Holy Ghost Orthodox Christian Church A Church of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese 249 South Seventh Avenue Manville, N.J. 08835 Phone: 908-725-3385 Glory be to Jesus Christ! Glory be Forever! Reverend Father Matthew D. Moriak, Pastor Read Father Matthew's Welcome Letter Here Cantor and Choir Director: Pani Jodi Moriak E-mail Father Matthew - FrMatthew@holyghostoc.org Church President churchpresident@holyghostoc.org Church Webmaster webmaster@holyghostoc.org Schedule of Services Monday, June 22nd Divine Liturgy 9:00 AM In memory of +Mary Lozak Wednesday, June 24th Moleben to St. Nectarios 7:00 PM Sunday, June 28th 3rd Sunday after Pentecost Reading of the Hours 9:15 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Last Day of Sunday School Daily Scripture Readings For the Week Monday, June 22nd Romans 7:1-13 Matthew 9:36-10:8 Tuesday, June 23rd Romans 7:14-8:2 Matthew 10:9-15 Wednesday, June 24th Romans 8:2-13 Matthew 10:16-22 Thursday, June 25th Romans 8:22-27 Matthew 10:23-31 Friday, June 26th Romans 9:6-19 Mt. 10:32-36;11:1 Saturday, June 27th Romans 3:28-43 Matthew 7:24-8:4 Sunday, June 28th Romans 5:1-10 Matthew 6:22-33 ____________________________________ Anniversary News and Notes *We are still accepting Church photos that will be used in a video presentation on the Church's history* Holy Ghost Bazaar-Part II Despite the poor weather yesterday, we did quite well with the yard sale. Thanks to everyone who came out and took part! We are going to "continue" the bazaar on Friday, July 3rd. Anyone wishing to participate is more than welcome to do so. If you already paid $20 for a table yesterday, you do not have to re-pay to have a table again. Anyone who did not purchase a table to sell items yesterday, but would like to on the 3rd is more than welcome to do so. Weather permitting, we may try to have the car wash that day as well. *Any and all anniversary questions can be directed to Anniversary chairperson Stephen Wythe* _______________________________________________ Sobor News We will be stuffing bags for distribution at the Sobor downstairs in the hall on Wedneday, July 8th at 7 PM. If you have any time that evening to help, it would be greatly appreciated. ********************************************** Please let Father Matthew know if you are able to assist with registration on the opening day of the Sobor (Sunday, July 12th). ____________________________________ What is Stewardship? Stewardship is *the realization that everything we have is a gift from God; *the spiritual vision that enables us to discern our gifts and to determine their proper use; *the utilization of our time, talents, and treasures for the growth and extension of God's Kingdom; and *the setting aside of the first portion-not the leftovers!-of our gifts for this work. ___________________________________________________ Play Ball!!! The third game of the New Jersey Deanery softball league was postponed due to field conditions. We will once again be taking on Rahway on Friday, June 26th in Edison. The game will begin at 7 PM under the lights! It should be a fun night, so consider coming down to play in or watch the game. Direct any questions to Andrew Wythe. ____________________________________ Sunday School Notes Sunday, June 28th, will be the final day of the Sunday School year. Following class, there will be some special treats for the children during coffee social. We want to thank the parents of our Church school children for realizing the importance of their children being educated in the faith, and the children themselves for their dedication. ___________________________________________________ Adult Education Our Monday adult class will meet on Monday, June 22nd. We continue to look at the Gospel of St. Luke. Please come to class on having read chapters 17 and 18 of St. Luke's Gospel. ___________________________________________ ____________________________________ Memorial Fund to be Established At the annual parish meeting in late February, it was proposed and unanimously agreed upon to establish a memorial fund for our parish. The memorial fund would be used to pay for certain projects that would otherwise need fund raisers and/or donations in order for them to be done. The memorial fund will be built up from monies given to the Church when a parish member falls asleep in the Lord. Many times, when someone passes away, if there is no specific designation, people will ei ther donate money directly to the Church, or they will donate money for Panachidas or memorial Divine Liturgies. The money for these services goes to the priest, and more often than not, especially in the case of weekday Divine Liturgies, it is difficult for the family to attend and rare for the donor to be able to attend. When someone falls asleep in the Lord, Father will always serve a Panachida on the Sunday following as well as a Divine Liturgy on or near the 40th day of their repose. There is no charge to