Celebration of Theophany, the Baptism of our Lord

Join us in celebrating the Feast of the Theophany:

Tuesday January 18th Eve of the Feast of Theophany of Christ Vespers 6PM

Wednesday January 19th Day of the Feast of Theophany of Christ Divine Liturgy 9AM, Reading of Hours prior

The Feast of the Holy Theophany of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God.

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2022 Christmas Message From Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia

Beloved in the Lord archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters,

I extend my cordial greetings to all of you on the great Feast of the Nativity of Christ.

On this radiant night the whole creation rejoices, for the Lord now draws nigh and comes, expectation of the nations and salvation of the world (Forefeast of the Nativity, Compline Canon). Living in hope for many years of the Saviour’s coming were people who after their expulsion from paradise had lost connection with their Creator and forgotten how joyful it was to sense the presence of God every single day, hear His voice close by, be able to address Him and immediately receive an answer, and know that they were perfectly safe – because the Lord was near them.

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Christmas Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

CHRIST IS BORN! ~ Христос рождается!

As we begin the Nativity week of services, the clergy of St. Michael the Archangel parish would like to take this opportunity to joyously greet you with the Great and Holy Feast of Christ's Nativity. Wishing you a prayerful, healthy and peaceful Nativity season. May Christ be born anew in each and every one of us!

With Love, Yours In Christ,

Father Luka

2022 Christmas Service Information

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Join us in celebrating the Great and Holy Feast of Christ's Nativity. Celebrate the birth of Christ with us virtually or in person. We will be live streaming via our Facebook page. For in person participation, visitors are requested to follow health and safety guidelines including wearing a mask indoors.

Thursday, January 6th Eve of the Feast of Nativity of Christ Vigil (Great Compline followed by Matins) 6:30PM
Friday, January 7th Day of the Feast of Nativity of Christ Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior

Contribute to our parish Nativity Feast Food Drive and bring non-perishable, high protein goods to support Philabundance, a food bank working to end hunger in our region.

News From The Patriarchal Parishes of The Russian Orthodox Church in the USA

The Administrator of Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada Arrived in Ottawa

On October 25, 2021, during an archpastoral visit to North America, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, arrived in Ottawa. His Grace held a working meeting with the members of the Chancery of the Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the United States - Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov) and Priest Mark Rashkov, who arrived in Canada as part of a delegation of the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States to participate in the hierarchal divine services and the work of the Bishop's Council. During the meeting, current documents were considered and the agenda of the Council's work, which will take place on October 26 after the Liturgy, was discussed. The meeting was also attended by Biishop Matthew's personal secretary Nikolai Trubnikov.

Bishop Matthew celebrates Divine Liturgy in Holy Protection Church On October 26, on the feast of the appearance of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Protection Church in Ottawa, Canada (Diocese of Montreal & Canada of the Russian Church Abroad) co-served by clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Canada as well as local clergy.

At the Little Entrance, Bishop Matthew presented liturgical awards to clergy, on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia in gratitude for their diligent service for the benefit of the Russian Orthodox Church: Archpriest John Vass, rector of Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Dean of the Atlantic States - the right to wear the jeweled cross; Archpriest Mikhail Kapchits, rector of St. Nicholas Church in Bayonne, New Jersey - the palitsa; Archpriest Andrei Kovalev, rector of St. St. Gregory the Theologian Church in Tampa, Florida – the palitsa. In recognition of his labors as chairman of the Youth Department of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States, by his decree, Bishop Matthew awarded Priest Yulian Ryabtsev the right to wear the kamilavka. After the Great Entrance, His Grace ordained Deacon Dionysius Butte (cleric of Our Lady of Kazan Church, Metochion of St. Dionysius Monastery in Spokane, WA) to the Holy Priesthood and after the Eucharistic Canon, Reader Andrew Shauver (cleric of St. Andrew Church in East Lansing, MI), was ordained to the diaconate. Constantin Sikhau, was tonsured a reader and then ordained a subdeacon for St. Nicholas Church in Bayonne, NJ. At the end of the service, Bishop Matthew and the clergy from the United States were greeted by parish deputy-rector Priest Alexey Pjawka. Fr. Alexy presented a copy of the miraculous Iveron-Montreal Myrrh-Streaming icon. In his remarks, Bishop Matthew expressed his sincere gratitude to Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, who provided the opportunity for the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes from the United States to meet with their bishop and celebrate the divine services in this magnificent church. His Grace also warmly greeted the deputy-rector, clergy and choir of the Holy Protection Parish and presented them with icons of the Heavenly Patrons of North America. In memory of the service, Bishop Matthew presented all parishioners with icons of St. Patriarch Tikhon, who labored tirelessly for Orthodoxy in North America.

