The Ladder of Divine Ascent
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The first stage of this tranquility consists in silencing the lips when the heart is excited. The second, in silencing the mind when the soul is still excited. The goal is a perfect peacefulness even in the middle of the raging storm."
+ St. John Climacus +
FOR YOUR EDIFICATION
The Three Stages of the Spiritual Life by Father Zacharias Zacharou
SERVICES & EVENTS THIS WEEK
(in Sorrento Valley unless otherwise noted)
Monday: Divine Liturgy 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: St. Athanasius Catechetical School 7:00 p.m. (Topic: Blessed are the peacemakers)
Wednesday: Divine Liturgy 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friday: Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Friday: St. Katherine Fellowship 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Talk title: "Broken World: Finding Our Humanity in the Refugee Crisis")
Saturday: Divine Liturgy: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Oceanside)
Saturday: Vespers & Midnight Praise: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (with Met. Serapion)
Sunday: Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sunday: Pan-Orthodox Vespers (St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church) 6:00 p.m.
FASTING GREAT LENT
We are now mid-way through the Lenten season, but it is not too late to seek out spiritual guidance with regards to how to fast. Do not take it upon yourself to make a rule of fasting for yourself. And remember that if you are not keeping the fast, you may not approach partake of Holy Communion.
It is also very important that each of us participates in the mystery of confession. It is highly recommended that every member of the Church confess at least twice during the Lenten season.
Metropolitan Serapion Visit
On Saturday 16 April His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion will join us for vespers at 6:00 p.m. Vespers will be followed by a light meal before we pray the midnight praises.
If you would like to contribute to the refreshments that will be served, please contact Tasoni Maryann.
ST. ATHANASIUS CATECHETICAL SCHOOL
Current course: The Sermon on the Mount
Please click here for the the schedule of lectures.
Pan-Orthodox Vespers
Each Sunday of Great Lent the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Council of San Diego is sponsoring pan-Orthodox Vespers. The schedule si posted on the bulletin board at church, but can also be found here.
CATECHISM COURSE
The Holy Cross Catechism course has begun and will continue to meet after the agape meal every Sunday. ALL parishioners are encouraged to attend.
Upcoming lecture: The Mystery of the Priesthood
Amazon Smile
If you use Amazon, .5% of your eligible purchases can now be donated to Holy Cross. Make sure to log on to http://smile.amazon.com (NOT amazon.com) and choose Holy Cross Coptic Orthodox Church (Diamond Bar, CA).
WEBSITE & HYMNS
We encourage all congregants to take some time to check out the parish website:
holycross-orthodox.org
All are also encouraged to listen to the liturgical hymns as they are chanted at Holy Cross please click here.
FOOD & CLEAN-UP
To sign up to bring food for the agape meal on Sundays please see the bulletin board at church or contact Tasoni Maryann. We need as many volunteers as possible to keep the church clean on Sundays after the Divine Liturgy. Please consider this important expression of stewardship.
May God bless and reward all of you who have so diligently offered food and helped to clean!