Orthodox Church of St Matthew, Columbia, Maryland (MD)
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2010 News Archive

  • Christmas Services

      Friday 12/24 9:00amRoyal Hours
        7:00pmVesperal Liturgy
     
      Saturday 12/25 9:15amHours
        9:30amDivine Liturgy
        No Great Vespers on Christmas Day
     
      Sunday 12/26 9:15amHours
        9:30amDivine Liturgy
    (posted 12/15/10.)

  • Read the text of Metropolitan Jonah's Opening Address before the Annual Parish Meeting of St. Nicholas Cathedral. The address includes remarks about the transfer of Fr. Constantine White and Deacon Sergius to our parish. (Here's a local copy in PDF.) (posted 12/14/10.)

  • Metropolitan Jonah has announced the appointment of Fr. Constantine White to our church:
    Fr Constantine White, the long term priest and Dean of St Nicholas has accepted another position, in the Church of St Matthew, Columbia MD, that has undergone recent troubles. Fr Constantine has the maturity and skills that are needed to bring healing to St Matthew's, and raise it up to its potential. He is also well known and loved by many members of that community already.
    See the full announcement at the St Nicholas website: The Appointment of the New Dean of St Nicholas Cathedral . (Here's a local copy in PDF.) (posted 12/14/10.)

  • Here's the flyer for the Christmas Bazaar Christmas_Bazaar_Flyer.pdf (8.5MB). (posted 12/13/10.)

  • The calendar is weekly view only for now until Google fixes their bugs. (In monthly view, many events show up on the wrong dates for some browsers.) (posted 12/06/10.)

  • Please join us on Saturday December 18th from 2pm – 8pm for our First Annual Christmas Bazaar. There will be crafts, revelry, fun Christmas carolers and pictures with Santa and his lovely wife, Mrs. Claus.

    On the night of the Christmas Bazaar, there will be a Salmon Dinner from 4pm – 6pm. The menu includes: poached and baked salmon, Parisian salad, rice pilaf, mac&cheese and dinner roll. The kids' menu includes: fish sticks, mac&cheese, salad and dessert. Mulled wine and spiced apple cider will warm the spirits. Price: adults $15, kids 6-12 years $8, and kids 5 & under are free. (posted 12/05/10.)

  • St. Nicholas Icon Workshop and Fundraiser! Classes will meet at Church on the following dates:
    • Friday, January 14, 2011, 6:30pm - 9:30 pm
    • Saturday, January 15, 2011, 9:30am to 9:30pm
    • Saturday, January 22, 2011, 9:30am to 6:00pm
    Class tuition is $145 including registration fee of $35. Class size is limited to 15 participants so register early. We will be writing the icon of St. Nicholas.

    For additional information, contact Wayne Hajos at 301-928-1155 or at waynehajos@comcast.net.

    For the flyer go to: http://www.waynehajos.com/workshops/workshopschedule.html (posted 12/05/10.)

  • At the Annual Parish Meeting on November 14, 2010, the following members were elected to the Parish Council of Stewards: John Zahor (Chairman), Matthew Mancuso (Vice Chairman), Cooper Pappas (Secretary), Jim Dramby (Member-at-Large), Kristi Sturm (Member-at-Large) and Dale Steinacker (Member-at-Large). Tom Lentscher and Andrea Misner will continue serving their terms as Treasurer and Member-at-Large, respectively. (posted 12/05/10.)

  • The Vigil service previously scheduled for Saturday, November 6th has been canceled. Vigil will resume on Saturday, November 13th. (posted 11/03/10.)

  • Fr. Gregory Jensen has been temporarily assigned as the full time interim pastor for St. Matthew Church. He is anticipated to arrive on Friday, November 12th, serve on the weekend of Saturday, November 13 & Sunday, November 14 and participate in the Annual Parish Meeting, as well. Presently, his assignment is defined as going from November 13, 2010 to February 13, 2011. (posted 10/31/10.)

  • Feast Day! November 14, 2010 is the feast day of St. Matthew. There will be a potluck lunch and entertainment provided by the Church School students before the Annual Parish Meeting. Please see the signup sheet in the vestibule. (posted 10/31/10.)

  • The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday November 14, 2010 at 1:00pm. (posted 10/15/10.)

  • Fr. Vladimir Danylevich (St. Nicholas Cathedral, Washington DC) will serve Vigil on Saturday, October 23 at 6pm and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 24 at 9:30am. (posted 10/15/10.)

  • Please read this letter from Fr. Gregory regarding upcoming divine services and the annual parish meeting: Fr_Gregory_Letter_2.pdf.

