Dear brethren,

In times of adversity and turmoil we need to review God’s reassuring promises to us, so that we may recover our peace which is based on our faith and trust in His sincere promises. Although we discussed this topic some time ago, yet in the light of the circumstances surrounding us in this world which is filled with disorders, whether it is the events of Egypt and choosing the new president, or the events of the church and choosing the Pope, or the events of United States with its economic and moral pressure, we need to recall some of these promises and keep them as a reminder for ourselves.

We therefore suggest that we each choose one verse; one that touches the heart, and keep it in our hearts and minds to be a source of peace and comfort:

v  “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exo 14: 14).

v “the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you” (Deut 23: 5).

v “Out of the eater came something to eat, And out of the strong came something sweet” (Jud 14: 14).

v “For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few” (1 Sam 14: 6).

v “Thus says the Lord to you: `Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chr 20: 15).

v “Our God will fight for us” (Neh 4: 20).

v “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psa 27: 1).

v “And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them” (Isa 19: 22).

v “for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye” (Zech 2: 8).

v “But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Mat 10: 22).

v “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14: 22).

As for the church news, the Apostles’ Mass will be held on July 12 from 7 to 10 am, and will include praying the liturgy of blessing the water, which is repeated 3 times per year: feast of Epiphany, Covenant Thursday and feast of the Apostles.

Asking you to remember the church, priests, servants and all services in your prayers, may the blessing of St. Mary, our fathers the Apostles & St. Mercurius be with us all.

Fr. Youssef Halim & Fr. Luke Istafanous

Belleville, July 1, 2012

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