Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 31 – April 7)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 31 – April 7, 2025

This Week: No meat/dairy/wine on any day of the week; wine allowed on Thursday for the Great Canon; wine allowed on weekend.      

Mon, Mar 31 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Wed, Apr 2 at 6:00 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Potluck Following

Thurs, Apr 3 at 6:00 pm – Little Compline w/Great Canon of Repentance & Life of St Mary of Egypt

Fri, Apr 4 at 6:00 pm – Little Compline w/Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God

Sat, Apr 5 at 9:00 am – MF Prep: Make Baklawa Sticks

Sat, Apr 5 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Apr 5 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, Apr 5 at 6:00 pm – Biblical Greek Class

Sun, Apr 6 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Apr 6 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Apr 6 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Apr 6 at 11:30 am – Teen SOYO Pancake Breakfast (free will offering)

Mon, Apr 7 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have ONLY ONE MORE major prep day before Pascha, on Saturday, April 5 to make baklawa sticks. Please see the current sign-up sheet to sign up for a slot that day: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(2) FAMILY PROMISE – HELPING ANOTHER CHURCH: The week of April 6 – 13 West Ridge Community Church will be hosting Family Promise. This is in addition to their normal four weeks of the year since Family Promise is still looking for one more host church. People from West Ridge have helped St Mary in the past when we stepped up for an extra host week. If you are able to help them, you can sign up here: Family Promise Hosts April 6th – April 13th, 2025 ~ 7315 W. 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67212

(3) PASCHAL BANQUET:  For this year’s Paschal Banquet, the parish will be providing cabbage rolls and fried chicken. We ask all our parishioners to bring a side dish and/or dessert to share with others. As always, people are also welcome to bring their own basket of some of their favorite goodies. Please make sure to pick up after yourself when you leave.

(4) HUMANITARIAN LENTEN PROJECT: Our Humanitarian Ministry Team is sponsoring a Lenten project to benefit The Treehouse. Please see the link below for more details on the collection, which runs through Pascha (April 20).

(5) TEEN BREAKFAST: Please allow Teen SOYO to cook for you! On Sunday, April 6, 2025, our teens will host a Lenten Pancake Breakfast for coffee hour. They will have a variety of fruits and syrups for toppings. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

(6) LAZARUS SATURDAY AT CHANCERY: Our children are once again invited to the Chancery for a special Lazarus Saturday celebration. Please see the flyer below for details, including the flyer about the “entrance fee,” which is supplies to benefit The Treehouse.

(7) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message regarding Fr Lev Gillett (Part 1).  Read >>

(8) TEXT MESSAGE GROUP: Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps:

– Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT

– Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

– Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

– Click the “Submit” button.

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues.

(9) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(10) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 24 – 31)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 24 – 31, 2025
This Week: No meat/dairy/wine on any day of the week; wine allowed on Sat/Sun; fish & wine allowed after Liturgy on 3/25.     
Mon, Mar 24 at 6:00 pm – Great Vespers ~ Annunciation
Tues, Mar 25 at 6:00 pm – Vesperal Divine Liturgy ~ Annunciation
Wed, Mar 26 at 6:00 pm – 9th Hour & Typika
Wed, Mar 26 at 6:30 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Potluck Following (hosting St George)
LENTEN RETREAT – Fri, Mar 21 – Sat, Mar 22
Fri, Mar 28 at 5:00 pm – Little Compline w/Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God
Fri, Mar 28 at 5:45 pm – Lenten Meal
Fri, Mar 28 at 6:30 pm – Retreat Session 1
Sat, Mar 29 at 9:00 am – Third Hour Prayers (in chapel)
Sat, Mar 29 at 9:30 am – Continental Breakfast
Sat, Mar 29 at 10:00 am – Retreat Sessions 2 & 3
Sat, Mar 29 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Mar 29 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Mar 30 – Sun, Apr 6: Family Promise Host Week
Sun, Mar 30 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Mar 30 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Mar 30 at 11:00 am – Church School
Mon, Mar 31 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Other Notes
(1) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have ONLY ONE MORE major prep day before Pascha, on Saturday, April 5 to make baklawa sticks. Please see the current sign-up sheet to sign up for a slot that day: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is the host parish for Family Promise the week of March 30 to April 6. Please use the link below to volunteer to help. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on March 9 and March 16. Sign up opportunities include providing food for the church’s FP pantry, evening meals, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending night with the guests at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, or Father Aaron with any questions. Sign up here: St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church: Family Promise March 2025

