Tuesday 3 December 2013

Services in December 2013 at Audley and Dresden

Sun 1st 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 4th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist

Sat 7th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 8th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 11th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist

Sat 14th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 15th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 18th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist

Sat 21st 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 22nd 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Tue 24th 10am Royal Hours; 12noon Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil
Wed 25th 9am Matins; 10am Divine Liturgy

Sat 28th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 29th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Carols and mince pies around the tree after the Liturgy

Name Days
22nd (Sunday before the Nativity) Jonathan Bartholomew; Sarah Griffiths
27th Stephanie Giselle; Stefan Ron
28th Simon Stone
29th (Sunday after the Nativity) Joseph Clive

Reposed
5th Patriarch Ignatios 2012
7th Deacon John Mark 2007

Parish Feasts
20th St. Ignatios of Antioch, Belfast



Visit of the Precious and Life-giving Cross to the United Kingdom
28th November 2013 ~ 12th December 2013

November
Thu 28th Arrival of the Precious Cross
Fri 29th Cathedral of All Saints, Camden Town
Sat 30th Cathedral of St Andrew, Kentish Town
Sat 30th (from 3pm) Russian Cathedral of the Dormition and All Saints, Ennismore Gardens

December
Sun 1st Russian Cathedral of the Dormition and All Saints, Ennismore Gardens
Mon 2nd Russian Cathedral of the Dormition and All Saints, Ennismore Gardens
Tue 3rd Cathedral of the Dormition, Birmingham
Wed 4th Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom, Bayswater
Thu 5th Church of St Panteleimon, Harrow
Fri 6th Cathedral of St Nicholas, Shepherds Bush
Sat 7th Morning Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Manchester
Sat 7th Afternoon Russian Orthodox Church, Manchester
Sun 8th Church of St Nicholas, Liverpool
Mon 9th Morning Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Camberwell
Mon 9th Afternoon Church of St Nectarios, Battersea (afternoon)
Tue 10th Morning Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Oxford
Tue 10th Afternoon Russian Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Oxford
Wed 11th Morning Cathedral of the Dormition, Community of St Barnabas, Wood Green
Wed 11th Afternoon Church of St John the Baptist, Haringey
Thu 12th Departure of the Precious Cross

Further information has now come to hand from Father Demetrios, the priest of the Annunciation Church in Manchester that the Holy Cross will be present on Sat. 7th Dec. from 8am to 3pm with Matins at 9.30am and Divine Liturgy at 11am. We are all invited to be present at this blessed occasion. It is expected that the same pattern will be followed at Saint Nicholas Church in Liverpool.

Relic of the True Cross to visit Britain
Dearly Beloved in the Lord,
I take great joy in informing you of some wonderful news. Following the request of our holy
Archdiocese, and that of the Russian Orthodox Church in Britain, His Beatitude the Patriarch
of Jerusalem, Theophilos, and the Synod of the Holy Sepulchre, have agreed to bless the
visit of the Precious and Life-giving Cross to the United Kingdom for our people to venerate.
Attached you will find the programme for the Holy Cross’ visit to our churches.
I invite all Orthodox Christians to come to church to venerate the Cross, to be blessed and
edified by it, and to find through the grace of the Precious and Life-giving Cross health,
happiness, forgiveness and remission of sins, the guidance and protection of their children,
the strengthening of their family, and divine enlightenment of young and old.
Needless-to-say this relic is a piece of the Cross upon
which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on
Golgotha and upon which He shed His most holy
Blood for the salvation of the human race. Rightly
does the hymnographer sing:
“Rejoice, O life-bearing Cross, invincible triumph of
true worship; O gate of paradise, constancy of
believers, and wall of the Church, through which...
we have ascended from earth to heaven.”
With profound theological poetry, the Church invites
the people of God to venerate and pray before the
Precious and Life-giving Cross:
“Come, all ye nations, let us adore the blessed Tree,
through which everlasting justice hath come to
pass… And by the blood of God the venom of the
serpent was washed away; and the curse was undone
by the righteous sentence when the just One was
condemned unjustly… But glory to Thy fearful
dispensation towards us, O Christ, wherewith Thou
hast saved all, since Thou art good and the lover of
mankind.”
With great joy we expect to see you come to our
churches with devotion and holy humility to pray and bow down before the Holy Cross,
which will be here in the United Kingdom for the first time to bless our churches, their
leaders and congregations, and all who come with faith and the desire to find redemption and
the salvation of their souls from Him who was crucified and suffered for us, our Lord Jesus
Christ. To Him be dominion, glory and boundless mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
London, 1st November 2013
Gregorios, Archbishop of
Thyateira & Great Britain
The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold a
virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call
his name Immanuel, which translated is,
God with us (Is 7:14-15)
The Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ, also
called Christmas, is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated
on December 25.
In the fullness of time our Lord Jesus Christ was born to the Holy Theotokos and ever Virgin
Mary, thus entering into
the world as a man and
revealing Himself to
mankind.
According to
the Bible and to Holy
Tradition, Jesus was
born in the city of
Bethlehem in a cave,
surrounded by farm
animals and shepherds.
The baby Jesus was born
into a manger from
the Virgin Mary, assisted
by her husband
St. Joseph. St. Joseph and the Theotokos were forced to travel due to a Roman census; the odd location of the birth was the result of the refusal of a nearby inn to accommodate the expecting couple (Luke 2:1-20). It is known historically that dwellings were built directly over such caves housing livestock in order to make use of the heat.
Though three magi from the East are commonly depicted as visiting during the event itself
(or, in Roman Catholic tradition, twelve days thereafter), the Bible records the coming of an
unspecified number of wise men as being a few years after Jesus' birth (see Matthew 2). In
either case, these magi came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt 2:11). In
the hymnography for the feast, these gifts are interpreted to signify Christ's royalty,
divinity, and suffering.
Though Jesus' birth is celebrated on December 25, most scholars agree that it is unlikely he
was actually born on this date. The choice of December 25 for the Church's celebration of
the Nativity is most
likely to have been in
order to counter
attendance at pagan
solstice festivals
falling on the same
day.
At least, this is the
urban myth
promulgated by both
heterodox Christians
and unbelievers for
centuries.
However, the
solstice festival fell
on the 21st of
December. To suggest that the Church chose a day of sacred observance defensively instead of pro-actively is to devalue and disregard the sacred and authoritative action of the Church in establishing a proper
date for the observance of The Nativity of Christ the Lord.
Others within The Orthodox Church have observed that, under Hebrew law, male infants
were both circumcised and received their name eight days after their birth.
Also, within The Orthodox Church, January 1st is celebrated as the "name day" of The Lord
Christ Jesus. Thus, the selection of December 25th to celebrate the nativity of The Christ
(who would not be named for eight more days) would appear to have been a conscious
counting backward from the first day of the calendar year--the day of his being proclaimed
Son of Man--to the date of His birth, the day of his being proclaimed Son of God.

