25 February 2018

2nd Sunday of Lent

1st: Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18
Psalm: 115: 10, 15-19.
2nd: Romans 8:31-34
The Gospel of Mark: 9:2-10

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus: ‘Rabbi,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.

  As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.

The Transfiguration of the Lord

He brings Moses and Elias before them; first, indeed, because the multitudes said that Christ was Elias, and one of the Prophets. He shows Himself to the Apostles with them, that they might see the difference between the Lord and His servants. And again because the Jews accused Christ of transgressing the law, blaspheming and taking to himself the glory of the Father, He brought before them those who shone brightly in both, for Moses gave the Law and Elias was zealous for the glory of God; therefore, neither would have stood near Him had He been opposed to God and to His law. And that they might know that He holds the power of life and of death, He brings before them both Moses who was dead, and Elias who had not yet suffered death. Furthermore, Christ signified by this that his doctrine had as schoolmaster that of the Prophets. He also signified the junction of the New and Old Testaments, and that the Apostles shall be joined in the resurrection with the Prophets, and both together shall go forth to meet their common King.
St. John Chrysostom (Catena Aurea)

This week’s feasts
Mon 26 St. Porphyrius of Gaza, Bishop and Martyr (in our diocese)

Psalter week II

Readings for 3rd Sunday of Lent
1st: Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm: 18:8-11
2nd: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Gospel: John 2:13-25

Saint Porphyrius, Bishop of Gaza

Porphyrius was born in Thessalonica around the year 347. One day, Porphyrius sold his property and distributed the money among the monasteries of Egypt and the poor in Jerusalem. He lived for 5 years in the Egyptian desert of Scete and then he moved to a cave near the Jordan River.  Although he suffered from poor health, he traveled several times to the site of  the Resurrection where he met  the future Deacon Mark the Asiatic who would become the saint’s biographer. When Porphyrius became a  priest  in  392,  a  relic  of  the  Holy  Cross  was entrusted to his care. In 395 he became Bishop of Gaza, where paganism and hostility toward the Church prevailed, so he appealed to the emperor for protection and eventually obtained from him an imperial rescript ordering the destruction of pagan sanctuaries in Gaza and the building of Churches. In 415 Porphyrius attended the Council of Diospolis. He died 5 years later in Gaza on 26 February.

Saint Porphyrius, pray for us.

St. Paul’s Passion of the Lord 2018 is in the making. It will be on 21 March. WE NEED ACTORS. Please contact Fr. Fernando at 9993 3130.

Lenten Friday Observance Mass will be at 11.30am followed by Stations of the Cross.

Cup of soup, roll and cheese at the Coffee Shop on Fridays during Lent after Stations of the Cross. Donation 5€. (Hospice and Caritas).

Special Lenten Mass Friday 9th March 6pm, arranged by the Paphos Catenians. Confessions.

Brexit Info meeting by British High Commissioner Tue 27 Feb 2:30pm at Phoenix Club or Wed 7 Feb 11:30am at Kamaris Club (UK residents).

An evening with Ms. Debonair Sat 3 March, 7 pm. At Riley’s on Tomb of the Kings Road. Two course meal €13.00 (€5 will go to help hospice) For more information on the show and food menu call 99389073

Paphos Bikers Club Event Sun 4 March 1-6pm at Hogshead Pub and Grill on Bar Street on Sunday 4th March 1-6pm live entertainment, raffle, prizes, hog roast lunch €10 to help Hospice. Call Paul on 96551905.

CARITAS is looking for a new storeroom. Call Wendy at 9904 0294. Thank you for your prayers

Mass Times HERE