Monthly News

Thanks are specially due to those who: donated money and then arranged the magnificent flowers on the Epitaphios Canopy and in the church; those who cleaned the church before the festival and those who worked very hard to clean it up afterwards; those who prepared and organised the Feast, (lots of clearing up there as well); the choir, who sang well throughout the long services; the servers, who looked after the clergy with great efficiency; the readers, who stepped into the breach to read, often at short notice; the Griffiths, who once again allowed us to use the field for parking; those who organised parking, and everyone who made all our visitors welcome. Finally, many thanks to Fr Timothy, Presvytera Susannah and family, and Fr John Musther and Diaconissa Bega.

We were also given some new things for the church over the festival: many thanks for the new analoi covers, a new chalice set, and two new processional or stationary candle sticks.

To everyone involved... Many thanks!
Fr Stephen

A NEW PSALTER

A Psalter arranged for Orthodox liturgical use by Michael Asser of our Community has been published this week by the Centre for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies, California. The Psalter has full kathismata and verses, conforming to the language of the King James Bible, but translated to reflect the Septuagint text. Michael is currently revising his translation of the complete Greek Old Testament, the Septuagint, based on the same principles as he employed for this Psalter.

This is a beautiful publication of rare book quality on fine paper, with large type, perfect bound in imitation leather with gold embossing and decorated throughout with original manuscript illumination and Icons in full colour.

The Psalter costs $47.95 or just under £25. Because of the cost of production this first printing is a limited run, and should be ordered as early as possible. Details and ordering instructions can be found at: http://www.ctosonline.org/forth/PK.html, or you may ask your nearest Orthodox bookseller to order a copy. Michael also hopes to have some copies for sale on the bookstall.
Fr Stephen

BELLCOTE

The bellcote is now erected, the church can be ventilated and the bell rung. As far as the bell is concerned, one has to add "well sort of rung". There are a few adjustments to make, but we hope to have it ringing efficiently and vigorously soon. The ventilation works well, and we are now able to cool the church down extremely rapidly. We shall doubtless learn in due course how to work this to best advantage.

The Bellcote Appeal is still open. It had a most useful boost when the appeal in memory of Helen Kyriakou, which raised £2,200, was applied to it. A number of events will be held during the year to clear this debt, so do please support them generously.
Michael Asser

MEETING WITH SHREWSBURY ROMAN CATHOLICS

Fred Beddow, the Roman Catholic deacon at Shrewsbury cathedral, has given us a date when we are invited back to the cathedral for Vespers and a dramatic event.

The date is Wednesday 4th June, when Vespers at 8.30pm (note the different time) will be followed by a performance, lasting an hour, of 'Scholastica and the Creation of the Benedictine Rule'. This is a music-drama, done with puppets, and with Gregorian chant. It appears to be about the last meeting between St Benedict and his sister Scholastica before her death, which she had foreseen. Saints Benedict and Scholastica are great Orthodox as well as Roman Catholic saints. The play is highly recommended; it is about the modification of the Rule of St Benedict to make it more compassionate. (It is said not to be suitable for children under 13.)
David Lewis

ST MILBURGA GUILD

The next sale of work, produce, plants etc will be after the Sunday liturgy on May 10th. Please bring funds with you. Last month we raised about £30.

Since the general meeting of St Milburga's Guild many things have fallen into place: vestments have been mended; four people have learned to make prosphora; hospital and home visits have taken place as well as 'phone calls to people who are "under the weather". The support and interest have been enthusiastic. If you did not get to the meeting, we will send you the minutes.

YOUTH CLUB

We now have use one Sunday a month of the Belle Vue Youth Club. This is a purpose built club with lots of very good facilities. We will be able to use it after the liturgy on the third Sunday of every month for about and hour or so. In April when we went we made drinks and a snack at the Breakfast Bar, then Yiota showed the older group a DVD while the Varangians used the Sports Hall. Aidan helped everybody with Basket Ball skills before we went home!
Presvytera Catherine

HEREFORD COMMUNITY

His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain has given his blessing for the Community in Hereford to come under the patronage of the two Protomartyrs: St Stephen and St Thekla. May the two glorious Protomartyrs St Stephen and St Thekla pray for us.
Fr Stephen

GREENHOUSE

6ft x 8ft wooden construction greenhouse - FREE to a good home.
But you unbolt and take it down and take it away.

At Cressage. Ring Michael or Liz Asser on 01952 510251.

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Births, Marriages, Deaths, Receptions, Congratulations

Congratulations to Rebecca Higgs, Stephanie Avraam and Symeon Holton, who were received into the Orthodox Church on Great Saturday. Many Years!

Congratulations to Guy Maxfield and Yiota Vulliamy, who have become engaged.