Update for the week Thursday, August 9 - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

THIS WEEK AT ST. MARY'S

SATURDAY 8/11 - Annual New Skete Pilgrimage (https://newskete.org/events)

SUNDAY 8/12 – Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am.

TUESDAY 8/14 - Vigil for the Dormition of the Theotokos, our Patronal Feast Day
   - Vespers at 4:15 pm,
   - Orthros with Lamentations at 5:30 pm
   - Festal Divine Liturgy at 7:00 pm
   - Dormition Feast, hosted by Mary Winstanley O’Conner, immediately following Liturgy  
 
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

ECCLESIASTICAL NEW YEAR – The new Ecclesiastical year begins on September 1.

NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS – We will celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokoson the eve of the feast, Friday, September 7, with Divine Liturgy at 6:30pm.

WOMEN’S CLUB – The Women’s Club will hold its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 12 at 7:30pm.  We welcome all women of the parish to join us. Call the church office (617-547-1234) if you have any questions.

ELEVATION OF THE CROSS – We will celebrate the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross on the eve of the feast, Thursday, September 13, with Divine Liturgy at 6:00pm (note new time)

SONIA’S RUN – The 10th annual Sonia’s Run and Fall Fair, in memory of Sonia Daly Belcher, will be held at St. George Church, West Roxbury on Saturday, September 22. Registration begins at 8:30am, race starts at 9:30am. All proceeds from the run will benefit Theophany School. Please visit www.soniasrun.org to register, volunteer or donate.
 
REMINDERS

PARISH COUNCIL - The next meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for Wednesday, August 22.

CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION - Registration for new students, and for children who have reached the age of 3, will be held on Sunday, September 9 
   Classes will begin on Sunday, Sepetember 16 with a short lesson

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN WITNESS PROGRAM – The Diocese of Worcester and New England is offering an opportunity for anyone interested to learn, reflect and be transformed through the Orthodox Faith in preparation for various ministries. It is aimed to empower and equip Orthodox Christians to nourish and share the faith in the 21st Century. This is a 2 year program (4 semesters, 8 Units), starting September 13. The leadership team includes His Grace Bishop John, our own Father Antony Hughes, Ioana Popa, Richard Robbat, and Sebastien Falardeau. Registration fee:  $100/unit.  For questions e-mail Ioana Popa at popalifecoach@gmail.com or call 617-455-7192.  Pamphlets are at the Bengarri and a poster is on the bulletin board.

SUMMER CAMP FOR ADULTS – Antiochian Village Adult Camp for ages 21+ will be Friday-Monday, September 14-17. Adult Camp is open to all adults who want to spend the weekend in an Orthodox Christian environment growing in their faith.  Cost of $195 includes lodging, food and activities.  More information can be found at https://avcamp.org/other-programs/adult-camp.  Registration opens May 1.

ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN DELEGATES MEETING – The Fall Diocesan Delegates Meetings of Antiochian Women – General Assembly Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 15 at St. Michael Church, Cotuit, MA at 10:00am. Anyone interested in attending contact Barbara Shoop at Barbara@dsaarchitects.com or the church office (617-547-1234)

SOYO FALL CAMP and FAMILY CAMP – Diocese of Worcester and New England SOYO Fall Camp and Family Camp will be held Thursday–Sunday, October 5-7, at St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH.  All teens in grades 7-12 are encouraged to attend the Teen SOYO Fall Camp. Family Camp is open to families of all ages. Parents of teenagers are welcome to attend Family Camp while their children attend Teen SOYO Fall Camp. Each camp will have its own distinct program. Watch for more information and registration details.

ICON EXHIBIT – The Museum of Russian Icons (203 Union Street, Clinton, MA) will be showing an exhibition of Icons of the Hellenic World, focusing exclusively on Greek and Byzantine iconography, through October 21. For information see http://www.museumofrussianicons.org/current-exhibitions
 
REFLECTION
The only way you can prove you love God is by loving your neighbor, and the only way you can love your neighbor in this world is by endless forgiveness.
   — Fr. Thomas Hopko

The person who is genuinely charitable not only gives charity out of his own possessions, but gladly tolerates injustice from others and forgives them. Whoever lays down his soul for his brother acts generously, rather than the person who demonstrates his generosity by his gifts.
   – St. Isaac of Syria