Saint John The Baptist Orthodox Church

Weekly Newsletter and Sunday Bulletin

Sunday, April 26, 2026

(Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women)

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, April 26


Food for the Soul


This Week/Next Week Services and Coming Events


A Message from Father David

The Holy Myrrh Bearing Women


This second Sunday after Pascha, we commemorate the Myrrh Bearing Women, three of whom are now portrayed on the north wall of our church – Joanna, Mary Magdalene, and Solome. These devoted women disciples of our Lord went early to the tomb of our Lord, carrying spices and ointments, not knowing what they would find. Their hearts were heavy with sorrow, yet filled with hope and love for Christ, even in the face of uncertainty and danger. In their loving devotion, they teach us that true faith is not hindered by fear, nor is it limited by what we can see or understand.


The Myrrh Bearers approached the tomb with a question: “Who will roll away the stone for us?” Yet, even without a clear plan, they went on, compelled by their deep love for their Lord.  When they arrived, they encountered the miracle of the empty tomb, greeted by the angel who proclaimed, “He is risen!” Their faith and courage were rewarded with the first announcement of the Resurrection - a gift they joyfully shared with the apostles and with all the world.


When we face challenges or moments of doubt, the Myrrh Bearing Women with their unwavering love inspire us and give us an example to follow. Like them, when we approach Christ with humility, courage, and devotion, He meets us in our seeking and turns our sorrow to joy. Through their witness, we are reminded that the path of discipleship often calls us beyond our comfort and into the mystery of God’s love. May their memory inspire us to follow Christ boldly, to proclaim His Resurrection, and to lovingly serve Him, despite our fears and uncertainties.


Blessings,

Father David




Epistle and Gospel Readings


Psalm 117.14,18

The Lord is my strength and my song.

Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.


The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7


In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.


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The Gospel According to Mark 15: 43-47, 16: 1-8


At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.


And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.


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Food for the Soul


Our life depends on the thoughts we nurture. If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek, and kind, then that is what our life is like. If our attention is turned to the circumstances in which we live, we are drawn into a whirlpool of thoughts and can have neither peace nor tranquility.


~ Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica


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This Week


Sunday, April 26

  • Matins (9:00 AM)
  • Divine Liturgy (10:00 AM)
  • Blessing of the New Icons following Liturgy


Tuesday, April 28

  • Orthodox Journey (7:00 PM) This interactive discussion is for Catechemuns 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, May 2

  • Great Vespers (5:00 PM)


+ + +


Upcoming Services / Events


Sunday, May 3

  • Matins (9:00 AM)
  • Divine Liturgy (10:00 AM)
  • Celebration of May Name Days, birthdays and anniversaries
  • First Sunday of the Month Potluck Lunch after Divine Liturgy


Tuesday, May 5

  • Orthodox Journey (7:00 PM) This interactive discussion is for Catechemuns 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, May 9

  • No Vespers Service


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Spring Parish Assembly Meeting


Sunday May 17 following Divine Liturgy


Please plan to attend!




Welcome to Our Newest Catechumens

Last Sunday we welcomed Jonathan Grenier and Ryan Barlow as our newest Catechumens with great joy. As we hear in the Service of Catechumens, Jonathan and Ryan are "newly enlisted Soldiers in Christ" and we are blessed to have them within our Saint John's family!



Phase I Iconography is Complete!

This Sunday we will celebrate the Completion of Phase I Iconography within the Sanctuary with a Blessing of the 20 newly installed icons.




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!