Weekly Newsletter
ST MOSES THE BLACK
commemorated August 28th
Saint Moses lived in Egypt during the fourth century. He was an Ethiopian, and since he was black of skin he was called “Murin” (meaning “like an Ethiopian”). In his youth he was the slave of an important man, but after he committed a murder, his master banished him, and he joined a band of robbers.
Because of his bad character and great physical strength, they chose him as their leader. Moses and his band of brigands were feared because of their many evil exploits, including murders and robberies. People trembled at the mere mention of his name.
Moses the brigand spent several years leading a sinful life, but through the great mercy of God he repented, left his band of robbers and went to one of the desert monasteries. Here he wept for a long time, begging to be admitted as one of the brethren. The monks were not convinced of the sincerity of his repentance, but the former robber would neither be driven away nor silenced. He continued to implore that they accept him.
Saint Moses was completely obedient to the hegoumen and the brethren, and he poured forth many tears of sorrow for his sinful life. After a certain while Saint Moses withdrew to a solitary cell, where he spent his time in prayer and the strictest fasting.
Once, four of the robbers of his former band descended upon the cell of Saint Moses. He had lost none of his great physical strength, so he tied them all up. Throwing them over his shoulder, he brought them to the monastery, where he asked the Elders what to do with them. The Elders ordered that they be set free. The robbers, learning that they had chanced upon their former ringleader, and that he had dealt kindly with them, followed his example: they repented and became monks. Later, when the rest of the band of robbers heard about Saint Moses’ repentance, then they also gave up their thievery and became fervent monks.
Saint Moses was not quickly freed from the passions. He went often to the hegoumen, Abba Isidore, seeking advice on how to be delivered from the passions of profligacy. Being experienced in the spiritual struggle, the Elder taught him never to eat too much food, to remain partly hungry while observing the strictest restraint. But the passions did not cease to trouble Saint Moses in his dreams.
Then Abba Isidore taught him the all-night vigil. The monk stood the whole night at prayer, so he would not fall asleep. As a result of his prolonged struggles, Saint Moses fell into despondency, and when he began to have thoughts about leaving his solitary cell, Abba Isidore instead strengthened the resolve of his disciple.
ONLINE GIVING
We have moved away from our online giving platform at Tithe.ly to Realm. This won’t be a big change for those who donate online from the website. Just click on the “Give” button and it will direct you to the new site. For those of you who have opted to donate with automated giving: please cancel your giving on tithe.ly and move to the new site. Thank everyone as always for supporting the parish!
NEW BOOKSTORE ARRIVALS
We have a number of new books in the bookstore and online. Feel free to check them out!
The Shield of Psalmic Prayer: Reflections on Translating, Interpreting, and Praying the Psalter
Truly Human: Recovering Your Humanity in a Broken World
The Rest of the Bible: A Guide to the Old Testament of the Early Church
At the Corner of East and Now: A Modern Life in Ancient Christian Orthodoxy
Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells
ORTHODOXY & OTHER RELIGIONS CLASS
Ever Other Monday
The class meets every 2 weeks on Monday nights from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The next class will meet Monday night, August 24th, 2020.
This class explores the relationship between Orthodox Christianity and other religions (Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Religions) by comparing their basic world-views, histories, and practices, and by looking at how their interactions (or lack thereof) have shaped Orthodox views of these religions over time.
WOMENS BOOK STUDY
The women will begin to meet again this Saturday, August 29th at 9:30am. We’ll continue our study of St Maria Skobtsova’s essential writings. We’ll be discussing her second essay, "On the Imitation of the Mother of God."
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89793254757
Meeting ID: 897 9325 4757
UPCOMING SERVICES
I wanted to use this opportunity to emphasize service sign-ups. If you are not ready to come to services because of quarantine, please let Fr Seth know.
From here on out, we’ll be returning to our usual schedule of Saturday evening Vespers and Sunday morning Liturgy. I believe we are now at a place where most people can sign up for ONE SERVICE every weekend, ideally alternating between Great Vespers and Liturgy.
The month of September we’ll also be celebrating two major feasts, The Nativity of the Theotokos, as well as The Exaltation of the Life Creating Cross, with both Great Vespers and Liturgy for each.
Also, when signing up, only include adults and teens. Thanks and let me know if you have any questions!
AUGUST SERVICES
Great Vespers
Aug 29, 2020 (6:00 - 7:00 pm)
Saint Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople
Aug 30, 2020 (10:00 - 11:00 am)
SEPTEMBER SERVICES
Sept service sign up can be found at the below link on SignUp.com:
OFFICE HOURS
If you would like to meet with Fr Seth to talk or for confession, please reach out to him to schedule a time to meet at the church. You can email him at sethearl@gmail.com.
NO CATECHESIS CLASS I THIS WEEK!
PRAYER LIST
“Let us be mutually mindful of one another, of one heart and one mind. Let us ever pray for one another, and by mutual love lighten our burdens and difficulties.”– St. Cyprian of Carthage
Part of our responsibilities as a local body of Orthodox Christians is to keep each other in prayer, and continually bring the needs of others to God. To help us better do this, I’ll be adding a current list of people in our parish that you can can remember in your daily prayers.
If you would like to be added to the list, please email Fr Seth at sethearl@gmail.com
Health & Misc.: Priest Jonas, Mat Joan-Marie, Joseph, Nancy, Amelia, Gertrude, John, Shady and Marianne Gergis, Duncan
Pregnant: Presbytera Stephanie, Rachel, Diana
Our Newly Illumined: Mary, Bernard, Dorothy, Tony, Matrona
Our Catechumen & Inquirers: Austin, Greyson & Jennifer, Heather, Ellie and Evan, Josh and Amy, Nick, Keith, Trish, Maria, Joe, Logan, Kris, Krista
