Inviting Angels Into Our Life

On the first Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity,
Zechariah has encounter of an angel. Fr John Brian uses the story from Luke
Chapter 1 to talk about how we invite angels into our lives. Even so, we can be
startled we there is a response to our prayers.

The angels say "Fear not." Fr John Brian then discusses Isaiah 41:8-15 appointed
for Sunday of Zechariah, where God speaks through the prophet three times,
saying "Fear not."

"Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I have
strengthened you and have helped you, yea, I will uphold you with the right hand
of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 14, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html

SPECIAL AUDIO RECORDING:
Fr John Brian gave a summary of interfaith relations as closing remarks at the
end of conference sessions of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship-North America
Conference 2010, "Interfaith Dialogue: Seeking the Peaceable Kingdom." The talk
includes an invitation to convene in Madison, Wisconsin for the 2011 Orthodox
Peace Conference. Listen on-line or podcast the short speech at the web pages
below. The recording was made on the evening of Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St
Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine, California VISIT
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml
OR
http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-clo\
sing.html

Last week:
Energy of God's Presence - Psalm 82
On a Sunday of Dedication in the preparation for Holy Nativity, Fr John Brian's
homiletic sermon examines the scripture lessons (Acts 7:44-53; Hebrew 9:1-14 and
John 10:22-28) to discuss the reason for spiritual development and the energy of
coming into God's presence. When Jesus quotes Psalm 82 to the Jewish leaders who
were questioning His divinity, only one verse is quoted but insight is gained
when Fr John Brian uses Psalm 82 as a focal point in our relationship with God
and His church. This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from
the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 7, 2010 Listen
on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/energy-of-god-presence-psalm-82.html


Previously:
seraphim encounters - Isaiah 6
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/seraphim-encounters-isaiah-6.html

In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html

Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

The Servant Chooses
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html

Translucent Transitions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html

The Cross Makes All Things New
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Christians appeal for canonization of the Martyrs of Baghdad
By Speroforum

"We ask that the martyrs of Iraq be canonized, because the example of their
lives and their sacrifice is an inspiration to us all as Christians, Arabs and
non alike, living in the Middle East."  These are words taken from an internet
petition that has been launched by a group of Arab Christians living in the Holy
Land.

In the massacre of October 31, in the Syriac Catholic Church of Our Lady of
Deliverance in Baghdad, over 40 faithful were killed, including two priests, Fr.
Thair Sad-alla Abd-al and Fr. Waseem Sabeeh Al-kas Butros, as they prayed with
their people: "Their names join the list of Christians who have died in Iraq for
their faith, as Christians of the region continue to face a serious threat,"
says the petition. Both the Catholic Church and the various Orthodox Christian
churches recognize as martyrs those who have died at the hands of those who hate
the Christian faith.

"As Arab Christians in the Holy Land, would like to reaffirm our desire to live
our Christian faith in the same land where Christ died and rose for our
salvation and where his apostles proclaimed the Good News to our ancestors,"
continues the text, recalling that the Middle East, birthplace of Christianity,
has borne fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit and now expresses a plurality of
believers: Greek-Catholics, Syrian Catholics, Copts, Maronites, Armenians,
Latins, Lutherans, Anglicans, and others.

Following the tradition of the Early Church, the Christian Arabs ask that those
who die as martyrs be recognized and honored as saints, in particular: Fr. Thair
Sad-alla Abd-al and Fr. Waseem Sabeeh Al-kas Butros and their companions, who
were murdered on October 31 by Islamist terrorists. Others mentioned are the
Chaldean Sisters Fawzeiyah and Margaret Naoum, killed March 26, 2007; the
Chaldean priest Fr. Raghid Aziz Ganni and sub-deacons Yousef Daoud, Wahid Hanna
Isho, and Gassan Issam Bidawid, killed June 3, 2007 in Mosul; Chaldean
Archbishop Paulos Faraj of Mosul, found dead March 13, 2008. The website also
recalls the murder of Syriac Orthodox Father Boulos Iskandar and Father Joseph
Petros, killed in Baghdad on October 9, 2006; Father Amer Iskander, Syriac
Orthodox, who was found beheaded on October 11, 2006; and Reverend Mundher
Aldayr, a Protestant minister who was killed in Mosul on November 26, 2006

Visitors to the Martyrs-Iraq.org website can add their names to the petition.
The website also lists the names of the Iraqi Christians murdered in Baghdad in
October. The website notes that it has been organized by a group of "anonymous
Christians."

The petition is available at http://www.martyrs-iraq.org

Another Iraqi Syrian Orthodox Christian murdered in Mosul
December 02, 2010

The targeted murder of another Christian in Mosul has drawn a new protest from
Church leaders, who are demanding effective government action to ensure their
security.

