February 18th, 2022
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Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory to Him forever!
Dear parishioners and friends,
I would like to apologize for the delay in sending out this email and the liturgical schedule. The task of balancing out my calendar, the liturgical services and outreaches with travel, has been a little bit complicated, but I believe that everything is set up.
Below you will find a variety of events and announcements. They will be separated by a line, so as not seem too lengthy. The separation should make the layout more readable. Please read it all carefully!
God bless you all.
Fr. Elias
CATECHETICAL SATURDAYS
At St. Basil’s we have had a difficult time with catechism for want of space. In order to in some way supplement what you are doing at home, we have decided to set up a catechetical program on three Saturdays. This program will consist of activities and games, with lunch provided, all focused on the themes of the liturgical season. The Saturdays will take place on:
- Saturday, Feb. 26, 10am-3pm theme: THE GREAT FAST
- Saturday, Mar. 26, 10am-3pm theme: HOLY WEEK & PASCHA
- Saturday, Apr. 30, 10am-3pm. theme: PENTECOST
We invite parents to participate as well.
We do need some help in teaching and working with the children.
In order to have enough materials and food, we ask that you contact us at: [email protected]
For the first Catechetical Saturday, we will be talking about the stories of the saints of the Fast, how we fast, singing, and making icons for the procession on the first Sunday of the fast. There will be food and games also!
Please email us so that we may have a good count of children (their grade level), parents and volunteers.
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This weekend, February 18-20, Sts. Constantine and Helen Antiochian Orthodox Church will have a conference and exhibit focused on Icons and Iconography. This wonderful event promises to be a treat. For more information please click on the link:
https://www.constantinehelen.com/festival-of-christian-orthodox-arts/
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ADULT FAITH EDUCATION
Come join us our Adult Faith Education on Tuesday March 8, Tuesday March 22, and Tuesday April 5th during the Great Fast. We will explore the holy mysteries (sacraments) of our Byzantine Catholic Faith, studying the book Inexhaustible Delights. We will begin with a light Lenten dinner in the hall at 6:00 pm followed by a presentation at 6:30 pm and concluding around 8:30 pm. We will also provide online zoom conferencing for those who are unable to come in person to St. Basils in Irving. More information will be sent out next week.
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ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Great Fast (Lent) 2022
Fr. Elias Rafaj will be offering an iconography workshop at St. Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, 1118 E Union Bower Rd., Irving, Texas 75061. This class will be held on March 14-19, from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Doors open at 9:00am for prayer, talk, discussion, personal assistance and reflection, with group instruction beginning at 10am. All steps will be demonstrated, no artistic experience is necessary. We will paint the Icon (choose 1) of Christ carrying the Cross OR Veronica’s Veil (the Holy Napkin) OR Christ the Bridegroom. The cost is $200 (includes icon boards and all painting materials, brushes, etc). There are scholarships available and discounts for accompanied children and students. Beginners as well as advanced artists are welcome. The deadline for registration is Sunday, March 6, 2022. For the registration form and any further information please email Fr. Elias at [email protected]
The class size is limited and registration is on a first come basis.
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SHRINE AND PILGRIMAGE
On Monday, Valentine’s Day, Fr. Elias con celebrated the Mass in the central Texas village of Dubina. On this day, his grace, Bishop Brendan Cahill of Victoria, designated the beautiful painted church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, a diocesan shrine to Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the patron saints of our Byzantine Catholic Church, who brought Christianity from Constantinople to our ancestors in 863.
On Bright Saturday, April 23, we will gather in Dubina to serve the Divine Liturgy (vigil for Thomas Sunday) at 1pm, with participation from all our communities, outreaches, parishes and friends. This will be a wonderful opportunity to travel to a historic church that celebrates the legacy of our Byzantine Catholic Faith and to meet Byzantines from all over Texas.
Mark your calendars! More information will follow in upcoming weeks.
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THE BASILIAD :CHARITY
we are continuing our collecting of non perishables foods for our local food pantry. If you have any items you would like to donate, please bring them this weekend. Next week we will be taking the collected foods to the pantry.
The care bags for the homeless are in the narthex of the church and more in the hall. Please pick up a few to distribute to the homeless you may see at the underpass or at an intersection. These bags are such a simple way of expressing our concern for the needy and less fortunate.
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Our St. Basil’s YouTube page is up and running and we have uploaded the first recorded zoom webinars. This is just the beginning. It is hoped that in the next few weeks we will begin to live stream the Liturgy through our YouTube page. Currently live-streaming is only through Facebook.
This link to our YouTube page is:
https://youtube.com/channel/UClAI2ehr0uhFVXWREck3XcA
Please subscribe to our page!
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ONGOING…
-we are continuing to bless homes after the Theophany.
-Father will be reaching out to all of the homebound so that you will receive the calendar, Theophany water and Communion
-St. Basil’s homeschool co-op meets the first Friday of every month from 10am to noon. Come check us out!
-St. Basil’s has no less than 4 outreaches. These outreaches are the beginnings of new missions and parishes. By the grace of God and dedication of parishioners and the prayers of all of us, may these communities grow and prosper.
The outreaches are:
+++Austin Byzantine Catholic Community (meets at Holy Cross Catholic Church) liturgy every Sunday at 5pm, served by Fr. Peter Davids.
+++Waco Byzantine Catholic Outreach (meets at St. Peter Catholic Student Church) once a month, Divine Liturgy 3pm Sunday, served by Fr. Elias.
+++Northeast Louisiana Byzantine Catholic Outreach (meets at the studio Chapel of Reason and Theology Show in Monroe, LA) once a month, alternating between Fr. Elias and Fr. Deacon Greg Haddad (NOLA)
+++Tulsa Byzantine Catholic Outreach (temporary meeting site) once a month, served by Fr. Elias
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REMINDERS
-On Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 7pm, Fr. Elias’ zoom webinar will be about “keeping the Great Fast” or “all you need to know about Byzantine lent”.
The link was sent out earlier in February so you all should have it. If not please contact me and I will resend the zoom link to you.
-First day of the Great Fast is Monday, February 28. The day requires fasting from all animal products.