GREETINGs from FR . ROman ON THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

Dear Parish Family!

“Today is the beginning of our salvation,
and the unfolding of the eternal mystery;
the Son of God becomes the Virgin’s Son,
and Gabriel brings the good tidings of grace.
With him let us also cry to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, O Full of grace!
The Lord is with you.”

(Festal Tropar)

 

A blessed Feast of Annunciation – Благовіщення (“Good Announcing”) - morning to you!  Good news is always welcome, but especially so, and much needed, these days.

The Feast of Annunciation is a major Feast of our Church.  To understand it simply, just consider that today, March 25, is exactly 9 months before  December 25 – Christmas, the Nativity of Christ.  In 9 months, our Lord will be born as a babe in Bethlehem, but today, he begins life in the womb of his mother, Mary.  Discuss this with your children as you pray with them this day.


As for us here at St. Elias, although the church is closed to the public, I will be in church, taking the Service of the Day as prescribed in our Typikon.  Assisting me will be Protodeacon David, and Reader Ilya.  Social distancing will be observed.

For your information, since the Feast falls during the period of Great Lent, it differs from the usual Order.  It is a “Vesperal Divine Liturgy”, beginning with Vespers, its texts and readings, and then transitioning at the Trisagion (“Holy God”) into the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.  It is our practice on such occasions to have the priest sing in Ukrainian, the deacon, in English.  In all, this Liturgy will last until almost 1 p.m.  If you can, set up your home altar, light the candles, and pray with us. 

Through the wonder of social media all sorts of advice and resources are available to you to help you get through the present crisis.  Those that have come through my office which seem especially pertinent for our community, I have sent on to you, and will continue to do so.  For today, however, the above festal announcement will suffice.

I do miss you.  Seeing you from the altar for all these years, it is easy for me to “see you” as if still here….  

Father Roman, priest

PS- yesterday we sent out a mailing of resources you can use to pray at
home (+ with your family) on this feast day. These are also posted on our website- click here.

RESOURCES- FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

Tomorrow is the feast of the Annunciation (MARCH 25th), below are resources for families and individuals. Included are prayers to celebrate the feast at home.

Families with small children should simply download and this - and read with your family.

For everyone else the prayers are ready for you to download below

FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

The feast of the Annunciation is a glorious respite in the middle of Great Lent.  We can use each of the feast days in Lent (even the minor ones) as teaching moments that can help us grow as Christians and bring us closer to God.Look at an icon of the Annunciation, and have your child color the icon attached below. While he is coloring, ask about what he sees in the picture. Ask what he thinks the word “annunciation” means. Older children may already have an idea and be able to explain it to you. If they can’t, explain to them that it’s just a fancy word that means announcement.    Colouring Page for Children

Next, read the Bible (Luke 1:26-38) or a children’s Bible story about the Annunciation. Below you will find discussion questions to ask when you’ve finished the reading:
1. Who made an announcement?
a. The angel Gabriel
2. To whom did he make it?
a. Mary
3. What was the announcement?
a. That she would have a baby and name Him Jesus
4. How did Mary respond?
a. A little confused about how, but wanting to do God’s will. “Let it be done to me according to your will.”

Here are a few photos of our families praying at home while we wait for the Corona Virus Pandemic to subside.

UPDATE: services during COVID 19 ОНОВЛЕННЯ Щодо церковних служб у нашій парафії під час пандемії


Dear Parishioners + Friends, ДОКУМЕНТ НА ​​УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ МОВІ

Due to the accelerating epidemic of the COVID 19 virus, by order of Bishop Bryan Bayda on March 20, and in compliance with the most recent orders from Public Health Authorities, the following directives are effective immediately for all churches of our Eparchy:

Liturgical Services

  • All Public Services in our churches as well as all social events and gatherings are cancelled until further notice. Here at St. Elias, at the usual time of services, anyone coming here will find the church doors closed. Parishioners are dispensed from their Sunday and Holy Day obligations and MUST STAY HOME.

  • Please note that Divine Liturgy and select services will continue with ONLY priest, deacon and cantors in attendance. Those present will comply with all present liturgical and social directives.

  • These Liturgies and select services will be streamed live and available to watch on the HERE and Facebook. * In addition to the livestreamed services, remembering that the first Christians worshipped in homes, all are encouraged to establish a regular routine of prayer at home establishing a Domestic Church there. Examples of how this may be done will be provided in further communication from this office.

  • Stay informed by opening parish e-mails and checking the website regularly as things may change. Bulletins from the Chancery Office will be forwarded to you as they arrive.

Parish + Community Financial Needs

  • The financial needs of the parish continue. In the following weeks your regular donations will be even more important. Hopefully our mortgage obligations will be eased.

  • Consider using this time to sign up for direct deposit (email the office and you will be sent a form)

  • Remember your friends and neighbours who might need your help right now, consider a donation to one of your local food banks and check in with the elderly.

Administration/Operations

  • Please call or email the office if you have questions or special needs.

  • Fr. Roman is available for FaceTime sessions. Phone and video chats are a welcome distraction.

  • Resources and communication will be sent out regularly so we can all stay in touch and updated.


FINALLY- remember, these directives are temporary. The crisis will pass and things will get back to normal. Please God, - soon.

Fr. Roman- Pastor

*As noted above Saint Elias will Livestream Liturgy this Sunday March 22.

Bishop Bryan Bayda will also serve a Liturgy at St. Nicholas in Toronto and that service will also be broadcast live as well.

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP BRYAN

WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Інформація про коронавірус українською мовою