MONTHLY NEWSLETTER. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2007 

Glory to the Holy, Consubstantial, Lifecreating, and Undivided Trinity! Always, Now and Ever, and Unto the Ages of Ages! Amen! 

O come, let us worship God our King.  O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.  O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God. 

Praise the Lord, o my soul. Blessed art thou, O Lord. O lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious. Blessed art thou, O Lord. O Lord, how manifold are thy works: In wisdom hast Thou made them all. Glory to Thee, O Lord, who hast made them all. 

THE ALL-NIGHT VIGIL 

The Holy Orthodox Apostolic Church of the East reckons its day after the pattern of the Jewish Church, from sunset. Therefore the worship of God begins with the Evening Service, which typifies, in general, the Old Testament times, as foreshadowing our Lord Jesus Christ and his life on earth, and precedes the Divine Liturgy of the morning, wherein is typified the life of our Lord as set forth in the New Testament and his life in heaven. 

On ordinary evenings, Great or Lesser Vespers is used. On Saturday evening, and on the eves of the Great Feasts, is celebrated the Vigil Ser­vice, which consists of portions of Great Vespers, combined with Matins. In the early Church, the Vigil Service lasted all night, as its name, the " All-Night Vigil Service," denotes; and at the present day, in the monasteries of the East, where the service is read and chanted slowly, and in its completeness, it so lasts. In the monasteries, also, are used the Great and Lesser Later Evensong (Compline), and the various midnight services. 

At the Saturday evening Vigil Service, the Resurrection of our Lord is more particularly commemorated and exalted. On Christmas Eve, and on the Eves of the Epiphany and sometimes of the Annunciation, the All-Night Vigil Office consists of Great Later Even­song (Grand Compline) and Matins. 

An excerpt from Hapgood’s Service Book p593 (endorsed by St. Patriarch Tikhon on November 3, 1921) 

THE ALL-NIGHT VIGIL IS HELD IN OUR CATHEDRAL EVERY SATURDAY 6 - 8:30 PM. 

O come, let us worship God our King. 

THE MYSTERY OF OBEDIENCE 

By Deacon Steven Kaznica 

Obedience is a bad word this days, it seems.  Somewhere along the line, being obedient became equated with weakness, the prevailing notion being that if someone acts in an obedient manner they are somehow less of a person.  Just one trip to the local book store and you’ll find dozens of self-help texts written by ‘experts’ who want you to believe that the world revolves around you, and that the only obedience you owe is to yourself. 

That’s not what the Church teaches, nor is it what Christ showed us as an example of how He wants us to live. 

St Silouan the Athonite once said, “rare are they who know the mystery of obedience”. 

The quote reveals two things:  first that the presence of perfect obedience in a human being is uncommon, and secondly that obedience is a mystery.  The word ‘Mystery’ (from the Greek mysterion) is commonly used in the Church, although the exact meaning of the word denotes something inexpressible.  We use the word ‘Mysteries’ to describe our sacraments, in which case it refers to the way that we participate in our own salvation by partaking of them.  Beyond the seven sacraments that we are already familiar with, the Church includes many aspects of our life in Christ, such as hospitality, the veneration of Holy Things, and the Jesus Prayer as being sacramental.  Through the Mysteries, the saving action of God is revealed to us in a way in which we can understand, but never fully comprehend. 

In what way is obedience a mystery?  The Orthodox theologian Vladimir Lossky writes that the answer lies in the fact that while there is unity in God, in Christ there are two Wills, both human and divine, with the human Will being in complete subjugation.  The mystery of Christ’s obedience to the Father, he notes, is equivalent to the mystery of our salvation.  In short, if we are to be saved, we are to be obedient. 

Obedience means first and foremost that we are to be submissive to the Will of God.  We have to take a serious look at ourselves and ask:  when I pray, “Thy Will be done”, do I really mean it?  Certainly Christ meant it, in His agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, giving us an example of perfect obedience.  But we don’t necessarily have to be in Gethsemane to learn obedience – practice makes perfect, and there are certainly plenty of ways to practice obedience in our daily lives and within our own families. If we practice simple acts of obedience even to those we don’t know, such as helping a stranger who asks us to assist him with a certain task, then we have already set ourselves upon the road of salvation. 

We owe obedience to our spouses, our superiors at work, and most importantly, to our spiritual father, as one who knows and cares for our individual spiritual needs.  That is why it is essential to pray for him, and ask God to give him wisdom and spiritual discernment, so that he may not lead anyone astray though his human weakness. 

Can obedience ever be bad?  The answer is yes - since like every other good thing, obedience can be distorted by Satan and used against us.  We can fall into the trap of being obedient to those who do not have our best interests in mind, or even into the pride of attempting spiritual feats beyond our reasonable capabilities.  In every case, we must never trust our own judgment, but through constant prayer ask the Lord to direct our steps according to His Will.  Only then will the Mystery of true obedience be revealed to us. 

