Our study group resumed this past Thursday with chapters 17 & 18 of St. Matthew. This coming week we will continue with the 18th chapter of St. Matthew. Our study group will meet on Zoom. All are welcome to join us.

Our parish council will meet this Thursday evening (January 28th) at 8:30 p.m. We will meet on Zoom and a meeting invitation will be email prior to the meeting.

This Friday, January 29th,  Fr. Barnabas, Fr. Dn. James, & Sue (Maria) Dorazio will represent St. Michael’s at the 57th annual Eastern PA Diocesan Assembly. This year the assembly will be held virtually. A special thanks to our Deacon and parish representative for offering their time for this important work in our diocese.

The feast of the Presentation or Meeting of the Lord in the Temple takes place forty days following the Nativity of Jesus (February 2nd). The feast celebrates Christ’s fulfillment of the Law of Moses calling for all the first born; whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, be consecrated to God. At this time, we also see His mother Mary undergo the ritual purification offering the sacrifices prescribed in the Law. In the feast Christ’s encounters, the Elder Simeon who had long awaited His coming, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, leads the Messiah into the Temple. We will celebrate with Great Vespers on Monday, February 1st and Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, February 2nd. The blessing of candles is traditionally offered at this feast so bring your candles.

We would like to thank everyone that donated to our VETERANS Acme gift card collection. By God’s grace and your charitable alms, we raised $800 to give to needy veterans who served and sacrificed for our country. Thanks to Sam Sylvest and Ellen Gundersen for suggesting and organizing.

Holy water will be available in the Nave this week and available throughout the year upon request. Home blessings will be on hold until later date. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

On Thursday, December 31, 2020, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has issued an encyclical entitled, “We Rejoice Even in Tribulation”: An Encyclical of Hope. The Holy Synod offers this work out of love and gratitude to its faithful at the end of this year. The Synod also intends for the encyclical to be seen as an encouragement for the year to come. In the encyclical, the Synod seeks to find meaning in the year that has past, which has been marked by a pandemic, political polarization, economic anxiety, and civil unrest, and calls the faithful to a renewed faith and hope in Jesus Christ, and service to one another.

Presently the encyclical is available as a PDF for download here. In January 2021, printed copies will be mailed to all parishes, monasteries, and institutions of the Orthodox Church in America. Please take the extra time and read this important document!

We are currently looking for people to help with live streaming services. Please see Thaddeus (Scott) Lewis if you are willing to help.

Recognizing the need for many to quarantine due to the deadliness of the pandemic, Fr. Barnabas is available to meet individually on Wednesdays and Fridays to offer Confession and Communion for those still at home. Fr. Barnabas is also willing to meet in other creative ways, like on your porch, to assure everyone remains connected. Please email or call the office to set up a time for the Sacraments.