Thank you so much for your kind and generous support for our Tanabata Music Festival Charity Event.
It was a great success. If you have not yet pledged a donation, but want to please let Daniel know.
Each and every one of you is very important in helping us to support needy and less fortunate people.
Very sincerely and graciously yours!
Daniel P. Arakelian
The Kamogawa Church
We would like to invite you and your families and friends to our summer charity event on the day of the Tanabata Festival, July 7th.
If you do not know about the Tanabata Festival please check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanabata
Here are the details of our event:
Event name: The Kamogawa Church Tanabata Music Festival.
Type of event: volunteer and charity music festival.
Purpose: to enjoy good music and friendship while collecting money to support Midori and Inoue-San and their dog therapy group, Kuu-chan House.
Date: July 7th, 2013.
Location: Heartopia Kyoto: http://heartpia-kyoto.jp/access/access.html
Event schedule:
Set up: 1730pm.
Start time: 1830pm.
Finish time: 2030pm (clean up until 2100pm).
Event cost: 3,000yen for adults, 500yen for children under 18yrs.
Food provided: pizza, sandwiches, salad, fried chicken, fresh fruit selection, snacks. The pizza and sandwiches will be mixed vegetarian and non vegetarian.
Drinks provided: juice, tea, water, etc, beer, wine.
Music entertainment: Yuina (up and coming Japanese female pop star), The Michael Beard Band, etc.
Event schedule:
1830: Party start, greetings and introduction of Inoue-san and Midori-san and Kuuchan House.
1835: Mr. Inoue and Midori’s explanation about their dog therapy activities.
1840: Short video about dog therapy activities with Yuina.
1850: Prayer and kanpai, dinner start.
1900: Music entertainment begins with self intro by Yuina and short live stage.
1930: The Michael Beard Band short live and sing along.
2000: Game: sen en janken.
2010: Gift presentation to Kuuchan House
2015: Group photo.
2030: Final words and special thanks.
鴨川福音教会網憲
鴨川福音教会は単立超教派のキリスト教会として次の網憲を遵奉する。
第１ 旧約及び新約の聖書を神の啓示として信じ、救いを得る要道を載せたものと信じる。
第２ 主イエス・キリストの命じられた教理を説き、洗礼及び聖餐の二聖礼典を行ない、且つその訓戒を遵奉する。
第３ キリスト教各教派間の和解と一致を目指し、まず神の国と神の義を求める祈りと礼拝を遵奉する。
第４ 他宗教との対話と協調に努力し、神の愛による世界平和実現の為にキリストと共に祈り、その為の諸活動に奉仕する。
基本方針第一条
われわれは、超教派教会として地球的なキリストの福音宣布を目的とする。
基本方針第二条
教会は、福音宣教の使命に生きるものである。この福音は教会のかしらであられる主イエス・キリストによって現実となってきた神の救いの道である。われわれは、この宣教の使命達成のために全力を挙げて努力する。
基本方針第三条
われわれは、聖礼典と説教を中核とする礼拝を重んじる。そして、この礼拝において常に明らかにされる福音理解が教会のすべての営みを生かすものとなるように願い求める。
基本方針第四条
われわれは、諸教派で任じられた聖職、神父、牧師、司祭、伝道師、長老の聖使命を尊重する。それと共に、聖職者を含むすべての教会員が、その賜物を生かして、自主的・積極的な奉仕・協力をなしうるように心掛ける。
基本方針第五条
