МАЯК - BEACON

Українська Правослвна Громад Св. Володимира

Українська Православна Громада Св. Володимира S

t. Vladimir’s U

krainian

Orthodox C

ongregation

January 2008 ISSUE 1

2

Українська Правослaвна Громада Св. Володимира

St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation 404 Meredith Road N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 5A6

www.stvlads.com

MАЯK BEACON

JANUARY 2008

FALL /WINTER EDITION

St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation

2008 Parish Council

Parish Priest V. Rev. Fr. Taras Krochak President Larry Yuzda 1st. Vice President Lorne Calkin 2nd Vice President Shirley Din 3rd Vice President Joan Popowich Secretary Chad Pawlyshyn Treasurer Walter Semkuley Member At Large Jelle Braaksma Member At Large Peter Charuk Member At Large Lesia Luciuk TYC Dan Zukiwsky UWAC Joanna Calkins Golden Agers John Keyko

Beacon Word Processing and Editing: Joan Popowich

“Your Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone the Light of Knowledge upon the world. For by

it, those who worshiped the stars were taught by a star to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness,

and to know You as the Orient from on High. O Lord, glory to You.” (Tropar of the Nativity of Christ)

Once again we find ourselves in the midst of the joyous celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The spirit of this Holy Day should guide us to the humble manger from where the Lord of Glory presides over all creation.

Without the miraculous Incarnation of our Lord, there could never be peace on earth and good will among men! Man would continue to be at enmity with his fellow man and God.

If the Christ Child had not been born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem, there could never be reconciliation between God and the human race, for through His birth, Christ has reconciled us with our Heavenly Creator and has made us “children of God and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven”.

Without the Nativity of our Lord, our many wonderful festive customs and traditions would be nonexistent and today we would still be bowing down to pagan idols or worshipping the stars. “And what agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are the temple of the living

God, as God has said: I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they

shall be My people” (II Cor. 6:16).

Had the Son of God not taken on our human flesh, there would no Church to guide us along the narrow path which leads to the Kingdom of God. “And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the Beginning, the First-born from the dead, that He may be pre-eminent in all

things” (Col 1:18).

Without the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ there would be no possibility for the salvation of our souls and the joy of eternal life. “And there is salvation in no other One; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Act 4:12).

As we celebrate the Nativity of Christ this year, let us do so with renewed hope and love. Let us recommit our lives to the New Born Lord and Saviour. Let us seek after genuine spiritual renewal and growth in the knowledge of our precious and life-giving Faith, which we have inherited from other pious and humble Christians who have gone before us. Let us strive in passing this special Pearl of Great Price to those who have not yet accepted the Good News of Christ’s lowly Nativity, earthly life, painful suffering and death and glorious Resurrection. Through the Incarnation of our Lord let us arise and enter the purifying light of immortality. May the spirit of our Lord’s Nativity guide each and every one of you on the path of your personal salvation!

ХРИСТОС РОҖДАЄТЬСЯ – СЛАВІМО ЙОГО CHRIST IS BORN – LET US GLORIFY HIM

From Fr. Taras From Fr. Taras From Fr. Taras From Fr. Taras

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Glory to Jesus Christ! On December 9, 2007, our congregation held its annual meeting to elect a new slate of officers for our Parish Council. I have again stood for the position of President, and I am pleased to welcome back to the Parish Council Shirley Din, Joan Popowich, Walter Semkuley, Jelle Braaksma, Peter Charuk, Dan Zukiwsky, and John Keyko. I am also delighted to welcome new members to the Parish Council: Lorne Calkins, as first vice-President; Chad Pawlyshyn, as Secretary; and Lesia Luciuk, as a member at large.

I also would like to thank the many volunteers who allowed their names to stand for the numerous committees of our congregation.

I would also like to express my thanks again to Tim Michayluk and Joanne and Lorne Calkins for taking on the task of the Nomination Committee.

For the upcoming year, our Parish Council will be faced with the challenge of engaging a new Choir

Director following the resignation of Cathy Lebedovich, who has been our Choir Director for 25 years. On behalf of Parish Council, I would like to express our best wishes and thanks to Cathy for many years of wonderful music.

Our Parish Council will again in the new year address the need for upgrades, maintenance and repairs to our congregation properties, some of which have fallen into a state of disrepair.

Our Congregation is working on adopting a Privacy Policy to meet the requirements of Federal and Provincial Legislation. We will be publishing personal information in both the Beacon and Pictorial Directory. You may opt out of publication of your personal information by contacting Michelle Faryna at the Congregation office at 264-3437 or email at stvladim@telus.net .

