Sunday April 11, 2021- Sunday of St. John Climacus (4th Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
April 11, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00pm
April 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00pm
April 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew and Life of St. Mary of Egypt, 6:00pm
April 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 16, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00pm
April 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 18, Sunday (Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt- 5th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Choir Rehearsal, 1:00-3:00pm
Newest Announcements
Choir Rehearsals
We are planning for a full choir to be able to sing during Pascha and in order to do so, we need to have rehearsals. All are welcome to join the choir, but if you want to sing in the choir for Pascha, please come to both rehearsals if possible, but at minimum to one. These will be in person at church on Saturday, April 10, 2:00-4:30pm and Sunday, April 18, 1:00-3:00pm.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the great climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil through the night
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Volunteer Needed for Holy Bread
On Palm Sunday, April 25, we need a double batch of holy bread, Please sign-up at church or contact Fr. Ignatius if you are able to make the bread. The bread needs to be brought to the church no later than 6pm on Saturday, April 24.
Palm Sunday Potluck Coffee Hour
If the weather cooperates, we will plan to have an outdoor potluck coffee hour in our back yard following liturgy on April 25. All are invited to bring some food to share.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn http://bit.ly/Akathist4-9
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Wednesday, April 21, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-21
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Assembly of Bishops Launches Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey
The Assembly of Bishops, comprised of all 51 Orthodox bishops in America, has recently put together a survey dealing with mental health, which is designed to better inform them about the mental health needs of Orthodox faithful, so that ministries and resources can be developed to address those needs. This survey consists of 30 questions an should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please consider taking it, and encouraging others you know to take it as well. The survey can be found at: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mental-health-task-force/mental-health-needs-assessment-survey
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples, and began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:32-45)
Food for Thought
The Psalms: the torment and beauty and God-hungering and God-knowing- everything is in them; absolutely nothing whatsoever has been excluded, even the tiniest detail. Without the Gospels, of course, and the great teachings of Saint Paul, we couldn't finally know the Psalms in their true nature: as the perfect prayer-system. Our Lord knew this; He made His own life whole in and through the Psalms. The Gospels reflect His practice in this perfect system- for He alone brought it into perfection by the practice of it on the level of personhood.
As He accomplished this great work of making inward the Psalms, He made them into one unified and complete work. For prior to His accomplishment, the poems were spiritually scattered (though gathered into one text)- that is, they were "used" at certain liturgies of the Temple, but they were not experienced as one experience of personhood. Our Lord prayed them all, and so He made them all.. one, coherent.
Note well: He did not "personalize" the Psalms; rather, He made them responsive to His Personhood- that is: who He was (and is) in (and as) God. He accomplished the great work of making inward the Psalms. He made them into one unified and complete work....
-Donald Sheehan in The Shield of Psalmic Prayer, pp. 2-3
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
April 11, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00pm
April 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00pm
April 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew and Life of St. Mary of Egypt, 6:00pm
April 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 16, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am
+ Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00pm
April 17, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00pm
+ Great Vespers, 5:00pm (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 18, Sunday (Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt- 5th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00am (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Choir Rehearsal, 1:00-3:00pm
Newest Announcements
Choir Rehearsals
We are planning for a full choir to be able to sing during Pascha and in order to do so, we need to have rehearsals. All are welcome to join the choir, but if you want to sing in the choir for Pascha, please come to both rehearsals if possible, but at minimum to one. These will be in person at church on Saturday, April 10, 2:00-4:30pm and Sunday, April 18, 1:00-3:00pm.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the great climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil through the night
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Semi-Annual Cleaning Day, April 24
We need to keep our building, various liturgical items and grounds clean and ready for Holy Week and Pascha. On Saturday, April 24 from 1-4:30pm, we need volunteers at the church to help us clean.
Volunteer Needed for Holy Bread
On Palm Sunday, April 25, we need a double batch of holy bread, Please sign-up at church or contact Fr. Ignatius if you are able to make the bread. The bread needs to be brought to the church no later than 6pm on Saturday, April 24.
Palm Sunday Potluck Coffee Hour
If the weather cooperates, we will plan to have an outdoor potluck coffee hour in our back yard following liturgy on April 25. All are invited to bring some food to share.
Holy Week Related Sign-ups
There are many ways to get involved during Holy Week, ways which will enrich your faith and build up our church community. There are various sign-ups now posted in the narthex including for the Funeral Bier Decoration midday on Holy Friday, the Psalm-reading Vigil on Holy Friday night through Holy Saturday morning, dyeing eggs for the midnight Paschal service, reading the Gospel in various languages at Agape Vespers on Pascha afternoon, and bringing food for our Paschal Picnic following Agape Vespers. Plan ahead! Get involved!
No Paschal Feast Following Midnight Service- Bring Pascha Baskets to Be Blessed
Due to our smaller fellowship hall that cannot be well-ventilated, we will not gather there following the Paschal service for the customary Paschal feast this year. However, all are encouraged to make a Pascha basket filled with your favorite feasting foods, and to bring it to church to be blessed at the Paschal service.
