Newsletter May and June 2010 Pascha 2010 Thank you to everyone involved in the preparation and services for Pascha, the feast of feasts. The service of Great Friday Vespers went well, with over 40 people present there, several of whom were visitors. For Pascha there were over 100 people present as we proclaimed “Christos Anesti”, Christ is Risen.” Afterwards some of us enjoyed feasting and fellowship. Visit by the Clergy Conference on the 14th April 2010 I wrote to the Archbishop on the 28th February inviting him to visit us as part of the Conference which was to held in Manchester. They were already going to go to Liverpool.He replied to us, and said that they would be glad to visit us on Wednesday 14th April. Suffice to say that we were worrying about what refreshments we could provide, how much we would need, how were we going to sing as well as we wanted to, would our guests be keeping to the time they said they would be with us, as well as if they would be happy with the results of our work in the Church. By the grace of God to us, all things worked out well. We had excellent refreshments, all of it being supplied as gifts by people. We had 14 of our own people there to greet them at their timely arrival and to offer them warm hospitality. The singing was done very well by several of the visiting priests, under the direction of Fr Ephrem. It became very clear as their visit proceeded that everyone was VERY impressed with the results of our efforts. His Eminence made it clear to everyone in the church that it would be excellent if parishes were encouraged to help us financially. Afterwards he quickly said to me and to Presbytera Mary, as well as to others that all essential work was complete and he wished to consecrate the Church, if possible in September or October this year. However we must remember that this cannot be done until we are debt free and we must redouble our own efforts towards this as well as being optimistic about outside financial support. We received over £300 in spontaneous cash gifts to the church by visitors. I was told later by Oeconomos Stephen Maxfield, who was on the returning coach and listening to the conversations taking place, that it seemed to have been the highlight of the conference for the example of loving commitment and efforts by all the members of the Community. It is now not a matter that we are cautiously approaching the Archbishop at some time in the future to ask him to come and Consecrate the church. It is now his genuine wish to do so as soon as he can do so. All of us should do our best now to work towards this and I know that Oeconomos Stephen Maxfield will be glad to visit us very soon to help us in our necessary plans. Oeconomos Christodoulos   Annual General Meeting On Sunday 18th April, after the Holy Liturgy, we held the AGM. Our thanks to our Chairman and Treasurer Gregory Baker for the very committed work he does for us all. Our thanks also to Sylvia Kahn who  has been our Secretary. She has quietly and carefully done this work very well, but is now standing down. Our new  Secretary is Michael Mellow. There were comprehensive reports on the activities as well as the financial reports on the Community. Copies of these are available for you to read and take with you. As the priest, I was somewhat disappointed that so few of the people of our Community made the effort to stay and play their part in the election process as well as adding their thoughts as we start our work for 2010/2011. Your contribution of ideas and suggestions are always welcome!   Catechism Class As an Orthodox Community we need to continually learn more about our Faith. Without this, we cannot grow in the Christian faith, or be able to know the best way of living our lives.  Starting on the 22nd April at 6.00pm, a Catechism Class will be held until the summer break. Come along and enjoy the class.  The class is followed at 7.00pm by Vespers. Now that the evenings are light, perhaps more of you could join us in the beautiful service of evening prayers. Patronal Festival This is an advance notice of the Patronal Festival which will be held on Sunday 4th July. The Holy Liturgy will be followed by the Barbeque, to be held in the Church Hall.