Sunday April 15, 2018: Thomas Sunday (2nd Sunday of Pascha)
Christ is risen! Hristos a inviat! Kriste Agsdga!
This Week's Services and Events
April 17, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:0AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Kalona Vespers, 7:00PM
April 18, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
April 19, Thursday
+ OCF Dinner at Wiblin/Kuntz, 7:00PM
April 21, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
April 22, Myrrhbearers Sunday (3rd Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Sunday School and Coffee Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Our Financial Crisis
Our treasurer, Becky Morey detailed the main financial challenges we are currently facing. Among them are that so far in 2018, (1) our expenses are $5700 greater than our income, (2) the archdiocese is asking us to pay over $16,000 in assessments for last year and this year, (3) given current levels of giving and current account levels, our mortgage fund will be depleted in a matter of months and we will have to dip into the general fund each month to pay our mortgage, accelerating the depletion of that fund, (4) we have about $2000 in repairs to our front porch to make, and no money designated to do it, and (5) we have only 18 pledging families to support an annual budget of approximately $110,000.
Before we formulate a plan to address the situation, the Parish Council and Fr. Ignatius encourages all members and concerned friends of St. Raphael Church to spend the rest of the Paschal season in prayer, asking God for wisdom and His providence regarding our financial situation. To that end, all are invited and encouraged to attend services from 7-8pm on the Wednesdays of April 25, May 2, May 9 and May 16. For those who cannot come to these services, you are encouraged to pray the services at home. The service texts will be provided. These services will be offered with the specific intention of asking God for His wisdom and help as we seek, with faith, to address our financial shortfall.
Our parish-wide conversation and the working toward an agreed solution will resume during a scheduled Voters' Meeting following liturgy on Sunday, May 20. If anyone wants to share their thoughts regarding how we might address our financial problems, you are encouraged to contact a parish council member or Fr. Ignatius. All are encouraged to incorporate the following prayer into your daily prayers between now and May 20.
A Prayer in Time of Need
Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to our help and deliver us from this difficulty that besets us. We believe Lord, that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the good of those who love You. Take away from us fear, anxiety and distress. Help us to face and endure our difficulty with faith, courage and wisdom. Grant that this trial may bring us closer to You for You are our rock and refuge, our comfort and hope, our delight and joy. We trust in Your love and compassion. Blessed is Your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
A Promise from God's Word
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (James 1:5-6a)
Fr. Ignatius Is Traveling
On April 18-20, Fr. Ignatius will be traveling to the Detroit, Michigan area to attend a deanery meeting and clergy retreat. There will be no office hours or 9th hour prayers on those days.
Photos for Parish Directory, Next Two Sundays
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. There is no sitting fee. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Help Needed to Publicize Food Pantry
Our neighborhood food pantry will be open this Saturday from 11:00AM-12:30PM. Bill and Amy will arrive at the church at 9:15AM to begin to distribute doorknob pamphlets to our surrounding neighbors. They would like some help. If you can volunteer and hour or two of your time this Saturday morning to help out, please let Bill or Amy know.
Statement By Patriarch John X on Recent Military Actions in Syria
Our Patriarch John X, along with the patriarchs of two other churches in Syria, has issued a joint statement addressing recent military action by the US, UK and France, against Syria. To read the statement, see the attached files.
No Fasting During the Paschal Season
In celebration of the Lord's Resurrection, and according to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until May 11, the day after the Feast of the Lord's Ascension.
Food For Hungry People Program
Please bring back your collection boxes by next Sunday, so that we can send in the money.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Annual Parish Life Conference
The laity and clergy of the parishes of our diocese of Toledo and the Midwest will be gathering in the Toledo, Ohio area (hosted by St. Elias Church of Sylvania, OH) from June 20-24. This is an opportunity to meet and connect with people from around our diocese and to be with our bishop, His Grace, Bishop Anthony. Among the highlights, will be a workshop given by Mother Gabriella of Holy Dormition Monastery, on "Spirituality, Morality and Life" and another given by Dr. Philip Mamalakis on "Marriage, Family and Parenting." For more information, go to: https://www.antiochianevents.org/150
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.org For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if He were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that He was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb, which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid. And when the Sabbath was passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of thew eek they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His Disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 15:43-16:8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
As the principle of death took its rise in one person and passed on in succession through the whole of human nature, so the principle of resurrection extends from one Person to the whole of humanity. This is the mystery of God's plan with regards to His death and His resurrection from the dead.
- St. Gregory of Nyssa
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
This Week's Services and Events
April 17, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:0AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Kalona Vespers, 7:00PM
April 18, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
April 19, Thursday
+ OCF Dinner at Wiblin/Kuntz, 7:00PM
April 21, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
April 22, Myrrhbearers Sunday (3rd Sunday of Pascha)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Sunday School and Coffee Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Our Financial Crisis
Our treasurer, Becky Morey detailed the main financial challenges we are currently facing. Among them are that so far in 2018, (1) our expenses are $5700 greater than our income, (2) the archdiocese is asking us to pay over $16,000 in assessments for last year and this year, (3) given current levels of giving and current account levels, our mortgage fund will be depleted in a matter of months and we will have to dip into the general fund each month to pay our mortgage, accelerating the depletion of that fund, (4) we have about $2000 in repairs to our front porch to make, and no money designated to do it, and (5) we have only 18 pledging families to support an annual budget of approximately $110,000.
Before we formulate a plan to address the situation, the Parish Council and Fr. Ignatius encourages all members and concerned friends of St. Raphael Church to spend the rest of the Paschal season in prayer, asking God for wisdom and His providence regarding our financial situation. To that end, all are invited and encouraged to attend services from 7-8pm on the Wednesdays of April 25, May 2, May 9 and May 16. For those who cannot come to these services, you are encouraged to pray the services at home. The service texts will be provided. These services will be offered with the specific intention of asking God for His wisdom and help as we seek, with faith, to address our financial shortfall.
Our parish-wide conversation and the working toward an agreed solution will resume during a scheduled Voters' Meeting following liturgy on Sunday, May 20. If anyone wants to share their thoughts regarding how we might address our financial problems, you are encouraged to contact a parish council member or Fr. Ignatius. All are encouraged to incorporate the following prayer into your daily prayers between now and May 20.
A Prayer in Time of Need
Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to our help and deliver us from this difficulty that besets us. We believe Lord, that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the good of those who love You. Take away from us fear, anxiety and distress. Help us to face and endure our difficulty with faith, courage and wisdom. Grant that this trial may bring us closer to You for You are our rock and refuge, our comfort and hope, our delight and joy. We trust in Your love and compassion. Blessed is Your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
A Promise from God's Word
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (James 1:5-6a)
Fr. Ignatius Is Traveling
On April 18-20, Fr. Ignatius will be traveling to the Detroit, Michigan area to attend a deanery meeting and clergy retreat. There will be no office hours or 9th hour prayers on those days.
Photos for Parish Directory, Next Two Sundays
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. There is no sitting fee. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Help Needed to Publicize Food Pantry
Our neighborhood food pantry will be open this Saturday from 11:00AM-12:30PM. Bill and Amy will arrive at the church at 9:15AM to begin to distribute doorknob pamphlets to our surrounding neighbors. They would like some help. If you can volunteer and hour or two of your time this Saturday morning to help out, please let Bill or Amy know.
Statement By Patriarch John X on Recent Military Actions in Syria
Our Patriarch John X, along with the patriarchs of two other churches in Syria, has issued a joint statement addressing recent military action by the US, UK and France, against Syria. To read the statement, see the attached files.
No Fasting During the Paschal Season
In celebration of the Lord's Resurrection, and according to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until May 11, the day after the Feast of the Lord's Ascension.
Food For Hungry People Program
Please bring back your collection boxes by next Sunday, so that we can send in the money.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Annual Parish Life Conference
The laity and clergy of the parishes of our diocese of Toledo and the Midwest will be gathering in the Toledo, Ohio area (hosted by St. Elias Church of Sylvania, OH) from June 20-24. This is an opportunity to meet and connect with people from around our diocese and to be with our bishop, His Grace, Bishop Anthony. Among the highlights, will be a workshop given by Mother Gabriella of Holy Dormition Monastery, on "Spirituality, Morality and Life" and another given by Dr. Philip Mamalakis on "Marriage, Family and Parenting." For more information, go to: https://www.antiochianevents.org/150
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.org For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if He were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that He was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb, which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid. And when the Sabbath was passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of thew eek they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His Disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 15:43-16:8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
As the principle of death took its rise in one person and passed on in succession through the whole of human nature, so the principle of resurrection extends from one Person to the whole of humanity. This is the mystery of God's plan with regards to His death and His resurrection from the dead.
- St. Gregory of Nyssa
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sunday April 8, 2018, Great and Holy Pascha
Christ is risen! Christos anesti! Al-Maseeh Qam!