I am looking forward to serving you as President of Parish Council for the next year, and I wish all Parishioners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Respectfully submitted, Larry Yuzda, President

Saturday, January 5 - No Vesper Service. Sunday, January 6 - Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 6 - NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - Great Compline with Litia - 11:00 p.m. Sunday, January 6 - NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - Nativity Divine Liturgy - 12:00 Midnight. Wednesday, November 28 to Sunday, January 6 –Nativity Fast (St. Philip’s Fast) Tuesday, January 8 - SYNAXIS OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS - Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 8 - STEPHEN THE FIRST & GREAT MARTYR - Great Vespers with Litia - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 9 - STEPHEN THE FIRST & GREAT MARTYR - Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 12 - Vespers and Confession - 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 13 - Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 13 - CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD - ST. BASIL THE GREAT - JULIAN NEW YEAR’S DAY – Vespers & Litia & Holy Confession - 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 14 - CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD - ST. BASIL THE GREAT - JULIAN NEW YEAR’S DAY - Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES –Nativity & New Year

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Eastern Orthodox Christian Evangelism is Different

By Priest David Moser St Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church, 872 N 29th

St. Boise, ID

The first and most important thing to remember is that we do not bring anyone into the Church - its not our job. We do not attract people to the faith, we do not convince people of the Truth, we don't do any of that. God is the One Who attracts people, Who brings them in the door, Who convicts their hearts, Who brings them to repentance, Who convinces them of the Truth; we do none of this. Too often in the North American model of evangelism, the individual person is made responsible for doing God's task, but in attempting to do God's work, we neglect our own. What is our task? Our task is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, our task is the working out of our salvation, our task is to repent and weep for our sins, our task is to enter the Kingdom of God. This more than anything else is what we must do. This is an evangelistic task - indeed the primary evangelistic task.

There are other “tasks”, however, which derive from this one which are a bit more specific to: “evangelism”. It is God who brings people to the door of the Church and who convinces them that they should enter - however, we must keep the door to the Church open and visible. Hence, Orthodox evangelism must centre on the Church - the beauty of the building, the beauty of the services, the frequency and availability of the services. Orthodox evangelism is served by beautiful icons, gold onion domes and crosses rising against the sky, the smell of incense, the pious and holy singing of the services. Orthodox evangelism is served by our visibility as Orthodox Christians in the world - the clothing of the clergy (and in these days the modest and humble clothing of the laymen as well) - the sign of the cross as we pray at each juncture of our lives - beginning and ending a task, eating and finishing a meal, starting

and ending a trip, etc. Orthodox evangelism is the keeping of icons in our homes, in our offices, in our cars. Orthodox evangelism is keeping the fast without excuses or compromises. Orthodox evangelism is setting our priorities to forgo the allures of the world in order to be at divine services whenever they are held. Orthodox evangelism is denying ourselves and bearing our cross. Orthodox evangelism is keeping the door of the Church open and visible. While the Holy Spirit is the one who draws the world to Himself, it is you and I who keep the doors of the Church open and who welcome all who come.

The second specific task that we as Orthodox Christians have in evangelism is the practical expression of God's love to mankind. Orthodox evangelism is greeting visitors as they come to the Church and then modeling (neither instructing nor condemning the visitor) for them proper behaviour and demeanour in the Church. Orthodox evangelism is hospitality offered to share meals, to provide shelter and clothing as needed. Orthodox evangelism is to pray for our neighbour and to love our neighbour as ourself. Orthodox evangelism is going to the soup kitchen and serving there - Orthodox evangelism is giving to the poor without regard for “how the money will be used”. Orthodox evangelism is visiting the sick in hospitals and praying for them. Orthodox evangelism is going the prisons (contact your local prison chaplain regarding how this might be done) and offering comfort and kindness to the impris-oned. Orthodox Evangelism is loving your enemies. Orthodox Evangelism is loving your neighbour as yourself. If we all did these things (and I am a wretched sinner and fall short of all that I have just said) then our Churches would be open and filled with light and glory drawing all who see her by the grace and action of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. We don't have to preach on street corners, we don't have to have “events” or revivals or seminars as evangelistic tools - we simply have to be Orthodox Christians “to the max” without reservation or compromise. That is Orthodox evangelism.

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WHO IS A TRUE MEMBER OF CHRIST'S CHURCH?

Written by Metropolitan Ilarion

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Today we celebrate a great, holy and most joyous Mystery. For many ages we awaited our Saviour: for many ages the whole world awaited its Salvation, and finally the Son of God came to our earth, was born of the Virgin Mary and became Man. He lived on earth for 33 years as Man, teaching us God's Truth. And by His saving Teaching the Son of God shows us the right Road, and how one should live in this world in order to be fortunate on earth and prepare for Eternal Blessedness. Christ's Teaching was new and unheard of until that time and, therefore, immediately won men over especially the poor and unfortunate.

