Vol. 20 , No. 5 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church 2501 S. Wolf Rd. Westchester, IL October 2015(708) 562-2744 www.holyapostleschurch.com

Coming together, we form an icon of God’s Kingdom

ExperiencingGod’sHeavenlyGrace

From Father Nicholas

Imagine walking into a church and beingovercome by the beautiful scent of thousandsof fragrant rose petals! Some of us experi-enced this when we traveled to St. JohnChrysostom Greek Orthodox Monastery inKenosha, Wisconsin a few weeks ago. We vis-ited the monastery to venerate and experiencethe Miraculous, Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Iconof the Most Holy Theotokos from Honolulu,Hawaii. The fragrance was heavenly! Myrrh,an oil-like substance with a distinct, strongrose fragrance, forms on the icon and con-stantly flows from and streams down it.Cotton is placed at the bottom of the icon tocatch the excess myrrh. This is the samemyrrh that flows from the incorrupt saints’bodies such as St. Demetrios. After we wereanointed with the myrrh, the beautiful wordsof St. Cyril of Jerusalem came to mind: “Youwere anointed on the nostrils so that, perceiv-ing the perfume (myrrh) of Christ, you cansay, “We are the sweet perfume of Christ.”The Desert Fathers wrote: “Whoever enters aperfume shop, even if they do not purchaseany perfume, leaves filled with fragrance.”We were filled with God’s heavenly grace andfragrance!

Experiencing God’s grace through thisheavenly myrrh was new for us! However,icons have been weeping for centuries. This isnothing new. Weeping icons of every typeand style exist. Some are from the iconscreens in churches. The icons of theTheotokos at St. George Antiochian Churchand St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox churchesin Chicago are examples of this. Some arereproductions. The Most Holy Theotokosicon of Hawaii is a copy of an icon from theIveron Monastery of Mt. Athos. The book,

Why Did She Cry, details this ancient icon.Late in the 8th century, Iconoclasts, extremefanatics whose mission was to destroy everyicon they could find, arose. A very piouswidow from Nicaea had an icon of the HolyMother holding Christ in Her arms. Sheknew the Iconoclasts would come to destroy it.She threw the icon into the Aegean Sea pray-ing that it would fall into the hands of truebelievers. She observed something miracu-lous. The icon did not fall f lat into the wavesbut floated upright riding over them. Yearslater, around 1054, monks from the IveronMonastery were relaxing on the grounds over-looking the sea. They saw an unusual light inthe water resembling a pillar of fire reachingfrom the sea toward the sky. As it moved clos-er to the shore, they realized it was thisblessed icon! The monks enshrined it on a lit-tle altar. In the morning, they realized theicon had moved under the central arch of themonastery. Each night, the monks wouldreturn it to the altar and awake to find it atthe gates. They subsequently named itPortaitissa or Mother of the Portals. A fewyears ago, a copy of this miraculous icon was

given to a subdeacon from Hawaii visiting theIveron Monastery. He placed it in his prayercorner. The icon began exuding myrrh!Other myrrh-flowing icons are inexpensivepaper prints mounted on wood. Some havebeen painted by accomplished iconographers,others not. Icons are windows into heaven.They are not merely religious artwork butsomething much more! Their role is muchbroader than a visual portrayal of religioussubjects. Icons offer us a place within ourhectic, chaotic schedules to contemplate andexperience God’s mercy and love. God worksthrough these icons to communicate Hisgrace. When we kissed and venerated theicon, feelings of unworthiness overcame me.We sing in the Paraklesis service: “To theTheotokos, let us run now most fervently, assinners and lowly ones, let us fall down inrepentance.” We fell down in repentance, butthen were quickly overcome by God’s greatlove for us.

“Why is the myrrh flowing?” we askedourselves. The Theotokos, Mother of God, isthe fervent intercessor in heaven. She is the

See Fr. Nicholas on P. 5...

Fr. Nicholas receives title of ProistamenosParish Council President Steve Savas greets Fr. Nicholas at a recent Sunday fellow-ship hour in honor of his new capacity as Proistamenos.