Week's Services and Events
April 10, Bright Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:0AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
April 11, Bright Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30Am-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paschal Hours, 7:00PM
April 12, Bright Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and Meeting at IMU, 7:00PM
April 13, Bright Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
April 14, Bright Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
April 15, Thomas Sunday (1st Sunday after Pascha)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Sunday School, Coffee Hour and Voter's Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Hierarchical Paschal Greetings
Attached are Metropolitan Joseph's and Bishop Anthony's Paschal letters to us.
Congratulations!
Brian and Rene' Horak were received into the Church through the sacrament of chrismation at the Holy SaturdayLiturgy. May God grant them many years! Their sponsors were Newman Abuissa and Karen Kuntz.
Thank You
The services of Holy Week and Pascha (all 20 of them!) require a significant amount of effort on the part of many people in order for them to be available to us all. Special thanks go to our choir leaders Lori, Kristi and Matthew and our faithful choir members, who sing so much during this week! Our subdeacons Panteleimon and Anthony (Todd and Bill) are indispensable to Fr. Ignatius in the altar. Karen and Amy do many things behind the scenes. There are so many more of you who help out in a variety of ways. Thank you!
Special Voters' Meeting, April 15
We need all voting members to be present for a special voters' meeting following liturgy on Sunday, April 15. The main topic of discussion will be our financial situation.
No Fasting During the Paschal Season
In celebration of the Lord's Resurrection, and according to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until May 11, the day after the Feast of the Lord's Ascension.
Food For Hungry People Program
Please bring back your collection boxes soon, so that we can send in the money.
Creative Arts Festival Reminder
Becky Morey wants all parents to be informed that if your child(ren) is/are working on a submission for the Creative Arts Festival which will be showcased at the annual Parish Life Conference, we need to have them finished and turned in to church by Sunday, April 15.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Photos for Parish Directory
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Annual Parish Life Conference
The laity and clergy of the parishes of our diocese of Toledo and the Midwest will be gathering in the Toledo, Ohio area (hosted by St. Elias Church of Sylvania, OH) from June 20-24. This is an opportunity to meet and connect with people from around our diocese and to be with our bishop, His Grace, Bishop Anthony. Among the highlights, will be a workshop given by Mother Gabriella of Holy Dormition Monastery, on "Spirituality, Morality and Life." For more information, go to: https://www.antiochianevents.org/150
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the Disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the Disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other Disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails,and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His Disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the Disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name. (John 20:19-31)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
Yesterday I was crucified with Him; today I am glorified with Him.
Yesterday I died with Him; today I am made alive with Him.
Yesterday I was buried with Him; today I am raised up with Him.
Let us offer to Him Who suffered and rose again for us ... ourselves, the possession most precious to God and most proper.
Let us become like Christ, since Christ became like us.
Let us become Divine for His sake, since for us He became Man.
He assumed the worse that He might give us the better.
He became poor that by His poverty we might become rich.
He accepted the form of a servant that we might win back our freedom.
He came down that we might be lifted up.
He was tempted that through Him we might conquer.
He was dishonored that He might glorify us.
He died that He might save us.
He ascended that He might draw to Himself us, who were thrown down through the fall of sin.
Let us give all, offer all, to Him who gave Himself a Ransom and Reconciliation for us.
We needed an incarnate God, a God put to death, that we might live.
We were put to death together with Him that we might be cleansed.
We rose again with Him because we were put to death with Him.
We were glorified with Him because we rose again with Him.
A few drops of Blood recreate the whole of creation!
- St. Gregory the Theologian, Paschal Orations
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Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Week's Services and Events
April 10, Bright Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:0AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
April 11, Bright Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30Am-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paschal Hours, 7:00PM
April 12, Bright Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and Meeting at IMU, 7:00PM
April 13, Bright Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
April 14, Bright Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
April 15, Thomas Sunday (1st Sunday after Pascha)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Sunday School, Coffee Hour and Voter's Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Hierarchical Paschal Greetings
Attached are Metropolitan Joseph's and Bishop Anthony's Paschal letters to us.
Congratulations!
Brian and Rene' Horak were received into the Church through the sacrament of chrismation at the Holy SaturdayLiturgy. May God grant them many years! Their sponsors were Newman Abuissa and Karen Kuntz.
Thank You
The services of Holy Week and Pascha (all 20 of them!) require a significant amount of effort on the part of many people in order for them to be available to us all. Special thanks go to our choir leaders Lori, Kristi and Matthew and our faithful choir members, who sing so much during this week! Our subdeacons Panteleimon and Anthony (Todd and Bill) are indispensable to Fr. Ignatius in the altar. Karen and Amy do many things behind the scenes. There are so many more of you who help out in a variety of ways. Thank you!
Special Voters' Meeting, April 15
We need all voting members to be present for a special voters' meeting following liturgy on Sunday, April 15. The main topic of discussion will be our financial situation.
No Fasting During the Paschal Season
In celebration of the Lord's Resurrection, and according to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until May 11, the day after the Feast of the Lord's Ascension.
Food For Hungry People Program
Please bring back your collection boxes soon, so that we can send in the money.
Creative Arts Festival Reminder
Becky Morey wants all parents to be informed that if your child(ren) is/are working on a submission for the Creative Arts Festival which will be showcased at the annual Parish Life Conference, we need to have them finished and turned in to church by Sunday, April 15.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Photos for Parish Directory
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Annual Parish Life Conference
The laity and clergy of the parishes of our diocese of Toledo and the Midwest will be gathering in the Toledo, Ohio area (hosted by St. Elias Church of Sylvania, OH) from June 20-24. This is an opportunity to meet and connect with people from around our diocese and to be with our bishop, His Grace, Bishop Anthony. Among the highlights, will be a workshop given by Mother Gabriella of Holy Dormition Monastery, on "Spirituality, Morality and Life." For more information, go to: https://www.antiochianevents.org/150
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the Disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the Disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other Disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails,and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His Disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the Disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name. (John 20:19-31)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
Yesterday I was crucified with Him; today I am glorified with Him.
Yesterday I died with Him; today I am made alive with Him.
Yesterday I was buried with Him; today I am raised up with Him.
Let us offer to Him Who suffered and rose again for us ... ourselves, the possession most precious to God and most proper.
Let us become like Christ, since Christ became like us.
Let us become Divine for His sake, since for us He became Man.
He assumed the worse that He might give us the better.
He became poor that by His poverty we might become rich.
He accepted the form of a servant that we might win back our freedom.
He came down that we might be lifted up.
He was tempted that through Him we might conquer.
He was dishonored that He might glorify us.
He died that He might save us.
He ascended that He might draw to Himself us, who were thrown down through the fall of sin.
Let us give all, offer all, to Him who gave Himself a Ransom and Reconciliation for us.
We needed an incarnate God, a God put to death, that we might live.
We were put to death together with Him that we might be cleansed.
We rose again with Him because we were put to death with Him.
We were glorified with Him because we rose again with Him.
A few drops of Blood recreate the whole of creation!
- St. Gregory the Theologian, Paschal Orations
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sunday April 1, 2018, The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
This Week's Services and Events
April 1, Sunday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 2, Holy Monday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 3, Holy Tuesday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 4, Holy Wednesday
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 9:00AM
+ Holy Unction Service, 7:00PM
April 5, Holy Thursday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00AM
+ Rite of Foot-washing, 6:00PM
+ Twelve Gospels Service, 7:00PM
April 6, Holy Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00AM, followed by funeral bier decoration
+ Great Vespers, 3:00PM
+ Lamentations Service, 7:00PM, followed by Psalm-reading Vigil throughout the night
April 7, Holy Saturday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00AM
+ Midnight Office, 11:40PM
April 8, Great and Holy Pascha
+ Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 12:00AM (midnight) followed by Paschal potluck feast
+ Agape Vespers, 12:30PM followed by Paschal Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt at Mercer Park/Scanlon Gymnasium (2701 Bradford Dr. Iowa City)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Thank You
Thank you to Christian Morey for hanging a door to secure our storage closet underneath the front staircase. Thank you to Josiah Valentine and Karen Kuntz for doing some recent cleaning in the church.
Memory Eternal
Memorial flowers were placed in the church today, in memory of Gabriela Muste's mother Viorica who passed away in 2016. May her memory be eternal!
Have You Invited Anyone to Church Lately?
This is an excellent time to invite a friend or two to come and experience the services of our church. We sing at each Liturgy, "We have seen the true light! We have received the Heavenly Spirit! We have found the True Faith!" If this is true, let us share it with others! Invite someone to come to Holy Week services or Pascha.
