CATECHESIS & DAILY INSPIRATION |
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The Holy Martyr James the Persian (400) |
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The NATIVITY FAST
A time for preparation!
May our spiritual efforts bring us renewal in Christ!
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Reflections and Daily Inspiration |
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...fast, gladly bestow charity upon the poor, entertain guests heartily; do not, grudge anything to those who belong to your household, zealously, read the Word of God, pray, repent, lament your sins, strive with all your might after holiness, meekness, humility, patience, and obedience.
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Confession - Purification of the Soul
Father Patrick O’Grady
20,001 views
This lecture is called: Confession: Purification of the Soul, was presented at our parish by Father Patrick O’Grady is Sr Priest at St Peter the Apostle, Pomona, CA California.
Fr Patrick speaks about the history of and the purpose of confession, (“why can’t I merely make my confession to God?”), the preparation for (e.g. how often; what should I confess), and how different traditions and jurisdictions regard or mandate confession as it relates to receiving the Holy Eucharist (must one make formal confession before each Eucharist?). The focus is on practical information that will help you value, understand and become more regular at the confessional.
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“A SERVANT OF GOD IN EVERY ATOM OF HIS BEING”
In memoriam: Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radovic)
December 8, 2020 is the fortieth day after the repose of Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radovic) of blessed memory.
“Can I remain silent?”
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Your contributions to a fund to help Popadija Nino Barfield are appreciated and most welcome. Please make your check payable to Western American Diocese and mail it to Western American Diocese, 1621 West Garvey Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803. Please write “Barfield Family” in the memo section. Donate Online
Likewise, your contributions to help the St. Sebastian Mission Parish in Reno are also welcome, greatly needed, and greatly appreciated during this difficult time. Please make your check payable to St John the Serbian Orthodox Mission. Write “Popadija” on the memo line. Mail to Forerunner Books, Attention Treasurer, 644 Plumas Street, Reno, NV 89509.
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BULGARIAN GOV’T ALLOCATES $1.5 MILLION+ FOR RESTORATION AND COMPLETION OF CHURCHES AND MONASTERIES
Sofia, December 10, 2020
Photo: triptipedia.com
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DIY Nativity set
Want to teach your little Orthodox Christian children about the Nativity in a hands-on, age-appropriate way? Looking for a meaningful gift for them this festive season? How about an engaging activity to help keep them quiet and focused on the feast during the church services? We are excited to present our Nativity fabric learning set.
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Warmest wishes to all in anticipation of the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord! ⭐🙏🕯
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SAINT OF THE DAY
DECEMBER 10, / NOVEMBER 27
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The Holy Martyr James the Persian (400)
James was born of Christian parents in the Persian city of Elapa (or Vilat), brought up in the Christian Faith and married to a Christian woman. The Persian King Yezdegeherd took a liking to James for his talents and skillfulness and made him a noble at his court. Flattered by the king, James was deluded and began offering sacrifices to the idols that the king worshiped. His mother and wife learned of this, and wrote him a letter of reproach in which they grieved over him as an apostate and one who was spiritually dead. Yet, at the end of the letter, they begged him to repent and return to Christ. Moved by this letter, James repented bitterly, and courageously confessed his faith in Christ the Lord to the king. Angered, the king condemned him to death by special torture: his entire body was to be cut up, piece by piece, until he breathed his last. The executioners fulfilled this command of the wicked king to the letter, and cut off James’s fingers, then his toes, his legs and arms, his shoulders, and finally his head. During every cutting, the repentant martyr gave thanks to God. A sweet-smelling fragrance, as of a cypress, emanated from the wounds. Thus, this wonderful man repented of his sin and presented his soul to Christ his God in the Kingdom of Heaven. James suffered in about the year 400. His head is to be found in Rome and a part of his relics in Portugal, where he is commemorated on May 22.
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