Fadi Walid Gabriel, a Syrian Orthodox layman, was seized by gunman who broke
into his home; he was taken to a nearby empty shop where he was killed.

Eight Christians have now been murdered in Iraq-- all in execution-style
killings-- since the October 31 massacre at the parish of Our Lady of Salvation
in Baghdad.

---------------------------

Bishops protest to Government

A young engineer was abducted from his shop and killed in a place nearby.
Christian delegation withdraws in protest from a government conference on
coexistence and tolerance. Mgr Sako: "It 's our democratic right to demand the
authorities defend Christians."

Mosul (AsiaNews) - Bishops and Christian representatives have withdrawn from a
conference on "Social Coexistence and Tolerance" organized in Erbil by the Iraqi
Ministry of Human Rights. The gesture was intended as a protest against yet
another crime committed against Christians. The day before, in fact, there was
another Christian victim in Mosul, Fadi Walid Gabriel, 26, a Syrian Orthodox,
the victim of a cold-blooded murder committed by three men.

The killing of the young engineer took place two days ago, November 30, and the
funeral was held yesterday. Fadi Walid was in his shop, in the Zuhoor
neighborhood of Mosul, where he was also lived, when three armed men broke in
and abducted him at gunpoint. They led him to an empty shop nearby and murdered
him in cold blood. With the death of Fadi Walid the number of Syrian Christians
murdered after the massacre of the church of Our Lady Salvation in Baghdad
increases to eight.

In protest against what seems an unstoppable wave of violence against the
Christian minority, the representatives of the Christian communities have
withdrawn from the conference on Social Coexistence and Tolerance, organized by
the Iraqi Ministry for Human Rights. Local sources say that the bishop Afak
Assadorian, President of the Council of the Churches in Iraq gave the signal for
withdrawal. Both Assadorian that other bishops have publicly expressed their
outrage at this latest attack on Christians. The session was suspended, and
there was an emergency meeting to convince the Christian delegation to return.
They agreed only after being assured that their demands will be contained in the
"Manifesto" to be published at the end of the conference. Following the
resumption of discussions, in a brief speech, the Chaldean archbishop of Kirkuk,
Mgr. Louis Sako said: "It 's our democratic right to ask the Iraqi government
and the defence minister to impose their control and protect Christians in Iraq,
they should protect everyone, but right now, especially Iraqi Christians."

Source:
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Christian-murdered-in-Mosul:-bishops-protest-to-G\
overnment-20150.html

Becoming As Mary

On the second Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity,Mary
is visited by Archangel Gabriel. Fr John Brian discusses the occasion with
special emphasis on the spirituality of Mary.

To clarify this, Fr John Brian uses a list of the "qualities of a spiritual man"
written by A. W. Tozer to help in our understanding of spiritual development by
identifying qualities we may have and those we may yet lack.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 21, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-as-mary.html


Last week:
Inviting Angels Into Our Life
On the first Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity,
Zechariah has encounter of an angel. Fr John Brian uses the story from Luke
Chapter 1 to talk about how we invite angels into our lives. Even so, we can be
startled we there is a response to our prayers. The angels say "Fear not." Fr
John Brian then discusses Isaiah 41:8-15 appointed for Sunday of Zechariah,
where God speaks through the prophet three times, saying "Fear not." "Fear not,
for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I have strengthened
you and have helped you, yea, I will uphold you with the
right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10 This sermon lesson uses the
readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was
given on Sunday, November 14, 2010 Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html


Previously:
Closing remarks at the end of Orthodox Peace Fellowship-North America
Conference 2010: "Interfaith Dialogue: Seeking the Peaceable Kingdom" - on the
evening of Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine,
California
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml

Energy of God's Presence - Psalm 82
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/energy-of-god-presence-psalm-82.html

seraphim encounters - Isaiah 6
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/seraphim-encounters-isaiah-6.html

In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html

Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

The Servant Chooses
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html

Translucent Transitions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html



Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Bible Study - The Epistle of Jude

An hour long recording of the bible study gathering organized by Holy
Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish in Madison, Wisconsin. It was led by Fr
John Brian on November 17, 2010 at Holy Transfiguration Chapel.

The text was the catholic Epistle of Jude. The study started with a
comparison of bibles, including various English translations and the
different scriptures included in the Orthodox Bible and the Peshitta (which is
the Aramaic canon of scripture).

The Epistle of Jude deals with false teaching and teachers that "creep" into the
church. Then, Jude discusses how to avoid the pitfalls of false teaching and
stay true to the teachings of the One True Church.

