Winter Newsletter: "Weakness: a Path to Holiness"

In this issue of Pomegranate Blossoms, we focus on the theme of weakness. Mother Cecilia writes about the problem with hagiography (idealizing biographies of saints), we reflect on several saints with obvious weaknesses--and what they can teach us, we recommend a few books related to the topic, and more! We hope that this issue helps you to grow in your relationship with God.

Livestream Schedule for the Feast of Theophany

Below is our schedule of livestreamed services for the Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord (the Baptism in the Jordan River). This is one of the greatest feasts in the Byzantine Church. If your parish offers any of these services, we encourage you to pray with your parish community in person, if possible. To pray with us, visit our Facebook page and click on the currently streaming video (you do not need to have a Facebook account to watch). In the schedule below, the links to the texts are given for the services that are available online. Have a blessed feast!

Tuesday, January 5--Eve of Theophany

6:30-8:00 a.m.           Matins 

9:30-10:30 a.m.         1st & 3rd Royal Hours (music supplement)

Noon-1:00 p.m.          6th & 9th Royal Hours  (music supplement)            

8:30-9:30 p.m.           Great Compline with Litija (propers)

 Wednesday, January 6--Feast of Theophany

7:00-8:30 a.m.            Matins (propers)

New teen & young adult online sessions

We are excited to share with you a new online program for teens and young adults, by the Eparchy of Parma Youth Committee. The hosts of the first meeting are friends of ours; David (in the photo on the left) is the filmmaker of several of our videos, and all three guys have beautiful, prayerful, energetic hearts. Please share this new opportunity with the Byzantine Catholic young people that you know! (Or those who are not Byzantine Catholic but may be interested anyway.)

The Eparchy of Parma Youth Committee invites all teens and young adults to our online Youth Sessions titled "I WILL COME TO YOU". Give us 45 minutes of your time and share with us how you live out the faith in your community. We will see each other for the first time on January 9, 2021. Our seminarian candidates who are studying at the International Theological Institute will tell you how the vibrant community and strong Byzantine presence that they are experiencing are strengthening their spiritual life. More information can be found at parma.org.