Parish announcements

Christ is among us!

This week vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Catherine Kolesnik in memory of Mary Ann Yursha

Every Sunday you can watch the Divine Liturgy live-streamed on the parish Facebook at 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in the English language and 10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy in the Ukrainian language.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelnewhaven

Dear Parishioners: I wish to express a special thanks to all of you. Despite the restrictions placed on your attendance at Divine Liturgy and the various special Liturgical celebrations, your attendance via Facebook, your responses, your thoughts and prayers, your support for parishioners in need as well as the continued financial support that you have mailed in to the Parish is greatly appreciated. Together with the help of God we will survive this National crisis and come out of it stronger than ever spiritually and emotionally. May God bless you all. Fr. Iura Godenciuc

We continue a special collection in our parish to help our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Please make checks payable to the “Eparchy of Stamford” with the notation “Flood in Ukraine”. You can place your donation in the collection basket or send to the rectory office. Your donation, no matter how small or large, will change someone`s life for the better. Thank you for your generosity.

Dear Parishioners: if anyone needs help such as going to the store to buy groceries, going to a doctor`s appointment or the pharmacy, or any other type of special assistance, you may contact the rectory at (203) 865-0388 and arrangements will be made to help you.

We are asking for volunteers to come and paint the front and back entrance to our rental building at 573 George St. If anyone would like to volunteer for this project, please contact Fr. Iura Godenciuc, either in person or call the rectory. Thank you.

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL
REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate for Diocesan Charitable Fund. The forms are designed for each family of our parish. Attached to the form is an envelope into which you can place your contribution. The form along with your contribution, we ask you enclose in the envelope and place it in the collection basket during church services. Please make check payable to the BYZANTINE RITE DIOCESE OF STAMFORD. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

Dormition 2020

“When we hear someone speak about the Ark of the Covenant from the Old Testament, oftentimes we think of modern depictions, of movies, or books, and especially the biblical accounts that present us with a fearful, awesome, and even wrathful picture. We recall that about the wooden box, which was covered with pure gold, God spoke to Moses from the mercy seat in between two cherubim. … How then might we, who are grass and made of earthen clay, begin to discourse and contemplate the living Ark of God, the Most-holy Theotokos, who was the fulfillment and the awesome reality of which the Ark of the Old Testament was merely a shadow? … This present awesome and glorious mystery is something which is not a subject for speculation, for human logic, or for vain tampering. It is a tremendous mystery that is hidden and only revealed when it is humbly received from within the light of the depths of the Church’s tradition. This feast is immensely joyful and life-giving for those who with child-like faith and without argument seek to enter into its festivities. … Those who have prepared themselves with fasting and prayer and by being present at today’s festivities, the tomb of the Mother of God is joy; it is life and it is a light-covered mountain for our spiritual ascent today.

Today she, like the Ark of the Old Covenant, goes before us as a banner of victory, a wall of defense and forerunner of the fulfillment of all of God’s promises to all mankind. Having now crossed the frontier which separates us from the age to come, through her bodily ascent to heaven, she has become the highest of all creation, and the realization of the end for which humanity was created. She is the fulfillment of all beauty and virtue and is a universal advocate for all before the throne of God, now and at the second coming.” (Acquiring the Mind of Christ: Embracing the Vision of the Orthodox Church, Archimandrite Sergius (Bowyer), pp. 129-131)

The Dormition of the Mother of God

Our Summer Pascha

Since August 1, we have been preparing for the great feast of Mary, the Mother of God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

“This period is so rich in opportunities for prayer and worship that it has traditionally been called our “Summer Pascha.” The Transfiguration celebrates Christ as the radiant Light of the Father’s glory while in the Dormition we see Christ, who trampled down Death by His death, take His Mother into the light of His resurrection. In many churches a service resembling the Matins of Holy Saturday is held in which the shroud of the Theotokos is carried in procession to recall her burial.”

The bilingual Divine Liturgy will be served on Saturday, August 15, at 9:00 a.m. with the Blessing of Herbs. and Flowers. The Liturgy will be livestreamed.

The Holy Prophet and Saint, Micah

Today, on the Vigil of the Dormition, the commemorates the memory of the holy prophet, Micah.

Micah prophesied between 750 and 687 bc. He was a contemporary of Amos and Isaiah.

Micah’s words were an indictment against the rich, the avaricious money lenders, swindling merchants, families divided by rivalry, and all petty tyrants and bureaucrats, whether dressed as judges or rulers, priests or prophets. There were the very antithesis of the divine ideal he preached, namely, “to deal justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with God.”