Bishop Matthew chairs Meeting of the Bishop’s Council On October 26, after the end of Divine Liturgy in Holy Protection Church in Ottawa, a meeting of the members of the Bishop’s Council of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA took place in a remote format via video conference.

Bishop Matthew cordially greeted the participants of the meeting, and also expressed gratitude to all the clergy and parish committees for active and responsible ministry during the pandemic and strict observance of all measures blessed by the hierarchy to ensure the safety of the health of parishioners in this difficult situation. The Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States, Priest Mark Rashkov and Treasurer Peter Billis, presented a report on current affairs, after which the meeting participants exchanged views. Bishop Matthew approved a number of appointments: Priest Joshua Genig (rector of St. Innocent Church in Redford, MI) was appointed Dean of the Central States, and his predecessor, Archpriest Roman Star, was appointed an honorary member of the Bishop's Council, expressing gratitude for his many years of service as Dean. Deacon Alexey Golubov, cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City, was appointed head of the diocesan protocol service and senior deacon of the cathedral.

The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com

2021 Russian Festival

Thank you to all who worked and those that came out to support this year's festival. It was wonderful to see our friends and neighbors.

We will begin planning for our 46th Festival soon. Save the date: October 7 & 8, 2022.

Here is a video montage from the Festival weekend.

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Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross

Spraznikom! Today, we greet you with the feast of The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross. Divine Liturgy was celebrated upon this holy feast day with the Holy Cross beautifully adorned with flowers at the center of the church, as the Cross is at the center of our lives. This day of the joyous Feast is also a day of fasting.

The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross

Troparion O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance./ Grant victory unto Orthodox Christians over their adversaries,/ and by virtue of Thy Cross,// preserve Thy habitation.

Kontakion O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross,/ bestow Thy mercies upon the new community named after Thee, O Christ God./ Gladden by Thy power Orthodox Christians/ granting them victory over enemies.// May they have as Thy help the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.

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September 12, 2021 Update

With fall approaching, we resume serving Divine Liturgy at 10 AM. At this time, services are celebrated in the summer chapel downstairs. Church proper upstairs remains open to prayer and candles. The city of Philadelphia has implemented new restrictions as of August 12. The indoor mask mandate requires that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask indoors in Philadelphia.

Please check out the News/Updates tab and/or Bulletin tab for the latest information. We look forward to seeing you!

Blessing of Students 2021

On Sunday, September 12, prayers were offered for teachers and students on the start of the new academic year. May God grant His wisdom and understanding to all and a year of learning and growing!

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Celebration of Transfiguration

This is a great feast not only because of its revelation of Christ's divinity, but because it reveals human nature as it was meant to be transformed by sharing in God's glory. On this day we bless fruit, the "first fruits" of the earth serving as a sign of all creation being renewed and tranfigured by God's grace. Several parishioners brought fruit, which was blessed at the end of the Divine Liturgy.

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Great Lent 2021 Update

First Week of Great Lent

- Wednesday, March 17th Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts 6:30PM

- Friday, March 19th Great Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30PM

- Saturday, March 20th Vespers 6PM

- Sunday, March 21st Sunday of Triumph of Orthodoxy 10AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior

Second Week of Great Lent

- Wednesday, March 24th Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts 6:30PM

- Friday, March 26th Great Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30PM

- Saturday, March 27th Soul Saturday10 AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior, AND Vespers 6PM

- Sunday, March 28th St. Gregory of Palamas 10AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior

Third Week of Great Lent

- Wednesday, March 31st Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts 6:30PM

- Friday, April 2nd Great Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30PM

- Saturday, April 3rd Vespers 6PM

- Sunday, April 4th Adoration of Holy Cross 10AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior

Fourth Week of Great Lent

- Tuesday, April 6th Vespers at 6PM

- Wednesday, April 7th Holy Great Feast of Annunciation 10AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior

Note, this is a Feast Day so there is no Presanctified Liturgy in the evening

- Friday, April 9th Great Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30 PM

- Saturday, April 10th Vespers at 6PM

- Sunday, April 11th St. John of Climacus (The Ladder) 10 AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior

Fifth Week of Great Lent

- Wednesday, April 14th Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts 6:30 PM

- Friday, April 16th Great Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30 PM

- Saturday, April 17th Soul Saturday 10 AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior AND Vespers at 6 PM

- Sunday, April 18th St. Mary of Egypt 10 AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours prior, Panikhida follows

Sixth Week of Great Lent

- Wednesday, April 21st Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts 6:30 PM

- Friday, April 23rd Great Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete 6:30 PM

- Saturday, April 24th Lazarus Saturday Liturgy at 10 AM, Reading of Hours prior AND Vespers at 6 PM

- Sunday, April 25th Entry of Our Lord Into Jerusalem Divine LIturgy at 10 AM, Reading of Hours prior

Holy Week

- Wednesday, April 28th Holy Unction Service 6:30 PM

- Thursday, April 29th Holy Thursday Vesperal Liturgy 10 AM, Reading of Hours prior; Matins of Holy Friday (Twelve Gospels) 6:30 PM

- Friday, April 30th, Holy Friday Vespers 5 PM; Matins of Holy Saturday & Burial 7 PM

- Saturday, May 1st, Holy Saturday, Reading of the Acts of the Apostles 8:30 AM; Vesperal Liturgy 10 AM, Hours prior & Blessing of Baskets; Nocturn 11:20 PM; Procession at 11:45 PM

- Sunday, May 2nd, Pascha Sunday, Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy 12 Midnight; Blessing of Baskets to follow

Holy Week April 26th to May 1st. Pascha is May 2nd. Bright Week May 3rd to 8th.

Note: Services celebrated upstairs in church proper. Chapel downstairs remains in place. Measures and guidelines remain the same throughout the building. The city officials have announced an ease of certain restrictions, citing there is a decrease in community transmission. As we prioritize the health and safety of our parish and community, the church of St. Michael the Archangel is open for Divine Liturgy and other services by the schedule, to parishioners under certain measures, out of regard to local government guidelines and Hierarchal directives. Attendance, registration/reservations are called for until further notice. Please contact the church office.

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The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary

Today is the crown of our salvation,/ and the revelation of the mystery which is from before the ages!/ The Son of God becometh the Son of the Virgin,/ and Gabriel announceth the glad tidings of grace./ Wherefore, with him let us cry out to the Theotokos:/ Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace!// The Lord is with thee!

- Troparion

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Adoration of Holy Cross

Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship,

O Master, and Thy holy resurrection, we glorify.

Hymn of Veneration before the Cross

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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill Reflects on 45 Years of Episcopal Ministry & The 12th Anniversary of His Enthronement

PATRIARCH KIRILL REFLECTS ON 45 YEARS OF EPISCOPAL MINISTRY

Moscow, March 15, 2021

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated the Divine Liturgy for Forgiveness Sunday/The Sunday of the Expulsion of Adam from Paradise at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral yesterday. It also marked the 45th anniversary of his hierarchical ministry.

At the end of the service, the Patriarch addressed the congregation with a primatial word, published on the site of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Thanking everyone for their congratulations on his anniversary, His Holiness emphasized that such kind words help him in difficult times and help him to remember to rely on the help of God rather than his own strength.

The apostle Paul’s words: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13), are filled with this Divine truth, the Patriarch noted. Man is naturally capable of a great deal, but it is only when our nature is inspired by Divine grace and power that we can do all things.

Pat. Kirill has experienced this truth himself throughout his life and his 45 years of episcopal ministry, he said. He recalled living through the terrible years for the Church of the Khrushchev persecutions, who declared that he would show the last priest on TV, because under communism there is no room for faith. However, the Church and the faith remained.

And while the years of his episcopal ministry did not coincide with the years of bloody persecution, they were nevertheless difficult years, His Holiness emphasized, when it was necessary to fight for everything. And while conditions today are completely different, the Church must remember the times of persecution, “because from memory grows experience, and from experience—wisdom.”

