Weekly Bulletin

As we move through our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we invite you to participate in our third annual Lenten Fundraiser. Your generous support helps ensure the continued financial health of our parish. Our Goal: $10,000. (Stretch Goal: $11,000) To give via check or cash, place your donation in an envelope marked "Lenten Fundraiser" or write it in the memo of your check. Online, you can visit our Tithe.ly page and select the "2026 Lenten Fundraiser" fund. Thank you for your faithful support!

If you would like to tithe to the church, cash and checks can be dropped off in the boxes at the back of the church, or consider signing up for automatic tithing via tithe.ly. Every contribution helps keep our lights on and our services going. Our treasurer Rdr. Marcian is always available to answer any questions. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Fasting: If you want to commune at the Presanctified Liturgy, you should begin fasting from food and liquids other than water at noon of that day. Your last sips of water should be at 1pm. If you are healthy, able-bodied, and would like to fast more strictly that day in anticipation of communion, you can do so in consultation with Fr Mark. Similarly, if you need an dispensation that offers some leeway in anticipation of communion, please consult Fr Mark. Prostrations at Presanctified Liturgy: We prostrate when the Gifts are moved from the Altar to the Table of Oblation (the curtain will be fully pulled). This happens at the end of the third psalter reading during the early part of the liturgy. We prostrate during the appearance of the priest with the Candle and Censer in the Royal Doors as he proclaims: “The Light of Christ enlighteneth all!” During “Let My Prayer Arise,” the people prostrate during the verses but not during the words which are sung: “Let my prayer arise as incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.” A prostration is made at the beginning of "Our Father...". A prostration is made during the silent entrance of the priest with the Holy Gifts from the Table of Oblation, through the Royal Doors and into the altar. A prostration can be made as the priest brings the Gifts out to commune the people (“With fear of God…”) A prostration may be made as the priest intones “Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages” as he blesses the people with the chalice and takes it from the Altar to the Table of Oblation. And of course, full prostrations are made during the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian.

We are more than halfway through Lent and Pascha is on the horizon! Now is a good time to look ahead and start planning for Pascha. On Pascha, we bring baskets to church filled with things we abstained from during the fast. They are left downstairs and blessed at the end of liturgy, before we begin a joyful, especially festive trapeza. Now is a good time to find a basket and start planning what you'll put inside it. Below are links that explain some of the traditional foods included in Pascha baskets, but you can include whatever you wish! People often bring pizza, fried chicken, pies, pot roast, and whatever else they missed during the fast. Baskets are largely for individual consumption, but you are also welcome to bring food to share if you wish. Please note, however, that everything you bring HAS to be taken home at the end of the night.

You can find our current parish needs by clicking the button below, please reach out to Cecilia (Noel) McDowell with any questions.