Saints of The Week
Herman of Alaska,
Missionary to the Aleut
August 9
Herman of Alaska, known in the Russian Orthodox Church as “St. Herman: Wonderworker of All America,” was the first saint to be canonized by the Orthodox Church in America.
Herman was born in Russia, near Moscow, in 1756. His baptismal and family names are unknown. He is known by his monastic name. Naturally pious from an early age, Herman entered the monastery at 17. He was never ordained. For many years he secured permission to live as a hermit, attending the liturgies of the monastery only on holy days. In 1793, with a small group of colleagues, Herman set out to do missionary work in Alaska. They settled on Spruce Island, near Kodiak, and named their community “New Valaam” in honor of their home monastery. Herman lived and worked in the area for the remainder of his life.
He advocated for and defended the Aleuts against sometimes oppressive authorities, particular Russian and European colonists with commercial interests. He cared lovingly and sacrificially for all who came to him, counseling and teaching them, and tirelessly nursing the sick. He especially loved children, for whom he often baked biscuits and cookies.
Even though Herman had minimal education outside of the monastic life, he was regarded among the native Alaskans as a great and compelling teacher. Over time he also developed a reputation as a teacher and possessor of wisdom among the more educated Russian and European settlers in the area. He so captivated his listeners that many would listen to him through the long hours of the night and not leave his company until morning. The people he served often referred to Herman as their North Star.
Herman died at Spruce Island on December 25, 1837, on the Gregorian calendar.
In the spring of 1969, the Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America proclaimed Herman a saint and he was glorified in a solemn liturgy on August 9, 1970, at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral on Kodiak Island, Alaska, with simultaneous rites taking place at other Orthodox centers.
Collect Commemorating Herman of Alaska
Holy God, we bless your Name for Herman, joyful North Star of Christ’s Church, who came from Russia to bring the Good News of Christ’s love to your native people in Alaska, to defend them from oppressors and to proclaim the Gospel of peace; and we pray that we may follow his example in proclaiming the Gospel; through the same Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, throughout all ages. Amen.
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Gretchen's Office Hours have changed. She is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays through August and September. If you would like to make an appointment, please call Gretchen at 859-628-0433. If you are thinking of stopping by, it's best to call first as she may be on Pastoral Visits.
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Those serving today: 5 August: Crucifer: Steve Engels; Eucharistic Minister: Donna O’Neal; Lector: Jeff Rogers; Intercessor: Linda Meier; Ushers: Linda Meier & Jeff Rogers; Coffee Hour: Kathy & Jeff Rogers; Altar Guild: Donna Langford & Linda & David Meier; Counters: Howard Rudin & David Johnston; BC Member of the Month: Debbie Staggs
Those serving Sunday, 12 August: Crucifer: Donna O’Neal; Eucharistic Minister: Steve Engels; Lector: Dennis Wehrmeyer, Intercessor: Tim Feeley; Ushers: Dennis Wehrmeyer & Tim Feeley; Coffee Hour: Emily Feeley & Barb Rudin; Altar Guild: Donna Langford & Linda & David Meier; Counters: Howard Rudin & David Johnston; BC Member of the Month: Debbie Staggs
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Digital Photos Sought for Website
The Grace Episcopal Church website is undergoing updating, and recent photographs of parish activities are needed. Anyone with pictures that can be put on the website to give a good idea of life here at Grace are asked to provide digital copies to the office.
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In Our Prayers This Week
Our Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Scottish Episcopal Church The Most Rev’d. Mark Strange Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church & Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness
Our Diocesan Intercessions: The Church of the Ascension, Frankfort - The Rev. Jessee Neat, Rector; The Rev. D. William Brown, Assistant Priest, Retired; The Rev. Nancy Stone Farley, Assistant Priest, Retired; The Rev. Deacon Rebecca Saager, Curate
Our Parish Intercessions: Ruth Wilkinson & Family, Francine, Freda, Hazel, Dylan, Mary Lynn, Robert, Perry, David & Barb, Donna, Tom, Larry, Karen, Ian, Jan, Gracie, Becky, Chris, Jim, Doris, Mable, Jordan, Rachel, Bonnie, Ken & Michelle, Grace, Ken, Mike, Joe & Esta, Lori, Gail, Tommy, Bella, Ger & Boni, Alex, Mandy, Bill & Patti, Sue, Regina, Nelson & Mary Jo, Karen, Kim, Robbie, Susan, Sharon, Michael, Joseph, Donna, RJ, Pam & Family, Sandy, Don & Family, Larry, Kevin, Yvonne, Charles, Emily, Bill & Mary, Gladys, Bruce & Marie, Jennie, Pidge, Joan, Drew
Those serving in the Armed Forces: Adam, Deron, Tyler, Adam, Ben, Jimmy, Clif, David, Jake, Shaughn, Adam, Matt, and all soldiers freshly going into or returning again to battle.
Our Faithful departed: Dick Wilkinson, Lori Staggs
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If you would like to support our hunger ministry, there are spots open for sponsoring the Sanctuary Candle in memory, in honor, or in commemoration of whatever or whomever you wish. The candle burns to indicate the presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine in the tabernacle.
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The Catechist’s Corner
The Sacraments
Q. What are the sacraments?
A. The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.
Q. What is grace?
A. Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.