the family for these services. In order to establish the memorial fund, we are asking our parish family to consider asking that donations made in memory of their departed family members be given directly to Holy Ghost Church. This money can then be used to purchase something in memory of that person, or if it stays in the fund longer, can be used towards a larger project down the line. When we have projects that we would like to do, without donations, fundraising is always an issue and requires a lot of work. With the memorial fund, we will have money set aside when projects arise. Examples of potential projects would be things like re-painting the Church domes or building a bell tower for the old bell. The memorial fund would not be used for projects like tree removals or paving of driveways, etc. As for Panachidas or memorial liturgies besides the aforementioned ones Father will automatically serve on the Sunday following and the 40th day, Father is more than happy to serve additional services at any time. People will often ask for a Panachida or Liturgy on or around the date the person fell asleep in the Lord, or on or around their birthday. The establishment of this memorial fund in no way means that Panachidas and memorial Liturgies cannot be served. It is simply being done to have a set place for monies donated in memory of someone to go. If there are any questions about the memorial fund, please don't hesitate to ask. You can direct your questions to Father Matthew or to any member of the parish board and they will be happy to give you more details. ____________________________________ Canned Goods Drive At last month's board meeting, it was proposed and passed that we start an ongoing canned goods collection for the community. We always are able to collect food around Christmas and the Super Bowl, but as we know, there is always a need all year long. As canned goods are collected, they will be distributed to local food banks and charities. Children who are participating in food drives at their schools will be able to use the food in the Church. Any time you are out shopping and want to buy some food for the needy, it can be delivered to the Church. Boxes for the canned goods are now available in the vestibule! ________________________________________ Iconography Project I am pleased to announce that in the last few days, the final two icons of the Holy Prophets, which will eventually be on either side of the icon of the Dormition in the Vestibule of the Church, have been spoken for. This means that all 21 icons that are a part of our 75th Anniversary Iconography project will be donated and completed. We can see from the icons that are already completed and installed, the beauty that has been added to our already beautiful Church. Thank you to everyone who has and is giving so generously to make this project become a reality. May God bless each and every one of you! -Fr. M __________________ Regular Services Divine Liturgy is celebrated at 9:30AM Father Matthew is holding a monthly Panachida in memory of the departed faithful of our parish family. As has been done in the past, the Panachida will be held the last Sunday of each month. Father Matthew is also holding a monthly Moleben the first Sunday of each month. During this Moleben, we pray for all of those who are celebrating birthdays and wedding anniversaries for the month ahead. As we hold these Molebens, please inform Father of any birthdays or anniversaries he might miss. St. Nectarios Moleben St. Nectarios is a healing saint and the patron saint of cancer victims. The highlight of this beautiful service is the anointing with the blessed oil from the shrine of this saint. All are welcome to attend. Monthly Panachida Prayer for the departed is a beautiful part of the Orthodox tradition. Many of our parishioners offer Panachidas to be sung in memory of their loved ones, and we as a parish family pray for those people together. With that in mind, Father will reserve the last Sunday of each month to have a Panachida in memory of all the departed of our parish family who reposed that given month. The names of those remembered will be printed in the bulletin for that Sunday, and if anyone wishes to add names that are not already included, please let Father know. _______________________________________________ Adult Education Class The Monday adult class will resume tomorrow, May 11th at 7 PM in the Church hall. We will continue our look at the Gospel of St. Luke. Additional classes, as well as dates for the Sunday Clergy Raps will be posted in future bulletins. __________________ Camp Nazareth Info. Camper registration forms and staff applications are currently available in the vestibule of the Church. Our Diocesan camping session is Sunday, July 19th-Saturday, July 25th. Family Day raffle tickets are also available for sale. Cost of one ticket is $20 with all proceeds going to directly benefit the Camp and its ministry. The grand prize once again is $10,000! Please see Fr. Matthew if you are interested in purchasing tickets. ____________________________________ What's the Response? I was recently asked what all of the responses were to the various greetings we may give to each other throughout the year as Orthodox Christians. It seemed like a good idea to print them all here as a reminder of each response. Glory be to Jesus Christ-Glory be Forever Christ is Among us or Christ is in our Midst-He is and always shall be During the Nativity Season: Christ is Born-Glorify Him During the Paschal Season: Christ is Risen!