Important Notes for Parents
It can be challenging to get younger children involved with the life of the Church during Holy Week and Pascha. Some of the services are long and go later into the evening. It is better to bring them to the first hour of a two and half hour evening service, than to not bring them at all. Don't feel bad if you have to leave early. There are various opportunities to involve your children. They will be interested in the footwashing service at 6PM on Thursday. At this brief service, Father will wash the feet of all those present, in imitation of what our Lord did for His disciples shortly before the Last Supper. Consider bringing them to church around 11:30AM on Friday to help decorate the Lord's funeral bier with greens and flowers. Afterward, they can eat lunch and watch a movie at church, and plan to stay for Great vespers at 3PM. Girls are invited to be "myrrhbearers" and to throw flower petals at certain times during the Lamentations service on Friday evening. Boys are invited to serve in the altar for the midnight services of Pascha. Please consider bringing your children (even if they are young!) to the midnight service on Pascha, even if they sleep through most of it! Your children are part of our church family and we value them. But if you don't bring your children to the midnight Paschal service, plan on bringing her or him to Agape Vespers at 12:30PM. Following that service, we will gather at Mercer Park/Scanlon Gym (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City) for a picnic and an Easter Egg hunt.
Easter Lilies
If you would like to donate Easter Lily plants to decorate the church, please bring them to the church on Holy Saturday, April 7. The Liturgy begins at 9am.
Holy Week and Pascha Sign-up Sheets Posted
During Holy Week and Pascha, there are a number of ways to participate and to contribute to the church. In addition to attending these life-giving services, we need volunteers to decorate the funeral bier with flowers mid-day on Holy Friday, to read Psalms in one hour increments throughout the night of Holy Friday/Holy Saturday morning, to dye a dozen or more eggs and to bring them to the Paschal service to share, to bring food to the Paschal feast after our midnight service, to read a Gospel reading in a foreign language at our Agape Vespers service on Pascha afternoon and to bring food to share at our afternoon picnic on Pascha. Get involved!
Do You Want to Learn More About Holy Week?
Our Archdiocese has excellent resources online that explain all of the beautiful Holy Weeks services offered at this time of year. http://ww1.antiochian.org/lent/holy-week
No Office Hours During Holy Week
Although Fr. Ignatius will not be keeping formal office hours during Holy Week, he will be in the church often. He is still available to talk with and especially to hear confessions. Contact him if you want to set up an appointment.
Special Voters' Meeting, April 15
We need all voting members to be present for a special voters' meeting following liturgy on Sunday, April 15. The main topic of discussion will be our financial situation.
Creative Arts Festival Reminder
Becky Morey wants all parents to be informed that if your child(ren) is/are working on a submission for the Creative Arts Festival which will be showcased at the annual Parish Life Conference, we need to have them finished and turned in to church by Sunday, April 15.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Photos for Parish Directory
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Fasting
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent and Holy Week so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Brian and Rene Horak and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
Rejoice, rejoice O Bethany! On this day God came to thee, God came to thee; and in Him the dead are made alive, as is right for He is the Life! He is the Life! He is the Life! And in Him the dead are made alive, as is right for He is the Life!
When Martha went to receive Him, grieving loudly with bitter tears, bitter tears, she poured out the sorrow of her heart to Him, with great sadness, wailing her lament. Wailing her lament, wailing her lament. She poured out the sorrow of her heart to Him, with great sadness, wailing her lament.
She at once cried out unto Him, “My most compassionate Lord! My Lord! At the great loss of my brother Lazarus my heart is broken. Help me! Help me! Help me! At the great loss of my brother Lazarus my heart is broken. Help me!”
Jesus said to her, “Cease thy weeping, cease thy grieving and sad lament, sad lament; for thy brother, My most beloved friend Lazarus, very soon will live again! He will live again! He will live again! For thy brother, My most beloved friend Lazarus, very soon will live again!”
Then He, the faithful Redeemer, made His way unto the tomb, unto the tomb, where he cried unto him who was buried four days, calling him forth, saying, “Lazarus arise! Lazarus arise! Lazarus arise!” Where He cried unto him who was buried four days, calling him forth saying “Lazarus arise!”
Come with haste, ye two sisters, and behold a wondrous thing, wondrous thing, for your brother from the tomb has returned to life. To the beloved Redeemer now give thanks! Now give thanks! Now give thanks! For your brother from the tomb has returned to life. To the beloved Redeemer now give thanks!
To Thee, O Lord of creation, we kneel in reverence profound, reverence profound; for all we who are dead in sin; in Thee, O Jesus, are made alive! We are made alive! We are made alive! For all we who are dead in sin; in Thee, O Jesus are made alive!
“Rejoice O Bethany”, a hymn sung on Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
April 1, Sunday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 2, Holy Monday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 3, Holy Tuesday
+ Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
April 4, Holy Wednesday
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 9:00AM
+ Holy Unction Service, 7:00PM
April 5, Holy Thursday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00AM
+ Rite of Foot-washing, 6:00PM
+ Twelve Gospels Service, 7:00PM
April 6, Holy Friday
+ Royal Hours, 9:00AM, followed by funeral bier decoration
+ Great Vespers, 3:00PM
+ Lamentations Service, 7:00PM, followed by Psalm-reading Vigil throughout the night
April 7, Holy Saturday
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00AM
+ Midnight Office, 11:40PM
April 8, Great and Holy Pascha
+ Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy, 12:00AM (midnight) followed by Paschal potluck feast
+ Agape Vespers, 12:30PM followed by Paschal Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt at Mercer Park/Scanlon Gymnasium (2701 Bradford Dr. Iowa City)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Thank You
Thank you to Christian Morey for hanging a door to secure our storage closet underneath the front staircase. Thank you to Josiah Valentine and Karen Kuntz for doing some recent cleaning in the church.
Memory Eternal
Memorial flowers were placed in the church today, in memory of Gabriela Muste's mother Viorica who passed away in 2016. May her memory be eternal!
Have You Invited Anyone to Church Lately?
This is an excellent time to invite a friend or two to come and experience the services of our church. We sing at each Liturgy, "We have seen the true light! We have received the Heavenly Spirit! We have found the True Faith!" If this is true, let us share it with others! Invite someone to come to Holy Week services or Pascha.
Important Notes for Parents
It can be challenging to get younger children involved with the life of the Church during Holy Week and Pascha. Some of the services are long and go later into the evening. It is better to bring them to the first hour of a two and half hour evening service, than to not bring them at all. Don't feel bad if you have to leave early. There are various opportunities to involve your children. They will be interested in the footwashing service at 6PM on Thursday. At this brief service, Father will wash the feet of all those present, in imitation of what our Lord did for His disciples shortly before the Last Supper. Consider bringing them to church around 11:30AM on Friday to help decorate the Lord's funeral bier with greens and flowers. Afterward, they can eat lunch and watch a movie at church, and plan to stay for Great vespers at 3PM. Girls are invited to be "myrrhbearers" and to throw flower petals at certain times during the Lamentations service on Friday evening. Boys are invited to serve in the altar for the midnight services of Pascha. Please consider bringing your children (even if they are young!) to the midnight service on Pascha, even if they sleep through most of it! Your children are part of our church family and we value them. But if you don't bring your children to the midnight Paschal service, plan on bringing her or him to Agape Vespers at 12:30PM. Following that service, we will gather at Mercer Park/Scanlon Gym (2701 Bradford Dr., Iowa City) for a picnic and an Easter Egg hunt.
Easter Lilies
If you would like to donate Easter Lily plants to decorate the church, please bring them to the church on Holy Saturday, April 7. The Liturgy begins at 9am.
Holy Week and Pascha Sign-up Sheets Posted
During Holy Week and Pascha, there are a number of ways to participate and to contribute to the church. In addition to attending these life-giving services, we need volunteers to decorate the funeral bier with flowers mid-day on Holy Friday, to read Psalms in one hour increments throughout the night of Holy Friday/Holy Saturday morning, to dye a dozen or more eggs and to bring them to the Paschal service to share, to bring food to the Paschal feast after our midnight service, to read a Gospel reading in a foreign language at our Agape Vespers service on Pascha afternoon and to bring food to share at our afternoon picnic on Pascha. Get involved!
Do You Want to Learn More About Holy Week?
Our Archdiocese has excellent resources online that explain all of the beautiful Holy Weeks services offered at this time of year. http://ww1.antiochian.org/lent/holy-week
No Office Hours During Holy Week
Although Fr. Ignatius will not be keeping formal office hours during Holy Week, he will be in the church often. He is still available to talk with and especially to hear confessions. Contact him if you want to set up an appointment.
Special Voters' Meeting, April 15
We need all voting members to be present for a special voters' meeting following liturgy on Sunday, April 15. The main topic of discussion will be our financial situation.
