The month of October comes with the rustle of falling leaves, cool temperatures, and beautiful colors. God shows His love to us all by the beautiful earth that unfolds before us. This is sweater weather and the church is comfortable and warming with the glow of candles burning brightly, the scent of pleasant and welcoming incense and the sun, shining through the stunning Icon colored windows. Now, as always, is the time to return to the comforting ambiance of the church.

Today October 1, we have a Divine Liturgy for the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. The feast day celebrates the appearance of the Mother of God at Blachernae in the tenth century. At the end of St. Andrew of Constantinople’s life, he, with his disciple St. Epiphanius, and a group of people, saw the Mother of God, and several other saints and angels during a vigil in the Church of Blachernae, nearby the city gates. The Blachernae Palace church was where several of her relics were kept. The relics were her robe, veil, and part of her belt that had been transferred from Palestine during the fifth century. The Theotokos approached the center of the church, knelt down and remained in prayer a long time. Her face was drowned in tear

Then she took her veil off and spread it over the people as a sign of protection. During the time, the people in the city were threatened by a barbarian invasion. After the appearance of the Mother of God, the danger was averted and the city was spared from bloodshed and suffering.

Let us pray to the Theotokos: “Be with me always in your grace and loving mercy, for you are the fervent helper who turns away the assaults of enemies and guides all toward salvation, caring for my unworthy soul at the hour of death and driving from it the darkness of evil spirits. In the Day of Judgment, free me from eternal torment and show me to be an heir of the divine glory of your Son, and our God. Grant this, O Lady Theotokos, by your prayers and intercessions, through the mercy and lovingkindness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom are due all glory, honor and worship, with the Father Who is eternal, and His all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.” (Prayer from ‘My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book’ by Anthony M. Coniaris.)

My family and I are saddened by the recent passing of our daughter, sister, sister in law, aunt and cousin Jennifer Ann. But as we grieve, we are comforted by the beautiful words and reactions we all received about our beloved Jennifer Ann. People in her life, from kindergarten, high school, from our church and from work; and also places of dance instructions and exercise classes and from casual acquaintances and neighbors of hers were overflowing with praise and love. We are humbled by her display of love and care that she showed to everyone not only to us. We were especially impressed by the wonderful praises from her co-workers with whom she had a daily interaction. We thank everyone for their support and love at this difficult time and for their prayers. And may God grant our wonderful daughter rest eternal in blessed repose to Thy servant Jennifer Ann, who has fallen asleep and make her Memory to be Eternal!

So we are always of good courage; we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body. (2 Cor5:6-10) 

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in October including: Daniel Kary, Marie Baron and Maya Columbus on Oct. 10; Dennis Maixner Oct. 21; Helena Czech Oct. 22; Lauren Silvestre Oct. 25; and Elizabeth Hatsko on Oct. 30. May God grant each of them a very Happy Birthday and Many Years!