Christ, as Son of God and God Himself, called loudly to the whole world: “Come to Me, all who labour and are

heavy laden and I will give you

rest!” (Matthew 11:28). This call of Christ's was heard by the unfortunate and they came to Him.

But the mighty of this earth armed themselves against Christ, for His teaching was against them. They marched against Christ and condemned Him to the Cross. But Christ, being God, arose from the dead on the third day as had been foreseen.

The Incarnation on earth of the Son of God and His glorious Resurrection are the greatest

Mysteries of our Holy Faith. The greatest and most glorious! The greatest and most joyous!

Christ, having completed His mission on earth (as established before the ages), did not leave us as orphans. He ascended to Heaven and sat on the right hand of the Father, and will return in time to judge the living and the resurrected dead.

The Son of God did not leave His world as an orphan—in His place He left His Holy Church on earth and He dwells in it eternally as its Head.

The Church is Christ's representative on earth. The Church continues the teaching of Christ. The Church shows mankind the one road to take to achieve true fortune on earth and eternal Salvation beyond the grave.

Furthermore, Christ descended from Heaven to earth and drew the earth nearer to Heaven. The Son of God, our Lord, Jesus Christ, will remain with us forever in the Church and will unite with us eternally in the Mystery of Most Sacred Communion. By partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, each person is divinised because he unites with His Lord God.

Truly, what a great and glorious saving work of God: His most precious Incarnation, His Divine Resurrection and His saving Mysteries for us— the Church of Salvation and Most Sacred Communion!

Our Church is Sobornal (ed.—universal in a communital sense), that is it is common to us all,

Metropolitan Ilarion

2007 marks the 35th anniversary of the repose and 125th anniversary of the birth of

Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko). These anniversaries have great meaning for all Orthodox

Ukrainians throughout the world, but especially for us as Ukrainian Orthodox in Canada. The

article below was taken from the May/August 1972 English Supplement Issue of The Herald/Visnyk.

In it he emphasizes two very important factors in spiritual life: the Glorious Resurrection of our

Lord and the Holy Mystery of Communion in which one unites with the Risen Christ.

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and therefore we should all participate in it. Let us all make haste to the Church for it holds all our earthly happiness; our Eternal Salvation lies within it.

But let us not forget that we all, as sons of Christ, must live virtuously—in love, in harmony and in unity. We must all be Christians not only in name but also in deed!

And we must all be practicing Orthodox, everywhere—in Church, in our home, and outside of them—we should all fulfill everything commanded us by the Lord God in Holy Scripture, and we should partake of those Mysteries which He left us for our Salvation.

And we must all profoundly accept in our heart and soul that Holy Communion is our chief Salvation. Holy Communion is the greatest Mystery in the Church—it is the Mystery of Mysteries; without Holy Communion man is empty.

Therefore let us make haste to accept Holy Communion, let us all prepare for it by our sincere and saving Confession. The Orthodox Church

as a Protecting Mother established individual Confession in order to allow the believer to speak freely about the troubles of his heart and soul.

He who takes Communion is a true Christian. He who takes Communion is a true member of Christ's Church.

He who does not take Communion does not belong to Christ's Church and for him Christ has not risen!

Christ rose (from the dead) and ascended into Heaven, but He did not leave us on the earth as orphans. He commanded us to partake of Holy Communion that by it we might fully and continually unite with Him!

Christ is risen, let us also arise to a full, new spiritual life. And it will come about when we piously, with Faith and Love, partake of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Without Christ's Resurrection there would be no Christian Faith, and without Holy Communion there would be no Church.

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2008 MEMBERSHIP DUES

The membership dues for the Year 2008 remain at $150 for a single membership and $300 for a family membership. As previously reported, $78 per member will remain in our congregation to help cover operating expenses, while the remaining $72 covers the levies to the Consistory and Western Diocese. The Consistory receives $60 for programming and operating expenses, and the Western Diocese receives $10 for their operating expenses and operating expenses, and the Western Diocese receives $10 for their operating expenses and $2 for mission work.

These budget assessments are due and payable by our Congregation in the first quarter of each year. It is very critical that all membership dues are also received in the early part of each year (January thru March) in order that our Congregation may be ready financially to remit for the above budget assessments. Early payment will also ensure that all mail such as the Herald / Visnyk, our local Beacon and other information regarding our Congregation activities will be forwarded to you uninterrupted.

As of this publishing date, 48 of the congregation membership have not paid their 2007 dues.

