Forefeast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (the Holy Sepulchre) in Jerusalem

11:00 AM Food giving to the homeless (Molly Rosenberg)

5:00 PM Vigil of the Exaltation of the Cross

17th Sunday after Pentecost

The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross

Brix Copher’s Birthday

9:00 AM - Matins

10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy at St. Andrew

Fast Day Wine and Oil Allowed

All are welcome to join us for a Trapeza meal following Divine Liturgy

Afterfeast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Vasilia Spencer’s Birthday

Afterfeast of the Exaltation of the Cross

7:00 PM Zoom class with Fr. George. Details to join:

Topic: Catechesis and other topics
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89237455410?pwd=bDRnT3hWajhaK05QMERKZEJlSytiQT09

Meeting ID: 892 3745 5410
Passcode: 626294

Afterfeast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Strict Fast Day

Afterfeast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Loucks’ Wedding Anniversary

Voyce’s Wedding Anniversary

Ethan Pepito’s Birthday

7:00 PM Choir Practice

Afterfeast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Strict Fast

+Fr. George

Here’s a link to an article by Fr Stephen Freeman. It’s important to always keep in mind our mortality but we also need to have a proper understanding of it. God bless 

In Peter Jackson's, "The Fellowship of the Ring," Arwen (an elf) says to Aragorn (whom she loves): "I choose a mortal life." In Tolkien's fantasy world, she must give up her elfen immortality in order to wed a human. She chooses a mortal life and now she, like the man she loves, will eventually grow old and die.

We do not choose a mortal life. We are born with one. And this is deeply significant.

In Western theology, there is frequently an assertion that human beings are born with "original sin," which, in its classical form, means that we are born with guilt inherited from Adam and Eve. Additionally, it asserts that we are born as sinners. We are not innocent nor are we good from the moment of our existence.

This is a theological assertion that takes a variety of forms. I have heard it in non-theological settings. For example, I have heard it as a basis for political reasoning and the battle against crime. The world is a dangerous place.

For some, this understanding is bound up with the "fall," with humanity's sin in the Garden. We are criminals, living out the just reward for what has been done.

This is not the Orthodox faith.

Orthodoxy does not formally teach "original sin." Rather, we teach that human beings are "mortal." This is specifically what is described in Genesis. We are not cursed with a "fallen nature." Rather we die: "In the day you eat of it, you shall die." And, the world in which we now struggle is a world that has been "made subject to futility" in "bondage to corruption." Creation dies as well.

We live a mortal life. And there are consequences that come with that fact. There is this:

“... that through death he [Christ] might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Heb. 2:14-15)

This specifically cites our spiritual bondage (sin) to the fear of death. The reality of death, in a myriad of small ways, is a moment-by-moment form of bondage. We chase pleasure and flee from pain. We dislike pain as a protection against a pain-induced death. We prefer pleasure because it doesn't feel like death. Of course, pleasure is often little more than a disguised form of death.

With that being said, living a mortal life requires something beyond the pain/pleasure mechanisms of our bodies. It requires a level of reason and the discipline we call virtue. We have to learn to pay attention and make decisions, including some that involve a measure of pain. In Orthodoxy, this is known as asceticism, a word for athletic struggle.

A child must be taught, not because of original sin, but because he/she is mortal. Children must learn to look both ways before crossing a street and to eat some foods that are not made of sugar. They must learn to do some measure of math and to nurture the human skill of reading. They must learn how to tell the good from the bad and how to choose the good. Every culture on earth has known this to some degree. Without virtue (the ability to consistently choose and do good) a whole culture falters. If you think that we are failing to do this latter thing, then you've probably noticed that our culture has been faltering.

Living a mortal life means learning to live it well. It also means teaching those who will come after you to live it well. It also means learning to die well. There is a saying among monastics, "If you learn to die before you die, then you won't have to die when you die." It is a play on words that underscores the mortality of our existence.

St. Benedict, in his Rule, said, "Always keep death before your eyes." This is not a morbid monastic practice, but an honest human manner of living. Modernity, the culture that permeates our world, is death-denying. It can't even manage a decent funeral with the body present. We have a cult of youth, striving to remain young, look young, act young, until aging catches up with us and we are shuttled off to the places where we hide (and ignore) those who are sick and dying. This supports a marketing scheme that feeds on those "who through fear of death are subject to lifelong slavery." Little wonder it is so successful.

Christian asceticism accepts that we are mortal and must live a mortal life. It sees a life beyond mortality in the Resurrection of Christ, but, like Christ, it chooses mortality for the sake of immortality: it tramples down death by death. It tramples down mortality by mortality.

In my early 70s, mortality sits at the table with me in social gatherings. It's not unusual to fall into conversations about choosing where and how to be buried (it's a more popular topic than I had expected). Living a mortal life carries thoughts of how to die well. Living a virtuous life carries thoughts of how to die-to-self well. Mortality entails humility.

Oddly, living a mortal life entails hope. While secularism places its hope in medically controlling a certain future, Christian mortality is grounded in the hope of eternity in the life of Christ. Asceticism is more than practicing a mindful honesty regarding death. It also allows the light of eternity to shine on our works.

Live like you're going to die. Die like you're going to live.

Glory to God.

As many of you know, the financial responsibility of feeding our parish each week has grown as our community has grown. The Parish Council recently decided to begin budgeting $200 per week to help offset the cost of the ingredients for the Trapeza Teams to prepare our meals.

Accordingly, we would like to suggest a donation of $1 per person or $5 per family to help offset this expense. This donation is a suggestion, not a requirement and your generosity is appreciated! Donations should be made in the designated “Trapeza Fund” can that will be near the beginning of the serving line going forward.

Here, you’ll find important information about recent decisions, ongoing stewardship updates, upcoming projects, and ways we’re working to support the life and growth of our parish. Our goal is to keep you informed, involved, and connected as we continue to serve Christ and one another.

Parish Council members are:

We are happy to announce that we now have Zelle available for online donations to make giving easier!

To make an online donation using Zelle, please use our church email address - [email protected] or scan the QR code below. Zelle is also equipped to schedule recurring donations. Please reach out to Jacob Voyce or Michelle Brown if you would like help using Zelle or have questions about this new feature.

We have also updated the church web site with this information.

JULY 2026 Financial Report

(click the link above to take a look at where we stand with our stewardship)

New to our parish and wondering how to contribute?

We’re so glad you’re here! If you feel moved to support the life of our parish, there are a couple of simple ways to do so. While we’re currently working on setting up online donations, you’ll find a small box in the Narthex labeled “Tithes and Donations” where you can leave your offering.

Another meaningful way to help is by contributing to our Trapeza Fund, which pays for a festal meals and keeps our weekly fellowship meals going strong. If you’d like to give, there’s a clearly marked coffee can labeled “Trapeza Fund” in the Trapeza. Additionally, if you would like to join one of our four Trapeza teams, please let Elena Ellis know.

Your generosity, no matter the size, helps nourish both body and soul. Thank you for being part of our community!