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic October 2015 Page 2

By Perry HamalisGlory be to God, my family and I have

arrived safely, settled into our home, andbegun our responsibilities here in the “land ofmorning calm.” As most of you know, I wasawarded a Fulbright Fellowship to spend asabbatical year teaching and doing research atYonsei University in Seoul. Pat and our chil-dren are also here, making the most of thisopportunity for cultural immersion and forparticipation in the life of the OrthodoxChurch in Korea. We thank you for yourprayers during our time away from the HolyApostles family.

Fr. Nicholas and the Mosaic staff haveinvited us to share some of our experiences ofOrthodox life in Korea with you throughoutthe year. Let me start with a few basics facts:

The first Orthodox Christian missionaryto Korea was a Russian Archimandritenamed Chrysanthos Shchetkovsky. Hearrived in order to meet the spiritual needs (1)of Russians who lived and worked in Korea,(2) of Koreans who had become Orthodoxwhile living in Russia, and (3) of nativeKoreans who expressed interest in OrthodoxChristianity. The first Orthodox Church, achapel dedicated to St. Nicholas, was estab-lished in 1903. The beautiful, hand-carvediconostasis that was used in this originalchapel is still usedtoday in a smallchapel at theMission Center,where our family’sapartment is locatedand where we areblessed to attenddaily services. Seephoto above right.

After Fr.Chrysanthos’ initialefforts, however,things became verydifficult because ofthe tumultuous his-tory of Korea (andRussia) during thefirst half of the 20thcentury. From theJapanese-RussianWar (1904-05) to theBolshevik Revolution(1917), to the harshcolonization of Korea by Japan for 35 years(1910-45), to the Korean War (1950-53), notonly were the Korea people suffering tremen-

ExperiencingOrthodoxy inSouth Korea

dously, very little spiritual support was avail-able to the small Orthodox flock. In 1955,the Orthodox community of St. Nicholas

(Seoul) wrote a des-perate letter toEcumenicalPatriarchAthenagoras, askingto come under thespiritual care of theEcumenical Throne.Their request wasaccepted and, forthe past 60 years,the Mother Churchof Constantinoplehas nurturedOrthodoxy in Koreawith spiritual andmaterial resources.Today, there areapproximately 5,000Orthodox Christiansin Korea, the greatmajority of whom

are Korean natives.The faithful have

established 8 parishes across the Koreanpeninsula: St. Nicholas Cathedral (Seoul); St.Maxim (Seoul); St. Paul (Incheon); St. Boris

(Chuncheon); St. Dionysios (Ulsan);Annunciation of the Holy Theotokos (Busan);Dormition of the Theotokos (Jeonju); and St.Anna (Jeonju), as well as two monasteries(Holy Transfiguration and St. Andrew).These parishes form the Orthodox Metropolisof Korea (established in 2004) and are underthe direct spiritual care of my schoolmatefrom Holy Cross and long-time family friend,Metropolitan Ambrosios (Zographos), whoreports directly to His All-Holiness PatriarchBartholomew.

There are 8 priests and one deacon whoare native Koreans, as well as one nativeUkrainian priest who celebrates the sacra-ments in Slavonic and meets the pastoralneeds of the small Slavophone community.This photo at left of the clergy was taken lastmonth on the steps of St. Nicholas Cathedral,which is literally 20 steps from the entrance toour apartment!

There is SO MUCH more to say so welook forward to sharing again in a futureissue!

Please also feel free to follow our blog, ifyou’re interested in more details:www.hamalisseouladventure.wordpress.com

The cathedral clergy assemble aroundMetropolitan Ambrosios.

The iconostasis in the small chapel in Seoul is from Seoul’s first Orthodox Church.

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic October 2015 Page 3

The

HARCCorner

Mary As the EarlyChristians Knew Her By Frederica Mathewes-Green

Behind the many images of Mary thereis a girl who grew up to become themother of Christ.

How did the first Christians view her?What were the commonly understoodfacts about Mary’s early life before theAnnunciation? The author opens upMary’s life before the Nativity, offering awindow into her centrality to Christianfaith in new and sometimes startlingways.

$17.00

Light Through DarknessThe Orthodox TraditionTraditions of Christian

Spirituality Seriesby John Chryssavgis

Light Through Darkness serves as theideal introduction to an understanding ofOrthodox tradition, whether early,Byzantine, medieval or contemporary,and in whichever of its cultural andnational expressions. This importantseries seeks to make the riches of selectedChristian traditions available to a con-temporary public.