Pray for us and our mission efforts. Since this is new ministry, your
feedback will be appreciated.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/bible-study-epistle-of-jude.html

Spiritual Health and Women

On the third Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity, Mary
visits Elizabeth and the Holy Spirit speaks. How honorable and blessed are these
women. Fr John Brian brings up the power of women using a verse from the
appointed reading of Proverbs:

"A wise woman builds her house; but the foolish tears it down with her own
hands." (14:1)

Fr John Brian further discusses how this occasion is filled with spiritual
health, using the Signs of Spiritual Health attributed to Howard Clinebell, a
professor of pastoral counseling. Here are the signs.

You are spiritually healthy when:
1. You feel a sense of belonging
2. You are open to awe and wonder
3. You live with an attitude of hope
4. You have the ability to trust
5. You are able to show appreciation
6. You have a sense of purpose in your life
7. You have a sense of humor

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 28, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-health-and-women.html

Last week:
Becoming As Mary
On the second Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity, Mary
is visited by Archangel Gabriel. Fr John Brian discusses the occasion with
special emphasis on the spirituality of Mary. To clarify this, Fr John Brian
uses a list of the "qualities of a spiritual man" written by A. W. Tozer to help
in our understanding of spiritual development by identifying qualities we may
have and those we may yet lack. This sermon lesson uses the readings and
services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was
given on Sunday, November 21, 2010 Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-as-mary.html


Previously:
Inviting Angels Into Our Life
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html

Closing remarks at Orthodox Peace Fellowship-North America Conference 2010:
"Interfaith Dialogue: Seeking the Peaceable Kingdom" - on the evening of October
2, 2010 at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine,
California
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml

Energy of God's Presence - Psalm 82
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/energy-of-god-presence-psalm-82.html

seraphim encounters - Isaiah 6
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/seraphim-encounters-isaiah-6.html

In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html

Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

The Servant Chooses
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html



Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Churches organise day of fasting on 9 December to remember the martyrs of
Baghdad's cathedral

Meeting in Erbil, Christian religious leaders decide to meet Christian lawmakers
to figure out why fellow Christians are under attack. They also call on the
Kurdish government to provide some 520 Christian refugee families with jobs and
education.

ral in the Iraqi capital, as the liturgy was underway. Because of the attack and
the subsequent gun battle between hostage takers and Iraqi security forces, 58
people were killed and more than 70 were wounded. Forty-six Christians,
including women, children and two priests, were among the dead.

Christian religious leader met yesterday in Erbil, northern Iraq, to evaluate
the situation and vet the problems their respective communities face in the wake
of the violent attack in Baghdad, such a renewed flood of refugees towards the
north.

In addition to the day of fasting, the religious leaders have decided to meet
the leaders of political parties that have elected Christian members to discuss
the motives behind these attacks and work out some solution. According to the
religious leaders, the government has failed to provide the Christian community
adequate protection.

Another issue tackled was the arrival in Kurdistan (northern Iraq) of more than
500 Christian families who are without housing, work or school for their
children. Religious leaders want the Kurdish government to provide these
families with jobs and an education.

On Wednesday, Christian leaders turned down an invitation to participate in a
meeting in Erbil on "Coexistence and social tolerance" organised by the Iraqi
Ministry of Human Rights. By refusing to take part in the event, they wanted to
tell the government that it has shown inadequate concern for the security of
Christians.

Source:
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Churches-organise-day-of-fasting-on-9-December-to\
\
-remember-the-martyrs-of-Baghdad%E2%80%99s-cathedral-20164.html

Syriac Physicians Reinvent Galen
by Father Dale A. Johnson

Galen was a Greek physician,second only to Hippocrates, in fame and influence,
who lived in the second century AD. Many consider him the apex of 600 years of
Aristotelean thought and development. Galen is credited with being a major
incubator of Arab medicine beginning in the 9th century AD which in turn was the
principle influence on Western science and medicine at the end of the Dark Ages.

It is estimated that Galen wrote about 3 million lines of text which is about
the same as Ephrem. Galen is supposed to have had about 20 secretaries that
followed him and recorded his every word. Galen wrote in Greek, a language that
was known to Syriac translators but not to Arab scholars during the rise of the
Caliphate in Baghdad in the 9th century.

To read more:
http://www.socdigest.org/articles/04sept10.html

God Made Us All Children

On the fourth Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity, at
the birth of John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit now speaks through the once
silent tongue of Zechariah, the priest and father of John the Baptist. This is
also designated Children's Day.

