Dear friends in Christ,
WONDERFUL NEWS!!!
The miraculous Holy Fire from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem will arrive at Holy Cross parish tomorrow, Sunday, May 28!!!
You can bring a candle or candles will be available for you to take the Holy Fire home with you if you would like. You can use it to light the lampadas or votive candles before your icons at home.
THE HOLY FIRE - Arriving at Holy Cross Parish Tomorrow!
The Holy Fire will arrive at Holy Cross parish tomorrow morning. Invite family and friends to Matins and the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist. A festive Potluck Luncheon will follow in our parish hall. The Holy Fire can be taken home by everyone who would like to have this Holy Light burning in the lampadas or candles before their icons. Just bring a candle to church, or use a candle provided at church.
You have often heard me speak of the miracle of the Holy Fire that comes down from heaven every year at Pascha (Easter). This miracle has taken place year after year since the first century.
The Holy Fire descends from God into the Holy Sepulchre - the tomb of Christ in Jerusalem - where candles held by the Patriarch of Jerusalem spontaneously ignite. Lampadas in the church and candles held by some of the faithful often do likewise. The Patriarch leaves the tomb with the Holy Fire and passes it on to the masses of faithful gathered in and around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Initially the Holy Fire is cool to the touch and the faithful bathe their hands and faces in the flame. Every Pascha I post photos of the faithful in jerusalem bathing their hands and faces in the miraculous flame. Later the Holy Fire becomes hot like any other flame. For the first time in history the Holy Frire has been brought to the United States from Jerusalem at the initiative of our Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and it will arrive at our parish tomorrow. Tell you family and friends. Invite everyone!
Here are some articles on the Holy Fire:
HOLY FIRE HAS DESCENDED IN CHURCH OF HOLY SEPULCHRE IN JERUSALEM
HOW THE HOLY LIGHT DESCENDS UPON THE HOLY SEPULCHRE - From The Pilgrimage of the Russian Abbot Daniel in the Holy Land AD 1106-1107
TEMPERATURE OF HOLY FIRE AROUND 40°C IN FIRST FEW MINUTES
UPDATED: HOLY FIRE TO BE DELIVERED TO AMERICA FOR FIRST TIME
POTLUCK LUNCHEON
Tomorrow, Sunday May 28th, is our monthly Potluck Luncheon. Members of our Church family are asked to bring a main dish, or a side dish and desert. Visitors are our guests and do not have to bring a thing. With the Holy fire arriving at our parish tomorrow we may have more visitors so members of our church family are asked to prepare extra food. Thank you!
SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday Matins is at 9:15 AM, followed by the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist at 10:00 AM, with a festive Potluck Luncheon immediately after the Liturgy. The Holy Fire will be available for the faithful to take home.
Tomorrow will be a wonderful day in the life of our parish so please invite family and friends. We are a faithful, friendly and vibrant parish, and we have a place for you. Everyone is always welcome.
See you in the morning!
blessings,
Father+
Fr. Victor Novak
Rector
HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHURCH
7545 Main Street
Ralston, Nebraska 68127
(402) 573-6558
