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May 31, 2020

7th Sunday of Pascha
After feast of the Ascension
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

From Fr. David:

Readings for this Sunday

Epistle - Acts 20:16-18, 28-36

This is the ideal time to read the book in the New Testament called The Acts of the Apostles. The story really is exciting. It is the second book written by St. Luke who wrote the Gospel. It begins with Jesus Ascending into Heaven and ends with St. Paul in Rome awaiting execution. It deals with the followers of Jesus going to various places healing and preaching to the people, telling them about Jesus. It is through these missions and teachings about Jesus that eventually the Gospels themselves became to be written. We know from the text of Acts that St. Luke was writing to someone named Theophilus and explaining the wonders of Jesus' life and teachings - look at the beginning of Acts:

"In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach..."

It is really worth reading the Acts of the Apostles. There are many free versions of the Holy Bible available on the Internet. Officially in the church we use King James, New King James or Revised Standard. These are true to the "given text". I sometimes use the ESV myself.

Gospel - St. John 17:1-13

This Gospel reading is part of the great High Priestly Prayer that Jesus prays before His trial and eventual Crucifixion. It is the real prayer of Jesus, addressed to His Father. It was prayed in the presence of his followers who obviously wrote it down afterwards. It sounds like a last prayer before going away. If you read it in full, it is quite touching as Jesus talks to His Father. If you remember, at some point Jesus addressed His Father, calling Him "Abba", which is a very personal way of exclaiming "Father". The closeness was obviously very personal and Jesus felt that very strongly; obviously then He would feel the loneliness of the cross very deeply.

Last Sunday when I arrived at the church at about 9, there were already three cars there. Crystal and Yan were there working on the gardens on each side of steps to the front door and on the new children's garden between the two back doors. David was also there fetching and carrying water bottles and watering the plants. Soon, Heather and the girls arrived. I served the Liturgy with Subdeacon David reading and replying. It was a good service.

It was certainly a joy to celebrate the Ascension with Father Alexander. He served the Liturgy while I did the chanters parts. What an incredible joy it is to serve or be present at a Liturgy with people you love. That's why I miss the people of this parish so much; you are my family in Christ.

Pentecost, that's Sunday 7th of June, the two new Catechumens will visit for the first time. Archbishop Irenee has given his blessing for their visit. Father Alexander met them when he admitted them to the Catechumenate at their home in Antigonish. This will be my chance to meet them and I look forward to that. The Pentecost Liturgy (God willing) will be "live-streamed" to everyone via our YouTube channel. Look for the details and the link to that in the next bulletin. It will be good to see you all again!

We must continue to remember in our prayers those attending to the sick, and those infected by "the virus": May God bless, protect and heal.

O God Almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, and of all creation visible and invisible, in thine ineffable goodness, look down upon thy people gathered in thy name. Be our helper and defender in this day of affliction. Thou knowest our weakness. Thou hearest our cry in repentance and contrition of heart. O Lord who lovest mankind deliver us from the impending threat of the corona virus. Send thine angel to watch over us and protect us. Grant health and recovery to those suffering from this virus. Guide the hands of physicians, and preserve those who are healthy that we may continue to serve thee in peace and glorify thy most honorable and majestic name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Боже Вседержителю, Господи небесе и земли, всея твари, видимыя же и невидимыя, по неизреченной благости Твоея призри на люди Твоя, к Тебе притекающия. Буди нам Помощник и Защититель в сей день скорби. Веси бо немощи наша, слышиши глас покаяния и умиления сердечнаго. Господи Человеколюбче, избави нас от напасти коронавируса на ны движимыя. Ниспосли ангела Твоего призирати на ны и избавити ны. Страждущим от болезни здравие и исцеление подаждь. Руки врачующих направи. Здравых в здравии сохрани, да в мире поработают Ти и да прославят пресвятое и великополепое имя Твое, Отца и Сына и Святаго Духа, ныне и присно, и во веки веков, аминь.

PS Don't forget the Catechumens Evangeline, Braidyn, Jeffrey and Seamus.

May God bless us all.