Fr John Brian's sermon focuses on the prophecy of Zechariah, honoring his son,
and the reality of growing up - in this world and in spirit, using the
scriptures, especially Luke 1:57-80 and 1 John 3:1-3.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, December 5, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html


Last week:
Spiritual Health and Women
On the third Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity, Mary
visits Elizabeth and the Holy Spirit speaks. How honorable and blessed are these
women. Fr John Brian brings up the power of women using a verse from the
appointed reading of Proverbs:"A wise woman builds her house; but the foolish
tears it down with her own hands." (14:1) Fr John Brian further
discusses how this occasion is filled with spiritual health, using the Signs of
Spiritual Health attributed to Howard Clinebell, a professor of pastoral
counseling. Here are the signs you are spiritually healthy when: 1. You feel a
sense of belonging  2. You are open to awe and wonder  3. You live with an
attitude of hope
4. You have the ability to trust  5. You are able to show appreciation  6. You
have a sense of purpose in your life  7. You have a sense of humor This sermon
lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian
lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 28, 2010 by Fr. John Brian Paprock
at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.  Listen
on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-health-and-women.html

Previously:
Becoming As Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-as-mary.html

Inviting Angels Into Our Life
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html

Closing remarks at Orthodox Peace Fellowship-North America Conference
2010:"Interfaith Dialogue: Seeking the Peaceable Kingdom" - on the evening of
Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine,California
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml

Energy of God's Presence - Psalm 82
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/energy-of-god-presence-psalm-82.html

seraphim encounters - Isaiah 6
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/seraphim-encounters-isaiah-6.html

In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html



Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

FULLY ALIVE: Introduction

FULLY ALIVE http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/fully-alive/9706195
A collection of short sermons on living the Orthodox Christian life
Fr. John-Brian Paprock, 207 pages, 2010 - Holy Transfiguration Publications

INTRODUCTION

O God, have compassion on us, and bless us, and manifest Thy presence to us,and
have mercy on us. Amen.

The spiritual teachings of Eastern Christianity, the rituals and the
traditions of the Orthodox Church, have a transformative power. They have been
repeated on every continent, every year for centuries. In some places, they've
been repeated for more than millennia. One can see in them a preparation of the
life to come, that kingdom of peace, the restoration of the garden - a homeland
we spiritually long for. One can experience in them the presence of God; a
healing of the spiritual woundedness that comes from a material life in
competition with God's presence.

The practices of Holy Orthodoxy have been preserved in many ethnic churches -
the most ancient of those in the East, from the Caucus Mountains, along the Nile
River and following the trade routes to Southern India and China. The Syrian
Church followed the Apostle Thomas into the farthest reaches of the East. The
Greeks, too, followed the Apostle Andrew into the Slavic lands to the North.
From a small region to the east of Mediterranean Sea, this deep and abiding
spirituality has been given to the whole world, including
the New World.

It is this New World that has brought about modern society, a global reality of
nearly instant communication and travel beyond the speed of sound. And it is in
this modern time that the ideas and spiritual teachings of the most ancient
church are relevant. Yet, there is a need to bring these expressions of
antiquity and ethnic idiosyncrasy into modern terms for the good of all people.

The sermons and communication ministry of Father John-Brian Paprock has taken
this challenge. This collection of transcribed and written short sermons is only
a sample of that Christian message.

The sermons naturally flowed into four themes of the spiritual life that are
reflected in the Orthodox Christian year. These are important Christian concepts
for spiritual development:

Read the rest of the introduction and see the table of contents:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html


Also:
A Question About Confession
P. F. from Palestine asks:
Father I have a question. Is it prohibited for someone only to confess
himself in his heart in front of iconostas (e.g. at the steps in front of the
altar, in front of icons) without confession to his Priest? Please, teach me.
Thank you.

Rev Fr John Brian responds:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html


Recent audio sermons by Fr John Brian:
PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

God Made Us All Children
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html

Spiritual Health and Women
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-health-and-women.html

Becoming As Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-as-mary.html

Inviting Angels Into Our Life
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html

Closing remarks at Orthodox Peace Fellowship-North America Conference 2010:
"Interfaith Dialogue: Seeking the Peaceable Kingdom" - on the evening of
Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine, California
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml

Energy of God's Presence - Psalm 82
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/energy-of-god-presence-psalm-82.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Books by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Christmas Message form His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Prince
Patriarch of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church.

http://socmnet.org/Resource_Apostolicbull_christmas2010.htm

May each of you have a blessed Holy Nativity - Yeldho
Your prayers and support are truly appreciated - please continue to pray for our
efforts. Visit our website: www.maruroopa.blogspot.com

A special e-card is posted for you at
http://maruroopa.blogspot.com/2010/12/christ-is-born-let-us-glorify-him.html  It
is the Nativity from a 13th Century Ethiopian illuminated manuscript, one of the
oldest in existence.

