the archangel - St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church

In the Orthodox Church, there are a lot of customs and traditions that are
important parts of our worship. Some are cultural; some are pious customs. Some
are essential; some are not. From time-to-time, we need to address some of these
various etiquette issues to inform our communities how we can best understand
each other and work together to worship the all-Holy Trinity.
Sunday Dress
Remember the time when people put on their “Sunday best” to go to church? In
fact, dress clothes were often referred to as Sunday clothes. In some parts of the
country, this is not common today. In fact, all too often, dress in church has become too casual. In all areas of our lives, we should offer Christ our best. And the
same is true of our dress. We should offer Christ our “Sunday best”, not our everyday or common wear. And we should dress modestly, not in a flashy way that
would bring attention to ourselves. Our dress should always be becoming of a
Christian—especially at church.
Here are some specific guidelines we use in our parishes:
Children
Only young children (under 10) should wear shorts to church—and then only dress
shorts. Athletic shorts, cut-offs, and spandex shorts are never appropriate church
wear (for children or adults!). Shoes or sandals should be clean and tied. No one
should wear T-shirts with any kind of writing on them (“This Bud’s for you!” is definitely out).
Women
Dresses should be modest. No tank tops or dresses with only straps at the shoulders, no short skirts (mini-skirts), and no skin-tight dresses. Dresses should have
backs and not be cut low in the front. If women wear pants to church, they should
be dress pants (not jeans, leggings, etc.). Shorts of any type are not appropriate for
church.
www.antiochian.org/christianeducation/etiquette
THE ARCHANGEL
St. Michael Orthodox Church
October 23, 2016
+ Please Remember St. Michael Orthodox Church in your Will +
Martyr Eulampius
Rev. Fr. Jeff L. Zias: 570-429-0670
Joseph T. Yarashus: 570-691-4143
2 Corinthians 9:6
9:6--11
Holy Gospel of St. Luke 7:11
7:11--16
(Parish Council President)
Website: www.stmichaelstclair.org
The American Carpatho
Carpatho--Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A
ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OF CONSTANTINOPLE
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Fr. Jeff will be on Vacation from Monday, October 31 to Saturday, November 19th.
A brother Priest or Deacon will serve in his place on November 6 and 13, so please prepare to receive Holy Communion. If it is otherwise, you will be informed. In the event
of an emergency, please contact parish council president, Joseph T. Yarashus, Jr. at
570-691-4143—He will assist you in finding an Orthodox Priest! May God bless you!
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. O Lord our God,
Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the kinswoman of Peter, you Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your
goodness; Who are able to put aside every malady and infirmity, do
You Yourself, the same Lord, grant aid to these Your servants and
cure them of every sickness of which they are grieved; lift them up
from their bed of pain, and send down upon them Your great mercy,
and if it be Your Will, give them health and a complete recovery; for
You are the Physician of our souls and bodies, and to You do we send
up Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both
now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
St. Michael’s Prayer List
Ed & Violet Pogera, Mary Zuk, Paul Thomas, Sr., Mike & Michelle Mistishen, Robert
Cauley, Olga Lutza, John Holobetz, Jean, Paul & Gregory Semanco, Denise & Jody
Spayd, George Hatalowich, Sr. , Mary Boris, Verna Prock, Michael Laurie, Sr. & Jr.,
John Laurie, Margaret Umbenhen, Irene Fessler, Helen Sidella, Mike Sidella, Marge
Premich, Helen & Linda Udut, Elsie Stencovage, Joan Bickleman, Lori & Jenny
Roshannon, Andy Hertz, Joanne Strenkowski, Helen Pogera, Helen, Jake, Jaclyn
and John Mogish, Nancy & John, Helen Udit, John Fessler, George, Marge &
Ronald Homa, Trisha Bootsma, Roxanne, Sabrina & Jonathan Spontak, Michael,
Tanya, Tanner, Macy, Madison, Robert Dembinsky, Leanne, Mike, Mother Maria,
Coralia Chwastiak, Jason Perez, Martin & John Gursky, June & Carolyn Paulin,
Marlene & Scott Rowe, Alice Angst, Mary & Marion Katchur, Anna Meinhold,
Charlie Ross, Wally Vacula, Rodney & Sandy Vargo, Richard Enders, Gabriel
McKay, Francis Plasha, Trisha (Fix) Bouchard, Sara Fix, Stephen Salm, Betty Ditzler,
Fern Kershner, Brad Dembinsky, Ed Leininger, Blazena Rodava, Catherine Bardzak,
Eleanor Ryan, Paneda Bindi, Chloe, Reader Gregory Sagan, Beth Mendenhall,
Audrey Zias, Donna Hatalowich, Matushka Sophie Daniels, Marge Minchoff, Leah
Arters, Shonda, Mengel, Gabrielle McKay, Nancy M., Baby Ilya, Joyce Haberle,
Zachary & Zoe, Roy, David, Lou Lubrea, Lonia Stramova, Ed& Ethel Schappell...
