tested. We have to take this warning seriously and live spiritually. It is circumstances that are forcing us and will force us in the future, to labour spiritually. But we should try to do so by choice and joyfully rather than by necessity when various sorrows come upon us. Many Saints would plead to live in our times so that they would have the chance to struggle for Christ…
Saint Paisios, With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man, Souroti: Holy Monastery of Evangelist John
Tha Crìosd air èiridh! Masih barkhaste ast!
This Week's Services and Events
May 24, 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 26, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers for Leave-taking of Pascha, 6:00PM
May 27, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Ascension, 6:00PM
May 28, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 29, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
May 30, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
May 31, 7th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the First Ecumenical Council)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with very limited attendance, assuming that we also follow some rather rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online (links below).
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for services until the end of the month. The date of the service is at the end of each link, for example, 5-27 is May 27, this Wednesday.
https://bit.ly/LeavetakingPascha5-26
https://bit.ly/Ascension5-27
https://bit.ly/Vespers5-30
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-31
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Maryam Abuissa who graduates from City High School as valedictorian. May God grant her many years!
Leave-taking of Pascha
Because of the pandemic this year, we were not able to have a full and proper celebration of Pascha together. On Tuesday, May 26 at 6:00PM, we will say goodbye to the Paschal season with a vespers service. This service has nearly all of the paschal character as the main service of Pascha. Sign up, and come to hear "Christ is risen!" one more time.
Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
Forty days after His Resurrection, the Lord ascended to heaven, sitting down at the right hand of the Father. We celebrate this event, which was "for our salvation", with a Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00PM on Wednesday, May 27. Sign up here.
Fasting Resumes
The weekly fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays resumes this Friday, May 29.
A Note From Your Treasurer
May 24, 2020, Christ is Risen!- If your family has been filling a Food For Hungry People donation box, please try to drop off your box at the church within the next couple weeks, if possible. I would like to total the gifts and forward our congregation’s contribution. Unfortunately, food insecurity has been increasing around the world as the virus has impacted businesses and jobs. The FFHP is one program that helps meet this need.
Thanks to everyone who has been dropping off food for the St Raphael Food Pantry. Keep in mind, that if you would like to give a financial gift to the pantry, you are welcome to do that as well—just clearly designate you gift for “food pantry.” Funds will be used to purchase needed items to keep the pantry stocked.
Again, thanks to everyone for being very faithful in fulfilling your pledges over the past few months. Our income is slightly behind where we would normally be because we did not have the extra attendance and cash giving we normally have during the Pascha season. We anticipate that our giving will continue to run behind over the summer. Summer is historically a lower income time for us, and our attendance will likely continue to be limited for safety. We will be monitoring our income and expenses closely over the coming weeks and months and keeping you informed.
Good News! Yesterday (May 22nd) we learned that we were awarded a Paycheck Protection Program Loan as part of the COVID-19 Relief program. We will be able to use these funds to support our basic operations over the next few months. Since our largest expense is Father’s salary and benefits, having these funds will assure our financial stability. We anticipate our giving will continue to be lower than usual while our attendance is limited. This is a loan, so we will be monitoring the funds carefully and developing a repayment plan as our attendance and giving return to normal.
As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns about the church finances or your pledges.
Karen Kuntz, Treasurer
Do You Need Assistance with Food?
Has the financial turmoil associated with the pandemic and subsequent societal shutdown caused you to have difficulties obtaining enough food? If so, please let Fr. Ignatius know. The Archdiocese may have some funds available to distribute to the parishes for such a need.
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
Read the approved May Parish Council meeting minutes here.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our cofee 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
In-Person Office Hours Return
With the church building not under lockdown, Fr. Ignatius has resumed his in-person office hours. See schedule above for times.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when many are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorifyThy 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Difficult times lie ahead
…with God’s permission, a strong jolt will come our way. Difficult times lie ahead. We will be greatly tested. We have to take this warning seriously and live spiritually. It is circumstances that are forcing us and will force us in the future, to labour spiritually. But we should try to do so by choice and joyfully rather than by necessity when various sorrows come upon us. Many Saints would plead to live in our times so that they would have the chance to struggle for Christ…
Saint Paisios, With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man, Souroti: Holy Monastery of Evangelist John
Sunday May 17, 2020, 5th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Samaritan Woman)
Christ is risen!
Kristo Amefufukka! Kristusaq Aglagikuk!
This Week's Services and Events
May 17, 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
May 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM
May 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
May 23, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
May 24, 6th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Blind Man)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with very limited attendance, assuming that we also follow some rather rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online.
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to Connor and Derek Ward who are graduating from Liberty High School and to Evren Sasmazer who is graduating from West Liberty High School. May God grant you many years!
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for services until the end of the month. The date of the service is at the end of each link, for example, 5-20 is May 20, this Wednesday.
https://bit.ly/Akathist5-20
https://bit.ly/Vespers5-23
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-24
https://bit.ly/LeavetakingPascha5-26
https://bit.ly/Ascension5-27
https://bit.ly/Vespers5-30
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-31
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
In-Person Office Hours Return
With the church building not under lockdown, Fr. Ignatius will resume his in-person office hours. See schedule above for times.
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The approved April Parish Council meeting minutes are attached.
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Ye mortals, exalt and praise Him Who by His death emptied the dominion of death and promised all the mortal race life and resurrection.
- St. Ephraim the Syrian
Kristo Amefufukka! Kristusaq Aglagikuk!
This Week's Services and Events
May 17, 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
May 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM
May 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
May 23, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
May 24, 6th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Blind Man)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Partial Re-opening of Church
We are now able to have a more full schedule of services with very limited attendance, assuming that we also follow some rather rigorous instructions from our archdiocese including: wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, staying home if experiencing symptoms, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not living under your roof, and so forth. If you plan to come to a service, please sign up online.
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to Connor and Derek Ward who are graduating from Liberty High School and to Evren Sasmazer who is graduating from West Liberty High School. May God grant you many years!
Links to Sign-Ups for Church Attendance
These links will allow you to sign-up for services until the end of the month. The date of the service is at the end of each link, for example, 5-20 is May 20, this Wednesday.
https://bit.ly/Akathist5-20
https://bit.ly/Vespers5-23
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-24
https://bit.ly/LeavetakingPascha5-26
https://bit.ly/Ascension5-27
https://bit.ly/Vespers5-30
https://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy5-31
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
In-Person Office Hours Return
With the church building not under lockdown, Fr. Ignatius will resume his in-person office hours. See schedule above for times.
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The approved April Parish Council meeting minutes are attached.
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Ye mortals, exalt and praise Him Who by His death emptied the dominion of death and promised all the mortal race life and resurrection.
- St. Ephraim the Syrian
Sunday May 10, 2020, 4th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Paralytic)
Christ is risen!
Hristós diril–Dí! Harisutosu fukkatsu!
This Week's Services and Events
May 10, 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 13, Wednesday
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 14, Thursday
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 16, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 17, 5th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Samaritan 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memorial Flowers
Memorial flowers are placed in the church this weekend, in memory of Elena Bezugla's parents and all her departed loved ones. May their memory be eternal!
"Fighting the Right War: Protecting the Lives of our Unborn Children"
In the midst of the current Coronavirus pandemic, let us not forget about that other pandemic which is always with us. This article can be read in the latest Word magazine which can be found at https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/websiteattachments/MAY%202020%20WORD%20for%20ARCHDIOCESE%20lo%20res.pdf
Are You Watching Our Services Online?
We have been live streaming our services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/. Consider sharing the live stream to your own Facebook wall as a form of outreach, so that others have an opportunity to experience a little bit of our dear church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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.” 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 Bible is a scented garden, delightful, beautiful. It enchants our ears with birdsong in a sweet, divine and spiritual harmony. It touches our heart, comforts us in sorrow, soothes us in a moments of anger and fills us with eternal joy.
St. John of Damascus
Hristós diril–Dí! Harisutosu fukkatsu!
This Week's Services and Events
May 10, 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 13, Wednesday
+ Akathist to the Theotokos, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 14, Thursday
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 16, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 17, 5th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Samaritan 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
+ Youth Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memorial Flowers
Memorial flowers are placed in the church this weekend, in memory of Elena Bezugla's parents and all her departed loved ones. May their memory be eternal!
"Fighting the Right War: Protecting the Lives of our Unborn Children"
In the midst of the current Coronavirus pandemic, let us not forget about that other pandemic which is always with us. This article can be read in the latest Word magazine which can be found at https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/websiteattachments/MAY%202020%20WORD%20for%20ARCHDIOCESE%20lo%20res.pdf
Are You Watching Our Services Online?
We have been live streaming our services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/. Consider sharing the live stream to your own Facebook wall as a form of outreach, so that others have an opportunity to experience a little bit of our dear church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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.” 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 Bible is a scented garden, delightful, beautiful. It enchants our ears with birdsong in a sweet, divine and spiritual harmony. It touches our heart, comforts us in sorrow, soothes us in a moments of anger and fills us with eternal joy.
St. John of Damascus
Sunday May 3, 2020, 3rd Sunday of Pascha (Myrrhbearers Sunday)
Christ is risen! Kriste Agsdga! Christu uyirthezhunnettu!
This Week's Services and Events
May 6, Wednesday
+ Akathist to the Lord, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 7, Thursday
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 10, 4th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Paralytic)
+ 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
Are You Watching Our Services Online?
As you probably know, we have been live streaming our services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/. Consider sharing the live stream to your own Facebook wall as a form of outreach, so that others have an opportunity to experience a little bit of our dear church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Christ is our friend, our brother, He is whatever is beautiful and good. He is everything. Christ is joy, life, light, the true light which makes man glad, makes him fly, makes him see all people, and want all people to be with him, close to him.
--Saint Porphyrios
This Week's Services and Events
May 6, Wednesday
+ Akathist to the Lord, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 7, Thursday
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 10, 4th Sunday of Pascha (Sunday of the Paralytic)
+ 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
Are You Watching Our Services Online?
As you probably know, we have been live streaming our services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/. Consider sharing the live stream to your own Facebook wall as a form of outreach, so that others have an opportunity to experience a little bit of our dear church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Christ is our friend, our brother, He is whatever is beautiful and good. He is everything. Christ is joy, life, light, the true light which makes man glad, makes him fly, makes him see all people, and want all people to be with him, close to him.
--Saint Porphyrios
Sunday April 26, 2020- 2nd Sunday of Pascha (Thomas Sunday)
Christ is risen! Christos voskese! Hristos a inviat!
This Week's Services and Events
April 29, Wednesday
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 20, Thursday
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 2, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 3, 3rd Sunday of Pascha (Myrrhbearers 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
Patriarch John's Paschal Letter
To read Patriarch John's Paschal letter for 2020, go to: https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/653
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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 passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. 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 white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has 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 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 moving joy, what blessedness the words of the Lord Jesus on the very day of His Resurrection bring to our souls! "Why weepest thou?" He says, "Be not afraid! Rejoice! Peace be unto you..." O how much love, mercy and consolation breathes in these humble expressions when you hear from the Conqueror of hell and death- He Who has received all power in heaven and on earth- that very same speech, gentle and full of love, with which He conversed with people while He was still with them! Here, in these powerful and delightful words, you see a faithful pledge of your hope for all of life and all of eternity.... May these words open up for the faithful the sweetest hope of resurrection and eternal life. May they pour out the consolation of grace on all mankind, in all ages! Amen.
Archimandrite Antonin, +1894
This Week's Services and Events
April 29, Wednesday
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 20, Thursday
+ Weekly Book Discussion of Laurus on Zoom, 7:00PM
May 2, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
May 3, 3rd Sunday of Pascha (Myrrhbearers 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
Patriarch John's Paschal Letter
To read Patriarch John's Paschal letter for 2020, go to: https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/653
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
No Fasting
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season. Fasting will resume after the Feast of the Ascension on May 28.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
Reader's Services
During this time of separation when we are staying in our homes, let us strive to turn our homes into little churches. To that end, the Antiochian Archdiocese is posting Reader's versions of several services per week. These are designed to be said without a priest. You can find the posted services for each day, listed at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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, 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 passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. 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 white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has 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 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 moving joy, what blessedness the words of the Lord Jesus on the very day of His Resurrection bring to our souls! "Why weepest thou?" He says, "Be not afraid! Rejoice! Peace be unto you..." O how much love, mercy and consolation breathes in these humble expressions when you hear from the Conqueror of hell and death- He Who has received all power in heaven and on earth- that very same speech, gentle and full of love, with which He conversed with people while He was still with them! Here, in these powerful and delightful words, you see a faithful pledge of your hope for all of life and all of eternity.... May these words open up for the faithful the sweetest hope of resurrection and eternal life. May they pour out the consolation of grace on all mankind, in all ages! Amen.