われわれは、受入れるすべての人の結婚式を始めとした冠婚葬祭にもキリストの愛をもって積極的に参加し、祈りと御言葉をもって説教と礼拝を重んじて、福音の宣布に努める。
基本方針第六条
われわれは、それぞれに与えられた霊の賜物を生かし、それを用いて、聖徒の交わり、すなわち主のものとして生きる信仰者の共同体である教会を形成するために最善の努力をする。そのために教会学校、神学校、各種委員会、各種団体、また各地域の組織に積極的に加わり、教会員が相互に主の恩恵と慰めを語り合い、助け合う共同の生活を形作り、われわれになしうる限りの伝道・奉仕に生きるように心を合わせて協力する。しかも、そのすべてのわざにおいて、祈りに励み、祈りの共同体としての教会であり続けることができるように願う。
基本方針第七条
今日の世界に生きるわれわれは、それぞれに生かされている場所において、主なるキリストが与えて下さったキリスト者の自由に生き、愛に生き、福音にふさわしい生活を確立するように努力する。そのために互いに助け合い、励まし合いたいと願う。また献身のしるしとして献財に心を注ぎ、教会の力が強められるように心を尽くす。
教会の成り立ちと運営
当鴨川福音教会は、上記網憲を遵奉し上記の祈りに心を合わせ、基本方針によって生きようとするすべてのキリスト者を教会員として迎える。教派を問わず、今まで交わってきた教会に属しながらも当教会に参加し自主的に自由に交わる事ができる。当教会は設立「聖職者会」と教会員全員による「総会」を設ける。「聖職者会」では代表牧師を一名置く。「聖職者会」と「総会」の開催と教会の運営等に関しての詳細は、「鴨川福音教会法規」に定める。
設立代表牧師 ダニエル アラケリアン
鴨川福音教会法規
序文
鴨川福音教会は超教派のキリスト教会として４項の教会網憲を遵奉し、七条の基本方針に基づき、平成２００３年２月１４日に行なわれた総会で次のような法規を定めた。
第１条 （代表牧師及び副代表牧師）
１） 代表牧師は、当教会を代表し、必要に応じて司牧する。
２）代表牧師は、満30才以上の牧師の中から、聖職者会で選挙する。
３）代表牧師は、必要があると認めるときは、副代表牧師を２名まで置くことができる。その場合、聖職者会で過半数の承認を求めなければならない。副代表牧師は代表牧師の職務を補佐し、必要な時は代表牧師の職務を代行する。
第２条 （牧師）
１）牧師は、当教会及び結婚式場であるチャペル等で司牧及び司式をする。
２）当教会の牧師を志願するものは、司祭あるいは教師等に準ずる聖職者であるか、教派に関わらずキリスト教の神学にある程度精通し宣教経験を５年以上有する者で、牧師３名以上の推薦を求めなければならない。
３）代表牧師は、当教会の３名以上の聖職者から推薦を受けた志願者に面接して質問し、適当と認めた者を、父と子と聖霊の御名によって按手し、按手の証としての牧師認定書を与えるものとする。
第３条 （特志伝道師）
１）特志伝道師は、当教会及びチャペル等で福音を宣布し、伝道に励む。
２）当教会の特志伝道師を志願するものは、受聖餐者であり、牧師あるいは特志伝道師３名以上の推薦を求めなければならない。
３）代表牧師は、聖職者から推薦を受けた志願者に面接して質問し、適当と認めた者を、父と子と聖霊の御名によって認定式を行い、認定書を与えるものとする。
第４条 （信徒）
１）当教会において、父と子と聖霊またはイエス・キリストの御名によって洗礼を受けた者を信徒とする。
２）当教会以外の教会において、父と子と聖霊又はイエス・キリストの御名によって洗礼を受けた者を信徒として受け入れることができる。
第５条 （総会）
１）定期総会は、２年ごとに１回、代表牧師が召集する。
２）代表牧師は、聖職者会にはかり、期日・場所及び議案を決定する。
３）代表牧師は、聖職者会の３分の１以上から請求があったときは、臨時総会の招集をしなければならない。
第６条 （聖職者会）
１）聖職者会は、当教会の網憲を遵奉する牧師及び牧師に準ずる聖職者で組織する。
２）代表牧師は、聖職者会の議長となり年に２回以上聖職者会を招集する。
３）聖職者会の期日と場所は代表牧師が決定する。
４）代表牧師は３名以上の牧師より請求があったときは、早急に聖職者会を招集しなければならない。
第７条 （教会事務所と主事）
１） 教会事務所は、当教会の網憲と法規及び総会と聖職者会の議決に基づき、代表牧師の指揮の下で当教会の運営に必要な事務を司る。
２） 主事は、当教会の牧師又は特志伝道師の中から代表牧師が総会の承認を得て任命され、教会事務所を管理する。第８条 （常任の委員）
第８条
１）当教会に次のような常任の委員を置くことができる。
（１） 祈祷書編纂委員
（２） 教会委員
（３） 伝道委員
（４） 聖礼典委員
（５） 財務委員
（６） 会計監査委員
（７） 懲戒委員
２）委員は、聖職者会が指名し、総会の承認を経て代表牧師が任命する。
第９条 （礼拝）
１）当教会は網憲に賛同する諸教派の礼拝に参加・協賛する。当教会独自の礼拝堂として使用する建物は代表牧師によって聖別されなければならない。当教会は牧師の家庭の一室をその小さな礼拝堂として聖別し、仮定教会を使用することを奨励する。
２）公祷・聖礼典及びその他の諸式の執行において用いる祈祷書・聖歌及び聖書は、聖職者会で禁止されたもの以外は、主礼者の祈りと責任において自由に定めることができる。
第１０条（財政）
１）当教会の財政においては、信徒の献金及び賛同者の寄付が主たる財源となる。
２）教会はその使命に反しない限りで事業を行い、収益することができる。
３）当教会の会計年度は１月１日に始まり１２月３１日に終わる。事務局の主事は財務委員と共に毎会計年度の教会予算を作成し、聖職者会の議決を経なければならない。
４）事務局の主事は財務担当者と共に収入支出の決算その他財政に関する報告を、会計監査を受け、その監査報告と共に聖職者会及び総会に提出し、承認を得なければならない。
第１１条（懲戒）
１）聖職者及び特志伝道師は、そのなされた行為あるいは一定の行為をなされないことが次の各項の一つに該当するときは、懲戒を受ける。
（１）網憲・基本方針・この法規に違反すること。
（２）按手式又は認定式において約束したことに違反すること。
（３）その他著しく不道徳又は不正であること。