Sign-up to Attend Services
Our current allowable attendance per service is 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn http://bit.ly/Akathist4-9
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Wednesday, April 21, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-21
Friday, April 23, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus http://bit.ly/LazarusCanon4-23
Saturday, April 24, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy for St. Lazarus - http://bit.ly/Lazarus4-24
Assembly of Bishops Launches Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey
The Assembly of Bishops, comprised of all 51 Orthodox bishops in America, has recently put together a survey dealing with mental health, which is designed to better inform them about the mental health needs of Orthodox faithful, so that ministries and resources can be developed to address those needs. This survey consists of 30 questions an should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please consider taking it, and encouraging others you know to take it as well. The survey can be found at: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mental-health-task-force/mental-health-needs-assessment-survey
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples, and began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:32-45)
Food for Thought
The Psalms: the torment and beauty and God-hungering and God-knowing- everything is in them; absolutely nothing whatsoever has been excluded, even the tiniest detail. Without the Gospels, of course, and the great teachings of Saint Paul, we couldn't finally know the Psalms in their true nature: as the perfect prayer-system. Our Lord knew this; He made His own life whole in and through the Psalms. The Gospels reflect His practice in this perfect system- for He alone brought it into perfection by the practice of it on the level of personhood.
As He accomplished this great work of making inward the Psalms, He made them into one unified and complete work. For prior to His accomplishment, the poems were spiritually scattered (though gathered into one text)- that is, they were "used" at certain liturgies of the Temple, but they were not experienced as one experience of personhood. Our Lord prayed them all, and so He made them all.. one, coherent.
Note well: He did not "personalize" the Psalms; rather, He made them responsive to His Personhood- that is: who He was (and is) in (and as) God. He accomplished the great work of making inward the Psalms. He made them into one unified and complete work....
-Donald Sheehan in The Shield of Psalmic Prayer, pp. 2-3
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday April 4, 2021- Sunday of the Exaltation of the Cross (3rd Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
April 4, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
April 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
April 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 9, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 11, Sunday (Sunday of St. John Climacus- 4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Liturgy on the Porch!
The weather is cooperating and so we will celebrate matins and liturgy outside on the front porch this Sunday, April 4. For this day, there will be no attendance restrictions and no need to sign-up online.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to the climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html or mailed to the church (722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240) and marked "Pascha Appeal."
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.” (Mark 9:17-31)
Food for Thought
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.
James 2:8
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
April 4, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
April 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
April 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 9, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 10, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 11, Sunday (Sunday of St. John Climacus- 4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Liturgy on the Porch!
The weather is cooperating and so we will celebrate matins and liturgy outside on the front porch this Sunday, April 4. For this day, there will be no attendance restrictions and no need to sign-up online.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week
Plan now for the extra schedule of services during Holy Week. This is the climax of the whole year!
Friday, April 23, 7pm- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus
Lazarus Saturday, April 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 5pm- Great Vespers
Palm Sunday, April 25, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy; 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Monday, April 26, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Tuesday, April 27, 7pm- Bridegroom Matins
Holy Wednesday, April 28, 9am- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts; 7pm- Holy Unction Service
Holy Thursday, April 29, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 6pm-Rite of Foot-washing; 7pm- Twelve Gospels Service
Holy Friday, April 30, 9am- Royal Hours; 3pm- Great Vespers; 7pm- Lamentations Service; followed by Psalm-reading Vigil
Holy Saturday, May 1, 9am- Vesperal Liturgy; 11:40pm- Rush Service
Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, 12am (midnight)- Paschal Matins and Liturgy; 12:30pm- Agape Vespers, followed by Picnic at Mercer Park (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City)
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to the climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html or mailed to the church (722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240) and marked "Pascha Appeal."
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.” (Mark 9:17-31)
Food for Thought
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.
James 2:8
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday March 28, 2021- Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
March 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 31, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 4, Sunday (Sunday of the Adoration of the Precious Cross- 3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Friday, April 2, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Sunday, April 4, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-4
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Food for Thought
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
March 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 31, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take Home Soup Dinner
April 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
April 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
April 3, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
April 4, Sunday (Sunday of the Adoration of the Precious Cross- 3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Newest Announcements
Pascha Appeal
During this holy season of Lent, as we look forward to climax of our liturgical year with Holy Week and Pascha, will you consider giving a special gift to keep St. Raphael Church operating? Donations can be made at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/donate.html
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Friday, April 2, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 3, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-3
Sunday, April 4, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-4
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-7
Friday, April 9, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Saturday, April 10, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-10
Sunday, April 11, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-11
Wednesday, April 14, 6 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew & Life of St. Mary of Egypt - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon4-14
Thursday, April 15, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified4-15
Saturday, April 17, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers4-17
Sunday, April 18, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy4-18
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Food for Thought
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15
___________________________________________________
Recurring Announcements
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Sunday March 21, 2021- Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy (1st Sunday of Lent)
Upcoming Services and Events
March 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
March 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vespers for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Fish Dinner
March 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 28, Sunday (Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas- 2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Feast of Annunciation and Fish Dinner
We celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with two services this week: vespers on Wednesday at 6:00PM and Vesperal Liturgy on Thursday at 6:00PM. Because of the joyous nature of this feast, the Lenten Fast is relaxed and fish is allowed. There will be a take home fish dinner provided for all who attend Liturgy on Thursday evening. Don't miss it. Make sure to sign up for the services online.
A Virtual Retreat for Women
Antiochian Women Midwest is sponsoring a virtual retreat on March 27 with Mother Gabriella, abbess of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI. The title of her talk is The Theotokos: The Most Powerful Woman in the World. For more information, including how to register, open up the attached poster.
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
We are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and He was preaching the Word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now, some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all. So that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“God is everywhere. There is no place God is not…You cry out to Him, ‘Where art Thou, my God?’ And He answers, “I am present, my child! I am always beside you.’ Both inside and outside, above and below, wherever you turn, everything shouts, ‘God!’ In Him we live and move. We breathe God, we eat God, we clothe ourselves with God. Everything praises and blesses God. All of creation shouts His praise. Everything animate and inanimate speaks wondrously and glorifies the Creator. Let every breath praise the Lord!”