Creative Arts Festival Reminder
Becky Morey wants all parents to be informed that if your child(ren) is/are working on a submission for the Creative Arts Festival which will be showcased at the annual Parish Life Conference, we need to have them finished and turned in to church by Sunday, April 15.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Photos for Parish Directory
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Fasting
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent and Holy Week so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Brian and Rene Horak and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
Rejoice, rejoice O Bethany! On this day God came to thee, God came to thee; and in Him the dead are made alive, as is right for He is the Life! He is the Life! He is the Life! And in Him the dead are made alive, as is right for He is the Life!
When Martha went to receive Him, grieving loudly with bitter tears, bitter tears, she poured out the sorrow of her heart to Him, with great sadness, wailing her lament. Wailing her lament, wailing her lament. She poured out the sorrow of her heart to Him, with great sadness, wailing her lament.
She at once cried out unto Him, “My most compassionate Lord! My Lord! At the great loss of my brother Lazarus my heart is broken. Help me! Help me! Help me! At the great loss of my brother Lazarus my heart is broken. Help me!”
Jesus said to her, “Cease thy weeping, cease thy grieving and sad lament, sad lament; for thy brother, My most beloved friend Lazarus, very soon will live again! He will live again! He will live again! For thy brother, My most beloved friend Lazarus, very soon will live again!”
Then He, the faithful Redeemer, made His way unto the tomb, unto the tomb, where he cried unto him who was buried four days, calling him forth, saying, “Lazarus arise! Lazarus arise! Lazarus arise!” Where He cried unto him who was buried four days, calling him forth saying “Lazarus arise!”
Come with haste, ye two sisters, and behold a wondrous thing, wondrous thing, for your brother from the tomb has returned to life. To the beloved Redeemer now give thanks! Now give thanks! Now give thanks! For your brother from the tomb has returned to life. To the beloved Redeemer now give thanks!
To Thee, O Lord of creation, we kneel in reverence profound, reverence profound; for all we who are dead in sin; in Thee, O Jesus, are made alive! We are made alive! We are made alive! For all we who are dead in sin; in Thee, O Jesus are made alive!
“Rejoice O Bethany”, a hymn sung on Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sunday March 25, 2018, The Feast of the Annunciation (5th Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
March 26, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
March 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 30, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus, 7:00PM
March 31, Saturday
+ Lazarus Saturday Liturgy, 10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
April 1, Sunday, The Triumphal Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:30AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Confessions
During this season of repentance we call Lent, consider opening yourself up to God's grace through the sacrament of confession in which we reconcile ourselves to God, the Church and each other. Fr. Ignatius is available to hear confessions after most services, briefly at about 9:45 on Sunday mornings, and also by appointment.
We Have Egg Dye for Sale
Our church bookstore has red Pascha egg dye for sale. A $3 packet will dye 30 eggs. Get one before they are gone.
Holy Week and Pascha Sign-up Sheets Posted
During Holy Week and Pascha, there are a number of ways to participate and to contribute to the church. In addition to attending these life-giving services, we need volunteers to decorate the funeral bier with flowers mid-day on Holy Friday, to read Psalms in one hour increments throughout the night of Holy Friday/Holy Saturday morning, to dye a dozen or more eggs and to bring them to the Paschal service to share, to bring food to the Paschal feast after our midnight service, to read a Gospel reading in a foreign language at our Agape Vespers service on Pascha afternoon and to bring food to share at our afternoon picnic on Pascha. Get involved!
Start Making Plans for Holy Week
Holy Week begins with Lazarus Saturday services starting on Friday evening, March 30 and continuing through Holy Pascha on April 8. This is the most important time of the year to pray and worship together! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and to serve the church during this time. Plan to alter your schedule in order to attend a few more services than you have in the past.
Father's Office Hours
If you want to come in and talk with Fr. Ignatius during his office hours, until further notice, please call, text or email him ahead of time if possible, to check on his availability. While he will try to keep his office hours as posted, he and his family are experiencing a challenge in transportation since one of their cars was totaled in a recent accident and will not be able to be replaced quickly. This results in Father having to sometimes pick family members up from school and/or take them to work when he would otherwise be available for office hours.
Special Voters' Meeting, April 15
We need all voting members to be present for a special voters' meeting following liturgy on Sunday, April 15. The main topic of discussion will be our financial situation.
Creative Arts Festival Reminder
Becky Morey wants all parents to be informed that if your child(ren) is/are working on a submission for the Creative Arts Festival which will be showcased at the annual Parish Life Conference, we need to have them finished and turned in to church by Sunday, April 15.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Photos for Parish Directory
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Lenten Fasting
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign. (John 12:1-18)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Brian and Rene Horak and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"To thee the Champion Leader do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: 'Hail O Bride without Bridegroom.'"
--Kontakion of the Annunciation
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
March 26, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
March 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 30, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus, 7:00PM
March 31, Saturday
+ Lazarus Saturday Liturgy, 10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
April 1, Sunday, The Triumphal Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:30AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Confessions
During this season of repentance we call Lent, consider opening yourself up to God's grace through the sacrament of confession in which we reconcile ourselves to God, the Church and each other. Fr. Ignatius is available to hear confessions after most services, briefly at about 9:45 on Sunday mornings, and also by appointment.
We Have Egg Dye for Sale
Our church bookstore has red Pascha egg dye for sale. A $3 packet will dye 30 eggs. Get one before they are gone.
Holy Week and Pascha Sign-up Sheets Posted
During Holy Week and Pascha, there are a number of ways to participate and to contribute to the church. In addition to attending these life-giving services, we need volunteers to decorate the funeral bier with flowers mid-day on Holy Friday, to read Psalms in one hour increments throughout the night of Holy Friday/Holy Saturday morning, to dye a dozen or more eggs and to bring them to the Paschal service to share, to bring food to the Paschal feast after our midnight service, to read a Gospel reading in a foreign language at our Agape Vespers service on Pascha afternoon and to bring food to share at our afternoon picnic on Pascha. Get involved!
Start Making Plans for Holy Week
Holy Week begins with Lazarus Saturday services starting on Friday evening, March 30 and continuing through Holy Pascha on April 8. This is the most important time of the year to pray and worship together! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and to serve the church during this time. Plan to alter your schedule in order to attend a few more services than you have in the past.
- Friday, March 30- Little Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus, 7:00PM
- Lazarus Saturday, March 31- Liturgy, 10:00AM; Great Vespers, 5:00PM
- Palm Sunday, April 1- Matins, 8:30AM and Liturgy, 10:00AM, Sunday School and Coffee Hour; Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
- Holy Monday, April 2- Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
- Holy Tuesday, April 3- Bridegroom Matins, 7:00PM
- Holy Wednesday, April 4- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 9:00AM; Holy Unction Service, 7:00PM
- Holy Thursday, April 5- Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00AM; Foot-washing Rite, 6:00PM; Twelve Passion Gospels Service, 7:00PM
- Holy Friday, April 6- Royal Hours, 9:00AM; Great Vespers, 3:00PM; Lamentations Service, 7:00PM followed by Psalm-reading Vigil through the night
- Holy Saturday, April 7- Vesperal Liturgy with Chrismations, 9:00AM; Rush Service, 11:40PM
- Great and All-Holy Pascha, April 8- Paschal Matins and Liturgy, 12:00AM (midnight) followed by Paschal feast; Agape Vespers, 12:30PM followed by Paschal picnic at Mercer Park/Scanlon Gym, 2:30-4:30PM
Father's Office Hours
If you want to come in and talk with Fr. Ignatius during his office hours, until further notice, please call, text or email him ahead of time if possible, to check on his availability. While he will try to keep his office hours as posted, he and his family are experiencing a challenge in transportation since one of their cars was totaled in a recent accident and will not be able to be replaced quickly. This results in Father having to sometimes pick family members up from school and/or take them to work when he would otherwise be available for office hours.
Special Voters' Meeting, April 15
We need all voting members to be present for a special voters' meeting following liturgy on Sunday, April 15. The main topic of discussion will be our financial situation.
Creative Arts Festival Reminder
Becky Morey wants all parents to be informed that if your child(ren) is/are working on a submission for the Creative Arts Festival which will be showcased at the annual Parish Life Conference, we need to have them finished and turned in to church by Sunday, April 15.
Who Is Interested in a Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews?
Would you like to take 6-7 weeks to study and discuss the Book of Hebrews? Talk to Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and tell him what time would work for you. This could start as early as late April.
Photos for Parish Directory
The photographer who took many of our website photos is going to take family and individual portraits for our new church directory. You will have unlimited use of your digital photo for just $15! She will be at St. Raphael on Sundays April 22 and 29. Even if you don't want to buy your photo, please have one taken to be included in our parish directory. Also, please provide Amy Spencer with your contact information for inclusion in the directory. You can contact her at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Antiochian Women Scholarship Opportunity
If you are female, age 26 or older, an active member in good standing at an Antiochian Orthodox parish, have financial need, and are applying for or registered in and academic or trade study program, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship grant . The deadline is June 1, 2018. See Fr. Ignatius for application information.