It’s That Time

The holiday season is a time when we can come together, However far or near; To shed a little hope and love into our world of sorrow and fear. It’s a time for friends and family, a time to reshape our souls and roots and set our goals. A time to fill our thoughts with those who care, or who are needy or alone…. While sharing our Christmas joy with all. So when the first snowflakes begin to come down, and the wind whistles sharp, and the branches are brown: You’ll not mind the cold for it brings the time here... the Christmas holiday season is near.

So may this Christmas holiday be the first of many gifts more joyous than ever before… ...the gift of the Spirit, the gift of the Heart, and the gift of Peace evermore!

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Church Maintenance Report, 2007 By Dan Zukiwsky

Church:

ο As of December 10, all seven of the new furnaces have been installed and the gas lines have been connected. There is some ductwork to be completed. The controls are being installed by another contractor and new control wires have been run to the sanctuary. The system should be operation within 10 days. Cultural Centre:

ο Repaired front door locking mechanism ο Repaired hinges on south kitchen door. ο Repaired sagging hinges on doors to Sa-dochok. ο Repaired door to walk in freezer. Installed a new sealing strip for around the door. ο Installed a new counter top in the down-stairs kitchen. ο Installed new thermocouple and gas valve in upper oven in main kitchen. ο Had window security bars installed on 3 windows facing Meredith Road. ο Acquired new maintenance tool shed. • Constructed storage area under front

deck. Seniors Room Suffered a glycol leak out of the hot water heating system. Servpro took down the cupboards and removed black mould from the bottom of the cupboards and from the adjoining drywall. The leak was repaired and the dry wall replaced. Manse:

ο Purchased new range. Oven controls were not right on old one.

ο Carpet for family room will be replaced. ο Flooring in upstairs bathroom should be replaced. ο Fence will have to be painted nest year. ο The back deck will need some work next year. The roof looks OK. Museum: Installed low voltage track lighting in the east museum display cases and the north gift shop display cases. 411 Marsh Rental Property:

ο The upstairs bathroom has been repainted.

ο The lamp holder in the basement bathroom has been replaced. ο The lamp holder in the basement bedroom has been secured. ο The cinder blocks from the retaining wall have been removed and placed in a rented BFI dumpster. Also much of the scrub growth has been cut down and removed. ο The footing of the old retaining wall has been broken to accommodate posts for the new retaining wall. ο Eight 6x6x10 treated post have been in-stalled and cemented in for the retaining wall. The retaining wall has been completed using 5 courses of treated 2 X 8 planks. Thanks to two work parties who helped clean up and install the posts. Larry Yuzda, Don Popowich, Mark Baker, Peter Charuk, John Keyko and Dan Zukiwsky. Had new shingles installed. 407 Marsh Rental Property:

Had new shingles installed.

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Membership Development Committee

Christ is Born! – Let us Glorify Him! Христос Рождається! – Славімо Його!

Committee Members: V. Rev. Fr. Taras Krochak, Lori Chomik, Shirley Din, Orest Haydey, Stephania Luciuk, Olga Nikolaeva, Don Popowich, Joan Popowich

The publishing and distributing of St. Vladimir’s 2007 Pocket Calendar remained the first order of the year. We were again successful in raising, from commercial sponsors outside of our congregation, $1,000 to help offset a significant portion of the cost. Our appreciation goes out to Peter Charuk for his continued efforts to facilitate the coordination and financing of this so important item for our convenience and information.

We take this opportunity to remember with appreciation the members of our Congregation and TYC who again responded generously with donations to the Christmas Charity Appeal to sponsor meals at the Calgary Mustard Seed street ministry. We were able to coordinate the financial provision, and with members of St. Vladimir’s congregation and friends, preparation and serving of three home-cooked meals to the needy in our own backyard, Calgary’s street people.

For our March Great Lenten Seminar, guest speaker - our own Very Reverend Archpriest Ihor Kutash, holding a doctorate from McGill University, specializing in Eastern Orthodox ethics and 18th century East-Slavic philosophy, and teacher at St. Andrew’s College, persevered through that massive snow storm to bring to our faithful registered attendees spiritual food consisting of teaching on “The Greatest of These is Love” from 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Plans are proceeding for a 2008 lenten seminar.

In humble appreciation, we commend all those of St. Vladimir’s Congregation who again, recognizing our Christian mission to provide assistance to the needy - orphans in our ancestral home-land Ukraine, in good stewardship gave generously towards the Paschal Charity Appeal. Help Us Help the Children, an orphanage relief program, facilitated your contributions to be directed towards helping finance the annual camp program that was featured on W5 last year. We acquired a video copy of that program that heartbreakingly takes one on that one-week journey portraying the love and hope our funds help to give to the orphans. (Please ask to borrow the video!)

