The Messenger
“The world is passing away, and the desires of it; but the one doing the will of God abides forever."
1 John 2:17
True and False Knowledge
St. Dimitry of Rostov
1. We have said, the primary cause and beginning of Adam's fall was foolishness. The cause of every good beginning and action is reason, but, as I have said, reason that is true and right, because true reason is pleasing and wrong reason is to be rejected. A right mind grows and multiplies through mental action and the keeping of the commandments of the Lord. In Paradise Adam was given commandments to do and keep, and as he did not act mindfully, he did not keep the commandments.
2. Even the demons are considered rational and wise but they do not abide in the truth, nor do they desire to abide in it; therefore they are rejected. As mercy without truth is unpleasant, for both must be balanced, so is unrighteous wisdom unpleasant, as the prophet says, “Of mercy and judgment will I sing unto Thee, O Lord; I will chant and have understanding in a blameless path. When wilt Thou come unto me?”2 So it is of benefit to have reason and to blamelessly glorify it equally with truth. 3. There is nothing that the Lord loves and requires more than a true and right mind, therefore the whole of our podvig, all of our labors and cares, must be directed to acquiring a right mind, and holding to truth – to abide in it unto death, “Be faithful unto Me to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). All those depraved of mind who speak against the truth, although they are cunning and plot many things, are but preaching a lie instead of the truth. But a lie can never be the truth, nor can it ever be pleasing to the Lord.4. Heretics and all those of an evil-mind may also seem to be wise and reasonable, but they do not abide, nor do they desire to abide, in the truth; for they are darkened in their understanding and blinded by their lies. Therefore, their wisdom must be rejected and trampled upon – wisdom mixed with lies and philosophy mixed with untruth cannot be accepted. For example, how can any Western (European) wisdom, those who rationalize contrary to the Church and hold the truth in untruth, be acceptable to God? It cannot be accepted. 5 The mind that deviates from the truth is false and God is not pleased with it. Those who dwell in such a mind will fall into evil-minded deeds and come under the authority of the father of lies – the devil – and become scattered into various heresies. But the person who seeks a true and right mind, such a one will strive after the Lord and acquire Him. For no one may ever acquire Him but through a true and right mind. Set Service Schedule:
Weekend schedule
- Every Saturday, Great Vespers 5:30 pm.
- Every Sunday, Hours at 9:10 am & Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.
See the calendar below for more service times.
Coffee fellowship:
Bible Study / Orthodox Education: see calendar for details
Upcoming Major & Great Feasts: Nativity of the Theotokos and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Women's group: see above calendar
“Our chief task in this evil time of lying shamelessness is to remain totally faithful and devoted to the genuine truth of the Gospel and to the author of our salvation, Christ, the Giver of life.”
Archbp. Averky of blessed memory
Parish notes
A church cleaning list is now in the Narthex, please consider signing up to clean the Church nave for a month.
Confession is an integral part of true Christian living. An Orthodox Christian who is regularly partaking of Holy Communion needs, for the health of their soul, to be partaking of Holy Confession at least on a monthly basis. This practice of true Christian living should be respected and practiced by all responsible members of the Church who are approaching the Chalice frequently.
Library note: if you have had a library book for awhile please remember to return it. Remember the library is a honor system.
A note on Prosphora bread: Prosphora is blessed bread partaken of after Holy Communion and at the conclusion of the Div. Liturgy. Please be mindful of crumbs, it is important to instruct children to eat it with reverence. If you share with a member of the congregation who has not partaken of Holy Communion, please only give one or two pieces. If you notice a number of crumbs on the floor please pick them up and deposit them outside. Prosphora should never be thrown in the trash.
Parents: please make sure that your children do not go to the restroom unattended. This is for the greater safety of our community and children.
Another reminder: Generally speaking there should be no unnecessary moving about during the Div. Liturgy; specifically during the reading of the Gospel, the Anaphora, and the Our Father all moving about should cease, unless it is an emergency. Parents are encouraged to help their children focus during these times.
Diapers and wipes: we are partnering with a Caring Pregnancy Center through supplying diapers and wipes. Please bring donations to the church. This is an ongoing ministry. A Caring Pregnancy Center helps woman make an informed choice for life. Protecting life at every stage is the job of every Christian.
Coffee Hour: Please be mindful which group you belong to and please be diligent in bringing food. This is in fact a ministry. It is the listed group's responsibility to make sure the coffee is made, please communicate with your group members as to who will do this. Thank you for all your hard work!
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Archangel Michael Orthodox Church Newsletter and Calendar
Set Weekend Service Schedule:
Every Sat/ Great Vespers 5:30pm
Sun/ Hours 9:10 & Divine Liturgy 9:30am
For other service times please see the calendar
See the calendar below to view our monthly calendar; it includes weekday services, Bible studies, fellowships and more!
