The Holy Apostle Timon was one of the seven deacons chosen by the holy Apostles, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:5). These seven men were appointed to serve the early Christian community by caring for the practical needs of the Church, especially the support of destitute widows, so that the Apostles could devote themselves more fully to prayer and the preaching of the Gospel. Timon was selected for his strong faith, wisdom, and good reputation among the believers.

After faithfully serving as a deacon, Timon was later appointed bishop of the city of Bosra in Syria. In this role, he labored zealously to spread the Christian faith, preaching the Gospel with courage and guiding many people away from pagan worship to the knowledge of Christ. Through his teaching and example, numerous men and women embraced Christianity, strengthening the growing Church in that region.

Because of his…

Here are some of the foods being prepared for Sunday.

Sandwiches and vegetable platter

Rice with shrimp

Salad and cake

Cranberry coffee cake

Please remember to bring the food prepared and in the dish ready to be served. Thank you everyone

Saint Elias was a monk of the Near Caves Monastery in Kiev, originally from Murom, and was known as the “Shoemaker” or “Cobbler.” Popular tradition links him with the legendary warrior Elias of Murom celebrated in Russian ballads and in Gliere’s Symphony No. 3, though there is no firm historical evidence to support this identification.

At his repose, Saint Elias’ right hand was positioned in the Orthodox form of the Sign of the Cross—three fingers together, with the other two folded—later cited as evidence during the Old Ritualist Schism in support of this practice. He is also commemorated on several feast days, including the Second Sunday of Great Lent, June 10, June 23, and September 28.

Troparion — Tone 4

Come, all ye faithful, let us honor our Venerable Father Elias of Murom with spiritual songs, / the lamp of the Monastery of the Caves, and great intercessor for all…

Saint Simeon of Verkhoturye was a nobleman who hid his origins and lived as a wandering beggar. Traveling through villages, he freely sewed clothing for the poor, deliberately leaving small flaws and patiently enduring abuse. He often lived near the churchyard of Merkushinsk, where he loved the Ural landscape, prayed in solitude, fished, and guided local people in the Christian faith, sowing spiritual seeds that bore fruit throughout the Urals and Siberia.

Saint Simeon died in 1642 at the age of 35 and was buried near the Church of the Archangel Michael. In 1704 his relics were transferred to the Saint Nicholas Monastery in Verkhoturye. After his death, he worked many miracles, healing the sick, freeing people from drunkenness, and offering spiritual guidance. His memory is celebrated on September 12, the day of the translation of his relics.

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the…

"To the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, beloved children in the Lord,

When it was time for thy coming upon earth, the first taxation of the world was held; and then thou madest ready to enroll the names of all who believed in thy birth. For this cause Caesar published such a decree, since thy timeless and eternal kingdom was newly made manifest.– St. Germanus, Doxastichon at the Praises, tone six

Christ is born! Glorify him!

In one of her most famed hymns, the venerable Cassia draws parallels between the reign of Caesar and the reign of Christ: “When Augustus reigned alone upon earth,” she says, “the many kingdoms of men came to an end,” and when Christ was born in that reign, the many gods of the nations were done away. As the many cities of the world passed under one rule, all the…

The martyr Marinus was a soldier who suffered in Caesarea of Palestine in the third century. When he was on the verge of being promoted to centurion, he refused to take the customary oath invoking pagan gods or to offer sacrifices to idols. After enduring cruel tortures, Saint Marinus was beheaded and later buried by Saint Asterius.

Troparion — Tone 4

Your holy martyr Marinus, O Lord, / through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)

Updated December sign up is full !! Thank you everyone! January 2026 will be up in church hall this Sunday!

Here is the updated sign up sheet for coffee hour. Thank you to everyone who is participating.

The sheet for January 2026 will be up on Sunday in the church hall.

• 2 Timothy 2:20-26

• Mark 8:11-21

2 Timothy 2:20-26 (Epistle)

20

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.