Lenten Fasting
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign. (John 12:1-18)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Brian and Rene Horak and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"To thee the Champion Leader do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: 'Hail O Bride without Bridegroom.'"
--Kontakion of the Annunciation
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sunday March 11, 2018, Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross
(3rd Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
March 12, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
March 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 16, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 17, Saturday
+ Food Pantry Open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Catechumen Class, 1:00PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 18, Sunday of Elevation of St. John Climacus (4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Olive Oil Donations Needed
As the number of church services increases during this time of year, so does our use of olive oil in the lamps that hang before the icons. We are accepting donations of (non extra-virgin) 100% olive oil, the best kind to burn in our lamps.
We Have Egg Dye For Sale
Our church bookstore has red Pascha egg dye for sale. A $3 packet will dye 30 eggs. Get one before they are gone!
Spring Clean-up Day
On Saturday, March 24, from 12:00PM-4:00PM, we will be cleaning up the church grounds and building, getting ready for Holy Week and Pascha. Please join us and help.
Volunteers Needed
There is a need for somebody to bring a simple, lenten soup supper to share following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Thursday, March 22. Also, we need volunteers to provide the holy bread on Sunday April 1.
Father's Office Hours
If you want to come in and talk with Fr. Ignatius during his office hours, until further notice, please call, text or email him ahead of time if possible, to check on his availability. While he will try to keep his office hours as posted, he and his family are experiencing a challenge in transportation since one of their cars was totaled in a recent accident and will not be able to be replaced quickly. This results in Father having to sometimes pick family members up from school and/or take them to work when he would otherwise be available for office hours.
A Reminder About Confessions
As we are in the season of repentance, Fr. Ignatius reminds you that he is available to hear confessions after most services, by appointment, or briefly, at about 9:45AM on Sundays. If it has been awhile since your last confession, consider opening yourself up to God's grace through this sacrament.
Holy Week and Pascha Sign-up Sheets Posted
During Holy Week and Pascha, there are a number of ways to participate and to contribute to the church. In addition to attending these life-giving services, we need volunteers to decorate the funeral bier with flowers mid-day on Holy Friday, to read Psalms in one hour increments throughout the night of Holy Friday/Holy Saturday morning, to dye a dozen or more eggs and to bring them to the Paschal service to share, to bring food to the Paschal feast after our midnight service, to read a Gospel reading in a foreign language at our Agape Vespers service on Pascha afternoon and to bring food to share at our afternoon picnic on Pascha. Get involved!
Lenten Fasting
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Suggested Reading for Lent
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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 9:16-30)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Brian and Rene Horak and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Have no fear, then. Now that the common Saviour of all has died on our behalf, we who believe in Christ no longer die, as men died aforetime, in fulfilment of the threat of the law. That condemnation has come to an end; and now that, by the grace of the resurrection, corruption has been banished and done away, we are loosed from our mortal bodies in God's good time for each, so that we may obtain thereby a better resurrection. Like seeds cast into the earth, we do not perish in our dissolution, but like them shall rise again, death having been brought to nought by the grace of the Saviour."
- St. Athanasius the Great in "On the Incarnation" chapter 4
--
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
March 12, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
March 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 16, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 17, Saturday
+ Food Pantry Open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Catechumen Class, 1:00PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 18, Sunday of Elevation of St. John Climacus (4th Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Olive Oil Donations Needed
As the number of church services increases during this time of year, so does our use of olive oil in the lamps that hang before the icons. We are accepting donations of (non extra-virgin) 100% olive oil, the best kind to burn in our lamps.
We Have Egg Dye For Sale
Our church bookstore has red Pascha egg dye for sale. A $3 packet will dye 30 eggs. Get one before they are gone!
Spring Clean-up Day
On Saturday, March 24, from 12:00PM-4:00PM, we will be cleaning up the church grounds and building, getting ready for Holy Week and Pascha. Please join us and help.
Volunteers Needed
There is a need for somebody to bring a simple, lenten soup supper to share following the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Thursday, March 22. Also, we need volunteers to provide the holy bread on Sunday April 1.
Father's Office Hours
If you want to come in and talk with Fr. Ignatius during his office hours, until further notice, please call, text or email him ahead of time if possible, to check on his availability. While he will try to keep his office hours as posted, he and his family are experiencing a challenge in transportation since one of their cars was totaled in a recent accident and will not be able to be replaced quickly. This results in Father having to sometimes pick family members up from school and/or take them to work when he would otherwise be available for office hours.
A Reminder About Confessions
As we are in the season of repentance, Fr. Ignatius reminds you that he is available to hear confessions after most services, by appointment, or briefly, at about 9:45AM on Sundays. If it has been awhile since your last confession, consider opening yourself up to God's grace through this sacrament.
Holy Week and Pascha Sign-up Sheets Posted
During Holy Week and Pascha, there are a number of ways to participate and to contribute to the church. In addition to attending these life-giving services, we need volunteers to decorate the funeral bier with flowers mid-day on Holy Friday, to read Psalms in one hour increments throughout the night of Holy Friday/Holy Saturday morning, to dye a dozen or more eggs and to bring them to the Paschal service to share, to bring food to the Paschal feast after our midnight service, to read a Gospel reading in a foreign language at our Agape Vespers service on Pascha afternoon and to bring food to share at our afternoon picnic on Pascha. Get involved!
Lenten Fasting
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Suggested Reading for Lent
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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 9:16-30)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Brian and Rene Horak and Scott Dorr 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Have no fear, then. Now that the common Saviour of all has died on our behalf, we who believe in Christ no longer die, as men died aforetime, in fulfilment of the threat of the law. That condemnation has come to an end; and now that, by the grace of the resurrection, corruption has been banished and done away, we are loosed from our mortal bodies in God's good time for each, so that we may obtain thereby a better resurrection. Like seeds cast into the earth, we do not perish in our dissolution, but like them shall rise again, death having been brought to nought by the grace of the Saviour."
- St. Athanasius the Great in "On the Incarnation" chapter 4
--
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sunday March 4, 2018: Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
March 5, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
March 6, Tuesday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and Discussion, 7:00PM
March 9, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 10, Saturday
+ Catechumen Class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 11, Sunday of Elevation of the Holy Cross (3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers and Supper, 5:30PM (St. John the Baptist Church)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Congratulations!-
Congratulations to Nini Natenadze and Mike Darjania (and big sister Liza!) on the birth of their son Daniel, born on March 1. May God grant Daniel many years!
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim-
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Note from Bishop Anthony-
We recently received a note from Bishop Anthony, as follow-up to his visit with us last Fall. He writes, "Thank you for your generosity and hospitality. Have a blessed Lenten season and Paschal celebration!"
March/April Calendars Printed-
Calendars showing services, other events, and daily fasting practices are printed and available in the narthex. In addition, the church calendar can be accessed online at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/calendar.html
New Archdiocese Website Look-
Check out the new, mobile-friendly look of our Archdiocese's website, www.antiochian.org.
Olive Oil Donations Needed-
As the number of church services increases during this time of year, so does our use of olive oil in the lamps that hang before the icons. We are accepting donations of (non extra-virgin) 100% olive oil, the best kind to burn in our lamps.
Spring Clean-up Day-
On Saturday, March 24, from 12:00PM-4:00PM, we will be cleaning up the church grounds and building, getting ready for Holy Week and Pascha. Please join us and help.
Intro to Orthodoxy Class-
Intro to Orthodoxy classes are being offered at 1:00PM on Sundays. We will meet through April 1. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested. If you know of somebody who might be interested, please share this information with them.
Lenten Wednesdays-
We participate in the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Fasting-
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need.
Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas.
Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry."
Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
"The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
O God, great and worthy to be praised, who through the life-giving death of thy Christ hast translated us from corruption to incorruption: Deliver thou all our senses from death-dealing, carnal desires, setting over them as a good ruler the understanding that is in us. Let our eye have no part in any evil sight. Let our hearing be inaccessible to all idle words; and let our tongue be purged from unseemly speech. Purify our lips which praise thee, O Lord. Make our hands to abstain from evil deeds and to work only such things as are acceptable unto thee, establishing all our members and our minds by thy grace. For unto thee are due all glory, honor and worship to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer at the end of the First Litany of the Faithful in the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gift
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
March 5, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
March 6, Tuesday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
March 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 8, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and Discussion, 7:00PM
March 9, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 10, Saturday
+ Catechumen Class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 11, Sunday of Elevation of the Holy Cross (3rd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers and Supper, 5:30PM (St. John the Baptist Church)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Congratulations!-
Congratulations to Nini Natenadze and Mike Darjania (and big sister Liza!) on the birth of their son Daniel, born on March 1. May God grant Daniel many years!
