Whenever you have the intention of doing something that is good, expect temptations from the opposing forces who hate this. You already understand this sufficiently, and you know what is needed to repulse them and defeat them: the acknowledgment of your own infirmities, self-reproach, humility, and seeking God’s help.

Venerable Macarius of Optina
Living without Hypocrisy

"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: I Peter 2:21-3:0 & Mark 12:13-17
Tuesday: I Peter 3:10-22 & Mark 12:18-27
Wednesday: I Peter 4:1-11 & Mark 12:28-37
Thursday: I Peter 4:12-5:5 & Mark 12:38-44
Friday: II Peter 1:1-10 & Mark 13:1-8
Saturday: II Timothy 2:11-19 & Luke 18:2-8

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

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

ST. VLADIMIR AUDIO LIVE STREAM
VIDEO LIVE STREAM
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:

SOUND OF THE PARISH BLOG
If you would like to view past services please visit our YouTube page:

ST. VLADIMIR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Our parish Sunday publications are available now at the link below. Find our Prayer List, "Good News", and "Sunday Reading", plus other parish publications!
PARISH PUBLICATIONS

Confession and Communion are the two sacraments we most often partake of as Orthodox Christians and thus it behooves us to learn about these, how to prepare for these, and how to best take advantage of the Grace that our Lord freely gives us in these sacraments. At St. Vladimir’s we have created a special web site for this purpose with much information in this regard. Please find the web site listed below and please contact Fr. Gregory with questions!

CONFESSION AND COMMUNION AT ST. VLADIMIR'S
PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION - PARISH PRAYER KIT

Please join us for a live broadcast of tonight's Vigil beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the following links:

ST. VLADIMIR AUDIO LIVE STREAM
VIDEO LIVE STREAM
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:
SOUND OF THE PARISH BLOG
If you would like to view past services please visit our YouTube page:

ST. VLADIMIR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Unfortunately, due to Covid issues (there are people at Fr. Gregory's with Covid), the reception at Fr. Gregory's in honor of St. Gregory the Theologian on Monday, February 7, has had to be canceled. We ask your forgiveness for the inconvenience! God willing the pandemic will be well and truly over by next year and we will never have to think about such things again!

Each year following the feast of the Theophany (the Lord’s Baptism – January 19) it is a traditional and pious custom to have one’s home blessed by the priest. Homes are blessed at St. Vladimir’s until the beginning of Great Lent. Please visit this link to make an appointment:

SCHEDULE A HOUSE BLESSING
Please contact Fr. Gregory to schedule a house blessing if the times listed do not work for you. If you cannot find a convenient time please contact Fr. Gregory - homes can be blessed through the 5th week of Great Lent if need be. If you live far from St. Vladimir’s please consult with those other parishioners of St. Vladimir’s who live near you so that you can all have your homes blessed on the same day. If you would like to have Fr. Colin bless your house please contact him at priestcolinbower@stvladimiraami.org. Congratulations to all with the feast of our Lord’s Baptism!

As mentioned previously, our plow truck died. We have been working hard to get the parking lots cleared, but the earliest that can happen is late morning Saturday. This means we will have to cancel services for St. Xenia on Friday night and Saturday morning. However, we will combine the services to St. Xenia and the New Martyrs for this Sunday, which is the actual feast day of St. Xenia anyway. Please spread the word to those who you know, or suspect, were planning to attend the services on Friday evening or Saturday morning. We ask your apologies for any inconvenience. We strongly encourage all Sisters to partake of Holy Communion on this important day of their patron saint!

All are welcome at St. Vladimir's! Please join us this Sunday! More information can be found at this link, and we encourage you to share this with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers!

DIVINE SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022
As of August 20, 2021 we recommend (but do not mandate) masking for indoor activities at St. Vladimir’s. Join us!