Parish Highlights
We are truly blessed to welcome our new rector, Fr. Kevin Kalish, and his family to St. Mark! We thank them so much for being a part of our beautiful parish and for their guidance, love and support. May God grant Fr. Kevin and his family many, many years.
Congratulations to our appointed Council & Committee Members:
Parish Council: Chairperson, Catherine Condrick; Treasurer, Dan Bacon; Secretary: Andrew Dubrovsky; Members at Large: Katie Buehlmann, George Haddad, Ilia Koulikov, Joe Pecevich; Finance Committee: Gregory Arnold, Dan Bacon, Nancy Haddad; Auditor, Elena Williams
Lives of the Saints
Commemoration of the Earthquake of 447
During the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (402-450) the city of Constantinople was shaken by earthquakes for nearly four months. At that time several churches, houses, and the city's stone walls collapsed and were destroyed. All the inhabitants of the city were terrified. Patriarch Proclus (November 20) organized a barefoot Cross Procession and solemnly prayed for God to protect them. While this was taking place, the tremors increased dramatically, and a young boy in the crowd was lifted up into Heaven by some invisible power, and the people cried out, "Lord, have mercy." After returning to earth, the boy told the people that he had heard the Angels glorifying God by singing "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us," and that a voice had commanded him to tell Patriarch Proclus that henceforth the people should supplicate God in this way, without adding anything to it. The Patriarch instructed the people to sing this hymn, whereupon the ground stopped shaking and the child reposed. From that time the hymn was inserted into the Divine Liturgy, just as it was sung by the people during the earthquake, and as it is still sung up to the present day.
Weekly Inspiration
"Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude."
St. John Chrysostom
"Just as the candle, before it goes out, shines strongly and throws sparks, and with its light, it enlightens the surrounding darkness - thus will be the Church's life in the last age. And that time is near."
St. Seraphim of Viritsa
"Neither walls nor rich furniture make a home. Millionaires in magnificent mansions may never know a home. But where there are good relationships, where love binds the family together and to God, there happiness is always to be found."
St. Seraphim of Sarov
St. Mark Of Ephesus Orthodox Church