(3) JOINT PRE-SANCTIFIED MEAL: This Wednesday, March 26, we host our brothers and sisters in Christ from St George Cathedral for our annual joint Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and Meal (they host us on Wednesday, April 9). This is a wonderful evening for our parish and is only possible due to our parishioners stepping up to provide enough food for all our guests. It is helpful for the Belles of St Mary, who supplement what our parishioners are able to bring, if you indicate on this Sign Up Genius what you plan to provide that evening. Please take a moment to sign up for what items you plan to provide next Wednesday for the meal. You can view the Sign Up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Joint Pre-Sanctified Meal

(4) LENTEN RETREAT: Our annual Lenten Retreat is scheduled for Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29. Fr Calinic Berger will be our retreat speaker. Further details can be found on the linked flyer below.

(5) HUMANITARIAN LENTEN PROJECT: Our Humanitarian Ministry Team is sponsoring a Lenten project to benefit The Treehouse. Please see the link below for more details on the collection, which runs through Pascha (April 20).

(6) TEEN BREAKFAST: Please allow Teen SOYO to cook for you! On Sunday, April 6, 2025, our teens host a Lenten Pancake Breakfast for coffee hour. They will have a variety of fruits and syrups for toppings. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

(7) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “Ministering in Love.” Read it here >

(8) TEXT MESSAGE CHANGES: Due to recent changes with the Remind program/app, we are in the process of changing our text message provider to tithe.ly, the same organization we use for online giving. However, for regulatory reasons, it takes 3-4 weeks for this new service to work (we are given our own phone number from which we can send and receive text messages). Once the program is ready to use, we will be sure to reach out to you about it.

(9) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(10) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,
Fr Aaron

humanitarian retreat

 

Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 17 – 24)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 17 – 24, 2025

This Week: No meat/dairy/wine on any day of the week; wine allowed on Sat/Sun.     

Mon, Mar 17 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Tues, Mar 18 at 7:30 am – Belles Making Holy Bread

Wed, Mar 19 at 6:00 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Potluck Following

Thurs, Mar 20 at 8:30 am – MF Prep: Marketplace Baking (see sign up below)

Thurs, Mar 20 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting

Fri, Mar 21 at 8:30 am – MF Prep: Marketplace Baking (see sign up below)

Fri, Mar 21 at 6:00 pm – Little Compline w/Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God

Sat, Mar 22 at 8:30 am – MF Prep: Marketplace Baking (see sign up below)

Sat, Mar 22 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Mar 22 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Mar 23 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Mar 23 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Mar 23 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Mar 23 at 11:30 am – Speed Friending

Mon, Mar 24 at 6:00 pm – Great Vespers ~ Annunciation

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have several prep days to ensure we are ready to open our doors and welcome our visitors on May 3. In addition to being a major help for this fundraiser, volunteering at these prep days is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Please see the current sign-up sheet for upcoming prep days and sign up for slots when you can make yourself available. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is the host parish for Family Promise the week of March 30 to April 6. Please use the link below to volunteer to help. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on March 9 and March 16. Sign up opportunities include providing food for the church’s FP pantry, evening meals, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending night with the guests at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, or Father Aaron with any questions. Sign up here: St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church: Family Promise March 2025

(3) SPEED FRIENDING: On Sunday, March 23, during Coffee Hour, we are going to have a “Speed Friending” event. Similar to “Speed Dating,” parishioners will have five minutes to talk with the person across the table from them. We will have questions to guide the conversation. After five minutes, everyone will move down the table to speak with someone else. We hope this will be a fun way to help people get to know each other. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Adults (age 18 and over) are encouraged to participate. See the flyer linked below for more details.