Archimandrite Antonin, +1894
Sunday April 19, 2020, Great and Holy Pascha
Christ is risen! Christos anesti! Al-masih qam!
This Week's Services and Events
April 18, Saturday (Holy Saturday)
+ Rush Service, Paschal Matins and Liturgy, 9:40PM (Live streamed to Facebook)
April 19, Sunday (Great and Holy Pascha)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour and Multi-Language Agape Vespers Gospel Reading, 1:00PM
April 22, Bright Wednesday
+ Paschal Office, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 25, Bright Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 26, Thomas 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
Bishop Anthony's Paschal Letter
Both Metropolitan Joseph's and Bishop Anthony's Paschal letters are attached.
Thank You
Thank you to Maria, Lizzy, Josiah and Fr. Maximos, for singing and serving in the various services of Holy Week and Pascha. Thank you to Maria-Lucia Cetlaus and Elizabeth Michael for painting our funeral bier.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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 This Sunday, April 19, all those who would like to read the Agape Vespers selection from the Gospel of John (20:19-25) in a language other than English will have a chance to do so.
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
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 with 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 with 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 with 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, “Have you 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 20:19-31)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Today is the Day of Resurrection! Let us shine with the Feast! Let us embrace one another. Let us say, brethren! And because of the Resurrection, let us forgive all things to those who hate us, and in this wise, exclaim: Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Doxastikon of the Praises of Paschal Matins
This Week's Services and Events
April 18, Saturday (Holy Saturday)
+ Rush Service, Paschal Matins and Liturgy, 9:40PM (Live streamed to Facebook)
April 19, Sunday (Great and Holy Pascha)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour and Multi-Language Agape Vespers Gospel Reading, 1:00PM
April 22, Bright Wednesday
+ Paschal Office, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 25, Bright Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 26, Thomas 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
Bishop Anthony's Paschal Letter
Both Metropolitan Joseph's and Bishop Anthony's Paschal letters are attached.
Thank You
Thank you to Maria, Lizzy, Josiah and Fr. Maximos, for singing and serving in the various services of Holy Week and Pascha. Thank you to Maria-Lucia Cetlaus and Elizabeth Michael for painting our funeral bier.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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 This Sunday, April 19, all those who would like to read the Agape Vespers selection from the Gospel of John (20:19-25) in a language other than English will have a chance to do so.
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
Do You Need Someone to Run Errands for You?
There is a recently formed volunteer group can provide helpful services. https://iowacityerranders.com/ - Free errands for community members impacted by COVID-19.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Updated St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Since the church building has been ordered completely closed to due concerns over the spread of the virus, we have transferred the food pantry to a large tote which is placed on the raised porch at church. People are free to access the food inside at any time. The need for food for several in our neighborhood continues. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? Food can be purchased and then dropped off directly into the tote on the church porch. 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
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 with 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 with 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 with 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, “Have you 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 20:19-31)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Today is the Day of Resurrection! Let us shine with the Feast! Let us embrace one another. Let us say, brethren! And because of the Resurrection, let us forgive all things to those who hate us, and in this wise, exclaim: Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Doxastikon of the Praises of Paschal Matins
Sunday April 12, 2020, Palm Sunday
This Week's Services and Events
April 12, Sunday (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:30AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 13, Monday (Holy Monday)
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 14, Tuesday (Holy Tuesday)
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 15, Wednesday (Holy Wednesday)
+ Matins of Holy Thursday, 7:00PM
April 16, Thursday (Holy Thursday)
+ Matins of Holy Friday (12 Passion Gospels Service), 7:00PM
April 17, Friday (Holy Friday)
+ Great Vespers, 3:00PM
+ Matins of Holy Saturday (Lamentations Service), 7:00PM
April 18, Saturday (Holy Saturday/Pascha)
+ Paschal Office/Paschal Matins & Liturgy, 9:40PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Important!- Regarding Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha
Brothers and sisters, this special and holy time of year will be very different from what we are used to. I am sad to have to share the following news with you. There will be no public services during these holy days. Unfortunately, it so happens that Holy Week and Pascha will be falling just at the point when the virus may be peaking and strict social distancing and isolation will be so important. Services which will be performed will be limited to no more than five people and should be done with fewer if possible. Attendance must not rotate as the homogeneous nature of the group lowers risk of infection. In other words, only a very small group of the same people will be allowed to be present for all of the services. We will live stream to the Facebook page as much as possible. facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ Most of you will have to pray at home.
There will be no opportunity for those who are not attending the service in person to receive the Eucharist. There will be no opportunity to pick up palms on Palm Sunday. There will be no funeral bier decorating. There will be no processions. We will pray the Psalm Vigil on Holy Friday evening from our homes. There will be no baptisms or chrismations until Pentecost, at the earliest. There will be no Agape Vespers picnic. Nobody is allowed to come into the church to light candles or for any other purpose until further notice. There will be no confessions over the phone. That means that a spiritual conversation can take place between a penitent and the priest by phone, but the prayer of absolution cannot be given until such a time as the two can meet in person.
These are very strict and difficult instructions to follow, and our Metropolitan would never have put them into place unless he felt that it was absolutely warranted for the welfare of the people. These decisions were made prayerfully, and after consulting both infectious disease experts and legal experts. As we sing in Great Compline, "O Lord of Hosts be with us, for we have none other help than from Thee. O Lord of Hosts, have mercy on us!" Let us also keep in mind these words from St. Paul: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37-39) Even though we won't be together in the same room this Holy Pascha, Christ is still risen from the dead, and nothing can ever change that! Christ is in our midst! He was, is, and ever shall be! Amen.
Pastoral Letter from Metropolitan Joseph
His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph's Pastoral Letter is here. Please read it!
Daily Live Streamed Message from Fr. Ignatius
On the church's Facebook page facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ at 11:00AM daily, except on Sunday, when it will be later in the afternoon, Fr. Ignatius will be reading a short passage from the Synaxarion and making brief comments about the liturgical themes of each day from now until Pascha.
Holy Friday Night Psalm-Reading Vigil Sign-up
Although we cannot gather in the church this year to stand vigil with the Lord in His death and to read the Psalms, we can do so from our homes. If you are interested in reading the Psalms for 30 minutes or more throughout the night between Holy Friday and Holy Saturday (April 17-18), sign up here. https://bit.ly/PsalmVigil.
Excellent Resources for Families Observing Holy Week and Pascha From Home
The Antiochian Archdiocese's Department of Christian Education has produced this resource for families, to help them navigate through the liturgical themes and services of Holy Week. https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/websiteattachments/Holy%20Week%20Liturgies%20Pics.pdf and the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese has produced this resource. https://www.acrod.org/assets/files/PDFS/Bishop/2020-archpastoral/HOLY%20WEEK%20FROM%20HOME%20Letter%20Size.pdf
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 commemoration of Christ's saving Passion is at hand, and the new, great spiritual Passover, which is the reward for dispassion and the prelude of the world to come. Lazarus proclaims it in advance by coming back from the depths of Hades and rising from the dead on the fourth day just by voice and command of God, Who has power over life and death (cf. Jn. 11:1-45).
-St. Gregory Palamas
April 12, Sunday (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:30AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 13, Monday (Holy Monday)
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 14, Tuesday (Holy Tuesday)
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 15, Wednesday (Holy Wednesday)
+ Matins of Holy Thursday, 7:00PM
April 16, Thursday (Holy Thursday)
+ Matins of Holy Friday (12 Passion Gospels Service), 7:00PM
April 17, Friday (Holy Friday)
+ Great Vespers, 3:00PM
+ Matins of Holy Saturday (Lamentations Service), 7:00PM
April 18, Saturday (Holy Saturday/Pascha)
+ Paschal Office/Paschal Matins & Liturgy, 9:40PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Important!- Regarding Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha
Brothers and sisters, this special and holy time of year will be very different from what we are used to. I am sad to have to share the following news with you. There will be no public services during these holy days. Unfortunately, it so happens that Holy Week and Pascha will be falling just at the point when the virus may be peaking and strict social distancing and isolation will be so important. Services which will be performed will be limited to no more than five people and should be done with fewer if possible. Attendance must not rotate as the homogeneous nature of the group lowers risk of infection. In other words, only a very small group of the same people will be allowed to be present for all of the services. We will live stream to the Facebook page as much as possible. facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ Most of you will have to pray at home.
There will be no opportunity for those who are not attending the service in person to receive the Eucharist. There will be no opportunity to pick up palms on Palm Sunday. There will be no funeral bier decorating. There will be no processions. We will pray the Psalm Vigil on Holy Friday evening from our homes. There will be no baptisms or chrismations until Pentecost, at the earliest. There will be no Agape Vespers picnic. Nobody is allowed to come into the church to light candles or for any other purpose until further notice. There will be no confessions over the phone. That means that a spiritual conversation can take place between a penitent and the priest by phone, but the prayer of absolution cannot be given until such a time as the two can meet in person.
These are very strict and difficult instructions to follow, and our Metropolitan would never have put them into place unless he felt that it was absolutely warranted for the welfare of the people. These decisions were made prayerfully, and after consulting both infectious disease experts and legal experts. As we sing in Great Compline, "O Lord of Hosts be with us, for we have none other help than from Thee. O Lord of Hosts, have mercy on us!" Let us also keep in mind these words from St. Paul: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37-39) Even though we won't be together in the same room this Holy Pascha, Christ is still risen from the dead, and nothing can ever change that! Christ is in our midst! He was, is, and ever shall be! Amen.
Pastoral Letter from Metropolitan Joseph
His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph's Pastoral Letter is here. Please read it!
Daily Live Streamed Message from Fr. Ignatius
On the church's Facebook page facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ at 11:00AM daily, except on Sunday, when it will be later in the afternoon, Fr. Ignatius will be reading a short passage from the Synaxarion and making brief comments about the liturgical themes of each day from now until Pascha.
Holy Friday Night Psalm-Reading Vigil Sign-up
Although we cannot gather in the church this year to stand vigil with the Lord in His death and to read the Psalms, we can do so from our homes. If you are interested in reading the Psalms for 30 minutes or more throughout the night between Holy Friday and Holy Saturday (April 17-18), sign up here. https://bit.ly/PsalmVigil.
Excellent Resources for Families Observing Holy Week and Pascha From Home
The Antiochian Archdiocese's Department of Christian Education has produced this resource for families, to help them navigate through the liturgical themes and services of Holy Week. https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/websiteattachments/Holy%20Week%20Liturgies%20Pics.pdf and the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese has produced this resource. https://www.acrod.org/assets/files/PDFS/Bishop/2020-archpastoral/HOLY%20WEEK%20FROM%20HOME%20Letter%20Size.pdf
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Undergraduate College Scholarships
Multiple $5000 Francis Maria Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students who will be enrolled full time in one of the first four years of their college program. Four $750 Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. Three $500 Elinor Bourjaily Endowment Fund Scholarships are available to Antiochian Orthodox students of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Applications for each of these scholarships and more, can be found at: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/386
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
- 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
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 commemoration of Christ's saving Passion is at hand, and the new, great spiritual Passover, which is the reward for dispassion and the prelude of the world to come. Lazarus proclaims it in advance by coming back from the depths of Hades and rising from the dead on the fourth day just by voice and command of God, Who has power over life and death (cf. Jn. 11:1-45).
-St. Gregory Palamas
Sunday April 5, 2020, Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt (5th Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
April 9, Thursday
+ Virtual Psalm Discussion, 7:00PM
April 12, Sunday (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Important!- Regarding Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha
We have received preliminary instructions from Metropolitan Joseph regarding what can we do liturgically and sacramentally for Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha. All of this may be altered as the constantly changing situation with the pandemic warrants. Moreover, if public health declarations further prohibit anything that we have been allowed to do by the Metropolitan, then we are instructed to abide by the decisions of the civil authorities and modify our practice accordingly.
Brothers and sisters, this special and holy time of year will be very different from what we are used to. I am sad to have to share the following news with you. There will be no public services during these holy days. Unfortunately, it so happens that Holy Week and Pascha will be falling just at the point when the virus may be peaking and strict social distancing and isolation will be so important. Services which will be performed will be limited to no more than five people and should be done with fewer if possible. Attendance must not rotate as the homogeneous nature of the group lowers risk of infection. In other words, only a very small group of the same people will be allowed to be present for all of the services. Compared to what we are used to from previous years, the number of services will be limited. This is due both to the situation dictated by the pandemic, and in consideration of my own health. I am still not at full strength, and may have to pace myself and/or have help. The exact schedule will be determined in the next week or so. We will live stream to the Facebook page as much as possible. facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ Most of you will have to pray at home.