２）信徒は、そのなされた行為あるいは一定の行為をなされないことが次の一つに該当するときは、懲戒を受ける。
（１）網憲・基本方針・この法規に違反すること。
（２）その他著しく不道徳又は不正であること。
３）聖職者及び特志伝道師の懲戒は次の３種とする。
（１）戒告。
（２）１ヶ月以上３年以下の有期停職。
（３）免職。
４）信徒に対する懲戒は、次の２種とする。
（１）戒告。
（２）陪餐の停止。
５）当教会の聖職者及び１６才以上の信徒は、当教会の聖職者及び信徒について懲戒の事由があるときは、事務局又は懲戒委員に懲戒を求める申し立てをすることができる。
６）懲戒を求める申し立てがなされた場合、代表牧師・主事及び懲戒委員が申立人及び被申立人の面接及びその他の調査を行い、公開の審判廷を開催して審判を下す。懲戒する審判が下されたときには、聖職者会の過半数の承認を経て登録簿に記載し、執行する。
第１２条（登録簿）
当教会の登録簿は、次の各号に掲げるものとする。
（１） 聖職簿
（２） 特志伝道師簿
（３） 信徒簿
（４） 洗礼志願者簿
第１３条（改正）
この法規の改正は、聖職者会の出席者の３分の２以上の賛成で起案され、総会
出席者の３分の２以上の多数により施行される。
特志伝道師認定式
（１）資格と準備
当教会の特志伝道師又は牧師３名以上の推薦を受け、鴨川福音教会の網憲・基本方針及び法規を理解し受け入れる者を、当教会の特志伝道師となる資格を有するものとする。代表牧師或いはその職務を代表する副代表牧師は資格を確認し、資格者に面接して認定式に臨む準備を促す。
資格者は認定式に当たっては、身を清め祈って準備する。
（２）按主任命式
司式者 ：「愛する兄弟よ、私たちは教名・姓名○○○師をこの教会の特志伝道師に任ずるためにここに集まりました。」
＜約束と支持＞
司式者 ：「あなたは当教会及び結婚式場のチャペルで牧師を代理して牧者に絶えず学びながら、司牧及び司式をする特志伝道師の義務を果たすことを約束しますか？」
新任牧師：「約束します。」
司式者 ：「ここに集いし証人である皆さんは、教名・姓名○○○師を特志伝道師として支持しますか？」
会衆 ：「支持します。」
＜祈り＞
司式者 ：「愛する兄弟よ、全能の神が今、教会の特志伝道師の職に召されたこの僕を受け、祝福して下さるように祈りましょう。」
司式者 ：「父なる神よ、」
参式者 ：「哀れみをお与え下さい。」
司式者 ：「全ての罪、悪魔の誘惑、高慢、偽善、妬み、憎しみ、恨み、又、心を頑なにし、主の御言葉と戒めを軽んじる全ての事から」
参式者 ：「主よ、お救い下さい。」
司式者 ：「主なる神よ、聖なる教会を治め導き、愛と真理で満たし、御心をなさしめて下さい。」
参式者 ：「主よ、お聞き下さい。」
司式者 ：「全ての迷っている人、欺かれた人、心の閉ざされている人を真の道
に導いて下さい。」
参式者 ：「主よ、お聞き下さい。」
司式者 ：「どうか信仰をもって願う祈りを受け入れ、わたし達が御旨を行な
う事ができますように。主キリストによってお願い致します。」
参式者 ：「主よ、お聞き下さい。」
＜特志伝道師志願者の聖別・按手＞
＊司式者は臨席する補佐者と共に立つ。特志伝道師志願者は司式者の前に進み出てひざまずく。参式者は立つ。司式者は特志伝道師志願者に向かって手を延べて言う。
司式者 ：「全能の父よ、あなたが広く世界に全人類の救いと一致（平和・統一）のために、聖なる公会を主の聖なる民、祝福された国として建てられたことを賛美します。あなたが、信仰の使徒又は大祭司、魂の大牧者として、一人の御子イエス・キリストをお与え下さった事を賛美します。御子が死に勝ち、天に昇り、聖徒たちを整えて奉仕の業を行なわせ、主の教会に委ねられた務めを分かち合うために、御名によって聖別するこの主の僕をお召し下さったことを感謝します。」
＊司式者は新任特志伝道師の頭に手を置いて言う。臨席する他の牧師・特志伝道師も共に手を置く。
司式者 ：「鴨川福音教会における特志伝道師の務めと働きのために、主の僕、教名・姓名○○○は、に聖霊を注いで下さい。今、この教会の特志伝道師に任じられる僕を祝福し、主と公会に良く仕え、御名の栄光を現すことができますように、父と子と聖霊の御名によって按手致します。
アーメン。」
参式者 ：「主よ、お聞き下さい。」
（３）特志伝道師の認可式
＊ 新任特志伝道師に聖書・祈祷書・網憲と活動方針・法規を渡し言う。
司式者 ：「教名・姓名○○○、この聖書を受け、御言葉を宣べる人となりなさい。この網憲・法規を受け、超教派の教会に奉仕する拠りどころとし、また超教派の教会の会議に参与しなさい。」
＜牧師認定書の朗読＞
＊ 代表牧師は特志伝道師認定書に署名し、印を押し、認定書を朗読し、新任特志伝道師に手渡す。
司式者 ：「教名・姓名○○○師、当教会を代表して、この特志伝道師認定書を渡します。全ての人に御言葉を宣べ教え、又わたし達の宣教師となり、公祷・聖奠を真心で執り行い、祈りと御言葉をもって結婚式等を執り行って下さい。」
＊ 代表牧師は新任特志伝道師を参式者に紹介する。新任特志伝道師はひざまずいて祈る。
新任特志：主なる神よ、私の屋根の下にあなたをお入れする資格はありませ
伝道師 ん。しかしあなたは僕を召して公会に仕えることをお許し下さ
います。私は今、体も魂も主に献げ、力の限り主にお仕えします。常に御言葉を宣べ、委ねられた人々を救いの道に進ませることができますように。祈るときは、私の信仰を奮い起こし、賛美するときには私の愛と感謝を高め、説教するときには語るべき思いと言葉を与えて下さい。聖なる御言葉が明らかにされ、その輝きによって世界が皆、主の祝福された御国に入ることができますように、主イエス・キリストによってお願い致します。
アーメン。
This is the celebrant certificate for Daniel Arakelian presented by a representative of the Nippon Sei-kou Kai 日本聖公会, the Anglican Church of Japan.