Failure to do these things, Micah warned, will bring punishment. He specified the destruction of Samaria and the fall of Jerusalem, but he also held out a hope for the faithful remnant. He described the birth of a peaceful king who will pasture the flock of the Lord. Micah foretold that this event would take place in Bethlehem of Ephratah, which was known as “the least of the clans of Judah.” (NS)

Divine Liturgy for the coming week

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Sunday, 8/09/20 10th Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 a.m. God’s blessing and health for Barbara Schwartz
10:30 a.m. For the people of the parish

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Gospel: Matthew 17:13-22, Tone 1

Monday, 8/10, Holy Martyr Archdeacon Lawrence
8:00 a.m. +Jaroslaw Popel (Pan.) requested by Emilia Iwaniw

Tuesday, 8/11, Holy Martyr Euplus
8:00 a.m. no intention for the Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, 8/12, Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetus
8:00 a.m. no intention for the Divine Liturgy

Thursday, 8/13, Our Venerable Confessor Maximus
8:00 a.m. no intention for the Divine Liturgy

Friday, 8/14, Translation of relics of Theodosius
8:00 a.m. +Bohdan Antonyshyn (10th Anniv., Pan) requested by Maria Antonyshyn

Saturday, 8/15, The Dormition of the Holy Theotokos with the Blessing of flowers and herbs
9:00 a.m. For the people of the parish

Sunday, 8/16, 11th Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 a.m. For the people of the parish
10:30 a.m. God’s blessing and health for Fr. Stepan Yanovski (30 years of priesthood) requested by the Family

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:2-12
Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35, Tone 2

Parish announcements this week

Christ is among us!

This week vigil light is offered to God by Catherine Kolesnik in memory of Mary Ann Yursha.

Dear Parishioners: I wish to express a special thanks to all of you. Despite the restrictions placed on your attendance at Divine Liturgy and the various special Liturgical celebrations, your attendance via facebook, your responses, your thoughts and prayers, your support for parishioners in need as well as the continued financial support that you have mailed in to the Parish is greatly appreciated. Together with the help of God we will survive this national crisis and come out of it stronger than ever spiritually and emotionally. May God bless you all. Fr. Iura Godenciuc

Dear Parishioners: if anyone needs help such as going to the store to buy groceries, going to a doctor`s appointment or the pharmacy, or any other type of special assistance, you may contact the rectory at 203-865-0388 and arrangements will be made to help you.

We are asking for volunteers to come and paint the front and back entrance to our rental building at 573 George St. If anyone would like to volunteer for this project, please contact Fr. Iura Godenciuc, either in person or you may call the rectory at 203-865-0388. Thank You.

Every Sunday you can watch the Divine Liturgy live streamed on our parish Facebook page and parish website at 9:00 a.m. in English and 10:30 a.m. in Ukrainian.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelnewhaven
Website: https://stmichaelukrainian.org

Helping the suffering in Ukraine

As most of you are aware, in June , parts of western Ukraine were hit by torrential rains that caused devastating floods over wide areas. The Oblasts of Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi were the worst affected. As a result of the rains, over 4600 homes were lost or flooded, and 550 km of roads and 90 bridges were washed out. Three people lost their lives and thousands of others were forced to evacuate their homes and leave their possessions. Our suffering brothers and sisters in Ukraine need our help. Our Patriarch, His Beatitude Sviatoslav has written an appeal letter on their behalf, asking us: “to show Christian solidarity and social service, so that those who are suffering might receive assistance as soon as possible. I appeal to all communities of our church in Ukraine and throughout the world, to act in the spirit of the Good Samaritan of the Gospel, to support those who are deprived of their homes and have face-to-face with misfortune”. We will conduct a special collection in our parish to help our brothers and sisters in need. Please make checks payable to the “Eparchy of Stamford” with the notation “Flood in Ukraine”. You can place your donation in the collection basket or send to the rectory office. Your donation, no matter how small or large, will change someone`s life for the better. Thank you for your generosity.

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL

REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate for Diocesan Charitable Fund. The forms are designed for each family of our parish. Attached to the form is an envelope into which you can place your contribution. The form along with your contribution, we ask you enclose in the envelope and place it in the collection basket during church services. Please make check payable to the BYZANTINE RITE DIOCESE OF STAMFORD. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

Divine Liturgy for the coming week

Glory to Jesus Christ!

The Dormition Fast (Spasivka) runs from August 1 until August 14.

Sunday, 8/02, 9th Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 a.m. For the people of the parish
10:30 a.m. +Ivan Godenciuc (40th Anniv.)

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34, Tone 8

Monday, 8/03, Our Venerable Fathers Isaacius, Dalmatus, Faustus
8:00 a.m. +Marianka Romanytch 12th (Anniv., Pan.) requested by Liuba Schiano

Tuesday, 8/04, The Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus, martyrs
8:00 a.m. no intention for the Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, 8/05, Fore-feast of the Transfiguration; Holy Martyr Eusignius
8:00 a.m. no intention for the Divine Liturgy

Thursday, 8/06, Transfiguration of Our Lord with the feast day Blessing of Fruits
9:00 a.m. God’s blessing and health for Barbara Schwartz

The Post-feast of the Transfiguration until August 12.