There will be no opportunity for those who are not attending the service in person to receive the Eucharist. There will be no opportunity to pick up palms on Palm Sunday. There will be no funeral bier decorating. There will be no processions. We will pray the Psalm Vigil on Holy Friday evening from our homes. There will be no baptisms or chrismations until Pentecost, at the earliest. There will be no opportunity to have Paschal baskets blessed. There will be no Agape Vespers picnic. There will be no confessions over the phone. That means that a spiritual conversation can take place between a penitent and the priest by phone, but the prayer of absolution cannot be given until such a time as the two can meet in person.
These are very strict and difficult instructions to follow, and our Metropolitan would never have put them into place unless he felt that it was absolutely warranted for the welfare of the people. These decisions were made prayerfully, and after consulting both infectious disease experts and legal experts. As we sing in Great Compline, "O Lord of Hosts be with us, for we have none other help than from Thee. O Lord of Hosts, have mercy on us!" Let us also keep in mind these words from St. Paul: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37-39) Even though we won't be together in the same room this Holy Pascha, Christ is still risen from the dead, and nothing can ever change that! Christ is in our midst! He was, is, and ever shall be! Amen.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Virtual Psalms Discussion- New Day and Time
We will be meeting virtually through Zoom, on Thursday at 7:00PM. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalm 21(22). Email Lori Branch for the Zoom link.
Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial Scholarship
Four $750 scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. If you would like the scholarship application, contact Fr. Ignatius.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 purpose of Lent is to wean us from the habit of seeing temporary things as having eternal importance. Lent is a return to normalcy and true naturalness.
- Bishop Anthony
April 9, Thursday
+ Virtual Psalm Discussion, 7:00PM
April 12, Sunday (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Important!- Regarding Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha
We have received preliminary instructions from Metropolitan Joseph regarding what can we do liturgically and sacramentally for Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha. All of this may be altered as the constantly changing situation with the pandemic warrants. Moreover, if public health declarations further prohibit anything that we have been allowed to do by the Metropolitan, then we are instructed to abide by the decisions of the civil authorities and modify our practice accordingly.
Brothers and sisters, this special and holy time of year will be very different from what we are used to. I am sad to have to share the following news with you. There will be no public services during these holy days. Unfortunately, it so happens that Holy Week and Pascha will be falling just at the point when the virus may be peaking and strict social distancing and isolation will be so important. Services which will be performed will be limited to no more than five people and should be done with fewer if possible. Attendance must not rotate as the homogeneous nature of the group lowers risk of infection. In other words, only a very small group of the same people will be allowed to be present for all of the services. Compared to what we are used to from previous years, the number of services will be limited. This is due both to the situation dictated by the pandemic, and in consideration of my own health. I am still not at full strength, and may have to pace myself and/or have help. The exact schedule will be determined in the next week or so. We will live stream to the Facebook page as much as possible. facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ Most of you will have to pray at home.
There will be no opportunity for those who are not attending the service in person to receive the Eucharist. There will be no opportunity to pick up palms on Palm Sunday. There will be no funeral bier decorating. There will be no processions. We will pray the Psalm Vigil on Holy Friday evening from our homes. There will be no baptisms or chrismations until Pentecost, at the earliest. There will be no opportunity to have Paschal baskets blessed. There will be no Agape Vespers picnic. There will be no confessions over the phone. That means that a spiritual conversation can take place between a penitent and the priest by phone, but the prayer of absolution cannot be given until such a time as the two can meet in person.
These are very strict and difficult instructions to follow, and our Metropolitan would never have put them into place unless he felt that it was absolutely warranted for the welfare of the people. These decisions were made prayerfully, and after consulting both infectious disease experts and legal experts. As we sing in Great Compline, "O Lord of Hosts be with us, for we have none other help than from Thee. O Lord of Hosts, have mercy on us!" Let us also keep in mind these words from St. Paul: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37-39) Even though we won't be together in the same room this Holy Pascha, Christ is still risen from the dead, and nothing can ever change that! Christ is in our midst! He was, is, and ever shall be! Amen.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Virtual Psalms Discussion- New Day and Time
We will be meeting virtually through Zoom, on Thursday at 7:00PM. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalm 21(22). Email Lori Branch for the Zoom link.
Metropolitan Antony Bashir Memorial Scholarship
Four $750 scholarships will be given out to enrolled college undergraduates who are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese and who have resided in the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest for at least a year. If you would like the scholarship application, contact Fr. Ignatius.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
- 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
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 purpose of Lent is to wean us from the habit of seeing temporary things as having eternal importance. Lent is a return to normalcy and true naturalness.
- Bishop Anthony
Sunday March 29, 2020, Sunday of St. John Climacus (4th Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
April 1, Wednesday
+ Virtual Psalm Discussion, 8:00PM
April 3, Friday
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 5, Sunday (Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt- 5th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
New Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph and recommendations from the governor of Iowa, gatherings of people are limited to no more than ten at a time. Therefore, for the time being, there will be no public services at St. Raphael Church. His Eminence has instructed the clergy to continue to serve Sunday matins and liturgy and Friday evening Compline with Akathist. But these services will include only clergy, altar servers and a small choir. We are live streaming these services on the church's Facebook page. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. Go to facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ to watch. Please pray with your family at home. This typica servicce is appropriate to pray this weekend instead of attending liturgy. https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/servicetexts/Mar%2029%202020%20TYPIKA.pdf Other services which can be prayed at home can be found on the appropriate day at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Virtual Psalms Discussion
Although we are not meeting in person to discuss the Psalms on Wednesday evenings for the near future, we are continuing to meet online to discuss. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalm 44 (45).
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
A penitent is a buyer of humility.
- St. John Climacus
April 1, Wednesday
+ Virtual Psalm Discussion, 8:00PM
April 3, Friday
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 5, Sunday (Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt- 5th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
New Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph and recommendations from the governor of Iowa, gatherings of people are limited to no more than ten at a time. Therefore, for the time being, there will be no public services at St. Raphael Church. His Eminence has instructed the clergy to continue to serve Sunday matins and liturgy and Friday evening Compline with Akathist. But these services will include only clergy, altar servers and a small choir. We are live streaming these services on the church's Facebook page. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. Go to facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ to watch. Please pray with your family at home. This typica servicce is appropriate to pray this weekend instead of attending liturgy. https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/servicetexts/Mar%2029%202020%20TYPIKA.pdf Other services which can be prayed at home can be found on the appropriate day at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Virtual Psalms Discussion
Although we are not meeting in person to discuss the Psalms on Wednesday evenings for the near future, we are continuing to meet online to discuss. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalm 44 (45).
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
- 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 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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
A penitent is a buyer of humility.
- St. John Climacus
Sunday March 22, 2020, Sunday of the Exaltation of the Cross (3rd Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
March 25, Wednesday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Annunciation, 6:00PM
March 27, Friday
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 29, Sunday (Sunday of St. John Climacus- 4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
New Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph and recommendations from the governor of Iowa, gatherings of people are limited to no more than ten at a time. Therefore, for the time being, there will be no public services at St. Raphael Church. His Eminence has instructed the clergy to continue to serve Sunday matins and liturgy, a liturgy for the Feast of Annunciation and Friday evening Compline with Akathist. But these services will include only clergy, altar servers and a small choir. Beginning this Sunday, March 22, we will live stream these services on the church's Facebook page. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. Go to facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ to watch. Please pray with your family at home. This typica servicce is appropriate to pray this weekend instead of attending liturgy. https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/servicetexts/Mar%2022%202020%20TYPIKA.pdf Other services which can be prayed at home can be found on the appropriate day at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Virtual Psalms Discussion
Although we are not meeting in person to discuss the Psalms on Wednesday evenings for the near future, we are continuing to meet online to discuss. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalm 39 (40).
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
The annual Shelter House Book Sale is postponed and no donations of books are currently being accepted.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
“May my heart be as a fertile field for Thee, and may Thy grace sprinkle the dew of eternal life upon it. May Thy grace reap a good harvest on the field of my heart: humility, reverence, sanctity, and all that is ever pleasing to Thee."
-- St Ephraim the Syrian
March 25, Wednesday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Annunciation, 6:00PM
March 27, Friday
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 29, Sunday (Sunday of St. John Climacus- 4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
New Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph and recommendations from the governor of Iowa, gatherings of people are limited to no more than ten at a time. Therefore, for the time being, there will be no public services at St. Raphael Church. His Eminence has instructed the clergy to continue to serve Sunday matins and liturgy, a liturgy for the Feast of Annunciation and Friday evening Compline with Akathist. But these services will include only clergy, altar servers and a small choir. Beginning this Sunday, March 22, we will live stream these services on the church's Facebook page. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. Go to facebook.com/straphaeliowacity/ to watch. Please pray with your family at home. This typica servicce is appropriate to pray this weekend instead of attending liturgy. https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/servicetexts/Mar%2022%202020%20TYPIKA.pdf Other services which can be prayed at home can be found on the appropriate day at https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
Virtual Coffee Hour
Since we cannot be together for prayer and worship followed by food and fellowship, let us take advantage of the technology available to us and check in with each other in a virtual coffee hour. From 1PM-2PM on Sunday, 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
We Are the Church!
We do not just go to church. We ARE the Church! Even if we can't assemble together, let us be together in spirit, praying for each other and checking in on each other. Call or send a note to 2-3 others from St. Raphael, and check in with them to see how they are doing.
A Note From Your Treasurer
I know many of you will be staying home and not attending services in the near future to protect your own health and that of others. As Father has said, we will continue to offer services. No matter what our church schedule looks like, most of our expenses remain constant—Father’s salary, our mortgage, basic utilities do not change much month to month. If you are giving by direct deduction from your account, thank you! If you normally give by leaving money at the church in a donation box, you are welcome to mail a check to the church, or to give online. Visit our Donation page for more information about online giving options: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html We appreciate your consistent giving during this difficult time. Thank you!
Virtual Psalms Discussion
Although we are not meeting in person to discuss the Psalms on Wednesday evenings for the near future, we are continuing to meet online to discuss. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalm 39 (40).
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
The annual Shelter House Book Sale is postponed and no donations of books are currently being accepted.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
“May my heart be as a fertile field for Thee, and may Thy grace sprinkle the dew of eternal life upon it. May Thy grace reap a good harvest on the field of my heart: humility, reverence, sanctity, and all that is ever pleasing to Thee."
-- St Ephraim the Syrian
Sunday March 15, 2020, Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
March 18, Wednesday
+ Paraklesis, 6:30PM
+ Lenten Soup Supper and Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:45PM
March 19, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 20, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 21, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 22, Sunday (Sunday of Exaltation of the Cross- 3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers, 5:30PM (at St. George Church in Cedar Rapids)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sunday March 15 Pan-Orthodox Vespers Canceled
Taking an abundance of caution in light of the current pandemic situation, there will be no pan-Orthodox vespers and no meal following on Sunday, March 15.
No Office Hours March 17-18
Fr. Ignatius will briefly be out of town. There will be no office hours or 9th hour prayers on March 17 and 18.
Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph, icons that are commonly venerated in the church will be cleaned much more regularly. We are also being more diligent in sanitizing doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces. If you are sick or have been around someone who is sick, stay home, and if you exhibit symptoms that are similar to COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional. At the Kiss of Peace, you may bow to another, instead of hugging, kissing or shaking hands. The antidoron (blessed bread) will be handed to you by someone who has just sanitized their hands. There will be no veneration of the cross at the end of Liturgy. There will be no Sunday coffee hour on March 22 and 29. Importantly, there will be no change in the way we receive Holy Communion. As a matter of faith, we believe that the Lord's Body and Blood is the medicine of immortality and is not a carrier of disease.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We started this effort on February 27. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM, we are meeting at 7:45PM for our weekly fellowship and a Lenten soup supper. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 129-133 (130-134). All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday late afternoons or evenings or Saturdays. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
March 13, 2020
Beloved in Christ,
Greetings and blessings to all of you in the Name of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
During these holy days of Lent - this time of fasting, prayer, and repentance - we are preparing ourselves to commemorate the Life-giving and Saving Passion of our Lord and His Glorious Third-day Resurrection. On the night our Lord was betrayed, He gathered His disciples in the Upper Room to strengthen them in their Faith before the coming trials and tribulations. While speaking plainly about the suffering that was to take place, He said to them encouragingly: "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Our Lenten journey this year has the added trial of the worldwide spread of a novel coronavirus. This virus has landed on the shores of our North American continent and begun its spread into various cities within the boundaries of our Archdiocese. As our Lord strengthened the courage of His disciples before His Passion, He is calling us to faith and courage today. We are hearing the warnings that the spread of the disease will quicken without more dramatic measures, and we need to say honestly that we could be entering into a time of significant trial. As Orthodox Christians, we should remind ourselves that in the world we will always have tribulation.