With extraordinary help from our MC, Greg Syrnick, we held our annual Membership Appreciation and Grad Recognition BBQ in May to recognize new members and also our many individuals who succeeded in achieving academic milestones during this year. To commemorate their achievements, graduates were presented from the congregation an Orthodox Study Bible, or in the case of repeat performances - an icon.

September marks the start of our new liturgical year and the Membership Development Committee this year deferred to Parish Council and in place of our usual pancake breakfast, a celebratory dinner and program, held on Sept. 16th, honored the Presentation of the Jewelled Cross elevation of Fr. Taras to celebrate his 25th Anniversary of his ordination to priesthood.

Our Committee thanks Joanna Calkins for her diligence in sending greeting cards to extend congratulations, get well or condolences to our parishioners on behalf of the congregation. Please continue to let her know of those you know of who could use a paper hug. Joanna also looks after the Care Notes that are available in our foyer for the information and care of those in need of some counsel.

Three issues of the Beacon containing greetings, news, invitations and spiritual articles were published this year and mailed out to all members and adherents with another in the works to feature the Nativity season. And the new Membership Pictorial Directory is at the printers with arrival imminent. I thank those who extended to me understanding and patience!

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Membership Development Committee to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the members and adherents of St. Vladimir’s for supporting our initiatives during this past year. You continue to encourage us by your participation and generous support!

I would like to extend to the members of the Membership Development Committee my appreciation of their Christian commitment, talents and support throughout this past year.

As chair of a committee whose part mandate is the developing of opportunities to facilitate further spiritual growth of our membership, I also wish to communicate my appreciation and gratitude to Fr. Taras for his wise and patient guidance and mentoring of us all in our Christian walk. I encourage you all to attend the Bible Studies, our Services, seminars and other functions as we strive towards our Christian goal of becoming more and more like Christ.

Joan Popowich Chair, Membership Development Committee

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Sadcohok has had a very busy and exciting year filled with activity and change. We welcomed Pani Khrystia, teacher of the four year program with Pani Lesia as teacher’s assistant. Classes started September 11, 2007 with 12 students on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We are excited to announce the start of our three year program on November 5, 2007. Our three students are being educated by Pani Lesia as teacher and Pani Doreen as the teacher’s assistant on Monday and Wednesday mornings. The children have adjusted back to school and a big thank you to our wonderful teaching staff for a job well done!

Some exciting activities to date:

1. Sadochok was visited by a very special guest, Father Taras; he blessed all new and returning students and the classroom. 2. Father Taras, offered a Thanksgiving “moleben” in the church. Each student gathered fresh produce and decorated baskets for blessing. 3. Students were thrilled with the annual hay ride and “harbooze” hunt at Butterfield Acres – a perfect fall morning visiting farm animals and decorating pumpkins. 4. A special thank you to Pani Halia Smetariyuk as she showed students the art of Kolachi making – children had fun creating their own Traditional Christmas masterpieces. Together, Sadochok, CYMK Sunday School and Saturday School programs will put on a group performance at the St. Nicholas Concert.

The Busy Baba – Volume II cookbook, is a compilation of enticing recipes to please anyone’s taste buds. These cookbooks are available for sale by calling Shannon 403.226.3682 and make great stocking stuffers for the epicureans on your Christmas list.

On the behalf of Sadochok’s administration, parents and students, we thank you for your continued support as together we continue to promote and preserve the rich traditions, language and spirit that blesses our Ukrainian culture and heritage. May the spirit of this holy season fill your homes with love, patience and an opportunity to reflect as we celebrate Christ’s birth.

Khrystos Rodyvsa – Slavim Yoho!!

Shannon Peddlesden, director

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Christmas is more...than a day at the end of the yearChristmas is more...than a day at the end of the yearChristmas is more...than a day at the end of the yearChristmas is more...than a day at the end of the year

More than a day…...of joy and good cheerMore than a day…...of joy and good cheerMore than a day…...of joy and good cheerMore than a day…...of joy and good cheer

Christmas is really….God’s pattern for livingChristmas is really….God’s pattern for livingChristmas is really….God’s pattern for livingChristmas is really….God’s pattern for living

To be followed each day….by unselfish givingTo be followed each day….by unselfish givingTo be followed each day….by unselfish givingTo be followed each day….by unselfish giving

Then….. Peace on Earth…….will come to stayThen….. Peace on Earth…….will come to stayThen….. Peace on Earth…….will come to stayThen….. Peace on Earth…….will come to stay

When we live Christmas…..every day.When we live Christmas…..every day.When we live Christmas…..every day.When we live Christmas…..every day.

