NEWSLETTER
January – February 2008
THE MEETING OF OUR LORD GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
This feast, celebrated on February 15th, is also known in the Orthodox Church as The Presentation of Christ in the
Temple. Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians call the feast The Purification of the Holy Virgin. About 450 AD in Jerusalem, people began the custom of holding lighted candles during the Divine Liturgy of this feast day. Therefore, some churches in the West refer to this holy day as Candlemas. The Feast of the Presentation concludes the observances related to the Nativity of Christ, a period that opened on November 28th with the beginning of the Nativity fast.
The story of the Presentation is told in Luke 2:22-29. Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews and observed their religious customs. An important custom was for the couple to take their first-born son to the
Temple. The baby was taken to the Temple forty days after his birth and was dedicated to God. In addition, if the parents were wealthy, they were to bring a lamb and a young pigeon or a turtle dove to be offered as a sacrifice at the Temple. The custom provided that if the parents were poor, they were to offer two pigeons or two turtle doves for the sacrifice.
When Jesus was forty days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the
Temple in Jerusalem. They were not wealthy, so they took two turtle doves with them to offer as a sacrifice at the Temple. As they arrived at the Temple, Mary and Joseph were met by a very old man named Simeon. He was a holy man and was noted as a very intelligent scholar. Simeon spent much time studying about the prophets of Israel. It was during his studies that he learned of the coming of the Messiah. The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to come and deliver Israel from their conquerors. From that time on, Simeon spent his time praying for the Messiah to come. He spent many years in prayer. Finally, while Simeon was praying he heard the voice of God. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.
When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the baby in his arms and blessed the Lord and said:
"Lord, now let Your servant go in peace according to Your promise, because my eyes have seen Your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory to your people
Israel."
Also, in the
Temple was Anna the Prophetess. She had been a widow for many years. Anna was about eighty-four years old and spent her time in the Temple worshiping, fasting, and praying. When she saw the Christ Child she praised God and spoke of him to all who were awaiting the Messiah. After Jesus was presented in the
Temple, the family returned to Galilee to the town of Nazareth. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew and became strong, and was filled with wisdom. The Icon of the feast shows that the meeting takes place inside the
Temple and in front of the altar. The altar has a book or a scroll on it and is covered by a canopy. The Theotokos stands to the left and is holding out her hands in a gesture of offering. The one hand of the Theotokos is covered by her cloak. She has just handed her Son to Simeon. Christ is shown as a child, but He is not in swaddling clothes. He is clothed in a small dress and his legs are bare. Jesus appears to be giving a blessing. Simeon holds Jesus with both hands which are covered. This shows the reverence Simeon had for the Messiah. Simeon is bare headed and there is nothing to show that he is a priest. Some biblical scholars say that Simeon was probably a priest of the
Temple or a Doctor of the Law. Joseph is behind the Theotokos. He is carrying the two turtle doves for the sacrifice. Anna the Prophetess is also standing behind the Theotokos and is pointing to the Christ child.
The words Simeon spoke when he saw the Christ Child are known as "St. Simeon's Prayer." This prayer is sung daily at the evening Vespers services of the Orthodox Church.
In the Orthodox Church, both baby boys and baby girls are taken to the Church on the fortieth day after their birth. This is done in remembrance of the Theotokos and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the
Temple.
YOUR LOVE MADE THE DIFFERENCE
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another – John 13:35
Beloved in the Lord, my dear brothers and sisters: Over the past month there have been some rather significant changes in my life and the life of my family. Just a few days after I was ordained into the Holy Priesthood on December 19th, Fr. Andrey was temporarily reassigned to
San Francisco, and I was left to care for the spiritual needs of our parish. While the pace has been hectic, the outpouring of love and support I have received from the members of our church community has been overwhelming. Every step of the way, you have been there for me, and your help has made my transition a smooth one. What a joy it is for me to serve SS Peter and Paul’s! Our beautiful Cathedral, with its rich history and heritage, has been my home, and my family’s home, for several generations.
