From Fr. Alexis DuncanDear Parishioners,
As you know, this Sunday we are permitted to broaden our services. Saturday evening we will still be restricted to a very small group of clergy. However, Sunday morning we will serve outdoors. Our Altar will stand under the porch and the faithful will stand in the parking lot. You may sit in your cars watching the services and receive Communion. But you must wear masks and keep social distancing. We will continue serving this way every Sunday until the quarantine is lifted. Even if it rains we can still do this as your car will be available.
If you wish to receive to Communion and need to go to Confession you may contact Fr. Alexis 518-925-9165 or Fr. Michael 518-753-7550 to arrange for Confession. We hope that all our parishioners will be able to participate. Please make sure to call all your friends to make sure they know about our new schedule since they perhaps do not have email. To be comfortable in warm weather every Sunday service will begin at 8:30 am and every Saturday Vigil will remain at 5:00 pm. We will likewise continue live streaming of the services for this who are unable to attend. Fr. Alexis
Church school Lessons
Due to the current situation, we have not been able to meet or talk with the children (and adults) to provide spiritual instruction. Some of the teachers have created lessons to be shared as a family It is our hope that you take the time to sit with your child(ren) or to learn on your own.
Study of the Gospels and the Evangelists
Icon Description
The icon shows the Apostle John in these latter years, as the elder “Theologian”. In his hands he holds the Gospel, with the words: “In the beginning…” (John 1:1). To his left, an angel is shown whispering the Gospel into John’s ear, yet the Apostle does not look to him, but casts his eyes down in contemplation. The Saint’s right hand is raised up, making the sign of the cross over his mouth, guarding it to make sure he does not say something from his own imagination: the great Evangelist is reduced to silence.
The inspiration for the image could be the words of John himself when he writes: And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25).
In some icons, St John is dictating his Gospel account to his young disciple, Prochorus, who is writing the first phrase, “In the beginning was the Word”, on a papyrus scroll.
Evangelist Symbol for St. John ~ eagle. An eagle has very good eyesight and flies very high. St. John could see and explain believes differently from others. This is why his Gospel is about the teachings of Christ.
Follow the links for more about the Evangelists
There is something to learn for all ages!
The Gospels and the Life of Evangelist Mark Readings
The Gospels and the Life of Evangelist Mark questions