St.

Philip the Apostle Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic Church

3866 65 th street Sacramento, CA 95820
Phone: (916) 452-1888 E-mail: feromurin@hotmail.com Mobile: (916) 539-1534

http://www.stphilipofsacramento.com

O Holy Apostle Philip, Intercede with the merciful God That he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory for Ever! + Slava Isusu Christu! Slava i vo Viki!

From the Fathers of the Church

St. Cyril of Jerusalem Let us drink waters out of our own cisterns and out of our own springing wells. We drink of living water springing up into everlasting life. But this is what the Savior said of the Spirit, which those who believe on him should receive. For observe what he says: 'He who believes on me--not simply this, but--as the Scripture has said--here he sends you back to the Old Testament-out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.' These are not rivers perceived by sense that merely water the earth with its thorns and trees. But these are rivers that bring souls to the light. And in another place he says, 'But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of living water springing up into everlasting life'--a new kind of water living and springing up, springing up to those who are worthy. And why did he call the grace of the Spirit water? Because by water all things subsist; because water brings forth grass and living things; because the water of the rain showers comes down from heaven; because it comes down one in form but works in many forms. For one fountain waters the whole of paradise, and one and the same rain comes down on all the world, yet it becomes white in the lily, and red in the rose, and purple in violets and hyacinths, and different and varied in each. So it is one in the palm tree, and another in the vine, and in all things; and yet it is one in nature, not diverse from itself. For the rain does not change itself and come down first as one thing, then as another, but adapting itself to the constitution of each thing that receives it, it becomes to each what is suitable. And so the Holy Spirit also, being one, and of one nature and indivisible, distributes to each his grace, as he wills. And as the dry tree, after being nourished with water, puts forth shoots, so also the soul in sin, when it has been through repentance made

worthy of the Holy Spirit, brings forth clusters of righteousness. And though he is one in nature, yet many are the virtues he inculcates by the will of God and in the name of Christ. For he employs the tongue of one person for wisdom; the soul of another he enlightens by prophecy; to another he gives power to drive away devils, while another is given ability to interpret the divine Scriptures. He strengthens one person's self-control while another learns how to give to the poor. He teaches one to fast and be disciplined and another to despise the things of the body, and still another he trains for martyrdom--diverse in different people, yet not diverse from himself.

Announcements
Our Tithes to the Lord. Last Sunday, 53 souls were present, collection was $1044 (tithes: 298, B. Appeal: 100, donations: 555, candles: 31). May God bless you for your generosity. Prayer requests. Steve, Oceana, Gary, Ingrid, Walter, Margaret, Agatha, Norman, Michael, Curtis, Adrienne, Matej, Edward, Steve (Fr. Francis) Hospitality sign-up sheet: May 26 Prescott family. Please sign up for hospitality for the upcoming Sundays; the list is in the parish hall. Thank you to the Stewart family for providing hospitality for us last Sunday. Bishops Appeal 2013 report. So far, we have received 15 pledge cards in the office, and donations of $2,140 (total pledges of $2800). Our goal for this year is $3600. Appeal ends on May 31st. Thank you for your support.

YEAR OF FAITH
THE MYSTERY OF CROWNING (Marriage)
The holy Apostle Paul called Christian marriage a great mystery. By the word mystery, St. Paul was referring to marriage as something divine in origin and in purpose. After telling us that marriage is a great mystery he goes on to say: I speak concerning Christ and the church. Marriage is a holy mystery, one of the seven Holy Mysteries. It is a sign of the union between Christ the Bridegroom and His Bride, the Church. Christ said: Have you not read, that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and the two shall be one flesh? Therefore they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:4-6) Christian husband and wife are called to be living icons of the union of love between Christ and His Church. In the Byzantine wedding ritual, crowns are set upon the

heads of the man and woman to show that they are blessed with glory and honor (Ps 8:5), and are called to participate in God s work of creation and in the renewal of creation.

Liturgical schedule
Mon Tue Sun May 20th May 21st May 26th 5:30 PM Divine Liturgy. 6:30 AM Divine Liturgy. 9:00 AM Confessions. 9:40 AM Prayers 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy. Pentecost Monday Most Holy Trinity. Constantine and Helena Equals to the Apostles. Sunday of All Saints.

For Confession, please come half an hour earlier to scheduled services, or schedule an appointment. This week, following the festivity of the Holy Spirit, is free of fasting and abstinence.