    To summarize:

    • Membership of the Council of Stewards has changed due to resignations. See contacts page.

    • The Annual Parish Meeting is Sunday, November 14 at 1:00pm.

    • Upcoming divine services:
      • Fr. Maximus Urbanowicz (St. Nicholas Cathedral, Washington DC) will serve Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 17. (No vigil on Saturday, October 16.)
      • Fr. Vladimir Danylevich (St. Nicholas Cathedral, Washington DC) will serve Vigil on Saturday, October 23 and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 24.
      • Fr. Mark Koczak (attached to St. Mark Church, Bethesda MD) will serve Vigil on Saturday, October 30 and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 31.
    (posted 10/15/10.)

  • The Vigil service previously scheduled for Saturday, October 16th has been canceled. (posted 10/15/10.)

  • Important Meeting Sunday October 17th

    We invite you to join us next Sunday, Oct 17th at noon after coffee hour in the sanctuary for an informal meeting for all concerned parishioners. We know many of you are wondering about the status of our church and have many questions and concerns. The Parish Council of Stewards would like you to join us to review our current status and our hope for the future. Your input is essential. The Orthodox Church of St. Matthew is a strong and resourceful family. We share our love for our Lord, for each other and for a community where we can grow in faith and support. Come join us for this important discussion about your church family. (posted 10/14/10.)

  • Fr. Gregory Jensen to serve the divine services the weekend of October 9-10. (posted 10/08/10.)

  • Please read this letter from Fr. Gregory Safchuk, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Washington DC, regarding Fr. Ray: Fr_Gregory_Letter.pdf. (posted 10/06/10.)

  • Join us for two days of world culture at our Multi-Cultural Festival, Saturday, October 2 11am–9:00pm and Sunday, October 3 12pm-7pm. See the festival website for the menu, entertainment schedule and vendors list. (posted 8/23/10.)

  • Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross will be held on Monday September 13th at 7pm. (posted 9/12/10.)

  • Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul will be held on Monday June 28th at 7pm. (posted 6/27/10.)

  • Looney's Fundraiser! Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and time with friends at Looney's Pub in Maple Lawn on Tuesday, June 15 from 11:00 am to 2:00 am and support St. Matthew! Please bring this flyer with you so that The Orthodox Church of St. Matthew will receive 10% of your check. Thank you! (posted 6/07/10.)

  • Ken Guendel, Lydia Aleshin's husband fell-asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, May 25. May his memory be eternal!

    Below is Ken's obituary from the Herald-Mail (Thurs, May, 27, 2010).

    Also, you may visit the website of Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home and go to the Condolence page and leave a message for the family.

    Kenneth Alan Guendel, 55

    May 25, 2010
    KEEDYSVILLE - Kenneth Alan Guendel, 55, of Keedysville, Md., died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at his home.

    Ken was a lifelong tennis professional, USPTR and USTA member. He worked for more than 22 years at the Aspen Hill Club in Silver Spring, Md., most recently as director of junior tennis. He was the recent recipient of the MATEF Courage Award and the 2008 USTA/Mid-Atlantic Lifetime Service Award.

    He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lydia Aleshin; his children, Alexandra, Larissa and Serge Aleshin-Guendel; his mother, Janet (Fryba) Guendel; and his sisters, Deborah Boyce, Marci Guendel, Alison Redding and Cynthia Clark, and their families.

    The family will receive friends Thursday, May 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday, May 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, Md. The family also will receive friends Saturday, May 29, from 1 to 2 p.m., with a funeral service at 2 p.m. at the Orthodox Church of St. Matthew, 7271 Eden Brook Drive, Columbia, Md. The Very Rev. Dennis Buck and The Very Rev. Raymond Velencia will officiate. Interment will follow near Ken's hometown in Washington County, Md.

    Expressions of sympathy may be offered at BastStaufferFuneralHome.com .

    (posted 5/27/10.)

  • Parish Picnic! Our annual Parish Picnic will take place on Sunday, June 13, 1pm at High Ridge Park in Laurel, Maryland. (See Google Map.) The picnic offers an excellent opportunity for fellowship, to recognize our graduates, and to express our gratitude and well wishes to Deacon Nicholas and his family as they prepare to move to California. We have use of the pavilion until dusk, and High Ridge Park has a large playground, with tennis courts and a basketball court. (posted 5/27/10.)

  • Vigil on Saturday evenings will resume on Saturday, September 11th. (posted 5/27/10.)

  • Vigil on Saturday, May 15th is canceled as both Fr. Ray and Fr. Duane are out of town. (posted 5/09/10.)

  • Vesperal Liturgy for the Ascension of Our Lord will be held on Wednesday, May 12th at 7pm. (posted 5/09/10.)

