This Sunday we make the first steps in constructing a memorial at St. Vladimir's to all Orthodox soldiers who have perished in defense of their faith, their homeland, and their compatriots. During the weekly parish meal we will hear from several of our veterans and those who were deeply effected by war. After these words of wisdom we will plant bushes that will surround the eventual memorial. As this year is the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II we think it is important to act now – so that we can hear from those who experienced that war. All those from World War I are gone, and on the 75th anniversary of World War II there will be very few left. It is important for us to learn from history so we do not repeat it. This is especially true of our children. Please join us this Sunday for this special event. The memorial, once completed, will be blessed on September 11 with Bishop Peter's blessing – this is the day of the commemoration of all Orthodox Soldiers.

Please join us on Saturday, May 30, for our next Children's Liturgy. The Children's Liturgy on Bright Monday was a great success, but at the request of our parents we have moved these to Saturday going forward. Our young people will sing, serve in the altar, ring the bells, prepare the meal after the Liturgy, and otherwise fulfill all tasks required for a Liturgy to be successfully executed in our parish. Following the Liturgy the young people will prepare the church with boughs and branches for the great feast of Pentecost!

The next rehearsal of the children's choir will be THIS SUNDAY following the parish meal. Please sign your children up for duties now – please see Fr. Gregory with questions.

Google Doc Sign Up:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/137Tvs8DyJyoluZ-2N0lrWu06RjLDLITO4aGzU92FSQg/edit?usp=sharing

The great feast of Pentecost is May 31. Please join us on Saturday, May 30 for a Memorial Divine Liturgy beginning at 8:00 a.m. Following the Liturgy we will decorate the parish church with boughs, branches, and flowers for the Pentecost vigil. This is a similar activity to our Lazarus Saturday church decoration in preparation for the Palm Sunday vigil. Many good memories are waiting to be had at these sorts of events. Please bring your children! It is especially important for them to participate in these sorts of activities. Now that Sally DeRoo has fallen asleep in the Lord we very much someone to lead these sorts of activities and to care for the flowers and plants in the parish church. Can you help? Please contact Fr. Gregory. All are welcome!

Our Sister in Christ Sally DeRoo headed up the interior decoration of the parish church for major holidays (and frankly – all the time). We are seeking a volunteer or two to begin to fill Sally's shoes. Please talk to Fr. Gregory if you can help. We need you – please step forward!

We have added Divine Liturgy for the feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Nicholas tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. This is the lesser feast of St. Nicholas, but certainly a feast marked throughout the Orthodox Christian world. Learn more about the feast at the links below and please join us as your personal schedule allows!

English:

http://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/05/09/ ... ker-from-m

Russian:

http://days.pravoslavie.ru/Life/life1023.htm

The funeral arrangements for our Sister in Christ Mary Ann have been finalized and are the following.

Thursday, May 21 – Muehlig Funeral Home
Viewing 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Pannykhida 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 22 – St. Vladimir's
Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.
Funeral 10:00 a.m.
Internment at Forest Hill Following the Funeral

Please join us as your personal schedule allows and please remember Mary Ann in your prayers.

There will be no Liturgy this morning since Fr. Gregory is ill. We ask your forgiveness for this inconvenience.

Please join us for the Divine Services for the Great Feast of the Ascension of the Lord! Vigil is at 6:00 p.m. on May 20 and Divine Liturgy at 8:00 a.m. on May 21. On this 40th day after His Resurrection our Lord rises again to Heaven from whence He came. Come celebrate the feast as your personal schedule allows!

Unfortunately Fr. Gregory has picked up a stomach virus and will be unable to come to church tonight. What that means is:

1. There will be no Pannykhida tonight at 5:00 p.m.

2. There WILL be a Reader's service tonight at 6:00 p.m.

For now Liturgy is still scheduled for tomorrow. A message will be posted here and sent to the St. Vladimir's email list by 7:00 a.m. if Liturgy is canceled. If there is no message then Liturgy will take place as scheduled.

We ask your forgiveness for this inconvenience and this late notice.

Please join us for the final Paschal services of the year at St. Vladimir’s. On Tuesday, May 19 we will serve Paschal Vespers and Matins beginning at 6:00 p.m. And on Wednesday, May 20 we will serve the Paschal Divine Liturgy at 8:00 a.m. The next evening we are already celebrating the vigil for Ascension and our Paschal celebration will have ended. Don’t miss this last chance to prayerfully participate in the special Paschal Divine Services!