February 2026 Announcements

Apologies for Schedule Changes:

Inclement weather, an early Bishop visit, the February Pastoral Conference, the Chili Cookoff, Parish Meeting and February 8 Super Bowl – anticipated and unanticipated happenings in one month – have warranted changes to our original schedule.  Additional changes could be made in the near future, so please take note of dates in this bulletin and email communications in the weeks ahead.  We apologize greatly for any resulting confusion.  Thank you for your patience.

 Sunday Pan Orthodox Vespers at 6 pm:

March 1: Holy Trinity Church in Dallas.

March 8: St. Peter’s Church in Ft. Worth

March 15: St. John the Baptist Church in Euless.

March 22: Ss. Constantine and Helen Church in Carrollton.

March 29: St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas.

Parish Meeting:  Now on February 22

The Annual Parish Meeting will now be convened during Coffee Hour on Sunday, February 22.  We apologize for the change and later date than in previous years.  The various events cited above, observed in rapid succession, led us to see February 22 as a logical and workable date.  We invite all members and catechumens to join us for the Parish Meeting in February.  Thank you.   

 Chili and Cornbread Competition: February 15

We are excited also to announce the rescheduled date for our Annual Chili and Cornbread Competition, February 15.  Usually, the cold weather at the start of the year enhances very much our appreciation for the diverse Chili entries. This year, so far, we have a record number of contestants, fourteen in each category.  1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals and prizes always add to the competitive nature of the event.  Please see Mrs. Lynn Powers for more information.

 2026 Orthodox Calendars and Rubrics:

The 2026 Wall Calendars are in!  Happily, they arrived on Christmas Eve.  The cost, $5.00 each, is a bargain and well worth it.  Each day of each month is color coded to indicate Fasts, Feasts, and daily commemorations.  The calendars are located on the table in the Church along the side wall with a basket for calendar contributions.  Thank you.    

January 2026 Announcements

Visit of Bishop Gerasim on January 11:

We are excited to announce that His Grace, the Right Reverend Gerasim, Bishop of Ft. Worth is tentatively scheduled to visit St. Barbara’s on January 11, 2026.  We are especially happy that his early visit will take place during the Christmas/Theophany Season. The timing will allow for the singing of festal hymns and the freedom to serve a wide variety of foods at the post-liturgical reception.    

The faithful will greet His Grace that day at 9:30 am, at the front doors of the Church. As emphasized in the past, when Orthodox Christians receive a hierarch into their midst, they maintain a balance of formalities along with knowing that the bishop is a beloved father in Christ.  We certainly offer great respect and proper protocol.  We do so, however, with love, knowing that His Grace is one of us. Together we strive to, “work out our salvation with fear and trembling,” as told to us by St. Paul.  With these things in mind, we look forward to Bishop Gerasim’s visit and to the celebratory reception that will follow the Divine Liturgy.

HIERARCHICAL RECEPTION:

In light of Theophany, the reception on January 11 may include all foods. The main dish is being planned, taking into consideration His Grace’s dietary requirements. Additional dishes and desserts will be needed.  A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Church Hall after Christmas. Please see Matushka Christine for more information. In addition, we will be planning a cleaning party, as well as special choir and altar-server rehearsals.  As is customary, His Grace will be accompanied by at least one deacon, as well as subdeacons from the Cathedral.  We will see everyone on January 11. Please arrive prior to 9:30 am. Thank you.    

Parish Meeting:  February 16

The Annual Parish Meeting will be convened during Coffee Hour on Sunday, February 16.  We apologize for the later date than in previous years.  The following events observed in rapid succession led us to see February 16 as a logical and more workable date: Theophany (Jan. 6), Bishop’s visit (Jan. 11), Chili and Cornbread Competition (Jan. 25), North Carolina Pastoral Conference (Feb. 3-6), and Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 8).  We invite all members and catechumens to join us for the Parish Meeting in February.  Thank you.   

Chili and Cornbread Competition January 25:

We are excited also to announce the date for our Annual Chili and Cornbread Competition, January 25.  Usually, the cold weather at the start of the year enhances our appreciation for the diverse Chili entries, but this year may prove unusual in that regard.  A sign-up sheet is currently available in the Church Hall.  1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals and prizes always add to the competitive nature of the event.  Please see Mrs. Lynn Powers our Chili Contessa, for more information. 

2026 Orthodox Calendars and Rubrics:

The 2026 Wall Calendars are in!  Happily, they arrived on Christmas Eve.  The cost, $5.00 each, is a bargain and well worth it.  Each day of each month is color coded to indicate Fasts, Feasts, and daily commemorations.  After Bishop Gerasim’s visit the calendars will be placed on the table in the Church along the side wall with a basket for calendar contributions.  Thank you and if you have any questions, please see Fr. Basil.