-Indeed He is Risen! For the Feast of Theophany: Christ is Baptized-In the Jordan _______________________________________________ For update on the condition of the Church following the April 15th, 2007 nor'easter click here ____________________________________ Improvised Sermons WHAT'S IT ALLABOUT??? Fr. Matthew would like to give all of you a chance to help determine what he preaches about from time to time. HOW DOES IT WORK??? There will bea suggestion box in the vestibule of the Church. All you have to do is write a question or topic you would like to hear Father preach about. As long as it pertains to our faith. WHAT HAPPENS THEN??? Father will periodically pick a topic and preach about it with NO preperation!! ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Holy Ghost Community Charities (H.G.C.C.) The purpose of the H.G.C.C. is to allow us to respond to our community in times of need. By simply dropping in loose change or our spare dollars on a weekly basis, we hope to build up this charities fund. This way, if a need arises, rather than to take the time to plan a fundraiser or other such plan, we can respond immediately where there is a need. Thank you and God bless you for your contributions! ____________________________________ IOCC Please visit IOCC.org, the website for International Orthodox Christian Charities. Learn about its ongoing relief work in the USA and around the world, and find out how you can help those in need! ____________________________________ ____________________________________ NEW Library Materials Booklets Father Matthew redently ordered and received a number of new booklets for use in our Church Library. The booklets are part of a series put out by Conciliar Press and they cover a wide range of topics in brief, easy to read formats. The booklets are authored by a number of different Orthodox Bishops, clergy, and scholars. Father encourages everyone to take a look at them. You can borrow them as you would any book in the library; simply fill in your name, the book borrowed and the date on an index card and drop it in the box. We ask that only take one booklet at a time, and plan on keeping them for one week, since they are not lenghty. Magazines We also have purchased 3 year subscriptions to 2 Orthodox magazines. Again: The Ancient Christian Faith Today is celebrating 30 years of publication. The Handmaiden is a journal for women serving God within the Orthodox Christian faith. Both magazines are published quarterly. As with the booklets, if you plan to borrow an issue, please return it the following week. ____________________________________ Soup Kitchen St. John's in Perth Amboy runs a soup kitchen in their parish hall every Monday evening between 5 and 6 P.M. Fr. Michael Rosco has informed Fr. Matthew that anyone wishing to volunteer and help is more than welcome to join them at any time. If anyone has any questions about this community service opportunity, please direct them to Fr. Matthew. ___________________________________________ IMPORTANT REMINDER!! Please remember to ALWAYS contact me if you or someone from the parish are admitted to the hospital, even if you feel it is something minor. I want to be able to administer to the sick of the parish in as timely a fashion as possible, and, at the very least, to offer my prayers, but I need everyone's help to be able to do so. Thank you so much for your cooperation! - Fr. Matthew _______________________________________________________ Ordering Orthodox Books/Materials. The following are excellent websites if you are looking to order Orthodox books or materials, either for yourself or to donate to the Church libary: http://www.conciliarpress.com http://www.light-n-life.com _______________________________________________________ Interested in Mission Work? A living witness of pur Orthodox Christian faith is one of the greatest gifts we can share. The witness often comes through an expression of service, which feeds the hungry, heals the sick, builds churches and cares for children. The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is offering several 2-4 week Mission Team opportunities this year that will allow you to share the faith with communities in need around the world. All Orthodox Christians over the age of 18 are asked to prayerfully consider applying for an Orthodox Mission Team. For more information