The Little Things
It’s often time the big things that grab our attention. The big struggles, the big loss-es, the big wins , the big triumphs, the big names and the big gifts. It’s our rare big sins and big challenges and short comings that we don’t have a way to make peace with that bother us.
Just recently we celebrated Pentecost. A big feast of the Church , and our reception of God’s gifting His Holy Spirit to us. It’s as big a gift as we could receive, and yet we find ourselves questioning if such a gift has actually been gifted or received in our own days as it was in the days of the Apostles.
I would say what most gets in the way of us receiving Him in the way the Apostles did before us , is not our own big sins, or the world’s current state, but rather our little , often ignored or easily excused shortcomings that receive no real attention or correction. And just to play devil’s advocate they don’t receive true patience or mercy and forgiveness from ourselves or those around us either because they aren’t viewed as serious enough for either path.
I propose that it’s exactly this lack of focus on the little things, that limits the depths of our repentance, which is a big thing, a very big thing. And so it’s the little things that establish our discipline and love and gratitude to and for God, and His Grace, and His Son, and His Holy Spirit. It’s the small all important action of humility in practice when interacting with God and His people!
With love and respect,
+Fr. Yanni Michaelidis
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Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel
Apolytikion
The Apolytikion, or “dismissal hymn,” is a short Orthodox hymn that summarizes the meaning of a feast day or honors the saint of the day. Sung at Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy, it reflects the spiritual theme of the celebration.
Kontakion
A Kontakion is a short Orthodox hymn or “poetic sermon” that reflects the meaning of a feast or sacred theme. Originating in the Byzantine era, it was once a longer hymn, though today only its opening verses are typically sung in worship.
Sunday Worship Services (live streaming on 1st Sunday of the month only)
Orthros at 8:00 am
Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am
Memorial Service follows the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy
Special Liturgical Services & Commemorations
Service of Proskomide
The Proskomide, or Office of Oblation, is the preparation service for Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners may submit names of the living and departed for commemoration by the priest during the service. Please provide names to the sexton in the narthex before Orthros begins.
Artoklasia
Artoklasia, meaning “breaking of bread,” is a special thanksgiving service offered on feast days or family occasions. Celebrated at the end of Divine Liturgy or Great Vespers, it commemorates Christ’s blessing of the five loaves that fed the five thousand. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.
Memorial Services & Kollyva
Kollyva, a blessed offering of boiled wheat, is prepared for Memorial Services in remembrance of the departed, especially the 40-day memorial. A Trisagion is a shorter memorial prayer service offered in church or at the gravesite without Kollyva. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule a Memorial Service.
Kollyva for Mercy Meals
Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may be ordered through a parishioner volunteer. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292for information or orders.