+ St. Joseph the Heyschast
March 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Fellowship and Book Group on Zoom, 7:00PM
March 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vespers for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Annunciation, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Fish Dinner
March 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 28, Sunday (Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas- 2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Feast of Annunciation and Fish Dinner
We celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with two services this week: vespers on Wednesday at 6:00PM and Vesperal Liturgy on Thursday at 6:00PM. Because of the joyous nature of this feast, the Lenten Fast is relaxed and fish is allowed. There will be a take home fish dinner provided for all who attend Liturgy on Thursday evening. Don't miss it. Make sure to sign up for the services online.
A Virtual Retreat for Women
Antiochian Women Midwest is sponsoring a virtual retreat on March 27 with Mother Gabriella, abbess of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI. The title of her talk is The Theotokos: The Most Powerful Woman in the World. For more information, including how to register, open up the attached poster.
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
We are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and He was preaching the Word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now, some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all. So that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“God is everywhere. There is no place God is not…You cry out to Him, ‘Where art Thou, my God?’ And He answers, “I am present, my child! I am always beside you.’ Both inside and outside, above and below, wherever you turn, everything shouts, ‘God!’ In Him we live and move. We breathe God, we eat God, we clothe ourselves with God. Everything praises and blesses God. All of creation shouts His praise. Everything animate and inanimate speaks wondrously and glorifies the Creator. Let every breath praise the Lord!”
+ St. Joseph the Heyschast
Sunday March 14, 2021- Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)
Upcoming Services and Events
March 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
March 15, Monday
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Soup Supper
March 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy- 1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Spring Forward!
Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 14. Clocks will be set ahead one hour between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
A Video Message Previewing the First Week of Lent
To watch a brief video message from Fr. Ignatius on the services of the first week of Lent, go to: https://fb.watch/4a7nAeffS-/
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Cheesefare Sunday
After Sunday March 14, we give up dairy and eggs and on weekdays, wine and oil, entering fully into the Lenten fast. Let us be modest in what we consume, joyfully thanking God for everything we have, and using our resources to help others. In this, we can enter more fully into the spirit of the Fast, which is so much more than just abstaining from certain foods. If we abstain from certain foods but fail to work on repentance, loving our neighbors, and partaking more fully of the life of the Church, then all we have done is to embark upon a diet instead of a spiritual discipline.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
Once again, we are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Shelter House Book Sale Fundraiser
The annual fundraiser for the Shelter House homeless shelter in Iowa City is approaching. For more details, please see the attached poster.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:43-51)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
O ye faithful, with peaceful hearts and in sincerity let us greet the holy season of the Fast; let us each ask for the remission of his sins, that we may be sharers in the joy that comes through forgiveness.
-- From Ode Nine of the Canon for Monday of Cheese Week
March 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
+ Forgiveness Vespers, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
March 15, Monday
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Take home Soup Supper
March 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy- 1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour, 1:00PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Spring Forward!
Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 14. Clocks will be set ahead one hour between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
A Video Message Previewing the First Week of Lent
To watch a brief video message from Fr. Ignatius on the services of the first week of Lent, go to: https://fb.watch/4a7nAeffS-/
A Video Message on Parish Life and COVID Vaccines
Fr. Ignatius recorded an important message for the St. Raphael Church community addressing our life together in Christ and COVID vaccines. Please watch it here. https://fb.watch/4asHQ-z--n/
Midweek Lenten Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent (119-133)
Fr. Ignatius will not be giving sermons during the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday evenings during Lent, but will be recording sermons and posting to the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity) each week. The focus of these sermons will be Psalms 119-133, the Psalms of Ascent which we chant at the beginning part of each Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Cheesefare Sunday
After Sunday March 14, we give up dairy and eggs and on weekdays, wine and oil, entering fully into the Lenten fast. Let us be modest in what we consume, joyfully thanking God for everything we have, and using our resources to help others. In this, we can enter more fully into the spirit of the Fast, which is so much more than just abstaining from certain foods. If we abstain from certain foods but fail to work on repentance, loving our neighbors, and partaking more fully of the life of the Church, then all we have done is to embark upon a diet instead of a spiritual discipline.
Bring Your Icons on March 21
March 21 is the first Sunday of Lent this year, the theme of which is the Triumph of Orthodoxy. As this is particularly referencing the end of the iconoclast era and the re-establishment of icons in the churches, we celebrate this triumph by having a procession with icons at the end of the Liturgy. If you have a favorite icon at home, bring it to hold as you join in during the procession.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions or want to provide food to share.
Food for Hungry People Program
Once again, we are participating in the Archdiocesan Food for Hungry People Program, to raise money for various organizations who help to feed the hungry. Collection boxes are available in the narthex to take home.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
If you are not yet in the habit of doing it, begin to incorporate this short prayer, with accompanying prostrations, into your daily prayer routine during Lent.
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk. (prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Wednesday, March 24, 6 pm - Great Vespers for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-24
Thursday, March 25, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Annunciation - http://bit.ly/Annunciation3-25
Friday, March 26, 7 pm - Little Compline with Akathist Hymn - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-26
Saturday, March 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-27
Sunday, March 28, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-28
Wednesday, March 31, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-31
Shelter House Book Sale Fundraiser
The annual fundraiser for the Shelter House homeless shelter in Iowa City is approaching. For more details, please see the attached poster.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:43-51)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
O ye faithful, with peaceful hearts and in sincerity let us greet the holy season of the Fast; let us each ask for the remission of his sins, that we may be sharers in the joy that comes through forgiveness.