(4) LENTEN RETREAT: Our annual Lenten Retreat is scheduled for Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29. Fr Calinic Berger will be our retreat speaker. Further details can be found on the linked flyer.

(5) VISITATION: Mary Ann Khoury has moved to CedarHurst Senior Living (11820 W 29th St). She is in Apt 12 and would love visitors anytime. If you wish to call in advance, she can be reached at 316-640-7077.

(6) SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY COLLECTION: Today we collected funds for the Archdiocese to be used to help educate our Archdiocesan Seminarians. Thanks to your generous support, our Archdiocese is able to cover tuition, room, and board for its sponsored seminarians. If you wish to contribute, you may write a check to St Mary or make a donation online (Donate to St. Mary), earmarked: Seminarians. We will forward all collected funds to the Antiochian Archdiocese.

(7) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “On Destructive Criticism.” See the link below to read it. In addition, please see an update on our Antiochian Patriarch’s commentary on the current situation in Syria here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

(8) TEXT MESSAGE CHANGES: Due to recent changes with the Remind program/app, we are in the process of changing our text message provider to tithe.ly, the same organization we use for online giving. However, for regulatory reasons, it takes 3-4 weeks for this new service to work (we are given our own phone number from which we can send and receive text messages). Once the program is ready to use, we will be sure to reach out to you about it.

9) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(10) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 10 – 17)

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Beloved in Christ,

 

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 10 – 17, 2025

This Week: No meat/dairy/wine on any day of the week; wine allowed on Sat/Sun.     

Mon, Mar 10 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Wed, Mar 12 at 6:00 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Potluck Following

Fri, Mar 14 at 6:00 pm – Little Compline w/Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God

Sat, Mar 15 at 9:00 am – MF Prep: Make Kibbee (sign up link in Note 1 below)

Sat, Mar 15 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Mar 15 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, Mar 15 at 6:00 pm – Biblical Greek Class

Sun, Mar 16 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Mar 16 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Mar 16 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class

Sun, Mar 16 at 5:00 pm – Lord’s Diner

Mon, Mar 17 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have several prep days to ensure we are ready to open our doors and welcome our visitors on May 3. In addition to being a major help for this fundraiser, volunteering at these prep days is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Please see the current sign-up sheet for upcoming prep days and sign up for slots when you can make yourself available. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is the host parish for Family Promise the week of March 30 to April 6. Please use the link below to volunteer to help. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on March 9 and March 16. Sign up opportunities include providing food for the church’s FP pantry, evening meals, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending night with the guests at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, or Father Aaron with any questions. Sign up here: St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church: Family Promise March 2025

(3) SPEED FRIENDING: On Sunday, March 23, during Coffee Hour, we are going to have a “Speed Friending” event. Similar to “Speed Dating,” parishioners will have five minutes to talk with the person across the table from them. We will have questions to guide the conversation. After five minutes, everyone will move down the table to speak with someone else. We hope this will be a fun way to help people get to know each other. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Adults (age 18 and over) are encouraged to participate. See the flyer linked below for more details.

(4) LENTEN RETREAT: Our annual Lenten Retreat is scheduled for Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29. Fr Calinic Berger will be our retreat speaker. Further details can be found on the linked flyer below.

(5) VISITATION: Mary Ann Khoury has moved to CedarHurst Senior Living (11820 W 29th St). She is in Apt 12 and would love visitors anytime. If you wish to call in advance, she can be reached at 316-640-7077.

(6) SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY COLLECTION: Today we collected funds for the Archdiocese to be used to help educate our Archdiocesan Seminarians. Thanks to your generous support, our Archdiocese is able to cover tuition, room, and board for its sponsored seminarians. We will keep the collection open for next Sunday as well. You may put cash in the designated tray, or write a check to St Mary, earmarked: Seminarians. We will forward all collected funds to the Antiochian Archdiocese.