Sunday 3 November 2013

Services in November 2013 at Audley and Dresden

(Audley and Dresden)

Sat 2nd AUTUMN FAYRE – Scout Hall – Come and help!
6pm Great Vespers
Sun 3rd 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 6th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist
Thu 7th 6pm Great Vespers and Artoklasia for the Feast of Saint Michael
Fri 8th 11am Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Saint Michael

Sat 9th 6pm Great Vespers
7pm (after Great Vespers) “Bring & Share” Parish Dinner
for the Feast of Saint Michael at Dresden Scout Hall
Sun 10th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
2pm Baptism of David Stephan
Mon 11th 11am Mnemosina/Panikhida for Remembrance Day
Wed 13th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist

The Nativity Fast begins on Friday 15th November
(if anyone is unsure about what this entails, please speak with Fr Samuel)

Sat 16th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 17th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Mon 18th 7pm Panikhida – 40 Day Memorial for Richard
Wed 20th 7pm Great Vespers and Artoklasia for the Feast of the
Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple
Thu 21st 11am Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the
Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple

Sat 23rd 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 24th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 27th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist

Sat 30th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 1st Dec 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy

November Name Days

3rd Winifred
8th Gabriel and Gabriella Aldea; Gabriella Bostan
9th Nectaria Udrea
11th Reader Martin Shorthose
14th Philip Boothby
16th Matthew Carson; Matthew Cooke
20th Reader Edmund Maxfield
21st Maria Onofrei
25th Katerina Moraites
30th Andre Ayoub; Philip Andrew Banciu; Andrew Davidchack; Andrew Onofrei

Statement by the Secretariat of Holy Synod of Antioch Balamand 17th October 2013



The Holy Synod of Antioch held its second session from October 15th through 17th, 2013.
His Beatitude Patriarch JOHN X presided over the meeting, with the participation of their
Eminences, the Metropolitans and Fathers of the Holy Synod of Antioch: Spyridon of Zahleh
and its dependencies; George of Jbeil, Batroun and their dependencies; Yuhanna of Lattakia
and its dependencies; Elias of Beirut and its dependencies; Iliya of Hama and its
dependencies; Elias of Tyre, Sidon; and their dependencies, Damaskinos of Sao Paulo and
Brazil, Saba of Hawran and all Jebel al-Arab; George of Homs and its dependencies; Antonio
of Mexico and Venezuela and their dependencies; Sergio of Chile; Silouan of Argentina;
Basilios of Akkar and its dependencies; and Ephrem of Tripoli, al-Koura, and their
dependencies. His Grace Bishop Ephrem (Maalouli), Patriarchal Vicar and Secretary of the
Holy Synod, and Economos Georges Dimas, Record-keeper of the Synod, also participated
in the meeting. Their Eminences Metropolitans: Philip of New York and North America, Paul of Australia and New Zealand and Constantine of Baghdad and Kuwait and their
dependencies gave their regrets for not being able to attend. Metropolitan Boulos (Yazigi)
of Aleppo and Alexandretta and their dependencies was present in the prayers and
invocations of the Synod Fathers, despite his absence caused by his captivity.
After prayer and calling upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, His Beatitude opened the meeting
by hoping that the Lord God may shower His blessings upon all the participants, so that
they may rightly divide the Word of God’s Truth to the believers and to all those who are
thirsting for hope. His Beatitude gave an account concerning the pastoral visits he made to
the Archdioceses of Lattakia, and to the city of Tartous in the Archdiocese of Akkar, and to
the German section of the Archdiocese of Europe. He had the opportunity to meet the
faithful, their pastors, and the various archdiocesan committees. His Beatitude expressed
the joy which he felt upon seeing the believers abiding on the rock of faith and living in the
love of the Church and Her Master. His Beatitude thanked the Archbishops of these
archdioceses for their wise and loving care towards their parishioners. He emphasized the
importance of giving continuous care to our good people, through love, thoughtfulness, and
vision for their growth in Christ, and steadfastness in their Church and land, and their
continuous witness to Jesus Christ wherever they reside. Also, His Beatitude briefed the
members of the Holy Synod about his recent visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to
participate in the conference on: “The Challenges facing the Arab Christians,” and to meet
His Majesty Abdullah II, the King of Jordan. In his meetings, His Beatitude expressed the
position of the Church of Antioch concerning the events that are taking place in the region,
stressing the need to work for peace, freedom and human dignity of the Arab people, and
indicating how Christians are well rooted in their homelands, their commitment to their
countries’ causes, and how they have interacted with their Muslim brothers throughout
history. Also, His Beatitude briefed the Synod members on his visit to the Vatican, where he
met His Holiness Pope Francis I, and participated in the conference organized by St. Egidio
Community on the theme: "Courage and Hope, Religions and Cultures in Dialogue," where
the position of Antioch regarding the issues raised was clearly presented, particularly the
suffering of the Syrian people and the role of the Christian witness in the Middle East. The
visit was an opportunity to review the prospects for cooperation between the Catholic and
Orthodox Churches, in order to make more effective the witness of Christians in the Middle
East and in the world today, for the dignity and nobility of human beings, and to
consolidate the values of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
The Synod Fathers reviewed as well the reports submitted by the delegations that
participated in the one thousand and twenty fifth anniversary of the Baptism of Russia and
the one thousand and seven hundredth commemoration of the Decree of Milan. The
Fathers congratulated the Russian and Serbian Churches, lifting up the prayers to God to
send them His many graces and embrace their parishioners with His Light, Peace and Love.
The Synod Fathers discussed some issues of concern for the universal Orthodox Church.
They stressed the need for continued coordination between all Orthodox Churches in order
to promote the Orthodox presence in the world and for a living testimony of Christ for
contemporary man. In this regard, the Fathers stressed the need for cooperation between the Orthodox Churches to show the unity of the Church of Christ in a more effective way,
and to facilitate the meeting of the Great and Holy Orthodox Synod.
The Fathers discussed the crisis caused by the election of the Church of Jerusalem an
Archbishop on Qatar. They sadly contemplated the persistence of the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem’s violation, in spite of all the initiatives and mediations conducted by the
Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Government of the Hellenic Republic in order to resolve
this crisis in accordance with the ecclesiastical laws and in a peaceful spirit. The Synod
Fathers reiterated their desire to give priority to the peaceful solution over other solutions.
However, they stressed the need to find a solution to this crisis in no less than two months
from today’s date. They delegated His Beatitude, in the event of lack of response from the
Church of Jerusalem to the rightful demand of the Church of Antioch, to remove the
aforementioned violation on its canonical territory, to take all necessary measures including
severing of communion with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Synod also decided to
suspend the Church of Antioch’s participation in all the Assemblies of Canonical Orthodox
Bishops abroad (in the Diaspora) until the removal of the violation of the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem.
The Synod Fathers discussed the state of the Archdiocese of Europe which became vacant
with the election of His Beatitude to the See of Antioch. They recognized that this
Archdiocese had a growing number of parishes, a widespread territory, a multiplicity of
languages used within its territory, and the increasing number of parishioners. All these
factors require the reconsideration of its territorial boundaries in order to have an effective
pastoral care. They decided to establish three new Archdioceses and a Patriarchal Vicariate
in Europe as follows: the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of France, Western and
Southern Europe; the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany and Central Europe;
the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of British Isles and Ireland; the Antiochian Orthodox
Vicariate of Sweden and Scandinavian countries. They elected the following Metropolitans:
Ignatius (Al Houshi), Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of France,
Western and Southern Europe; and Isaac (Barakat), Metropolitan of the Antiochian
Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany and Central Europe. They also delegated the Patriarch to
appoint a Patriarchal Vicar over the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of British Isles and
Ireland, until a Metropolitan is elected.
The Synod Fathers listened to a report about the St John of Damascus Institute of Theology
presented by Deacon Porphyrios Georgi, the Institute of Theology Dean. Deacon Porphyrios
gave a presentation about the current progress of the Institute, its vision and mission. The
Fathers thanked the Dean for his presentation and blessed his efforts, giving him their
proposals for further growth.
The Synod Fathers looked into the suffering of Syria and its people because of the violence
plaguing the homeland, destroying the country and causing the killing and displacement of
its people. They stressed that the language of violence and murder is a language alien to
the traditions of the Syrian people who aspire to live in freedom and dignity in their own
land, under one state, in which everyone is involved in upholding and in consolidating the values of democracy, freedom, justice and coexistence based on respect for others
regardless of differences, and the need to follow the logic of dialogue and a peaceful
solution to overcome all the crises. The Synod Fathers appealed to their parishioners to
abide in the hope “that does not fail," and by the evangelical values, which calls on them to
renounce violence and respect the image of God in every person, wipe away the tears from
the face of all the sufferers in the earth, and remain in their own lands, and not give it up in
whatever hard circumstances they encounter, because the Lord wants them as witnesses in
their homelands. They implored them not to give away their land to solve the current
material problems, because this land is mixed with the soil of saints. This land will remain
throughout time their only refuge. They encouraged them to intensify their prayers for
peace in Syria and in the whole world, and the collaboration among them to mitigate the
impact of the crisis, especially on the neediest among them.
In this area, the Synod Fathers send their gratitude to the churches and organizations,
associations and individuals for their cooperation with the Patriarchate for the relief of the
needy brothers. Also the Fathers thanked their parishioners who responded to the call of
the Patriarchate and gave generously to support the relief work in the Patriarchate, through
their offerings on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of Antioch in order to support the
relief work set by the Holy Synod on September 15, 2013. The Fathers remembered their
parishioners in the city of Aleppo, which misses its Metropolitans, and asked them to
remain firm in hope, because the ashes of various trials will not conceal the face of the ever
Beloved One. The Fathers addressed the international community, hoping that it would
turn to the pain of the Syrian people and their agonies, and halt the fuelling of war, and
contribute to the consolidation of the values of peace, justice, and democracy, and invest in
rebuilding what has been destroyed and develop the potential of the Syrian people, rather
than invest in iron and fire. The Synod Fathers urged the international organizations and
non-governmental organizations, and all bodies concerned about the displaced, to secure
the essential necessities of life for those on the doors of winter, so that they might spend
their time and live in dignity while awaiting upon their return to their towns and villages.
The Synod Fathers reiterated their condemnation of the terrorist operations that affect
peaceful citizens and the destruction which does not exclude places of worship, in addition
to historical and cultural monuments witnessing to the nobility of the Syrian civilization.
They sadly pointed out the vagueness surrounding the issue of the kidnapped bishops, Paul
Yazigi and John Ibrahim. They called on the Arab and international communities to assume
their responsibilities in this regard to establish the truth and to uncover the fate of both
bishops and all kidnapped people and ensure their safe return to their families and loved
ones. The Synod Fathers prayed for the divine mercy on the souls of the innocent martyrs
who died during this devastating war, especially the priests who died while soothing the
wounds of their parishioners.
The Synod Fathers turned to Lebanon, and its citizens who are suffering from a severe
economic crisis and a deep concern over their fate as a result of the persistent state of the
disabling of Lebanese governmental institutions. They appealed to all parties and officials to
carry out their responsibilities in order to save Lebanon and the advance of its citizens. They
encouraged them to maintain the values of democracy, freedom, and the devolution of
power that has long characterized Lebanon, and called them to fortify Lebanon and spare it the risks encompassing it from every direction by getting over their narrow interests and
overcoming their current differences and returning to dialogue in a spirit of openness and
reconciliation, and national and historic responsibility, through forming a national unity
government that is able to ward off risks and maintain stability in order to avoid falling into
the vacuum and preserve civil peace. The Synod Fathers discussed the state of national
activities undertaken by their parishioners in Lebanon, stressing respect for their political
diversity and reminding at the same time that the Church, although not dictating to her
parishioners uniform political positions, yet nonetheless committed through the Holy Synod
and its head, the Patriarch, the official authority that expresses the position of the
Orthodox Church in all that clarifies, by the light of the Gospel, the way forward for Her
parishioners in their commitment to the affairs of their homelands.
Suffering Iraq did not go unnoticed in the concerns of the Holy Synod Fathers, as well as
wounded Palestine. We should pray that the Lord God confirm Iraq and Palestine and all
the Arab countries on the road to stability and peace. They stressed the need to find a just
and comprehensive solution to the legitimate Palestinian issue. The Synod Fathers asked
their parishioners to face the challenges posed by their societies and our contemporary
age, in order to test it against the light of the values of the Gospel. They also asked them to
work for political, social and economic peace, wherever they are, and to renounce
sectarianism and abhorrent racism in all its forms, and to coexist in a sincere way with their
co-citizens, and to work for human dignity and freedom, and to stop the bloodshed and
commitment to the affairs of the suffering on earth with whom Christ united Himself.
The Synod Fathers concluded their session by reminding their parishioners of the words of
St. Paul to the Corinthians: "Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).



