Please see our online calendar for dates and times of Feast Day services.
Jesus Christ teaches us to love and serve all people, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality. To understand this, we need to look no further than to the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, it is offered "on behalf of all, and for all." As Orthodox Christians we stand against racism and bigotry. All human beings share one common identity as children of God. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatian 3:28)
To Our Guests
Throughout our services, we use the more formal "thy" and "thou" or what is commonly referred to as King Jamesean English. The Lord's Prayer is recited as follows:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, as on earth as it is in heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the Evil One.
Please join us after Liturgy for refreshments and hospitality.
Pastoral Care - General Information
Emergency Sick Calls can be made at any time. Please call Fr Steven at (860) 322-2906, when a family member is admitted to the hospital.
Anointing in Sickness: The Sacrament of Unction is available in Church, the hospital, or your home, for anyone who is sick and suffering, however severe.
Marriages and Baptisms require early planning, scheduling and selections of sponsors (crown bearers or godparents). See Father before booking dates and reception halls!
Funerals are celebrated for practicing Orthodox Christians. Please see Father for details. The Church opposes cremation; we cannot celebrate funerals for cremations.
Members of our Parish Council are:
Marlene Melesko - President
Sarah Senetcen - Member at Large
Boris Doph - Treasurer
Dierdre Cottergarfield - Vice President
Luba Martins - Secretary
Mission Statement
St. Alexis Orthodox Christian Church is a local English speaking community of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) on the shoreline of Connecticut.
St. Alexis exists to:
Please Note
We are making the transition to the new website www.stalexischurch.net. This should be automatically accomplished over the next few weeks. All other church links will remain the same (see below). I encourage you to login to full utilize the site's features. Just use your personal email address.
Tag & Bake Sale
As a fund-raiser this year, our efforts combined to raise just over $2370, of which approximately $425 were from the bake sale alone. Thank you all, once again.
AED Use
Video instructions for the use of the Automated Electronic Defibulators can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Qas3q7O3mletF8ceJOq9g4uQzReii8GG&usp=drive_fs
Filesharing
https://sites.google.com/stalexischurch.net/parish/home
If you are asked to enter a username and password, please contact Fr Steven via email.
If you would like to update yourself on the current status of the Strategic Planning, please use the following link.
https://sites.google.com/stalexischurch.net/parish/strategic-planning
Again we pray that we may be made worthy of founding in our Diocese a monastery in honor
of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, let us pray to the Lord!
Pray for: All those confined to hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes due to illness; for all those who serve in the armed forces; widows, orphans, prisoners, victims of violence, and refugees;
All those suffering chronic illness, financial hardship, loneliness, addictions, abuse, abandonment and despair; those who are homeless and dispossesed, those who are institutionalize, those who have no one to pray for them;
All Orthodox seminarians & families; all Orthodox monks and nuns, and all those considering monastic life; all Orthodox missionaries and their families.
All those who have perished due to hatred, intolerance, predjudice; pestilence and natural disaster; all those departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection.
Please let Fr. Steven know via email if you have more names for which to pray.
Today’s commemorated feasts and saints
17th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — Tone 8. Martyrs Callistratus and his company (49 Martyrs—ca. 304). Ven. Savvatii (Sabbatius), Wonderworker of Solovétsky Monastery (1435). Apostles Mark, Aristarchus, and Zenas, of the Seventy (1st c.). Martyr Epicharis of Rome (3rd c.). St Ignatius of Christ the Savior Monastery (963-975).
Again we pray for those who have lost their lives because of the wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East: that the Lord our God may look upon them with mercy, and give them rest where there is neither sickness, or sorrow, but life everlasting.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, for those who are suffering, wounded, grieving, or displaced because of the wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
Again we pray for a cessation of the hostilities against Ukraine and the Middle East, and that reconciliation and peace will flourish there, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
Again we pray thee, O Lord our God: We are all called to be the branches of the spiritual vine that grew from the seeds of the Orthodox Faith that our missionary fathers, Herman and Innocent and their companions, planted and nurtured among the native peoples of Alaska, a vine that bears fruit to this day throughout our land, as we imitate the virtues of those husbandmen, of the many saints known only to God, of the Martyr Peter the Aleut, and of our Mother Olga of Kwethluk; through their intercessions, O Lord, hear us and have mercy!
