st mary

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Nov 27 – Dec 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: Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2023

This Week: The Advent Fast began on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Wed, Nov 29 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis Supplication Service
  • Sat, Dec 2 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Dec 2 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sat, Dec 2 at 6:30 pm – 20/40 Fellowship @ Sophia Jacobs’s (2722 E 101st St N, Valley Center)
  • Sun, Dec 3 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Dec 3 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) COLLECTION FOR JERUSALEM: From Sunday, November 12, through Sunday, December 3, we will be taking a collection for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to help them fund relief efforts in Gaza and the surrounding region. This collection is being taken throughout every Archdiocese in the Antiochian Patriarchate, as was decided at the most recent Holy Synod meeting. If you would like to make a contribution, you can put cash in the designated tray or you may write a check to St Mary, earmarked: Jerusalem.

(2) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), began on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast, we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.

(3) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: See the linked flyer for details regarding the Belles Christmas Party on Monday, December 11, including the contest for most festive Christmas attire, which I expect to win!

(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence did not share a teaching, due to the holiday break.

(5) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(6) 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