Q. What are the two great sacraments of the Gospel?
A. The two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church are Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. (Pp 857-8, BCP)
Herman of Alaska,
Missionary to the Aleut
August 9
Herman of Alaska, known in the Russian Orthodox Church as “St. Herman: Wonderworker of All America,” was the first saint to be canonized by the Orthodox Church in America.
Herman was born in Russia, near Moscow, in 1756. His baptismal and family names are unknown. He is known by his monastic name. Naturally pious from an early age, Herman entered the monastery at 17. He was never ordained. For many years he secured permission to live as a hermit, attending the liturgies of the monastery only on holy days. In 1793, with a small group of colleagues, Herman set out to do missionary work in Alaska. They settled on Spruce Island, near Kodiak, and named their community “New Valaam” in honor of their home monastery. Herman lived and worked in the area for the remainder of his life.
He advocated for and defended the Aleuts against sometimes oppressive authorities, particular Russian and European colonists with commercial interests. He cared lovingly and sacrificially for all who came to him, counseling and teaching them, and tirelessly nursing the sick. He especially loved children, for whom he often baked biscuits and cookies.
Even though Herman had minimal education outside of the monastic life, he was regarded among the native Alaskans as a great and compelling teacher. Over time he also developed a reputation as a teacher and possessor of wisdom among the more educated Russian and European settlers in the area. He so captivated his listeners that many would listen to him through the long hours of the night and not leave his company until morning. The people he served often referred to Herman as their North Star.
Herman died at Spruce Island on December 25, 1837, on the Gregorian calendar.
In the spring of 1969, the Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America proclaimed Herman a saint and he was glorified in a solemn liturgy on August 9, 1970, at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral on Kodiak Island, Alaska, with simultaneous rites taking place at other Orthodox centers.
Collect Commemorating Herman of Alaska
Holy God, we bless your Name for Herman, joyful North Star of Christ’s Church, who came from Russia to bring the Good News of Christ’s love to your native people in Alaska, to defend them from oppressors and to proclaim the Gospel of peace; and we pray that we may follow his example in proclaiming the Gospel; through the same Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, throughout all ages. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Gretchen's Office Hours have changed. She is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays through August and September. If you would like to make an appointment, please call Gretchen at 859-628-0433. If you are thinking of stopping by, it's best to call first as she may be on Pastoral Visits.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Those serving today: 5 August: Crucifer: Steve Engels; Eucharistic Minister: Donna O’Neal; Lector: Jeff Rogers; Intercessor: Linda Meier; Ushers: Linda Meier & Jeff Rogers; Coffee Hour: Kathy & Jeff Rogers; Altar Guild: Donna Langford & Linda & David Meier; Counters: Howard Rudin & David Johnston; BC Member of the Month: Debbie Staggs
Those serving Sunday, 12 August: Crucifer: Donna O’Neal; Eucharistic Minister: Steve Engels; Lector: Dennis Wehrmeyer, Intercessor: Tim Feeley; Ushers: Dennis Wehrmeyer & Tim Feeley; Coffee Hour: Emily Feeley & Barb Rudin; Altar Guild: Donna Langford & Linda & David Meier; Counters: Howard Rudin & David Johnston; BC Member of the Month: Debbie Staggs
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Digital Photos Sought for Website
The Grace Episcopal Church website is undergoing updating, and recent photographs of parish activities are needed. Anyone with pictures that can be put on the website to give a good idea of life here at Grace are asked to provide digital copies to the office.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In Our Prayers This Week
Our Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Scottish Episcopal Church The Most Rev’d. Mark Strange Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church & Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness
Our Diocesan Intercessions: The Church of the Ascension, Frankfort - The Rev. Jessee Neat, Rector; The Rev. D. William Brown, Assistant Priest, Retired; The Rev. Nancy Stone Farley, Assistant Priest, Retired; The Rev. Deacon Rebecca Saager, Curate
Our Parish Intercessions: Ruth Wilkinson & Family, Francine, Freda, Hazel, Dylan, Mary Lynn, Robert, Perry, David & Barb, Donna, Tom, Larry, Karen, Ian, Jan, Gracie, Becky, Chris, Jim, Doris, Mable, Jordan, Rachel, Bonnie, Ken & Michelle, Grace, Ken, Mike, Joe & Esta, Lori, Gail, Tommy, Bella, Ger & Boni, Alex, Mandy, Bill & Patti, Sue, Regina, Nelson & Mary Jo, Karen, Kim, Robbie, Susan, Sharon, Michael, Joseph, Donna, RJ, Pam & Family, Sandy, Don & Family, Larry, Kevin, Yvonne, Charles, Emily, Bill & Mary, Gladys, Bruce & Marie, Jennie, Pidge, Joan, Drew
Those serving in the Armed Forces: Adam, Deron, Tyler, Adam, Ben, Jimmy, Clif, David, Jake, Shaughn, Adam, Matt, and all soldiers freshly going into or returning again to battle.
Our Faithful departed: Dick Wilkinson, Lori Staggs
*************************************************************************************************************************
If you would like to support our hunger ministry, there are spots open for sponsoring the Sanctuary Candle in memory, in honor, or in commemoration of whatever or whomever you wish. The candle burns to indicate the presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine in the tabernacle.
*************************************************************************************************************************
The Catechist’s Corner
The Sacraments
Q. What are the sacraments?
A. The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.
Q. What is grace?
A. Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.
Q. What are the two great sacraments of the Gospel?
A. The two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church are Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. (Pp 857-8, BCP)