$20.00

From God to YouThe Icon’s Journey

to Your HeartBy John Kosmas Skinas

A continuation of the popular Picturesof God, this book follows the path ofbeloved icons throughout history.

Children will learn their stories and areencouraged to contemplate their meaningas doorways to prayer. Most importantly,God wants you to keep His image in yourheart where if you listen closely, you canhear His message with every beat.

$11.00

Lauren, daughter of Stacy & Michael Hineline

Sponsor: Nicole Greifenkamp

Vanessa, daughter of Georgina & Emmanuel Lekkas

Sponsors: Kathy & William Vasilopoulos

Alexander, son of Stacy & Sean McCombs

Sponsor: Joy Tyberk

Elizabeth, daughter of Maria & Nick Tsagaris

Sponsor: Anastasia Kasimos

Stacy Kotsanis & Chris GregorySponsor: Athena Kotsanis Chow

Kelly Jensen & Harry Nicholas PetrakosSponsor: George Chiligiris

Diana Jacklin & Richard DasticeSponsor: Karin Mikicich

Baptisms

Weddings

Membership If you were unable to attend our Annual

Membership Night held on September 22, it isnot too late to join Philoptochos. We welcomenew and returning members. Membershipenvelopes and volunteer forms are available inthe church office. Contact MembershipChair Alyssa Petropoulos at 630.790.9701.

Our Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon

A Southern Soiree will be held Saturday,October 17 at Empress Banquets in Addison.It is not too late to join us for a wonderfulafternoon. For reservation information, con-tact Nia Kouchis at 630.910.8224.

Poised for SuccessNew and gently used fall and winter

women’s career clothing is being collectedbetween October 19 and October 31. Wewould greatly appreciate if you could take apeek in your closets and bring any donations

to the multi-purpose room. The clothingdrive is for Poised for Success, a non-profitorganization that provides career clothing towomen who cannot afford appropriate clothesfor a job interview. The women are providedtwo interview outfits and once they secure ajob, they are provided with three more so theywill have a week’s work of clothing.

Veteran’s DayPhiloptochos will celebrate Veteran’s Day

on Sunday, November 8 with an Artoclasiahonoring those who have served in the mili-tary. We encourage our veterans to attendfor this special blessing following the Liturgy.

Koukla’s KafenioAll seniors are invited to attend our popu-

lar Koukla’s on Thursday, November 12.Doors will open at 12pm. Lunch will beserved at 12:30 pm. Those planning to attendshould RSVP by November 9 to Cathy Magasat 630.941.8448.

Fall Philoptochos upcoming events

As President of the Parish Council, I havethe great pleasure of introducing the newestcolumn in the Mosaic, What’s Happening” Itwill serve as a communication tool betweenthe Parish Council and Holy Apostles’ parish-ioners. Here, parishioners will find a discus-sion of our current goals, projects and events.

Presently, we have approved repairs to theexterior brickwork; replacement of all win-dows and, most immediately, remodeling ofthe bathrooms off the Narthex. We haveacquired contractors for each project and con-struction will begin shortly. Please excuse ourdust during these renovations, but I’m surethe inconveniences will be well worth it.

As we look to the future, we will defineand expand our missions programs, welcomecommittee, stewardship, and many other min-istries. We encourage your input and sugges-tions and seek volunteers for these commit-tees.

I am blessed to be a part of the HolyApostles family, where we can count on eachother for prayers and support. The parish hasalways depended on the generosity of its stew-ards. As we commence these large-scale pro-jects, now more than ever, we look to theparish for its spiritual and financial assistance.

What’sHappening?

I’d like to conclude by quoting Fr.Nicholas, “Times may change, but our goalremains the same.”

By Steve SavasParish Council President

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic October 2015 Page 4

By Vanessa V. ClohessyWith the blessing of Metropolitan Iakovos

of Chicago, the Family Synaxis ministry host-ed its 16th annual Labor Day WeekendRetreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center(SIRC), making it the first family retreat to beheld there. Six Holy Apostles families wereamong the 35 families to attend. “The Churchin the Home: Finding Salvation in FamilyLife” was the theme of the retreat.

The weekend began with a meet and greetin the dining hall where families played a vari-ety of games, enjoyed some evening snacksand informal conversation. The evening closedwith a Small Compline in the chapel. OnSaturday, the day began with a Matins Servicefollowed by workshops for adults and children.