  • Huge Yard Sale, Bake Sale and Car Wash! Please be reminded that we will be having our annual Yard Sale this year on Saturday, June 5th from 8am to 3pm. Please save your items for this most worthy cause. This is the largest fund raising effort we have for our Multi-Cultural Festival. (posted 5/09/10.)

  • CYC Summer Camp will be held this year at Camp Wo-Me-To in Rocks State Park in Harford County from Monday July 26th to Friday, July 30th. Camp is for youth ages 8 to 16 as of December 2010. Cost is $460 per camper. There is an early bird registration. Register before May 15th and the cost is $410. Space is limited to the first 135 campers registering. There will be a day camp on Thursday, July 29th from 8:00am to 6:30pm for youth ages 6 & 7. Cost is $75. Flyers with registration forms are available in the Banquet Hall on Sundays or by calling the Church office at 410-381-2284. Volunteers are also needed! See the camp brochure for more information if you would like to volunteer. It is a great experience for all. (posted 5/09/10.)

  • Oops, left out the 2pm Vespers on Holy Friday. (posted 4/01/10.)

  • Holy Week Services:
    Wed, March 31 7:00pm Holy Unction
    Thu, April 110:00am Liturgy of St. Basil
    7:00pm Passion Gospels
    Fri, April 210:00am Royal Hours
    2:00pm Vespers
    7:00pm Lamentations
    Sat, April 310:00am Liturgy of St. Basil
    11:00pm Resurrection Matins & Liturgy, Blessing of Baskets & Agape meal follow
    Sun, April 412:00pm Paschal Agape Vespers @ St Nicholas Cathedral, Washington, DC
    (posted 3/21/10.)

  • OCMC Coin Boxes are due on Sunday, March 28th. You can either bring your box filled with change to church or count the money (with your children, if you have children) and then write a check to St. Matthew Church designating "OCMC Coin Box Offering" in the memo section. (posted 3/21/10.)

  • Divine Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday will be celebrated on Saturday, March 27th at 9:30am. Breakfast will follow. We will have an adult baptism and chrismations. Come and be a part of this joyous life-giving celebration. (posted 3/21/10.)

  • Lazarus Saturday Vespers will be served Friday, March 26th at 7:00pm. Confession for the church school students and their parents, if they so wish, will follow. (posted 3/21/10.)

  • The Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary will be held Wednesday, March 24th at 7pm. (There is no Presanctified Liturgy this week.) (posted 3/21/10.)

  • If you missed the Lenten Retreat with Metropolitan Jonah or wish you had taken notes, here's an essay by the Metropolitan Jonah, when he was the Abbot of the Monastery of St. John of San Francisco, titled The Path to Prayer (Do not resent, do not react...). (posted 3/21/10.)

  • The Orthodox Church of St. Matthew invites you to join us for a Lenten Retreat with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah speaking on Three Foundations of Orthodox Spirituality: Reaction, Resentment, and Inner Stillness

    Schedule

    Friday, March 12
    7:00pm Vespers, dinner and a short discussion

    Saturday, March 13
    9:00am Divine Liturgy, followed by a hearty Lenten brunch
    Retreat begins after brunch
    2:30pm Snack break, followed by a question and answer session
    4:00pm Retreat concludes

    The costs are $30 for both days or $20 for one day if registered by March 5th; and $35 for both days or $25 for one day if registered after March 5th. Please register with Melissa Edens: tillie2@ix.netcom.com.

    You can spread the word and help show an enthusiastic welcome to our Bishop by distributing this flyer: LentenRetreat2010.pdf. (posted 2/28/10.)

  • Fr. Ray has canceled his Introductory Seminar on Orthodoxy for Monday, February 15th because of the new snow. (posted 2/06/10.)

  • Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 7th has been canceled due to the record snowfall this weekend (38.3 inches reported in Elkridge, MD at 4pm Saturday). (posted 2/06/10.)

  • Due to the projected snowfall (up to two three feet!), the Souls Saturday Liturgy and the Vigil originally scheduled for Saturday, February 6th has been canceled. (posted 2/05/10.)

  • Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Annual Metropolitan Baltimore Area Orthodox Churches' Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers. The vesper service will be held at Ss. Mary Magdalene & Markella Church in Darlington, MD (NE Harford County) on Sunday, February 21st at 6pm with a reception to follow. The church is located at 3714 Dublin Rd, Darlington, MD 21034. This is their first time to host our Baltimore Area Orthodox Community. Fr. George Farraj from Honduras, the Dean of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in San Pedro Sula, Honduras will be our speaker. He will speak on the work of the Orthodox Church there. Join us for an evening of unity in worship. (posted 1/31/10.)