Perhaps the most joyous moment so far occurred after Divine Liturgy on January 13th, when our family was presented with the proceeds of the “Matthew Fund”. Beginning as a small project, it blossomed though the tireless efforts of Helen Ochab and Eileen Telischak, and then turned into a remarkable demonstration of the love and generosity of our parishioners. Because of your kindness and compassion, Matthew will not only receive the special conveyance he so desperately needs, but there will be plenty of funds left to purchase other needed equipment. Matthew’s young life has not been an easy one, but because you followed Our Lord’s commandment that we love one another, the cross that Matthew carries will be that much lighter.
With sincere thanksgiving, I give Glory to God, and pray that He pour out His abundant mercies upon all of you.
With Love in Christ, Fr. Stephen
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our annual Traditional Velija was an overwhelming success. Many thanks go out to John Bacik and all those who worked so hard to prepare for the meal, which was plentiful and delicious, as always.
Blessing of Homes have now begun, although during Fr. Andrey’s temporary absence, the pace may be a little slower than usual. I ask for your patience and understanding in this matter. If you haven’t yet made an appointment, please contact the office at 973-778-0826. – Fr. Stephen
All-Night Vigil on Saturday evenings and the Akathist normally served on Wednesday evenings will both be temporarily suspended in Fr. Andrey’s absence.
SUNDAY SCHOOL / PPTA NEWS
Sunday, December 23rd: St. Nicholas Breakfast was held celebrating St. Nicholas of Myra, the Wonderworker (Dec. 19). Many thanks to the Choir for joining the children and singing Silent Night and Holy Nicholas. Matthew Sluja and Olivia Vladyka had a wonderful dialogue speaking to us about the difference between Santa Claus and St. Nicholas. Nicholas Surgent played Hark the Herald Angels on his Alto Sax, Dmitriy Savinskiy played The First Noel and Silent Night on his guitar, and Mark Surgent played Deck the Halls and Joy to the World on his trombone.
St. Nicholas also visited us. He gave the Sunday School children a wooden St. Nicholas ornament from
Russia and a treat bag to all children present. Many people worked together to make this event enjoyable for all, from John Bacik and the kitchen crew to the servers, Choir, parents, teachers, and clean-up folks. Visit the church website for pictures. May God Grant All Many Years!
Sunday, February 10th: PPTA Annual Valentine’s Day bake sale.
Sunday School weekly internet communication contains select books and podcasts (for both children and adults) found on Ancient Faith Radio. AFR at www.ancientfaithradio.com is a tremendous resource for Orthodox Christians. If you would like to receive this weekly information, please email Elaine Nichols at enichols@medimedia.com to be added to the list. We also ask that if you have any comments or suggestions to please let us know as well. Your feedback is important to its success and growth.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE
The cemetery has been prepared for the Winter Season: the water and irrigation system was flushed and closed, shrubs and plants received attention, and seasonal wreaths and garlands were placed around the cemetery. Also, construction trucks have been removed and the uneven areas in the cemetery have been leveled for a more aesthetic appearance. Some road patching was also done. In addition, we are currently planning to place a larger entrance sign outside the gates for more visibility.
Volunteers will be needed for our spring project of painting the garage. Please consider helping us. Your valuable input is always welcome. - Mary Gagan
FOOD GIFT CARDS (SHOP-RITE, PATHMARK, A&P)
Just a reminder that food gift cards are always available at the church office; after Liturgy and at coffee hour on Sundays from Paula, and with the order form that was included in the September-October monthly newsletter. If you haven’t purchased food gift cards yet now is the time to try them and see how easy they are to use. They make great gifts especially for senior citizens who can do their food shopping without having to carry cash with them. Any questions please call Paula, 973-279-7153.
BINGO
We are back to making a profit at Bingo. Attendance has been up and we have been seeing some new faces in addition to our steady customers. Thank you again for supporting your Bingo with donations of paper goods, coffee, cake and cash. All these donations help to reduce our expenses. We're still asking for floor and kitchen help. Bingo starts at 7:30pm on Thursday evenings. STOP IN AND TALK TO US. Thank you!
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
2008 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT - PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Our annual parish meeting will be held Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 12 Noon, in the Cultural Center Lounge. A light lunch will be served immediately following Divine Liturgy.
There are many issues to discuss and consider so all dues paying parishioners are urged to attend.