Again we pray thee, O God our Savior: Look with favor upon us, the families and spiritual children of the peoples who came to our land from the old world and brought with them the Orthodox Faith, which they held fast and nurtured in their labors in the mines and mills and on the farms of this new land, and among the challenges of its great cities; we pray thee, O Lord, hear us and have mercy!
Again we pray thee, O Lord our God: We have thy Mother as the Protectress of Orthodox Christians in our North American lands; as we joyfully celebrate her patronage and her miracles, we pray thee, O Lord, through her intercessions, in all our challenges, hear us and have mercy!
17th Sunday after Pentecost
9:15AM 3rd Hour
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
Ven. Chariton the Confessor
Ven. Cyriacos, Hermit of Palestine
8:30AM Daily Matins
Hieromartyr Gregory of Armenia; Ven. Gregory of Vologda
Davis - A
Matushka Cindy - B
Protection (Pokrov) of the Most-Holy Theotokos
8:30AM Daily Matins
+Nadine Faro
Hieromartyr Cyprian, Martyrs Justina and Theoctistus; Bl. Andrew, Fool-for-Christ
Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite; Martyrs Rusticus the Presbyter and Eleutherius the Deacon; St John the Chozebite, Bishop of Caesarea
Alex & Luba Martins - A
5:30PM Great Vespers
18th Sunday after Pentecost
9:15AM 3rd Hour
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
Ss Peter, Aleksy, Jonah, Philip, Germogen, Metrs. Moscow
These Martyrs contested for the Faith during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288. Saint Callistratus was arrested as a Christian, and after being tormented, was enclosed in a sack and cast into the sea. The sack burst, and the Saint came to dry land safe and sound. Forty-nine soldiers, seeing this, also confessed Christ, and with him were cast into prison, then beheaded.
Saint Chariton was born in the city of Iconium during the reign of Aurelian, about the year 274. He was arrested, tortured, and condemned to death because of his Christian Faith, but finally set free by imperial edict. He came to Palestine, where he took up the ascetic life. He also brought many Jews and pagans to the Faith. Having dwelt in the desert of Judea for many years, and established several monasteries throughout the region, he reposed in peace.
The Prophet Baruch was the son of Nerias, and the disciple of the Prophet Jeremias ( Jer. 39:12; 43:4 LXX). The extant prophetical book that he wrote is divided into five chapters; it was composed in the fifth year of the Babylonian Captivity of the Jews during the years of Sedekias, 583 B.C. The prophetic lection that is read on the eve of the Feast of Christ's Nativity, which bears Jeremias' name, is taken from the prophecy of Baruch (Bar. 3:35-4:4). His name means "blessed."
This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he abode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia.
Saint Romanos flourished during the reign of Anastasius (491-518). He was from Emesa of Syria, and apparently was born of Jewish parents, for a hymn written in his honour in Greek says he was "of Hebrew stock," and it has furthermore been noted that he uses many Semitic idioms in his writings. He was baptized an Orthodox Christian, and at some time became a deacon in the Church of Beirut. He was the first composer of the kontakia, the foremost of which is that of the feast of Christ's Nativity, On this day the Virgin .... In composing many of his kontakia. Saint Romanos was inspired by the hymns of Saint Ephraim of Syria.
The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the tenth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.
The Feast is celebrated on October 1. In the 1950s, the Church of Greece began to observe the Feast on October 28.
Saint Justina who was from Damascus, lived in virginity for the sake of Christ. Saint Cyprian, who was from Antioch, began as an initiate of magic and worshipper of the demons. A certain foolish young man who had been smitten with Justina's beauty hired Cyprian to draw her to love him; when Cyprian had wed every demonic device he knew, and had failed, being repulsed by the power of Christ Whom Justina invoked, he understood the weakness of the demons and came to know the truth. Delivered from demonic delusion, he came to Christ and burned all his books of magic, was baptized, and later ascended the episcopal throne in his country. Later, he and Justina were arrested by the Count of Damascus, and having endured many torments at his hands, they were sent finally to Diocletian in Nicomedia, where they were beheaded about the year 304.
