4th Sunday After Pentecost: St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco
“Sanctity is not just a virtue. It is an attainment of such spiritual heights, that the abundance of God’s grace which fills the saint overflows on all who associate with him. Great is the saint’s state of bliss in which they dwell contemplating the Glory of God. Being filled with love for God and man, they are responsive to man’s needs, interceding before God and helping those who turn to them.” Vladyka John (of San Francisco & Shanghai) Thus describing the ancient Saints, Vladyka John simultaneously summarized his own spiritual attitude which made him one of the greatest Saints of our time.
Today’s Readings: Romans 6:18-23 Matthew 8:5-13
Welcome Fr. Christopher, Matushka Carrie, and the Foley Family to St. Athanasius today. The Foleys serve at Holy Cross Orthodox Mission in North Carolina. Fr. Justin has asked Fr. Christopher to offer the sermon today!
Today, in recognition of our nation’s birthday, we include special petitions and prayers for this Country and its President and all those in Civil Authority.
Special 2-Part Series “The Place of Icons in Christian Life” begins this Wednesday at 7:20pm and continues next Wednesday after our usual Wednesday Vespers at 6:30pm. In the first segment, Fr. Justin will discuss the theology and history of icons, using many slides, exploring “classic icons.” In second part, he will show photos of icons in our church, explaining the symbolism and meaning of many (if not most!) of the icons we regularly see.