The Very Reverend Fr. Joseph Copelandpresented two adult workshops, discussing thetopics of “What is Salvation?” and “How isthe Family Oriented to Attain Salvation.” Fr.Copeland emphasized that the home is amicrocosm of the church and is the first placeOrthodox Christians learn to work out theirsalvation. He defined and discussed words andterms such as nous (mind), image of God, like-ness of God, grace and phronima, as heshared the message that salvation is theprocess of being restored to true humanity, asGod intended. During the workshops, hus-bands and wives asked questions and discussedthe challenges of raising Orthodox Christianchildren in a fallen world, against the recentchanges in the law and Supreme Court deci-sions.

Fr. Copeland is Protopresbyter of HolyCross Orthodox Church in Yakima, Wash. Inthe mid-1970s, Fr. Copeland led a small group

of evangelical Protestants inthe Lower Yakima Valley ofWashington State on a jour-ney that ended with theirentry into the Orthodox faithin 1987.

During the adult work-shops and discussions, chil-dren from age three through12th grade attended age-appropriate workshops wherethey discussed, created artprojects and participated inactivities on the topic of“The Theotokos as The Arkof Salvation.” They learnedabout the four feasts of theTheotokos celebrated duringthe liturgical year, sanghymns about the Theotokos,identified different icons ofPanagia and discussed manymiracles attributed to theTheotokos. The kids also hada contest to identify all thedifferent names and titles forPanagia found in the servicesof Paraklesis and Salutationto the Virgin Mary. The chil-dren’s workshops were led bya staff of 18 college studentsand adults. There was childcare for children under three.

The hot weather on Saturday afternoonmade it perfect for free-time activities likeswimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, visit-ing the horses, hay wagon rides and walkingthe trails marked by more than 14 hand-

carved proskinitari-on, each dedicated toa different saint.

Saturday eveningoffered Vespers, abonfire/sing-along,making s’mores anda fireside chat withFr. Copeland.Sunday began withDivine Liturgy andcontinued with free-time to enjoy fun andfellowship withfriends beforedeparting for home.

Of the families inattendance, ninewere new to the min-istry. There were 90children from new-born to college-age,

and 69 adults. Families came from manyOrthodox churches in the Chicago-area. “Theplanning committee is so impressed andpleased with the ever-increasing number offamilies who participate from year to year,”said Toni Milak, who assisted with registra-tion.

The SIRC provided comfortable accom-modations, delicious hot meals, a beautifullandscape and a “home away from home”atmosphere, according to Christine Drecshler.The overwhelming response from attendeeswas that it is a blessing to finally have our veryown Orthodox retreat center.

New this year, the Metropolis FamilySynaxis introduces Parenting University, as away to connect with Orthodox parents andhone skills for the job of parenting. HolyApostles will host the first Parenting Universityon October 9, beginning with Paraklesis at6:30 pm, followed by a presentation from7:15 pm-8:00 pm and ending the evening withcoffee and fellowship. These events are foradults only, and no childcare will be provided.Parenting University is intended to be anevening of worship, fellowship and learning for

Metropolis Family Synaxis HostsInaugural Retreat at SIRC

Parents listen to retreat leader Fr. Joseph Copeland in thecomfort of the Great Room at the main lodge of the new St.Iakovos Retreat Center.

On one of the cottage patios Chris Chakonas leads the group of mid-dle school students in a lesson . ... Continued on next page

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic October 2015 Page 5

parents. According to the planningcommittee, “Side effects may includejoy, prayerfulness, new friendshipsand an increase in hope for your fami-ly’s future.”

In addition to the weekend retreat,the Metropolis Family Synaxis hostsan annual full-day Lenten retreat onthe third Saturday of Lent at a localchurch. The date for the 2016 LentenRetreat is April 2. Additionally, theministry hosts annual men’s andwomen’s retreats, which offer oppor-tunities for worship, prayer, group dis-cussion, private reflection and fellow-ship at the SIRC.

The Metropolis Family Synaxis began itsministry in 2001. The mission of the FamilySynaxis is The Church in the Home. Fr. JohnRallis serves as the spiritual father and theministry is organized by Deacon ChrisAvramopoulos, Metropolis Director of Youth& Young Adult Ministries.