“If you put yourself in the other’s place, then you will understand what comforts him. But if you keep yourself closed up in your own
shell, how can you ever understand what comforts others? In our time,
most people look to see how they can take over another’s place for themselves; and not how to put themselves in another’s place — in order to understand him."
“Many people see how others trouble them, and not how
they trouble others. They only have expectations of others, not of themselves. But the logic of the spiritual life is to examine how we ourselves
trouble others, and not how others trouble us — to observe what comforts
the other, and not what comforts us. Is it for comfort, for convenience, that
we are brought into this life? We did not come into this world to lead an
easy life; we came to get ‘dusted off ourselves,’ and to prepare for the other
life — the eternal one.”
- St. Paisios the Athonite
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But probably the most special thing about Batiushka’s appearance is the large
cross that gleams on his chest. The Saviour Himself gazes at you from the Cross,
stretching out His arms to all His creatures. Christ says with great love, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest … Take My
yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls.”
Every Christian is to wear his baptismal cross hidden next to his heart as a precious and holy object, but for Batiushka it is proper to wear the cross on the outside, so that when people see an Orthodox priest, they will remember their Saviour
and quietly offer a prayer to the Lord, Who ascended the Cross for us all—that the
whole universe might partake of the saving faith of Christ’s resurrection!
Would you like to have a Batiushka as a friend? I’m sure that no one will say
“No!” But you can see for yourself that it is a very responsible thing. You have to
be worthy of such a friendship. “How?” you ask. I’ll gladly tell you: you must always obey God’s commandments and, what is possibly even more important for
young people, “Honor thy father and thy mother… that thy days may be prolonged,
and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
Do you think that Batiushka wants to associate with a naughty and impertinent
child who deceives his mother, talks back and doesn’t feel a bit sorry? I think that
the answer is clear to everyone. “Well,” my readers ask persistently, “what if we
already try not to upset our parents, help around the house, study hard, pray a
little bit, read the Gospel, and try not to repeat our mistakes?” Then, come to
church more often, where Our Lord Jesus Christ, His All-Pure Mother, the Holy God
-Pleasers, and also Batiushka are waiting for you. Prepare for confession carefully,
repent more often with the intent of truly reforming yourself. Ask Father for a
blessing to partake of Christ’s holy sacraments and don’t be afraid to ask him questions if you are confused about something in your spiritual life. In other words, try
with all your might to please the Lord, so that it will be a joy for Batiushka to associate with you. Remember that the Saviour says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” If the Saviour Himself numbers us as His friends, will His
pastor refuse to walk with you on the noble path of unselfish friendship and love?
Do you know that, if your parents agree, it is possible
to invite a priest to come and bless your house, and that
if you become very ill, he will try to take time from his
duties to bring you Holy Communion at home? The
most important thing for you is that you pray for him
daily as your spiritual father, at the same time you pray
for the health and well-being of your parents. In turn
Batiushka will pray for you at the altar, that all of you
may grow into good, kind men and women, and faithful
Orthodox Christians.
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LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
October 23, SUNDAY
Martyr Eulampius
9:00 a.m. Confessions
9:30 a.m. Hours of Prayer
10:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
 Panachida: +Matthew Buletza, offered by the Buletza Family
October 29, Saturday 6:00 p.m. Vespers (Tone 2)
October 30, SUNDAY
Prophet Hosea
9:00 a.m. Church School
9:30 a.m. Hours of Prayer
10:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
November 06, SUNDAY
Martyr Arethas
9:30 a.m. Hours of Prayer
10:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
November 13, SUNDAY
Apostle Stachys (70)
9:30 a.m. Hours of Prayer
10:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
November 20, SUNDAY
33 Martyrs of Melitene
9:00 a.m. Church School
9:30 a.m. Hours of Prayer
10:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

November 21, Monday
Archangel Michael & Bodiless Powers
9:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
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CHURCH CONFESSION
—Vladimirov, The Path to Confession
The Place of the Spiritual Father
In the Life of a Young Christian
Why do you think people say, “Out of the mouths of babes the truth is revealed?” Is this because babies have enlightened themselves through reading philosophy? Obviously not. Or because they incessantly pray to the Lord,
begging Him for the spiritual gifts of wisdom and discernment? Also no! Perhaps babies are world travelers and can accurately compare different ethnic
and cultural attributes? That’s out. So, what is the origin of this famous saying: The answer is—and I hope that our young readers won’t disagree—that
children are less sly and cunning than adults. Children are kinder, simpler,
more trusting and pure in heart, and are often closer to God than their parents. It is to parents, as well as to His disciples, that the Saviour commands,
“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such
is the Kingdom of God.”
