Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Mission

Icon of the Archangel Gabriel

O ye incorporeal angels who stand before the throne of God, luminous with the brilliance thereof and everlastingly shining with radiance. As secondary luminaries, entreat Christ, that He grant unto our souls peace and great mercy.

O immortal messengers of the truly incorruptible Life, ye most blessed ones who received life from the first Life, ye have become holy beholders of the eternal Wisdom, full of light, and reflecting lamps shown forth as is meet.

O ye archangels and angels, principalities, thrones, dominions, six-winged seraphim, and divine, many-eyed cherubim, instruments of wisdom, virtues and powers most divine. Pray ye to Christ, that He grant our souls peace and great mercy.

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HOLY RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC MISSION
FATHER THOMAS O’CONNELL, PASTOR
FATHER MICHAEL MAPLES, ASSISTANT PASTOR
FATHER DEACON RON VOLEK, PASTORAL ASSISTANT
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH
307 BLACK OAK RIDGE ROAD PO BOX 817
SEYMOUR, TN 37865
PHONE: 865-609-1081
www.hrbcc.org

Slava Isusu Christu! Slava Na Niky!
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Divine Liturgy begins at 4 p.m. Every Sunday
Ninth Hour Prayer precedes Liturgy at 3:30 p.m.

Potluck supper follows Liturgy on the third Sunday of the month
Also at this time non-perishable foods and items for those in need

FEBRUARY 3, 2008
CHEESEFARE SUNDAY
SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY PROPHET SIMEON AND THE PROPHETESS ANNA

WHAT IS MEANT BY “CHEESEFARE”

Holy Church in gradually preparing us for the Fast, permits us to eat meat for the last time on Meatfare Sunday. During Cheesefare week, however, she permits us to eat only dairy products. Just as we bid farewell to meat on Meatfare Sunday; so, too, we bid farewell to dairy products on Cheesefare Sunday.

FASTING

Fasting is an excellent discipline. The desert fathers reminds us that one of the purposes of fasting is to capture the attention of the pig, which is constantly looking downward seeking food and turn it upward — so that it begins to seek after the food that lasts unto life everlasting. How far easier it is for a person to pray when not burdened with a full stomach! How much lighter the soul! How much quicker it soars to it Maker on the wings of prayers!

“Yes, the Lord favors our fasting from food, just as He did those forty days in the desert. It will make us more free from our demanding appetites: it will help us to grow in self-control. But even more, it will help us to share with others in need. Still more, Jesus wants us to fast from anything that oppresses ourselves or others. God, our Friend, wants us to be free. He wants us to care for one another’s well-being, for we are all His friends.” —Fr. M Basil Pennington O.C.S.O.

THE CEREMONY OF FORGIVENESS ON CHEESEFARE SUNDAY

In ancient times in Eastern monasteries, a beautiful custom existed in which the rite of mutual forgiveness on Cheesefare Sunday was performed. This Rite of Forgiveness was carried out in the evening, following a modest repast. All the monks in presence of the faithful asked pardon of one another for past offenses, then embraced and gave each other the kiss of peace. The faithful did the same among themselves.

In some places, while this Rite of Forgiveness was being carried out, the Stichera of the Pasch or Resurrection was sung:

“Today the sacred Pasch has been shown forth to us...” The last Stichera ends with an appeal for mutual forgiveness: “…and let us embrace one another and say: ‘Brethren’ even to those who hate us, and let us forgive all things.”

The singing of the Sticheras of the Pasch was to signify that just as during the season of Pasch, so now at the threshold of the Great Fast, we should mutually ask pardon for our offences for the sake of Christ who fasted, suffered, and rose for our sakes.

AFTER DIVINE LITURGY, TODAY, WE WILL HAVE FORGIVENESS VESPERS.

The Great Fast begins with Vespers of Forgiveness Sunday. Apart from Holy Week, itself, the first week of the Great Fast is perhaps the most intense week throughout Lent. There will be a service each night, Monday through Thursday at 7:30 PM. We will pray the Great Compline and the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, an extended meditation on our condition before God and the call to repentance. On the Fridays throughout the Great Fast, the Akathist will be prayed to the Holy Theotokos with the Small Compline.

PASTORAL PONDERINGS

Here are some unusual beatitudes for your consideration:

Said a puppy to an old dog: “In a course on philosophy meant for puppies, I learned that the best thing for a dog is happiness and that happiness is in my tail. Therefore, I am chasing my tail; and when I catch it I shall have perfect happiness.” The old dog replied: “From my research and experience, I too have judged that happiness is a fine thing for a dog and that happiness is in my tail. But I've noticed that whenever I chase it, it keeps running away from me; but when I go about my business, it comes after me.”

Then there are Satan’s beatitudes. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in church — they are my best workers. Blessed are those who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them in my business. Blessed are those who are touchy. Soon they will stop going to church — verily, they shall be my missionaries. Blessed are those who sow gossip and trouble — they are my beloved children. Blessed are those who have no time to pray — for they are my prey. Blessed are you when you read this and think it has everything to do with other people, and nothing to do with you — I’ve got room for you in my Inn.

—Father Thomas O’Connell

Last updated: 9-Feb-2008