Waiting Patiently by Fr Chris
...with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love,
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4: 2-3)
In the summer before my senior year of high school, I worked for a landscaper in Swampscott. As I sat on his front steps waiting for my father to come pick me up, the warm sun was peering through the leaves of the tall maples, and the soft breeze gently
tousled my hair. I was content to wait patiently.
A neighbor walking past me as I sat there said, “Patience is a virtue.” That encounter has remained with me. I pondered it, realizing that in that moment, after a hard days work, it was easy to be patient. Waiting on those steps, I had no fear that my father would not come for me. I trusted in his concern for me, and I knew he would not abandon me. My father soon came, and I relaxed in the cool and comfort of his presence and the cold soda he brought for me!
I have also learned, since that moment, to wait patiently for the Lord’s direction in my life. I will be honest and say that it has not always been easy, and at times I worried and cried that perhaps the Lord had abandoned me. In the end, I realized that God was al- ways by my side. Our heavenly Father cares for us, too, and our patience and expectant waiting is never in vain. When we realize that God is in control of our lives, we can release our tensions and frustrations to God. We will never be abandoned.
May we always thank our heavenly Father for always being patient with us. May He help us to wait patiently and trust that He will guide us as we wait on His answer to our concerns. Amen.
+Rev Christopher P Foustoukos
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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.