Also, posted - the "Two Christmas Days" article
http://maruroopa.blogspot.com/2010/12/two-christmas-days.html

And a very good advent article written by long time mission member, Geoffrey
Gyrisco. "One Man's Advent Reflection" was originally sent to
madisontransfiguration@yahoogroups.com
http://maruroopa.blogspot.com/2010/12/one-mans-advent-reflection.html

Christ is born! Let us Glorify Him!

We hope to see you during this holy time. If not send your prayer requests that
we may remember you in our prayers.  You can also send requests and donations to
Holy Transfiguration, P.O. Box 5207, Madison, WI USA 53705

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3, Madison, Wisconsin
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...

The ABC News clip (dt. Dec 24th) on the "Mystery of the Magi" can be accessed at

http://news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/23618833#video=23613928

The ancient Syriac manuscript referred to, "The Revelation of the Magi," is
available at amazon.com in English translation.

http://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Magi-Lost-Journey-Bethlehem/dp/0061947032

Wish you all the blessings of the nativity and a Happy New Year!

Regards,
Thomas Joseph
Tech. Editor, Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies [
http://bethmardutho.cua.edu/Hugoye/ ]
Web Master, Syriac Orthodox Resources [ http://sor.cua.edu/ ]

The Promise of Peace at Christmas

On the Sunday before Christmas, Christ's Holy Nativity, Fr John Brian gives a
homiletic sermon starting focusing on Act 3:16, where St Peter is talking about
a healing miracle that just occurred:

"Faith in his [Jesus] name has healed this man who you see and know, and made
him strong; it is the faith in him [Jesus] which has granted this healing before
you all."

Then through other scripture readings appointed for the Sunday: Acts
3:16-26; Romans 4:13-38. And then drawing from the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1-9
where peaceful existence is described, where there is transformation not of the
uniqueness of what God has created, but of the distorted animal nature. This is
the promise of Peace at Christmas!

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, December 19, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/promise-of-peace-at-christmas.html


New Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian
FULLY ALIVE - INTRODUCTION
    O God, have compassion on us, and bless us, and manifest Thy presence to us,
and have mercy on us. Amen.
    The spiritual teachings of Eastern Christianity, the rituals and the
traditions of the Orthodox Church, have a transformative power. They have been
repeated on every continent, every year for centuries. In some places, they've
been repeated for more than millennia. One can see in them a preparation of the
life to come, that kingdom of peace, the restoration of the garden - a homeland
we spiritually long for. One can experience in them the presence of God; a
healing of the spiritual woundedness that comes from a material life in
competition with God's presence. Read the rest of the introduction and see the
table of contents:
    http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html

Previously:
A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html

God Made Us All Children
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html

Spiritual Health and Women
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-health-and-women.html

Becoming As Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-as-mary.html

Inviting Angels Into Our Life
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html

Closing remarks at Orthodox Peace Fellowship Conference
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Books by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Celebrating the Right Christmas

After outlining the history of the "two Christmas Days," Fr John Brian talks
about how to celebrate the right Christmas in Holy Orthodoxy, using the
scripture reading of St Paul's Epistle to the Galatians (3:23-4:7)

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is
neither male nor female; for you are all one in Jesus Christ." 3:28

"When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son who, born of a
woman, became subject to the law, to redeem them who were under the law..."
4:4-5

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, December 26, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/celebrating-right-christmas.html

Last Week:
The Promise of Peace at Christmas
On the Sunday before Christmas, Christ's Holy Nativity, Fr John Brian gives a
homiletic sermon starting focusing on Act 3:16, where St Peter is talking about
a healing miracle that just occurred: "Faith in his [Jesus] name ha healed this
man who you see and know, and made him strong; it is the faith in him [Jesus]
which has granted this healing before you all." Then through other scripture
readings appointed for the Sunday: Acts 3:16-26; Romans 4:13-38. And then
drawing from the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1-9 where peaceful
existence is described, where there is transformation not of the uniqueness of
what God has created, but of the distorted animal nature. This is the promise of
Peace at Christmas! This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed
from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, December 19, 2010
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/promise-of-peace-at-christmas.html


New Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian
FULLY ALIVE - INTRODUCTION
    O God, have compassion on us, and bless us, and manifest Thy presence to us,
and have mercy on us. Amen.
    The spiritual teachings of Eastern Christianity, the rituals and the
traditions of the Orthodox Church, have a transformative power. They have been
repeated on every continent, every year for centuries. In some places, they've
been repeated for more than millennia. One can see in them a preparation of the
life to come, that kingdom of peace, the restoration of the garden - a homeland
we spiritually long for. One can experience in them the presence of God; a
healing of the spiritual woundedness that comes from a material life in
competition with God's presence.
    Read the rest of the introduction and see the table of contents:
    http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html


Previously:
A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html

God Made Us All Children
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html

Spiritual Health and Women
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-health-and-women.html

Becoming As Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-as-mary.html

Inviting Angels Into Our Life
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Books by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

The 2011 calendar can be downloaded from http://sor.cua.edu/Calendar/index.html.
For printing, please download the pdf version.