...In conclusion, His Holiness also thanked his brother bishops, the clergy, and the people, who pray for him, and offered a sober warning:

I would like to say that the times in which we live, outwardly prosperous, are also full of many dangers, and it’s necessary to have a sufficiently sharp spiritual vision to see the dangers that occur not so much in our country as in the whole world. It is quite obvious that faith in the Lord and Savior is really a barrier to the coming of the Antichrist, to the coming of the last times associated with the rule of evil. Therefore, all those who fight to defend the faith, to defend God’s truth, enter the battlefield with the dark forces of evil. But the Lord teaches us not to be afraid of our hearts, so that we, trusting in His help, in His good and perfect will, and strengthened by faith, do what we must do as Orthodox Christians, both in our personal and public lives. And as long as this is the case, the Lord will certainly incline His mercy to our Church and to our people.

Patriarch Kirill Reflects on 45 Years of Episcopal Ministry

(to read in full, click link)

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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill Celebrates Divine Liturgy At Christ The Saviour Cathedral Marking 12th Anniversary of His Enthronement

On February 1, 2021, the day of the 12th anniversary of his enthronement, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, dressed in the enthronement vestments, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.

...The Primate of the Russian Church addressed the worshippers with a primatial homily, saying in particular: “All ordained persons know that the day of ordination is probably the most important one along with their birthday, but for monks and especially for bishops the day of consecration surpasses birthday because God’s Providence rests great responsibility upon those called to episcopal ministry which is impossible to perform without God’s grace bestowed upon them by the prayers of the faithful.

“Indeed, it is impossible to carry the cross of ministry, especially the ministry of Patriarch, without prayerful support of bishops, clergymen and laypeople. One can save his soul in solitude, in schema, but to bear responsibility for the salvation of the people of God is impossible in seclusion. Self-reliance is not enough. I can say in all modesty that whatever I have succeeded in my ministry has been granted to me by the grace of God through the prayers of archpastors, clergymen and all our Orthodox believers.”

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill celebrates Divine Liturgy at Christ the Saviour Cathedral marking 12th anniversary of his enthronement

(to read in full, click link)

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2021 Christmas Service Schedule

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

As we begin the Nativity week of services, the clergy of St. Michael the Archangel parish would like to take this opportunity to joyously greet you with the Great and Holy Feast of Christ's Nativity. Wishing you a prayerful, healthy and peaceful Nativity season. May Christ be born anew in each and every one of us!

With Love, Yours In Christ,

Father Luka

Celebrate the birth of Christ with us virtually or in person. We will be live streaming via our Facebook page. For in person participation, visitors are requested to email the church office with a reservation (name, date of service(s) and contact information) prior as well as following health and safety guidelines.

Wednesday, January 6^th Eve of Nativity of Christ , Vigil (Great Compline followed by Matins) 7 PM
Thursday, January 7^th Great Feast of Nativity of Christ, 10 AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours, prior

Christmas Message from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia

Christmas Message

by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia

to the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons, Monastics

and All the Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church

Beloved in the Lord archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters,

From the depths of my heart I congratulate you all on the radiant feast of the Nativity of Christ.

Today the Church in heaven and on earth is triumphant as she rejoices at the coming into the world of our Lord and Saviour and lifts up praises and thanksgiving to God for His mercy and love for the human race. It is with spiritual trembling that we listen to the words of the hymn: “Christ is born; glorify Him! Christ comes from heaven; go out to meet Him” (Hirmos for the Canon of the Nativity of Christ). With reverence and hope we set our gaze upon the cave of Bethlehem where the Divine Infant lies wrapped in swaddling clothes in a lowly manger.

Truly, today there has been revealed the great “mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels” (1 Tm 3:16). It is not possible for the human intellect to penetrate the depths of the mystery of the Divine Incarnation. It is not possible to comprehend fully how the One Who is the fount of life for all that exists is now warmed by the breath of animals! The Creator of the universe humbles Himself in taking upon Himself the image of creation. The Son of God becomes the Son of Man! “And ask not how,” St. John Chrysostom exhorts us, “for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed; He had the power; He descended; He redeemed; all things yielded in obedience to God. This day He who is, is born; and He who is, becomes what He was not. For when He was God, He became man; yet not departing from the Godhead that is His” (Homily for the Nativity of our Saviour Jesus Christ).