TRADITIONS Ukrainian Orthodox League Bulletin Jan / Feb, 2003

The Eastern Orthodox Church, especially our Ukrainian jurisdiction, is filled with many traditions. On Pascha, Easter, we bless baskets full of symbolism. In September, on the Feast of the beheading of St. John the Baptist we do not eat food that is circular. For Theophany, many of our parishes construct ice crosses and for Pentecost, we decorate our churches with greenery to symbolize life.

Advent and the season of the Nativity are especially rich in tradition. These seasonal traditions may begin with a St. Nicholas program and last far beyond Sviat Vechir, Christmas Eve, when Ukrainians place straw under their table, throw kutya (wheat) at the ceiling and partake of twelve traditional dishes.

Our Christmas traditions should extend far beyond eating amidst hay and throwing food at the ceiling. These traditions should also include taking time for those less fortunate. It is not in our traditions of eating but our traditions of giving that we feel most full.

How can you not feel full of life putting a dollar in the Salvation Army’s kettle, knowing that dollar will help someone less fortunate? How could you not feel full of joy seeing a homeless man, whose hands are bitter cold, smile at you as you pass him a plate of food? How could you not feel full of happiness when Christmas carolling for a person in a nursing home, taking them back to their childhood as you sing songs from their youth?

A Tradition of Giving To Others These traditions are especially important for our youth to be involved in. When you were young your

parents may have begun a tradition of going to your Baba’s house after church on Easter. Chances are, you still continue this tradition. Traditions of giving that are established when a child is young can last well through their adult life.

So this year, within your parishes, families, and groups of friends, begin a new tradition—a tradition

of giving to others. It is in these traditions of giving that we are best able to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Melanie Nakonachny UOL Missions Committee

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Prayer: Don't give God instructions Prayer: Don't give God instructions Prayer: Don't give God instructions Prayer: Don't give God instructions -------- just report for duty!just report for duty!just report for duty!just report for duty!

A merry heart makes

a cheerful countenance,

But by sorrow of the heart

The spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:13

If the church wants a better pastor,If the church wants a better pastor,If the church wants a better pastor,If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the oneit only needs to pray for the oneit only needs to pray for the oneit only needs to pray for the one it it it it has.has.has.has.

Why don't

sheep shrink

when it rains?

Peace

starts

with

A

smile

If God is your coIf God is your coIf God is your coIf God is your co----pilot pilot pilot pilot ---- swap seats!swap seats!swap seats!swap seats!

Why...do people order

double cheeseburgers,

large fries, and

a diet coke?

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation leans on the bell.

IT IS EASIER FOR ONEIT IS EASIER FOR ONEIT IS EASIER FOR ONEIT IS EASIER FOR ONE

TO PREACH TEN SERMONS TO PREACH TEN SERMONS TO PREACH TEN SERMONS TO PREACH TEN SERMONS

THAN IT IS TO LIVE ONE THAN IT IS TO LIVE ONE THAN IT IS TO LIVE ONE THAN IT IS TO LIVE ONE

Thoughts for inspiration, meditation …….. Thoughts for inspiration, meditation …….. Thoughts for inspiration, meditation …….. Thoughts for inspiration, meditation …….. & laughter& laughter& laughter& laughter

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance,

Chaos to order, confusion to clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast.

A house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past,

Brings peace for today,

And creates a vision for tomorrow.”

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From St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Catechetical Lectures: Lecture 22 no. 3): "...with full assurance let us partake of the Body and Blood of Christ: for in the figure of Bread is given to you His Body, and in the figure of Wine His Blood; that you by partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, may be made of the same body and the same blood with Him. For thus we come to bear Christ in us, because His Body and Blood are distributed through our members; thus it is that, according to the blessed Peter, ‘we become partakers of the divine nature' (II Peter 1:4)."

SAYINGSSAYINGSSAYINGSSAYINGS

OFOFOFOF

THETHETHETHE

FATHERS ….FATHERS ….FATHERS ….FATHERS ….

