Good Shepherd's Chapel, Abbotsford Victoria
3rd June 2023 A.D. @ 7pm
Bells called the congregation to come. The clergy began the evening with some beautiful chants and singing. Then Fr Mark reading about the sermon from the Mount where everyone heard the Words of God in their own language.
Fr Mathew read from the Gospel by St. John. It spoke of the debate about where the messiah would come from - some people didn’t believe he would come from Galilee.
Next they prayed before the gifts were brought to the altar and blessed, and communion was shared.
Next we had the Kneeling prayers, in the ancient tradition from the Chruch of Jerusalem. After around 15 minutes of prayer, the blessed gifts were returned to the side altar.
Metropolitan Raffaele did a reflection on the evenings celebrations. He began with a question: Why do they dress in green when others dress in red for Pentecost?
He explained that the Holy Spirit is like water that descends upon dry earth - it creates new growth and regeneration. He taught us that although we need rules and regulations, an obsession with rules doesn’t allow God to work though you and in you. We need to be flexible and adapt to the time, place and space you are in. The Holy Spirit brings change and regenerates us for the better. He mentioned that some churches are seem different, but all nurture, teach, preach and welcome - that’s where God is: where love is.
Next, he told us the story of the priest of Mumbrey - Melkisadek. Metropolitan Raffaele told how the Holy Trinity had appeared by an oak tree and Abraham had addressed them in the singular pronoun. Then, when they went to rescue Lot, the king of the area wanted them to pay taxes, but Abraham didn't want to part with his flock. This is when Melkisadek came to offer a peaceful solution though sharing of bread and wine, and everyone parted happily. Jesus became the bread and wine of this story, offering peace between all nations and peoples.
Metropolitan Raffaele went on to remind us of the meaning of the Creed - especially how each of the alternate heresies of the time saw the existence of Jesus and God.
After his reflection, Fr Mark anointed everyone with the Oil of Gladness and then everyone retired to consume snacks together in the cool room.
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