We present here a short educational offering for both children and adults on the upcoming Sunday's principle Gospel reading so that all can better prepare for the Divine Services. Parents are asked to review the children’s portion with their children. It is very important for us to attend the Divine Services on Sundays and whenever else we are able, but in addition it is our spiritual responsibility to educate ourselves and our families in the faith. It is our hope that this mid-week offering will be an aid in this regard. Please contact Fr. Gregory with questions or suggestions.

For Various Ages: from the Antiochian Archdiocese

Please note that the Lenten period in preparation for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God begins on August 14 (TOMORROW). This is fast of a stricter character, similar to Great Lent. Fish is allowed only on the feast of the Transfiguration, August 19. It is important that we make a sincere effort at fasting by abstaining from meat and dairy products, but with the express intent of abstaining from these foods to aid us in abstaining from our sins and preparing ourselves worthily for the feast of the Dormition. As with all fasting periods, we abstain from meat and dairy products during this fast. The full schedule of Divine Services denotes the strictness of the fasting days and can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/stvschedule

FIVE LINES FOR EVERY ST. VLADIMIRIAN TO READ FOR THIS WEEK!

O kindhearted Lord, spare Thy servant, that I might not be found in fear and great shame at Thy judgment, that I might not be a disgrace to angels and men. Punish me here, O my Savior, as a tender-hearted Father who loves His children; and forgive me there, as the only sinless and most merciful God.

St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter, Psalm 39