Upcoming Parish Events

November 15 - December 24, 2008 - The Nativity Fast.  The Nativity Fast is not a required fast but is suggested as part of our Eastern tradition. As always, we should remember that fasting from sin should always accompany our fasting. Because fasting, prayer, and acts of charity are intimately linked together, prayer and acts of charity should always accompany our fasting.

Suggested Ways to observe the Fast:

Abstain from meat and dairy products on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. Dairy is allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but still no meat. (This is a 'stricter' form of the fast: prescribed is meatless on Wednesdays and Fridays)

Fast from certain foods, such as soda, alcoholic beverages or candy.

With each meal, eat only an amount that is sufficient for nutritional needs, without feeling completely full.

Fast from select forms of entertainment (television, movies, radio, internet, novels, etc.).

No Fasting On Sundays: While all Sundays are Resurrectional and outside of fasting rules, any non-fasting day should still be a special time for works of mercy, as well as more intense prayer.

November 19 - December 17, 2008 - Every Wednesday evening the beautiful Akathist (Prayer Service or Moleben) to Christ Emmanuel will be served in the Temple followed by a fasting light meal for fellowship and mutual encouragement in the season. Please come and participate and volunteer to provide a simple meal.

December 6, 2008 - On the Feast of St. Nicholas, the parish will be hosting a Women's Spiritual Retreat beginning with Third Hour at 9:30 a.m. After the morning service we will welcome Fr. Justin Fredrick from St. Maximus the Confessor in Denton, TX to lead a talk for the ladies of the parish. The retreat will conclude with Vespers at 5:00 p.m. All women of the parish are encouraged to come! Lunch will be provided. More details to come.

December 7, 2008 -  Please join us for our monthly parish potluck!  Just bring your wonderfully prepared covered dish to the kitchen staff in the Parish Hall.  They will keep it warm during Divine Liturgy. Be sure to come and greet our special visitor!

We can't wait to see you!  Please bring a friend!

December 13 and 20, 2008 -  As the Holidays approach, our thoughts turn to traditions and heritage, something that is most aptly expressed by food. The traditions of the Byzantine Ruthenian Church are most often identified with central and eastern Europe although here in Texas we have improved many an traditional food by adding jalapeños... Nonetheless, the approaching holiday season also means food preparation and sales from our parish kitchen. We do need help and volunteers to prepare these foods for sale. The sales benefit our parish and help in paying off the mortgage on our Church Hall. If you are interested in volunteering please speak with Carol Roman. The Eastern European cooking lesson is free!

December 6 and 13, 2008 - Please join us for the Adult Formation Bible Study.  Further information on the classes may be found by clicking the Eastern Christian Formation Link and following the link for Adult Formation on the right side of your screen.

December 24, 2008 - Come join the St. Basil the Great parish family at our Holy Supper.  The supper is potluck.  However, because Christmas Eve is a day of strict fast, dishes must be meat and dairy free.