May 2023 Announcements

Visit of Bishop Gerasim on May 14

We are excited to announce that His Grace, the Right Reverend Gerasim, Bishop of Ft. Worth will visit St. Barbara’s on May 14, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman and also Mother’s Day.

We are especially happy that his visit will take place during the Paschal (Easter) Season.   

The faithful will greet His Grace at 9:30 am, at the front doors of the Church. Customarily, when receiving a hierarch into their midst, Orthodox Christians in America maintain a balance between formalities, and experiencing the bishop as a father in Christ who desires to maintain a loving relationship with his flock.  We offer great respect and proper protocol.  We do so, though, 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 to follow the Divine Liturgy.  

The liturgical focus that weekend – in addition to the Resurrection – will be the Woman of Samaria and her conversation with Christ at Jacob’s Well (John 4).  The theme of “living water” will be emphasized, as well as the recognition of Jesus as God’s Messiah (John 4: 10-11; 25-26).  We will be reminded of our new life in Him, of our own drinking of the “living water,” and of the true worship of God experienced in the Christian Messianic Age “in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4: 23-24).  We will hear as well, that salvation is offered to all:  Jews and Gentiles, men and women, saints and sinners (Fr. Thomas Hopko:  The Orthodox Faith, Volume II).

HIERARCHICAL RECEPTION

In light of Pascha, the Reception on May 14 may include all foods. The main dish has been 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. Please see Matushka Christine for more information.

In addition, we will be planning a cleaning day closer to May 14, 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 May 14. Please arrive prior to 9:30 am. Thank you.     

Confession and Church School

This month’s General Confession will be conducted on Wednesday, May 17, at 6:00 pm.  Because of Bishop Gerasim’s visit May’s Church School Class will meet on Saturday, May 20 at 4:30 pm, prior to Great Vespers.

April 2023 Announcements

Agape Meal and Blessing of Pascha Baskets

The main Resurrection Service this year will begin Saturday night, April 15, at 11:30 pm and end at approximately 2:30 am on Sunday morning, April 16.  Immediately after the service we will enjoy the traditional Agape Paschal Meal.  A sign-up sheet is now available in the hall for people to indicate what foods they will be able to bring.  Donations are also welcome.  We ask that everyone arrive “prior to 11:30 pm” so that everything and everyone will be in place for the start of the service, at which time all lights in the building will be turned off.

In addition, after the Midnight Service we will bless Pascha Baskets.  Tables will be made available in the back of the hall on which to place the baskets.  Traditionally these are filled with foods from which people have fasted during Lent:  various cheeses and meats, wine, butter, homemade bread, etc.  The baskets may also be adorned with Pysanky, ribbons or decorative cloth coverings. Food from the baskets is either shared with others during the Agape Meal and/or are taken home and eaten during Bright Week (the week following Pascha).  For more information, please see Fr. Basil.  

Bright Week and Services

The week immediately after Pascha is an extended celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. Although we enjoy a 40-day Paschal season (April 16 - May 24), the services of Bright Week are uniquely joyous, reflecting the specific tone and spirit of Pascha night.  Divine Liturgies and Vespers celebrated during this time are very similar to those of April 16.  There is, as well, no fasting during Bright Week.  We look forward to celebrating Pascha with Church members and friends. 

During Bright Week we will celebrate an additional Paschal Liturgy at St. Barbara’s on Thursday, April 20 (10:00 am).  Resurrection Vespers will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 19 (7:00 pm).  In addition, other Orthodox Churches throughout the Metroplex will celebrate Bright Week services also, as their schedules allow.  We invite you to check out their websites and avail yourselves of these opportunities.  Christ is Risen!

Holy Week and Early Confessions

Holy Week begins on April 10 with Pascha celebrated on April 16.  We invite all members and friends of St. Barbara’s to set aside this special time for entering the celebration of the central mysteries of our Faith.  Since we will be preparing for, and celebrating services each day during Holy Week, we ask that appointments for confessions be made early so that Lenten confessions can be concluded by Palm Sunday, April 9.  Thank you.

Palm Sunday and Pascha Flower Collection

Currently we are receiving donations for Palm Sunday and Paschal flowers.  A designated box may be found on the candle table, or simply note the purpose of the contribution on a check or envelope.  As always, thank you in advance for your generosity.