Rochester NY: Family Vespers Day

Rochester NY: Family Vespers Day - 11/27/10

Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Rochester NY hosted a Family Vespers Day on Saturday, November 27th.  The day began at 3:00 pm with prosphora (Church bread) baking and included a very special reading of the newly published children’s book And Then Nicholas Sang by the author, parishioner Elizabeth Johnson.
 
Hosting a Family Vespers Day in the parish four times a year was the idea of parish council member (and student enrolled in the Diocesan Diaconal Formation Program) Sean McNulty.  Families are invited to spend a Saturday afternoon at the church participating in a variety of activities, enjoying pizza and beverages, and attending Great Vespers at 6:00 pm followed by an ice cream social and special presentation.  His Grace, Bishop +Michael, was present for the previous gathering of Family Vespers Day.
 
The children and parents learned how to make prosphora (Church bread) using the "hands-on" method of instruction!  Father Ken James Stavrevsky, parish rector, offered instruction and supervision as many hands, some rather small, contributed to the effort.  The work was begun and accomplished prayerfully, to the glory of God.
 
The children and parents were also treated to a special reading of the newly published children's book – And Then Nicholas Sang – by the author, Elizabeth Johnson.  Several copies of the book, which would make a wonderful Christmas present, were purchased and personally signed by the author. The book tells the story of the Trisagion Hymn -- "Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us!" -- as sung in our churches for generations.  And Then Nicholas Sang is now available through Conciliar Press:
http://www.conciliarpress.com/christmas-store/gift-for-children/then-nicholas-sang.html
 
Following Great Vespers, the children carefully wrapped the prosphora that would be used for the offering during the Divine Liturgy the next day.  They enjoyed tasting some of the results of their labors and carried portions of freshly baked bread home to share with others.

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