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. ForgivenessSunday 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 ofRepentance
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 2nd 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
gaveus 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.
Service Details:
Sunday 10:30am Proskemidi
& Preparation Prayers
Sunday 11:00am Divine
Liturgy
Thursday 7.00pm Vespers
(Esperinos)
Address:
The Orthodox Church of The Holy Apostles
Leyland Lane
Leyland
PR25 1TA