He who always concentrates o n t h e i n n e r l i f e becomes restrained, long-suffering, kind and humble. He will also be able to contemplate, theologize and pray. That is what St. Paul meant when he said: 'Walk in the Spirit' (Gal. 5:16). St. Maximus the Confessor

As the bread which is from the earth, after receiving the invoca-tion of God upon it, is no longer common bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two things, an earthly and a heav-enly, so our bodies after partaking of the Eucharist are no longer destructible, having hope of the resurrection that is forever. St. Irenaeus in Against Heresies

"To those who are just beginning to long for holiness, the path of virtue seems very rough and forbidding. It appears like this, not because it really is difficult, but because our human nature from the womb is accustomed to the wide roads of sensual pleasure. But those who have travelled more than half its length find the path of virtue smooth and easy. For when a bad habit has been subjected to a good one through the energy of grace it is destroyed along with the remembrance of mindless pleasures; and thereafter the soul gladly journeys on all the ways of virtue. At the beginning of the struggle, therefore, the holy commandments of God must be fulfilled with a certain forcefulness of will (cf. Matt. 11:12); then the Lord, seeing our intention and labour, will grant us readiness of will and gladness in obeying His purpose. For 'it is the Lord who makes ready the will' (Prov. 8:35, LXX), so that we always do what is right joyfully. Then shall we truly feel that 'it is God who energizes in you both the willing and the doing of His purpose' (Phil. 2:13)."

Orthodox Christian Virtues and their Opposite Sin

Humility / Pride Generosity / Greed Purity (spiritual and physical) / Adultery

Benevolence / Envy Moderation / Gluttony Kindness / Anger Diligence / Indolence

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Chapter 13

13:1 But every true prophet who is willing to dwell among you is worthy of his meat,

13:2 likewise a true teacher is himself worthy of his meat, even as is a labourer.

13:3 Thou shalt, therefore, take the firstfruits of every produce of the wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and sheep, and shalt give it to the prophets, for they are your chief priests;

13:4 but if ye have not a prophet, give it unto the poor.

13:5 If thou makest a feast, take and give the firstfruits according to the commandment;

13:6 in like manner when thou openest a jar of wine or of oil, take the firstfruits and give it to the prophets;

13:7 take also the firstfruits of money, of clothes, and of every possession, as it shall seem good unto thee, and give it according to the commandment.

Chapter 14

14:1 But on the Lord's day, after that ye have assembled together, break bread and give thanks, having in addition confessed your sins, that your sacrifice may be pure.

14:2 But let not any one who hath a quarrel with his companion join with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be polluted,

14:3 for it is that which is spoken of by the Lord. In every place and time offer unto me a pure sacrifice, for I am a great King, saith the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the Gentiles.

Chapter 15

15:1 Elect, therefore, for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are meek and not covetous, and true and approved, for they perform for you the service of prophets and teachers.

15:2 Do not, therefore, despise them, for they are those who are honoured among you, together with the prophets and teachers.

15:3 Rebuke one another, not in wrath but peaceably, as ye have commandment in the Gospel; and, but let no one speak to any one who walketh disorderly with regard to his neighbour, neither let him be heard by you until he repent.

15:4 But your prayers and your almsgivings and all your deeds so do, as ye have commandment in the Gospel of our Lord.

…………..……..to be continued

The DidacheThe DidacheThe DidacheThe Didache The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

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• Beacons – if you would like to save paper and only receive an electronic notification that the beacon is available on the website, email administrator@stvlads.com indicating you do not wish to receive a paper copy.

Announcements

The following information can be found on the website:www.stvlads.com • Monthly Calendar – schedule of services, feast days, board meetings, special events, and lay organization meetings • Announcements – Basically the same as what you would receive if you were to receive the bulletin on Sunday. Updated by Tuesday after it is distributed in Church. • Copies of the past Beacons • Paschalion – lists the dates of Latin Pascha, Orthodox Pascha, etc until 2048. • Forms – Pre-authorized payment and memberships forms are currently the only two available on-line. • Parish Council – If you need a contact name, they are here! • Committees – A listing of all our committees and members • Contact Information – Phone numbers, addresses, and emails can be found for our Parish Priest, Administrator, and more. • Other information such as directions, pictures, and recent events can also be found on our site. Associated organizations also have information on our website. Examples of these are St. Vladimir’s Sadochok, Saturday Ukrainian Classes and the Orthodox Men’s Retreat.

Ou r Congr ega t i on i s wo rk i ng on adop t i ng a Pr ivacy Po l i cy t o meet the requirements of Federal and Provincial Legislation. We will be pub l i sh ing pe r sona l i n fo rmat ion i n bo th t he Beacon and P i c to r i a l Directory. You may opt out of publication of your personal information by contacting Michelle Faryna at the Congregation office at 264-3437 or email at stvladim@telus.net. The terms of the Privacy Policy will be available on our website.

Carolling groups will be going from home to home bringing greetings and good wishes of the season. If you would like carolers to visit your home, call Tim Michayluk at 282-0398 and leave a voicemail with your name and phone number.

