Blessing the River Lostock at Theophany

Following the Blessing of Water at Holy Apostles at Theophany, a group of us drove to Cuerden Valley Park, where we had fun blessing the River Lostock. The river wasn’t frozen over so we didn’t have to break the ice first! Mygenet took lots of photos, which are on display in the Hall. Many thanks! We were more than ready at that point to warm up in the Walton Fox pub and enjoy lunch together. A good day.

Father and Fr. Deacon Dionysios were able to bless plenty of houses with Theophany water in the ensuing days, which was good.

How wonderful it is to have these special services in our Holy Orthodox calendar each year.

Great Lent

Yes, the Christmas chocolates are eaten and we are about to begin our journey of preparation for Holy Pascha. Forgiveness  Sunday is on 26 February, when we solemnly ask forgiveness of one another, when we forgive and are forgiven. We begin the first week with the Canon of  Repentance on Monday and Tuesday evenings – along with the change in our diet to the cleansing vegetables, the Church provides the prayers to help us cleanse our souls of our sins. So, if possible, set aside these evenings to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ at Church. Then, come again on Friday to sing the Hymn to our Most Holy Mother of God, the Akathistos Hymn. God will help you fit in the things that need to be done that week as you begin the annual discipline of the Lenten period, don’t worry!

Cleaning our Church

During the week before Holy Week, the week beginning Monday 2^nd April, the Church and the whole of our property will need a thorough clean. Please consider when you are able to come and help.

Great and Holy Friday

The decorating of the Epitaphios with flowers and foliage will begin around 1pm. More details in a few weeks’ time.

The Paschal services

We are surprised when we see many people leave Church shortly after the Holy Resurrection has been announced at midnight. Stay and worship! Stay and share in the Holy Liturgy and receive Holy Communion on this the brightest, most joyful night of the whole year!

Stay too, for the Feast- you can’t leave the Party before the Feast together with each other rejoicing in our risen Christ!

For Consideration.

There is a lot of  routine work around the church premises that needs to be done : cleaning of the hall, kitchen, Church and toilets and ensuring that the outside is kept clear of litter. We also all have a part to play in the kitchen rota,  both bringing of refreshments as well as cleaning up afterwards.

The cleaning can be done during the week at a time which suits the person who has volunteered to do the work. Please consider something practical which you can do to help everyone. At the moment the work is done by a very small number of people. If someone could be responsible for ordering candles, that would be useful, too. Basically, consider what YOU can do to help things run smoothly!

Wet Rot Repair

This work has been completed by Manos & Fr Christodoulos. It took 3 full days of work, and was followed by another day of cleaning up and putting things back into the correct place. Thankfully, people gave  us their extra offering, which meant that cost was well covered. The total amount given was £900, for which we want to thank everyone for their part.