Easter Vigil / Morning (March 31): “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
Gospel reading: Luke 24:1-12 [alternate readings: John 20:1-9, Luke 24:13-35]
1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; 5 and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Mag’dalene and Jo-an’na and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering what had happened.
Meditation: What did the disciples of Jesus discover on the third day of Jesus’ death? On Sunday morning the women who had stood with Jesus when he died upon the cross on Good Friday went to the tomb to pay their last tribute to a dead body. The disciples thought that everything had finished in tragedy. None of Jesus’ followers were expecting to see an empty tomb and hear the angel’s message, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise” (Luke 24:5-7). The angel urged them to believe that Jesus had indeed risen just as he had promised. This good news was not easy for them to grasp because their hearts were still weighed down with grief and doubt. In wonder they went to share the good news with the other disciples.
Is it any small wonder that it was the women, rather than the apostles, who first witnessed the empty tomb and then the appearance of the resurrected Lord (Matthew 28:8-10; Mark 16:9; John 20:15-18)? Isidore of Seville (560-636 AD), a great teacher and bishop, commented on the signicance of the women being the first to hear the good news of the resurrection: “As a woman (Eve) was first to taste death, so a woman (Mary Magdalene) was first to taste life. As a woman was prescient in the fall, so a woman was prescient in beholding the dawning of redemption, thus reversing the curse upon Eve.” The first to testify to the risen Lord was a woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons.
What is the significance of the stone being rolled away? It would have taken several people to move such a stone. And besides, the sealed tomb had been guarded by soldiers! This is clearly the first sign of the resurrection. Bede (672-735 AD), a renowned scripture commentator from England, wrote: “[The angel] rolled back the stone not to throw open a way for our Lord to come forth, but to provide evidence to people that he had already come forth. As the virgin’s womb was closed, so the sepulcher was closed, yet he entered the world through her closed womb, and so he left the world through the closed sepulcher” (from Homilies on the Gospels 2,7,24). Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD), another early church father remarked: “To behold the resurrection, the stone must first be rolled away from our hearts.” Do you know the joy of the resurrection?