Even so, we won’t make a secret of the fact that children aren’t irreproachable.
If that wasn’t so, why did we need to write this book? Children learn some uncongenial habits from their parents, others burden the soul through the influence of the
world; but the unqualified thief which robs our children’s minds and despoils their
souls is television, to which we’ve already devoted more than a few lines. Also, as
our children become older, they are often less amenable to their parents’ influence,
and the precautions and warnings of older relatives and teachers seem to fall on
stony ground. Youth won’t be ruled. We can only hope that this misfortune won’t
strike our young readers, since most children who get out of hand don’t read spiritual books; nevertheless, how can we help the sincerely anxious parent?
Let us turn our attention to the subject of the spiritual father. People usually
think that children only confess after they have reached the age of seven, when the
little ducklings enter the first grade. But it seems to me that most of my readers
(and those to whom their conscientious parents are reading this book) would prefer
to go to confession earlier. Or do young children lack the ability to tell good from
evil? Perhaps they are not conscious of being unrighteous, of the sinfulness of their
words and deeds? Do you think that coming up to the analogion, before the Cross
and the Gospel, they have nothing to share with Father? As I write these lines, I
must confess that I’ve sometimes had deep theological questions asked by little
children with such seriousness that I have had to take time for prayerful meditation
before I was able to give the “clear, distinct, simple and beautiful” answer required
by the child’s soul.
So why does a child need his spiritual father?
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Because, most importantly, it is Christ Himself Who stands behind the pastor,
holding out His arms to the child. This is why, when young children unfamiliar with
church life see a priest approaching for the first time, they sometimes shout, “Here
comes God!” This child senses the secret of the priesthood better than many adults,
and reverences it.
It is immensely meaningful to have the priest as a friend. His grace-filled words
are almost always accepted by the child’s soul as a revelation, a call to action—and
this is true not only of young children but of youth and grownups as well. At any
rate, such a thing often happens in Russia.
Third, the pastor’s love is vitally necessary for children from broken homes, those
who have never experienced the full meaning of the word “father.”
How especially important it is for these children to learn the self-examination that
confession teaches. I am almost certain that parents reading this book will agree
that the words, “Forgive me, Lord, I won’t do it again, help me to change” have a
place on a child’s lips. However, if you haven’t been persuaded by the modest
attempts of the author of this little book, perhaps you’ll give more credence to the
autobiographies of famous Russian writers such as Tolstoy, whose memories of
childhood give miraculous testimony not only to his soft-hearted nurse with her wise
tales, but to the wonderful image of Batiushka, in whom he found both father and
mother, and divinity. For many of these authors, the parish priest “strikingly resembled Jesus Christ in the Gospel,” and I can only feel that parents perform a very great
service for their child when they find him or her a sincere, attentive & loving pastor.
A WORD TO CHILDREN
Look again, my dear readers, at the Orthodox priest. Everything about him is unusual, but at the same time, high and lofty: his demeanor, his apparel and especially
the service he performs. Many Orthodox pastors have long hair, like the image of
Christ Himself. Do you remember the Biblical narrative about
Samson, whose long hair symbolized the spiritual power that
dwelt in him? Usually we see Batiushka in a riassa, a long
black garment with very wide sleeves. Surely you’ve heard the
famous advice “to roll up your shirtsleeves and get to work.”
Should we assume, then, that priests don’t work? Certainly
not! Their priesthood isn’t work, it’s not a job, it’s a CALLING.
Christ Himself calls a man to be a pastor. “Well then,” you
ask, “why are the sleeves of the riassa like that?” What do
they remind you of? Exactly! They look like wings. The long
riassa with its wide sleeves tells us that the pastor’s service is
heavenly, not a part of the world with its fuss, routine and ordinariness. The priest is to stand before the living God, to pray for everyone, to console those who suffer, and, of course, to edify children, taking them by the hand and
leading them to the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ Our God.
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