We must all decide what we will do with during this time. Will we panic and become paralyzed with fear? Or will we recall the words of our Lord that despite this time of trial, we can take heart that He has indeed overcome the world? Even in the face of sickness and death, we as Orthodox Christians are called to remember that the Tomb is empty, for our Christ has shattered the gates of death and opened Paradise to all. We celebrate the death of death and ask: "Oh, death where is thy sting? Oh, hades where is they victory?"
Having said that, I would like to offer a few words about the seriousness of the threat we face. I have heard some of our clergy and faithful downplaying the threat by saying things that may be factually true but can also be misleading. Yes, the disease COVID-19 will only have mild symptoms in the vast majority of cases. Yes, the seasonal flu has at this point caused considerably more deaths during this flu season than COVID-19. Yes, most Americans are still considered to have low degree of risk of contracting the coronavirus. However, the daunting problem we are facing is one of avoiding the spike in cases that could easily happen without taking serious precautions. As we have seen in other countries, the virus can spread quickly, and if even a small percentage of people require hospitalization, our hospitals will be overrun.
On the same night before His Passion, the Lord asked His disciples: "to love one another as I have loved you." We know that people who are older and have underlying health problems are the most susceptible to having a serious illness develop from COVID-19. We must remember that although the vast majority of us may have only a mild illness if infected, our own careless spread of the virus could result in the unnecessary hospitalizations and deaths of many of our vulnerable brothers and sisters. We have to show our Christian love by cooperating with our civil authorities to do what can be done to protect them.
We have been in touch with epidemiologists and civic leaders to do our part in containing the spread of the virus. Last week, we sent directives to our clergy based on the advice we had received at the time. We also cautioned that we were dealing with a rapidly evolving situation that will require us to update the directive as we receive new information and guidance.
As we have heard many times now, all of us need to adopt extremely good hygiene practices – frequent hand washing, cleaning often-touched surfaces, sneezing and coughing into our elbows, and limiting hugs, kisses, and handshakes. The sick need to stay home and contact their healthcare providers if they show symptoms of COVID-19. The elderly and vulnerable need to severely limit their travel and exposure to crowded places. Anyone who can work from home is encouraged to do so. Our priests and parish councils were instructed to take necessary precautions to limit the spread of this virus in our parishes last week.
We are now entering a time where we will be asked more and more by the civil authorities to engage in social distancing and cut down on unnecessary travel and events. We can expect that there will different levels of these requests in different areas of the country – depending on the severity of local outbreaks – so we will respond as the situation dictates. In the spirit of love for our vulnerable neighbors and service to our communities, I am instructing our clergy and parishes to abide by the directives of their local civil authorities.
In this same spirit, we will postpone all events and retreats on the deanery and diocesan level through the end of this month. We do not want any unnecessary travel at this critical juncture. In fact, we have already postponed two Lenten retreats of the Dioceses of the East that were to take place at the Antiochian Village in the coming weeks. After this Sunday, we ask that our parishes postpone any non-worship event that would bring together more than 100 people. We will leave it up to the discretion of the pastor, in consultation with the local bishop, to cancel Sunday School, coffee hour, potlucks, etc. due to the proximity of each parish to areas of outbreak and the advice of the local authorities.
To be clear, we will not stop the liturgical life of our parishes unless specifically ordered to do so by the local authorities. We need the prayer of the Church and the Holy Mysteries. As I instructed our clergy last week, Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is without any question or doubt the Medicine of Immortality, not a source of disease. The Church, over her two-thousand-year history, has experienced countless plagues and has never wavered on this point, and we will not do so now.
Beloved in Christ, I ask of all of us to increase the fervency of our prayers to Almighty God. Our Lord also spoke on that fateful night of the greatest love we can offer, the love of one who lays down his or her life for another. Our health care workers, first responders, and clergy will be asked to courageously put themselves in harm's way to care for and minister to the sick, and they need our prayers and support. We must pray to God to grant wisdom and discernment to the civil authorities of our land. We must pray for the sick and their loved ones. We must use this holy season to repent and grow to love God and our neighbor more fully.
We are likely entering into a time of trial. We pray that the measures we are taking in conjunction with the civil authorities will slow the spread of the virus in our communities. We pray that our Lord, the Physician and Healer of our souls and bodies, will look down on our world with mercy and compassion and speedily deliver us from this pestilence. We also pray that He will grant to all of us faith and love, courage and strength, wisdom and discernment to do our part – each and every one of us. We have the assurance of our Faith, that in the end, our Lord has overcome the world.
With paternal love and prayers and for all of you, I remain,
Your Father in Christ,
+JOSEPH
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America
March 18, Wednesday
+ Paraklesis, 6:30PM
+ Lenten Soup Supper and Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:45PM
March 19, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 20, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 21, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 22, Sunday (Sunday of Exaltation of the Cross- 3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers, 5:30PM (at St. George Church in Cedar Rapids)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sunday March 15 Pan-Orthodox Vespers Canceled
Taking an abundance of caution in light of the current pandemic situation, there will be no pan-Orthodox vespers and no meal following on Sunday, March 15.
No Office Hours March 17-18
Fr. Ignatius will briefly be out of town. There will be no office hours or 9th hour prayers on March 17 and 18.
Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph, icons that are commonly venerated in the church will be cleaned much more regularly. We are also being more diligent in sanitizing doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces. If you are sick or have been around someone who is sick, stay home, and if you exhibit symptoms that are similar to COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional. At the Kiss of Peace, you may bow to another, instead of hugging, kissing or shaking hands. The antidoron (blessed bread) will be handed to you by someone who has just sanitized their hands. There will be no veneration of the cross at the end of Liturgy. There will be no Sunday coffee hour on March 22 and 29. Importantly, there will be no change in the way we receive Holy Communion. As a matter of faith, we believe that the Lord's Body and Blood is the medicine of immortality and is not a carrier of disease.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We started this effort on February 27. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM, we are meeting at 7:45PM for our weekly fellowship and a Lenten soup supper. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 129-133 (130-134). All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday late afternoons or evenings or Saturdays. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
March 13, 2020
Beloved in Christ,
Greetings and blessings to all of you in the Name of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
During these holy days of Lent - this time of fasting, prayer, and repentance - we are preparing ourselves to commemorate the Life-giving and Saving Passion of our Lord and His Glorious Third-day Resurrection. On the night our Lord was betrayed, He gathered His disciples in the Upper Room to strengthen them in their Faith before the coming trials and tribulations. While speaking plainly about the suffering that was to take place, He said to them encouragingly: "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Our Lenten journey this year has the added trial of the worldwide spread of a novel coronavirus. This virus has landed on the shores of our North American continent and begun its spread into various cities within the boundaries of our Archdiocese. As our Lord strengthened the courage of His disciples before His Passion, He is calling us to faith and courage today. We are hearing the warnings that the spread of the disease will quicken without more dramatic measures, and we need to say honestly that we could be entering into a time of significant trial. As Orthodox Christians, we should remind ourselves that in the world we will always have tribulation.
We must all decide what we will do with during this time. Will we panic and become paralyzed with fear? Or will we recall the words of our Lord that despite this time of trial, we can take heart that He has indeed overcome the world? Even in the face of sickness and death, we as Orthodox Christians are called to remember that the Tomb is empty, for our Christ has shattered the gates of death and opened Paradise to all. We celebrate the death of death and ask: "Oh, death where is thy sting? Oh, hades where is they victory?"
Having said that, I would like to offer a few words about the seriousness of the threat we face. I have heard some of our clergy and faithful downplaying the threat by saying things that may be factually true but can also be misleading. Yes, the disease COVID-19 will only have mild symptoms in the vast majority of cases. Yes, the seasonal flu has at this point caused considerably more deaths during this flu season than COVID-19. Yes, most Americans are still considered to have low degree of risk of contracting the coronavirus. However, the daunting problem we are facing is one of avoiding the spike in cases that could easily happen without taking serious precautions. As we have seen in other countries, the virus can spread quickly, and if even a small percentage of people require hospitalization, our hospitals will be overrun.
On the same night before His Passion, the Lord asked His disciples: "to love one another as I have loved you." We know that people who are older and have underlying health problems are the most susceptible to having a serious illness develop from COVID-19. We must remember that although the vast majority of us may have only a mild illness if infected, our own careless spread of the virus could result in the unnecessary hospitalizations and deaths of many of our vulnerable brothers and sisters. We have to show our Christian love by cooperating with our civil authorities to do what can be done to protect them.
We have been in touch with epidemiologists and civic leaders to do our part in containing the spread of the virus. Last week, we sent directives to our clergy based on the advice we had received at the time. We also cautioned that we were dealing with a rapidly evolving situation that will require us to update the directive as we receive new information and guidance.
As we have heard many times now, all of us need to adopt extremely good hygiene practices – frequent hand washing, cleaning often-touched surfaces, sneezing and coughing into our elbows, and limiting hugs, kisses, and handshakes. The sick need to stay home and contact their healthcare providers if they show symptoms of COVID-19. The elderly and vulnerable need to severely limit their travel and exposure to crowded places. Anyone who can work from home is encouraged to do so. Our priests and parish councils were instructed to take necessary precautions to limit the spread of this virus in our parishes last week.
We are now entering a time where we will be asked more and more by the civil authorities to engage in social distancing and cut down on unnecessary travel and events. We can expect that there will different levels of these requests in different areas of the country – depending on the severity of local outbreaks – so we will respond as the situation dictates. In the spirit of love for our vulnerable neighbors and service to our communities, I am instructing our clergy and parishes to abide by the directives of their local civil authorities.
In this same spirit, we will postpone all events and retreats on the deanery and diocesan level through the end of this month. We do not want any unnecessary travel at this critical juncture. In fact, we have already postponed two Lenten retreats of the Dioceses of the East that were to take place at the Antiochian Village in the coming weeks. After this Sunday, we ask that our parishes postpone any non-worship event that would bring together more than 100 people. We will leave it up to the discretion of the pastor, in consultation with the local bishop, to cancel Sunday School, coffee hour, potlucks, etc. due to the proximity of each parish to areas of outbreak and the advice of the local authorities.
To be clear, we will not stop the liturgical life of our parishes unless specifically ordered to do so by the local authorities. We need the prayer of the Church and the Holy Mysteries. As I instructed our clergy last week, Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is without any question or doubt the Medicine of Immortality, not a source of disease. The Church, over her two-thousand-year history, has experienced countless plagues and has never wavered on this point, and we will not do so now.
Beloved in Christ, I ask of all of us to increase the fervency of our prayers to Almighty God. Our Lord also spoke on that fateful night of the greatest love we can offer, the love of one who lays down his or her life for another. Our health care workers, first responders, and clergy will be asked to courageously put themselves in harm's way to care for and minister to the sick, and they need our prayers and support. We must pray to God to grant wisdom and discernment to the civil authorities of our land. We must pray for the sick and their loved ones. We must use this holy season to repent and grow to love God and our neighbor more fully.
We are likely entering into a time of trial. We pray that the measures we are taking in conjunction with the civil authorities will slow the spread of the virus in our communities. We pray that our Lord, the Physician and Healer of our souls and bodies, will look down on our world with mercy and compassion and speedily deliver us from this pestilence. We also pray that He will grant to all of us faith and love, courage and strength, wisdom and discernment to do our part – each and every one of us. We have the assurance of our Faith, that in the end, our Lord has overcome the world.
With paternal love and prayers and for all of you, I remain,
Your Father in Christ,
+JOSEPH
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America
Sunday March 8, 2020, Sunday of Orthodoxy (1st Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
March 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM- 3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
+ Lenten Soup Supper and Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:45PM
March 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 13, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
+ Youth Group, 6:00PM at the Peterson/Branch home
March 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 15, Sunday (Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas- 2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers, 5:30PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
March/April Calendars
The printed calendars showing services and other events for March and April are available to pick up in the narthex.
Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph, icons that are commonly venerated in the church will be cleaned much more regularly. We are also being more diligent in sanitizing doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces. If you are sick or have been around someone who is sick, stay home, and if you exhibit symptoms that are similar to COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional. At the Kiss of Peace, you may bow to another, instead of hugging, kissing or shaking hands. The antidoron (blessed bread) will be handed to you by someone who has just sanitized their hands. There will be no veneration of the cross at the end of Liturgy. Importantly, there will be no change in the way we receive Holy Communion. As a matter of faith, we believe that the Lord's Body and Blood is the medicine of immortality and is not a carrier of disease.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We started this effort on February 27. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM, we are meeting at 7:45PM for our weekly fellowship and a Lenten soup supper. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 33 (34). All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday late afternoons or evenings or Saturdays. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. St. Raphael Church is hosting on March 15. A sign-up sheet for the meal is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 15, 5:30PM- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that hopes in Him!