This Saint was from Athens, a learned man, and a member of the famous judicial court of Mars Hill (in Greek Aeros Pagos, hence the name Areopagite (see Acts 17:19-34). When Saint Paul preached in Athens, he was one of the first there to believe in Christ, and, according to some, became the first bishop of that city. Others say -- and this may be more probable--that he was the second Bishop of Athens, after Saint Hierotheus, whom Dionysios calls his friend and teacher "after Paul" (On the Divine Names, 3:2). With Saint Hierotheus he was also present at the Dormition of the most holy Theotokos; the Doxasticon of the Aposticha for the service of the Dormition is partly taken from a passage in Chapter III of On the Divine Names. According to ancient tradition, he received a martyr's end (according to some, in Athens itself) about the year 96.
Tone 8 Troparion (Resurrection)
Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One!
Thou didst accept the three day burial to free us from our sufferings!//
O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to Thee!
Tone 4 Troparion (St. Alexis)
O righteous Father Alexis, our heavenly intercessor and teacher,
divine adornment of the Church of Christ!
Entreat the Master of All to strengthen the Orthodox Faith in America,
to grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy.
Tone 3 Troparion (St. (St. Callistratus)
In contest thou wast strengthened by the Holy Spirit, O Martyr Callistratus,
and wast glorious in casting down the Enemy.
Thou didst offer a noble army of athletes
as sweet-smelling incense to Christ.//
With them pray for us who praise thee with hymns!
Tone 8 Kontakion (Resurrection)
By rising from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam.
Eve exults in Thy Resurrection,//
and the world celebrates Thy rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
Tone 5 Kontakion (St. Alexis)
Let us, the faithful praise the Priest Alexis,
a bright beacon of Orthodoxy in America, a model of patience and humility,
a worthy shepherd of the Flock of Christ.
He called back the sheep who had been led astray
and brought them by his preaching to the Heavenly Kingdom.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
Tone 4 Kontakion (St. Callistratus)
Like stars you have shone upon the world,
shedding the light of your contests and miracles upon all who cry to you://
“Rejoice, Martyr Callistratus and fellow company of martyrs!”
now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Tone 6 Kontakion (Steadfast Protectress)
Steadfast Protectress of Christians,
Constant Advocate before the Creator;
despise not the entreating cries of us sinners,
but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith.
Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us,
O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you!
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest! Alleluia (3X)
Prokeimenon. 8th Tone. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1.
Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.
1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11
At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Several years ago, I came across a series of books, collectively refered to as the Ancient Practices Series. Written by various Prodestent authors, this collection of eight books explores the various practices of the "ancient" Church.
What can such a series provide to an Orthodox Christian?
First, it provides an overview of how western Christians view Orthodox practices and why they might be so appealing to someone seeking the True Faith. Secondly, such a series allows us to reflect on our own practices of faith.
Lex orandi, lex credendi is a Latin motto meaning “the rule of prayer [is] the rule of belief,” which says that how Christians worship shapes what they believe: hence it is good to understand why we "do what we do."
Over the next few weeks, I will provide a summary of each of the books in this series, in the hopes that you might wish to explore the richness of our Faith in more depth.
Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices — Summary
Brian D. McLaren's Finding Our Way Again (2008) argues that many modern people feel spiritually disconnected because faith has become focused more on beliefs and arguments than on lived spiritual practices. He proposes that Christians can renew their spiritual lives by rediscovering ancient disciplines that have been practiced for centuries.
Central Thesis
McLaren contends that contemporary society is caught between:
He suggests a "fourth way": recovering ancient Christian practices that cultivate a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful way of life.
The Ancient Practices
The book introduces several historic spiritual disciplines, including:
McLaren presents these practices not as religious rules but as tools that help people become more attentive to God, community, and the world around them.
The Threefold Spiritual Journey
A key section of the book describes the traditional path of spiritual growth:
McLaren presents these as stages and patterns found throughout Christian spiritual history.
Major Themes
Overall Message
McLaren encourages readers to look backward in order to move forward. By recovering time-tested spiritual practices, modern Christians can experience a more vibrant, practical, and transformative faith. The goal is not to become more religious, but to become more fully alive to God and to others.
One-Sentence Takeaway
The book argues that modern spiritual renewal comes not from new ideas alone, but from rediscovering and practicing the ancient disciplines that have shaped faithful lives for centuries.