It is significant that the disciples had to first deal with the empty tomb before they could come to grips with the fact that scripture had foretold that Jesus would die for our sins and then rise triumphant. They disbelieved until they saw the empty tomb. Bede (672-735 AD) explains why the Risen Lord chose to reveal himself gradually to the disciples:
“Our Lord and redeemer revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time, undoubtedly because so great was the virtue of the miracle that the weak hearts of mortals could not grasp [the significance of] this all at once. Thus, he had regard for the frailty of those seeking him. To those who came first to the tomb, both the women who were aflame with love for him and the men, he showed the stone rolled back. Since his body had been carried away, he showed them the linen cloths in which it had been wrapped lying there alone. Then, to the women who were searching eagerly, who were confused in their minds about what they had found out about him, he showed a vision of angels who disclosed evidences of the fact that he had risen again. Thus, with the report of his resurrection already accomplished, going ahead of him, the Lord of hosts and the king of glory himself at length appeared and made clear with what great might he had overcome the death he had temporarily tasted.” (From Homilies on the Gospels 2,9,25)
One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us “eyes of faith” to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Lord and to know him personally. Do you celebrate the feast of Easter with joy and thanksgiving for the victory which Jesus has won for you over sin and death?
“Lord Jesus Christ, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give me the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Help me to draw near to you and to grow in the knowledge of your great love and power.”
Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,22-23
1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!
2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures for ever.”
16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.
22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
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Courtesy of www.dailyscripture.net
Copyright © 2013 Don Schwager
Holy Saturday (March 30): “They laid him in a rock-hewn tomb”
Gospel Reading: Luke 23:50-56 [for the Easter Vigil see Luke 24:1-12]
50 Now there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathe’a. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their purpose and deed, and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud, and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid; 56 then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Meditation: Jesus not only died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3); he also, by the grace of God, tasted death for every one (Hebrews 2:9). It was a real death that put an end to his earthly human existence. Jesus died in mid afternoon and the Sabbath began at 6:00 pm. Since the Jewish law permitted no work on the Sabbath, the body had to be buried quickly. Someone brave enough would have to get permission from the Roman authorities to take the body and bury it. The bodies of executed criminals were usually left unburied as carion for the vultures and dogs. Jesus was spared this indignity through the gracious intervention of Joseph of Arimethea. Who was this admirer and secret disciple of Jesus? Luke tells us that Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council that condemned Jesus. We are told that he did not agree with their verdict. He was either absent from their meeting or silent when they tried Jesus. What kind of man was Joseph? Luke tells us that he was “good and righteous” and “looking for the kingdom of God”. Although he did not stand up for Jesus at his trial, he nonetheless, sought to honor him in his death by giving him a proper burial. This was to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah had foretold: “He was cut off out of the land of the living ..and they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth” (Isaiah 53:8-9).
In the Book of Revelations, the Lord Jesus speaks: “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one: I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelations 1:17-18). No tomb in the world could contain the Lord Jesus for long. His death on the cross purchased our redemption and his triumph over the grave on Easter morning defeated death. What preserved the Lord Jesus from corruption? He was kept from decay and he rose from the dead by divine power. “My flesh will dwell in hope. For you will not let your Holy One see corruption” (Psalm 16:9-10). The mystery of Christ’s lying in the tomb on the sabbath reveals the great sabbath rest of God after the fulfillment of our salvation which brings peace to the whole world (Colossians. 1:18-20). Is your hope in this life only, or is it well founded in the resurrection of Christ and his promise that those who believe in him will live forever?
“Lord Jesus, you died that I might live forever in your kingdom of peace and righteousness. Strengthen my faith that I may I know the power of your resurrection and live in the hope of seeing you face to face for ever.”
Psalm 16:1; 8-11
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your godly one see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of joy, in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
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Courtesy of www.dailyscripture.net
Copyright © 2013 Don Schwager
Good Friday (March 29): “It is finished”
Gospel Reading: John 19:17-30 ( for fuller passage see: John 18:1-19:42)
“So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews’. Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. The chief priests of the Jews then said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, The King of the Jews’, but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews’. Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written’. When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be’. this was to fulfill the scripture. “They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots”. So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), ‘I thirst’. A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, ‘It is finished’; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit”
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
52:13 Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. 14 As many were astonished at him — his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men — 15 so shall he startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that which they have not heard they shall understand. 53:1 Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand; 11 he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Meditation: The cross brings us face to face with Jesus’ suffering. He was alone – all his disciples had deserted him except for his mother and three women along with John, the beloved disciple. And his death was agonizing and humiliating. Normally a crucified man could last for several days on a cross. Jesus’ had already been scourged, beaten with rods, and a crown of thorns pressed into his skull. It is no wonder that he died mid-afternoon. Pilate publicly heralded Jesus “The King of the Jews” as he died upon the cross, no doubt to irritate and annoy the chief priests and Pharisees.