Psalm 33:8
March 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM- 3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
+ Lenten Soup Supper and Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:45PM
March 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 13, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
+ Youth Group, 6:00PM at the Peterson/Branch home
March 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 15, Sunday (Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas- 2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers, 5:30PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
March/April Calendars
The printed calendars showing services and other events for March and April are available to pick up in the narthex.
Changes in Consideration of COVID-19/Coronavirus
Based on guidance from Metropolitan Joseph, icons that are commonly venerated in the church will be cleaned much more regularly. We are also being more diligent in sanitizing doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces. If you are sick or have been around someone who is sick, stay home, and if you exhibit symptoms that are similar to COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional. At the Kiss of Peace, you may bow to another, instead of hugging, kissing or shaking hands. The antidoron (blessed bread) will be handed to you by someone who has just sanitized their hands. There will be no veneration of the cross at the end of Liturgy. Importantly, there will be no change in the way we receive Holy Communion. As a matter of faith, we believe that the Lord's Body and Blood is the medicine of immortality and is not a carrier of disease.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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."
Printed cards with this prayer are available in the narthex.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We started this effort on February 27. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM, we are meeting at 7:45PM for our weekly fellowship and a Lenten soup supper. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 33 (34). All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday late afternoons or evenings or Saturdays. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. St. Raphael Church is hosting on March 15. A sign-up sheet for the meal is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 15, 5:30PM- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that hopes in Him!
Psalm 33:8
Sunday March 1, 2020, Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare Sunday)
This Week's Services and Events
March 2, Monday
+ Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
March 3, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
March 4, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
+ Lenten Soup Supper and Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:45PM
March 5, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
March 6, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 8, Sunday (Sunday of Orthodoxy- 1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers, 5:30PM (St. Demetrios Church -613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Cheesefare Sunday
After today, 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 strictly fast from food but do not abstain from sin, then we are no different than the demons, who do not eat at all.
March/April Calendars
The printed calendars showing services and other events for March and April are available to pick up in the narthex.
Bring Your Icons Next Sunday
March 8 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.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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.
Spring Forward!
Day Light Savings Time begins next Sunday, March 8. Clocks will be set ahead one hour between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Metropolitan Joseph's Letter Regarding Food for Hungry People Program
Read His Eminence's letter here.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We started this effort on February 27. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM, we are meeting at 7:45PM for our weekly fellowship and a Lenten soup supper. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 50 (51). All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday late afternoons or evenings or Saturdays. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. St. Raphael Church is hosting on March 15. A sign-up sheet for the meal is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 8, 5:30PM- St. Demetrios Church (613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Sunday, March 15, 5:30PM- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
"Behold, let no one say: 'I have committed many sins- there can be no forgiveness for me.' He who says this does not know that God is the God of the penitent."
St Ephrem the Syrian
March 2, Monday
+ Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
March 3, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
March 4, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
+ Lenten Soup Supper and Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:45PM
March 5, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
March 6, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 8, Sunday (Sunday of Orthodoxy- 1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers, 5:30PM (St. Demetrios Church -613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Cheesefare Sunday
After today, 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 strictly fast from food but do not abstain from sin, then we are no different than the demons, who do not eat at all.
March/April Calendars
The printed calendars showing services and other events for March and April are available to pick up in the narthex.
Bring Your Icons Next Sunday
March 8 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.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk; but give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. 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.
Spring Forward!
Day Light Savings Time begins next Sunday, March 8. Clocks will be set ahead one hour between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Metropolitan Joseph's Letter Regarding Food for Hungry People Program
Read His Eminence's letter here.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We started this effort on February 27. If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM, we are meeting at 7:45PM for our weekly fellowship and a Lenten soup supper. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 50 (51). All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday late afternoons or evenings or Saturdays. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. St. Raphael Church is hosting on March 15. A sign-up sheet for the meal is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 8, 5:30PM- St. Demetrios Church (613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Sunday, March 15, 5:30PM- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Election Year Advice
As we all know, we are in a presidential election year, and politics are on a lot of people's minds. At St. Raphael Church, we have people who hold a variety of political opinions and who are supporting a variety of political candidates. If you choose to talk politics during coffee hour, remember that not all of your brothers and sisters in Christ who may be present will share your views. So, let's be respectful and considerate if we choose to voice our opinions, so as not to cause offense to anyone.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
During the Lenten season, we are called not only to fast, but to increase our prayer and almsgiving. You can directly impact our neighbors by giving to our Food Pantry. Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week during Lent? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearing designating your donation for the food pantry and putting it in one of the donation boxes in the narthex or nave.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
"Behold, let no one say: 'I have committed many sins- there can be no forgiveness for me.' He who says this does not know that God is the God of the penitent."
St Ephrem the Syrian
Sunday February 23, 2020, Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare Sunday)
This Week's Services and Events
February 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours,
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours,
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 28, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Youth Group, 6:00PM-8:45PM (at Sanjoy and Elsa's home)
February 29, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 1, Sunday (Sunday of Forgiveness, Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Meatfare Sunday
After today, we give up meat (except for fish on March 25 (Annunciation) and April 12 (Palm Sunday) until after Pascha. After next Sunday, known as Cheesefare Sunday, we also give up dairy and eggs and on weekdays, wine and oil, entering fully into the Lenten fast.
Prayer Chain
Did you know that we have a group of people committed to praying for your prayer requests? If you would like to share something with others from our parish for prayer, contact Fr. Ignatius and he will send the request out. If you would like to receive these requests for prayer, let Fr. Ignatius know. Did you know that this is not just for sickness and other difficulties. If God has done something good in your life and you want to give thanks to Him and share this good news with others, the prayer chain can be used for this purpose too.
Lent Begins on the Evening of March 1
The Scriptural readings and liturgical themes of each week are now governed by the Lenten Triodion, the liturgical book that prepares us for, and takes us through Lent, on our way to Holy Week and Pascha. We are in what could be called Pre-Lent these next three weeks. Our appointed Gospel readings on these Sundays are meant to be signals, sign posts declaring, "Lent is coming! Start to prepare." Lent officially begins with Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 1 at 6:00PM. The entire first week of Lent is full of services to set the tone for the rest of the season. Here is the schedule:
Sunday, March 1- Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM
Monday, March 2- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Tuesday, March 3- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Wednesday, March 4- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM, followed by Lenten Soup Supper and Psalms Discussion
Thursday, March 5- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Friday, March 6- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, 7:00PM
Food for Hungry People Program
Once again, we will participate in the archdiocesan Lenten 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We officially start this effort on the day of his repose, February 27, but we will be praying the Akathist service to St. Raphael on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:50PM as a "warm-up." If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 148-150. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
Talk on Philosophy, Faith and Science- February 27
Ratio Christi and Geneva Campus Ministry are co-sponsoring a talk at the University of Iowa on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30PM. University of Iowa physics professor, Dr. Fred Skiff, interviews Dr. William Dembski on “Information as the Foundation of Science.” Both men are Christians. Dr. Dembski proposes that the fundamental "stuff" of this universe is information, not matter. Dr. Skiff, UIowa physics professor and Christian, will ask Dr. Dembski questions about the nature of reality, relational ontology, the creation of information, and more. The implication is that the origin of information comes from intelligence (i.e God) and thus precedes matter. After the interview, ample time will be given for live questions from the audience.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Tuesday or Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. St. Raphael Church is hosting on March 15. A sign-up sheet for the meal is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 8, 5:30PM- St. Demetrios Church (613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Sunday, March 15, 5:30PM- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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, my beloved, your Christian life begins to become difficult and it seems like your cross is unbearable- remain steadfast, become a martyr. Say to yourself, "Let us stand aright," and remain steadfast. Say, like the Prophet, "Behold, Lord, I stand here to execute Thy will"; or like the Panagia, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to Thy word."
If you will endure, then after the storm will come the calm, and your life will again become festive. Now you will also have additional insight into the spiritual struggle; you will have experience.
After this trial, after you have lifted up your cross, there will light up within you the flame of divine eros. You will acquire the most beautiful, the most strong, the most pure and angelic love- the love of God.
- Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra
February 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours,
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours,
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 28, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Youth Group, 6:00PM-8:45PM (at Sanjoy and Elsa's home)
February 29, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 1, Sunday (Sunday of Forgiveness, Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Meatfare Sunday
After today, we give up meat (except for fish on March 25 (Annunciation) and April 12 (Palm Sunday) until after Pascha. After next Sunday, known as Cheesefare Sunday, we also give up dairy and eggs and on weekdays, wine and oil, entering fully into the Lenten fast.
Prayer Chain
Did you know that we have a group of people committed to praying for your prayer requests? If you would like to share something with others from our parish for prayer, contact Fr. Ignatius and he will send the request out. If you would like to receive these requests for prayer, let Fr. Ignatius know. Did you know that this is not just for sickness and other difficulties. If God has done something good in your life and you want to give thanks to Him and share this good news with others, the prayer chain can be used for this purpose too.
Lent Begins on the Evening of March 1
The Scriptural readings and liturgical themes of each week are now governed by the Lenten Triodion, the liturgical book that prepares us for, and takes us through Lent, on our way to Holy Week and Pascha. We are in what could be called Pre-Lent these next three weeks. Our appointed Gospel readings on these Sundays are meant to be signals, sign posts declaring, "Lent is coming! Start to prepare." Lent officially begins with Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 1 at 6:00PM. The entire first week of Lent is full of services to set the tone for the rest of the season. Here is the schedule:
Sunday, March 1- Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM
Monday, March 2- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Tuesday, March 3- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Wednesday, March 4- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM, followed by Lenten Soup Supper and Psalms Discussion
Thursday, March 5- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Friday, March 6- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, 7:00PM
Food for Hungry People Program
Once again, we will participate in the archdiocesan Lenten 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.
2020- A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
Materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We officially start this effort on the day of his repose, February 27, but we will be praying the Akathist service to St. Raphael on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:50PM as a "warm-up." If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 148-150. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate.
Talk on Philosophy, Faith and Science- February 27
Ratio Christi and Geneva Campus Ministry are co-sponsoring a talk at the University of Iowa on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30PM. University of Iowa physics professor, Dr. Fred Skiff, interviews Dr. William Dembski on “Information as the Foundation of Science.” Both men are Christians. Dr. Dembski proposes that the fundamental "stuff" of this universe is information, not matter. Dr. Skiff, UIowa physics professor and Christian, will ask Dr. Dembski questions about the nature of reality, relational ontology, the creation of information, and more. The implication is that the origin of information comes from intelligence (i.e God) and thus precedes matter. After the interview, ample time will be given for live questions from the audience.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Tuesday or Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Sunday Evenings
Orthodox parishes from Eastern Iowa will be sponsoring pan-Orthodox vespers for the first four Sundays of Lent and providing meals afterward. St. Raphael Church is hosting on March 15. A sign-up sheet for the meal is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Here is the schedule of services.
Sunday, March 8, 5:30PM- St. Demetrios Church (613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Sunday, March 15, 5:30PM- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 22, 5:30PM- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 29, 5:30PM- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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, my beloved, your Christian life begins to become difficult and it seems like your cross is unbearable- remain steadfast, become a martyr. Say to yourself, "Let us stand aright," and remain steadfast. Say, like the Prophet, "Behold, Lord, I stand here to execute Thy will"; or like the Panagia, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to Thy word."
If you will endure, then after the storm will come the calm, and your life will again become festive. Now you will also have additional insight into the spiritual struggle; you will have experience.
After this trial, after you have lifted up your cross, there will light up within you the flame of divine eros. You will acquire the most beautiful, the most strong, the most pure and angelic love- the love of God.
- Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra
Sunday February 16, 2020, Sunday of the Prodigal Son
This Week's Services and Events
February 19, Wednesday
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 23, Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgment, Meatfare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
No Office Hours or Hours Prayers This Week
Fr. Ignatius will be taking a few days off from coming in for office hours and saying 9th Hour Prayers and then will be out of town briefly from midday on Thursday until Friday evening. He will be attending the diocesan clergy retreat in Palos Heights, Illinois.
Sermon for Today
Due to Fr. Ignatius' illness, he was not able to give his sermon for this Sunday of the Prodigal Son. Read it here.
Prayer Chain
Did you know that we have a group of people committed to praying for your prayer requests? If you would like to share something with others from our parish for prayer, contact Fr. Ignatius and he will send the request out. If you would like to receive these requests for prayer, let Fr. Ignatius know. Did you know that this is not just for sickness and other difficulties. If God has done something good in your life and you want to give thanks to Him and share this good news with others, the prayer chain can be used for this purpose too.
