Resurrection, Publican & Pharisee, Meeting of the Lord

Today, February 4/17, we sing a somewhat rare triple commemoration. Every Sunday celebrates Christ's rising from the dead. In addition,this is the first Sunday of the Lenten Triodion, meditating on Christ's story of the Publican and the Pharisee. We are also in the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, and the sweet simplicity of the Infant Christ, the young Mary and older Joseph, the two young pigeons and the aged Symeon and prophetess Anna, sheds its own soft light.

From the Canons of Matins, Ode IV
RESURRECTION (tone 5)
O Good One, with a tree Thou didst sweeten the bitter waters of Marah, prefiguring Thine all-precious Cross, which doeth away with the taste of sin.
PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
Though he was rich in virtues, foolish pride brought the Pharisee to poverty; but in the extremity of his need, the Publican was justified through his humility. Let us also gain humility.
MEETING OF THE LORD
Beholding the Word Who is without beginning, the Author of all, borne as a babe in the flesh by the Virgin as on the throne of the cherubim, Symeon marveled and cried out to Him: All things are filled with Thy praise!

Vespers for Meeting of the Lord in the Temple

Due to work schedule, vespers has been moved to 3:30 PM today.

Telephone back to normal

We apologize if you called recently and found that the telephone just kept ringing. Unbeknownst to us, a plug had fallen out of the wall, completely disabling the answering machine. The outgoing message giving times and directions is back to normal, as is the capability of leaving a message. S'prazdnikom for both the Nativity in the Flesh of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Theophany. If you desire Holy Water, it would be helpful if you would bring a small jar.

No Services on January 5, 6, and 7

Holy Protection will not be having services this weekend, January 5 and 6, nor for the Feast of the Nativity on January 7, as many of us will be traveling and attending services elsewhere.

Our regular service schedule will resume next weekend.

Feast of Saint Nicholas

We will have services for the Feast of Saint Nicholas on Tuesday evening, December 18, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple

We will have Vigil at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 3, for the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple.

No Services at Holy Protection This Weekend

Because people are away this weekend to attend the Russian Orthodox Church Musicians' conference in Seattle, and others will be out of town elsewhere, there will be no services at Holy Protection Orthodox Church this weekend (October 6-7).

Services will resume next weekend.