"And we went into the Greek lands,

and we were led into a place

where they serve their God,

and we did not know where we were,

in Heaven or on Earth"

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Feel free to read more about our church on this site or come in for a visit.

We would love to greet you and share with you our love for Jesus Christ and for you, our neighbor.

Liturgical Schedule

Sunday Divine Liturgy - 11:30am

Weekdays and Holy Days please consult the bulletin

Confessions before each Liturgy or by appointment

Examination of Conscience

The Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life.

"Sunday is the day on which the Paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church."

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Glory Forever!

Slava Isusu Christu!

Slava na Viki!

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Please continue to pray for the sick and shut-in of our parish!

SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

Gospel: Luke 18:10-14

At that time Jesus told them this parable:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and said this prayer to himself: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes on all my income.’

“The tax collector, however, stood some distance away and would not even raise his eyes to heaven. Rather, he kept beating his breast as he said, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’ This man, I tell you, returned to his home justified, whereas the other did not. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Meaning of this Holy Gospel:

The Pharisees thought their own goodness was so impressive that it could not fail to make them acceptable to God. They held rigorously to the ceremonies and traditions of the law, making a public show of their religiosity, all to be seen by other men, many of whom they despised as being beneath them. The Pharisee in the story is the epitome of one who is self-justifying. Notice that his prayer has no elements of confession. He does not ask forgiveness for his sins, perhaps because he believes he has nothing to confess. Nor is there any word of praise or thanksgiving to God. His prayer is all about him. Even the thanks he does offer is designed to exalt himself and place himself above others whom he treats with disdain. This “prayer” is not heard by God.

Unlike the Pharisee, who stands boldly in the temple reciting his prayers of self-congratulation, the tax collector stood “afar off” or “at a distance,” but certainly far from the Pharisee who would have been offended by the nearness of this man. The posture of tax collector spoke of his unworthiness before God. Unable to even lift his eyes to heaven, the burden of his guilt and shame weighed heavily upon him, and the load he carried had become unbearable. Overcome by his transgressions, he beats his breast in sorrow and repentance and appeals to God for mercy. The prayer he speaks is the very one God is waiting to hear, and his attitude is exactly what God wants from all who come to Him.

The tax collector exhibits precisely what Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Being poor in spirit means admitting we have nothing to offer to God to atone for our sin. We come to God as empty, impoverished, despised, bankrupt, pitiable, desperate beggars. The tax collector recognizes his sinful condition and seeks the only thing that can bridge the gap between himself and God. “Have mercy on me,” he cries, and we know from the end of the parable that God heard his prayer for mercy and answered it.

March 2nd, 2025:

Ladies’ Mardi Gras Tea Party:

- 11am - Divine Liturgy

- 1:30am - The lunch/tea will be served

For the tickets, please, contact the parish office

What's New!!!

2024 Divine Liturgy of the Nativity

ATTENTION!!! IMPORTANT-- Liturgy Time Change (effective December 15th):

Starting with the Liturgy on Sunday, December 15, the Sunday Divine Liturgy will begin at 11:30am, and the ECF program will start at 10:15. Please, accept this change peacefully. Thanks, and God bless you all.

Stewardship Appeal 2024/25

The Eparchy of Parma Stewardship Appeal for 2024/25 began November 15. All members of parishes in the Eparchy will be receiving the Stewardship Appeal information in the mail. If you do not receive the mailing, please contact your pastor to verify that your information is correct on the church’s roster. The Stewardship Appeal campaign goal is $320,000. This year’s Annual Stewardship Appeal will support the following important needs in the Eparchy: Support of Mission & Outreach; Development of Parishes; Retreats, Renewals and Family Camp; Works of the Apostolate; Clergy Benevolence Fund; and Support of our Retired and Active Priests. Visit https://parma.org/stewardship-appeal for more information and to make a one-time or monthly secure donation through our website. Thank you for your past support and for your continued generosity with this year’s campaign. Our individual parish goal is $7,950. Thank you in advance for your generosity!!!

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