or to apply, contact Andrew Lekos at teams@ocmc.org. Information and applications can also be found at the OCMC website by visiting www.ocmc.org/teams. _____________________________________________________ "Daylight" Available for Everyone It has been brought to Father's attention from other priests in the Diocese that adults are enjoying reading the new youth newsletter, Daylight. Anyone interested in seeing the publication can view it on the Diocesan website here. If you would like a hard copy of the newsletter, please let Father Matthew know and he will provide it for you. _____________________________________________________ Church Library As you probably have noticed already, the books in our new parish library are now available. If you wish to borrow a book, all you have to do is take an index card, fill out your name, the title of the book, and the date, and place the card in the box on the table. There is no "due date" for any borrowed books. All we ask is that you try to borrow books at a time when you will have time to read them, so they are not out for too long. There are still donated monies which will be used to purchase more books as we expand over the coming weeks. Thank you all have made donations, and please, enjoy! _____________________________________________________ A LIVING CHURCH A Living Church always has parking problems; a dead church doesn't. A Living Church has lots of "noisy" children; a dead church doesn't. A Living Church often changes the way things are done; a dead church, NEVER! A Living Church often asks for money for the missions and the poor; a dead church tries to keep plenty of money in the treasury. A Living Church asks people to "open up" and risk involvement; a dead church plays it safe and never takes risks. A Living Church sees challenges and opportunities; a dead church sees only problems and dangers. A Living Church often apologizes, forgives and seeks forgiveness; a dead church never makes mistakes. A Living Church uses its traditions and facilities to serve people; a dead church uses people to preserve facilities and traditions. A Living Church believes in God's guiding Spirit and "let's go with faith"; a dead church believes only in the past and is satisfied merely to "hold on". A Living Church is filled with committed givers; a dead church is filled with "tippers". A Living Church dares to dream - great dreams for God's Kingdom; a dead church has only nightmares. How do you see yourself? Your vision of "self" effects what you are and what you will become. How do you see Church? Your answer effects our relationship with God and one another. In either case, it's truly a matter of Life and Death. Above all else, the real Life and Death question is: HOW DOES GOD SEE US! Hopefully, each of us will hear those wonderful words from our Father; "Well done, In you I take delight. Welcome home. I'm happy you are here". ____________________________________ A Closer Look at the Lord's Prayer The Lord's Prayer is one of the first prayers we all learn as a child. We know it so well that we may be tempted to say it without thinking of its meaning. It is a soimple prayer, but with a great deal of spiritual depth behind it. After all, it is this prayer Jesus told to His disciples when they asked Him to teach them how to pray. The Lord's Prayer consists of seven petitions, and these are things that we should ask of our Heavenly Father. 1 - Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. In the first petition, we should beseech our Heavenly Father that His name, which is always holy in itself, be hallowed, with His blessing, both in us and through us (Matthew 5:16). The Lord is fullness and perfection of sanctity but, by glorifying Him, we sanctify ourselves and the surrounding world. 2 - Thy Kingdom come. In the second petition, we ask the Lord to help us make us worthy, through His grace, of the Kingdom of Heaven, which begins, as Christ Himself said, here on earth, within us. But it will only come to us in the fullness of its power when Sin ceases to hold undivided sway in us and righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:17) abide in us. 3 - Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven In the third petition, we beseech God the Father that He not allow us to live our earthly lives axxording to our sinful ways, but according to His will, which is always good, and acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2). By obeying the will of God, we begin to establish the Kingdom of God within ourselves. 