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim-
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Note from Bishop Anthony-
We recently received a note from Bishop Anthony, as follow-up to his visit with us last Fall. He writes, "Thank you for your generosity and hospitality. Have a blessed Lenten season and Paschal celebration!"
March/April Calendars Printed-
Calendars showing services, other events, and daily fasting practices are printed and available in the narthex. In addition, the church calendar can be accessed online at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/calendar.html
New Archdiocese Website Look-
Check out the new, mobile-friendly look of our Archdiocese's website, www.antiochian.org.
Olive Oil Donations Needed-
As the number of church services increases during this time of year, so does our use of olive oil in the lamps that hang before the icons. We are accepting donations of (non extra-virgin) 100% olive oil, the best kind to burn in our lamps.
Spring Clean-up Day-
On Saturday, March 24, from 12:00PM-4:00PM, we will be cleaning up the church grounds and building, getting ready for Holy Week and Pascha. Please join us and help.
Intro to Orthodoxy Class-
Intro to Orthodoxy classes are being offered at 1:00PM on Sundays. We will meet through April 1. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested. If you know of somebody who might be interested, please share this information with them.
Lenten Wednesdays-
We participate in the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Lenten Fasting-
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need.
Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas.
Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry."
Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
"The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
O God, great and worthy to be praised, who through the life-giving death of thy Christ hast translated us from corruption to incorruption: Deliver thou all our senses from death-dealing, carnal desires, setting over them as a good ruler the understanding that is in us. Let our eye have no part in any evil sight. Let our hearing be inaccessible to all idle words; and let our tongue be purged from unseemly speech. Purify our lips which praise thee, O Lord. Make our hands to abstain from evil deeds and to work only such things as are acceptable unto thee, establishing all our members and our minds by thy grace. For unto thee are due all glory, honor and worship to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer at the end of the First Litany of the Faithful in the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gift
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
Sunday February 25, 2018: Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy (1st Sunday of Lent)
This Week's Services and Events
February 26, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
February 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF dinner, 7:00PM
March 2, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 3, Saturday
+ ALiCE Training (Shooter Preparedness) 11:00AM-1:30PM
+ Catechumen Class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 4, Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers and Supper, 5:30PM (St. Raphael Church)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim-
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
ALiCE Training Offered on March 3-
Officer Ashten Hayes, from the Iowa City Police Department will be at our church on Saturday March 3 from 11AM-1:30PM to present a shooter preparedness training seminar called ALiCE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Fr. Ignatius, and the parish council decided to ask the police department what resources they may suggest to protect against the almost unthinkable scenario that someone would come to our church building to seek to do us harm in a violent way. This is not in response to any specific threat. There is none. This is in response to a request that Bishop Anthony made to all the churches in his diocese to come up with a security policy and to reach out to local law enforcement and interact with them. His Grace issued this call in the aftermath of the terrible mass shooting at a church in Texas a few months ago. Of course, like anything at church, attendance is voluntary. According to Officer Hayes, the more people who participate, the better informed and prepared we all will be should the unthinkable happen in our midst. To get an idea of what the training will entail, more information can be found at: https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/worship/ Since this training seminar will span lunch time, attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches if they desire. There is no cost to the church or to individual participants for this seminar.
March/April Calendars Printed-
Calendars showing services, other events, and daily fasting practices are printed and available in the narthex. In addition, the church calendar can be accessed online at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/calendar.html
Lenten Fasting-
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Intro to Orthodoxy Class-
Intro to Orthodoxy classes are being offered at 1:00PM on Sundays. We will meet from now through April 1. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested. If you know of somebody who might be interested, please share this information with them.
A Humble Suggestion-
Many of us spend significant time each day online, often with social media. The internet is a great tool and it allows us to get information (not all of it accurate) faster than ever before. However, if participating in social media presents a temptation for you to argue, hurl insults, become angry, get depressed or feel bitter, consider cutting back or eliminating your social media participation, especially during this Lenten season.
Sponsorship of Naser-
Through the organization Partners With Ethiopia, our church has been blessed to sponsor Naser Nure Beshire, a boy who lives in Ethiopia. Our sponsorship helps him in his education and relieves his family from that financial burden. We are looking for volunteers to pledge to support him for at least one month ($38) so that we can continue with his sponsorship. Please talk with Becky Morey or Fr. Ignatius if you would like to help.
Lenten Wednesdays-
Beginning February 21, we observe the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish. We are hosting on March 4 and will be providing a meal to our guests. Please plan to bring some Lenten food to share.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, February 25- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 4- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil-
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Food Pantry-
Our food pantry will be open for a time on the third Saturday of each month. You can donate non-perishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entry). Monetary donations are also welcome. Commonly needed items are ...
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought-
O Lord my heart is not lifted up.
Mine eyes are not raised too high.
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul
like a child quieted at his mother's breast.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore!
- Psalm 130
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
sroc.info@gmail.com
February 26, Monday
+ Great Compline, 7:00PM
February 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:45PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
March 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF dinner, 7:00PM
March 2, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
March 3, Saturday
+ ALiCE Training (Shooter Preparedness) 11:00AM-1:30PM
+ Catechumen Class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
March 4, Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers and Supper, 5:30PM (St. Raphael Church)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim-
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
ALiCE Training Offered on March 3-
Officer Ashten Hayes, from the Iowa City Police Department will be at our church on Saturday March 3 from 11AM-1:30PM to present a shooter preparedness training seminar called ALiCE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Fr. Ignatius, and the parish council decided to ask the police department what resources they may suggest to protect against the almost unthinkable scenario that someone would come to our church building to seek to do us harm in a violent way. This is not in response to any specific threat. There is none. This is in response to a request that Bishop Anthony made to all the churches in his diocese to come up with a security policy and to reach out to local law enforcement and interact with them. His Grace issued this call in the aftermath of the terrible mass shooting at a church in Texas a few months ago. Of course, like anything at church, attendance is voluntary. According to Officer Hayes, the more people who participate, the better informed and prepared we all will be should the unthinkable happen in our midst. To get an idea of what the training will entail, more information can be found at: https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/worship/ Since this training seminar will span lunch time, attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches if they desire. There is no cost to the church or to individual participants for this seminar.
March/April Calendars Printed-
Calendars showing services, other events, and daily fasting practices are printed and available in the narthex. In addition, the church calendar can be accessed online at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/calendar.html
Lenten Fasting-
In an effort to help us to remember that our stomachs don't need to rule us, the Church asks us to simplify our diet during Lent so that we are not eating, meat, eggs, dairy, and on some days, olive oil and wine. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Intro to Orthodoxy Class-
Intro to Orthodoxy classes are being offered at 1:00PM on Sundays. We will meet from now through April 1. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested. If you know of somebody who might be interested, please share this information with them.
A Humble Suggestion-
Many of us spend significant time each day online, often with social media. The internet is a great tool and it allows us to get information (not all of it accurate) faster than ever before. However, if participating in social media presents a temptation for you to argue, hurl insults, become angry, get depressed or feel bitter, consider cutting back or eliminating your social media participation, especially during this Lenten season.
Sponsorship of Naser-
Through the organization Partners With Ethiopia, our church has been blessed to sponsor Naser Nure Beshire, a boy who lives in Ethiopia. Our sponsorship helps him in his education and relieves his family from that financial burden. We are looking for volunteers to pledge to support him for at least one month ($38) so that we can continue with his sponsorship. Please talk with Becky Morey or Fr. Ignatius if you would like to help.
Lenten Wednesdays-
Beginning February 21, we observe the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish. We are hosting on March 4 and will be providing a meal to our guests. Please plan to bring some Lenten food to share.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, February 25- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 4- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil-
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Food Pantry-
Our food pantry will be open for a time on the third Saturday of each month. You can donate non-perishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entry). Monetary donations are also welcome. Commonly needed items are ...
- cereal and oatmeal
- canned veggies, fruit, beans, etc.
- nut butters, jellies, spreads
- sauces, such as spaghetti
- rice and pasta
- boxed dinners (such as RiceARoni, Hamburger/Tuna Helper)
- crackers
- toiletries
- canned fish and other meats
- diapers and infant formula
- whatever you eat that others might like to eat too
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought-
O Lord my heart is not lifted up.
Mine eyes are not raised too high.
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul
like a child quieted at his mother's breast.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore!
- Psalm 130
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
sroc.info@gmail.com
Sunday February 18, 2018: Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday)
This Week's Services and Events
February 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
February 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
+ OCF meeting (IMU), 7:00PM
February 23, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
February 24, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 25, Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy (1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers and Supper, 5:30PM (St. George Church, Cedar Rapids)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sunday of Orthodoxy Icon Procession-
Next Sunday, February 25, we celebrate the historical restoration of icons to the churches and homes of the faithful. Toward the end of liturgy, we will have a procession with the holy icons. Please bring your favorite icon from home to carry during the procession.