Jesus was crucified for his claim to be King. The Jews had understood that the Messiah would come as king to establish God’s reign for them. They wanted a king who would free them from tyranny and foreign domination. Many had high hopes that Jesus would be the Messianic king. Little did they understand what kind of kingship Jesus claimed to have. Jesus came to conquer hearts and souls for an imperishable kingdom, rather than to conquer perishable lands and entitlements. We can find no greater proof of God’s love for us than the willing sacrifice of his Son on the cross. Jesus’ parting words, “It is finished!” express triumph rather than defeat. Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit knowing that the strife was now over and the battle was won. Even on the cross Jesus knew the joy of victory. What the Father sent him into the world to do has now been accomplished. Christ offered himself without blemish to God and he put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (see Hebrews 9:24-26).
Augustine (5th century) comments on those who stood at the cross of Jesus: “As they were looking on, so we too gaze on his wounds as he hangs. We see his blood as he dies. We see the price offered by the redeemer, touch the scars of his resurrection. He bows his head, as if to kiss you. His heart is made bare open, as it were, in love to you. His arms are extended that he may embrace you. His whole body is displayed for your redemption. Ponder how great these things are. Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind: as he was once fixed to the cross in every part of his body for you, so he may now be fixed in every part of your soul.” (GMI 248)
In the cross of Christ we see the triumph of Jesus over his enemies – sin, Satan, and death. Christian writers down through the centuries have sung the praises of the Cross of Christ. Paul the Apostle exclaimed, “But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). Hear what Gregory Nazianzen (329-389 AD), an early church father and bishop of Constantinople, wrote about the triumph of Christ’s exaltation on the cross : “Many indeed are the wondrous happenings of that time: God hanging from a cross, the sun made dark and again flaming out; for it was fitting that creation should mourn with its creator. The temple veil rent, blood and water flowing from his side: the one as from a man, the other as from what was above man; the earth shaken, the rocks shattered because of the rock; the dead risen to bear witness to the final and universal resurrection of the dead. The happenings at the sepulcher and after the sepulcher, who can fittingly recount them? Yet no one of them can be compared to the miracle of my salvation. A few drops of blood renew the whole world, and do for all men what the rennet does for the milk: joining us and binding us together. (On the Holy Pasch, Oration 45.1)
Rupert of Deutz (1075–1129), a Benedictine theologian and abbot, wrote: “The cross of Christ is the door to heaven, the key to paradise, the downfall of the devil, the uplifting of mankind, the consolation of our imprisonment, the prize for our freedom.” The Cross of Christ is the safeguard of our faith, the assurance of our hope, and the throne of love. It is also the sign of God’s mercy and the proof of forgiveness. By his cross Jesus Christ has pardoned us and set us free from the tyranny of sin. He paid the price for us when he made atonement for our sins. The way to peace, joy, and righteousness in the kingdom of God and the way to victory over sin and corruption, fear and defeat, despair and death is through the cross of Jesus Christ. Do you follow the Lord Jesus in his way of the cross with joy, hope, and confidence?
“Lord Jesus Christ, by your death on the cross you have won pardon for us and freedom from the tyranny of sin and death. May I live in the joy and freedom of your victory over sin and death.”
Psalm 31:2,6,12-17,24
2 Incline your ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!
6 You hate those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD.
12 I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.
13 Yes, I hear the whispering of many — terror on every side! — as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors!
16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!
17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame, let them go dumbfounded to Sheol.
24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!
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Courtesy of www.dailyscripture.net
Copyright © 2013 Don Schwager
Holy Thursday (March 28): Jesus’ supreme humility
Gospel Reading: John 13:1-15
1 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. 5 Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. 6 He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “You are not all clean.” 12 When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14
1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 “This month shall be for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month they shall take every man a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household; 4 and if the household is too small for a lamb, then a man and his neighbor next to his house shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old; you shall take it from the sheep or from the goats; 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs in the evening. 7 Then they shall take some of the blood, and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat them. 8 They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. 11 In this manner you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 14 “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as an ordinance for ever.
Meditation: Does your love waver when you encounter bitter disappointments and injury from others? As Jesus’ hour of humiliation draws near he reveals to his disciples the supreme humility which shaped the love he had for them. He stoops to perform a menial task reserved for servants – the washing of smelly, dirty feet. In stooping to serve his disciples Jesus knew he would be betrayed by one of them and that the rest would abandon him through disloyalty. Such knowledge could have easily led to bitterness or hatred. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and disloyalty with the greatest humility and supreme love. Jesus loved his disciples to the very end, even when they failed him and forsook him. The Lord loves each of us unconditionally. His love has power to set us free to serve others with Christ-like compassion and humility. Does the love of Christ rule in your heart, thoughts, intentions and actions?
Saint Augustine in his sermon for this day, wrote: “He had the power of laying down his life; we by contrast cannot choose the length of our lives, and we die even if it is against our will. He, by dying, destroyed death in himself; we are freed from death only in his death. His body did not see corruption; our body will see corruption and only then be clothed through him in incorruption at the end of the world. He needed no help from us in saving us; without him we can do nothing. He gave himself to us as the vine to the branches; apart from him we cannot have life. Finally, even if brothers die for brothers, yet no martyr by shedding his blood brings forgiveness for the sins of his brothers, as Christ brought forgiveness to us. In this he gave us, not an example to imitate but a reason for rejoicing. Inasmuch, then, as they shed their blood for their brothers, the martyrs provided “the same kind of meal” as they had received at the Lord’s table. Let us then love one another as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us.”