(7) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “On the Interpretation of the Holy Bible – Part 1.” See the link to read it. 

(8) TEXT MESSAGE CHANGES: Due to recent changes with the Remind program/app, we are in the process of changing our text message provider to tithe.ly, the same organization we use for online giving. However, for regulatory reasons, it takes 3-4 weeks for this new service to work (we are given our own phone number from which we can send and receive text messages). Once the program is ready to use, we will be sure to reach out to you about it.

(9) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(10) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Speed Friending

retreat

Looking Ahead at St Mary (February 23 – March 3)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: February 23 – March 3, 2025

This Week: No meat on any day following Feb 23, but fish/dairy/wine allowed on ALL days of the week, including Wed/Fri.     

Sun, Feb 23 at 5:00 pm – Orthodoxy on Tap @ Old School Tap House (210 E Kechi Rd, Kechi)

Mon, Feb 24 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St John the Baptist

Tues, Feb 25 at 11:30 am – Bingo @ St George Fellowship Hall

Wed, Feb 26 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Wed, Feb 26 at 6:30 pm – Film Showing: “New Men”

Sat, Mar 1 at 9:00 am – MF Prep: Make Meat Pies (see sign up link in Note #1 below)

Sat, Mar 1 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Mar 1 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, Mar 1 at 6:00 pm – Biblical Greek Class

Sun, Mar 2 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Mar 2 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Mar 2 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Mar 2 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour

Sun, Mar 2 at 5:00 pm – Vespers w/Rite of Mutual Forgiveness (“Forgiveness Vespers”)

Sun, Mar 2 at 6:00 pm – Ice Cream Social @ Braum’s (201 N Seneca St)

Mon, Mar 2 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Canon of Repentance

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have several prep days to ensure we are ready to open our doors and welcome our visitors on May 3. In addition to being a major help for this fundraiser, volunteering at these prep days is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Please see the current sign-up sheet for upcoming prep days and sign up for slots when you can make yourself available. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(2) BINGO AT ST GEORGE: Members of St George Cathedral have invited us to attend Bingo on Tuesday, February 25 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the St George Fellowship Hall. A catered meal and prizes will be provided at no cost.

(3) GREAT LENT RESOURCES: In eight days, Great Lent begins on Monday, March 3. You can find a number of resources on the Archdiocese website’s Great Lent page: an overview of this holy season, explanations of its Sundays and other important days, opportunities for almsgiving, and podcasts.

(4) GREAT LENT SERVICES: Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha is by far the most important time on the church calendar. This is why Pascha is called “The Feast of Feasts” and stands even above the other “Twelve Great Feasts.” With that in mind, I highly encourage our parishioners to prioritize attending the Divine Services during Great Lent. This season is a time for us to re-center ourselves and our lives around God, so please make every effort to arrange your schedules to be in church. You can find the March schedule of services on our parish website homepage by clicking on the “Calendar” link.

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “Reflections on Love” See the link to read it.

(6) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(7) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(8) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (February 17 – 24)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: February 17 – 24, 2025

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting; Sunday, February 23, is the last day meat is allowed before Pascha.     

Tues, Feb 18 at 11:30 am – Bingo @ St George Fellowship Hall

Wed, Feb 19 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Wed, Feb 19 at 6:30 pm – Film Showing: “Man of God” (St Nektarios)

Thurs, Feb 20 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting

Fri, Feb 21 – Scroll on Website

Sat, Feb 22 at 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Saturday of Souls

Sat, Feb 22 – NO CONFESSIONS AND NO VESPERS AT ST MARY (Fr Aaron celebrating a wedding at St George Cathedral)

Sun, Feb 23 – Scroll in Foyer

Sun, Feb 23 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Feb 23 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Feb 23 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Feb 23 at 11:30 am – Belles Meatfare Taco Bar