Why the Nativity Fast Has Been Established

(From the blog of John Sanidopoulos)

The Orthodox Church prepares its faithful to welcome the Nativity of Christ in a worthy manner by
means of a 40-day Nativity fast, which lasts from November 15th to December 25.
Besides generally known reasons, the Nativity fast is also undertaken by Orthodox Christians in
order to venerate the suffering and sorrow undergone by the Holy Mother of God at the hands of
the scribes and the Pharisees just prior to the sacred event of Christ’s Nativity.

Holy Tradition tells us that shortly
before the righteous Joseph and the
Holy Virgin set off for Bethlehem,
they were subjected to the following
tribulation. A certain scribe by the
name of Ananias, entering their home
and seeing the Virgin pregnant, was
severely distressed and went to the
High Priest and the entire Jewish
council, saying: “Joseph the
carpenter, who has been regarded as
a righteous man, has committed an
iniquity. He has secretly violated the
Virgin Who was given to him from the
temple of God for safekeeping. And
now She is with child.” Then the High Priest’s servants went to Joseph’s house, took Mary and
Joseph, and brought them to the High Priest, who began to denounce and shame the Most-blessed
Virgin Mary.

But the Holy Virgin, crying in deep
sorrow, replied: “The Lord God is My
witness that I am innocent and have
known no man.” Then the High Priest
accused the righteous Joseph, but the
latter swore on oath that he was not
guilty of this sin. Yet the High Priest did
not believe them and subjected them
to the trial that was customary in those
times, (when a woman suspected of
violation was given to drink bitter
water that had been cursed by the
High Priest). However, the trial just
served to confirm the innocence of the
Holy Virgin and the righteous Joseph.
All those present were amazed at this,
unable to understand how a Virgin
could simultaneously be with child and yet remain inviolate.

After that the High Priest allowed the holy
couple to go home in peace. The righteous
Joseph took the Virgin Mary and went to his
house, joyously glorifying God. But this was not
the end of the Holy Theotokos’ trials. It is well
known that afterwards she shared with Joseph
the toil of a three-day journey from Nazareth to
Bethlehem. And in Bethlehem there was no
place for the Holy Virgin either in an inn, or in
some home, and since night was already
approaching, She was forced to seek shelter in a
cave which served as a resting place for cattle. In
this humblest of shelters the Most-blessed Virgin
remained in prayer and divine contemplation. It
is here that She gave birth to our Lord Jesus
Christ, Saviour of the world.

