Sermon Summary Notes – June 20, 2021
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Sermon Study Notes
Yesterday we had a beautiful celebration of Pentecost!
There is no fasting this week because of the Feast, but the Apostles Fast starts Monday and lasts for just one single day this year. The Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul will be Tuesday, June 29, but there will be no liturgy at St. Stephen since Fr. Andrey and I will be in Dallas for the ordination of our new bishop. I encourage you to attend services at St. John’s Mission at 2220 East Irlo Bronson Highway in Kissimee.
You can find the recording of the sermon above. I discussed the acquisition of the Holy Spirit with reference to St Seraphim of Sarov. You don’t often hear sermons about what it means to acquire the Spirit, but it is an important part of the Christian life. Even St. Seraphim doesn’t offer a detailed description of the experience. The sermon may be helpful to you because it begins to describe the changes that take place in one who acquires the spirit. There is a lot more that can be said. What would you like to hear more about? To get you thinking, here are some questions for reflection and application:
- How does the feast of Pentecost help us understand the Spirit’s work in our lives?
- What does it mean for us to aquire the Holy Spirit?
- What changes take place when we aquire the Spirit?
Prayer Requests:
- Mariana Muresanu has knee replacement surgery this Wednesday.
- Protodeacon Michael gets important test results this week on his lungs.
- Bart Gursky’s son, Barry, is still recovering from a serious bike accident. He is talking now and making progress, but isn’t sure about his mobility in the future. Protodeacon Michael and I have visited and prayed with him. You can send cards to Barry Gursky Room 800 c/o Halifax Health Rehab Center 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
- Betty Webster’s sister, Judy, fell asleep in the Lord last week.
- My sister-in-law Pam lost her baby and must deliver it stillborn today.
- Miriam Stachow’s mother, Kathryn, was admitted to the hospital with diabetic keto acidosis. She is 95 years old.
Please keep these brothers and sisters in prayer and let us know how we can pray for you!