-- From Ode Nine of the Canon for Monday of Cheese Week
Sunday March 7, 2021- Sunday of the Final Judgment
Upcoming Services and Events
March 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting on Zoom, 1:30PM
March 10, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 14, Sunday (Forgiveness Sunday- Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
No Office Hours March 9-10
Fr. Ignatius will not be holding office hours on March 9 and 10. There will be no Hours prayers offered those days either.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with our local regulations and the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions.
Joint Statement on Religious and Political Extremism and Fundamentalism Issued
Metropolitan Joseph recently hosted Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America. They issued a joint statement which can be read here. https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/885
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Looking Ahead to Lent
Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20. Here is that schedule:
Sunday March 14, 6:00PM- Forgiveness Vespers
Monday March 15, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Tuesday March 16, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Wednesday March 17, 6:00PM- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts
Thursday March 18, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Friday March 19, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:14-21)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
When a man repents, he repents not only for himself, but for the whole Adam, for the whole creation.
- Archimandrite Zacharias of Essex
March 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting on Zoom, 1:30PM
March 10, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 14, Sunday (Forgiveness Sunday- Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
No Office Hours March 9-10
Fr. Ignatius will not be holding office hours on March 9 and 10. There will be no Hours prayers offered those days either.
Soup Supper Lenten Wednesday Nights
Traditionally, we have offered a simple soup supper on Wednesday nights following Presanctified Liturgy. To comply with our local regulations and the guidance we have received from the Archdiocese, we still cannot gather together to share a meal. This year, we are going to try offering some simple foods and bottled water that members can pack up and take home to enjoy after each service. Karen will be coordinating this effort, so contact her if you have questions.
Joint Statement on Religious and Political Extremism and Fundamentalism Issued
Metropolitan Joseph recently hosted Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America. They issued a joint statement which can be read here. https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/885
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Looking Ahead to Lent
Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20. Here is that schedule:
Sunday March 14, 6:00PM- Forgiveness Vespers
Monday March 15, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Tuesday March 16, 7:00PM- Great Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Wednesday March 17, 6:00PM- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts
Thursday March 18, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Friday March 19, 7:00PM- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:14-21)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
When a man repents, he repents not only for himself, but for the whole Adam, for the whole creation.
- Archimandrite Zacharias of Essex
Sunday February 28, 2021- Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Upcoming Services and Events
February 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 7, Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgement- Meatfare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit Cancelled
Please pray for Bishop Anthony. While he was having dinner in Chicago last night, his car was stolen. Inside the car were his clothes, his vestments and his computer. He will not be able to come visit us this weekend. When we have rescheduled him, we will let you know.
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Thursday Nights
Now meeting weekly on Zoom throughout Lent, we are reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We started to use the Lenten Triodion in services on Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
Sunday, February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:6-11
February 28, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
March 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
March 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
March 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
March 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
March 7, Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgement- Meatfare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Parish Meeting, 1:30PM on Zoom
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit Cancelled
Please pray for Bishop Anthony. While he was having dinner in Chicago last night, his car was stolen. Inside the car were his clothes, his vestments and his computer. He will not be able to come visit us this weekend. When we have rescheduled him, we will let you know.
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
March/April Calendars Printed
The calendars showing services and events at St. Raphael Church are now available to pick up in the church narthex.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Thursday Nights
Now meeting weekly on Zoom throughout Lent, we are reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Scholarship Applications Available
Elinor Bourjaily Scholarship- Students enrolled in an undergraduate college program who are members of a parish of the Midwest Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church are invited to apply for one of three $500 scholarships to be given out. Ask Fr. Ignatius if you would like an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2021.
Antiochian Women's Educational Grant- If you are female, 26 years old or older, a member in good standing of an Antiochian Orthodox parish who is actively involved, applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program and have financial need, you may apply for one of several $500 grants provided by the North American Board of Antiochian Women. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2021. Ask Fr. Ignatius for an application.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We started to use the Lenten Triodion in services on Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
Saturday, February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
Sunday, February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Saturday, March 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-6
Sunday, March 7, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-7
Saturday, March 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-13
Sunday, March 14, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-14
Sunday, March 14, 6 pm - Forgiveness Vespers - http://bit.ly/Forgiveness3-14
Monday, March 15, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-15
Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm - Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-16
Wednesday, March 17, 6 pm - Presanctified Liturgy - http://bit.ly/Presanctified3-17
Thursday, March 18, 7 pm - Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew - http://bit.ly/StAndrewCanon3-18
Friday, March 19, 7pm - Little Compline with Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist3-19
Saturday, March 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers3-20
Sunday, March 21, 8:45/10 am - Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy3-21
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:6-11
Sunday February 21, 2021- Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
Upcoming Services and Events
February 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 28, Sunday (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have slightly increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:11-32)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"The meaning of ‘to deny oneself’ is this: courageously to persevere in prayer.”
St. Isaac of Syria, Ascetical Homilies, 66
February 21, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 27, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 28, Sunday (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Now Allowing 20 at Services
Since positive COVID cases have been trending downward locally, we have slightly increased the allowed number to attend services to 20, in addition to clergy and chanters.
Treasurer Update February 2021
Since our Annual Meeting, we have received some additional pledges, including some increased pledges from current members. This makes our situation look more promising than it did in December. As of this week, we have a pledge income (including an estimate of other giving) of $7753.00 per month. Our monthly budget is $8887.66. We currently have a monthly deficit of $1134.66. The Parish Council plans to discuss our financial situation with His Grace during his visit and we look forward to his suggestions and guidance. We will be having a Congregational Meeting on March 7th at 1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss our budget, progress we have made, and suggestions from His Grace. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting! Please keep our church community, and our financial situation, in your prayers as we continue through the year.
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City.)
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3. https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) Attached is a flyer with more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 20. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:11-32)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"The meaning of ‘to deny oneself’ is this: courageously to persevere in prayer.”
