As we enter the season of the Great Fast, we pray that we arrive to see the glorious day of Resurrection of the Lord – Pascha!

Brethren, let us purify ourselves,
from all stain of flesh and spirit.
Let us illumine the light of our souls with love of poverty.
Let us not slander one another with curses!
For the time has come when the Bridegroom
gives to each according to his works.
Let us greet Christ with the wise virgins,
crying out to him with the words of the Robber:
~ Remember us Lord, when you come into your Kingdom!

[Apostiha, Vesper, Friday of Cheese Week, Tone 2]

The Mission doors continue to be open and be the only Orthodox witness and presence in the CBD of Melbourne.

To accommodate the large volume of people who are now coming to the Mission during week days, we have decided that the Mission will be open every day, except Friday during the entire season of Lent.

People can come and worship with us, light candles, or sit and receive the Peace of the Holy Spirit that comes from our divine hymnody of the Church.

We are also aware that many come to the Mission between the Services and this has opened an opportunity ‘to man the Mission’ on Tuesdays.

We ask the faithful who have expressed a desire to keep the doors open and welcome people as they enter the Mission, to contact one of the Mission Board members and place their names on the roster.

And on behalf of the entire Mission family, we the members of the Board, ask every person that we may have offended, to forgive us sinners.

Our hymnody and prayers at the Mission rise early to anticipate the Lord, and end the day with hymnody and prayer.

The resilience and strength of the Mission family to continue in its vision and work in the Vineyard of the Lord, has proven to be astounding and humbling.

To God be the glory.
On behalf of the Mission,

Stephen Atsis
Administrator

Holy Cross Orthodox Mission

The Calendar contains all information essential for an Orthodox Christian to participate in the daily life and seasonal cycles of the Church, including all feast days and fasts, the main Saints commemorated in the daily Services, the appropriate Tone for the week, and daily scripture readings.

The calendar also features a photographic record of the life of the Mission community, and also that of our brethren in Gereja Ortodox Indonesia (GOI – the Orthodox Church of Indonesia,) whom we continue to support.

Copies are available upon request at the Mission, or by contacting the bookshop.

Click through here for an invitation (PDF file) to our Feast-day this Sunday 14th August – Procession of the Holy Cross.

We look forward to seeing you.

On behalf of the Mission Board,
Stephen Atsis
Administrator

[Invitation]

Fr Michael Baloi will be serving the Divine Liturgy at the Mission this Sunday, 24^th July.

Services start at the usual hour:

3^rd & 6^th Hours                  9:00 am

Liturgy                                  9:30 am

For those who desire to have confession/absolution, we suggest you either arrive at the Mission at a reasonable time before the services start, or see Fr Michael some time after.

We shall be having Sunday Trapeza after the liturgy in our meeting room, and as usual we shall have an open forum for discussion and ideas.

On behalf of the Mission Board

Stephen Atsis
Administrator.

Enquiries should be directed to the Mission Administrator

Lord save Your people and bless Your heritage.
Grant victory to Orthodox Christians over their enemies,
and protect Your people by Your Cross!
(Troparion of the Cross – Tone 4)

The Board and Missioners welcome Bishop Agapit to our Patronal Feast, and invite friends of the Mission and all visitors to come and celebrate the Procession of the Cross with us.

The main service is the Pontifical Liturgy on Saturday morning, and a list of all the services can be found here…

Some notes for intending visitors:

Saturday Meal
After the Liturgy on Saturday, we will adjourn for a fellowship meal, at approximately 11.30am.  All are welcome to stay for the meal, and it would be helpful to us if you could advise your intention in advance. (Preferably an email to the Administrator info@australianorthodox.org )

The fasting for this day has been relaxed for the Patronal Feast, to include fish, wine and oil. Options shall also be provided for those who may prefer to maintain a strict fast.

Parking and Transport
We recommend two parking options for your consideration.  Parking on nearby Victoria Street is metered until 12.30pm and unlimited thereafter, and will cost about $6 for the morning.

Alternatively, Wilson Parking at 150 Lonsdale Street offers an all-day flat rate of $6 on weekends. This carpark is 1-1/2 blocks from the Mission and takes 5-7 minutes to walk. There are also other commercial parking stations in the area.

Parking immediately outside the Mission is convenient but restrictive, with the 2 hour limit being rigourously enforced by the city council. Tyres are marked and we do not recommend you rely upon being able to just ‘top up’ the meter.

The Mission is conveniently close to Parliament railway station and the free City Circle tram service.

Fr Marko will be serving the Liturgy, this Sunday at the Mission.

This will be his last Sunday before he leaves for Canada, possibly to stay there for a few months, or more.

It has been a blessing to have him with us these past two months.

His zeal to learn the language spoken in this nation so as to use it for mission and the Divine Services, makes him special.

Should it be the will and desire of the Holy Spirit, for Fr Marko to return to Melbourne permanently, it would be to our  benefit.

We also remind everyone that our “mini Patronal Feast” is on Sunday, 7^th March, 2010 – Veneration of the Holy Cross.

Fr Benjamin will be at the Mission from Saturday to Tuesday.

Many have inquired regarding the times for confession/ absolution with Fr Benjamin.

Please be mindful that the Services will not be interrupted for this Sacrament.

We suggest that the faithful come at least half an hour before a Service, or even come to the Mission on Monday from 7:00 am – 6:30 pm for confession/absolution or private talks.

The schedule for Holy Week will be sent out by email and posted to the website News page next week.

The Mission Board

A reminder that this Sunday, 14 February, 2010, the Holy Cross Australian Orthodox Mission, Inc., will be holding its Annual General Meeting.

Schedule for this day :

9:00 am                      3^rd & 6^th Hours

9:30 am                      Divine Liturgy [Fr Barnabas celebrating]

(Followed by):               Sunday Vespers of Forgiveness (complete service)

12:00 noon (approx)      AGM [held at the lunch room]

The Administrator of Holy Cross Orthodox Mission advises that “the AGM is for Mission Registered Members.” However, the “meeting is open to anyone who desires to attend”.  Also, only “Mission Registered Members can cast  a  vote and/or raise issues for discussion and consideration”.

On behalf of the Board:

As “we prepare ourselves to sail in the sea of the Fast” – Missioners & friends, forgive us sinners.

“The springtime of the Fast has dawned,
and the flower of repentance has sprung.
Therefore, O brethren,
let us purify ourselves from all defilement,
as we sing to the Giver of light:
~ Glory to you, O only Lover of mankind!”
[Apostiha, Tone 3]

The Annual General Meeting of Holy Cross Mission will be held at the Mission on 14th February 2010, commencing shortly after the conclusion of Divine Liturgy and the Vespers of Forgiveness Sunday.

For further information, please contact the Administrator, at info@australianorthodox.org

In Christ,

the Mission Board