“Lord Jesus, your love conquers all and never fails. Help me to love others freely, with heart-felt compassion , kindness and goodness. Where there is injury, may I sow peace rather than strife.”
Psalm 116:12-13, 16-18
12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaid. You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people
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Courtesy of www.dailyscripture.net
Copyright © 2013 Don Schwager
Palm Sunday (March 24): “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”
Gospel Reading: Luke 19:28-40 [See Passion Narrative & Meditation for Luke 22:14–23:56]
28 And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Beth’phage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here. 31 If any one asks you, `Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this, `The Lord has need of it.'” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. 37 As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him that is weary. Morning by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. 5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward. 6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 7 For the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame
Meditation: Does the King of glory find a welcome entry in your home and heart? Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing full well what awaited him – betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion. The people of Jerusalem, however, were ready to hail him as their Messianic King! Little did they know what it would cost this king to usher in his kingdom. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem astride a colt was a direct fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Zechariah (9:9): Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem. Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, and riding on an ass and upon a colt the foal of an ass. The colt was a sign of peace. Jesus enters Jerusalem in meekness and humility, as the Messianic King who offers victory and peace to his people. That victory and peace would be secured in the cross and resurrection which would soon take place at the time of Passover.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) comments on the significance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem:
“The master of humility is Christ who humbled himself and became obedient even to death, even the death of the cross. Thus he does not lose his divinity when he teaches us humility. …What great thing was it to the king of the ages to become the king of humanity? For Christ was not the king of Israel so that he might exact a tax or equip an army with weaponry and visibly vanquish an enemy. He was the king of Israel in that he rules minds, in that he gives counsel for eternity, in that he leads into the kingdom of heaven for those who believe, hope, and love. It is a condescension, not an advancement for one who is the Son of God, equal to the Father, the Word through whom all things were made, to become king of Israel. It is an indication of pity, not an increase in power.” [Tractates on John 51.3-4]
Psalm 24 is another prophetic passage which echoes this triumphal procession of the King of glory: Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Jesus Christ came to bring us the kingdom of God. He is the true King who offers peace, joy, and everlasting life for those who accept his kingship. Does the King of glory find a welcome entry in your heart and home? And do your walls echo with the praise of his glory?
“Lord Jesus, be the King and Ruler of my heart, mind, life, and home. May my life reflect your meekness and humility that you may be honored as the King of glory!”
Psalm 24:3-10
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. [Selah]
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! [Selah]
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Courtesy of www.dailyscripture.net
Copyright © 2013 Don Schwager
Tuesday 1 January
Circumcision
Marks the day when Jesus was circumcised.
Festival of St Basil the Great
St Basil is one of the great fathers of the Orthodox Church.
Sunday 6 January
Celebrates the visit of the wise men (the magi) to the infant Jesus. In the East, where it originated, the Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. (Catholics and Episcopalians celebrate this separately: see Baptism of the Lord) Also known as Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day).
Christmas Day (Armenian Orthodox)
Armenian Christians celebrate Christ’s birth at Epiphany, except for Armenians in the Holy Land, who celebrate Christmas on January 19th.
Theophany
Orthodox churches mark the baptism of Jesus on this day.
Monday 7 January
Most Orthodox churches use the Julian rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar. As a result, they celebrate Christmas 13 days later than other Christian churches.
Sunday 13 January
St Hilary’s Day
According to tradition, “St. Hilary’s is the coldest day of the year.” St. Hilary was a fourth century Bishop of Poitiers.
Baptism of the Lord
Commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. Occurs on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics and Episcopalians celebrate this holy day, but Eastern Christianity celebrates the baptism of Jesus at Epiphany.
Friday 18 January
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (start)
First celebrated in 1908. The days of 18-25 January (regardless of the days of the week involved) were originally chosen because they covered the days between the feast of St Peter and the feast of St Paul. Some churches and regions use a different week.
Monday 21 January
St Agnes
Patron saint of girls, martyred at the age of 13.
Friday 25 January
Anglicans and Catholics celebrate St Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.
Monday 28 January
St Thomas Aquinas
Doctor of the Church and patron saint of students and theologians.
Saturday 2 February
This is often called The Presentation of Christ in the Temple and commemorates the day Mary took Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to present him to God. Coincides with Groundhog Day (USA)
Monday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes
Marks the day in 1858 when St Bernadette had her first vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Tuesday 12 February
Also called Pancake Day and Mardi Gras. The British name of “Pancake Day” comes from the tradition of making pancakes to use up all the food that could not be eaten during Lent.
