Holy Bread (Prosphora) and Coffee Hour are offered by: Deanna Ferris & Linda Farha

Orthodox servants of God, that they may have mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and visitation: Deanna, Jocelyne, Linda, Alicia, Alyse, Cymone, Paul, Laila, P.J., Jackie, Ezme, Christopher, Zeina, Lauren, Laila, Joaquin, Autumn, Ruth, Tanya, Braden, Tabitha, Liam, Tracy, Elena, Gregg, Mary Ann  AND Teresa, Bobby, Angel, Barbara, John, Maria, Davin, August, Mark, Mary, Mil, Miles.

The Orthodox servants of God departed this life in the hope of resurrection unto life eternal: Eli, Terrie, Mary, Frank, George, Lorraine, Evelyn, Anita, Ray, Randy, Adele, Sandy, Tony, Lydia, Debbie, Yvonne AND Andrew, Clara, Josephine, Kay, Pauline, Jack, Susan.

Trisagion Prayers of Mercy: will be offered today for the repose of the souls of the Servants of God, Eli & Terrie  Ferris

May their memories be eternal!

Your prayers are requested:

Nadia Abdelmaseh, Joan Aboud, George Augst, Kh. Cindy Baize, Dawneen Banks, Karl Beal, Dn. Stephen Beasley, Brenda Bertog, Anita Bourgerie, Dennis Bourgerie, Jim Buckler, Teresa C., Deana Carothers, Roy Clark, George Cochran, Elisabeth Esquivel, Maria Greene, Weine Habtemariam, Jacqueline Howk, Edwin Kerley & family, Mary Ann Khoury, Michael and Robin Khoury and family, Marlo and Sue Kinsey, Sean and Valerie Lehl & family, Matthew and Erica Lockwood, Linda Love, Donna Namee, Robbie Namee, Barbara Nassif, Ken Shaheen, Annalise Shearer, Brian Smith, Bonita Somerhalder, Jerry Stitt, Jacob Taylor, Corina, Cristian, and Iulian Todorache, Autumn and Kim Volhein, Glen Willett, Jadallah Wolf, Kouri Wolf, Marcia Pinkerton-Wolfe, Elena Zamfir, Aidan, Anthony, Briana, Carlynne, Emily, Luciana, Samantha, Valerica, Xenia 

May God remember all of them and us in His Kingdom.

We recently released a St Mary Guidebook for our parishioners. The Guidebook helps to provide insight into our practices, traditions, and expectations at St Mary. A hard copy of the Guidebook is available in the church foyer. If you prefer an electronic copy, let Fr Aaron know and he will email it to you. Each week we will provide a brief snippet from the Guidebook to help familiarize everyone with it. See below for this week's section. 

FASTING

The practice of fasting dates to Christianity's roots in Judaism. In our Church, there are two primary emphases in fasting. First and foremost, in fasting we should limit our food in order to share what we would have normally eaten with those in need. Second, the longer-term purpose of fasting (i.e. still eating at certain times, but limiting the types of food eaten) serves the purpose of us learning obedience and self-denial. In this sense, fasting is not an “end” in and of itself, but a “means to an end,” which is to learn to control or master our desires.

In our attempt to be faithful Orthodox Christians, each person or family must decide to what extent they are able to practice the Church's full prescription for fasting, in consultation with one's Parish Priest. For example, children are not expected to follow the full fast, nor are people with compromised health. Still, in consultation with the Parish Priest, those unable to fulfill the strictest rules may find ways to practice restraint and self-denial. Below, the various times of prescribed fasting are covered in detail.

COMMUNITY LEVEL OF FASTING

While our personal fasting discipline may vary at home, those bringing food to share at the church on fasting days should follow the most stringent fasting guidelines of that particular season. Unless otherwise noted, the normal fasting guidelines restrict us from eating meat, fish, and dairy products, although shellfish are normally allowed. Put differently, we follow a vegan diet on fast days, with the exception of the allowed shellfish.

THE WEEKLY FASTS

The early Christians moved the traditional Jewish Monday and Thursday fasts to Wednesday and Friday to commemorate our Lord's betrayal (on a Wednesday) and crucifixion (on a Friday). We keep these as days of fasting almost every week, unless the fast is superseded by a major Feast. There are also specific seasons or days of commemoration where fasting is prescribed or suspended entirely. These days are normally shared on the monthly calendar and in the Parish Priest’s weekly email to the parish.

THE SEASONS OF FASTING

In addition to the weekly fast days, we also have appointed fasting seasons throughout the year. Some of these (like Great Lent) are quite ancient, while others have developed during the 2,000 year history of the Church. The fasting seasons are:

Great Lent & Holy Week (which includes the pre-Lent progressive fasting period through Great & Holy Saturday, the day before Pascha)

The Apostles Fast (varying in length and beginning the Monday following the First Sunday after Pentecost and concluding on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, June 29; in some years, when Pascha is relatively late, this fasting period does not exist)

The Dormition Fast (August 1-14, concluding on the Great Feast of the Falling Asleep [Dormition] of the Mother of God, August 15)

The Nativity Fast/Advent (November 15-December 24, concluding on the Great Feast of the Nativity [Christmas], December 25)

FASTING IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION

In preparation for the reception of Holy Communion in the Divine Liturgy, a total fast (NO FOOD OR DRINK) is prescribed. For morning Liturgies, this fast should begin no later than midnight the night before. For evening Liturgies, total fasting should begin after a light meal, taken as soon as possible at noon (those who have the strength may fast all day).

Variations to this rule are assumed for those needing food or water due to health issues/medications, pregnant or nursing mothers, and children. In addition, those serving the Church through chanting and/or singing in the Choir may consume water, if necessary. Those who plan to commune but feel they have a legitimate reason to eat or drink during the time of the total fast should do so only after consulting with the Parish Priest.

FAMILY PROMISE June 29 to July 6

St. Mary is the host parish for FAMILY PROMISE the week of June 29th to July 6th. Please use the link below to sign up.  Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on June 15th and June 22nd.  Sign up opportunities include providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, a hot breakfast on Saturday, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending the night at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658 or Father Aaron with any questions.  

St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church: Family Promise June 29

Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps: 
 
- Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT 
 
- Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

- Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

- Click the "Submit" button. 

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues. 

Oliver Gilstrap (6/19), Noah Oller (6/19), Adalynne Ewertt (6/20). James Odong & Stacy Shipman (6/15).

May God grant them many years!