Dried soups for Ukraine

Dear Friends,

I just got home after a meeting discussing humanitarian aid to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. As a community near and far from New Haven and Ukraine sent many thousands of pounds of winter clothing for those in need in Ukraine. I will report to you the details soon.

We have been asked to provide some food to be sent over with a few vehicles that have been donated. Both Father Roman Manulak and the Police Chief in Lviv have made this request of us. As you know, Father Roman is our trusted point-person in Ukraine.

Since the Eastern Christians are beginning their preparation for Christmas tomorrow, a period of time from now to Christmas is called the St Philip’s Fast. It is a time for prayer, some fasting, and a work of charity. The PROPOSAL for a collection:

****dried soup mixes****

Soups that can be easily mixed with water and heated. That’s it. Nothing more.

Can we do it together?

I will let you know VERY SOON about what days you can drop off the soup mixes at St Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church.

May God’s right hand plant the vine for the Holy Spirit in us to grow it!

PAX,

Paul Zalonski
Subdeacon

Christian fasting???

We are asked to observe several fasts in the course of the year. Some do it; others do not. Some know why the Church encourages us to fast; many have no clue as to why we fast and the spiritual and physical benefits to fasting.

Join our friend, Abouna Moses to learn the “why” behind the fast!

St John Chrysostom

Today, November 13th, we commemorate the great Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople. It’s his edition of the Divine Liturgy we pray most Sundays of the church year. He’s also one of the best preachers we had.

Today’s saint ought to be very familiar to you as you will recall at the end of each Liturgy of his we pray the priest always announces his name along with St Ann’s name and the saint of the day.

The Apolytikion of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople reads, and we pray:

“The grace of your words illuminated the universe like a shining beacon. It amassed treasures of munificence in the world. It demonstrated the greatness of humility, teaching us by your own words; therefore, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede to Christ the Logos for the salvation of our souls.”

The Kontakion of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople reads, and we pray:

“You received divine grace from Heaven, and by your own lips taught all to worship the One God in Trinity. All-blessed, venerable John Chrysostom, deservedly, we praise you for you are a teacher clearly revealing things divine.”

Volunteering this week for the Ukrainian Relief Project

This week we are having extra days added to the volunteer schedule to get the number of clothing donations received this past weekend, prepared for shipment to Ukraine. And we are expecting some additional donations this week. We are looking for your help

Our schedule is Tuesday (Nov. 8) and Thursday (Nov. 10) are the designated days. The volunteer time involved on these days will be from 4-7:30 pm. If you can only commit to 1-2 hours on either or both of these days we would be grateful.

On Saturday (Nov. 12) we are packing the truck. In preparation for the 8:30 trailer arrival, volunteers are asked to be available at 7:45 am. There is concern about the rain forecasted for that day. Pray that the rain will hold off until the truck is loaded. Will keep you updated regarding any changes.

If you know a generous soul who would like to make an online donation to defray the costs of getting these donations to Ukraine, here is the link: https://givesendgo.com/G2ZXR We are grateful for any amount!

100% of the financial donations received are used for the relief project. AND, our point-person in Ukraine is Father Roman Manulak who oversees the reception and distribution of the donations sent. Father Roman has our trust and is a prudent and diligent person.

Thank you for your help with the Ukrainian Humanitarian Project New Haven!

PAX,

Paul Zalonski
Ukrainian Relief Project New Haven

Parish Celebrates its patron saint

Today, our parish celebrated the feast day of St Michael the Archangel and All the Angels. We do this to keep in front of us the spiritual reality of St Michael and what he means to the Church –that is, to all of us– on a personal level.
St Michael the Archangel’s feast day is November 8.
St Michael is one of the named 4 named archangels in God’s heavenly court who protects us from evil, gives hope, and keeps us in the objective truth. Angels are pure spirits; angels don’t have bodies regardless what Hallmark and some artists say. As the name “angel” means, “messenger,” the angels govern creation by keeping order, and do God’s will. Hence, we believe this fundamental fact: angels are deployed by God to do supernatural things –they are heavenly beings; God’s messengers, working for Him and they work for the ultimate benefit of mankind. Angels are given to us for our benefit. Therefore, we pray for their help, and celebrate theeir presence. That’s why we gathered today to pray the Divine Liturgy and had a beautiful festive meal with our parish family.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Father Iura who also preached in Ukrainian, Father Stepan, Father Al, and Father Jordan, OP, who preached in English.
Our food, the table set-up and clean-up was done by many good and devoted people.
Here are some action pics.

Divine Liturgy for the coming week

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Sunday, 11/06, 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
10:15 a.m. Lytija and blessing of Bread
10:30 a.m. For the people of the parish
+All members of St. Michael Society Anointing-Myrovann

Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18
Gospel: Luke 8:41-56, Tone 5

Monday, 11/07, The 33 martyrs in Melitene and Father Lazarus
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, 11/08, The Synaxis of the Archangel Michael
9:00 For the people of the parish

Wednesday, 11/09, Venerable Mother Matrona and Theoktista
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Thursday, 11/10, Holy Apostles Erastus, Olympus and others
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Friday, 11/11, Our Venerable Father Theodore, Martyr Victor
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Saturday, 11/12, Holy Hieromartyr Josaphat
8:30 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Sunday, 11/13, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 a.m. For the people of the parish
10:30 a.m. All deceased members of UWLA Branch 108

Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37, Tone 6