Wednesday 13 February
The first day of Lent for Western Christian churches. Lent is the season marking the time Jesus spent in the wilderness.
Thursday 14 February
Now more a secular festival than a religious one. There are at least three different saints named Valentine.
Friday 1 March
Saint David, or Dewi Sant as he’s called in the Welsh language, is the patron saint of Wales.
Tuesday 5 March
St Piran’s Day
Piran is regarded as the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners. He was born in Ireland. The Cornish flag may have been inspired by the legend that Piran discovered the process for smelting tin: black rock with a white cross of pure metal.
Sunday 10 March
Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Not the same as Mothers’ Day in the USA.
Sunday 17 March
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
Monday 18 March
Clean Monday – Beginning of Lent (Orthodox)
The start of the “Great Lent” for Orthodox Christians. This day is called Clean Monday, and occurs seven weeks before the Orthodox Easter
Tuesday 19 March
St Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sunday 24 March
The sixth and last Sunday of Lent. Marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week.
Monday 25 March
Marks the angel Gabriel’s message to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the incarnation of Christ. It also celebrates the incarnation itself as the date falls 9 months before Christmas.
Thursday 28 March
Christians remember Maundy Thursday as the day of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the ceremony known as the Eucharist.
Friday 29 March
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion.
Sunday 31 March
Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – his return from death after the Crucifixion. The most important Christian festival. Most years Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different date.
Tuesday 23 April
Saint George is the patron saint of England.
Sunday 5 May
Orthodox Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – his return from death after the Crucifixion. The most important Christian festival
Thursday 9 May
Ascension Day marks the last earthly appearance of Christ after his resurrection. Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Sunday 12 May
Ascension Day (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
Ascension Day is normally celebrated 40 days after Easter. The Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates it on the following Sunday instead.
Sunday 19 May
The seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the birth of the Christian Church.
Sunday 26 May
Trinity Sunday
The first Sunday after Pentecost. Christians meditate on the nature of God as “Three in one”.
Thursday 30 May
Roman Catholic festival celebrating the “real presence of Christ in the Eucharist”. The festival falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
Sunday 2 June
Corpus Christi (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
Corpus Christi falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. The Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates it on the following Sunday instead.
Saturday 29 June
Observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. One of the oldest saints’ days.
Sunday 30 June
This day honours all saints, known and unknown, of the Christian church. Western churches celebrate All Saints Day on November 1.
Monday 15 July
Swithin (or Swithun) was a Saxon bishop in the 9th century. Legend has it that the weather on his feast day, 15 July, will determine the weather for the next 40 days.
Tuesday 6 August
Transfiguration
Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden emanation of radiance from the person of Jesus that occurred on the mountain.
Thursday 15 August
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A largely Roman Catholic festival celebrating their belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven.
Dormition of the Theotokos
An Orthodox festival that commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ’s mother. Dormition means “falling asleep”.
Sunday 8 September
Nativity of the Theotokos
Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary
Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Feast of the Birth of Mary
Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches celebrate the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Sunday 29 September
Michaelmas/ St Michael’s Day
A feast day in honour of the archangel Michael. Michael is one of only two angels mentioned by name in the Bible (the other being Gabriel.)
Sunday 13 October
Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 – 1066. He built Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him – and where the saint is also celebrated on January 5 each year, the anniversary of his death.
Thursday 31 October
The night before All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day). Its origins date back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century.
Friday 1 November
All Saints’ Day (Hallowmas, All Hallows’)
All Saints’ Day (also known as All Hallows’ Day or Hallowmas) is when Anglicans and Roman Catholics honour all saints, known and unknown, of the Christian church. Orthodox churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
Saturday 2 November
All Souls’ Day is an opportunity for Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic churches to commemorate the faithful departed. They remember and pray for the souls of people who are in Purgatory. All Souls’ Day is celebrated on 3 November if the 2nd is a Sunday.
Saturday 30 November
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece and Russia. The flag of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew. St Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was originally a fisherman and became the first Apostle.
Sunday 1 December
Advent Sunday
The beginning of the ecclesiastical year on the Sunday closest to November 30. Advent is the season before Christmas – In Western Christendom, four Sundays are included. In Eastern Christendom, the season is longer and begins in the middle of November
Sunday 8 December
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Celebrated by Roman Catholics who remember Mary’s conception as being without sin, therefore, immaculate.
Friday 13 December
Saint Lucy’s Day or the Feast of St. Lucy is marked by Catholics and Orthodox Christians and also celebrated by members of the Lutheran Church.
Tuesday 24 December
The day before Christmas Day
Wednesday 25 December
The day when Western Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Thursday 26 December
St Stephen’s Day