We have an issue this year - since Easter falls very late - Apr 24; the start of
the 3 day lent is quite late as well - Feb 14. The epiphany/denHo cycle thus has
6 Sundays (i.e., after denHo). Malankara lectionaries offer readings only for 5
Sundays in this cycle. Feb 13 doesn't have a reading until I can figure out what
the sixth Sunday readings should be.

Regards,
Thomas Joseph

Godly New Year

Every New Year's day should be blessed and should be taken as an opportunity to
be with God, thanking Him for what is past and praying for His mercy in what is
to come.

Fr John Brian takes this opportunity to give a sermon about the importance of a
new year in Holy Orthodoxy and how we, as Orthodox Christians, should conduct
ourselves, following the "great commandment" that is in the Gospel of John and
in his First Epistle.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, January 2, 2011 by Fr. John
Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/godly-new-year.html

Last Week:
Celebrating the Right Christmas
After outlining the history of the "two Christmas Days," Fr John Brian talks
about how to celebrate the right Christmas in Holy Orthodoxy, using the
scripture reading of St Paul's Epistle to the Galatians (3:23-4:7)"There is
neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male
nor female; for you are all one in Jesus Christ." 3:28 - "When the fullness of
the time was come, God sent forth his Son who, born of a woman, became subject
to the law, to redeem them who were under the law..." 4:4-5 - This sermon lesson
uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary
and was given on Sunday, December 26, 2010 - Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/celebrating-right-christmas.html

New Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian
FULLY ALIVE - INTRODUCTION
   O God, have compassion on us, and bless us, and manifest Thy presence to us,
and have mercy on us. Amen.
   The spiritual teachings of Eastern Christianity, the rituals and the
traditions of the Orthodox Church, have a transformative power. They have been
repeated on every continent, every year for centuries. In some places, they've
been repeated for more than millennia. One can see in them a preparation of the
life to come, that kingdom of peace, the restoration of the garden - a homeland
we spiritually long for. One can experience in them the presence of God; a
healing of the spiritual woundedness that comes from a material life in
competition with God's presence.
   Read the rest of the introduction and see the table of contents:
   http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html


Previously:
The Promise of Peace at Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/promise-of-peace-at-christmas.html

A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html

God Made Us All Children
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html

Spiritual Health and Women
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-health-and-women.html

Becoming As Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-as-mary.html



Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Books by Fr John Brian - www.stores.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Aleppo receives Holy Father

06 January 2011, Aleppo, Syria: Morn Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, The Prince
Patriarch of Antioch & All the East reached the Province of Aleppo on January
06, Thursday for his historic Apostolic visit. His Holiness was received at the
entrance of St. Ephraim's Syriac Orthodox Cathedral by Archbishop of Aleppo, Mor
Gregorios Youhanna Ibrahim, Fr. Joseph Shafu, Dr. Elias Samao (Vice President,
Mijili Millis), Er. Albert Manouk, hundred of nuns and monks and thousands of
faithful.

For more details:
http://www.socmnet.org/News00.htm#010

Nativity and Modern Martyrs

A special solemn sermon on the Holy Nativity (Old Calendar) that focuses on
recent bombing at an Alexandria Coptic Church - which calls to mind the modern
martyrs in Iraq, Ethiopia, and throughout the Middle East these last few years.
As well as all those who left their homeland.

Fr John Brian takes this opportunity to talk about our Christian response and
the response of some Egyptian Muslims.

He chose the epistle reading appointed for the day after Nativity which is for
those Holy Innocents that were slain by King Herod: Romans 15:1-7

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary (for this occasion) and was given on Thursday night,
January 6, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox
Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/nativity-and-modern-martyrs.html


Last Sunday:
Godly New Year
Every New Year's day should be blessed and should be taken as an opportunity to
be with God, thanking Him for what is past and praying for His mercy in what is
to come. Fr John Brian takes this opportunity to give a sermon about the
importance of a new year in Holy Orthodoxy and how we, as Orthodox Christians,
should conduct ourselves, following the "great commandment" that is in the
Gospel of John and in his First Epistle. This sermon lesson uses the readings
and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and
was given on Sunday, January 2, 2011 - Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/godly-new-year.html


New Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian
FULLY ALIVE - INTRODUCTION
    O God, have compassion on us, and bless us, and manifest Thy presence to us,
and have mercy on us. Amen.
    The spiritual teachings of Eastern Christianity, the rituals and the
traditions of the Orthodox Church, have a transformative power. They have been
repeated on every continent, every year for centuries. In some places, they've
been repeated for more than millennia. One can see in them a preparation of the
life to come, that kingdom of peace, the restoration of the garden - a homeland
we spiritually long for. One can experience in them the presence of God; a
healing of the spiritual woundedness that comes from a material life in
competition with God's presence.
    Read the rest of the introduction and see the table of contents:
    http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html

Previously:
Celebrating the Right Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/celebrating-right-christmas.html

The Promise of Peace at Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/promise-of-peace-at-christmas.html

A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html

God Made Us All Children
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html

Spiritual Health and Women
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-health-and-women.html



Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Books by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Enlighten our minds - Epiphany Prayer

A special sermon on the Holy Epiphany that focuses on the Sedro Prayer
appointed for Epiphany.

Fr John Brian takes this opportunity to talk about the importance of the words
and the teachings from these ancient prayers to help and aid us in our spiritual
development.

EPIPHANY PRAYER
from the "Madedono: The Book of Church Festivals" (English 1984)

"Do You, even now, O Lord, Who have brought us to this hour, be with us and
among us by driving away from our souls all the darkness of ignorance."

"Enlighten our minds by the rays of Your light, that we may be worthy to become
children of light."

The full prayer can be read at the mission blog www.maruroopa.blogspot.com

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, January 9, 2011 by Fr. John
Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/enlighten-our-minds-epiphany-prayer.html


New Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian
FULLY ALIVE - INTRODUCTION
    Read the introduction and see the table of contents:
    http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html

This past week:
Nativity and Modern Martyrs
A special solemn sermon on the Holy Nativity (Old Calendar) that focuses on
recent bombing at an Alexandria Coptic Church - which calls to mind the modern
martyrs in Iraq, Ethiopia, and throughout the Middle East these last few years.
As well as all those who left their homeland. Fr John Brian takes this
opportunity to talk about our Christian response and the response of some
Egyptian Muslims. He chose the epistle reading appointed for the day after
Nativity which is for those Holy Innocents that were slain by King Herod: Romans
15:1-7 This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary (for this occasion) and was
given on Thursday night, January 6, 2011 - Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/nativity-and-modern-martyrs.html

Last Sunday:
Godly New Year
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/godly-new-year.html

Previously:
Celebrating the Right Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/celebrating-right-christmas.html

The Promise of Peace at Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/promise-of-peace-at-christmas.html

A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html

God Made Us All Children
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-bri
an.html

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Books by Fr John Brian
www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

When Jesus Christ is being followed by Andrew before he called him, he turns and
asks him: WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Andrew replies: Where do you live?

So, where does Christ reside? Where does he live? What does it mean to
follow him? Some surprising answers from the scriptures are explored by Fr. John
Brian in this sermon that focuses on the last part of Chapter 1 of the Gospel of
St. John and a few verses from Peter's epistle.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, January 16, 2011 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-do-you-live.html


New Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian
FULLY ALIVE - INTRODUCTION
    Read the introduction and see the table of contents:
    http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html

Last Week:
Enlighten our minds - Epiphany Prayer
A special sermon on the Holy Epiphany that focuses on the Sedro Prayer
appointed for Epiphany. Fr John Brian takes this opportunity to talk about the
importance of the words and the teachings from these ancient prayers to help and
aid us in our spiritual development.
EPIPHANY PRAYER from the "Madedono: The Book of Church Festivals" (English 1984)
"Do You, even now, O Lord, Who have brought us to this hour, be with us and
among us by driving away from our souls all the darkness of ignorance."  -
"Enlighten our minds by the rays of Your light, that we may be worthy to become
children of light."  - The full prayer can be read at the mission blog:
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com   - This sermon lesson uses the readings and services
appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, January
9, 2011 - Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/enlighten-our-minds-epiphany-prayer.html

Previously:
Nativity and Modern Martyrs
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/nativity-and-modern-martyrs.html

Godly New Year
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/godly-new-year.html

Celebrating the Right Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/celebrating-right-christmas.html

The Promise of Peace at Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/promise-of-peace-at-christmas.html

A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html

God Made Us All Children
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/god-made-us-all-children.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Books by Fr John Brian
www.lulu.com/transfiguration

REPORT    AIR DATE: Dec. 31, 2010

Monastery Works to Preserve Ancient Christian Texts

Video:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/religion/july-dec10/sacredtexts_12-31.html#disqus\
_thread

Enhancing Cooperation between Syriac, Greek Churches

26 January 2011, Ma'arat  Sayyidnaya, Damascus: Minister of Awqaf (Religious
Endowments) Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed on Tuesday said Syria has had a
significant role in building the human civilization and adding to its
prosperity.

