"This is the cause of all evils: the ignorance of the Scriptures. We go into battle without arms, and how ought we to come off safe?" -St. John Chrysostom, Homily IX on Colossians.

In order to help increase the general knowledge of scripture in our parish family we present here for your edification the scripture readings for the coming week. At least one Gospel Reading and one Epistle reading are assigned for each day of the year (although during Great Lent the readings are from the Old Testament). Hearing or reading only those readings appointed for Sunday merely scratches the surface of the great spiritual wealth that the scriptures provide us. Some of the readings are easily understandable – others are less so. As Orthodox Christians we do not make private interpretation of scripture, but rather consult the fathers of the Church for their explanations to aid us in our understanding. Those wishing to have access to such explanations are asked to contact Fr. Gregory or inquire in the kiosk for further reading in this regard. Bibles may also be acquired in the kiosk.

Monday: Romans 12:4-5,15-21 & Matthew 12:9-13
Tuesday: Romans 14:9-18 & Matthew 12:14-16,22-30
Wednesday: Romans 15:7-16 & Matthew 12:38-45
Thursday: Romans 15:17-29 & Matthew 12:46-13:3
Friday: Romans 16:1-16 & Matthew 13:4-9
Saturday: Romans 8:14-21 & Matthew 9:9-13

Please find below several very nice articles on how to read the scripture from an Orthodox point of view.

By St. Justin (Popovich):

http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/phronema/bible_how.aspx

By Bishop Kalistos (Ware):

http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/phronema/ware_howto.aspx

This short article explains to us not just HOW to read the scriptures, but also what our goal should be in reading the scriptures. A short read and well worth it:

http://www.chrysostompress.org/reading_scripture.html

As noted in the article above we need God's help and blessing to read and understand the scriptures correctly. What better way to entreat God's help in this regard than through prayer? Please find the prayer before reading the scriptures here:

http://www.chrysostompress.org/prayer_b ... pture.html

Our weekly bulletin, "Sunday Reading", has been posted at the following link:

http://www.stvladimiraami.org/SundayRea ... eading.pdf

Please join us for a live broadcast of today's Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the following link:

http://www.stvladimiraami.org:8000/liturgy.mp3

Please remember - the stream only broadcasts live services. If you would like to listen to previously recorded and edited services please visit our sound blog:

http://soundoftheparish.blogspot.com/

Please find this week's issue of "The Good News" at the link below. This bulletin/handout contains the Troparia and Kontakia that will be sung by the choir at today's Divine Liturgy as well as the readings from the Epistle and Gospel readings of the day - all in both English and Russian. This little bulletin is distributed to visitors and others who may find it useful by our parish Greeters on duty today at St. Vladimir's. We cordially invite you to join us at St. Vladimir's for Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. - or any Sunday soon. You are always welcome at St. Vladimir's!

This Sunday's "The Good News":

http://stvladimiraami.org/pamphlets/goodnews.pdf

Please keep our parishioners, friends, and those who have asked us in our unworthiness to pray for them in your prayers this coming week. Our parish prayer list can be found here:

http://www.stvladimiraami.org/SundayRea ... erlist.pdf

PLEASE NOTE! We have removed those from the list that we believe no longer should be present there. If you requested that someone be included in this list please review it carefully to make sure we have not removed someone erroneously. If we have, please contact Fr. Gregory to have your loved one again added to the list.

We invite our parish family to invite friends and loved ones who are in need to our parish meal each Sunday at 1200. As a parish we have a responsibility and a desire to follow the Matthew 25 commandments of our Lord. This is a one small way in which we can do this. Spread the word! We are happy to have others join us for lunch!

Young people who can read clearly and loudly are welcome and urged to participate! THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE ENGAGED IN PARISH LIFE! Research shows that it is very important for young people to be engaged now so they persist in the Church into adulthood.

The sign up sheet can be found at the link below. PARENTS: please contact Karl Meyer or Alexandra Pyrozhenko with questions!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18AHfYesuK3-z4HZ8-ysdAne4RlKaiFEdpPNz6oueoU4/edit?usp=sharing

Please find the whole album here:

https://stvladimirchurch.smugmug.com/2018/End-of-the-church-school-year-celebration/

Please contact Fr. Gregory, Jack, any of our Parish Council members, or our Head Brother or Head Sister. WE WANT TO HELP! And we offer these free options to help you stay connected with St. Vladimir's - even if it is hard for you to get to church on your own:

+Home Visits
+Rides to Church
+Home Computer help to allow you to listen to the Divine Services live every Saturday night and Sunday morning
+Subscription to "Sunday Reading" via post
+Subscription to "Good News" via post
+Subscription to each weekend's Divine Services on CD

If you know someone who has trouble getting to church, but that person is unlikely to see this announcement, please reach out and share this information with him or her.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION + DETAILED ITINERARY:

https://chicagodiocese.org/news_180411_1.html