Sun, Feb 23 at 12:00 pm – Baptism of Andrew Martindale

Sun, Feb 23 at 5:00 pm – Orthodoxy on Tap @ Old School Tap House (210 E Kechi Rd, Kechi)

Mon, Feb 24 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St John the Baptist

Other Notes

(1) SATURDAY OF SOULS: Our pre-Lenten Saturday of Souls service, at which we commemorate all of the departed from time immemorial, is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 9:00 am. If you wish to submit names of departed loved ones to be remembered, please submit their FIRST and LAST names to me (not to the parish office) by Wednesday, February 19. If you have a list on file with the parish office, you may contact Frankie and have her send you the list so you can add last names. I am taking this approach this year as we have the same name often submitted by multiple families.

(2) BELLES MEATFARE TACO BAR: The Belles of St Mary will host a fundraising luncheon on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Everyone is welcome to attend.

(3) ORTHODOXY ON TAP: On Sunday, February 23, at 5:00 pm we will have another “Orthodoxy on Tap” at Old School Tap House (210 E Kechi Rd, Kechi). Fr Mark Sultani from St George Cathedral will briefly discuss technology and the spiritual life. The rest of the time will be a time of food and fellowship.

(4) BINGO AT ST GEORGE: Members of St George Cathedral have invited us to attend Bingo on Tuesday, February 18 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the St George Fellowship Hall. A catered meal and prizes will be provided at no cost.

(5) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have several prep days to ensure we are ready to open our doors and welcome our visitors on May 3. In addition to being a major help for this fundraiser, volunteering at these prep days is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Please see the current sign-up sheet for upcoming prep days and sign up for slots when you can make yourself available. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “The Parable of the Weeds, Part 2.” See the link to read it. 

(7) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(8) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(9) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (February 10 – 16)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: February 10 – 16, 2025
This Week: No fasting on any day of the week.
Mon, Feb 10 at 6:00 pm – Belles Meeting @ Namees’ (1958 N Sedgwick)
Wed, Feb 12 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers
Wed, Feb 12 at 6:30 pm – Film Showing: “Parallel Love: The Story of a Band Called Luxury”
Sat, Feb 15 – Scroll Deadline
Sat, Feb 15 – NO CONFESSIONS AND NO VESPERS AT ST MARY
Sat, Feb 15 at 6:00 pm – Biblical Greek Class
Sun, Feb 16 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Feb 16 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Feb 16 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class
Sun, Feb 16 at 11:00 am – Church School
Sun, Feb 16 at 12:00 pm – MF Prep: Make Meat for Meat Pies
Sun, Feb 16 at 5:00 pm – Lord’s Diner

Other Notes
(1) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have several prep days to ensure we are ready to open our doors and welcome our visitors on May 3. In addition to being a major help for this fundraiser, volunteering at these prep days is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Please see the current sign-up sheet for upcoming prep days and sign up for slots when you can make yourself available. Near-term prep dates include: Feb 16 at 12:00 pm (meat for meat pies); and Mar 1 (major prep date to make meat pies). You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(2) BIBLICAL GREEK CLASS: Several members of our parish are starting a biblical Greek class. All levels, including beginners, are welcome to attend the class. It will meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, beginning on Saturday, February 15, from 6:00-6:45 pm, at St Mary. Details can be found via the link below.

(3) LORD’S DINER: If you are interested in serving at the Lord’s Diner on Sunday, January 19; or if you wish to be added to the email list for future opportunities to serve on the 3rd Sunday of each month with your fellow parishioners and our brothers and sisters from St George Cathedral, please contact Beth Elliot (bethellio@gmail.com) for details.

(4) THE SCROLL: The next issue of our parish newsletter is scheduled to be online February 21 and in print February 23. The deadline for submission is Saturday, February 15. If you wish to submit items for consideration, you may do so to Brett Parrott (parrobre7014@yahoo.com).