We can see from all of the above that the days immediately preceding the Nativity were not days
of rest and comfort for the Holy Mother of God. In those days She suffered various sorrows and
trials, but did not leave off her prayers and contemplation. The Holy Church appeals to the faithful
to participate, at least to some small degree, in the Holy Theotokos’ spiritual labour, constraining
one’s flesh during the Nativity fast and nourishing one’s soul with prayer. However, the Church
warns us that external fasting only is not enough. We must also apply ourselves to internal fasting,
which consists of shunning malice, deceit, wrath, worldly bustle, and other vices. During this fast,
as at all times, we must show works of love and mercy to our fellow beings, doing all we can to
help those in need and in sorrow. Only then will our fasting be genuine and not hypocritical, only
then will it be God-pleasing, and only then will we know the true joy of the bright feast of Christ’s
Nativity.



Monday 30 September 2013

Services in October 2013 at Audley and Dresden



Services in October 2013 at Audley and Dresden

Wed 2nd 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist
Sat 5th Pilgrimage to Holywell – No services in the Parish
Sun 6th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 9th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist
Sat 12th 6pm Great Vespers

Sun 13th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 16th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist
Sat 19th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 20th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 23rd 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist
Sat 26th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 27th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 30th 11am Divine Liturgy or Akathist


Name days
9th James
12th Wilfred; Edwin
18th Luke (Howard)
23rd Jacovos
28th Terence
Reposed
19th Metropolitan Gabriel (2007)
Advance Notice of Saint Michael’s Feast

November
Thursday 7th 7pm Great Vespers at Dresden
Friday 8th 11am Divine Liturgy at Audley
Saturday 9th 7pm, after Great Vespers, Parish Feast in Dresden Scout Hall



Saints of Britain – Saint Lalluwy (virgin) - 6th October


Not much is known of this pious saint from Menheniot in Cornwall but there is one remaining church dedicated to St Lalluwy and St Antonius in the village.
Associated with the virtue of virginity and also, in common with many Cornish saints, a well near the church; the Troparion for her feast day of 6th October is as follows:
In Tone 8
To this day Menheniot's sacred well
witnesses to thy virtue, O pious Lalluwy.
As thou didst call forth a stream of living water from the earth,
we pray thee, entreat Christ our God
to pour forth for us the saving waters of eternal life.


Miss Ukraine 2013


There is much news concerning

Christians around the world at
the moment – most of which
requiring our prayers and
donations of money.
A rather brighter story caught
my eye earlier this week
however.
On the left is pictured Anna
Zayachkivskaya, recently
crowned “Miss Ukraine 2013”
and a contender in the Miss
Universe competition.
While in the UK we have shrugged off these competitions as politically incorrect,they are alive and flourishing in the East of Europe. What is perhaps surprising and what brings her to these pages is that she has just completed work on an icon “The Shroud” for her Bachelor of Arts degree. She is a member of two youth organisations founded by the winner of Miss Ukraine 2007, Lika Roman.“Silver Ring” promotes sexual abstinence until marriage and “VIP” which fights against the use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs in cultivating a healthy lifestyle and moral values. Anna is a regular parishioner in her church under the Kiev Patriarchate and when asked what she would be doing after the competitions
replied that she would continue to keep painting icons.


Autumn Fayre


You know from the notice in the September issue that the Autumn Fayre takes place in November and that Irene and Kim are appealing for help in organising and donations of goods. I am told that there have been no responses so far so please volunteer before we resort to having to use the big stick! It’s for your own good! Here’s a small reminder of what is required...







New Orthodox Community on Mull


Mull Historical Society describes Kilninian, built in 1755, as ‘one of the oldest (churches), and until very recently, still used for worship. Possibly standing on the site of an earlier medieval church, it first appears in the records of 1561, where it is stated that the parsonage of ‘Keilnoening’ had formerly belonged to the Abbot of Iona.’ The more recent history of the church includes the few years when Fr Stephen and his small community tried to found a Catholic monastery around Kilninian. When they changed their plans and
moved instead to mainland Scotland, they very generously donated the church to the Orthodox Church, under condition that Kilninian would still be used as the home of a monastic community. For over two years, Kilninian was taken care of by sister Marina, who also lived there for many months between 2010 and 2012. At the present moment, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, we have started the necessary work in order to turn Kilninian into the first Orthodox Monastery in the Hebrides. This includes restoration work for the church itself and building work for a small number of new cells for the future monastics. It was also decided that the Monastery Chapel will remain dedicated to Saints Ninian and Cuthbert, and that it will be a monastery for nuns. Fr Serafim hopes to move to Mull around May 2014 to take up permanent residence at the Monastery but any enquiries until then should be addressed to ierom.serafim@yahoo.co.uk

Thursday 5 September 2013

Services in September 2013


at Audley and Dresden

Sun 1st 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 4th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 7th 3pm Baptism of Katerina Moriates
6pm Great Vespers
Sun 8th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 11th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 14th Consecration of the Romanian Church in Leeds
6pm Reader Vespers
Sun 15th Antiochian Day of Solidarity (donations by today for Syria please)
10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 18th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 21st Conference in Erdington (flyer at the back of church)
6pm Great Vespers
Sun 22nd 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 25th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 28th 3pm Baptism of Michael (Mishutka) Tyukin
6pm Great Vespers
Sun 29th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy

Name days

5th Emma Louise Elizabeth Bostan
8th Francesca Joy
9th Anna Oshkereli
17th Sofia Bartholomew; Sofia Wilcox
24th Thekla Read
26th Patriarch John; John Martin Chadwick; John Roger Makings

Reposed

3rd Leon (2010)
10th George Fearns (2005)
24th Fr Dennis (2010)

Parish Feasts

14th Holy Cross, Lancaster

Scout Hall


Autumn Fair in November

Our Autumn Fair is on 2nd November at Dresden Scout Hall.
Does anyone have any ideas for stalls or want to take charge of organising one of the stalls?
We are hoping to have a Christmas Present Stall where we can sell handmade crafts and
quality items. Can anyone produce anything for this stall?
Handmade aprons, bags, knitted/crocheted hats, gloves, blankets, wooden items, pot
plants, paintings, drawings etc.
Or do you know anyone who could make something for the fair?
Our usual stalls are:
Bric a Brac – This is always a popular stall and we need clean good quality items for it
Toys, Books, Games, DVDs, CDs – This stall also attracts a lot of attention and we need ALL
items for it please
The Jumble Stall – This draws people and we are hoping to do a clothes rail with
quality/new items this year. Any donations of clean clothing, bedding, shoes, bags, etc.
would be greatly appreciated.
Grocery Stall – This always tempts people with homemade cakes, biscuits and sandwiches.
It is a very popular friendly stall. We need Jams, pickles etc. Also cakes, breads, scones, pies
on the day. Please bring what you can as we always sell out!
Refreshments – We sell tea and coffee with cakes and biscuits. This gets very busy and the
customers love it and have proved to be very friendly and encouraging.
Raffles/Prize Every time – The raffles can bring in a lot of money but we need more people
to sell tickets for us. With only two or three people selling tickets we do well, if more
people would sell tickets for us it could make a great difference.
Also, we will need prizes. Can anyone supply us with any? All items/ideas gratefully
received.
Please get involved and let me or Veronica know which stall you would like to be involved
with. If you can make posters, or deliver fliers, or help with floats for stalls, or help to clear
away after the fair, please let us know as there is a lot of hard work to do but we have an
enjoyable day with a lively atmosphere.

