Weekly Bulletin

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas

120 W. Seneca St. Ithaca, NY 14850 http://www.stcatherine.ny.goarch.org

TEL. 607-273-2767 e-mail: stcatherinegoc@gmail.com

Fr. Zenoviy Zharsky /607/ 245-9988

 

Sunday, February 16, 2025

 

Welcome all visitors, please come again.

 

Today is Fast Free

No fasting restrictions.

 

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"By changing ourselves in Christ, we are able to change the world around us"

 

Please let Father know who is in need of visiting and prayers. 

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Daily reading of the holy scripture, Saints for the day, liturgical schedule, news from the parish life, announcements and more, please read the Sunday Bulletin on the parish websitewww.stcatherine.ny.goarch.org 

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We pray for those who celebrate their birthday. Happy Birthday!  February - 10 Bia Nichols, 13 Anna Lee Murray, 14 Kayvon Archin, 15 Peter Constantine, 17 Anna Nichols, 20 George J. Tselekis, 22 Kairo King. 

Saturday, February 22 - 9:00 AM All children and their parents are invited to make koliva and participate at the Children's Day activity. 

Friday, February 28 - 5:00PM - 7:00PM Spanakopita takeout Dinner.  

Sunday, March 2 - Forgiveness Vespers. Sun. March 3 - Great Lent begins.

Sunday, March 16 - General Assemble Meeting.  

Wednesday, March 19 - St. Catherine field trip. Everyone is invited to join us to visit, pray and venerate miraculous Icon Mother of God "The Tender Heart" St. George Orthodox Church, Taylor, PA. We will leave from the church at 3:00 PM. Please see Fr. Zenoviy or Paulette for the sign up list. 

The Bible (from the Greek βιβλια - book) is a collection of Books (Old and New Testaments), compiled under the inspiration of the Grace of the Holy Spirit (i.e., God) through chosen people and sanctified by God, prophets and apostles. The collection of biblical books into a single canon was carried out by the Orthodox Church and for the Church. The word "Bible" is not found in the sacred books themselves, and was first used in connection with sacred books in the East in the 4th century by Saints John Chrysostom and Epiphanius of Cyprus. Orthodox Christians, speaking about the Bible, often use the term "Scripture" or "Holy Scripture" (implying that it is part of the Sacred Tradition of the Church) Biblical Canon: The composition of the books of the Bible (Biblical Canon) was composed gradually. The books of the Old Testament were created over a considerable period of time: from the XIII century to the IV century BC (before the birth of Christ.) It is believed that the canonical (God-inspired) books of the Old Testament were collected together by the scribe Ezra, who lived about 450 BC. Both the Old and New Testaments were first brought into canonical form, that is, into one book that we now have as the Bible at the local church councils of the Orthodox Church in the IV century: the Council of Hippo in 393 and the Council of Carthage in 397. The language of the Bible: The books of the Old Testament were written in the ancient Hebrew language (with the exception of some parts of Prophets Daniel and Ezra, written in Aramaic). The New Testament - written in the Alexandrian dialect of the ancient Greek language - Koine. Originally, the books of the Bible were written on parchment or papyrus with a sharpened reed stick and ink. How to deal with what is not mentioned in the Bible: The Bible is part of the Sacred Tradition of the Orthodox Church. The most important, but still a part of the Church. There is also something in the tradition of the Church that is not mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. So, for true Christians, the argument "only what is in the Scripture" (Sola Scriptura) is obviously unacceptable. Even more so, the Protestants themselves, who nominated him, could not justify their words, replacing the true Church Tradition with a multitude of their own "traditions". Correct understanding and interpretation of the Bible: No prophecy in Scripture can be left to explain itself. Because prophecy was never uttered by human will, but it was prophesied by holy men of God, being under the Grace of the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1: 20-21) Believing in the divine inspiration of the books of the Bible, it is important to remember that the Bible is the book of the Church. According to God's plan, people are called to be saved not alone, but in society, which is governed and in which the Lord lives. This society is called the Church. The Church not only preserved the teachings of God's word, but also has a correct understanding of it. It due to the fact that the Grace of the Holy Spirit, who spoke through the prophets and apostles, continues to live in the Holy Church and govern it. Therefore, the Church gives us a true understanding of how to use its written wealth: what is more important and relevant in it, and what has only historical significance and is not applicable in New Testament times. The most reliable method of learning and transmitting the truth was originally oral. The risk of free interpretation of the Holy Text of the Church, i.e. the Bible, was that sooner or later single people would twist and misunderstand and begin to explain the Holy Scriptures according to their own mind. This actually happened with the advent of Protestants.  Who is the author of the Bible? The main author of the Bible is God and people co-authors of the God-human co-creation chosen by Him. The Holy Scriptures were compiled as a result of the joint activity of God and people. Man was a co-worker of God, a sharer in His Grace. This is revealed in the dogmatic teaching of the Church about the Divine Spirituality of the Scriptures. The main theme of the Bible. The main theme of the Bible is the salvation of mankind by the Messiah, who was incarnated as the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament talks about salvation in the form of examples and prophecies about the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. In the New Testament, the realization of our salvation through the incarnation, life and teaching of the God-man, described by His death on the cross and resurrection, is explained. 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! We have noticed that costs have gone up over the years, but many individual stewardship contributions have not, especially for those who tend to give a round number for their contribution. For example, a $1,000 contribution in 2016, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to a $1,332 today. Also, as time goes on, the building has become more expensive to maintain. Total expenses for the building (cleaning, repairs, insurance, etc.) were $20,900 in 2016, and exceeded $54,000 last year. Keeping this in mind, we respectfully ask that you please consider increasing the amount you contribute for stewardship this year to help our beloved St. Catherine. 

