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February 2009
My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
It is my sincere prayer that this year will bring you good health, happiness and prosperity. As we move through the year, however, we should also consider our spiritual welfare.
Remember, it is really not possible to know Christ or to receive His blessings when we make little effort to heed His call for salvation. Let us all make a serious resolution to attend the Divine Services on a regular basis, with a desire to truly be a part of our Holy Church and participate in the services through confession and communion. In this way, we will never bear the shame of the title of “nominal Orthodox Christian.” Christ tells us in the Holy Gospel, “Unless you worthily eat of my body and drink of my blood, there will be no life in you.”
The whole reason we come to church is to gain salvation. Please don’t think that by merely attending the Divine Services — but not involving yourself personally with the Holy Sacraments — that you will be saved. Live out the conviction of your faith by willingly preparing yourselves to fully participate in the services by receiving the Sacraments.
Confessions are usually held in the vestry — behind the door to the right of the altar — at least 20 minutes before the Divine Liturgy begins at 10:30 a.m., or by appointment.
With much love in Christ,
Fr. Philip
December 2008March 2008February 2008January 2008
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