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PEACE AND GRACE
The Martyrdom of St. Matthias, the apostle (March 17, 2024 / Baramhat 8, 1740)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 6:16-18
SERVICES THIS WEEK
MONDAY:
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)
WEDNESDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
THURSDAY:
College Coptic Club Meeting: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Fr. Elijah-St. Mary & St. Athanasius)
FRIDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. - Noon
No Bible Study this week but will resume next week, God willing, with the Lent Series
SATURDAY:
Saturday Youth Camp:
Elementary School Bible Study & Activities: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Vespers Raising of Incense: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
SUNDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Agape Meal immediately after the liturgy
Beginner & Intermediate Hymn Classes: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday School Classes: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Journey of Great Lent and Pascha
MARCH 11th marks the beginning of the fast of the Great Lent in our Coptic Orthodox Church. Our Lord identifies fasting as worthy of rewards when practiced properly in spirit (Matt. 6:18). The Great Lent is a spiritual journey that we take together as a church and that is also a model of the spiritual life. Any journey has common elements: having a clear destination, mapping out the road to get there, packing provisions, and having a strong resolve to reach the destination and not be distracted along the way. This spiritual journey is no different. Our destination is the cross and the resurrection of our Lord where we see, accept and abide in God’s indescribable love. Along the road ahead of us, are temptations and trials which may cause us to stumble and fall. However, our Lord is our companion along this excellent journey, and we overcome with His Fatherly support. We begin this spiritual journey with a look inwardly, that secret place inside of us where our Lord resides and where we resolve to get to the destination. In short, our Lord is the Beginning of the Journey, our Support along the way, and the ultimate Destination.
So Lent is also a time for spiritual renewal through prayer, reading, and works of love and forgiveness. God bless this spiritual journey for all of you and your families!
What is fasting?
It is a spiritual means by which the believers deepen their relationship with God
It is a means by which the soul can grow in the love of God and gain this spiritual depth by focusing on God who is Spirit and all who approach Him must do so in the spirit and not carnally
The many church fasts establishes a profound relationship with God and allows us to feel God in our life.
It is a sacred period of spiritual renewal, which belongs to God and devoted entirety Him
Is Fasting Biblical and did the early church fast?
Of course! We see that the prophets of old fasted and so did the apostles. We are even commanded to fast (Matt 9:15, Acts 10:10, 2 Cor 6:5, Matt 17:21, etc.)
Our Lord Jesus Christ fasted for us for 40 days (Matt. 4:2-4)
Communal fasting is also Biblical (Esth. 4, Jon.3, Neh.9: 1, Joel 2: 12-17, Acts 13: 2-3, Acts 27:21, etc.)
The early church fasted often, and, in many situations, God intervened in wondourous ways when the fast concerned a common issue
How do I fast?
Though there are general guidelines that apply to everyone, speak to a spiritual father (priest) for specific advice on how to apply this effective spiritual exercise in your life!
Fun Day for the angels
The kiddos that attend the Saturday Youth Camp had a great time during the “Fun Day”events! Thank you to the servants who made it happen!
Checked Out Our Bookstore Lately?
Enter the world of the Early Church Fathers including St. Athanasius, St. Cyril, St. Augustine, and (of course) St. Basil! There are also books from modern authors such as Pope Shenouda III, Fr. Matthew the Poor, Bishop Epiphanius, and Paulos Mar Gregorios, and many more! You will also find books for children as well as some crafts as well. Be sure to stop by!
AGAPE MEAL AFTER THE LITURGY!
Hello St. Basil’s family! We’re happy to continue our weekly Agape meal, but we can’t do it without your help!
You can help in the following ways:
Sign up to bring food (Please refrain from excessive sweets).
Sign up for the coffee cart: set up and clean up the coffee cart on Sunday morning.
Hall clean up following the Agape meal.
Please CLICK HERE to sign up.
We also need help with coffee so please sign up!
God bless your efforts!
PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES
Join us on ONLINE on Monday nights at 8:00 PM for Baptism preparation classes. Visit www.stbasil.net/baptism for more information. These classes are open for:
Anyone interested in becoming members of the Coptic Orthodox Church,
Those recently baptized (within the last few years), or
Simply anyone else seeking to better understand the basics of the Christian Faith and History.
Together, we will review the importance of baptism and its impact, the Sacraments, the inspiring church history, the Orthodox Creed, the Holy Bible, Orthodox Prayer and Spiritual life, and Church traditions. Reading material will be provided for those who wish to attend. To register for this class, please contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350 or FrMichaelMaximous@gmail.com.
DIOCESE NEWS, EVENTS, TRIPS & PROGRAMS
INTERESTED IN MISSIONARY TRIPS?
Click here for many opportunities!!!
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
As a reminder, the Professionals LinkedIn group is an easy way to connect and network with fellow members of our community.
ST. BASIL WELCOME PORTAL
Do you know about our Welcome Portal? You can use it to register as a member, update existing contact information, volunteer for a church service, make a donation, contact Father Michael, or provide private comments/questions/suggestions. Try it out and visit our Welcome Portal.
FAMILY HOME VISITS
Father Michael is offering home visits for anyone who is interested. It’s a wonderful practice to have a priest visit your home at least once a year. Please reach out to him directly to schedule a visit!
Phone: 949-378-0350
Email: FrMichael@stbasil.net
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please let us know if you have any upcoming important events for us to share with our fellow congregants. Special events are best shared among our family, and we encourage you to share your special news with us.