All Family Synaxis events are open to the

entire Orthodox Christian community of theMetropolis. Under the auspices ofMetropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, the FamilySynaxis is committed to strengthening thebond of families through Orthodox praxis(practice), workshops and discussions, fellow-ship and, above all, our assembly as the wor-shipping Body of Christ.

For the 2015-2016 schedule of Metropolis

Family Synaxis retreats as well as spiritualresources and audio files of past retreats,please visit www.gocfamilysynaxis.org. If youhave questions about the ministry or upcom-ing retreats, please contactchicago.family.synaxis@gmail.com. To learnmore about the SIRC or plan a visit, please goto www.gosirc.org.

Vanessa Clohessy and her daughter Joanna and others return to the main lodge after Vespers in theChapel on Saturday at the Family Synaxis Retreat. Families have a chance to worship, learn, relaxand play during this annual retreat.

Metropolis FamilySynaxis is thechurch in thehome

Divine Life is transmitted to us in visible thingsladder between heaven and earth. The Holy Virgin Mary is awell spring of compassion for us. She is our helper and aide.The myrrh may be a sign of her closeness and concern for all ofus, her children. The phrase that we sing in the Paraklesis: “Ihave you as Mediator before God who loves mankind; I ask ofyou, O Virgin, Hasten now quickly to my aid” became very realto us. Myrrh is considered a healing balm. She is pouring outmercy and compassion for us. We need healing and grace. Theflowing myrrh reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s great mercy, graceand healing power. They are still active and very much with usin the Church through the prayers of the Theotokos. The flow-ing myrrh challenges us to reawaken and reignite the Holy Spiritwithin us!

St. John Chrysostom wrote the Divine Life is transmitted tous in visible things. We call these Mysteries of divine strengthand grace. A Church Father wrote: “The Mysteries are com-posed of the natural and supernatural. We confess that they arethe drastic means which grant, to the initiated, the DivineGrace.” This Holy Theotokos icon was weeping and flowingmyrrh to touch our hearts and souls. Every time our familypasses by our icons and smells the overpowering myrrh smellcoming from the vile the nuns gave to us, we tangibly experienceGod’s grace. This is a sign or wakeup call to powerfully remindus that God is with us. His grace is real and the Theotokos loves,cares, and prays for all of us!

Fr. Nicholas from P1...Philoptochos Fashion Show

October 17

****Reservations will be accepted onSundays, following The Divine Liturgy.

For reservation information contact Nia Kouchis at 630.910.8224.

Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and under.

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic October 2015 Page 6

By Eleni KaramatskosIt is often surprising

how things work outaccording to God’s plan.My husband Ted, formany years, has beenactively involved in theChicago Mission Team ofthe Orthodox ChristianMission Center. WhenTed first mentioned a mis-sion to Guatemala, I wasnot moved to serve as ashort-term missionary. Ihighly respected Ted’spassion, but did not see apath that I was interestedin taking. In my mind,there were many chal-lenges that I was notready or willing to take. Icould only envision tropi-cal temperatures, highhumidity, no air condition-ing, and bugs and mosquitoes. My vision for the summer months wasfinishing up the school year, completing our home renovation, andrelaxing for the season. However, after listening to Ted and his effer-vescing excitement, I thought why not support him and see what this isall about. Before I knew it, I was a part of the Nuevo ConcepcionGuatemala mission team!

Stepping into this unknown territory was a bit frightening for me. Inever knew exactly what I was going to do, and as an American, Ialways need a plan. This was a construction mission, but Ted said Iwould be working with the children and not involved in building. Well,we ALL worked on the construction team.

The mission was to rehab a 20-year-old, unused clinic. The buildingstructure was severely neglected. Black mold, vegetation, rust, lack of

electricity,toilets,sinks, andwater weresome ofthe chal-lenges wefaced.Initially,we foundthe workover-whelming

because we had no tools or supplies. God never left our prayers unanswered, however. He was by our

side in fundraising for this mission, which we were able to completethrough the generosity of many. He provided help from the villagerswhen we thought we were on our own. He even had the flight atten-dant on our first leg of the trip let us on the flight after it had beenclosed down!