St. Isaac of Syria, Ascetical Homilies, 66
Sunday February 14, 2021- Sunday of the Canaanite Woman
Upcoming Services and Events
February 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1. Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3.
https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Hierarchical Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Hierarchical Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“What an honor it is to my nature that in the small chamber constituting my dwelling-place, or in my heart, I am able to converse with Him Who upholds heaven and earth in His right hand, Whom the powers of heaven serve in fear, with Him Who is infinite love!”
—St John of Kronstadt
February 14, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 17, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 18, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 19, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting on Zoom, 2:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 21, Sunday (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Book Group Begins Feb. 25
Beginning Thursday, February 25 and meeting weekly on Zoom through Lent, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and other Stories by Archbishop Tikhon Shevkunov. For more information, see the attached schedule.
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1. Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. Because of the pandemic, we will not be able to have in-person events with him other than the regularly scheduled services. Please sign up for only one service, so that others can attend too.
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Looking Ahead to Lent
We start to use the Lenten Triodion in services beginning Sunday, February 21. This means that distinctly pre-Lenten themes start to appear in our hymns and prayers. Meatfare Sunday is on March 7 and Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday is March 14. The first Lenten service is Forgiveness Vespers which will be at 6:00PM on March 14. There will be services offered each night of the first week of Lent, March 14-20.
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Gearing Up For Great Lent Webinar, March 4
On March 4 from 6:30-8:00PM CST, join Melissa Naasko, matushka, mom, author of Fasting as a Family, and cook extraordinaire, for a live interactive webinar that will help you ready yourself, your kitchen, and your meal plans for Great Lent. Registrants will also receive two special recipes, developed by Melissa for this event! Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on March 3.
https://store.ancientfaith.com/gearing-up-for-a-great-lent/
March 7 Parish Meeting
Because we passed a deficit budget at our Annual Voters' Meeting in December we said that we would assess the state of the church's finances with another meeting in March. That meeting is scheduled for Zoom at 1:30 on Sunday, March 7. Please plan to participate.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Hierarchical Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Hierarchical Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“What an honor it is to my nature that in the small chamber constituting my dwelling-place, or in my heart, I am able to converse with Him Who upholds heaven and earth in His right hand, Whom the powers of heaven serve in fear, with Him Who is infinite love!”
—St John of Kronstadt
Sunday February 7, 2021- Afterfeast of the Presentation of the Lord
Upcoming Services and Events
January 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 14, Sunday (Sunday of the Canaanite Woman)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Online Orthodox Marriage Retreat, February 13
Marriage is hard work. Sometimes, it's harder than it needs to be because we don't have the right tools to help us in our struggles. Join Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh for a life-giving online marriage retreat. Drawing on their professional experience as a priest and a psychologist, and their personal experience as a married couple, the Louhs will help you understand what makes couples argue and how you can turn those hard times into strengths. As you learn more about the mind and heart of your marriage, you'll be more able to renew the love that forms the foundation of your relationship.
To register, go to:https://store.ancientfaith.com/renewing-your-marriage-retreat/ Only one registration is needed per couple/household. Registration for this event will close on Wednesday, February 10 at 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time. Fee is $40 per couple.
Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on Wednesday, February 10.
Retreat is on Saturday, February 13, 2021, 9:30 am - 2:15 pm CST
Sessions: Uncommon Love: Understand how faith and psychology contribute to your journey toward lasting love. Learn practical steps you can take to rediscover and nurture the foundation of your marriage.
Uncommon Conflict: Discover the root causes of conflict in marriage, both with your spouse and within yourself. Learn proven techniques you can use to handle anger and disagreement, turning conflict into a source of strength.
Q&A: ask your questions and get answers!
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released soon. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Contact him to schedule a time for him to come.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her one word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:21-28)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"To know that Christ died is history. To believe that He died for me is salvation."
- St. Theophan the Recluse
January 7, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 13, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 14, Sunday (Sunday of the Canaanite Woman)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Beneath Thy Compassion: A Sanctity of Life Special
Fr. John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, along with many others, put together a 3+ hour long program focusing on abortion and other sanctity of life issues. It was recently broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio and the archived recording can be found here. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/beneath_thy_compassion It is all good and worthwhile to listen to, but if your time is limited, I encourage you to at least listen to Emily Wilkinson of the newly revived Orthodox Christians for Life organization. She gave an excellent presentation that begins with 144.05 remaining in the recording.
Online Orthodox Marriage Retreat, February 13
Marriage is hard work. Sometimes, it's harder than it needs to be because we don't have the right tools to help us in our struggles. Join Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh for a life-giving online marriage retreat. Drawing on their professional experience as a priest and a psychologist, and their personal experience as a married couple, the Louhs will help you understand what makes couples argue and how you can turn those hard times into strengths. As you learn more about the mind and heart of your marriage, you'll be more able to renew the love that forms the foundation of your relationship.
To register, go to:https://store.ancientfaith.com/renewing-your-marriage-retreat/ Only one registration is needed per couple/household. Registration for this event will close on Wednesday, February 10 at 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time. Fee is $40 per couple.
Login information and a guest packet will be provided via email to all registrants on Wednesday, February 10.
Retreat is on Saturday, February 13, 2021, 9:30 am - 2:15 pm CST
Sessions: Uncommon Love: Understand how faith and psychology contribute to your journey toward lasting love. Learn practical steps you can take to rediscover and nurture the foundation of your marriage.
Uncommon Conflict: Discover the root causes of conflict in marriage, both with your spouse and within yourself. Learn proven techniques you can use to handle anger and disagreement, turning conflict into a source of strength.
Q&A: ask your questions and get answers!
