Why is it that so few of our people attend the Great Feasts of the Church year?

Is it because we don't like to go to a Liturgy unless it is at our own parish (here in Genesee County we rotate the Great Feasts among our four Pan-Orthodox Parishes)?

I don't think so because even when the Feast Day is at our own parish few from St. George attend.

Is it because we despise the Feast and we are hostile toward its celebration?

I don't think so; I think more it is an issue of apathy and indifference: Why should I go? What will I get out of it?

Why is it, then, that so few from St. George attend?

Here is what I think the answer is: Today's generation (children and young adults) don't attend because their parents did not attend (maybe this is not universal but with those I asked it is true).

What then is the solution?

I believe the solution lies with the newly baptized children - that from their baptism forward they be brought to the great Feasts (along with normal Saturday Vespers and Sunday Matins & Liturgy) on a regular basis.

The problem is with the rearing of children.

The solution is with the rearing of children.

But further more we have to ask: Why is lack of Church attendance even considered a problem?

Goodness! That we even have to ask that question indicates a complete loss of a sense of anything greater than ourselves. To put it simply, as Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote over 40 years ago, Man has forgotten God!

"So what!", you might say? So EVERYTHING we might answer!

When we forget God we lose everything: The value of human life made in the image and likeness of God, our corrupt human nature and inability to bring ourselves back from the brink of total and ultimate disaster without God; that our lives will only be anxious and full of grief in this life and total loss and despair in the life to come without God; that we cannot be fully human without God - the God who made us, who saved us, and who loves us so much that He gave His life for ours.

Remember God.

Come to the Great Feasts throughout the year.

Participate in the renewal of the Church and the salvation of your children.

1. Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8)
2. Elevation of the Cross (September 14)
3. Entrance of the Theotokos (November 21)
4. Nativity of Christ - Christmas (December 25)
5. Baptism of Christ - Theophany (January 6)
6. Presentation of our Lord at the Temple - Candlemas (February 2)
7. Annunciation (March 25)
8. Entry into Jerusalem - Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Pascha)
9. Ascension of Christ (forty Days after Pascha)
10. Pentecost (fifty Days after Pascha)
11. Transfiguration (August 6)
12. Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15)

Check the previous weeks Sunday Bulletin to make certain of week day services and Vespers (which is cancelled on occasion).

• Saturday Vespers - 4:00 PM
  
• Sunday Orthros - 8:50 AM
• Sunday Divine Liturgy - 10:00 AM

Every Sunday we remember the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we celebrate the Holy Divine Liturgy.

The word "Liturgy" means work of the people which means everyone participates through singing, praying, hearing the teaching, and opening our hearts to allow God's Grace to enter.

For those who have committed themselves to the Orthodox Faith (through Baptism and/or Chrismation) it also means, if prepared, the reception of Holy Communion.

Preparation includes the Sacrament of Confession (seven years and older) within the last two months, prayer, being on time for church, being at peace with others, attending the Divine Liturgy regularly, and fasting (no food or drink from midnight the night before).

If you are new, just visiting, or have any questions, please introduce yourself to Father Joseph. Please know that everyone is invited to venerate the Holy Gospel and receive the Holy Bread at the end of Liturgy. All are welcome to our Coffee Fellowship in the hall after Liturgy.

• One of several Orthodox Churches in the Flint Area
  
• Assumption Orthodox Church in Grand Blanc
• Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Burton
• Saint Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church in Fenton

• A Church of The Antiochian Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest

• Within the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

• Under the Ancient See of The Church of Antioch

• Participating in the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America

Approximately 90 minutes from St. George and a special blessing to our community:

• The Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Junction, MI

Some other Monasteries in Michigan within less than 2 hours of St. George Church:

• Holy Trinity Monastery near Port Huron, MI

• Saint Sabbas The Sanctified Orthodox Monastery  in Harper Woods, MI

For Metropolitan Paul and Archbishop John, and their quick release from captivity and safe return, let us pray to the Lord!

Lord have mercy!