Newsletter of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church
1000 Spruce, Pueblo, CO 81004 PO Box 3011, Pueblo, CO 81005
May God keep everyone well and keep St. John the Baptist Church alive and vibrant for future generations to embrace and enjoy.
December 2022
January 2023
All Sundays: 8:20 Orthros, 9:20
3rd – Saturday - Great Vespers 4:00 p.m.
4th – 10th Sunday of Luke - Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-7; Luke 13:10-17
6th – Tuesday - St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
8:30 Orthros, 9:30 Divine Liturgy - Hebrews 13:17-21; Luke 6: 17-23
9th - His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah has invited everyone to the Annual Christmas Open House on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 5-9pm at the Metropolis Center in Denver.
11th – 11th Sunday of Luke - Colossians 3:4-11; Luke 14:16-24
18th – Sunday Before Nativity - Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40; Matthew 1:1-25
24th – Eve of the Nativity of Christ Great Vespers 4:00 p.m.
(Because Christmas falls on Sunday, we do not have a Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy)
25th – SUNDAY - A MOST BLESSED HOLY NATIVITY!!
8:20 Orthros, 9:30 Divine Liturgy - Galatians 4:4-7; Matthew 2:1-12
27th – Tuesday - Saint Stephen the First Martyr
8:30 Orthros, 9:30 Divine Liturgy - Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-5; 47-60; Matthew 21:33-41
Jan. 1st – The Circumcision of Christ
Sunday Before Theophany Commemorating Saint Basil the Great
Colossians 2:8-12; Luke 2:20-21, 40-52
Prosforo:
Jan. 1 – Penny Jan. 15 - Lynnette
Jan. 6 - Ashley Jan. 22 - Brian
Jan. 7 - Ashley Jan. 29 - Kathy
Jan. 8 - Chad
All Sundays: 8:20 Orthros, 9:20
3rd – Saturday - Great Vespers 4:00 p.m.
4th – 10th Sunday of Luke - Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-7; Luke 13:10-17
6th – Tuesday - St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
8:30 Orthros, 9:30 Divine Liturgy - Hebrews 13:17-21; Luke 6: 17-23
9th - His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah has invited everyone to the Annual Christmas Open House on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 5-9pm at the Metropolis Center in Denver.
11th – 11th Sunday of Luke - Colossians 3:4-11; Luke 14:16-24
18th – Sunday Before Nativity - Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40; Matthew 1:1-25
24th – Eve of the Nativity of Christ Great Vespers 4:00 p.m.
(Because Christmas falls on Sunday, we do not have a Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy)
25th – SUNDAY - A MOST BLESSED HOLY NATIVITY!!
8:20 Orthros, 9:30 Divine Liturgy - Galatians 4:4-7; Matthew 2:1-12
27th – Tuesday - Saint Stephen the First Martyr
8:30 Orthros, 9:30 Divine Liturgy - Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-5; 47-60; Matthew 21:33-41
Jan. 1st – The Circumcision of Christ
Sunday Before Theophany Commemorating Saint Basil the Great
Colossians 2:8-12; Luke 2:20-21, 40-52
Prosforo:
Jan. 1 – Penny Jan. 15 - Lynnette
Jan. 6 - Ashley Jan. 22 - Brian
Jan. 7 - Ashley Jan. 29 - Kathy
Jan. 8 - Chad
church News
Stewardship Cards
It’s that time again - to renew – or make – your pledge of support for St. John’s . I’ve tried explaining this many different ways and there are always questions! Ask for sure if you have any questions but here are the basics: A new stewardship card must be turned in each year and one is enclosed for your use. There are extras available at church. While many people think of this card only in terms of finances, signing the card to say that you do indeed support and wish to belong to St. John’s and returning it is very important. Each year the treasurer is asked on the Metropolis’ annual report how many people turned in their signed card saying that they do indeed support and stand with St. John’s. Now the card does ask if you can make a financial commitment to support the activities of our church. I make my pledge but I pay on it all year long in monthly payments. Some people pay their pledge amount in full at the beginning of the year and still others make payments on a quarterly basis or some other schedule. If something happens to change your financial resources, you can change your pledge anytime during the year. Any questions? Ask Marge.
It is hoped that most people will turn In their cards by Stewardship Sunday, January 22. On that day, all cards collected from the mail and the plate on the counter will be taken up to Father Stephen for our intentions to be blessed.
.
St. John's Bookstore
Check out the new icons and books just stocked. Christmas ornaments available.
WE NEED volunteers for Sunday School Teachers! With the disruption of ourschedules and activities dues to health concerns, we have let our Sunday School down. We really need two classes – one for our older (middle school – high school) youth and one for our elementary youngsters. We have a curriculum and materials for teachers to use and we are ready to order what is needed for the ages we currently have. Possibly several people might join together to cover our needs. You know the old saying “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Think about, pray about it, and decide if you can help. Our young people need our attention.
We are sorry to announce that Dorothy (Dottie) Rougas passed away on December 27, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Tom Sam Rougas, and children; Stacie Elizabeth Rougas, Nonie Rougas Hawkins and Samuel Tom Rougas, The Rougas family members were strong in their labor and support of St. John’s helping it to become the church it is today. Dottie was a very caring, strong lady in her support of the church and in raising her family. She will be missed. May her memory be eternal.
