The Dove

St. Paul, as he writes to the Hebrews in today’s Epistle reading (Heb 9:11-14), speaks to us about sacrifices and offerings. Specifically, he instructs the Jews on the shortcomings of the offerings they make compared to the sacrifice offered by, and found in, Jesus Christ. He reminds them that their sacrifices offered in the Temple were temporary, they satisfied the moment and were temporary. The sacrifice offered by Christ is eternal. Before the Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem the people would bring appropriate offerings and the priest would make a sacrifice. On the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the high priest clothed in white would enter the Holy of Holies, the place in the Temple that no one was permitted to enter except the high priest on this feast, to sprinkle the blood of the calf that had been sacrificed. During this elaborate ceremony the high priest would confess his sins, the sins of the priests, and the sins of all Israel. As the ceremony comes to an end, a goat, sy...

Last Sunday, our youngest Sunday School group made their own Ladder of Divine Ascent sharing each step on how they can be closer to Christ and be a good Christian. Our GOYAans also joined, reading to the kids about St. John Climacus, and helping explain the meaning of each step.

 

  Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. Tom after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Nick Bouritsas, Dimitri Zaferacopoulos; Greeter: Eleni Asimacopoulos; Ushers: Charlie Eliopoulos, Michael Kalambokis, Jim Karimbakas, Lula Kiflit.   MEMORIAL:  The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the souls of  Mary Critikos   (1 year),  Theodore Critikos  (2 years), and  Thomas Saxonis  (23 Years) .   Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the  souls o...

During Great Lent, one of the chief prayers that work to strengthen us is the Prayer of St. Ephraim. I share with you a couple of personal thoughts about the prayer and how it can impact our lives. The opening words of the prayer establish our relationship with the Lord. By addressing Him as the ‘Master of my life,’ we openly admit to ourselves that God is greater than we are. We are not His puppets, but willingly follow Him. As our master we must willingly follow what He demands of us, especially if we call ourselves Christians. The key word is willingly. We accept Him as our God and in so doing realize that we do not have all the answers and that even if we try, we cannot make ourselves greater than Him. In the second line of the prayer, we ask Him to strengthen us, not by letting personal behaviors hinder our growth in relationships; with God and with others. Rather, instilling within us traits that will promote growth and understanding. The traits that hinder us cause us to...

Please see the Holy Week Schedule for times and services. Holy Week begins Palm Sunday evening, on April 28 with the Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service at 7:00 pm. Join your Cathedral Family for services throughout the Holy Week and the Anastasis. A p ril 28 – GREAT & HOLY WEEK BEGINS Evening of Palm Sunday Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service, 7:00 pm A p ril 29– Holy Monday Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service,7:00 pm A p ril 30– Holy Tuesday Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service-Hymn of Kassiani, 7:00 pm May 1– Holy Wednesday Holy Unction Service, 3:00 pm  Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service and anointing with Holy Unction- 7:00 pm  May 2– Holy Thursday Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great - Mystical Supper with Holy Communion, 9:00 am Holy Passion, the 12 Gospels, 7:00 pm May 3– Holy Friday Service of the Royal Hours, 9:00 am The Unnailing Service–Apokathelosis 3:00 pm The Epitaphios – Lamentations, 7:00 pm May 4 – Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great & Holy Communion, 9:00 am ...

  We invite all of our Cathedral Youth to join us on Friday, May 3rd at noon for our Holy Friday retreat featuring a talk from our Dean, Fr. Tom, and our former pastoral assistant, Jack Bushell. Lunch will then the provided followed by an arts and crafts project led by our Sunday School teachers. Our youth will then have the opportunity to decorate the Epitaphio. We hope to see you all there!

This past weekend, our Annunciation Cathedral participated in the Annual Greek Independence Day Parade.

 

  The power of the Cross is not found in the wood of the cross, but in the person of Christ. The cross was a sign of death, but through Christ it becomes a sign of life. This is made abundantly clear as St. Paul writes to the Hebrews in today’s Epistle reading and identifies Christ as the High Priest. “For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:15-16) The image of the High Priest is one familiar with the Jews of that time for it was central to their understanding of man’s relationship with God. The High Priest of the Temple was the one person selected who presented the people to God. The Lord had provided the people a way to atone for their sin, but it was temporary based on a transactional understanding of man’s relationship with God....

Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. Tom after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Nick Bouritsas, Peter Koshivos; Greeter: Lula Kiflit; Ushers: Chuck Papaslis, Elaine Racheotes, Tina Savvidis, Carol Travayiakis . TRISAGION: Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the soul of John A. Orphanos . May his memory be Eternal! FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please join us for fellowship immediately following the Liturgy in the Anastasia and Spiro Davis Hall. The fellowship hour will be jointly sponsored by the Federation of H...