Lent is Soon Approaching
The Scriptural readings and liturgical themes of each week are now governed by the Lenten Triodion, the liturgical book that prepares us for, and takes us through Lent, on our way to Holy Week and Pascha. We are in what could be called Pre-Lent these next three weeks. Our appointed Gospel readings on these Sundays are meant to be signals, sign posts declaring, "Lent is coming! Start to prepare." Lent officially begins with Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 1 at 6:00PM. The entire first week of Lent is full of services to set the tone for the rest of the season. Here is the schedule:
Memorial Flowers
Memorial flowers were placed in the church this weekend in memory of Svetlana Acas' mother Vera and Olena Bezugla's parents Lyudmyla and Alexei and other relatives. May their memories be eternal!
A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
As Karen announced after liturgy today, materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We officially start this effort on the day of his repose, February 27, but we will be praying the Akathist service to St. Raphael on Wednesday, February 19 and February 26 at 6:50PM as a "warm-up." If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 148-150. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. See the full schedule here.
Talk on Philosophy, Faith and Science- February 27
Ratio Christi and Geneva Campus Ministry are co-sponsoring a talk at the University of Iowa on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30PM. University of Iowa physics professor, Dr. Fred Skiff, interviews Dr. William Dembski on “Information as the Foundation of Science.” Both men are Christians. Dr. Dembski proposes that the fundamental "stuff" of this universe is information, not matter. Dr. Skiff, UIowa physics professor and Christian, will ask Dr. Dembski questions about the nature of reality, relational ontology, the creation of information, and more. The implication is that the origin of information comes from intelligence (i.e God) and thus precedes matter. After the interview, ample time will be given for live questions from the audience. Click here for a poster advertising the event.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Tuesday or Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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 25:21-46)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Mercy is the cause and reason of all that God does. He does nothing, absolutely nothing, except as an expression of His mercy. His mercy stretches out to both extremes of infinity. 'For His mercy endures forever' is the palimpsest that lies under each line of Holy Scripture. Thus, too, from beginning to end of any Orthodox service, the word 'mercy' appears more than any other word. The encounter with God's mercy is the root of all Christian worship. Everything else that can be said of God is but an aspect of His mercy. Mercy is the defining explanation of everything that God has revealed of Himself... all we will ever discover of God will be deepening levels of His great, abundant, overflowing, rich and endless mercy.
- Fr. Patrick Reardon in "Christ in the Psalms" p. 272
February 19, Wednesday
+ Akathist to St. Raphael, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 23, Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgment, Meatfare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
No Office Hours or Hours Prayers This Week
Fr. Ignatius will be taking a few days off from coming in for office hours and saying 9th Hour Prayers and then will be out of town briefly from midday on Thursday until Friday evening. He will be attending the diocesan clergy retreat in Palos Heights, Illinois.
Sermon for Today
Due to Fr. Ignatius' illness, he was not able to give his sermon for this Sunday of the Prodigal Son. Read it here.
Prayer Chain
Did you know that we have a group of people committed to praying for your prayer requests? If you would like to share something with others from our parish for prayer, contact Fr. Ignatius and he will send the request out. If you would like to receive these requests for prayer, let Fr. Ignatius know. Did you know that this is not just for sickness and other difficulties. If God has done something good in your life and you want to give thanks to Him and share this good news with others, the prayer chain can be used for this purpose too.
Lent is Soon Approaching
The Scriptural readings and liturgical themes of each week are now governed by the Lenten Triodion, the liturgical book that prepares us for, and takes us through Lent, on our way to Holy Week and Pascha. We are in what could be called Pre-Lent these next three weeks. Our appointed Gospel readings on these Sundays are meant to be signals, sign posts declaring, "Lent is coming! Start to prepare." Lent officially begins with Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 1 at 6:00PM. The entire first week of Lent is full of services to set the tone for the rest of the season. Here is the schedule:
- Sunday, March 1- Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM
- Monday, March 2- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
- Tuesday, March 3- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
- Wednesday, March 4- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM, followed by Lenten Soup Supper and Psalms Discussion
- Thursday, March 5- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
- Friday, March 6- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, 7:00PM
Memorial Flowers
Memorial flowers were placed in the church this weekend in memory of Svetlana Acas' mother Vera and Olena Bezugla's parents Lyudmyla and Alexei and other relatives. May their memories be eternal!
A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
As Karen announced after liturgy today, materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We officially start this effort on the day of his repose, February 27, but we will be praying the Akathist service to St. Raphael on Wednesday, February 19 and February 26 at 6:50PM as a "warm-up." If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 148-150. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. See the full schedule here.
Talk on Philosophy, Faith and Science- February 27
Ratio Christi and Geneva Campus Ministry are co-sponsoring a talk at the University of Iowa on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30PM. University of Iowa physics professor, Dr. Fred Skiff, interviews Dr. William Dembski on “Information as the Foundation of Science.” Both men are Christians. Dr. Dembski proposes that the fundamental "stuff" of this universe is information, not matter. Dr. Skiff, UIowa physics professor and Christian, will ask Dr. Dembski questions about the nature of reality, relational ontology, the creation of information, and more. The implication is that the origin of information comes from intelligence (i.e God) and thus precedes matter. After the interview, ample time will be given for live questions from the audience. Click here for a poster advertising the event.
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Tuesday or Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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 25:21-46)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Mercy is the cause and reason of all that God does. He does nothing, absolutely nothing, except as an expression of His mercy. His mercy stretches out to both extremes of infinity. 'For His mercy endures forever' is the palimpsest that lies under each line of Holy Scripture. Thus, too, from beginning to end of any Orthodox service, the word 'mercy' appears more than any other word. The encounter with God's mercy is the root of all Christian worship. Everything else that can be said of God is but an aspect of His mercy. Mercy is the defining explanation of everything that God has revealed of Himself... all we will ever discover of God will be deepening levels of His great, abundant, overflowing, rich and endless mercy.
- Fr. Patrick Reardon in "Christ in the Psalms" p. 272
Sunday February 9, 2020, Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
This Week's Services and Events
February 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:15AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Youth Group, 6:00PM-8:45PM (at Peterson-Branch home)
February 15, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 16, Sunday (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
No Fasting on Wednesday or Friday this Week
Taking our cue from today's Gospel reading of the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, we are reminded by the Church that following external religious rules can lead to pride which can then lead to judgment of others. In order to make the point that the fasting guidelines of the Church are merely a means to an end, that end being repentance that leads to full life with Christ, we are not to fast this Wednesday and Friday. Fasting, by itself, does not make us holy. Fasting can be an aid to help us to become holy, if our fasting makes it easier for us to repent and to be more generous with others.
Lent is Soon Approaching
The Scriptural readings and liturgical themes of each week are now governed by the Lenten Triodion, the liturgical book that prepares us for, and takes us through Lent, on our way to Holy Week and Pascha. We are in what could be called Pre-Lent these next three weeks. Our appointed Gospel readings on these Sundays are meant to be signals, sign posts declaring, "Lent is coming! Start to prepare." Lent officially begins with Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 1 at 6:00PM. The entire first week of Lent is full of services to set the tone for the rest of the season. Here is the schedule:
Sunday, March 1- Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM
Monday, March 2- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Tuesday, March 3- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Wednesday, March 4- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM, followed by Lenten Soup Supper and Psalms Discussion
Thursday, March 5- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Friday, March 6- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, 7:00PM
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 102-103, the Psalms of Creation. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Download the schedule here.
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Looking for a Host Family for a Student from Georgia
Nino Natenadze is looking for a local family to host the 16 year old son of her cousin for the 2020-2021 school year. He is from the Republic of Georgia. If you are interested in learning more, you can contact her at natenadze85@hotmail.com.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
St. Raphael Parish Youth Group, Spring 2020
This winter and spring, St. Raphael’s junior high and high school students will gather every other Friday night to share a meal, study for our diocesan Bible Bowl, and enjoy a fun activity together. The location will rotate between church and youth group members’ homes. Parents will take turns providing a meal and organizing a game or activity, and Lori Branch will lead the study on the Gospel of John for the Bible Bowl. Our Valentine’s Day kickoff meeting will be Friday, February 14th at the Peterson-Branch home (831 Dearborn St. 319-594-7377), from 6-8:45 pm. Please read John chapter 1 with your young person/people and drop them off prepared to eat, study for the Bible bowl, and have fun playing games with their friends. Our February 28th meeting will be hosted by the Padath family. If you have questions or ideas, or would like more information, to car pool, or to host a gathering, please email Father Ignatius (frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org) or Lori Branch (lori-branch@uiowa.edu).
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Tuesday or Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
As Karen announced after liturgy today, materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We officially start this effort on the day of his repose, February 27, but we will be praying the Akathist service to St. Raphael on Wednesday, February 19 and February 26 at 6:50PM as a "warm-up." If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
House Blessings- 3 Weeks Left
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6:54
February 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:15AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Youth Group, 6:00PM-8:45PM (at Peterson-Branch home)
February 15, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 16, Sunday (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
No Fasting on Wednesday or Friday this Week
Taking our cue from today's Gospel reading of the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, we are reminded by the Church that following external religious rules can lead to pride which can then lead to judgment of others. In order to make the point that the fasting guidelines of the Church are merely a means to an end, that end being repentance that leads to full life with Christ, we are not to fast this Wednesday and Friday. Fasting, by itself, does not make us holy. Fasting can be an aid to help us to become holy, if our fasting makes it easier for us to repent and to be more generous with others.
Lent is Soon Approaching
The Scriptural readings and liturgical themes of each week are now governed by the Lenten Triodion, the liturgical book that prepares us for, and takes us through Lent, on our way to Holy Week and Pascha. We are in what could be called Pre-Lent these next three weeks. Our appointed Gospel readings on these Sundays are meant to be signals, sign posts declaring, "Lent is coming! Start to prepare." Lent officially begins with Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 1 at 6:00PM. The entire first week of Lent is full of services to set the tone for the rest of the season. Here is the schedule:
Sunday, March 1- Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM
Monday, March 2- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Tuesday, March 3- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Wednesday, March 4- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM, followed by Lenten Soup Supper and Psalms Discussion
Thursday, March 5- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
Friday, March 6- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, 7:00PM
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 102-103, the Psalms of Creation. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Download the schedule here.
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Supper
Following liturgy at 6:00PM, and during our ongoing discussion of the Psalms, we will enjoy a simple Lenten soup supper provided for by one or two families each week. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please consider signing up to provide soup and bread (and if you would like, a simple side dish) for about 15-20 people.
Looking for a Host Family for a Student from Georgia
Nino Natenadze is looking for a local family to host the 16 year old son of her cousin for the 2020-2021 school year. He is from the Republic of Georgia. If you are interested in learning more, you can contact her at natenadze85@hotmail.com.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
St. Raphael Parish Youth Group, Spring 2020
This winter and spring, St. Raphael’s junior high and high school students will gather every other Friday night to share a meal, study for our diocesan Bible Bowl, and enjoy a fun activity together. The location will rotate between church and youth group members’ homes. Parents will take turns providing a meal and organizing a game or activity, and Lori Branch will lead the study on the Gospel of John for the Bible Bowl. Our Valentine’s Day kickoff meeting will be Friday, February 14th at the Peterson-Branch home (831 Dearborn St. 319-594-7377), from 6-8:45 pm. Please read John chapter 1 with your young person/people and drop them off prepared to eat, study for the Bible bowl, and have fun playing games with their friends. Our February 28th meeting will be hosted by the Padath family. If you have questions or ideas, or would like more information, to car pool, or to host a gathering, please email Father Ignatius (frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org) or Lori Branch (lori-branch@uiowa.edu).
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Tuesday or Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
A Year of Supplication to St. Raphael
As Karen announced after liturgy today, materials have been printed to help us all focus our prayers this year by asking our patron St. Raphael for his intercessions for the strengthening and growth and stability of our church. We officially start this effort on the day of his repose, February 27, but we will be praying the Akathist service to St. Raphael on Wednesday, February 19 and February 26 at 6:50PM as a "warm-up." If you have not signed up but would like to be involved with this effort or learn more, contact Fr. Ignatius or Karen Kuntz.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort
From February 26-April 5, Johnson County Right to Life is once again, sponsoring the twice annual Forty Days for Life Prayer Effort on the sidewalk in front of a local abortion clinic. This peaceful effort is focused on prayer for the endangered unborn children who have no one to advocate for them, for their parents and for those who are providing the abortions. To learn more about this effort and to sign-up to participate in one hour time blocks, go to: https://www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/iowa-city/
House Blessings- 3 Weeks Left
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6:54
Sunday February 2, 2020, The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple
This Week's Services and Events
February 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 6, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
February 8, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 9, Sunday (Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 102-103, the Psalms of Creation. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. See the schedule here.
