"Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing Life."
~ Paschal Troparion
62 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA 02134
Phone: (617) 787-7625
St. Herman of Alaska Christian School (617) 782-0878 www.sainthermanschool.org
From the Pastor...
The Apostles' Fast
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Lords Blessings!
The Apostles Fast comes from ancient times. St. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome, who lived
almost 1600 years ago mentions it in his homily:
Today's festival [ of Pentecost ], dearly beloved, hallowed by the decent of the Holy Spirit, is followed as you know, by a solemn fast, which being a salutary institution for the healing of soul and body, we must keep with devout observance... Therefore, after the days of holy gladness, which we have devoted to the honor of the Lord rising from the dead and then ascending into Heaven, and after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, a fast ordained as a wholesome and needful practice, so that, if perchance through neglect or disorder even amid the joys of the festival any undue licence has broken out, it may be corrected by the remedy of strict abstinence, which must be more scrupulously carried out in order that what was on this day divinely bestowed on the Church may abide in us. For being made the Temple of the Holy Spirit, and watered with a greater supply than ever by the Divine Stream, we ought not to be conquered by any lusts nor held in possession by any vices in order that the habitation of divine power may be stained by no pollution.
Can we see why we honor the Apostles during this season and why we fast?
Featured Articles
St. Seraphim and the Aim of the Christian Life
Great Lent, Holy Week,
Pascha...and then? Unfortunately, many
of us are at a loss after Pascha. Our
bodies are confused as we begin to eat all foods, and we lose the focus that we
were either searching for or were granted during Great Lent. Then, as a consequence of our loss of focus,
we begin losing the joy of Pascha.
When asked about this problem common to many, an Athonite Hierodeacon suggested we look towards St. Seraphim of Sarov, and his conversation with N. A. Motovilov on the aim of the Christian life. Read More>>
Almsgiving: The Queen of the Virtues--A Beautiful Habit To Cultivate
by St. John Chrysostom
Almsgiving is the queen of virtues-she quickly raises humans to heavenly vaults and she is the most excellent counselor: almsgiving is a great act! That is the reason why Solomon exclaimed, "He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he gives of his bread to the poor (Proverbs, 22:9)." Read More>>
Advice Concerning Why We Need To Read Scriptures Daily
by St. John Chrysostom
I also always entreat you, and do not cease entreating you, not only to pay attention here to what I say, but also when you are at home, to persevere continually in reading the divine Scriptures. When I have been with each of you in private, I have not stopped giving you the same advice. Do not let anyone say to me those vain words, worthy of heavy condemnation, "I cannot leave the courthouse, I administer the business of the city, I practice a craft, I have a wife, I am raising children, I am in charge of a household..." Read More >>
The Homilies of Fr. Symeon Krayopoulos
"God is here with us and for us. We have access to all this endless beauty yet we do not thirst for God. There is so much to draw from God but first we must long for Him. We forget about Him until we are sick or want our needs met." Read More>>
News and Events
The St.s Mary and Martha Sisterhood joyfully presents the 2nd Annual Women's Retreat. This year's retreat will be held at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church on Saturday June 27th, 2009. The keynote sessions will be given by well-known speaker, professor and long-time missionary Fr. Luke Veronis. He will be giving two sessions on Facing the Challenges of Life with Faith and Joy and Capturing the Missionary Spirit. Registration and Contact information can be found HERE! Registration is currently open! *DOWNLOAD RETREAT FLYER (PDF) HERE*
Orthodoxy 101
Classes are held in the church classrom at 4pm every Saturday (unless otherwise listed). All catechumens and newly illumined are asked to attend as much as possible. We all benefit and grow in our Faith no matter what level -beginner or advanced. The series will cover a range of topics (Sacraments, Orthodox Piety, Church History, Biblical Theology etc.).
HROC Young Adults' Group THURSDAY NIGHTS!
Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church is hosting weekly Young Adults' meetings in the main room of the Church. Meetings consist of both informal presentations, discussions and contemplations from Orthodox professionals, scholars, priests, lay men and women and young adults. The meetings cover a wide range of relevant topics and give young adults a chance to meet one another and encourage eachother in the Faith. The Meetings begin at 7pm and will typically begin with a Vespers service (at 6pm, unless otherwise posted). REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED! Please contact Fr. Patrick Tishel for questions!
Pledge Cards Now Available Online!
In order to make the pledge process easier, we have provided Pledge Cards that can be e-mailed directly to our Treasurer (kamen.madjarov@hrocBoston.org )
~Quick Links~
~Schedule of Services~
Orthodoxy 101: Sat at 4pm
Vigil: Sat. at 5:30pm
Divine Liturgy: Sunday at 9:30am
Open Door Dinner:Mon. at 6pm
Tree of Life Bookstore: Sunday after Church and by appointment
St. Herman's School: 8am-3pm Monday-Friday during the school year
Please see our Monthly Calendar for Feast Days, and other services and events.
~Clergy and Church Staff~
Fr. Patrick Tishel, Rector
Fr. Michael Kon, Assistant Rector
Fr. D. John Williamson, Deacon
Feodor Kouranov, Parish President
~The Grace of the Day~
The early church was exciting, wasn't it? The Apostles went to all lands, preaching and teaching and the Hoy Spirit showed through them signs and wonders that were beyond human ability. These are the saints of the Church. Is this just a phenomenon of the past? Was the feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit a feast of antiquity? The feast of today, All Saints, declares that it is not a phenomena of the past!
St. Nicolai Velmiravich says that the Lord armed and supplies His servants and emissaries. Step out and see. Dedicate this evening, one hour or one day to the Lord. Say Lord, this day is for you. I will try and pray that everything be to your liking and will.