Saint John The Baptist Orthodox Church

Weekly Newsletter and Sunday Bulletin

Sunday, July 19, 2026

(Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council)

Sunday Services

Matins: 9:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m.

Coffee Fellowship follows Divine Liturgy

Saturdays - 5:00 pm - Vespers

(Confession available following Vespers)

691 Green Street, Craig, CO 81625

Fr. David Henderson - 970-846-2245

fatherdavid@saintjohnscraig.org

www.saintjohnscraig.org

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

In This Issue:

A Message from Father David

Epistle and Gospel Readings

for Sunday, July 19

Food for the Soul

This Week/Next Week Services and Coming Events

A Message from Father David

Avoid Stupid Controversies

“Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law; for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Titus 3:9

Saint Paul’s warning to Titus is not a command to avoid truth, but a call to guard the heart from argument that produces no repentance, humility, or love. In our day, it’s all too easy to become obsessed with “being right.” We all know the on-line world is predicated on controversy and argumentation. In fact, our culture has monetized it. In the Orthodox life, theology is never meant to become a weapon for self-importance. True doctrine leads us into worship, prayer, mercy, and purification of the passions; useless controversy leaves us agitated, proud, and distracted.

To “avoid” such disputes is an act of spiritual sobriety. We do not flee from debate because truth is weak, but because the soul is easily wounded by pride. The Church teaches us to discern whether a conversation bears fruit: Does it deepen communion? Does it move us toward repentance? Does it reveal Christ’s mercy? If not, silence may be the more faithful confession.

Blessings,

Father David

Epistle and Gospel Readings

Psalm 31.11,1

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous.

Verse: Blessed are they whose transgressions have been forgiven.

The Epistle Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

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The Gospel According to Matthew 5:14-19

The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

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Food for the Soul

The heart itself is a small vessel, yet dragons are there, and lions; there are poisonous beasts and all the treasures of evil. But there too is God, the angels, the life and the kingdom.

Saint Marcarius the Great

This Week

Saturday, July 18

Great Vespers (5:00 PM)

Sunday, July 19

Matins (9:00 AM)
Divine Liturgy - (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, July 21

Orthodox Journey (7:00 PM) This interactive discussion is for Catechumens and for all who would like to learn more about the Orthodox Faith. It is held in person at the church and by Zoom.Click here to join: Orthodox Journey or use Meeting ID 973 8769 5656 and passcode 302935.

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Upcoming Services / Events

Saturday, July 25

Great Vespers (5:00 PM)

Sunday, July 26

Matins (9:00 AM)
Divine Liturgy - (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, July 28

Orthodox Journey (7:00 PM) This interactive discussion is for Catechumens and for all who would like to learn more about the Orthodox Faith. It is held in person at the church and by Zoom.Click here to join: Orthodox Journey or use Meeting ID 973 8769 5656 and passcode 302935.

Saturday, August 1

Great Vespers (5:00 PM)

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Metropolis of Denver Men's Retreat

Please speak with Dimitri Zgourides (970-702-3204)

with questions or for more information.

Saint John's Bookstore

Saint John’s bookstore is open in the Narthex where you can buy or borrow Orthodox Study Bibles, various books about our faith and the lives of the Saints, icons, prayer ropes, and other items. Come and see!