St. Raphael Parish Youth Group, Spring 2020
This winter and spring, St. Raphael’s junior high and high school students will gather every other Friday night to share a meal, study for our diocesan Bible Bowl, and enjoy a fun activity together. The location will rotate between church and youth group members’ homes. Parents will take turns providing a meal and organizing a game or activity, and Lori Branch will lead the study on the Gospel of John for the Bible Bowl. Our Valentine’s Day kickoff meeting will be Friday, February 14th at the Peterson-Branch home (831 Dearborn St. 319-594-7377), from 6-8:45 pm. Please read John chapter 1 with your young person/people and drop them off prepared to eat, study for the Bible bowl, and have fun playing games with their friends. Our February 28th meeting will be hosted by the Padath family. If you have questions or ideas, or would like more information, to car pool, or to host a gathering, please email Father Ignatius (frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org) or Lori Branch (lori-branch@uiowa.edu).
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday or Saturday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and I have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Epistle Reading
Reading the Epistle during liturgy is open to anyone who is interested. We have a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. The Epistle will also be read in English, but we welcome it to be read in other languages as well. If you are interested and have questions, see Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) or Fr. Ignatius.
House Blessings- 4 Weeks Left
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Humble people have no needless or petty quarrels with others, because they have no egocentric desires to always have their own way. They are not self-seeking; for they know that it is God’s will, not their own, that they should strive for. Therefore, humility naturally brings with it unity, both with God and with our fellows.
-- His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
February 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
February 6, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
February 8, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 9, Sunday (Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. This week, we are reading and discussing Psalms 102-103, the Psalms of Creation. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. See the schedule here.
St. Raphael Parish Youth Group, Spring 2020
This winter and spring, St. Raphael’s junior high and high school students will gather every other Friday night to share a meal, study for our diocesan Bible Bowl, and enjoy a fun activity together. The location will rotate between church and youth group members’ homes. Parents will take turns providing a meal and organizing a game or activity, and Lori Branch will lead the study on the Gospel of John for the Bible Bowl. Our Valentine’s Day kickoff meeting will be Friday, February 14th at the Peterson-Branch home (831 Dearborn St. 319-594-7377), from 6-8:45 pm. Please read John chapter 1 with your young person/people and drop them off prepared to eat, study for the Bible bowl, and have fun playing games with their friends. Our February 28th meeting will be hosted by the Padath family. If you have questions or ideas, or would like more information, to car pool, or to host a gathering, please email Father Ignatius (frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org) or Lori Branch (lori-branch@uiowa.edu).
"Visit Train" for Jenny Hope and John Michalski
John Michalski and Jenny Hope would love to see you! It's nearly impossible for Jenny to leave home because of her physical limitations, and it's nearly impossible for John to leave home because Jenny needs assistance almost constantly. Let’s help fight their isolation! John and Jenny would like once per week visits on Thursday or Saturday late afternoons or evenings. Please call John a couple of hours ahead of time to confirm that Jenny is up to a visit that day. We are using a meal train as a VISIT train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/9g6znv The calendar is set up with both Thursdays and Saturdays available each week, but please sign up for just one of the days each week. Where the meal train asks “what will you bring” please indicate the time you’d like to visit.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and I have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Epistle Reading
Reading the Epistle during liturgy is open to anyone who is interested. We have a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. The Epistle will also be read in English, but we welcome it to be read in other languages as well. If you are interested and have questions, see Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) or Fr. Ignatius.
House Blessings- 4 Weeks Left
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
- 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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Humble people have no needless or petty quarrels with others, because they have no egocentric desires to always have their own way. They are not self-seeking; for they know that it is God’s will, not their own, that they should strive for. Therefore, humility naturally brings with it unity, both with God and with our fellows.
-- His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
Sunday January 26, 2020, The 30th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
January 28, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 29, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
January 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and meeting, 6:00PM at IMU, Rm 257
January 31, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
February 1, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 2, Sunday (Presentation of the Lord in the Temple)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Your 2020 Parish Council
At the end of Liturgy today, the current members of the parish council were installed. Your 2020 parish council consists of Newman Abuissa, chair; Alli Rockwell, vice-chair; Karen Kuntz, treasurer; Julia Buchkina, secretary; Brian Horak and Elena Boriuk.
Treasurer Minute
Karen shared the good news today that we essentially broke even during 2019.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Starting on January 22 and lasting through May, each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Printed schedules are available in the narthex or can be downloaded.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and I have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Epistle Reading
Reading the Epistle during liturgy is open to anyone who is interested. We have a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. The Epistle will also be read in English, but we welcome it to be read in other languages as well. If you are interested and have questions, see Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) or Fr. Ignatius.
Gift card scam alert
Parishes and religious communities are being targeted by a phishing scam where the perpetrator poses falsely as the priest via email and asks the recipient for money in the form of gift cards. The scam states that the priest is going to use these gift cards to help out people who have approached the church looking for assistance. These emails come from fake accounts which appear to an unsuspecting person as a clergy email address. The perpetrator then goes on to ask the recipient to buy gift cards and send photos of them back so that they can use the numbers to acquire the money. Fr. Ignatius will not be sending out emails asking you to buy gift cards. If you receive such an email, it is a scam.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
In those days, the parents of Jesus brought Him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Thy people Israel.” And His father and his mother marveled at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:22-40)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 Lord of Hosts be with us. For in times of distress we have no other help than You. O Lord of Hosts have mercy on us. Amen.
A Prayer for Times of Trouble
January 28, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 29, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
January 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and meeting, 6:00PM at IMU, Rm 257
January 31, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
February 1, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 2, Sunday (Presentation of the Lord in the Temple)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Your 2020 Parish Council
At the end of Liturgy today, the current members of the parish council were installed. Your 2020 parish council consists of Newman Abuissa, chair; Alli Rockwell, vice-chair; Karen Kuntz, treasurer; Julia Buchkina, secretary; Brian Horak and Elena Boriuk.
Treasurer Minute
Karen shared the good news today that we essentially broke even during 2019.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Starting on January 22 and lasting through May, each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we are meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Printed schedules are available in the narthex or can be downloaded.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and I have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Epistle Reading
Reading the Epistle during liturgy is open to anyone who is interested. We have a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. The Epistle will also be read in English, but we welcome it to be read in other languages as well. If you are interested and have questions, see Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) or Fr. Ignatius.
Gift card scam alert
Parishes and religious communities are being targeted by a phishing scam where the perpetrator poses falsely as the priest via email and asks the recipient for money in the form of gift cards. The scam states that the priest is going to use these gift cards to help out people who have approached the church looking for assistance. These emails come from fake accounts which appear to an unsuspecting person as a clergy email address. The perpetrator then goes on to ask the recipient to buy gift cards and send photos of them back so that they can use the numbers to acquire the money. Fr. Ignatius will not be sending out emails asking you to buy gift cards. If you receive such an email, it is a scam.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Shelter House Book Sale
Our annual Shelter House Book Sale will be held on March 28, 10:30am – 4pm and March 29, 12pm – 4pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C. We’ll have gently used books plus music, movies, and art for sale. ADMISSION IS FREE! But dedicated book worms can purchase $10 Early Entry passes for admission before the general public at 10am. Proceeds of our book sale benefit Shelter House programs and support services including housing, employment, and mental health that help hundreds of men, women, and children each year to get back on their feet. If you have books you’d like to donate, they can be dropped off at Bldg. B at the Fairgrounds starting February 23 from 2pm – 4pm. Donation drop-off will continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10am – 2pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm through the week of the sale! **Textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines not accepted** Please direct all questions to T’Shailyn Harrington at tshailyn.harrington@shelterhouseiowa.org.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
- 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
In those days, the parents of Jesus brought Him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Thy people Israel.” And His father and his mother marveled at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:22-40)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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 Lord of Hosts be with us. For in times of distress we have no other help than You. O Lord of Hosts have mercy on us. Amen.
A Prayer for Times of Trouble
Sunday January 19, 2020, The 29th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
January 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
January 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
January 25, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
January 26, Sunday (29th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Vespers for St. Nina of Georgia, 6:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Many Years!
Daniel Hettrick was received as a catechumen during liturgy today. May God grant him many years!
Memory eternal!
We mourn the passing of Fr. Patrick Kinder who reposed in the Lord on January 14. Fr. Patrick was a priest of our diocese and deanery, having served as pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Madison, Wisconsin for many years. Fr. Patrick was also the long-time former director of Camp St. George in Iowa. He is survived by his wife Kh. Vanessa and their son, Anthony. May his memory be eternal!
Treasurer Minute
As of the Annual Meeting we had a shortfall as of $950 per month. As of a couple weeks ago, this deficit had been lowered to $700, which is still a significant amount. Some individuals in the community have offered to increase their gifts to cover this deficit so that we don’t have to consider moving Father to part time. I’m calling these our “Second Mile” gifts since these are above and beyond regular pledges. God willing, if additional pledges come in, or if others in the church offer to assist by offering their own second mile gift, we can decrease the burden on these givers over the course of the year.
As His Grace Bishop Anthony pointed out, this is a significant improvement in our financial situation. Two years ago, our monthly deficit was $2500. Now our deficit was such that we could solve the dilemma with effort from within the congregation. We discussed this situation at the Parish Council meeting, and with this extra income, we can move forward with the Basic Budget as approved at the Annual Meeting in December! Father can remain with us full time and we will be able to fund our basic expenses! I will be distributing contribution letters for your records for tax purposes today. As always, if you have questions or would like to adjust your pledge in some way at any time, just let me know verbally, by email, or drop a note in one of the donation boxes.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Starting on January 22 and lasting through May, each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we will be meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Printed schedules are available in the narthex or can be downloaded here.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and Karen have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Epistle Reading
Reading the Epistle during liturgy is open to anyone who is interested. We have a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. The Epistle will also be read in English, but we welcome it to be read in other languages as well. If you are interested and have questions, see Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) or Fr. Ignatius.
Gift card scam alert
Parishes and religious communities are being targeted by a phishing scam where the perpetrator poses falsely as the priest via email and asks the recipient for money in the form of gift cards. The scam states that the priest is going to use these gift cards to help out people who have approached the church looking for assistance. These emails come from fake accounts which appear to an unsuspecting person as a clergy email address. The perpetrator then goes on to ask the recipient to buy gift cards and send photos of them back so that they can use the numbers to acquire the money. Fr. Ignatius will not be sending out emails asking you to buy gift cards. If you receive such an email, it is a scam.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon? Financial donations are also accepted - our food pantry funds are depleted.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Repentance is a renewal of baptism. Repentance is a covenant with God for a second life. The penitent is a purchaser of humility... Repentance is a daughter of hope and refusal of hopelessness.
- St. John Climacus
January 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Praying the Psalms Discussion and Fellowship, 7:30PM
January 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
January 25, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
January 26, Sunday (29th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
+ Vespers for St. Nina of Georgia, 6:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Many Years!
Daniel Hettrick was received as a catechumen during liturgy today. May God grant him many years!
Memory eternal!
We mourn the passing of Fr. Patrick Kinder who reposed in the Lord on January 14. Fr. Patrick was a priest of our diocese and deanery, having served as pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Madison, Wisconsin for many years. Fr. Patrick was also the long-time former director of Camp St. George in Iowa. He is survived by his wife Kh. Vanessa and their son, Anthony. May his memory be eternal!
Treasurer Minute
As of the Annual Meeting we had a shortfall as of $950 per month. As of a couple weeks ago, this deficit had been lowered to $700, which is still a significant amount. Some individuals in the community have offered to increase their gifts to cover this deficit so that we don’t have to consider moving Father to part time. I’m calling these our “Second Mile” gifts since these are above and beyond regular pledges. God willing, if additional pledges come in, or if others in the church offer to assist by offering their own second mile gift, we can decrease the burden on these givers over the course of the year.
As His Grace Bishop Anthony pointed out, this is a significant improvement in our financial situation. Two years ago, our monthly deficit was $2500. Now our deficit was such that we could solve the dilemma with effort from within the congregation. We discussed this situation at the Parish Council meeting, and with this extra income, we can move forward with the Basic Budget as approved at the Annual Meeting in December! Father can remain with us full time and we will be able to fund our basic expenses! I will be distributing contribution letters for your records for tax purposes today. As always, if you have questions or would like to adjust your pledge in some way at any time, just let me know verbally, by email, or drop a note in one of the donation boxes.
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Starting on January 22 and lasting through May, each Wednesday at 7:30PM (7:45PM once Lent starts), we will be meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Printed schedules are available in the narthex or can be downloaded here.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and Karen have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Epistle Reading
Reading the Epistle during liturgy is open to anyone who is interested. We have a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs. The Epistle will also be read in English, but we welcome it to be read in other languages as well. If you are interested and have questions, see Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) or Fr. Ignatius.