Winifrede


Scout Hall Costs

We use Dresden Scout Hall for one hour after each Sunday Liturgy.
The cost is £7 an hour, with this comes the use of the toilets when needed throughout any
of our services.
We have a good relationship with the Scout leaders and use the hall for fairs and functions.
We need donations to fund the hall rent. There is a jar on the counter in the hall after every
Sunday morning service.
It would be a shame to lose this facility.
We are averaging £2.50 a week towards it, then we have to take it from church funds.


No rent = No Hall = No Toilet!



Saints of Britain


Saints of Britain – Saint Deiniol (Sept 11th)

Saint Deiniol (died 584) was traditionally the first Bishop of Bangor in the Kingdom of
Gwynedd, Wales. The present Bangor Cathedral, dedicated to Deiniol, is said to be on the
site where his monastery stood. He is venerated in Brittany as Saint Denoual. In English and
Latin his name is sometimes rendered as Daniel. The churches of Hawarden and
of Marchwiel are dedicated to Deiniol and there are also dedications at Itton in
Monmouthshire and Llangarron in Herefordshire.
According to a Latin Life of Deiniol, preserved
in Peniarth MS226 and transcribed in 1602 by
Sir Thomas Williams of Trefriw, he was the
son of Abbot Dunod Fawr, son of Pabo Post
Prydain. The family, having lost their land in
the North of England, were given land by the
king of Powys, Cyngen ap Cadell. Dunod,
embraced the religious life and founded the
monastery at Bangor-is-y-coed on the Dee.
Deiniol is said to have studied under Cadoc of
Llancarfan. Sir David Trevor describes Deiniol
as one of the seven blessed cousins who had
spent part of his early life as a hermit "on the
arm of Pembrokeshire" but was called to be a
bishop despite deficiencies in his formal
education. Deiniol soon left Powys for
Gwynedd where he founded the monastery of
Bangor under the patronage of Maelgwn
Gwynedd who endowed it with lands and
privileges, later raising it to the rank of the
official seat of a bishop, sharing a common
boundary with the principality of Gwynedd. Deiniol spent the remainder of his days here as
Abbot and Bishop.
He attended the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi in c. 545 with Saint David when the subject of
rules for penance was being discussed. He was apparently consecrated in 545 by Saint
David. According to the Annales Cambriae Deiniol died in 584 and was buried on Bardsey
Island.



Saints of Britain – Saint Finbarr (Sept 25th)

Born in Templemartin, near Bandon, and originally named Lóchán (modern form, Loan), he
was the son of Amergin of Maigh Seóla. He studied in Ossory, corresponding approximately
to the present County Kilkenny. He was renamed "Fionnbarra" (Fairhead in Irish),
reportedly when, on being tonsured, the presiding cleric remarked: "Is fionn barr (find barr,
in the Irish of the time) Lócháin", meaning, "Fair is the crest of Loan"), and he then became
known as "Findbarr" ("Fionnbarra" in modern Irish).
On completion of his education he returned home and lived for some time on an island in
the small lake then called Loch Irce. The island is now called Gougane Barra (the little rockfissure
of Finnbarr). He is reputed to have built small churches in various other places,
including one in Ballineadig, County Cork, called Cell na Cluaine, anglicized as Cellnaclona
and sometimes referred to as Cloyne, causing it
to be confused with Cloyne (Cluain Uamha) in
east Cork. It was in Cell na Cluaine that, years
later, he happened to die.
He settled for about the last seventeen years of
his life in the area then known as "an Corcach
Mór" (Great Marsh), now the city of Cork, where
he gathered around him monks and students.
This became an important centre of learning,
giving rise to the phrase "Ionad Bairre Sgoil na
Mumhan" ("Where Finbarr taught let Munster
learn"), chosen for motto by today's University
College Cork.
His church and monastery were on a limestone
cliff above the River Lee, an area now known as
Gill Abbey, after a 12th-century Bishop of Cork,
Giolla Aedha Ó Muidhin. It continued to be the
site of the cathedral of his diocese. The present
building on the site, owned by the Church of Ireland, is called Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral.
The people of Cork often refer to it as the South Cathedral, distinguishing it from the North
Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne.
Finnbarr died at Cell na Cluaine, while returning from a visit to Gougane Barra. He was
buried in the cemetery attached to his church in Cork.

Friday 2 August 2013

Services in August 2013 at Audley and Dresden
Dormition Fast starts 1st August

Sat 3rd Pilgrimage to Ilam – no Vespers at Dresden
Sun 4th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Mon 5th 7pm Great Vespers of the Transfiguration
Tue 6th 11am Divine Liturgy of the Transfiguration

Sat 10th Pilgrimage to Crowland – no Vespers at Dresden
Sun 11th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 14th No Liturgy at Audley
7pm Great Vespers of the Dormition
Thu 15th 11am Divine Liturgy of the Dormition

Sat 17th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 18th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 21st 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 24th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 25th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 28th No Liturgy at Audley
7pm Great Vespers of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Thu 29th 11am Divine Liturgy of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Sat 31st 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 25th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy

Name days
16th Subdeacon Radu
20th Fr Samuel
Parish Feasts
9th Saint Matthias, Lincoln
31st Saint Aidan, Levenshulme

Forthcoming Events to which we are invited...


Saint Barbara – Chester (Father Pancratios)
On Friday and Saturday 23rd & 24th August, the Consecration of Saint Barbara’s Church in
Chester will be celebrated by Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain. The
outline programme of services for the two days is as follows:
Friday 23rd
Arrival of the Sacred Relics and Archiepiscopal daily Vespers 5.30-7.00pm
Holy Unction 7.30-9.00pm
Service of Preparation for Holy Communion 9.00-9.30pm
Saturday 24th
Matins 8.30-9.45am
The Ceremony of Consecration 9.45-11.30am
Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy 11.30-1.00pm
Full brochure to be found at the back of church
Saint Makarios the Great – Leeds (Father Constantin)
We are delighted to invite you all at our church consecration in Leeds, planned for Saturday
14 September, on the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The program occasioned by the consecration will be as follows:
Friday, 13 September:
Byzantine Music Concert performed by "St. Great Martyr Demetrius" Choir from Craiova,
Romania 19:00 - 20:00
Common meal (Agapa) in the adjacent building 20:00 - 21:00
Vigil Service (Vespers, Artoklasia and Matins) 21:00 - 23:00
Saturday, 14 September:
Consecration service, followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 09:00 - 13:30
Common meal (Agapa) in the adjacent building 14:00 - 16:00
The consecration service and the Divine Liturgy will be led by His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph
I would appreciate if you could accommodate these dates; it is a unique event for our
Parish and we would like to share the joy of dedicating the church to God - Who helped us
to get it and decorate it according to our humble abilities and resources - with as many of
you as possible.
To better organise this event, please confirm your participation by return, no later than 30
August.
Until then, please keep us in your prayers, so much needed now!
In Christ,
Fr. Constantin
Holy Trinity and Saint Luke – Erdington (Father Nicholas)
To celebrate 30 years of the establishment of our parish we would like to invite you to our
Conference on Saturday 21st September 2013.
Everyone is welcome at the Church:
Magnet Centre
Park Approach
Erdington
Birmingham B23 7SJ
                           The programme of events for the day is as follows
Divine Liturgy 09:00-11:00
Breakfast 11:00-12:00
1st talk by Archimandrite Chrysostomos Michaelides 12:00-13:00
“The Word of God in our Life”
2nd talk by Hieromonk Peter 13:15-14:15
The Unequal Exchange of Earthly Life with the Heavenly Life in the Divine Liturgy”
Lunch 14:30-15:30
3rd talk by Archimandrite Zacharias 15:45-16:45
“The Prayer of Jesus in our Everyday Life”
Tea 17:00-18:00
Vespers 18:00
Departure Approx 19:00
To assist us with the catering please inform us if you are planning to attend:
Email: stluke.bham@outlook.com Text/Call: Fr. Nicholas 07432150760