Intro to Orthodoxy Class-
Today began the first of seven Intro to Orthodoxy classes being offered at 1:00PM on Sundays. We will meet from now through April 1. Even if you missed today's class, it's not too late to join in next week. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested. If you know of somebody who might be interested, please share this information with them.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim-
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lenten Fasting-
Today is Cheesefare Sunday. This is when we say farewell to cheese and other dairy products, and also eggs, until our Paschal Feast following the midnight service on April 8. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
A Humble Suggestion-
Many of us spend significant time each day online, often with social media. The internet is a great tool and it allows us to get information (not all of it accurate) faster than ever before. However, if participating in social media presents a temptation for you to argue, hurl insults, become angry, get depressed or feel bitter, consider cutting back or eliminating your social media participation, especially during this Lenten season.
Sponsorship of Naser-
Through the organization Partners With Ethiopia, our church has been blessed to sponsor Naser Nure Beshire, a boy who lives in Ethiopia. Our sponsorship helps him in his education and relieves his family from that financial burden. We are looking for volunteers to pledge to support him for at least one month ($38) so that we can continue with his sponsorship. Please talk with Becky Morey or Fr. Ignatius if you would like to help.
Geneva Lecture Series-
Geneva Campus Ministry is hosting Dr. Mitri Raheb, an author and Lutheran clergyman from Bethlehem in Palestine. He will be speaking at 2PM on Sunday, February 25 at Trinity Episcopal Church (320 E. College St.). The title of his talk is "Tough Calling: Growing Hope at Times of Crisis"
Lenten Wednesdays-
Beginning February 21, we observe the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish. We are hosting on March 4 and will be providing a meal to our guests. Please plan to bring some Lenten food to share.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, February 25- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 4- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil-
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
ALiCE Training Offered on March 3-
Officer Ashten Hayes, from the Iowa City Police Department will be at our church on Saturday March 3 from 11AM-1:30PM to present a shooter preparedness training seminar called ALiCE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Fr. Ignatius, and the parish council decided to ask the police department what resources they may suggest to protect against the almost unthinkable scenario that someone would come to our church building to seek to do us harm in a violent way. This is not in response to any specific threat. There is none. This is in response to a request that Bishop Anthony made to all the churches in his diocese to come up with a security policy and to reach out to local law enforcement and interact with them. His Grace issued this call in the aftermath of the terrible mass shooting at a church in Texas a few months ago. Of course, like anything at church, attendance is voluntary. According to Officer Hayes, the more people who participate, the better informed and prepared we all will be should the unthinkable happen in our midst. To get an idea of what the training will entail, more information can be found at: https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/worship/ Since this training seminar will span lunch time, attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches if they desire. There is no cost to the church or to individual participants for this seminar.
Food Pantry-
Our food pantry will be open for a time on the third Saturday of each month. You can donate non-perishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entry). Monetary donations are also welcome. Go to our Food Pantry Shopping List for ideas.
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought-
Everyday I say to myself: today I will begin."
- St. Anthony the Great
--
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
saint-raphael-iowa-city+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
February 21, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
February 22, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, 7:00PM
+ OCF meeting (IMU), 7:00PM
February 23, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
February 24, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 25, Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy (1st Sunday of Lent)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 1:00PM
+ Pan-Orthodox Vespers and Supper, 5:30PM (St. George Church, Cedar Rapids)
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Sunday of Orthodoxy Icon Procession-
Next Sunday, February 25, we celebrate the historical restoration of icons to the churches and homes of the faithful. Toward the end of liturgy, we will have a procession with the holy icons. Please bring your favorite icon from home to carry during the procession.
Intro to Orthodoxy Class-
Today began the first of seven Intro to Orthodoxy classes being offered at 1:00PM on Sundays. We will meet from now through April 1. Even if you missed today's class, it's not too late to join in next week. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested. If you know of somebody who might be interested, please share this information with them.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim-
O Lord and Master of my life,
Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother
For Thou art blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lenten Fasting-
Today is Cheesefare Sunday. This is when we say farewell to cheese and other dairy products, and also eggs, until our Paschal Feast following the midnight service on April 8. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius. A fasting calendar can be accessed at: http://antiochian.org/sites/default/files/2018_fasting_calendar_0.pdf
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
A Humble Suggestion-
Many of us spend significant time each day online, often with social media. The internet is a great tool and it allows us to get information (not all of it accurate) faster than ever before. However, if participating in social media presents a temptation for you to argue, hurl insults, become angry, get depressed or feel bitter, consider cutting back or eliminating your social media participation, especially during this Lenten season.
Sponsorship of Naser-
Through the organization Partners With Ethiopia, our church has been blessed to sponsor Naser Nure Beshire, a boy who lives in Ethiopia. Our sponsorship helps him in his education and relieves his family from that financial burden. We are looking for volunteers to pledge to support him for at least one month ($38) so that we can continue with his sponsorship. Please talk with Becky Morey or Fr. Ignatius if you would like to help.
Geneva Lecture Series-
Geneva Campus Ministry is hosting Dr. Mitri Raheb, an author and Lutheran clergyman from Bethlehem in Palestine. He will be speaking at 2PM on Sunday, February 25 at Trinity Episcopal Church (320 E. College St.). The title of his talk is "Tough Calling: Growing Hope at Times of Crisis"
Lenten Wednesdays-
Beginning February 21, we observe the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish. We are hosting on March 4 and will be providing a meal to our guests. Please plan to bring some Lenten food to share.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, February 25- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 4- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil-
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
ALiCE Training Offered on March 3-
Officer Ashten Hayes, from the Iowa City Police Department will be at our church on Saturday March 3 from 11AM-1:30PM to present a shooter preparedness training seminar called ALiCE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Fr. Ignatius, and the parish council decided to ask the police department what resources they may suggest to protect against the almost unthinkable scenario that someone would come to our church building to seek to do us harm in a violent way. This is not in response to any specific threat. There is none. This is in response to a request that Bishop Anthony made to all the churches in his diocese to come up with a security policy and to reach out to local law enforcement and interact with them. His Grace issued this call in the aftermath of the terrible mass shooting at a church in Texas a few months ago. Of course, like anything at church, attendance is voluntary. According to Officer Hayes, the more people who participate, the better informed and prepared we all will be should the unthinkable happen in our midst. To get an idea of what the training will entail, more information can be found at: https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/worship/ Since this training seminar will span lunch time, attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches if they desire. There is no cost to the church or to individual participants for this seminar.
Food Pantry-
Our food pantry will be open for a time on the third Saturday of each month. You can donate non-perishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entry). Monetary donations are also welcome. Go to our Food Pantry Shopping List for ideas.
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought-
Everyday I say to myself: today I will begin."
- St. Anthony the Great
--
--
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
saint-raphael-iowa-city+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
Sunday, February 11, 2018: Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare Sunday)
This Week's Services and Events
February 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
February 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM
February 16, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 17, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM-4:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 18, Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Patriarch's Lenten Letter-
Patriarch John X's Lenten Epistle is attached.
New Website-
Our new website is now available! Find it at www.raphaelchurch.org Share it with your friends. We are still working on having our old URL forward to our new page. Thank you to Amy Spencer for all the hard work in developing this great looking site.
Lenten Fasting, Plan Ahead!-
Today is Meatfare Sunday. This is when we say farewell to meat until our Paschal Feast following the midnightservice on April 8. Dairy and eggs are given up after the following Sunday, known as Cheesefare. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Sponsorship of Naser-
Through the organization Partners With Ethiopia, our church has been blessed to sponsor Naser Nure Beshire, a boy who lives in Ethiopia. Our sponsorship helps him in his education and relieves his family from that financial burden. We are looking for volunteers to pledge to support him for at least one month ($38) so that we can continue with his sponsorship. Please talk with Becky Morey or Fr. Ignatius if you would like to help.
A Note for Parents-
Parents, please make sure your children are cleaning up after themselves after Sunday School. Sometimes, we are finding plates, cups, wrappers, etc., left behind in various places around the building.
Safe Families for Children-
The organization that Fr. Ignatius mentioned during Liturgy today is called Safe Families for Children. To learn more about what they do, go to their website at: https://iowacitycedarrapids.safe-families.org. If you believe in what they are doing and would like to join in their work, there is an upcoming training session which you can sign up for at: http://evite.me/PeVraPRgSC
First Week of Lent-
Lent begins this year, with Forgiveness Vespers at 6:00PM on Sunday, February 18. Following is the service schedule for the rest of the first week of Lent:
February 19- Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM
February 20- Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM
February 21- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
February 22- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM
February 23- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
February 24- Great Vespers, 5:00PM
Geneva Lecture Series-
Geneva Campus Ministry is hosting Dr. Mitri Raheb, an author and Lutheran clergyman from Bethlehem in Palestine. He will be speaking at 2PM on Sunday, February 25 at Trinity Episcopal Church (320 E. College St.). The title of his talk is "Tough Calling: Growing Hope at Times of Crisis"
Lenten Wednesdays-
Beginning February 21, we observe the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish. We are hosting on March 4 and will be providing a meal to our guests. Please plan to bring some Lenten food to share.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, February 25- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 4- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 18- St. Demetrios Church (613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil-
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Short-Term Mission Opportunities-
Applications are being accepted at ocmc.org for several different short-term mission opportunities to places such as Albania, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Ghana, Indonesia, and Alaska. Small teams raise their own funds and spend one to two weeks supporting the Church and helping those in need. A pamphlet explaining more about these opportunities is posted on one of the bulletin boards at church.