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, warm potato salad, baked beans, pickle spears, fruit and dessert. Here is the link to sign-up to bring a menu item. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4cafaa28a64-catholic1 Drop-off time is 2:30PM at the Catholic Worker House (1414 Sycamore St, Iowa City).
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released soon. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Online Spring 2021 Retreat- Exploring Servant Leadership
On March 4-7, a plethora of speakers will be offering various talks on Zoom as part of the Spring 2021 Retreat organized by the Combined Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Attendance is open to all. Speakers will include: Mother Christophora, Abbess of Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA (All, Opening Speaker), Fr Paul Abernathy, St. Moses the Black Church, Hill District, PA (All, Closing Speaker), Fr. Hans Jacobse, St Peter's Antiochian Church, Bonita Springs, FL (A-Men), Fr. Joshua Makoul, Dean of the Antiochian Cathedral of St. George in Oakland, PA (Teens), Kh. Krista West (AWE, Ladies), Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli (YAM, Young Adults), Hollie Benton, Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative (Parish Council) The flyer has more details and the Zoom links.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Contact him to schedule a time for him to come.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her one word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:21-28)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"To know that Christ died is history. To believe that He died for me is salvation."
- St. Theophan the Recluse
Sunday January 31, 2020, Zacchaeus Sunday
Upcoming Services and Events
January 31, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 1, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Presentation of the Lord, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
February 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 7, Sunday (Afterfeast of the Presentation of the Lord)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Assembly of Bishops Statement Regarding Developments in Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccines & Immunizations
To read this timely statement, go to: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/836
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. Sign up to participate here!
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita.
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
February 1, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - http://bit.ly/Presentation2-1
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 8:8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
As salt is needed for all kinds of food, so humility is needed for all kinds of virtues.
- St. Isaac of Syria
January 31, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
February 1, Monday
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Presentation of the Lord, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
February 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
February 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 4, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
February 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
February 6, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
February 7, Sunday (Afterfeast of the Presentation of the Lord)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Assembly of Bishops Statement Regarding Developments in Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccines & Immunizations
To read this timely statement, go to: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/836
Providing a Meal to Honor St. Raphael
As we did in November, we will again be providing a meal to the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City so that they can feed their guests. And just as in November, when this opportunity fell on the feast of St. Raphael, this upcoming opportunity, on February 27, falls on another feast day of our patron. So, let's honor him by planning to feed the hungry on that day. Sign up to participate here!
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita.
- February 1, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 3: The Blessing of Fasting
- February 8, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 4: Examining Exercise
- February 15, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 5: Stomping Out Stress
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
February 1, 6 pm - Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - http://bit.ly/Presentation2-1
February 6, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-6
February 7, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-7
February 13, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-13
February 14, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-14
February 20, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-20
February 21, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-21
February 27, 5 pm - Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers2-27
February 28, 8:45/10:00 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy2-28
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 8:8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
As salt is needed for all kinds of food, so humility is needed for all kinds of virtues.
- St. Isaac of Syria
Sunday January 24, 2020, St. Xenia of St. Petersburg
Upcoming Services and Events
January 24, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 26, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
January 27, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 28, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 29, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 30, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 31, Sunday (Zacchaeus Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."
I John 4:7-9
January 24, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 26, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina, 6:00PM (live streamed on Facebook page)
January 27, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 28, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 29, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 30, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 31, Sunday (Zacchaeus Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
- January 25, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 2: Eating in Balance
- February 1, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 3: The Blessing of Fasting
- February 8, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 4: Examining Exercise
- February 15, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 5: Stomping Out Stress
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Bishop Anthony's Visit
We are honored to have His Grace Bishop Anthony visit with us the weekend of February 27-28. A schedule of services and events will be released in the next few weeks. Please keep your schedule open, so as to be available to be with our bishop when he comes.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."
I John 4:7-9
Sunday January 17, 2020, St. Anthony the Great
Upcoming Services and Events
January 17, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 23, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 24, Sunday (St. Xenia of St. Petersburg, Fool-for-Christ)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
Holy Dormition Monastery Micro-Retreat on Zoom The nuns of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI, along with area clergy, are hosting a micro-retreat on Zoom on Thursday, January 21 starting at 3:45PM CST. For more information and to register, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4116104861477/WN_IGwcv0RVQOW05kesL6_zmw?fbclid=IwAR2X08h-3_ahhupf5pK7K1EoIE2LcQVIEQE87ZOI3GQ3eTg9FoR92zK2XdE
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Local News Coverage of Blessing of Water
To read local news coverage on our recent outdoor blessing of the waters service, go to: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/orthodox-churches-bless-iowa-river-and-look-to-faith-for-a-bright-future
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-6:2
January 17, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 19, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 20, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 21, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 22, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:00PM
January 23, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 24, Sunday (St. Xenia of St. Petersburg, Fool-for-Christ)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food, Faith and Fasting Online Workshop
The Antiochian Eastern Diocese Ministry Council is sponsoring a 5-week online workshop, led by Rita Madden, titled "Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey To Better Health." Rita Madden, MPH, RDN, is the author of Food Faith & Fasting, host of the podcast "Food, Faith & Fasting" on Ancient Faith Radio, and is the Nutrition Director for Mediterranean Wellness, LLC.
Each workshop will include live instructional sessions followed by an opportunity for Q&A with Rita. Session topics are:
- January 18, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 1: What's Good and Proper to Eat?