Friday, 8/07, Our Venerable Martyr Domitius
8:00 a.m. +Orest Dubno (1st Anniv., Pan) requested by the Family

Saturday, 8/08, Holy Confessor Emilian
8:00 a.m. no intention for the Divine Liturgy

Sunday, 8/09, 10th Sunday after Pentecost; Holy Apostle Matthias
9:00 a.m. Special Intention
10:30 a.m. For the people of the parish

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Gospel: Matthew 17:13-22, Tone 1

Parish announcements this week

Christ is among us!

This week the vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Luba Kopylec for a Special Intention.

Dear Parishioners, please close your phones during the Divine Liturgy. Your phones make our stream live difficult. Thank you!

Dear Parishioners: if anyone needs help such as going to the store to buy groceries, going to a doctor`s appointment or the pharmacy, or any other type of special assistance, you may contact the rectory at (203) 865-0388 and arrangements will be made to help you.

We are asking for volunteers to come and paint the front and back entrance to our rental building at 573 George St. If anyone would like to volunteer for this project, please contact Fr. Iura Godenciuc, either in person or you may call the rectory at (203) 865-0388. Thank You.

Every Sunday you can watch the Divine Liturgy live streamed on our parish Facebook page and parish website at 9:00 a.m. in English and 10:30 a.m. in Ukrainian.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelnewhaven
Website: https://stmichaelukrainian.org

Helping the suffering in Ukraine

As most of you are aware, in June , parts of western Ukraine were hit by torrential rains that caused devastating floods over wide areas. The Oblasts of Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi were the worst affected. As a result of the rains, over 4600 homes were lost or flooded, and 550 km of roads and 90 bridges were washed out. Three people lost their lives and thousands of others were forced to evacuate their homes and leave their possessions. Our suffering brothers and sisters in Ukraine need our help. Our Patriarch, His Beatitude Sviatoslav has written an appeal letter on their behalf, asking us: “to show Christian solidarity and social service, so that those who are suffering might receive assistance as soon as possible. I appeal to all communities of our church in Ukraine and throughout the world, to act in the spirit of the Good Samaritan of the Gospel, to support those who are deprived of their homes and have face-to-face with misfortune”. We will conduct a special collection in our parish to help our brothers and sisters in need. Please make checks payable to the “Eparchy of Stamford” with the notation “Flood in Ukraine”. You can place your donation in the collection basket or send to the rectory office. Your donation, no matter how small or large, will change someone`s life for the better. Thank you for your generosity.

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL

REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate for Diocesan Charitable Fund. The forms are designed for each family of our parish. Attached to the form is an envelope into which you can place your contribution. The form along with your contribution, we ask you enclose in the envelope and place it in the collection basket during church services. Please make check payable to the BYZANTINE RITE DIOCESE OF STAMFORD. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

The Dormition Fast begins today

The Dormition Fast runs from August 1- August 14

Here is a repost of something we posted previously for this liturgical fast:

“Father,” someone once asked their priest, “I have a difficult time observing the Dormition Fast. What should I do?”

“Well,” the priest responded, “just keep the first week, and then keep the second week, that should be enough.”

Is this acting a bit smart?

But there is much truth here. As we know, the Dormition Fast is just a total of two weeks. It’s an intense and necessary two weeks as the Church gathers together at the death bed of Mary, the ever-Virgin Mother of God.

Our Holy Church teaches us, that the gesture of those whom we love is near death: we ought to stop in our tracks and gather at their bedside. Today, we find ourselves at a nursing home, hospice or even the hospital.

The Apostles (except Thomas) and those with them had been scattered across the world spreading the Gospel were miraculously gathered together at the bedside of the Church’s Mother to bid her farewell from this life.

This is good spiritual advice: “We ought to keep this fast as carefully and attentively as possible because we love God’s Mother. She helps us, she loves us, and with the boldness of a mother she intercedes on our behalf to her Son and our God. It is not that Christ does not know our needs, but, because that is what a loving mother does!”

Are you convinced to keep the Dormition Fast? Here are a few tips:

Go to Church. Run to Church. We will be open for business. The feast of our Lord’s Transfiguration always falls in the midst of the fast.

Pray. Yes, pray. That you come to Church you will surely be praying, but, consider intensifying your daily devotions. Look in your prayer books for special prayers that you can add to God’s Mother during this season. Maybe even keep it up after the 14 days!

Fast. We got the whole way to #3 without even mentioning food. Do your best to abstain from meat and dairy as you are able. The Church provides strict directives as they always do, but, work together as a family to come up with a plan. At the least, do more than you have done in the past.

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