  • Baltimore Area Pan-Orthodox Teen Retreat will be held on Friday, February 12th to Saturday, February 13th at St. Mary Church, 909 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley. The retreat speaker will be Fr. Michael Kallaur, priest of Presentation Church in Pittsburgh, PA. Cost is $35, including 4 meals. The registration deadline is February 5. For registration and other forms, contact Jean Byrnes at office@StMatthewOCA.org. (posted 1/31/10.)

  • St Matthew House is hosting a Tastefully Simple tasting party on Saturday, February 6th in the dining room. The tasting begins promptly at 3:30pm and will end at 5:30pm. Everyone is invited. (posted 1/31/10.)

  • Souls Saturday will be served at 9am on Saturday, February 6th. If you would like to have your loved ones departed this life commemorated, please email your names to Fr. Ray. (posted 1/31/10.)

  • Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of the Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple will be held on Monday, February 1st at 7:00pm. (posted 1/31/10.)

  • Dana Pott's Marina's Delights had samples for taste-testing during Fellowship Hour on Sunday, January 31st. Twenty-five percent of proceeds from orders in the month of February will go toward our Festival start-up costs. The price list and contact information are on http://www.marinasdelights.com/ordercontactus.html. (posted 1/31/10.)

  • Vigil on Saturday, January 30, 2010 is canceled due to the weather. Divine Liturgy on Sunday will take place at the regular time. (posted 1/30/10.)

  • The Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts will be celebrated on the Wednesday evenings during Great Lent, beginning February 17th at 7:00pm. A series of talks entitled "One in Christ" by Fr. Ray will follow the Pre-Sanctified Liturgies. The Divine Services and talks offer each of us an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the Lord and each other. Don't pass up these opportunities. For those who stay for the presentation/teaching, time is available for dinner. (posted 1/21/10.)

  • Introductory Seminar on Orthodoxy will be held at 7:30pm on Monday evenings during the six weeks of Great Lent. The seminar will begin on the first day of Great Lent, February 15th. It is a survey of the Church, its beliefs, life and history. Although it is designed primarily for the uninitiated in the faith, it is open to all. If you plan to attend, please call or email Fr. Ray to register. (posted 1/21/10.)

  • Many church school students have expressed a desire to help the people of Haiti who have been devastated by the recent earthquake. We will be assembling hygiene kits which will be sent to IOCC for delivery to Haiti. These kits provide much-needed supplies to people who have nothing.

    Each kit includes:

    • One hand towel
    • One washcloth
    • One comb
    • One metal nail file or nail clipper
    • One bar of soap (bath size, new and wrapped in original packaging)
    • One toothbrush (NO TOOTHPASTE)
    • Six Band-Aids

    If you would like to help us in this endeavor, please bring in any of the necessary supplies listed above. Also necessary are gallon size ziploc bags — all of the above listed supplies are placed inside the sealed plastic bags.

    The children will assemble the kits on Sunday, January 31. Please join us if you would like to help assemble the kits. Thank you for your generosity! (posted 1/21/10.)

  • Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of Theophany/Epiphany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be celebrated Tuesday, January 5th at 7:00pm. The Blessing of the Waters will be celebrated at Tuesday evening's Liturgy. (posted 1/05/10.)

  • House Blessings! Anyone wishing to have their home blessed during January or February please sign up the sheet on the bulletin board in the lower-level lobby near the banquet hall. Fr. Ray or Fr. Duane will call you to arrange a mutually convenient date and time. (posted 1/05/10.)

  • Installation of the 2010 Parish Council of Stewards took place at the end of Liturgy on Sunday, January 3rd. The members of the 2010 Council are: Marianne Larkin (Chair), Wayne Hajos (Vice Chair), Tom Lentscher (Treasurer), Selma Allen (Secretary), Melissa Edens, Bob Garrett, Andrea Misner and Eugenia Ordynsky. Our appreciation goes to Anastasia Borichevsky for the dedicated servant leadership she has given to our parish family by serving on the Council over the last four years. (posted 1/05/10.)

  • An Icon Workshop by Wayne Hajos will be held at church from February 4th through February 6th (Thursday to Saturday) and on February 13th (Saturday). The icon of Extreme Humility will be written. Please register by January 15, 2010. A registration fee of $35 is due on January 15th. Class tuition is $110, due by the first class. For more information go to waynehajos.com. (posted 1/05/10.)

Orthodox Church of St Matthew, PO Box 2003, Columbia, Maryland 21045.     Send comments to WebMaster@StMatthewOCA.org.