Treasurers Report for the Year Ending 31st March 2013


Overall, the financial position of the Parish remains reasonably healthy.
Despite the Parish now operating two churches, the increased support given by the Parish
members has not allowed the Parish as a whole to suffer from the increased expense.
Indeed, we have £6,000 more in the bank than we did at the same time last year.
Major remedial works to the Dresden building have been offset by the contribution from the
Anglican Diocese of Lichfield, a little of which remains to be spent.
It is worth noting however, that although we have two churches, we have only the expense of a
single Priest - and he does not receive what could be reasonably described as a salary at a
commercial rate.
On collections and other giving...
The Treasurer recommends a renewed push to encourage the congregation to make their
contribution to collections by Standing Order and to take advantage of the free government
donation offered by Gift Aid.
Those who already give by this method provide a reliable income for the Parish and it is an easier
method of paying to manage, especially by those who perhaps find themselves short of cash on a
Sunday morning.
Fayres...
Fayres held by the Parish to raise funds have been both lucrative and enjoyable events.
Those who put in many hours of hard work towards making these events a success continue to be
the usual few regulars however, and the attendance of other members of the parish has not been
particularly strong.
The same lack of enthusiasm was also seen at the celebratory gathering for the Feast of Saint
Michael in 2012.
For the coming year...
Expected major expenditure will result from the completion of the Iconostasis.
Oak mouldings will complete the framework to Church of England specifications and icons have
been commissioned from Efraim in Manchester.
It is hoped that individuals might contribute towards icons, perhaps in memory of loved ones.
At an estimated amount of £800 to £1000 for large icons (with single figures), this represents
outstanding value and is within the reach of many within the community - especially if they could
pay by instalments.
The wall at the east of the south aisle also requires work which will hopefully be met by the
remaining Lichfield Diocese funds.
                                                                                              Reader Martin - Treasurer

Wednesday 3 July 2013

Services in July 2013

Audley and Dresden  


Wed 3rd 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 6th 6pm Great Vespers 
Sun 7th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 10th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 13th 1pm Wedding of Matthew and Kayleigh
6pm Great Vespers
Sun 14th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy

Wed 17th No Service – Liturgy at Saint Marina’s, Longton

Sat 20th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 21st 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
1pm Parish Meeting and Parish Council Elections
4pm Holy Baptism of Agnes
Wed 24th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 27th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 28th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
4pm Holy Baptism of Elizabeth
Wed 31st 11am Divine Liturgy
Thursday 1st to Wednesday 14th August – Dormition Fast

Sat 3rd Aug No Vespers – Pilgrimage to Ilam

Name days

10th Alexander Joy; Alexandra Meek
12nd Veronica Dobson
17th Rita Guinness
18th Dara Elizabeth Davidchack; Elizabeth Nash
20th Fr Elia; Ghassan Ayoub
24th Anca Bostan

Reposed

20th Fr Athanasius (2011)
23rd Tameena Ayoub (2011)
26th Arthur James Carter (2008)
31st Tsinara (2008)

Parish Feasts

17th Saint Marina’s Grimsby and Longton (Stoke on Trent)
















The right arm of Saint Marina on Mount Athos

Source: http://www.omhksea.org/2012/07/saint-marina-the-great-martyr-and-vanquisher-of-demons/

More opportunities for support

When you read through the list of services for the month on the following page, you will notice two Baptisms and a Wedding.
Please come along to celebrate these milestones in the lives of the people involved. All these people are members of our Parish so come and wish them well and participate in the joy of these occasions.

More admin ~ Parish Meeting 21st July 2013 at 1pm


This is the time to hear how things are going in our Parish of Saint Michael, Audley with Dresden.
There will be a report from your Parish Priest and an outline of hopes and plans for the future.
The Treasurer, Reader Martin, will give a report on our finances over the last year.
This is when we elect, or re-elect, church council members. These are the people you trust to raise and manage church funds and to help the priest in the running of the parish.
If you would be willing to serve on the council please ask someone to propose and second you (nomination slips inside this newsletter).
Nominations must be in to Fr. Samuel by the Sunday before the meeting at the latest.
As a church family we have a responsibility of love and care for each other, for our two churches and for our spiritual Father.
Please take this opportunity to show your support.

Many excuses for a day out in July and August.



On 17th July – Wednesday – there is a chance to stay local but join with the congregation of Saint Marina’s Church in Longton to celebrate their Patronal Festival. Ever closer links are growing with the community at Saint Marina’s (it was they who volunteered to decorate our Bier this year for Great and Holy Week) and they always have representatives with us for the feast of Saint Michael, so now is the chance for a return visit.
Next is a Divine Liturgy at the little church of Saint Martin of Tours in Stoney Middleton (Derbyshire) with Blessing of the Waters in the Roman Baths and a chance to see the wonderfully dressed wells.
This is on Saturday 27th July at 11:00am.

Finally, there is our annual visit to the beautiful village of Ilam to venerate the shrine of Saint Bertram on 3rd August. As hosts of this event, we try to attend with as many as possible from our own congregation (and choir!), so if you cannot make any other outing, make sure that Ilam is on the list.

Crowland  Pilgrimage - date change

Saturday 10th August sees us visiting Crowland in Lincolnshire – home of Saints Guthlac and Theodore.
Divine Liturgy together with veneration of relics and usually an Akathist.
Bring a picnic lunch and a camera because the ruined Abbey is very photogenic.

Administrative Edition – Please Read!

Simplified Giving

Ever find yourself looking under the bed on a Sunday morning? Tired of reaching down that gap down the side of the cushions on the sofa in vain? Haven’t left enough time to call at the cashpoint on the way to church?
I had exactly this problem and more often than not could either find no money lying around at all, or could only find 50p in loose change from the box of pennies on the windowsill.
Then I discovered Standing Orders and can now give a regular monthly amount to the church without looking through pockets for notes.
It’s very easy to set up and there is a new form at the back of church for you to fill in and send to your bank. That’s all there is to it.
This method of giving is not only easier for you – it is good for the church to know roughly how much money is coming in each month and helps us budget effectively.
Please make sure you also fill in a “Gift Aid Declaration” too if you pay UK income tax, whether you give by standing order or in cash. Those who already allow the church to benefit from your tax, please also fill in a form as HM Revenue and Customs are changing their rules and I want to make sure everything is up to date and correct.
There is a form inside this newsletter for that!