- January 25, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 2: Eating in Balance
- February 1, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 3: The Blessing of Fasting
- February 8, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 4: Examining Exercise
- February 15, 2021, 7 PM EST | Part 5: Stomping Out Stress
Holy Dormition Monastery Micro-Retreat on Zoom The nuns of Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI, along with area clergy, are hosting a micro-retreat on Zoom on Thursday, January 21 starting at 3:45PM CST. For more information and to register, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4116104861477/WN_IGwcv0RVQOW05kesL6_zmw?fbclid=IwAR2X08h-3_ahhupf5pK7K1EoIE2LcQVIEQE87ZOI3GQ3eTg9FoR92zK2XdE
How to Invite Someone to Church Webinar
Did you know that 82% of people who are unchurched say they are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited by someone they know? The Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism is sponsoring a free webinar titled "How to Invite Someone to Church" on Sunday, January 24 from 7-8pm CST. Go to https://www.missionsandevangelism.com/ to register for bonus material. Webinar will be broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/antiochianmissions
Local News Coverage of Blessing of Water
To read local news coverage on our recent outdoor blessing of the waters service, go to: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/orthodox-churches-bless-iowa-river-and-look-to-faith-for-a-bright-future
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we are doing again with akathists on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
We have increased the allowable attendance per service to 15 until at least the end of the month. To sign-up, click on the link and enter your name.
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
The Face of God: The Orthodox Church on Climate Change
This newly released one hour documentary is well made and is very engaging and beautiful. It is worth your time and consideration. https://vimeo.com/498184186
Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Women's Prayer Group
"For many years our sisters in the Lord within the Fellowship have been asking what avenues of ministry are open to them as women in the Church. Responding to that question and the urgent need for spiritual upliftment in these times, Mother Katherine and the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black are starting a Women’s Prayer Group. This will provide a place for them to voice their concerns in ways that seek or provide solace for their burdens through prayers and the love of Christ without political “noise.” It is an opportunity to bring the grace of our Lord to bear on situations through collective, intercessory prayer.
The group will function in two areas: a private Facebook group and an email list. The Facebook group will allow for members to share prayer requests and updates; the email list will share these and any other submissions periodically, as a way for women to participate outside of Facebook.
The group is for Orthodox women or catechumens who are in support of the mission of the Fellowship. It is not a Chapter, but another way to connect. For more information and to join, visit: http://mosestheblack.org/join/womens-prayer-group/
Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program to Benefit St. Raphael Food Pantry
If, in February, you buy a $2.50 reusable red bag at the Hy-Vee Drugstore 310 North 1st Avenue, Iowa City, the St. Raphael Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation. Bags will be located in the entryway at the front of the store.
House Blessing Season is Here
It is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We have resumed. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-6:2
Sunday January 10, 2020, Sunday after Theophany
Upcoming Services and Events
January 10, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 12, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 13, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 14, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 15, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM (on Zoom)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 17, Sunday (St. Anthony the Great)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we will do again with akathists on Wednesday nights, beginning January 13. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are resuming on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:12-19)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”
― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956
January 10, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 12, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 13, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 14, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Book/Fellowship Group, 7:00PM (on Zoom)
January 15, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 16, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:00PM (on Zoom)
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 17, Sunday (St. Anthony the Great)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
Wednesday Night Participatory Services to Continue
As we were doing during the Nativity Fast with the paraklesis service over Zoom, we will do again with akathists on Wednesday nights, beginning January 13. If you would like to participate by reading or chanting a part (from your home, on Zoom) let Fr. Ignatius know so he can assign you a part and make sure you have the text.
Prayers for the Departed
One of the great acts of Christian mercy is to care for the dead. Part of our care for the dead is that we commend them to God through prayer. Although St. Raphael members can request prayers for their departed Orthodox loved ones to be said in church anytime, we are beginning a practice of setting aside one Sunday per quarter for praying the Trisagion Memorial prayers for the Departed at the end of Liturgy. In 2021, these will be the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October- January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17. If you have names of departed Orthodox Christians who you would like to be prayed for, please submit your list to Fr. Ignatius. A note regarding non-Orthodox departed- we can pray for anyone who has departed, on our own, outside of church, and if you would like, Fr. Ignatius can arrange to pray with you in your homes for your non-Orthodox loved ones, but it is the practice of our archdiocese to publicly offer the Trisagion Prayers only for baptized members of the Orthodox Church.
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
January 16, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-16
January 17, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-17
January 23, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-23
January 24, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-24
January 26, 6pm- Vesperal Liturgy for St. Nina - http://bit.ly/StNina1-26
January 30, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-30
January 31, 8:45am/10am- Matins and Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-31
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are resuming on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:12-19)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”
― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956
Sunday January 3, 2020, Sunday before Theophany
Upcoming Services and Events
January 3, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 5, Tuesday
+ Royal Hours for Theophany, 9:00AM
+ Matins and Liturgy for Theophany, 5:00PM
January 6, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (livestreamed on Facebook page)
January 7, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 8, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 10, Sunday (Sunday after Theophany)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 2, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-2
January 3, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-3
January 5, 9am- Royal Hours for Theophany - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours1-5
January 5, 5pm- Matins & Liturgy for Theophany - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-5
January 6, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist1-6
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
Mortgage Loan News
Your Parish Council was able to recently refinance our building's mortgage loan, lowering the interest rate from 4.35% to 4%.
January/February Calendars Available
Calendars listing the services and other events scheduled for the months of January and February are available to pick up at church.
Theophany Services
Tuesday, January 5- Royal Hours, 9:00AM; Matins & Liturgy, 5:00PM
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are taking three weeks off and will resume on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:12-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
The more one reads and studies the Bible, the more he finds reasons to study it as often and as frequently as he can. According to St. John Chrysostom, it is like an aromatic root, which produces more and more aroma the more it is rubbed.
Just as important as knowing why we should read the Bible is knowing how we should read the Bible.
