July 2023 Announcements

Memory Eternal, James Mark Hutchins:

We mourn the passing of our brother in Christ, James Hutchins. Memorial services were celebrated on Wednesday, June 28, Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6.  He was interred at the Orthodox Christian section of Restland Cemetery in Dallas.

James was known by Orthodox Christians not only in DFW, but also across the U.S. and in several countries, people whom he befriended over the years. 

On behalf of the Hutchins family and the parish, we want to thank everyone who helped out in any capacity with the memorial services and with the accompanying psalm readings, meals, refreshments, set-up, clean-up, security and shuttles.  James would have been humbled and overjoyed by the abundant expressions of love, as many people gathered to pray for his peace, in Christ.  May his memory be eternal!

Note Major Mid-July Schedule Changes:

Please take note of a few major changes to our schedule from July 17 to July 25.  Fr. Basil will be out of town for our Annual Diocesan Assembly.  And so, from July 17 to July 25 there will be no weekday or Saturday services at St. Barbara’s.  The Sunday service on July 23, is currently scheduled to be a Reader’s Service, followed by a Potluck Coffee Hour and Music Classes, as usual.  We hope however, to be back in time for a Liturgy that day.  For emergencies during this period please contact one of the non-OCA clergy in the area.

Sunday Music Instruction:

On Sunday, June 11, we began offering classes in singing and basic music theory for parishioners.  Sessions are about 45 minutes, taking place on Sundays toward the middle of Coffee Hour (about 12:30 to 1:15 pm).  They are led by Ms. Jamie Lynn Gonzalez (adults and teens) and Ms. Ashlyn Bell as well as Ms. Madelynn Sill (younger children and younger teens).  Jamie, Ashlyn and Madelyn are music education/performing arts majors with approximately a decade of choral, solo performance and directing experience.  

One does not have to be a member of the choir, nor read music to take part in these sessions. Our hope is that classes will also enhance congregational participation in services, and will lead additional parishioners to consider singing with the choir in the future.  Please contact Fr. Basil, Jamie or Ashlyn with further questions and/or to express your interest. 

Combined Parish Picnic on July 30:

Mrs. Lucie Muns and family have graciously invited the members of both St. Barbara’s and Archangel Gabriel Mission to a combined parish picnic on Sunday, July 30.  The picnic will take place after Liturgy at the Muns’ new Lake House.  BBQ will be the featured main course.  Those who wish to swim please bring lifejackets.  And, Lucie asks, that if possible, volunteers please bring bottled water.  You may also provide your favorite dessert. Please RSVP to Fr. Basil by Friday, July 14.  You may also contact Lucie Muns for specific questions.

June 2023 Announcements

Music Instruction for Women and Young Ladies

We are excited to announce that starting Sunday, June 11, classes will be conducted in singing and basic music theory for Women and Girls of the parish.  Although details are being finalized, sessions will be about 45 minutes, taking place initially on Sundays toward the middle of Coffee Hour (about 12:30 to 1:15 pm).  They will be led by Ms. Jamie Lynn Gonzalez (adults and teens) and Ms. Ashlyn Bell (younger children and teens).  Jamie is a music education major with approximately a decade of choral, solo performance and directing experience.  Ashlyn too, is a music major with over a decade of acting, choral and solo performance experience.

One does not have to be a member of the choir, nor read music to take part in these sessions. Choir members are encouraged to attend, but our hope is that classes will also enhance congregational participation in services, and will lead additional parishioners to consider singing with the choir in the future.  Please contact Fr. Basil with further questions and/or to express your interest.  A sign-up sheet will soon be available as well.

All Saints Summer Youth Camp

Each year the Mississippi River Deanery of the Diocese of the South sponsors a popular Summer Camp for youth, 8 to 18 (Senior in High School). This year the week-long adventure takes place July 3-7 at Camp Akiva in Point, Texas.  Cost is $310 per participant.  Registration is open at AllSaintsSummerCamp.org. Deadline for registration and payment is June 1, but late registration may be possible, as well as scholarships. For more information, please contact Fr. Jason Foster at 318 455 4219 or Presvytera Katherine at AllSaintsSummerCamp@gmail.com. 

Congratulations and Many Years!

To Anna Tarpley and Joel Dakwar, united in marriage Sunday afternoon (May 28) at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Euless. 

To the infant Witt David (Nectarios) Smith whose baptism will be celebrated on Saturday (June 3) at 4:00 pm, Pentecost Eve. 

And last but certainly not least, congratulations to Deacon Vitaly Permiakov, Assistant Professor of Liturgical Theology at St. Vladimir’s Seminary.  Doctor Vitaly was recently awarded the double orarion by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon.  Vitaly was also honored with the Saint Macrina Award, given each year to a St. Vladimir’s Professor recognized by the student body for excellence in teaching.   

Many blessed years to these servants of God and to their families!