FR. THOMAS JANIKOWSKI OF WESTERN RITE RADIO VISITS HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHURCH
On Thursday, December 21st, Fr. Thomas Janikowski of Western Rite Radio (formerly Quadcities Anglican Radio) drove a nine hour roundtrip to Omaha from Davenport, Iowa to visit our church and to interview the rector. Not only did he make the long drive, but he drove through rain and a bit of freezing drizzle.
Fr. Thomas attended the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist for the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a Fast-free day because of the Feast, so Fr. Thomas, Subdeacon Michael and I went out to lunch at an Italian restaurant. . While at the restaurant, Fr. Thomas did a brief live video broadcast with Subdeacon Michael and I. You can see the video on the Facebook page of Western Rite Radio. I think you will enjoy it.
VIDEO TOUR OF HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHURCH
After returning from lunch, Fr. Thomas broadcast a live thirteen minute video guided tour of our church facility and learned a little more about our parish. We hope that you will watch this informative video and share it with others. Everyone is always welcome at Holy Cross Orthodox Church!
The video is titled, Live at Holy Cross…
Just scroll down the Western Rite Radio Facebook page until you find the video. Here is the link:
RADIO INTERVIEW
After completing the video tour of Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Fr. Thomas and I sat down to do a 30 minute radio program. The title of the broadcast is Fr. Victor Novak on Church Planting! But we talked about a lot of other things as well. I enjoyed doing the broadcast with Fr. Thomas, and I think you will find the discussion both enlightening and inspirational. Here is the link:
MAJOR PARISH IMPROVEMENTS
Three new icon stands and a new Gothic bishop’s throne arrived today! We also received the last of four new beautiful icons that we had ordered for our temple. The lampadas are on back order so we will have to wait a little on them, but I have asked our St. Joseph’s Guild to begin assembling the new church furnishings and installing the new icons as soon as possible. The church already looks beautiful this Advent. It should be spectacular for Nativity (Christmas). To God be the glory!
ROSE SUNDAY
This coming Sunday, December 24th, is the Third Sunday in Advent — Rose Sunday — according to the ancient ecclesiastical Calendar. The church looks beautiful, and the smell of pine is wonderful. We have a beautiful live Christmas tree, along with pine hangings, a large, free standing Advent Wreath, a Nativity Scene, and poinsettias. The temple is warm and inviting and will raise your spirits on high!
Sunday Christian Education is at 8:45 AM, followed by Matins at 9:15 AM, with the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist at 10:00 AM. Fellowship and refreshments in our parish hall follow the Liturgy. Visitors are always welcome. We are a faithful, friendly and vibrant parish and we have a place for you. I hope to see you on Sunday!
CAN YOU HELP US?
Every year we make improvements to our church facility, and this year is no different. However, church furnishings, icons, — everything that goes into improving our temple for the worship of Almighty God — costs money, a lot of money. In addition, we need to increase the amount and quality of our outreach, continue to build our lending library, put in new flooring and much more.
We do not beg for money, threaten that our ministry is about to collapse, or try to nickel and dime the faithful, but at years-end we do often ask for your support. Every dollar given will go into our general church fund to be used as needed.
We are committed to proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, building up the Body of Christ, and rebuilding the Western Church, — and we can use your help. We will make good use of every contribution received.
Please consider sending a special offering to help us in our work. The more extra money we can raise, the more we can do. Make your check out to: Holy Cross Orthodox Church and send it to:
Holy Cross Orthodox Church
7545 Main Street
Ralston, Nebraska 68127
Thank you!
