Dear all.
Gospel Reading
In yesterday’s gospel(John 4:5 – 42) we read of the encounter between Christ and the Samaritan woman, known to the Orthodox as St Fotini. This conversation, the longest in the Gospels, is controversial in that Christ chooses a woman and a Samaritan, with which to discuss some profound theological matters.
The Samaritans had their temple at Mount Gerazim in Samaria. They were despised by the Jews who had their temple in Jerusalem. Samaritans were considered foreigners and people to be avoided by the Jews. Women, whether Samaritan or Jewish were considered to be unworthy to discuss religious matters – no wonder the apostles marvelled that he was talking with a woman – and the Samaritan at that.
This woman, asked Christ about the place where worship should be given to God. Christ tells her that God is not limited to place. Indeed : “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” God, is not so much interested in outward appearances but whether faith is true. That is why Christ refers to the water that he gives as water that will become a spring of water within welling up to eternal life.
Christ declares to his disciples: “my food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.” Working in Christ is like a chain – one sows the word of God and another reaps the word of God. However, the one that sews good seed can also reap the reward of another stewards effort. This is because we are all in Christ and are all his servants. So, we do good works in the confidence that if we cannot complete them then others will. We also complete the works of others because such is the spirit of God; such is the will of God.
Programme
Programme for the week will be as follows: tomorrow Tuesday (eighth of May) feast day of St John the Evangelist – matins and divine liturgy from 7:30 AM. Wednesday, ninth of May: adult bible studies 7 PM to 8 PM. Divine liturgy in English Saturday morning 12th of May 9 AM to 10:15 AM.
Important announcements
There are important changes coming in the way that we spread the message of God at St Nektarios:
- On Saturday, 19 May from 3 PM to 5 PM I will be commencing Sunday School classes for all children. If your child (or grandchild) is old enough to understand then they are old enough to begin being taught in the faith. I will teach the children in age appropriate language – and make it fun for them to learn. All are welcome. Parents please bring a plate to share. I expect to see all our children there – so parents please mark your diaries now and leave that date free. The first topic will be about the how and why of our faith. This will be initially a monthly activity and increasing it to fortnightly as demand requires. (PS. It won’t be me just talking – the programme will be instruction for half an hour or so (depending upon the interest of the children); food (and there is always interest in food) and games so they can get to know one another – see you all there.
- Say farewell to Wednesday night adult bible class… Say hello, to Tuesday night’s study class… Commencing from Tuesday, 29 May at 7 PM I will be introducing a topic of interest…OR… A topic of discussion can commence from the floor…OR… You can make suggestions as to the topic for discussion. Although I will lead the discussion all points of view will be heard with respect – whether they be from a 12-year-old or an 80-year-old… All will be encouraged to speak their mind so we can learn from one another… After the discussion there will be an opportunity for refreshments where you can discuss informally with one another (and with me) any matter, including how to make our children better Christians… The first topic for discussion will be: CONFESSION – what we do, why we do it ,and, how we do it… So, spread the word!… See you there!
Coming events
- The ladies of Perth holding their annual biggest morning tea for Cancer. This is will be held on Thursday, 24 May. Please see the flyer for details. In the meantime if any person wishes to assist in the running of the function then please let me know and I will pass on the details of the appropriate contact person.
- The church of St Constantine and Helene is holding their luncheon for their feast day on Sunday, 24 May. Please see the flyer in last week’s newsletter for details. I would urge you to support our churches so please buy your tickets as early as you can.
- On Sunday 24thof June there is the annual pink hat luncheon for Cancer. Please see the flyer in the previous newsletter for details.
Father Themis
On 19 May 2018 the Parish of St Nektarios will once again have the pleasure of hosting Father Themis from Sierra Leone. You will recall that we had the pleasure of his company, and his assistant louis, last September when a fundraising event was held with great success. This time, each Parish will host Father Themis independently. You will have an opportunity to donate, as well is make a good father on the Saturday morning. We will be commencing matins at 8 AM and the Divine liturgy will be in English. See you all there.
Thought of the week
From St Porphyrios : “There are two paths that lead to God: the hard and debilitating path with fierce assaults against evil, and the easy path of love. There are many who chose the hard path and ‘shed blood in order to receive Spirit’ until they attained great virtue. I find the shorter and safer route is the path of love.
That is, you can make a different kind of effort: to study and pray and have your aim to advance in the love of God and of the Church. Do not fight to expel darkness from the chamber of your soul. Open a tiny aperture for the light to enter, and the darkness will disappear. The same holds true for our passions and desires. Do not fight them, but transform them into strengths by showing disdain for evil.”
Do not choose negative methods to correct yourselves. There is no need to fear the devil, hell or anything else. These things provoke a negative reaction…The object is to live, to study, to pray and to advance in love…”
– Elder Porphyrios, “WOUNDED BY LOVE,” p. 136.
Till next time.
In Christ.
Father John Athanasiou 0411 061 554
Write a comment: