Night For Ukraine fundraiser

The pastor of the BE Free Church in Branford has organized an event in support of Ukraine. The church is hosting a Night For Ukraine fundraiser for United For Ukraine group to do a little good in overwhelming circumstances.

Pastor David has written to invite us to attend and be blessed as we plan to highlight Ukraine culture by various speakers, desserts, and music. It is April 29th, 630-8PM at 231 Leetes Island Road. They’ll have a kids area as well.

More information can be found here http://branfordefc.com/night-for-ukraine/

St Mark

Happy feast of Saint Mark, evangelist. Blessings for those who are named Mark. Prayers for the Diocese of Venice in Italy.

Here’s our mission: Go into all the world and preach the Gospel. (Mark 16:15)

Easter parish dinner –“SVIACHENE”

The traditional Easter parish dinner –“SVIACHENE” will be held on May 1, following the Divine Liturgy. We will celebrate only one (1) Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.

We will be running a raffle. If you would like to donate any items to be raffled, please bring them to our church hall on Sundays before our “Sviachene” on Sunday, May 1. Also we ask you to donate cakes for desert.

Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth from 12 to 18. Free for altar boys, and children under 12.

******Tickets are on sale until Thursday, April 28. Please call the rectory 203-865-0388 for the tickets.

We trust that all parishioners and friends will join this parish gathering and through their presence attest to cherishing in our hearts a love for one another which builds our PARISH FAMILY.

All proceeds will go to the Ukrainian Relief Project New Haven.

Happy Easter!

Orthodox Easter: A People’s Holiday of Freedom –the oppressor is overthrown

The following reflection is written by Deacon Nicholas Denysenko, PhD. Deacon Nicholas is a professor of theology and holder of the Jochum Chair at Valparaiso University (IN). He is a greater thinker and preacher. Here is a key for our reflection at Easter (Pascha).

Of all the religious observances that belong to the people, Orthodox Easter is among the greatest. People spend hours on their feet, kneading, baking, preparing foods, both savory and sweet. They perfect their grooming, wearing their finest clothes for the occasion.

For many, Orthodox Easter is pure joy. Laughing, sharing stories, playing games, and hanging out with your loved ones. Breathing the fresh air together, lighting candles, and singing. It is joy for one simple reason: God has made all things well. God has opened the doors to us and said, come home. God has set a table with the finest foods, has appointed musicians to play the loveliest music.

There is no end time to the party. It’s like being separated from your beloved family for a long time. You don’t want to let go when you hug them.

God embraces us tightly because we are home. God has given us the most precious gift – amnesty, freedom from our alienation from him. Jesus destroyed Hades and the cherubim withdrew the sword separating us from paradise. There is NO better news. We will be with God forever.

How do you prepare for the most joyful event?

You dress your best. You sing, You laugh. You make your favorite foods. That’s Pascha.

This gift of amnesty to alienated humanity is God’s alone to give. God reaches out and says, “you are my people.” Everyone who accepts that invitation is free. They’re subordinate to no one, no government, no ruler. They’re free.

Vladimir Putin’s narcissism and hatred for Ukrainians is well known. He is trying to subordinate them through fear, to make them HIS own. Sadly, some bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church are supporting him in this blasphemous act. Thankfully, there are always some in the world who stand up to bullies instead of paying their tax.

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Divine Liturgy for the coming week

Christ is risen!

Sunday, 4/24, Thomas Sunday —Distribution of Artos
9:00 a.m. +David Schwartz (5th Anniv.) requested by Barbara Schwartz
10:30 a.m. For the people of the parish —Easter Liturgy according to the Julian calendar

Epistle: Acts 5:12-20
Gospel: John 20:19-31, Tone 2

Monday, 4/25, Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, 4/26, Holy Bishop Martyr Basil
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, 4/27, Holy Bishop Martyr Simeon
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Thursday, 4/28, Holy Apostles Jason and Sosipater
9:00 a.m. No particular intention for the Divine Liturgy

Friday, 4/29, Nine Holy Martyrs of Cyzice
9:00 a.m. +Richard J. Vining (1st anniv., Pan.) requested by Paul A. Zalonski

Saturday, 4/30, Holy Apostle James
9:00 a.m. +Sofia Brodycz (Pan.) requested by Ann Salemme

Sunday, 5/01, Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers Women
10:30 a.m. For the people of the parish

Epistle: Acts 6:1-7
Gospel: Matthew 15:43-16:8, Tone 3

Parish announcements

Christ is risen!

This week vigil light is offered by Christopher Komondy in memory of Edward Corfini.

Sestretsi will have corporate communion and a meeting in the church hall on May 15, after the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

CHRIST IS RISEN
On this glorious and most holy day of Resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ sincere wishes to our most reverend Bishop of Stamford, His Excellency Paul Chomnycky and all our brothers and sisters living in Ukraine and other countries. In particular I greet all of you my dear parishioners, choir members, altar boys members of church organizations and all who devotedly work for the good of our parish. Greetings to all with best wishes for a happy and joyous holiday. Fr. Iura Godenciuc and family

The traditional Easter parish “SVIACHENE” will be held on May 1, following the Divine Liturgy. We will celebrate only one (1) Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. We will be running a raffle. If you would like to donate any items to be raffled, please bring them to our church hall on Sundays before our “Sviachene” on Sunday, May 1. Also we ask you to donate cakes for desert. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth from 12 to 18. Free for altar boys, and children under 12.

******Tickets are on sale until Thursday, April 28. Please call the rectory 203-865-0388 for the tickets. No tickets at the door.

We trust that all parishioners and friends will join this parish gathering and through their presence attest to cherishing in our hearts a love for one another which builds our PARISH FAMILY. All proceeds will go to the Ukrainian Relief Project New Haven.

DEAR PARISHIONERS: If you would like to have a Confession, Holy Communion or prayer of the sick at your house or nursing home, please call the rectory at 203-865-0388.

A container is in our church vestibule for non-perishable food. This collection will be taken every week or twice per month. Father Iura will distribute the food to those in need. Thank you for your generosity.

Helping Refugee Ukrainian Families

Several of you have expressed a desire to host a refugee family from Ukraine. The good news is that there is progress with US Law, but as it is said, it is complicated.

Through a friend of our community, Dana Bucin, Honorary Consul of Romania to Connecticut, I will circulate some guidelines soon. She is in the process of creating the guidelines.

Another note, you may have seen the interview Dana gave just a few minutes ago on Channel 8 News.

When I get the guidelines from Dana Bucin, I will forward it to you. Together we will find a way to assist in this work of Mercy.

UPDATE for Ukrainian Relief Project New Haven, April 21, 2022

Dear Friends,

I hope this email finds you well. The sun is a welcomed gift for me and my honey bees.

We have to reschedule the Ukrainian Relief Collection Day that was due to happen this coming Saturday. Getting relief materials to Ukraine in a quick and cost effective way has been a challenge. Philadelphia is a complicated place. We are working on getting a container delivered to the church.

We are looking to resume on May 7th.

Financial donations are very, very much needed. Moving the physical items is a significant burden. 100% of the donations received go to the Ukrainian Relief Project: https://givesendgo.com/G2ZXR

Your patience is appreciated.

PAX,

Paul Zalonski