Editor’s Note: This article first was published in Spirit of Abilene in December 2023. By Philip LeMastersOrthodox Christians celebrate the memory of Saint Nicholas on December 6. He is a saint so beloved that he is the basis for the figure of Santa Claus. Living in the 4th century in what is now Turkey, St. Nicholas had a sizeable inheritance
Read moreBy Philip LeMasters Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of Theophany (or Epiphany) on January 6. The focus of the celebration is Jesus Christ’s baptism in the Jordan river, when the voice of the Father identified Him as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. (e.g., Mark 1:9-11) The feast also celebrates
Read moreBy PHILIP LeMASTERS Those who promote Christian political agendas must take care in order to avoid damaging their souls and distorting their witness to Jesus Christ. The practices and virtues associated with the quest for earthly power, even for the best of ends, are hardly those of the Beatitudes. Christ called his followers to acquire purity of heart and love
Read moreSt. Luke Orthodox ChurchM 501 Sunset Drive4/9: Palm Sunday: 9 am, Matins; 10 am, Divine Liturgy. Lunch follows in the hall; 6 pm, Bridegroom Mat4/10: Holy Monday: 6 pm, Bridegroom Matins 4/11: Holy Tuesday: 6 pm, Bridegroom Matins 4/12: Holy Wednesday: 6 pm, Holy Unction4/13: Holy Thursday, 6 pm, Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels 4/14: Holy Friday: 10 am, Royal Hours; 3:30 pm,
Read morePhilip LeMasters, pastor St. Luke Orthodox Church, will present the program at the monthly meeting of the Abilene Association of Congregations. The program begins with lunch at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech St. A $3 donation is requested for lunch. LeMasters’presentation will begin at noon. The public is invited to the meeting.
Read moreEditor’s note: Easter is coming a week later this year for Orthodox churches than Western churches. Philip LeMasters, priest at St. Luke’s Orthodox Church in Abilene, explains why and gives a list of services at the church. The church is located at 501 Sunset Drive. All are welcome. By PHILIP LeMASTERS The Orthodox Church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ
Read moreThe public is invited to see the film, “Ostrov,” at St. Luke Orthodox Church, 501 Sunset Drive, on Saturday, Sept. 25. The film will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Pizza will be served. The movie and the pizza are free to the public. “Ostrov,” which means “The Island,” is in Russian, with English subtitles. According to a
Read moreBy PHILIP LeMASTERS Eastern Orthodox Christians may have hesitated a bit this year on April 5 when friends asked, “How was your Easter?” The day before we had observed the third Sunday of Lent, not the Lord’s resurrection. Though Orthodox agree with Catholics and Protestants that Easter is on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the
Read moreHoly Week begins April 23 at St. Luke Orthodox Church, 501 Sunset Drive, with daily services leading to Pascha or Easter on Sunday, May 2. Western Christians celebrated Easter on April 4, but Orthodox Christians follow a different calendar, which places Pascha at a different time from Easter. Below is the schedule for Holy Week and Pascha services at St.
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 