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But we too, dearly beloved, can achieve the crowns of martyrdom even if we endure nothing of this sort [of physical death] — even if we do not put up with chains, beating, prison, other bodily punishment, persecution at the hand of our fellow human beings for righteousness’ sake. If we attempt to accept with a clam mind insults inflected by our neighbor, if we rejoice in loving even those who hate us, who inflict injustice upon us, and in doing good to them and praying earnestly for their lives, if we exert ourselves to be adorned with the virtue of patience and also with the fruits of good works. Indeed if we live our lives in this way and display our bodies as a living sacrificial offering, holy and pleasing to God, He will deign to see to it that we are rewarded with the same glory as those who have given their bodies to death for the Lord’s sake. – Venerable Bede
Church Announcements
- Feast of the Martyrs/Coptic New Year
- Vespers: Friday, Sept 10th 7:30-8:00pm
- Liturgy: Saturday, Sept. 11th 8:00-10:30am
Featured Saint of the Week: St. Felicity & St. Perpetua
The holy martyr Felicity, a slave, was pregnant when she and fellow believers were imprisoned into a dark and dank prison for their confession of faith. Roman law prohibited the public execution of a pregnant woman, and she was concerned that she would be prevented from dying with her companions in faith. They prayed earnestly for the baby to come early. A few days before their scheduled execution, her labor pains started. During the birth, which was difficult, Felicity could not stop herself from crying. When one of the guards heard her, he mocked her and said, “Look, how you are screaming and suffering now. How will then you stand it when you are given to the beasts to be eaten?” She answered, “Now I am the one suffering, but in the arena during the tortures, another One will be suffering in my place, because I will be suffering for Him.” Felicity eventually gave birth to the baby, who was adopted by other Christians. Even when Perpetua and Felicity were led into the arena, they continued to stand strong in their faith, refusing to wear the garments of the Roman gods. To the Roman procurator, they said, “You judge us, but God will judge you.” At this, the crowd of spectators demanded that they be scourged.
Saints of the Week:
- St. Eutychus (Disciple of St. John the Evangelist) – Monday, Sept. 6th
- St. Titus – Tuesday, Sept. 7th
- Archangel Gabriel – Wednesday, Sept. 8th
- Anba Poimen – Thursday, Sept. 9th
- Anba Barsouma the Naked– Friday, Sept 10th
This Week’s Schedule:
- Monday:
- Midnight Praises: 7:30-9:00pm
- Tuesday:
- Bible Pleasure at 7:00pm
- Wednesday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:30am
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm
- Thursday:
- Liturgy: 7:30-10:00am
- Friday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:30am
- Vespers: 7:30-8:00pm
- Saturday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:30am
- Hymns Class: 5:00-6:00pm
- Sunday School: 6:00-7:00pm
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm.
- Midnight Praises: 7:30-9:30pm
- Sunday:
- Liturgy: 7:30-11:00am
- Liturgy: 7:30-11:00am