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St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation 404 Meredith Rd. N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 5A6

is pleased to present

A GREAT LENTEN SEMINAR

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 5 AND 6, 2008

WITH

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER

THE RIGHT REVEREND

FATHER DOCTOR

OLEG KRAWCHENKO

THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CANADA

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

A member of the faculty at St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rt. Rev. Dr. Fr. Oleg Krawchenko recently completed his term as President of the Ukrainian Academy of Arts & Sciences in

Canada – UVAN. Fr. Krawchenko served as President from May 2001 until the Triennial General Meeting of UVAN in May 2004. Fr. Oleg served on the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Canadian

Congress, where he chaired the “Vision Quest” Steering Committee.

He also served as Chair of the Presidium of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada from 1995-2000. Fr. Krawchenko continues to serve as a member of the Consistory of the

UOCC as well as teaches the following courses at St. Andrew’s College: Patristics, Dogmatics, Ethics,

and Liturgical Theology.

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There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. -The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. -Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. -Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. -The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. -The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. -The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. -Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. -The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. -Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. -The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. -The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed. So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish." Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone.....

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A Politically Correct ChristmasA Politically Correct ChristmasA Politically Correct ChristmasA Politically Correct Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to "Elves". "Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the north pole were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear that Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid, were replaced with 4 pigs and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; the ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops when they heard sled noises on their roof-tops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened. His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened." And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose And had gone on Rick Mercer, in front of the nation, demanding millions in over-due compensation. So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, who suddenly said she'd enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion that making a choice could cause so much commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.

Nothing that might be construed to pollute. Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.

Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific. Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,

Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden. For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next. He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, But you've got to be careful with that word today. His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might give to all without angering the left or the right. A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, each group of people, every religion;

Every ethnicity, every hue, everyone, everywhere...even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth…

"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth.""May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth.""May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth.""May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."

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The Glory of Christmas !

AFTER THE ROMAN EMPIRE FELL, CHAOS RULED EUROPE.

Warring bands of illiterate tribes opposed and deposed one another. People were scattered across the land in crude huts and rough towns. Early medieval Europe seemed destined for complete barbarism.

One force prevented this. The Church.

Instead of conforming to the barbarian culture of the Dark Ages, the medieval Church modeled a counterculture to a world engulfed by destruction and confusion. Thousands of monastic orders spread across Europe, characterized by discipline, creativity, and a moral order lacking in the world around them….

Like the monastic communities of the Middle Ages, the Church today serves as an outpost of Truth, decency, and civilization in the darkening culture around us.

Christianity doesn’t make people perfect. But it does make us better than we would have been without it. Remove the restraint of God’s law, and barbarism breaks forth.

C.S. Lewis put it this way. A crotchety old lady may be considered a poor witness for Christian faith, but who is to say how much more cantankerous she might be if she were not a Christian? And a nonbeliever who is a gentle, pleasant fellow-who is to say how much better he might be if he were a Christian?

DDDDESPITE OUR HUMAN FAULTS, CHRISTIANITY HAS MADE THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE ESPITE OUR HUMAN FAULTS, CHRISTIANITY HAS MADE THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE ESPITE OUR HUMAN FAULTS, CHRISTIANITY HAS MADE THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE ESPITE OUR HUMAN FAULTS, CHRISTIANITY HAS MADE THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE

IN ITIN ITIN ITIN IT————NOT PERFECTNOT PERFECTNOT PERFECTNOT PERFECT————BUT FAR BETTER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN WITHOUT IT.BUT FAR BETTER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN WITHOUT IT.BUT FAR BETTER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN WITHOUT IT.BUT FAR BETTER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN WITHOUT IT.

CHRISTMAS comes each year to draw people in from the cold. Like tiny frightened sparrows, shivering in the winter cold, many live their lives on the barren branches of heartbreak, disappointment, and loneliness, lost in thoughts of shame, self-pity, guilt or failure. One blustery day follows another, and the only company they keep is with fellow-strugglers who land on the same branches, confused and unprotected.

We try so hard to attract them into the warmth. Week after week the Church bells ring. Choirs sing. Liturgy is served. Lighted churches send out their beacon. But nothing seems to bring in those who need the warmth the most.

Then as the winter deepens, CHRISTMAS offers its wonderful message. EMMANUEL. GOD WITH US. He who resided in Heaven, equal and eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn’t come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety!

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Віншуємо вас цими святами, щоби ви щацтю і здоровю їх перепровадили,

До Нового Року дочекали; Від Нового Року до Богоявлення, Від Богоявленна до Воскресення, Від Воскресення до сто літ,

Поки вам Господь призначив вік.

Щиро вітаємо вам Веселих Свят І щаслевого Нового Року!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas Season and

may our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless you all in 2008 with Health, Happiness & Prosperity !