Al-Sayyed's remarks came during a meeting with Moran Mor  Ignatius Zakka I Iwas,
Patriarch of Antioch an All the East, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac
Orthodox Church, and His Beatitude, Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All
Greece, at St. Ephraim Patriarchal Monastery here.

For more details:
http://www.socmnet.org/News00.htm#046

SOCM News Bureau - International Desk

What Must I Do?

In the Gospel of John - Chapter 3, Nicodemus visits Jesus Christ and asks,What
shall I do?

Jesus replies: Except you be born again of water and the spirit, you cannot
enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Fr John Brian uses the Epistle reading from 2 Corinthians to help in
understanding "what we must do."

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, January 23, 2011 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-must-i-do.html


Last Week:
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
When Jesus Christ is being followed by Andrew before he called him, he turns and
asks him: WHAT DO YOU WANT? Andrew replies: Where do you live? So, where does
Christ reside? Where does he live? What does it mean to follow him? Some
surprising answers from the scriptures are explored by Fr John Brian in this
sermon that focuses on the last part of Chapter 1 of the Gospel of St. John and
a few verses from Peter's epistle. This sermon lesson uses the readings and
services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on
Sunday, January 16, 2011 - Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-do-you-live.html


Previously:
Enlighten our minds - Epiphany Prayer
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/enlighten-our-minds-epiphany-prayer.html

Nativity and Modern Martyrs
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/nativity-and-modern-martyrs.html

Godly New Year
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/godly-new-year.html

Celebrating the Right Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/celebrating-right-christmas.html

Promise of Peace at Christmas
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/promise-of-peace-at-christmas.html

A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian, includes transcribed text of sermons.
FULLY ALIVE - Read the introduction and see the table of contents:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html

Report on The eighth meeting of Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox
Church.

31 January 2011, Vatican: The eighth meeting of the International Joint
Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental
Orthodox Churches took place in Rome from January 25 to 28, 2011. The meeting
was hosted by His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch, the new President of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. It was chaired jointly by
Cardinal Koch and by His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, General
Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Joining delegates from the Catholic Church were representatives of the following
Oriental Orthodox Churches: the Antiochian Syrian Orthodox Church, the Armenian
Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of All Armenians), the Armenian Apostolic Church
(Holy See of Cilicia), the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox
Tewahido Church, and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. No representative of
the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church was able to attend.

For detailed report
http://www.socmnet.org/News_eighth_meeting_RC_OO_2011.htm

How to Know the Next Holy One

In the beginning of Chapter 6 of Mark's Gospel, none of Jesus extended
family can believe He is the Christ. So, if He was not recognized by His own
village, how can we know a holy one.

Fr. John Brian uses the Epistle readings from Corinthians and Thessalonians to
look at this issue of appearance and craft trade (vocation) - "For they said, is
this not the carpenter (son of a carpenter). How is it that He can know such
things (of God and spirituality)?" Mark Chapter 6: 1-6

Then, Fr. John Brian talks about how we fit.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, January 30 2011 by Fr. John
Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-know-next-holy-one.html


Last Week:
What Must I Do?
In the Gospel of John - Chapter 3, Nicodemus visits Jesus Christ and asks, What
shall I do? Jesus replies: Except you be born again of water and the spirit, you
cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. Fr John Brian uses the Epistle reading
from 2 Corinthians to help in understanding "what we must do." This sermon
lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian
lectionary and was given on Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-must-i-do.html


Previously:
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-do-you-live.html

Enlighten our minds - Epiphany Prayer
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/enlighten-our-minds-epiphany-prayer.html

Nativity and Modern Martyrs
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/nativity-and-modern-martyrs.html

Godly New Year
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/godly-new-year.html

A Question About Confession
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-about-confession.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Pastoral Book by Fr John Brian, includes transcribed text of sermons.
FULLY ALIVE - Read the introduction and see the table of contents:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/12/fully-alive-introduction.html

Ecumenical worship of Denmark held at Copenhagen

25 January 2011, Copenhagen, Denmark: One of the biggest ecumenical worship in
the history of Denmark was held at Copenhagen on 25th of January 2011. The
worship was named as `Church Travel in City. Bishops, priests and layman
belonging to different Churches in Denmark took part in the procession and
Prayers as a part of the program.

More details and photos
http://www.socmnet.org/News00.htm#049

His Eminence Archbishop Husik Santurian Enters Eternal Rest

01 February 2011, Monastery of St. Gayane, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin: His
Eminence Archbishop Husik Santurian, entered his eternal rest. He was the senior
member of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin. He was 91. His Eminence
Archbishop has been under the compassionate care of doctors and the nuns from
the Monastery of St. Gayane until the time of his death.

For more details
http://www.socmnet.org/News00.htm#005