The team consisted of Jesse Brandow, a two-year missionary, andnine, two-week missionaries. They came from all across the U.S. andone from Canada. Four of us were born into the Orthodox faith, andthe remaining five were converts. We had two team members with con-

struction skills, and theothers were enthusiastichelpers. The team washeaded by Andy Lekosfrom the mission center inJacksonville, FL andFather John Chakos.

We were able to visitfour churches close toNuevo Concepcion, wherewe met our fellow brothersand sisters in Christ. TheOrthodox Church is grow-ing in Guatemala. Due tosome altercations with theCatholic Church, theOrthodox Church inGuatemala is experiencinga wave of converts to ourfaith through the lead ofthe recently deceased Fr.Andres Giron. Switchingthe physical attributes of aCatholic church to an

Orthodox church is a slow process. Money is limited and while theiconostasis currently consists of poster-like icons, the Liturgy done inSpanish is exactly the same, and the congregation is excited to be a partof the Orthodox Church. The love they expressed to all of us truly cre-ated a bond of brotherhood. With their minimal resources, they gave usall examples of the love of Jesus Christ.

By the end of ourstay, we had cleanedand scrubbed down theclinic, removed theblack mold, and vegeta-tion; provided electrici-ty, water, a sewer sys-tem, a new roof, sinks,and toilets; and paintedthe building including abeautiful OrthodoxCross on the front door.The clinic of NuevoConcepcion is well onits way! So, you’re prob-ably wondering if wewould do it again.

The Guatemalanmission refreshed ourfaith. It showed us alove without materialthings: basic, true,heartfelt love. It wasamazing! And by theway, none of us got sick; we had wonderful meals served to us, air-con-ditioned bedrooms, and no bugs or mosquitoes! So, our answer is defi-nitely YES, we would! It was an awesome, rewarding experience servingour Lord!

Check out www.OCMC.org for all the wonderful things they aredoing! Maybe you’ll join us on our next mission!

Nuevo Concepcion, or, New Beginning

The altar of St. Lorenzo

Eleni’s first meeting with the residents andthe children at Malaga.

Eleni passes out icons at the end of a presentation.

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church

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Adult Christian Fellowship

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Parea Outing To St. John

In Indiana

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Basketball teams are forming.

Grades 6 to 8, contact Coach Joe Athanas at joeathanas@aol.com

High School contact Coach Chris Fotopoulos at Dmar11@aol.com

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBELLWOOD, IL.

PERMIT NO. 157

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church2501 S. Wolf Rd.Westchester, Il. 60154(708) 562-2744

Address Service Requested

Postmaster: Please deliver by the 3rd of October

Peter Sfikas

Helen Sfikas

Michael Sfikas

Christ Platon

Niki Platon

Michael Pihos

Nicholas Papadopoulos

Vasiliki Papadopoulos

Leonidas Papadopoulos

George Garifalis

Anastasia Garifalis

Hariklia Samartzis

Angeliki Poulos

Antonios Poulos

Arvie Athas

Arvie Mary Athas

George Athas

Pauline Athas

James Athas

Sophia Carres

James Carres

Margaret Carres

Ernest Carres

Memorials

Mosaic DeadlineThe deadline for

the November Mosaic is Wednesday, October 7.

FuneralsLouis Andros

John Agres

Bessie Vasil

Wednesday night Bible study to resumeWednesday Night Bible Study, led by

Barbara Pappas, resumes on October 7.The foundation of discussion will be theNew Testament Book of Hebrews.

Written prior to the destruction ofJerusalem by Rome (70 A.D.), this Bookreflects the extreme political and religiousunrest and volatility of the time. Caughtbetween the crosshairs of the Roman armyand revolting Jews, Christians enduredunspeakable persecution from both fronts.Those who were converts from (or gradu-ates of) Judaism, found themselves ostra-cized, unpopular, and in grave danger.Afraid they had made a big mistake, theywere prone to backsliding to that whichwas more comfortable.

The Book of Hebrews was written tostrengthen their faith in Jesus Christ as thepromised Messiah and to encourage theirdependence upon Him in troubled times.

Everyone is welcome to participate in thisopportunity to discuss St. Paul’s spiritualguidance to Christians who, like us, livedunder quickly changing conditions whenfalse teachings abounded, and who foundthemselves in situations where it was hardto stay true to and even to clearly identifyChristian values.

This group will meet each Wednesdayevening through November 19. Discussionbegins promptly at 7:15 pm and ends about8:30 pm.