4 - Give us this day our daily bread; In the fourth petition we beseech God to give us our daily bread - everything we need in life, spiritual as well as physical. Our spiritual bread is the grace-bestowing Sacraments of the Church, instituted for our salvation. First and foremost, our daily bread means Holy Communion, of which the Lord said: I am the bread of life...and the bread which I shall give for life of the world is My Flesh (John 6:48,51). Material bread means all that is necessary for hu,an existence, directly associated with the surrounding world. The words "this day" warns us against too many cares, and teaches us to ask only for what is most essential, because the Lord says: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own troubles be sufficient for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day (Matthew 6:33-34). 5 - And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. In the fifth petition the Lord teaches us how to ask forgiveness for our sins from the Heavenly Father. and how they may be forgiven. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also Who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father Who is in heaven forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26). Man's sins are called trespasses against God in this petition and here we beg for God's mercy. This is our confession, asking for His forgiveness. Whoever seeks forgiveness should resort to the healing power of repentance and forgive his neighbor, the trespasser. When we forgive our tresspassers, then God will also forgive our sins (Mark 4:24). 6 - And lead us not into temptation In the sixth petition we ask the Lord that He not allow us to fall into sin. We ask Him to preserve us from all that confuses our spirit and from temptations that are beyond our strength to reject. If we encounter on our earthly path trials and temptations sent for our purification from sin and spiritual fortification, then we ask God to send us His timely help. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). For because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted (Heb. 2:18), St. Paul says, indicating the Helper and Accomplisher of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. 7- But deliver us from evil. In the seventh and final petition, we ask that we be protected against and saved from Evil and the Devil, who is a murderer from the beginning and works for our destruction. As St. Peter says, the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Remembering the Enemy of our salvation, the Lord urges us to be vigilant and sobor of spirit, to have courage to accomplish a feat, teaches us to pray for one another, and by prayer to the Heavenly Father, to fortify ourseleves spiritually and free ourseleves from misfortune and disaster. Final Thoughts Thus the Lord's Prayer is the unfailing model and rule for all prayers. The Church uses it in all the sacramental orders, and in all the Divine Services. As St. John Chrysostom says, it is the "crown of all prayers". The above information taken from the book " These TruthsWe Hold." ____________________________________ RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION Below are a few directions on receiving Holy Communion. The Body and Blood of Christ is the most precious treasure and it must be protected from harm. Following these directions will help to limit the possibility of dropping the Holy Eucharist, and to give it the proper reverence. 1 - When coming forward to receive Communion, please cross your hands across your chest, right hand over left. This symbolizes the wings of the angels as they offer worship to the Lord. In the practical sense, it limits your hands from interfering with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist. Keep your hands that way while receiving Communion and as you walk away from the Chalice. The reason: there is no way that the Chalice will be hit. You should never make the sign of the Cross while you are near the Chalice. Many times, the Chalice has been hit when someone immediately makes the sign of the Cross by the Chalice. Also, do not grab the Chalice in your hand to bring it forward to venerate. Father will offer the Chalice to venerate. 2 - Do not feel the need to grab the cloth, either to hold it, or to wipe your lips. Those who hold the cloth will wipe your lips for you, if need be. The cloth will be held open directly under your chin to catch the Eucharist if it should fall from the spoon. If the cloth is held correctly, and not touched by the communicant, the Eucharist will never fall on the ground. 3 - Come close to the Chalice when you receive the Eucharist. The less distance Father has to bring the spoon from the Chalice to you, the less chance of it falling off. You may receive it two ways: you may simply take it off the spoon as you would when you eat; or you may open your mouth so that Father can drop it into your mouth. If you receive it the 2nd way (as most do) please open your mouth widely and be sure to tilt your head back. If your head is facing forward, it is hard to control whether or not the Communion will roll forward and out of your mouth. 4 - Gum should not be chewed right after Holy Communion. Be sure to eat or drink something first. Hopefully, these helpful hints will protect the Eucharist and help Father to fulfill his responsibility in doing the same.