As we celebrate the world-saving feast of Christ’s Nativity, we contemplate its unsurpassed spiritual meaning and fundamental significance for all of humankind. All of this is true; yet it is also important to grasp the personal dimension which the mystery of the Divine Incarnation has for each one of us, for it is not fortuitous that we turn to the Lord in prayer and call him our Saviour.

We know from experience that we cannot vanquish of our own accord the evil which is within ourselves, no matter how desperately we may try. Sin, which has so deeply smitten the human soul and distorted human nature, is impossible to overcome with spiritual practices and psychological trainings. God alone is capable of healing and restoring all of the human person to his or her original beauty. “For what purpose did God become clothed in human flesh?” asks St. Ephrem the Syrian and answers, “In order that the flesh itself may taste the joy of victory and be filled with and come to know the gifts of grace…, in order that people may ascend to Him as though borne aloft with wings and find comfort in Him alone” (Commentary on Tatian’s Diatessaron, Chapter One). Christ’s incarnation liberates us from slavery to sin and opens up the path to salvation.

“I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness,” the Lord proclaims (Jn 12:46). Like the bright star of Bethlehem, which led the wise men from distant lands of the East to the Divine Infant, we Christians, being true sons and daughters of light (cf. Jn 12:36), are called upon to enlighten this world with the light of faith (cf. Mt 5:14) so that those around us, in seeing the example of our steadfastness and courage, long-suffering and spiritual nobility, magnanimity and unfeigned love for our neighbour, may “glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Pt 2:12).

Today, when the peoples of the earth are enduring the arduous trial of a new disease, when peoples’ hearts are overwhelmed by fear and anxiety for the future, it is especially important that we strengthen our collective and individual prayer and offer to the Lord the diligent labours of good works. Many of our brothers and sisters, as a result of the devastating pestilence, no longer enjoy the opportunity of visiting churches. Let us lift up our petitions to the Merciful Lord that He may renew their bodily and spiritual strength, grant the soonest recovery to those who are sick and send down His help to the physicians and all medical workers who with self-sacrifice are doing all they can for peoples’ health and lives.

Let us recall that no problems are ever capable of breaking the human spirit if we retain our living faith and place our hope in God for all things. Let us therefore accept without murmuring the afflictions that have befallen us, for “if I put my trust in Him, He shall be my sanctification: for God is with us” (the Office of Great Compline), as Christ’s Church sings during these holy days of the Nativity. Let us pray that the lowly cave of our life be illumined by the incorruptible light of the Godhead, so that our contrite and humble hearts, like the manger in Bethlehem, accept with reverential awe the Saviour Who has come into the world.

God finds an expanse in the human heart if it is filled with love. “The one who labors in love will live with the angels and will reign with Christ,” St. Ephrem the Syrian tells us (Homily on the virtues and vices, 3). May these holy days of the feast become for us a special time for the accomplishing of good deeds. Let us use this grace-filled opportunity, too, to glorify Jesus Christ, Who is born, by displaying kind-heartedness to our neighbours, by rendering help to the needy, and by comforting the afflicted and, perhaps above all, those who are suffering from the coronavirus infection or its effects.

May the Lord illumine with the light of knowledge of Him the peoples of the earth, may He bless them with peace and may He help each and every one of us to be aware of our special responsibility for the present and future of the planet. May the Divine Infant send down His love and accord into our families and protect our young people and all of us from sin and dangerous errors. Once again, I cordially greet all of you, my dear, with the radiant feast of the Nativity of Christ and wish you all good health, unceasing joy and the bountiful aid from God Who is “the true light that enlightens every man… coming into the world” (Jn 1:9). Amen.

+KIRILL

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

Moscow

Nativity of Christ

2020/2021

Pentecost Message from Fr. Luka

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On this Holy day, Orthodox Church is remembering fulfillment of the promise which our Lord Jesus Christ has given to His Apostles and followers while He was living with them and proclaiming the Holy Gospel. At that time, they couldn't fully understand the teaching revealing the existence of Kingdom of God, eternal life and spirit of Salvation of mankind from death. In Old Testament Apostles learned about Great God, with coming of Jesus Christ into this world they learned about Son of God and with sending Holy Spirit on Apostles they learned about third face of the Holy Trinity. Read more in our Bulletin:


Patriarchal Parishes in the USA - Moscow Patriarchate	Ancient Faith Ministries

Today's Commemorations

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