Sunday, December 1, 2024

Tone 5

 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (11th of Luke)

Prophet Nahum

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia

Commemorated on December 6

(OCA) Our father among the saints Nicholas of Myra, Wonder-worker, was the archbishop of Myra in southern Asia Minor in the fourth century, known especially for his care for the poor. He is also the basis for the Santa Claus legends and imagery which accompany Christmas celebrations in much of the world, derived from the Dutch celebration of his feast day as the patron saint of sailors (Sinterklaas).

While widely honored and venerated, not only in the Orthodox Church, but throughout most Christian groups, little is known historically of the life of Nicholas. He is known to have been archbishop of Myra and he may have participated in the Council of Nicea in 325. In addition to being honored as the patron saint of many countries, notably Greece and Russia, and of cities, he is the patron of many occupational groups, most notably of sea-farers. St. Nicholas is commemorated by the Church on December 6, and also on May 9 (the transfer of his relics) and on July 29 (his nativity).

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Congratulations to His Eminence, Metropolitan ANTONY who is celebrating his 52nd anniversary to the holy priesthood! May the Lord God grant His Eminence many years!

The Akathist of Thanksgiving, Glory to God for All Things, will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church, at 6:00 PM, Wednesday (11/27).

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. God protect all those traveling and may you have a peaceful and joyful celebration.

In Christ,

Fr Gregory

Your Eminence, Metropolitan Antony, beloved spiritual father of the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora:

With hearts filled with gratitude and reverence, we, the clergy, members of the Council of Metropolia, Consistory members, and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, offer our heartfelt congratulations on the sacred and joyful occasion of the 52nd anniversary of your ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

Your Eminence, the Holy Priesthood is a profound calling, a sacred gift from God through which His love, grace, and truth are poured out upon the world. For more than half a century, you have exemplified this sacred calling with unwavering faith, humility, and boundless love for Christ and His Church. From your earliest days as a servant of the holy altar, you have answered this divine call with courage and devotion, offering your life as a living sacrifice for the glory of God and the salvation of His people.

Your priestly ministry has touched every corner of our Church's life. In the parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, you have been a shepherd who heals, encourages, and uplifts. Through your tireless efforts in youth and camping ministries, you have kindled the light of faith in the hearts of countless young souls, empowering them to embrace Christ and His holy Church. Through your leadership in the Ukrainian Orthodox League and beyond, you have inspired the faithful to live lives of prayer, service, and unity in Christ.

In times of peace and joy, you have been a source of guidance and hope. In moments of trial and persecution, especially during the dark years faced by the Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church, you have been a bold and faithful witness, carrying the cross of Christ with steadfastness and proclaiming the eternal victory of His Resurrection.

Your service transcends borders, bringing the witness of the holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the world. Through your words and deeds, you have shown that the priesthood is not merely a role but a sacred vocation - a divine calling to bring the presence of Christ to every person, every heart, and every generation.

May our Lord, the Eternal High Priest, continue to bless and strengthen you for many more years of sacred service. May He grant you health, wisdom, and peace, so that you may continue to inspire all who seek the truth and to lead the flock of Christ with unwavering love.

With prayers and love, we proclaim with joy: Many summers! Many blessed years!

+Daniel
Archbishop and President of the Consistory
On behalf of the Clergy, Council of Metropolia, Consistory Members, and Faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora

This Week at Ss Cyril & Methodius

Wednesday, November 27

• 11:00 AM-3:00 PM: Office Hours
• 6:00 PM: Akathist of Thanksgiving (St. Ignatius)

Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day)

• Office Closed

Saturday, November 30

• 3:00 PM: Inquirers/Catechumen Class
• 5:00 PM: Great Vespers
• 6:00 PM: Confessions

Sunday, December 1

• 9:00 AM: Hours
• 9:30 AM: Divine Liturgy

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Wednesday, December 4

• 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM: Office Hours

Thursday, December 5

• 1:00-5:00 PM: Office Hours
• 5:30 PM: Vespers 

Friday, December 6 (St. Nicholas)

• 7:00 AM: Divine Liturgy

Saturday, December 7

• 3:00 PM: Inquirers/Catechumen Class
• 5:00 PM: Great Vespers
• 6:00 PM: Confessions

Sunday, December 8

• 9:00 AM: Hours
• 9:30 AM: Divine Liturgy

Hymns After the Small Entrance

Tone 6 Troparion (Resurrection)

The Angelic Powers were at Thy tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Thy grave, seeking Thy most pure body. Thou didst capture hell not being tempted by it. Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead,//glory to Thee.  

 Tone 4 Troparion (Sts. Cyril & Methodius)

Divinely-wise Cyril and Methodius, / equals-to-the-apostles and teachers of the Slavs, / entreat the Master of all / to strengthen all nations in Orthodoxy and unity of mind, / to grant peace to the world and to save our souls. 

Tone 2 Troparion (Prophet Nahum)

We celebrate the memory of Thy prophet Nahum, O Lord; through him we beseech Thee://“Save our souls!” 

Tone 6 Kontakion (Resurrection)

When Christ God, the Giver of Life, raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, He bestowed resurrection on the human race.//He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.

Tone 3 Kontakion (Sts. Cyril & Methodius)

Let us honor the sacred pair, who translated divine scripture / pouring forth a fountain of divine knowledge from which we still draw today. / Now as you stand before the throne of the Most-high / we call you blessed, Cyril and Methodius, / as you fervently pray for our souls. 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, 

Tone 4 Kontakion (Prophet Nahum)

Illumined by the Spirit, thy heart was a vessel of illustrious prophecy, seeing far-off things as though they were present.//Therefore, we venerate thee, glorious prophet Nahum. 

now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. 

Tone 6 Theotokion

O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, / O mediation unto the Creator unfailing, / disdain not the suppliant voices of sinners, / but be thou quick, O good one, to help us who in faith cry unto thee; / hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, // thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honour thee.

Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10

Brethren, God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Gospel: Luke 18:18-27

Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”

And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”

So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”

But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

By the age of 25, about 60% of those baptized as infants will no longer consider themselves members of the Orthodox Church. A parish on a university campus is an important witness not only to the surrounding community but also to high school age and younger parishioner. Establishing a parish on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison helps remind young people that graduating high school doesn't mean "graduating" from the Church. Please consider joining those who have committed their time, treasure and talent in establishing an Orthodox community on the Isthmus.

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