Scripture Reading: Matins: Gospel Reading: John 21:14-25  Divine Liturgy Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-15. Gospel: Luke 18:10-14* 

When you write your will, won't you please remember St. Catherine's Church? Such a gift will live forever as our church minister to our spiritual needs and others It's an investment in the Gospel of our Lord and life eternal 

Philoptochos: Florence G. Stefanou Memorial Philoptochos Scholarship. Scholarship is provide financial assistance to qualifying high school seniors entering an accredited college, university or trade schools as undergraduate college students (Freshman, Sophomore or Junior) attending an accredited college, university or trade school. Scholarship will be awarded to one student the amount of $1,000. Application information will be on table at foyer of our church. All applications must be postmarked by April 30,2025. See Sophia Georgiou King, Philoptochos President within questions.

Liturgical Schedule: Daily 3:00 PM. Let's pray Jesus Prayer for 10 minutes straight saying,"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." 

Monday, February 17 - 3:00 PM. JesusPrayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner" 

Tuesday, February 18 -3:00 PM. Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner"

Wednesday, February 19 - 3:00 PM. Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner" 6:00 PM. Prayers near Miraculous Icon Mother of God "The Tender Heart" St. George's Orthodox Church in Taylor, PA.  Every Wednesday we remember when Judas betrayed Christ. Day of Fasting 

Thursday, February 20 - 3:00 PM. Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner" 

Friday, February 21 - 3:00 PM. JesusPrayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." Every Friday we commemorate Christ's Crucifixion. Day of Fasting. 

Saturday, February 22 - 10:00AM Am Divine Liturgy. Memorial Saturday  3:00 PM. Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner"6:00 PM. Great Vespers/Confession. Reading the life of the Saints.Catechism classes following the Vespers. 

Sunday, February 23 - 8:45 AM. Orthros/Confession. 10:00 AM. Divine Liturgy. Every Sunday we commemorate Christ's resurrection.

 Internet based Orthodox and Ancient faith radio. Timeless Christianity 24 hours a day: church music, teaching, interviews, features, convert, testimonies conference, recording and more www.ancientfaith.com