(5) SATURDAY OF SOULS: Our pre-Lenten Saturday of Souls service, at which we commemorate all of the departed from time immemorial, is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 9:00 am. If you wish to submit names of departed loved ones to be remembered, please submit their FIRST and LAST names to me (not to the parish office) by Wednesday, February 19. If you have a list on file with the parish office, you may contact Frankie and have her send you the list so you can add last names. I am taking this approach this year as we have the same name often submitted by multiple families.

(6) BELLES MEATFARE TACO BAR: The Belles of St Mary will host a fundraising luncheon on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Everyone is welcome to attend.

(7) ORTHODOXY ON TAP: On Sunday, February 23, at 5:00 pm we will have another “Orthodoxy on Tap” at Old School Tap House (210 E Kechi Rd, Kechi). Fr Mark Sultani from St George Cathedral will briefly discuss technology and the spiritual life. The rest of the time will be a time of food and fellowship.

(8) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “The Parable of the Weeds, Part 1.” See the link to read it. You might also check out his new book, “A Life Testimony,” a deeply personal and inspiring account after nearly losing his life to Covid-19. The book reflects his spiritual journey, pastoral abilities, and insights into Orthodox Christianity. His book is available here >

(9) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(10) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.(11) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,
Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (January 26 – February 2)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.
THIS WEEK: January 26 – February 2, 2025
This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.     
Sun, Jan 26 – Sun, Feb 2: FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK (thank you, volunteers!)
Wed, Jan 29 at 5:30 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Three Great Hierarchs
Wed, Jan 29 at 6:30 pm – Film Showing: “New Men” (chronicles one year of life @ a monastery in West Virginia)
Sat, Feb 1 at 4:30 pm – Confessions
Sat, Feb 1 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Feb 2 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Feb 2 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Feb 2 at 11:00 am – Church School
Sun, Feb 2 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour

Other Notes
(1) HOUSE BLESSINGS:  Each year it is customary that beginning on Theophany, the Parish Priest is invited to bless parishioner homes with the Holy Water blessed at the January 6 Theophany Divine Liturgy. All parishioners and catechumens are encouraged to sign up for a house blessing. If you would like to schedule a house blessing, please contact Fr Aaron.

(2) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have several prep days to ensure we are ready to open our doors and welcome our visitors on May 3. In addition to being a major help for this fundraiser, volunteering at these prep days is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Please see the current sign-up sheet for upcoming prep days and sign up for slots when you can make yourself available. Near-term prep dates include: Feb 4 at 5:30 pm (MEN needed to core/steam cabbage); Feb 6 at 5:30 pm (trim cabbage); and Feb 8 (major prep date to roll cabbage). You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

(3) FR CAL VISIT: Fr Calinic Berger, Archiepiscopal Vicar for our Diocese, plans to make an unofficial visit to our parish on Sunday, February 2. Fr Cal is bringing with him Fr Seraphim Daoud, another Archimandrite who is touring the United States to visit our churches and who permanently resides at the Archdiocese headquarters.

(4) WILDFIRE RELIEF: As you are surely aware, disastrous wildfires have been ravaging the Los Angeles area recently and thousands of homes have been destroyed, including those of some of our brothers and sisters of St Nicholas Cathedral/Los Angeles, CA. If you would like to donate to help, you may consider donating to FOCUS North America’s fund for this purpose. You can read more and donate here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA CONNECTS WITH YOUTH/YOUNG ADULTS: Metropolitan Saba recently set up an Instagram account intended to help foster communication between himself and our youth/young adults. Feel free to ask him questions, or to let your children know they can ask him questions, by leaving a message on his page or by direct messaging him. His account is here: Ask Sayidna (@asksayidna) • Instagram photos and videos

(6) ORTHODOX VOLUNTEER CORPS (OVC): OVC is an immersive service opportunity for young adults (21-29 years old), combined with Orthodox formation, community living, and engagement with local parishes. Programming began in Pittsburgh in 2022 with 6 Corps Members, grew to 30 participants in 2023, and expanded to a second city, Boston, in 2024. Our Corps Members serve alongside neighbors in need–at homeless shelters, after-school programs, free medical clinics, and more. If you are interested in learning more you can follow this link and/or contact me so I may nominate you to serve: Orthodox Volunteer Corps

(7) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “On Salvation: My Salvation and the Salvation of Others.” See the link to read it.