The best guides for this are the holy Fathers, headed by St. John Chrysostom who, in a manner of speaking, has written a fifth Gospel.
The holy Fathers recommend serious preparation before reading and studying the Bible; but of what does this preparation consist?
First of all in prayer. Pray to the Lord to illuminate your mind--so that you may understand the words of the Bible--and to fill your heart with His grace--so that you may feel the truth and life of those words.
Be aware that these are God's words, which He is speaking and saying to you personally. Prayer, together with the other virtues found in the Gospel, is the best preparation a person can have for understanding the Bible.
How should we read the Bible? Prayerfully and reverently, for in each word there is another drop of eternal truth, and all the words together make up the boundless ocean of the Eternal Truth.
-- "How to Read the Bible and Why," an essay excerpt by St. Justin Popović
January 3, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed on Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
January 5, Tuesday
+ Royal Hours for Theophany, 9:00AM
+ Matins and Liturgy for Theophany, 5:00PM
January 6, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM (livestreamed on Facebook page)
January 7, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-2:00PM
+ 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00PM
January 8, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15Am-12:00PM
January 9, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM (live streamed to Facebook page)
January 10, Sunday (Sunday after Theophany)
+ Matins, 8:45AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM (live streamed to Facebook page)
+ Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sign-up to Attend Services
January 2, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-2
January 3, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-3
January 5, 9am- Royal Hours for Theophany - http://bit.ly/RoyalHours1-5
January 5, 5pm- Matins & Liturgy for Theophany - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-5
January 6, 7pm- Akathist - http://bit.ly/Akathist1-6
January 9, 5pm- Great Vespers - http://bit.ly/Vespers1-9
January 10, 8:45/10am- Matins & Liturgy - http://bit.ly/MatinsLiturgy1-10
Holy Bread Sign-Ups
As we have turned over to a new year, there are fresh sign-up sheets posted at church for weekly opportunities to bring holy bread throughout the year. Please check the list and sign-up. Alternately, if there is a particular Sunday you want to reserve for yourself, contact Fr. Ignatius and he can put your name on the list.
Mortgage Loan News
Your Parish Council was able to recently refinance our building's mortgage loan, lowering the interest rate from 4.35% to 4%.
January/February Calendars Available
Calendars listing the services and other events scheduled for the months of January and February are available to pick up at church.
Theophany Services
Tuesday, January 5- Royal Hours, 9:00AM; Matins & Liturgy, 5:00PM
Outdoor Blessing of the Water Service
In conjunction with the Feast of Theophany, we will bless the Iowa River at the pedestrian bridge near the Iowa River Power Restaurant (501 1st Ave., Coralville) at 2PM on Saturday, January 9. This is a short 20 minute service. We will be joined by clergy and laity from our sister parishes in Cedar Rapids. Unlike years past, there will be no joint vespers service and meal following, due to restrictions related to the pandemic.
House Blessing Season Approaching
Following Theophany on January 6, it is time for your homes to be blessed. This year, given the pandemic, Fr. Ignatius will be making a few changes to his practice of blessing your homes. If you desire, he will come in and bless your home. The service is short, 10-15 minutes long. He will not be staying to socialize or to eat, but will leave promptly after the service. He will wear a mask and he asks that all people in the home wear masks also. If you would prefer, he can make a scheduled stop to your front porch and say the blessing prayers from there, before leaving. Fr. Ignatius will start contacting people to schedule visits following the New Year.
Thursday Night Book/Fellowship Group
We are taking three weeks off and will resume on January 14. For the rest of January and through all of February, we will be considering race and our Orthodox faith by reading an article on African American experience with icons, and also Mother Katherine Weston's book Race, Identity and Reconciliation, published by the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black. Once the Lenten Triodion starts, we will be reading and discussing Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Tikhon Shevkunov. If you want to purchase either or both books, let Fr. Ignatius or Lori know.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We must continue to avoid socializing in the church building. So our coffee hours will continue to be held online. From 1PM-2:15PM on Sundays, all those interested are invited to use Zoom and go to this link to join in on the virtual coffee hour. https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122
St. Raphael Food Pantry Announcement
Can you add an item or two (or more) from the list below to your shopping list each week? You can also donate funds (which will be used to purchase items to stock the shelves) by clearly designating your donation for the food pantry and mailing it in or giving online through the church's website.
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Any Canned Soup, especially soups with meat
- Canned Chili with meat
- Canned Fruit
- Breakfast cereal
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:12-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg, Madison Frei, Michael Spies, Derek Ward and Daniel Hettrick in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, mention it to Fr. Ignatius, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well.
Food for Thought
The more one reads and studies the Bible, the more he finds reasons to study it as often and as frequently as he can. According to St. John Chrysostom, it is like an aromatic root, which produces more and more aroma the more it is rubbed.
Just as important as knowing why we should read the Bible is knowing how we should read the Bible.
The best guides for this are the holy Fathers, headed by St. John Chrysostom who, in a manner of speaking, has written a fifth Gospel.
The holy Fathers recommend serious preparation before reading and studying the Bible; but of what does this preparation consist?
First of all in prayer. Pray to the Lord to illuminate your mind--so that you may understand the words of the Bible--and to fill your heart with His grace--so that you may feel the truth and life of those words.
Be aware that these are God's words, which He is speaking and saying to you personally. Prayer, together with the other virtues found in the Gospel, is the best preparation a person can have for understanding the Bible.
How should we read the Bible? Prayerfully and reverently, for in each word there is another drop of eternal truth, and all the words together make up the boundless ocean of the Eternal Truth.
-- "How to Read the Bible and Why," an essay excerpt by St. Justin Popović