ALiCE Training Offered on March 3-
Officer Ashten Hayes, from the Iowa City Police Department will be at our church on Saturday March 3 from 11AM-1:30PM to present a shooter preparedness training seminar called ALiCE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Fr. Ignatius, and the parish council decided to ask the police department what resources they may suggest to protect against the almost unthinkable scenario that someone would come to our church building to seek to do us harm in a violent way. This is not in response to any specific threat. There is none. This is in response to a request that Bishop Anthony made to all the churches in his diocese to come up with a security policy and to reach out to local law enforcement and interact with them. His Grace issued this call in the aftermath of the terrible mass shooting at a church in Texas a few months ago. Of course, like anything at church, attendance is voluntary. According to Officer Hayes, the more people who participate, the better informed and prepared we all will be should the unthinkable happen in our midst. To get an idea of what the training will entail, more information can be found at: https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/worship/ Since this training seminar will span lunch time, attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches if they desire. There is no cost to the church or to individual participants for this seminar.
Food Pantry-
Our food pantry will be open for a time on the third Saturday of each month. You can donate non-perishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entry). Monetary donations are also welcome. Commonly needed items are ...
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought-
“O my soul, if you fast from foods but are not cleansed of the passions, in vain do you rejoice in your abstinence from food: for it will not be unto your salvation, and as one false, you will be loathsome to God, and make yourself like the evil demons who eat nothing.”
-from the Lenten Triodion
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 (Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
February 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
February 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM
February 16, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
February 17, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM-4:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
February 18, Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Fellowship Hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Patriarch's Lenten Letter-
Patriarch John X's Lenten Epistle is attached.
New Website-
Our new website is now available! Find it at www.raphaelchurch.org Share it with your friends. We are still working on having our old URL forward to our new page. Thank you to Amy Spencer for all the hard work in developing this great looking site.
Lenten Fasting, Plan Ahead!-
Today is Meatfare Sunday. This is when we say farewell to meat until our Paschal Feast following the midnightservice on April 8. Dairy and eggs are given up after the following Sunday, known as Cheesefare. If you need guidance or have questions about Orthodox fasting practices or rationale, ask Fr. Ignatius.
Food For Hungry People Collection Boxes Available-
Coin collection boxes to support this archdiocese-wide effort are available to take home so that they can be filled up during Lent.
Sponsorship of Naser-
Through the organization Partners With Ethiopia, our church has been blessed to sponsor Naser Nure Beshire, a boy who lives in Ethiopia. Our sponsorship helps him in his education and relieves his family from that financial burden. We are looking for volunteers to pledge to support him for at least one month ($38) so that we can continue with his sponsorship. Please talk with Becky Morey or Fr. Ignatius if you would like to help.
A Note for Parents-
Parents, please make sure your children are cleaning up after themselves after Sunday School. Sometimes, we are finding plates, cups, wrappers, etc., left behind in various places around the building.
Safe Families for Children-
The organization that Fr. Ignatius mentioned during Liturgy today is called Safe Families for Children. To learn more about what they do, go to their website at: https://iowacitycedarrapids.safe-families.org. If you believe in what they are doing and would like to join in their work, there is an upcoming training session which you can sign up for at: http://evite.me/PeVraPRgSC
First Week of Lent-
Lent begins this year, with Forgiveness Vespers at 6:00PM on Sunday, February 18. Following is the service schedule for the rest of the first week of Lent:
February 19- Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM
February 20- Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM
February 21- Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6:00PM
February 22- Little Compline with Canon of St. Andrew, 7:00PM
February 23- Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 7:00PM
February 24- Great Vespers, 5:00PM
Geneva Lecture Series-
Geneva Campus Ministry is hosting Dr. Mitri Raheb, an author and Lutheran clergyman from Bethlehem in Palestine. He will be speaking at 2PM on Sunday, February 25 at Trinity Episcopal Church (320 E. College St.). The title of his talk is "Tough Calling: Growing Hope at Times of Crisis"
Lenten Wednesdays-
Beginning February 21, we observe the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 6:00PM each Wednesday during Lent. Following this service, we gather for a simple lenten soup supper. We need volunteers to sign-up to bring food to share for 10-15 people. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Lenten Pan-Orthodox Vespers-
Each Lent, we are invited to join in Sunday evening worship (5:30pm) with some of our sister churches in Eastern Iowa, and in turn, we invite clergy and the faithful from those parishes to join us. Each vespers service is followed by a lenten meal provided by the host parish. We are hosting on March 4 and will be providing a meal to our guests. Please plan to bring some Lenten food to share.
Here is the schedule:
Sunday, February 25- St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 4- St. Raphael Church (722 E. College St., Iowa City)
Sunday, March 11- St. John the Baptist Church (501 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids)
Sunday, March 18- St. Demetrios Church (613 W. 4th St., Waterloo)
Suggested Reading for Lent-
(Adapted from a list provided by Fr. John Whiteford)
1. The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but one could at least aim to read some of them.
2. The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus.
3. The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers.)
4. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
5. The Conferences, by St. John Cassian.
6. The Arena, by St. Ignatii (Brianchaninov).
7. My Life in Christ, by St. John of Kronstadt.
8. The Life of St. Anthony the Great, by St. Athanasius the Great.
9. Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil-
Johnson County Right to Life is once again sponsoring the Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil which focuses on praying for an end to abortion in front of one of the local abortion clinics. The dates for this peaceful effort are February 14-March 25. More information can be found at: 40-days-for-life.html Contact Fr. Ignatius if you would like to coordinate with him to pray together.
Short-Term Mission Opportunities-
Applications are being accepted at ocmc.org for several different short-term mission opportunities to places such as Albania, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Ghana, Indonesia, and Alaska. Small teams raise their own funds and spend one to two weeks supporting the Church and helping those in need. A pamphlet explaining more about these opportunities is posted on one of the bulletin boards at church.
ALiCE Training Offered on March 3-
Officer Ashten Hayes, from the Iowa City Police Department will be at our church on Saturday March 3 from 11AM-1:30PM to present a shooter preparedness training seminar called ALiCE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Fr. Ignatius, and the parish council decided to ask the police department what resources they may suggest to protect against the almost unthinkable scenario that someone would come to our church building to seek to do us harm in a violent way. This is not in response to any specific threat. There is none. This is in response to a request that Bishop Anthony made to all the churches in his diocese to come up with a security policy and to reach out to local law enforcement and interact with them. His Grace issued this call in the aftermath of the terrible mass shooting at a church in Texas a few months ago. Of course, like anything at church, attendance is voluntary. According to Officer Hayes, the more people who participate, the better informed and prepared we all will be should the unthinkable happen in our midst. To get an idea of what the training will entail, more information can be found at: https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/worship/ Since this training seminar will span lunch time, attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches if they desire. There is no cost to the church or to individual participants for this seminar.
Food Pantry-
Our food pantry will be open for a time on the third Saturday of each month. You can donate non-perishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entry). Monetary donations are also welcome. Commonly needed items are ...
- cereal and oatmeal
- canned veggies, fruit, beans, etc.
- nut butters, jellies, spreads
- sauces, such as spaghetti
- rice and pasta
- boxed dinners (such as RiceARoni, Hamburger/Tuna Helper)
- crackers
- toiletries
- canned fish and other meats
- diapers and infant formula
- whatever you eat that others might like to eat too
Interested in helping hands-on? Talk to Subdeacon Anthony (Bill, edit@kctc.net) or Father. We're looking for someone to volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
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, Jeremiah Kaufmann, Scott Dorr, Brian and Rene Horak 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? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, 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. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought-
“O my soul, if you fast from foods but are not cleansed of the passions, in vain do you rejoice in your abstinence from food: for it will not be unto your salvation, and as one false, you will be loathsome to God, and make yourself like the evil demons who eat nothing.”
-from the Lenten Triodion
Contact Information
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Fr. Ignatius Valentine, Pastor
722 E. College St., Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-ORTH (Church)
(319) 400-7522 (Father's cell)
frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org
https://www.raphaelchurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/straphaeliowacity
