August 2023
Spirit of the Eagle
St. John the Evangelist ACC
Spiritual Tidbits & Rector’s Reflections for
August 2023 from Father Tim
August has arrived hot, as usual, but at least we close down the ‘Dog Days of Summer’ on the 11th. In ancient Greece and Rome, the Dog Days were believed to be a time of drought, bad luck, and unrest, when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat! Today, the phrase doesn’t conjure up such bad imagery. Instead, the Dog Days are associated purely with the time of summer’s peak temperatures and humidity. This period of sweltering weather coincides with the year’s heliacal (meaning “at sunrise”) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris—the “Greater Dog”—which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name, Alpha Canis Majoris. Not including our own Sun, Sirius is the brightest star in the sky. In ancient Greece and Rome it was believed that the dawn rising of Sirius in mid-to-late summer contributed to the extreme weather of the season. In other words, the “combined heat” of super-bright Sirius and our Sun was thought to be the cause of summer’s sweltering temperatures. The name “Sirius” even stems from the Ancient Greek seírios, meaning “scorching.” Revelation 16:8 comes to mind: And the fourth angle poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. The first Sunday in August is the Transfiguration of Christ (6th). In the gospel of Matthew (17:2) it is written: “[Jesus] was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” For just a few moments the eyes of Peter, James, and John were miraculously opened so they could gaze upon the perfection of life in heaven. In addition to the three remaining Trinity Sundays we also celebrate the feast of S. Bartholomew, Apostle & Martyr (24th). Bartholomew is also known as ‘Nathaniel’ in the Gospel of John. The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew painting (1634) by Jusepe de Ribera depicts Bartholomew’s final moments before being flayed alive. The viewer is meant to empathize with Bartholomew, whose body seemingly bursts through the surface of the canvas, and whose outstretched arms embrace a mystical light that illuminates his flesh. His piercing eyes, open mouth, and petitioning left hand bespeak an intense communion with the divine; yet this same hand draws our attention to the instruments of his torture, symbolically positioned in the shape of a cross. Transfixed by Bartholomew’s active faith, the executioner seems to have stopped short in his actions, and his furrowed brow and partially illuminated face suggest a moment of doubt, with the possibility of conversion. I hope and pray your August contains much mystical light, and little scorching sun. ~ Father Tim
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Is there someone you know who is in need of the light of Christ? August is a great month to invite someone to Saint John’s to contemplate the perfection of life in heaven. Please invite someone to church where they can be transfixed by our parishioners active faith, and consider the possibility of their own conversion. ~ Father Tim
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The Voice [at the Transfiguration] did not say: ‘These are my beloved sons.’ For One only is the Son; others are adopted. ~ S. Augustine of Hippo, 354-430, Bishop, Theologian, & Dr.
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Did you know?
Did you know Saint John’s made a charitable gift to Holly Hill Child & Family Solutions in July? Did you know the ACC Provincial Synod is in Orlando, FL in October (10th-13th) this year? Did you know we are scheduled for new kneeler padding and upholstery this summer? Did you know that St. John’s was established in 1873 and 2023 is our 150th anniversary?
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He took Peter, James and John up to the mountain, that He might show them His kingdom, before they witnessed His suffering and death…so that…they might understand that he was not crucified…because of his own powerlessness, but because it had please Him of His goodness to suffer for the salvation of the world. ~ S. Ephraim the Syrian, 306-373, Deacon, Conf. & Dr.
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St. John August Ordo Kalendar
Wednesday, the 2nd of August at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Sunday, the 6th of August, at 10:30 AM, Transfiguration of Christ Mass
Wednesday, the 9th of August at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Sunday, the 13th of August at 10:30 AM, Trinity X Mass
Wednesday, the 16th of August at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Saturday, the 19th of Aug. at 2:00 PM, Bible Study Lineup, The Usual Suspects Club
Saturday, the 19th of August at 3:15 PM, The Unseen Realm, The Book of Life Club
Sunday, the 20th of August at 10:30 AM, Trinity XI Mass, Vestry Meeting
Wednesday, the 23rd of August at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Sunday, the 27th of August at 10:30 AM, Trinity XII Mass
Wednesday, the 30th of August, at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
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In the time of Jesus the mount of transfiguration was on the way to the cross. In our day the cross is on the way to the mount of transfiguration. If you would be on the mountain, you must consent to pass over the road to it. ~ Henry Clay Trumbull, 1830-1903, American Clergyman & Author, pioneer of the Sunday School Movement
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St. John Shut-In Visits by Fr. Tim & Janet
No visits in July
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August Birthdays & Anniversaries
John Fischer – Birthday – August 1
Andrew and Britt Masters – Anniversary – August 8
Matthew Davis – Birthday – August 17
Kevin and Donna Davis – Anniversary – August 21
Sally Thomson – Birthday – August 23
Janet Butler – Birthday – August 28
Savannah Barkdoll – Birthday – August 29
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Why should we want to worship Jesus well?
When we become incorruptible and immortal, and attain to the blessed state of conformity with Christ, we will be ever with the Lord (as Scripture says), gaining fulfillment in the purest contemplations of His visible theophany which will illuminate us with its most brilliant rays, just as it illuminated the disciples at the time of the most divine Transfiguration. ~ S. Gregory Palamas, 1296-1357, Bishop & Byzantine Greek Theologian
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The Martyrdom of S. Bartholomew, Jusepe de Ribera, 1634
If the time should ever come when what is now called Science, thus familiarized to men, shall be ready to put on, as it were, a form of flesh and blood, the Poet will lend his divine spirit to the aid the transfiguration, and will welcome the Being thus produced, as a dear and genuine inmate of the household of man. ~ William Wordsworth, 1770-1850, English Romantic Poet
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The seeking of Jesus Christ and the quest for chivalry combined lead directly to one place only: Anglican-Catholicism. Courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help and defend the weak and the poor. Welcome to the Anglican Catholic Church. ~ Father Timothy Butler