CHURCH CHOIR 

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”  (Psalm 104) 

Sunday School Children invited to sing with the Choir 

The Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Christian Cathedral Choir is expanding and gaining in its ability to prayerfully sing our Church Services.  Part of this work is to pass on the richness and beauty of the Orthodox Christian Faith to our younger generation.  Traditionally, this effort has been achieved by having our children participate in Church Services in any way possible, whether serving in the Altar or singing and reading in the Choir.  We are seeking to re-introduce this tradition in our parish.  Parents, please encourage your children to join us.  You may stand with them if you like, and you yourselves are welcome to sing with us at any time.  The Choir exists to lead the congregation in prayerful sung responses, but this does not mean that no one else should sing.  Rather, we want to the Congregation to be totally comfortable singing with us at any and all times.  However, being present in the choir will help to more directly instill a love for this Faith in your children.  Make an investment in their salvation, and come and join us!  All ages are welcome! 

Did you know your choir is recording a CD?  Yes, this is true.  We are slowly and steadily compiling a library of recorded tracks.  Check the parish website for updates including samples of our Choir's work.  I think you'll be impressed!  We are always seeking more voices for the group, and for this project.  All are welcome to participate, and all are encouraged to do so.  Stay tuned! 

SUNDAY SCHOOL / PPTA NEWS 

First day of Sunday School was September 16th.  We welcomed 13 students and two new teachers Elaine Nichols and Mary Hanna. 

The PPTA will have their annual Fall Bake Sale on October 29th.  The students are looking forward to the Harvest Fest in November, when they will do Christmas cards for the shut ins and a Christmas project.  In December we will have our traditional St. Nicholas breakfast with gifts for our children. 

Sunday, November 18 2007 –  No Sunday School. Christmas cards for the shut-ins will be made and signed. Hot dogs and rolls for Sunday School children will be provided by the PPTA. A craft will be done by the children. 

Sunday, November 25 2007 – Decoration of Center Lounge for Nativity of our Lord. (Parents). 

Sunday, December 16 2007 – Traditional St. Nicholas Day Breakfast. 

Thank you.

Linda Surgent 

CEMETERY COMMITTEE 

The parishioners and friends of our Cathedral Cemetery in Saddle Brook are to be commended for their efforts in beautifying and maintaining the grounds. 

The Cemetery Committee members have spent many volunteer hours working:  John Kostecka along with Mary Vasicko and Janet Pedhoretzky ably maintain our plantings and MIchael Kupec Jr. painted.  Mary Vasicko and Janet Pedhoretzky have done yeoman's work in clearing overgrown bushes planted at grave sites.  Bill Demeter and John Mullick have planted pussy willows along the fence to camouflage the service trucks.  A new garage door has been installed and now we are looking for some volunteers to help us paint the garage.  Please come to help us.  We are currently evaluating a new entrance sign.  We will keep you posted. 

Please plant only seasonal flowers within the monument base.  Eliminate artifical flowers, roses, vines, and shrubs as they can cause problems with the grass cutters. 

With the fall season here, the cutting and watering systems will be turned off at the end of the month.  Christmas grave covers may be placed from December 1 through March 1. 

Again we invite you to consider obtaining perpetual care for your site.  The cost is $1000 for 2 graves and $2000 for 4 graves.  This will eliminate your yearly maintenance fees of $15 per grave.  All our funds have been invested and protected legally so that they will be there for all of us. 

Please continue your caring and monitoring of the cemetery as you visit.  We all want to keep this a sacred place, devoted to the internment of our loved ones. 

We thank you for your cooperation and help.  Suggestions are always welcome. 

Cemetery Committee. 

PAST EVENTS 

Many Thanks to Shilanski & Burek children for organizing a beautiful Summer Bake Sale!!! $257 was donated to the Church!  Baking: Adam & John Burek, Alyssa & Michele Shilanski, Sue Burek, Maryann Shilanski, Mary Lissy, Marge Kupec, Celeste Burek, reader Michael Kupek, Tillie Seyka, Marie Baron.  Donations: Marianne Lejava -$10, Eileen Telischak -$10, Janet Cahayla-Wynne -$10, Olga Mulick -$10, Mary Hetzer-$15 , Mary Vasicko -$5. May God Grant Them Many Years!!! 

Sunday, September 30th :  Chicken Kiev Dinner! Many Thanks to F.O.C.A. Chapter 30. 

Saturday, October 20th: 7 PM Annual Beefsteak Dinner. Sponsored by the Garden State R. Club. Cultural Center Lounge. 

Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM NJ Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society Annual Fundraiser. Presentation of the Golden Valashka Award to Richard Custer, editor of the New Rusyn Times at Cultural Center of SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral on 200 Third Street, Passaic, NJ. Annual Fundraiser of the New Jersey Chapter of the C-RS where, Richard Custer (C-RS, Washington, DC), editor of The New Rusyn Times, presented with the New Jersey Chapter’s 2007 Golden Valashka award. The award is presented annually to someone who has been influential in promoting Rusyn culture. Entertainment was provided by Vychodna Dolina a female singing group from St. Nicholas of Myra Church of 10th Street in New York City.  Performing in the native costumes of several villages of eastern Slovakia, presented the life of a Rusyn boy from his birth to his death in song.  Tom Peters, a certified professional genealogist displayed photos, maps, certificates and other items specific to Rusyn genealogy.  The luncheon featured a variety of ethnic dishes and Rusyn items and books were available for purchase. Many Years! 

October 23rd to October 25th. Please note! His Grace Bishop Mercurios has blessed the calling of the Eleventh Convocation of the clergy and laity of the Patriarchal Parishes, October 23rd to October 25th in Detroit, Michigan, hosted by St. Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Our Condolences are Shared: John Melenkowicz + 9/3/07, Michael Harabulinec + 9/12, Philip P. Gurick + 9/30, Joseph Vasilenko Jr. + 9/28/07. Memory Eternal! 

Ancient Faith Radio http://www.ancientfaithradio.com/ is a pan-Orthodox internet based radio station on the air 24 hours a day. We provide a steady stream of the rich, traditional music of the Orthodox faith as well as several daily and weekly programs and free downloadable Podcasts as part of our unique service. We encourage you to listen daily to this free, listener supported ministry and subscribe to our growing list of Podcasts! 

May God Grant Many & Healthy Years To Our Parishioners Celebrating Their Birthdays! 

Birthdays in the month of November:  John Sutiak 11/10/1910! Kimberly Ann De Franchesko 11/11! Dorothy Gajdos 11/11! Alyssa Ochab 11/12! Reader Michael Kupec Jr. 11/13! Helen Blankowitz 11/20! Rachel Cahayla-Wynne 11/20! Diane Arendas 11/24! Priest Andrey 11/27! Barbara Stevens 11/30! 

Birthdays in the month of December:  Abigail Paige Motyl 12/04/04! Donna Marotta 12/6! Elaine Mary Antoniotti Nichols 12/08! Mark Surgent 12/9! Alfred Antoniotti, Jr. 12/20! Kenneth Mark Baron 12/21! Helen Kutchmanitch 12/27! Marianne Lejava 12/30! 

Many Years! 

JANUARY 6th  (Sunday Night)  TRADITIONAL “VILIJA” is going to be held at SS Peter & Paul ROC on January 6th 2007 (Christmas Eve) at 5:00 PM followed by General confession at 7:30 PM with service starting at 8:00 PM. Please call the office at 973-778-0826 to sign up for “VILIJA” so that we could accommodate everyone who is coming. May God Richly Bless You And Your Families. 

Monday, January 7 Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ!  Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. 

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. With the holidays around the corner, now is a good time to purchase some gift cards and help the church add some extra cash to its bank account. If you have any questions call Paula at 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! 

CHINESE AUCTION/TRICKY TRAY:  Our Chinese Auction fund-raiser was held Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007 and we made $4,000. Thank you all for your donations of cash, prizes and handmade articles and many thanks to all who helped set-up tables, worked the kitchen and coffeecake table, prepared the food, sold the tickets, called the numbers, and to our never-tiring prize runners and clean­up crew.  God Bless You All! 

CALENDAR OF DIVINE SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2007 

Nativity Fast November 28 – January 7! 

Saturday, November 3^rd:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy commemorating the departed

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, November 4^th:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, November 6^th:

·        9:00 AM 40th Day Panikhida for ND Joseph Vasilenko Jr.

Wednesday, November 7^th:

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Thursday, November 8^th:

·        9:00 AM 40th Day Panikhida for ND Philip P. Gurick.

Friday, November 9^th:

·        9:00 AM 9th Anniversary Panikhida for George B. Gifford

Saturday, November 10^th:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, November 11^th:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, November 14^th:

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Saturday, November 17^th:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, November 21^st:

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Saturday, November 24^th:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, November 25^th:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, November 27^th:

·        9:00 AM Day Panikhida for John Vasicko

Wednesday, November 28^th:

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Saturday, December 1^st:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, December 2^nd:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, December 3^rd:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil. Entry of the Holy Theotokos!

Tuesday, December 4^th:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy. Entry of the Holy Theotokos!

Wednesday, December 5^th:

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Saturday, December 8^th:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, December 9^th:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 12^th:

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Saturday, December 15^th:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, December 16^th:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 19^th:

·        Divine Liturgy at St Nicholas Cathedral! Their Feast Day!

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Saturday, December 22^th:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, December 23^rd:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, December 25^th:

·        9:00 AM Panikhida for departed members of Gifford & Komick families

Wednesday, December 26

·        7:00 PM Akathist to SS Peter & Paul Patrons of our Cathedral!

Saturday, December 29^th:

·        6:00 PM All-Night Vigil

Sunday, December 30^th:

·        9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 

* Please call the office for possible changes in schedule.