Isaiah warns humanity in Chapter 3 when he describes civil unrest in vs. 5: “And the people will oppress one another, every man his fellow and every man his neighbor; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the base fellow to the honorable.”  In vs. 8 in Chapter 3,  Isaiah  further explains why this happens: “For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen; because their speech and their deeds are against the Lord, defying His glorious presence.” We need only to replace the names of Jerusalem and Judah with the US and it chillingly describes our own problems. Sydney J. Harris, an American journalist from Chicago years ago stated that “History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.”

The only way to reverse this cloud of sinful and malicious behavior is to reinforce the Grace of God and His healing power in our land. It begins with the children and our first priority for the wellbeing of our country and of our children is to bring them to church; and June affords us many opportunities along with our Sunday services to attend and bring the children.

The Feast day of the ASCENSION of Our Lord Jesus Christ, is on June 2 when Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. After He had said this, Jesus Christ lifted up His hands and blessed His disciples. While He blessed them, He parted from them and was lifted up to Heaven. Thus our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ascended in His physical body to Heaven and sat down at the right Hand of God the Father.

On Ascension Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power and ten days later when they were all together in one place, a sudden sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4) The Sunday of Pentecost, The Feast of the Holy Trinity, is on June 12 and is followed by a fast-free week.

On Friday, June 24th, St. John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Christ, is remembered on the feast day of his nativity. The Church observes his birth as a feast day, an honor only shared by the Holy Virgin Mary whose birth is celebrated on September 8. And we here at St. John the Baptist R.O. Church, will celebrate its name day.

The Fast this year in honor of the Glorious and All-praised Leaders of the Holy Apostles, Ss. Peter and Paul begins on June 20. Divine Liturgy will be on the Feast day of Ss. Peter and Paul, on June 29. Peter and Paul were the great missionary pillars of the Early Church. St. Peter, who stood in fear at the crucifixion of Jesus, fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel throughout the people of Israel. Once a persecutor of Christians, St. Paul converted and he and his helpers organized Christian communities all over Asia Minor and beyond. Ss. Peter and Paul were both touched by the Lord and became changed men. Nothing short of martyrdom was able to prevent them from carrying the message of the Savior that they loved to all parts of the known world.

We are challenged to learn about our faith and to love Christ. It is incumbent that you join us for the holy days listed above.  God’s love and blessings do not stop during the summer months so remember to go to church wherever you are vacationing. Jesus tells us Himself that: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt 18:20)

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in June. Michael Bzik on June 3; Kerri Czech, on June 13; Xenia Kary on June 19, Mary Ann Dolak on June 22; George Hook on June 27 and Carlos Majia on June 29. May God grant them all Many Years!

Remember our needy neighbors. The Food Pantry is always in need of food items. Especially now at this time of inflation and strife, please keep those less fortunate in mind and help us to feed those in need. A basket is in the vestibule of the church for your convenience. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.