(8) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(9) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(10) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,
Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (January 19 – 26)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: January 19 – 26, 2025

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.     

Sun, Jan 19 at 5:00 pm – Lord’s Diner

Wed, Jan 22 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Wed, Jan 22 at 6:30 pm – Film Showing: “Amphilochios: Saint of Patmos”

Sat, Jan 25 at 4:30 pm – Confessions

Sat, Jan 25 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Jan 26 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Jan 26 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Jan 26 at 11:00 am – Church School

Other Notes

(1) HOUSE BLESSINGS:  Each year it is customary that beginning on Theophany, the Parish Priest is invited to bless parishioner homes with the Holy Water blessed at the January 6 Theophany Divine Liturgy. All parishioners and catechumens are encouraged to sign up for a house blessing. If you would like to schedule a house blessing, please contact Fr Aaron.

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is the host parish for Family Promise the week of January 26-February 2. Please use the link below to sign up. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on January 12 and 19.  Sign up opportunities include providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, a hot breakfast Saturday, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending the night at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, or Father Aaron with any questions. Sign up link is here: January 26-February 2

(3) LORD’S DINER: If you wish to be added to the email list for future opportunities to serve on the 3rd Sunday of each month with your fellow parishioners and our brothers and sisters from St George Cathedral, please contact Beth Elliot (bethellio@gmail.com) for details.

(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “Baptizing the World – Part 2.” See the link to read it.

(5) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(6) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(7) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (January 13 – 19)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: January 13 – 19, 2025

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.     

Mon, Jan 13 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ Vicki Jones’s (1824 Northwest Parkway)

Wed, Jan 15 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Wed, Jan 15 at 6:30 pm – Film Showing: “St George the Great Martyr”

Thurs, Jan 16 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting

Thurs, Jan 16 at 7:00 pm – Ladies (Free) Bingo Night @ Central Standard Brewing

Fri, Jan 17 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St Anthony the Great

Sat, Jan 18 at 4:30 pm – Confessions

Sat, Jan 18 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, Jan 18 at 6:00 pm – 20/40 Fellowship @ White Crow (1236 E Waterman)

Sun, Jan 19 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Jan 19 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Jan 19 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class

Sun, Jan 19 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Jan 19 at 5:00 pm – Lord’s Diner

 

Other Notes

(1) HOUSE BLESSINGS:  Each year it is customary that beginning on Theophany, the Parish Priest is invited to bless parishioner homes with the Holy Water blessed at the January 6 Theophany Divine Liturgy. All parishioners and catechumens are encouraged to sign up for a house blessing. If you would like to schedule a house blessing, please contact Fr Aaron.

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is the host parish for Family Promise the week of January 26-February 2. Please use the link below to sign up. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on January 12 and 19.  Sign up opportunities include providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, a hot breakfast Saturday, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending the night at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, or Father Aaron with any questions. Sign up link is here: January 26-February 2

(3) 20/40 FELLOWSHIP:  The 20/40 Fellowship Group is open to all parishioners and catechumens age 20 – 40 somethingish. Their next gathering will be on Saturday, January 18, at 6:00 pm at White Crow Cider Company (1236 E Waterman).

(4) LORD’S DINER: If you are interested in serving at the Lord’s Diner on Sunday, January 19; or if you wish to be added to the email list for future opportunities to serve on the 3rd Sunday of each month with your fellow parishioners and our brothers and sisters from St George Cathedral, please contact Beth Elliot (bethellio@gmail.com) for details.

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “Baptizing the World – Part 1.” See the link to read it. 

(6) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(7) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(8) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron