St.Vladimir Orthodox Church

October 16, 2021

17th Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 8

Saturday, October 16 at 6pm - Vespers
Sunday, October 17 at 10am - Liturgy

We are here at the Sunday of the Annual Meeting, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost and I hope we are really geared up for this meeting. I had a note from Leslee, whose birthday we joyfully celebrated this past Sunday, stating that after lots and lots of years, she wishes not to be secretary after this Annual Meeting. So, I am looking for someone to take on this role. Leslee suggested Rhoda but Rhoda has declined. Leslee says that there are enough men on the Parish Council already, so we are looking for a woman to fill this most awesome position. Just think, to have control of the agendas and the minutes of the meetings, plus send out the Bulletin each week, tell the priest what to do and be the fount of all knowledge as regards the parish, the building, and its place in the world. Fortunately, Leslee will be around to advise us when we don't know the answer to something. Volunteers Please.

The readings for this Sunday are 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 and Saint Luke 6:31-36. Tuesday October 19th is the feast of the Holy Apostle Thomas when the readings are 1 Corinthians 4:9-16 and Saint John 20:19-31, and Friday October 22nd is the feast of Holy Apostle James, son of Alphaeus with the readings 1 Corinthians 4:9-16 and Saint Luke 10:16-21.

Did you hear the Subdeacon say that this is Pizza Sunday? Apparently that is so. Alexey has voted for Pepperoni. If there are other favourites, please let David know. If you make your own pizza, why not bring some to share.

I had a note from Allison telling us that she is well and that her courses are interesting. She further said that she has "joined a wonderful parish community at Holy Myrrhbearers mission," and that she is singing in their choir. Best wishes and God bless you Allison. (She reads our Bulletin.)

I have just spoken with His Eminence Archbishop Irenee, who sends his blessing to us, and particularly for the Annual Meeting. He also said that we need a Filing Cabinet, and I think a two drawer one will do.

O, you remember the photograph of the parish that was taken on November 1st. the year that Archbishop Irenee introduced me to the parish? I want to take an updated photo this Sunday.

Please everyone make sure you are at the church for the photo, the Annual Meeting and the pizza. (I have to make sure I know how to take a time delay photograph with my camera! I bet Alina will take one, and I bet she knows how to time delay.) Can you believe, that was two years ago on November 1st. How time flies. I certainly look back at a time well spent. My apartment has overlooked the comings and goings of ships. My new apartment won't have such a grand view but I shall be on the ground floor, and have a dishwasher, washer and dryer. When a fire alarm goes off, as it did from time to time in my old building, I shall not have to descend the 12 floors to get to safety, and then wait for the two elevators to go back up. The going down was never a problem as I do that every day, it's the waiting for the elevator. Can you believe, I've actually, on several occasions, walked up the 12 floors, that's 24 times 7, plus one.

If you think that we in our 21st century world are taking a lot of trouble over Covid, read Leviticus 13 in the Old Testament, and the laws and regulations involved in skin diseases. They had to take the problems to the priest who declared "clean" or "unclean" - thank goodness I don't have to do that.

I'm writing this on Wednesday and it is the last day of September. Tomorrow is October 1st, on our church calendar, of course, so the feast of the Our Most Holy the Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. We shall have Vespers at 6 this evening but no Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday as we have no midweek choir. Please pray for us all.

That took place but the ending was not as nice as I would have wished. The Vespers was beautiful but the way home was not. I'll not go into details but if you wish to know you can ask after the meeting while we are eating pizza (personally, I can't wait for the pizza!). That's all. Please read the Agenda in the attached file. Please fill out the Membership Form in an attached file and read the Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting, also in an attached file.

May God bless all of us and bless this very special parish,
Most Holy Theotokos protect us,
St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev pray to God for us
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

PS It looks like rain on Sunday! If so - Indoors!