Prepare for the Coming of the Lord
This Week (2/8 - 2/14) is the Week of Preparation for Lent
Prior to His coming, death and despair prevailed. So lost where His children in the world, that many had become seduced by the riches of this world. Driven to desire for things of gold, glitter and flesh. 'In times past, when heresies prevailed, many chose death' and the things that represent death. During this time of Preparation, we must try to focus on ridding ourselves of worldly lusts, pull away from the thoughts that anything in this world can provide greater comfort than unitiy with Christ. Martyr our own will that it may be subplanted by His Will. "Now, when we through the grace of Christ live in a time of profound and perfect peace, we learn for sure that the cross and death consist in nothing else than the complete putting to death of self-will. He who pursues his own will, however slightly, will never be able to observe the law of Christ the Savior." During this time, we can not and must not serve two masters. For when the time of resurrection comes, we want nothing of this world to have a hold on us and prevent us from rising with Him. Glory Always Be to God.
Quotes from St Symeon the New Theologian
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To conclude this preparatory week for the Great Lent, there will be a lecture at the Coptic Orthodox Church of Sts. Mary and Athanasius in Northridge. The lecture will be held (in English) by Father Daniel Habib of St. John in West Covina. The lecture will begin at 7:30pm and go til 9PM. The theme of this lecture is:
"The Life of St. Antony as the Life of Victory.
St. Antony is an excellent example of one who martyred his own will to learn and follow the Will of God. Before the establishment of a monastic life, St. Antony fathered this life of self-denial that we may learn from his life and add some modest monastic existence in our own.
2010 St. Marina Deacon's Retreat
The 2010 Deacon Retreat is February 13 -15
at the Coptic Village in Big Bear Lake, CA
Deacons Ages Grade 3 and above welcome.
Bus will depart St. Marina Church at 8:00am on Saturday (02/13/10). Bus will return to St. Marina Church by 3:00pm on Monday (02/15/10).
$95.00 per person (regardless of age)
$85.00 per person if family of 2 or more attend
Everyone Attending Must Sign a Consent Form
Please submit payment attached to this [signed] consent form no later than
Jan. 31, 2010. Anything received later than Jan. 31, 2010 will not be accepted.
Please contact the following with any questions/concerns:
Joseph Seif (949)294-2491; Michael Fam (949) 637-1772
Maged Mecheal (949) 395-2920
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