Many thanks

Martin
Reader & Treasurer

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Services in June 2013

Audley and Dresden


Sat 1st 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 2nd 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 5th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 8th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 9th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 12th 11am Divine Liturgy (Audley)
                7pm Great Vespers of the Feast of the Ascension (Dresden)
Thu 13th 11am Divine Liturgy of the Feast of the Ascension

Sat 15th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 16th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 19th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 22nd 6pm Great Vespers and Pentecost Memorial
Sun 23rd 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy and Kneeling Prayers
Wed 26th 11am Divine Liturgy

Sat 29th 11am Divine Liturgy of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
6pm Great Vespers
Sun 30th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy

Name days
14th Monica
22nd Alban
29th Fr Elwin; Pauline Joan Baiasu; Pavlos Harvey; Paul Dominic

Reposed
3rd Bede (2009)

Deanery Parish Feasts
9th Doncaster (Saint Columba)
17th London (Saint Botolph)


Paschal Letter 2013 With the Mercy of God John Xth Patriarch of Antioch and all the East



To all our beloved in the Lord
the children of the Antiochian See, clergy and laypersons,
On the great day of Resurrection, on which Christ rose and raised us with Him, it pleases me to remember with you the meanings of Resurrection and to explain some of its aspects.
The resurrection of the Lord is the resurrection of each one of us. In the resurrection the power of the devil, our enemy, was brought to naught. Although death terrifies human beings, yet the Lord Jesus has defeated it with his life-giving resurrection. He descended in His death to the abode of death, that is, to Hades, and exploded it from within, abolishing its effects. It is true that death is still there, however it has become a mere passage to true life, a complete liberation from temporal things and a way to eternity. Resurrection gave us grace instead of sin, immortality instead of corruption, life instead of death. The rule of the evil one is gone and the kingdom of God has appeared. Darkness gives way to light.
The resurrection is a new creation, a new man, a new people. It is a proof of the power of life and the energy of renewal. It is the supremacy of light and the everlasting rule of truth “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor 5: 17). The resurrection is the victory of God over the powers of sin and death which distort creation and humankind and seek to destroy them. It is the victory which inspired the Apostle Paul to proclaim: “Oh Death, where is your victory? Oh Death, where is your sting” (1 Cor 15: 55).
In His resurrection Christ has opened to man the way of true life, the life of happiness, light, love and renewal. In His resurrection Christ renewed our old nature, and made it in the beauty of His image, enabling us to become a people of resurrection in word and deed. If we believe and truly desire it then the resurrection of Christ becomes our own personal Pascha. “Christ is buried in us as in a tomb. He unites Himself with us and raises us again in Himself.” (Saint Simeon the New Theologian) When we become pure vessels for the Holy Spirit, our celebration of Pascha becomes a continuous celebration and “happens in us mysteriously at all times”.
True resurrection is never separated from the Cross. The Cross is the way that leads to it. The resurrection of the Lord cannot be lived without remembering His cross and carrying it. In order for us to participate personally in the resurrection of the Lord we must not forget the Cross which preceded it. Without the cross we cannot have a share in the glory of the risen Christ. If we are not aware of the Cross in our lives, from what will we be risen then? If we remain where we are now, where then are the signs of our resurrection? If the darkness of sin continues to prevail in us, how can the light of resurrection dwell in us? We cannot celebrate the resurrection of Christ if the light of the Saviour does not fully dispel from our souls the darkness of our sins.
Easter visits us now while our concerns increase, our fears grow greater, destruction expands, evil intensifies and killing is everywhere and at all times. How can we celebrate the resurrection while our country is doomed, the number of hungry and displaced people is increasing? How can we live the resurrection when the cross is always present?
This is the mystery of Christ, “Through the cross joy came to the whole world”. There, where the Cross is, true resurrection is to found too. Otherwise Pascha would only be mere poetry and chanting. The world does not like the cross. It seeks to abolish it, while it is surrounded by crosses on all sides. True believers would never have these crosses out of sight; they face them with the spirit of resurrection and take from them the new life and put on them the clothes of the light of life. The energy of the resurrection which is in Christ transforms the cross into a tool of joy, a way of life, a witness of love and a sign of communion and solidarity.
How can we live the resurrection? How can we embody it in our lives? How can we translate it from books to the reality of our life?
We celebrate the resurrection and live it when we do not allow evil to enter us and dwell within us under any circumstances whatsoever. We live the resurrection when we do not answer evil with evil. We live it when we continuously purify ourselves from all traces of hatred and rancour. We live it when we stick with constructive truth which does not separate but gathers, which does not cause grief but happiness, and which does not destroy but builds. Let us behold then the truth to which we were called, (if we know it), the truth which liberates us from all sorts of chains of evil. Let us behold the truth which is in the others and respect it, so we might truly communicate with our fellow citizens and fulfill each other, in order to build both our homeland and humanity.

Beloved,
What we are saying about Cross and resurrection takes on today a deeper realistic meaning as some of our brethren have suffered the troubles connected to the painful events we are witnessing. Our brothers, that is a number of Metropolitans, Priests and lay persons are still being held by their kidnappers. A number of priests and lay persons have been killed here and there, and thousands of believers have been displaced from their homes. We are carrying the cross of what all of them have suffered and are still suffering. We share the grief and the tragedy of the Archdiocese of Aleppo, as well as every parish. However, we should use this grief to make a way to a greater steadfastness and an occasion to proclaim our faith in the Resurrection. We have made until today every effort with international and local authorities, asking them to help in the release of the kidnapped. This is the least of what we could do. We need to work for peace to prevail in our regions and we call for an immediate cessation of violence in actions between fellow citizens. We will not surrender to these circumstances as the Lord did not succumb on the way to Golgotha. We shall continue in our way and we shall  always claim the rights of man to a decent and peaceful life, mindful that the resurrection is certainly going to happen. For these reason I call upon you for more unity, more prayer, more steadfastness in your faith, more love for your homeland and more openness toward your fellow citizens. Only then can we be more powerful and more efficient in asking for the removal of oppression, a safe return of the kidnapped and the removal of every tear from the faces of those who are sad.
We become children of the Resurrection when we become bridges of communication and encounter between those who are separated, and between those who are in conflict. Let us be bridges exactly like the Lord who did not ask anything for Himself, but gave the world everything, to such an extent that He offered Himself for the salvation of the world. Let us serve as ways of rapprochement for all. Through love, sacrifice and in deeds and truth we shall build our countries.
We become children of Resurrection when we live our faith in genuineness, depth and meaningfulness. External expressions are bound to change with cultures and ways of living, but the genuine Christian content preserves the trust which has been handed down to the saints under many different circumstances, l cases and cultures. Let us imitate the courage of Christ who did not fear anything, even death. Instead He faced the cross with love and brought us to resurrection. Let us face the cross of this crucified East with overwhelming love for all those who are crucified on it, until we reach with them the resurrection we all expect. Let us live these painful days in simplicity, enjoying the bare necessities of life and experiencing the true wealth which is life with God. Let solidarity, cooperation and communion be for us a priority. Needy persons are numerous and the numbers of those affected by troubles are increasing. Let us all be one family and one household. Let us not forget the words of the Gospel, “and whoever… gives one of these little ones a cup of cold water to drink… he shall not lose his reward” (Matt 10:42).
At this stage I address our children in the diaspora wishing them blessed days and praying for their welfare and that they may receive the blessings of God, reminding them of their role and the necessity of expressing their love toward their peoples and countries and in their communion with them. You can extend to us a helpful hand in any way that would be suitable for you.
Last but not least, we do not forget that God is the Lord of history, so we may always hold to patience and hope which do not fade away. Let us remember the words of the prophets and how much they called, in times of distress, for repentance and faith, until God intervenes and removes the distress. In these troubled days we are witnessing, we are in sore need of faithful witnesses. Let us move out of our distress with more faith, more purity and greater loyalty. When we understand that we only need God and no one else, the effects of resurrection will appear in us and in all our humanity. When this happens all around us shall be transfigured.