 Ένα από τα κυριότερα αιτήματα που απευθύνουμε στον Θεό κατά τη θεία Λειτουργία, όπως και σε όλες τις Ιερές Ακολουθίες, είναι η μετάνοια και η συγχώρηση των αμαρτιών μας. Συχνά, λοιπόν, δεόμεθα προς τον Κύριο να μας χαρίσει μετάνοια. Όμως συμβαίνει το εξής: Ένας που ακούει τη λέξη μετάνοια, αν δεν έχει γνωρίσει τα ευεργετικά αποτελέσματά της, αισθάνεται θλίψη και σκέπτεται: Ώχ! Μετάνοια! Να θυμηθώ όλες τις βρωμιές της ζωής μου! Να μετανοήσω γι ̓ αυτές και μετά να πρέπει να πάω στον Πνευματικό να τα φανερώσω όλα! Με τί κουράγιο! Πώς να αντέξω αυτή την ντροπή!  Μα, η μετάνοια και η εξομολόγηση δεν είναι καθόλου ντροπή. Ντροπή πρέπει να αισθάνεται ο άνθρωπος όταν αμαρτάνει, όχι όταν καθαρίζεται από τις ακαθαρσίες της αμαρτίας! Όταν μετανοεί ο άνθρωπος και εξομολογείται χαίρεται, γιατί καθαρίστηκε από την δυσώδη αμαρτία, θεραπεύτηκε από τις αρρώστιες της ψυχής, που τον έκαναν να υποφέρει, έχει πλέον το θάρρος να υψώσει τα μάτια του προς τον Θεό, με καθαρή συνείδηση. Έλεγε ο σύγχρονός μας Άγιος Πορφύριος: "Η μετάνοια είναι το Μυστήριο της αγάπης του Θεού στον άνθρωπο. Με αυτό τον τέλειο τρόπο απαλλάσσεται ο άνθρωπος από το κακό. Πηγαίνουμε εξομολογούμαστε, αισθανόμαστε την συνδιαλλαγή μετά του Θεού, έρχεται η χαρά μέσα μας, φεύγει η ενοχή. Προχωρούμε προς την αθανασία, χωρίς καθόλου άγχος, χωρίς καθόλου φόβο. Στην Ορθοδοξία δεν υπάρχει αδιέξοδο, γιατί υπάρχει ο εξομολόγος που έχει τη χάρη να συγχωρεί". Με λίγα λόγια: Είμαι αμαρτωλός, αδύναμος· μετανοώ, καταφεύγω στην ευσπλαχνία του Θεού Πατέρα, όπως ο άσωτος της Παραβολής του σημερινού Ευαγγελίου, εξομολογούμαι, γαληνεύω και απολαμβάνω ανέκφραστη ευτυχία. Στο σημείο αυτό να προσέξουμε κάτι το πολύ σημαντικό, που υπονοούν οι δύο ανωτέρω δεήσεις: Μετάνοια δεν θα εκδηλώνουμε μόνον όταν, κατά καιρούς, αισθανόμαστε την ανάγκη να πάμε στον Πνευματικό να εξομολογηθούμε. Επειδή κάθε μέρα και κάθε στιγμή υπάρχει το ενδεχόμενο να αμαρτήσουμε, χρειάζεται να ζούμε συνεχώς στην κατάσταση της μετανοίας, ώστε να εξουδετερώνονται οι θανατηφόροι ιοί της αμαρτίας· η μετάνοια, δηλαδή, ενεργεί στην ψυχή μας, όπως ένα ιατρικό εμβόλιο με ισόβια αντίδραση, που μας προφυλάσσει από πνευματικές αναπηρίες ή και πνευματικό θάνατο, δηλαδή χωρισμό της ψυχής απο τον Θεό, την πηγή της ζωής. Έτσι προετοιμασμένη η ψυχή του χριστιανού με την μετάνοια και την εξομολόγηση, ως κορυφαίο γεγονός, απολαμβάνει την ύψιστη δωρεά του Θεού: την θεία Κοινωνία του Αγίου Σώματος και Αίματος του Χριστού "εἰς χαράν, ὑγείαν καί εὐφροσύνην", "εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν και ζωήν την αιώνιον". Είθε αδελφοί μου, να κατανοήσουμε την σπουδαιότητα που έχουν στη λατρεία μας οι δεήσεις για μετάνοια και άφεση αμαρτιών, και ιδιαίτερα κατά την θεία Λειτουργία. Αυτές οι δεήσεις να προσέχουμε να διαπερνούν και μέσα από την καρδιά του κάθε ενός μας, καθώς υψώνονται στον ουρανό. Και από εκεί ο Φιλάνθρωπος Κύριός μας θα μας παρέχει τη Χάρη Του, ώστε να ζούμε πάντοτε με μετάνοια, και να απολαμβάνουμε συνεχώς τη χαρά και την ειρήνη και εδώ και στην αιωνιότητα.

 

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Methods of Giving:

Cash and checks can be brought to the church and put in the donation baskets.

 

Checks made out to Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church can also be mailed to:

St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church

120 W. Seneca St Ithaca, NY 14850

 

When you write your will, won't you please remember St. Catherine's Church? Such a gift will live forever as our church minister to our spiritual needs and others. It's an investment in the Gospel of our Lord and life eternal.

 

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