Suspended on the Cross by Fr. Alex Radulescu “Today, He who suspended the earth in the waters is suspended on a cross.” (Troparion from the Matins of Holy Friday) Faith and Medicine By Fr. Alex Radulescu - “My son, when you are sick do not be negligent, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you… And give the physician his place, for the Lord created him; let him not leave you, for there is need of him.” (Sirach 38: 9,12) From Fr. Alex Radulescu - Tonight’s service (which is actually the Orthros service of Tuesday) brings to mind the idea of preparedness. And this idea comes from the Scripture readings of the day (Tuesday) taken from Matthew 24:36-51; 25:1-46; 26:1-2.
From Fr. Alex Radulescu - Last night, we have officially concluded the Forty days of preparation before Pascha. We have now started the Holy Week commemoration of Christ's suffering, death and Resurrection. The first two events in this cycle are interconnected: Saturday of Lazarus and Palm Sunday. Let’s explore their meaning one by one:
From Fr. Alex Radulescu - The Book of Genesis 46:1-7 recounts the travel preparations Jacob (Israel) took to ensure the survival of his family. His son, Joseph, was in Egypt by now and became Pharaoh’s right hand. But remember how Joseph was sold by his own brothers (betrayal) and taken to Egypt as a slave. In spite of that, God helped Him become so famous there, that the ruler of that country had total confidence in him and gave him command over the food supply and other strategic assets.
By Fr. Alex Radulescu - Today, we read from the Book of Isaiah 49:6 “Thus says the LORD: ‘I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’" By Fr. Alex Radulescu – Sunday evening I had the pleasure to participate in the GOYA video conference called “Night with God” along with our bishop, Metropolitan Nicholas, Fr. Nick and a few other priests from the neighboring parishes. This teleconference seems to be well attended and popular, especially during this time, and I hope it will become more permanent, even after the pandemic is over.
By Fr. Alex Radulescu – We live in a world of fast news. So, fast, that we already have forgotten about yesterday’s crisis. We are bombarded with lots of information and some is good, and some is bad. That is why it is important to take a deep breath before making any rushed decisions or reaching conclusions too soon.
From Fr. Alex Radulescu - During times of distress, our Church has called for special services to be used. Besides the Salutations Service to the Theotokos, which was explained by Fr. Nick on the 4th Friday of Lent Message, there is another service of supplication that I would like to briefly explain today.
By Fr. Alex Radulescu – Today, we go to the book of Proverbs. This is like a “manual of life” filled with snippets of wisdom collected over the years, most of them attributed to King Solomon. I encourage you to find time and read this book. You will be surprised how universal and timeless is the advice you find there.
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Church Address
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 332-8200
Fax: (734) 332-8201
NEW MAILING ADDRESS
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
P.O. Box 1033
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Church Address
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 332-8200
Fax: (734) 332-8201
NEW MAILING ADDRESS
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
P.O. Box 1033
Ann Arbor, MI 48106