Gift card scam alert
Parishes and religious communities are being targeted by a phishing scam where the perpetrator poses falsely as the priest via email and asks the recipient for money in the form of gift cards. The scam states that the priest is going to use these gift cards to help out people who have approached the church looking for assistance. These emails come from fake accounts which appear to an unsuspecting person as a clergy email address. The perpetrator then goes on to ask the recipient to buy gift cards and send photos of them back so that they can use the numbers to acquire the money. Fr. Ignatius will not be sending out emails asking you to buy gift cards. If you receive such an email, it is a scam.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon? Financial donations are also accepted - our food pantry funds are depleted.
- 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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer, 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
Repentance is a renewal of baptism. Repentance is a covenant with God for a second life. The penitent is a purchaser of humility... Repentance is a daughter of hope and refusal of hopelessness.
- St. John Climacus
Sunday January 12, 2020, The Sunday after Theophany
This Week's Services and Events
January 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
January 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
January 18, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
January 19, Sunday (29th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Starting on January 22 and lasting through May, each Wednesday at 7:30PM, we will be meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Click here to download the schedule.
Let's Start a Youth Group!
Calling all parents of junior high and high school aged teens. We would like to get a youth group started again. We envision meeting twice monthly, in our homes if possible. We propose that our youth group nights be a combination of food (pizza!) studying the Gospel of John for the upcoming Bible Bowl competition at the Parish Life Conference in June, and fun activities. If you and your teen(s) are interested please plan to stay and discuss during coffee hour this Sunday, January 19.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and I have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Treasurer Report
Good news to report! If you remember, a couple weeks ago, I announced our pledge income for next year remained short of our basic budget needs by $950 per month. Since then, some of our pledging households have increased their pledge commitments for next year. We have received $245 in additional pledge income. Our shortfall is now down to just over $700 per month. We need just a few more households to pledge, or to increase their pledge even slightly, for next year. If we work together, we can reach our goal of a fully funded basic budget. Please consider prayerfully your commitment to St Raphael for this year.
A Brief Note from Bishop Anthony
Upon recently being told that our previous $2500 monthly gap between income and expenses has been reduced to around $700 and may be reduced further, His Grace Bishop Anthony wishes to extend his congratulations and his gratitude to us.
Holy Water
At the end of our Theophany liturgy, we blessed water. This holy water can be taken back to our homes and used throughout the year as a sign of God's presence and grace. Bottles of holy water are now available to take home.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry during this Nativity season. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
Do You Shop at Amazon.com?
If you make purchases on Amazon.com, there is a simple and easy way to benefit the church while doing so. If you go to Amazon's companion site, smile.amazon.com, you will find all of the same items for purchase (at the same prices) as are found on the main site. Once you sign in, you will be asked what charity you would like to benefit. Enter "St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Christian Church" and 0.5% of qualifying purchases will be given back to the church. It's that simple.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer 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.
Food for Thought
"Devote yourselves unceasingly to the divine words [of Holy Scripture] for the loving labor expended on them consumes the passions."
- Abba Thalassios
January 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
January 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 17, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
January 18, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
January 19, Sunday (29th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Wednesday Nights: Praying the Psalms
Starting on January 22 and lasting through May, each Wednesday at 7:30PM, we will be meeting for our weekly fellowship. Through the end of April, we will be discussing the Psalms. And then we will have five weeks on the novel Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. All are welcome. One need not commit to attending every week in order to participate. Click here to download the schedule.
Let's Start a Youth Group!
Calling all parents of junior high and high school aged teens. We would like to get a youth group started again. We envision meeting twice monthly, in our homes if possible. We propose that our youth group nights be a combination of food (pizza!) studying the Gospel of John for the upcoming Bible Bowl competition at the Parish Life Conference in June, and fun activities. If you and your teen(s) are interested please plan to stay and discuss during coffee hour this Sunday, January 19.
A year of Supplication to St. Raphael
If you were able to attend the annual meeting last month, you will remember our plan to make this year, 2020, a year of supplication to our patron, St Raphael of Brooklyn. If we are to survive and thrive in Iowa City, our church community needs to grow—Grow in faith, grow in numbers, and grow in giving. Who better to lead us than the blessed saint who helped establish Orthodoxy in America by his leadership! Father and I have been working on gathering materials and ideas for this program. February 27th is the anniversary of our beloved saint’s repose, and we thought it would be a fitting day to begin. As a parish, we will commit regularly to asking the prayers of St. Raphael for his guidance and intercessions. We encourage everyone to participate in a way that works for them, whether that is by saying a short prayer to St Raphael each day, or praying the Akathist service regularly. Our year of prayer will culminate on November 7th, when we celebrate his feast day together as a parish. In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about this program and asking each of you to consider joining our prayer team. We hope that as we pray together as a parish we will grow together in love for our patron and with his guidance establish our church more firmly.
Treasurer Report
Good news to report! If you remember, a couple weeks ago, I announced our pledge income for next year remained short of our basic budget needs by $950 per month. Since then, some of our pledging households have increased their pledge commitments for next year. We have received $245 in additional pledge income. Our shortfall is now down to just over $700 per month. We need just a few more households to pledge, or to increase their pledge even slightly, for next year. If we work together, we can reach our goal of a fully funded basic budget. Please consider prayerfully your commitment to St Raphael for this year.
A Brief Note from Bishop Anthony
Upon recently being told that our previous $2500 monthly gap between income and expenses has been reduced to around $700 and may be reduced further, His Grace Bishop Anthony wishes to extend his congratulations and his gratitude to us.
Holy Water
At the end of our Theophany liturgy, we blessed water. This holy water can be taken back to our homes and used throughout the year as a sign of God's presence and grace. Bottles of holy water are now available to take home.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts until the beginning of Lent, March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry during this Nativity season. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Do You Shop at Amazon.com?
If you make purchases on Amazon.com, there is a simple and easy way to benefit the church while doing so. If you go to Amazon's companion site, smile.amazon.com, you will find all of the same items for purchase (at the same prices) as are found on the main site. Once you sign in, you will be asked what charity you would like to benefit. Enter "St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Christian Church" and 0.5% of qualifying purchases will be given back to the church. It's that simple.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer 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.
Food for Thought
"Devote yourselves unceasingly to the divine words [of Holy Scripture] for the loving labor expended on them consumes the passions."
- Abba Thalassios
Sunday January 5, 2020, The Feast of the Theophany of our Lord (Transferred)
This Week's Services and Events
January 7, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
January 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 10, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
January 11, Saturday
+ Outdoor Blessing of Water, 4:00PM (at 1st Ave. bridge over Cedar River in downtown Cedar Rapids)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (at St. John the Baptist Church, 501 A St., Cedar Rapids)
January 12, Sunday (Sunday after Theophany)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal!
Earlier this week, Irakli Tskhakaia's mother Leila passed away. We said memorial prayers for her repose at the end of liturgy. Our condolences go out to Irakli, Natalie and the entire Tskhakaia family. May Leila's memory be eternal.
Patronal Feast Day Services at St. John the Baptist Church
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids (501 A Ave. NE.) is celebrating their patron saint with vespers at 6:00PM on Monday, January 6 and matins and liturgy at 9:00AM on Tuesday, January 7. All are welcome.
Treasurer Report
Good News to report! If you remember, a couple weeks ago, I announced our pledge income for next year remained short of our basic budget needs by $950 per month. Since then, some of our pledging households have increased their pledge commitments for next year. We have received $245 in additional pledge income. Our shortfall is now down to just over $700 per month. We need just a few more households to pledge, or to increase their pledge even slightly, for next year. If we work together, we can reach our goal of a fully funded basic budget. Please consider prayerfully your commitment to St Raphael for this year.
A Brief Note from Bishop Anthony
Upon recently being told that our previous $2500 monthly gap between income and expenses has been reduced to around $700 and may be reduced further, His Grace Bishop Anthony wishes to extend his congratulations and his gratitude to us.
Holy Water
At the end of our Theophany liturgy today, we blessed water. This holy water can be taken back to our homes and used throughout the year as a sign of God's presence and grace. Bottles of holy water are now available to take home.
January/February Calendars
Calendars showing services and other events are printed and available in the church narthex.
Outdoor Blessing of the Water
At 4:00PM on Saturday, January 11, St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids is hosting a pan-Orthodox Blessing of the Water on the 1st Ave. bridge spanning the Cedar River in downtown Cedar Rapids. All are welcome. There will be vespers at St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids) at 5:00PM. There will be no vespers at St. Raphael Church that day.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts from the feast of Theophany until the beginning of Lent: this coming year, January 7- March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Our Sponsorship of Naser
St. Raphael Church has sponsored a boy in Ethiopia named Naser for several years. We are soliciting donations to keep him monthly sponsorship going in 2020. The monthly cost is $44. If you can help with Naser's sponsorship, please clearly designate your funds so that they can be used appropriately.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
Do You Shop at Amazon.com?
If you make purchases on Amazon.com, there is a simple and easy way to benefit the church while doing so. If you go to Amazon's companion site, smile.amazon.com, you will find all of the same items for purchase (at the same prices) as are found on the main site. Once you sign in, you will be asked what charity you would like to benefit. Enter "St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Christian Church" and 0.5% of qualifying purchases will be given back to the church. It's that simple.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer 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.
Food for Thought
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
II Cor. 5:17
January 7, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 1:45PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
January 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 10, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
January 11, Saturday
+ Outdoor Blessing of Water, 4:00PM (at 1st Ave. bridge over Cedar River in downtown Cedar Rapids)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (at St. John the Baptist Church, 501 A St., Cedar Rapids)
January 12, Sunday (Sunday after Theophany)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Sunday School, 9:20AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Fellowship Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal!
Earlier this week, Irakli Tskhakaia's mother Leila passed away. We said memorial prayers for her repose at the end of liturgy. Our condolences go out to Irakli, Natalie and the entire Tskhakaia family. May Leila's memory be eternal.
Patronal Feast Day Services at St. John the Baptist Church
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids (501 A Ave. NE.) is celebrating their patron saint with vespers at 6:00PM on Monday, January 6 and matins and liturgy at 9:00AM on Tuesday, January 7. All are welcome.
Treasurer Report
Good News to report! If you remember, a couple weeks ago, I announced our pledge income for next year remained short of our basic budget needs by $950 per month. Since then, some of our pledging households have increased their pledge commitments for next year. We have received $245 in additional pledge income. Our shortfall is now down to just over $700 per month. We need just a few more households to pledge, or to increase their pledge even slightly, for next year. If we work together, we can reach our goal of a fully funded basic budget. Please consider prayerfully your commitment to St Raphael for this year.
A Brief Note from Bishop Anthony
Upon recently being told that our previous $2500 monthly gap between income and expenses has been reduced to around $700 and may be reduced further, His Grace Bishop Anthony wishes to extend his congratulations and his gratitude to us.
Holy Water
At the end of our Theophany liturgy today, we blessed water. This holy water can be taken back to our homes and used throughout the year as a sign of God's presence and grace. Bottles of holy water are now available to take home.
January/February Calendars
Calendars showing services and other events are printed and available in the church narthex.
Outdoor Blessing of the Water
At 4:00PM on Saturday, January 11, St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids is hosting a pan-Orthodox Blessing of the Water on the 1st Ave. bridge spanning the Cedar River in downtown Cedar Rapids. All are welcome. There will be vespers at St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids) at 5:00PM. There will be no vespers at St. Raphael Church that day.
House Blessing Season is Here
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts from the feast of Theophany until the beginning of Lent: this coming year, January 7- March 1. Contact him and set up a day and time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers. These house blessing visits can be short and quick (10-15 minutes) or longer, if you want to have some social time. You decide.
Our Sponsorship of Naser
St. Raphael Church has sponsored a boy in Ethiopia named Naser for several years. We are soliciting donations to keep him monthly sponsorship going in 2020. The monthly cost is $44. If you can help with Naser's sponsorship, please clearly designate your funds so that they can be used appropriately.
St. Raphael Food Pantry Needs
We are especially in need of the following items to help stock the shelves of our food pantry. Can you buy a few extras during your next grocery shopping trip and bring them in to church soon?
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Do You Shop at Amazon.com?
If you make purchases on Amazon.com, there is a simple and easy way to benefit the church while doing so. If you go to Amazon's companion site, smile.amazon.com, you will find all of the same items for purchase (at the same prices) as are found on the main site. Once you sign in, you will be asked what charity you would like to benefit. Enter "St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Christian Church" and 0.5% of qualifying purchases will be given back to the church. It's that simple.
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, Elizabeth Michael, Michael Spies, Austin and Maddie Collins, Evren Sasmazer 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.
Food for Thought
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
II Cor. 5:17