Memorial service (Trisagion) on Friday January 6, 2023 6:30pm at T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. Funeral service on January 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm, Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church followed by burial at Roselawn Cemetery.
Nonie Rougas Vlahavas is currently staying with her daughter Beth in South Carolina. She had a health problem but all reports say she is doing much better now.
It’s that time again - to renew – or make – your pledge of support for St. John’s . I’ve tried explaining this many different ways and there are always questions! Ask for sure if you have any questions but here are the basics: A new stewardship card must be turned in each year and one is enclosed for your use. There are extras available at church. While many people think of this card only in terms of finances, signing the card to say that you do indeed support and wish to belong to St. John’s and returning it is very important. Each year the treasurer is asked on the Metropolis’ annual report how many people turned in their signed card saying that they do indeed support and stand with St. John’s. Now the card does ask if you can make a financial commitment to support the activities of our church. I make my pledge but I pay on it all year long in monthly payments. Some people pay their pledge amount in full at the beginning of the year and still others make payments on a quarterly basis or some other schedule. If something happens to change your financial resources, you can change your pledge anytime during the year. Any questions? Ask Marge.
It is hoped that most people will turn In their cards by Stewardship Sunday, January 22. On that day, all cards collected from the mail and the plate on the counter will be taken up to Father Stephen for our intentions to be blessed.
.
St. John's Bookstore
Check out the new icons and books just stocked. Christmas ornaments available.
WE NEED volunteers for Sunday School Teachers! With the disruption of ourschedules and activities dues to health concerns, we have let our Sunday School down. We really need two classes – one for our older (middle school – high school) youth and one for our elementary youngsters. We have a curriculum and materials for teachers to use and we are ready to order what is needed for the ages we currently have. Possibly several people might join together to cover our needs. You know the old saying “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Think about, pray about it, and decide if you can help. Our young people need our attention.
We are sorry to announce that Dorothy (Dottie) Rougas passed away on December 27, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Tom Sam Rougas, and children; Stacie Elizabeth Rougas, Nonie Rougas Hawkins and Samuel Tom Rougas, The Rougas family members were strong in their labor and support of St. John’s helping it to become the church it is today. Dottie was a very caring, strong lady in her support of the church and in raising her family. She will be missed. May her memory be eternal.
Memorial service (Trisagion) on Friday January 6, 2023 6:30pm at T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. Funeral service on January 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm, Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church followed by burial at Roselawn Cemetery.
Nonie Rougas Vlahavas is currently staying with her daughter Beth in South Carolina. She had a health problem but all reports say she is doing much better now.
The Didache, written during the Apostolic era (1st century AD) is an ancient guidebook to Christian life and worship which is truly enlightening to read.
From Our Beginings As Orthodox
The Didache – Chapters 5-6
1. So now we come to the way of death. As you read this chapter, please keep in mind none of the things listed are unforgivable! In fact, would you say that everyone may find something of themselves in this list? Notice how the list starts with heavy duty sins and progresses down to pretty light ones. Do you think they purposely wanted to try to include everyone in this list? Why?
2. A reminder for us all is 1 John 1:8-10 – “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” How would you apply this passage of Scripture to Chapter 5?
3. Chapter 6 warns us of false teachers, which of course came on the scene immediately. St. Paul battled false teachers and we continue to battle them in today’s world. False teachings are blasted at us from television, radio, social media like Face Book, and even at our doors. What is the best way to stay firm in the Faith that was “once for all given?”
4. I hope each of us can reach perfection (Theosis), but it is a journey; no “hot and juicy gospel to go” for us. What are some of the steps we can be taking each day?
5. With Great Lent about to begin, “concerning food, bear what you are able.” So what are you able to bear this Great Lent?
Chapter 5. The Way of Death. And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far,loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.
Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols. See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since with God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is
sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.
The Didache – Chapters 5-6
1. So now we come to the way of death. As you read this chapter, please keep in mind none of the things listed are unforgivable! In fact, would you say that everyone may find something of themselves in this list? Notice how the list starts with heavy duty sins and progresses down to pretty light ones. Do you think they purposely wanted to try to include everyone in this list? Why?
2. A reminder for us all is 1 John 1:8-10 – “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” How would you apply this passage of Scripture to Chapter 5?
3. Chapter 6 warns us of false teachers, which of course came on the scene immediately. St. Paul battled false teachers and we continue to battle them in today’s world. False teachings are blasted at us from television, radio, social media like Face Book, and even at our doors. What is the best way to stay firm in the Faith that was “once for all given?”
4. I hope each of us can reach perfection (Theosis), but it is a journey; no “hot and juicy gospel to go” for us. What are some of the steps we can be taking each day?
5. With Great Lent about to begin, “concerning food, bear what you are able.” So what are you able to bear this Great Lent?
Chapter 5. The Way of Death. And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far,loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.
Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols. See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since with God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is
sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.
St. Stephen’s name day
We were blessed by having 4 attendees who could claim it as their name day. L-R Stephen Powley, Father Stephen Powley, Stefan, and Stephania Lynnette Goldy. After liturgy, several of us were treated to breakfast/lunch (as is the custom) by the Stephen crowd.