Christ is risen!
Indeed, He is risen!


Monday 6 May 2013

Services in May 2013 at Audley and Dresden

Audley/ Dresden


Wed 1st 7pm Annointing Service
Thu 2nd 11am Vesperal Liturgy
7pm Matins of the Twelve Gospels
Fri 3rd 11am Royal Hours and decoration of the Bier
11am to 1pm Decoration of the Bier
2pm Vespers and Epitaphios Procession
7pm Matins and Bier Procession
Sat 4th 11am Vesperal Liturgy
11.30pm Christos Anesti, Matins and Divine Liturgy of Pascha
Followed by Feast in the Scout Hall
Sun 5th 2pm Paschal Vespers
Wed 8th 11am Divine Liturgy
Sat 11th 6pm Great Vespers
Sun 12th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 15th 11am Divine Liturgy
Sat 18th 6pm Reader Vespers
Sun 19th Fr Samuel Away - 10am Reader Matins and Typika
Wed 22nd No Service – Fr Samuel Away
Sat 25th 6pm Reader Vespers
Sun 26th 10am Matins; 11am Divine Liturgy
Wed 29th No Service – Fr Samuel Away

Name days
6th Fr George Robinson (OS)
8th Patriarch John; John Maxfield
9th Stephan Robinson
10th Simon Harvey
21st Fr Constantin; Helena Badin; Elena Bendo; Helena Carson; Ileana Grigoriou
29th Lucas Joy
30th Isaac Norman Davies
Reposed
20th Jean Grace (2008)
Deanery Parish Feasts
12th Saint Aethelheard, Louth
19th Saint Dunstan, Poole
21st Saint Helen, Colchester; Saint Constantine, York

In our Antiochian Patriarchate there is no fasting during the Paschal Season right through
to Feast of the Ascension (13th June).
Because of the late date of Pascha there is no Apostles’ Fast this year!

The Great And Holy Feast Of Pascha



(from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website)


Introduction
On the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha, Orthodox Christians celebrate the lifegiving
Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This feast of feasts is
the most significant day in the life of the Church. It is a celebration of the defeat
of death, as neither death itself nor the power of the grave could hold our
Saviour captive. In this victory that came through the Cross, Christ broke the
bondage of sin, and through faith offers us restoration, transformation, and
eternal life.


Commemoration Of The Great And Holy Feast Of Pascha
Holy Week comes to an end at sunset of Great and Holy Saturday, as the Church
prepares to celebrate her most ancient and preeminent festival, Pascha, the
feast of feasts. The time of preparation will give way to a time of fulfilment. The
glorious and resplendent light emanating from the empty Tomb will dispel the
darkness. Christ, risen from the dead, cracks the fortress of death and takes
"captivity captive" (Psalm 67:19). All the limitations of our createdness are torn
asunder. Death is swallowed up in victory and life is liberated. "For as by a man
came death, by a man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all
die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:21-22). Pascha is
the dawn of the new and unending day. The Resurrection constitutes the most
radical and decisive deliverance of humankind.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental truth and absolute fact of
the Christian faith. It is the central experience and essential kerygma of the
Church. It confirms the authenticity of Christ's remarkable earthly life and
vindicates the truth of His teaching. It seals all His redemptive work: His life, the
model of a holy life; His compelling and unique teaching; His extraordinary

works; and His awesome, life-creating death. Christ's Resurrection is the
guarantee of our salvation. Together with His Ascension it brings to perfection
God's union with us for all eternity.
The Resurrection made possible the miracle of the Church, which in every age
and generation proclaims and affirms "God's plan for the universe, the ultimate
divinization of man and the created order." The profound experience of and the
unshakable belief in the risen Lord enabled the Apostles to evangelize the world
and empowered the Church to overcome paganism. The Resurrection discloses
the indestructible power and inscrutable wisdom of God. It disposes of the
illusory myths and belief systems by which people, bereft of divine knowledge,
strain to affirm the meaning and purpose of their existence. Christ, risen and
glorified, releases humanity from the delusions of idolatry. In Him grave-bound
humanity discovers and is filled with incomparable hope. The Resurrection
bestows illumination, energizes souls, brings forgiveness, transfigures lives,
creates saints, and gives joy.
The Resurrection has not yet abolished the reality of death. But it has revealed
its powerlessness (Hebrews 2:14-15). We continue to die as a result of the Fall.
Our bodies decay and fall away. "God allows death to exist but turns it against
corruption and its cause, sin, and sets a boundary both to corruption and sin."
Thus, physical death does not destroy our life of communion with God. Rather,
we move from death to life - from this fallen world to God's reign.

Orthodox Celebration Of Pascha
Before midnight on Saturday evening, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous
day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness.
The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are
holding candles. The priest sings: "Come ye and receive light from the unwaning
light, and. glorify Christ, who arose from the dead", and all the people join him
in singing this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Christian holds
the Easter candle as a symbol of his vivid, deep faith in the Resurrection of Jesus
Christ as Saviour. In many churches the priest leads the people outside the
church, where he reads the Gospel which refers to the Angels statement: "He is
Risen; He is not here," (Mark 16:1-8).
Then comes the breathless moment as the people wait for the priest to start the
hymn of Resurrection, which they join him in singing, repeatedly: "Christ has
Risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and has bestowed life
upon those in the tombs". From this moment the entire service takes on a
joyous Easter atmosphere. The hymns of the Odes and Praises of Resurrection

which follow are of superb meaning and expression. The people confess, "This is
the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and
speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ is
risen from the dead". By this hymn they admit that love of one's fellow man is
the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ.
The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is then officiated. At the end of the
Liturgy, a part of the marvellous festival sermon of Saint Chrysostom is read,
which calls upon the people to "Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no
one be fearful of death, for the death of the Saviour has set us free . . . O Death,
where is thy sting? O Hades, where is Thy victory? Christ is Risen and Thou art
overthrown. To Him be glory and power from all ages to all ages."
The Scripture readings for the Divine Liturgy are: Acts 1:1-8 and John 1:1-17.
On Easter Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for prayer with
lighted candles. All sing the hymn, "Christ is Risen from the Dead". The people
greet one another joyously, saying: "Christ is Risen", the Easter salutation which
is answered, "Truly He is Risen". They sing, "the dark shadows of the Law has
passed away by the coming of
grace", and standing in exaltation
they exclaim, "Who is so great a God
as our God?"
The Gospel according to John
(20:19-25) is read in various
languages, proclaiming the Good
News of Resurrection all over the
universe without discrimination. The
fruit of faith in the Resurrection of
the Lord is love in His Name;
therefore, this day is called "Sunday
of Agape" (love feast), a day
dedicated to Christian principles,
especially to forgiveness and charity.
At this time, Christians seek to end
misunderstanding and arguments
among those whom they may be at
odds. Apostle Paul firmly interprets
the Resurrection of Christ, saying: "If
Christ has not been raised, then our
preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The Church
also states in its Creed, "The Third day He rose again."