Saint Teresa of Ávila Narthex of Brisbane- 1/18/09

The Apostolic Johannite Church is pleased to announce the official establishment of the Saint Teresa of Avila Narthex in Brisbane, Australia. To mark the official establishment of the Brisbane Narthex, the Patriarch of the Apostolic Johannite Church sent the following letter:

To the Johannite Church in Brisbane,

I want to congratulate each of you personally for the hard work, motivation and commitment that you have brought to the Apostolic Johannite Church through the formation of the second centre in Australia.

From following your communication it is clear to me that each of you brings to the Apostolic Johannite Church a spirit of joy and dedication so needed not only in building the church that each of you participates in making a reality, but also in your own paths as Johannites.

Much work has been done, and much more is required as we walk into a future of our own making, giving the gift of our paths to our fellow human beings, and receiving likewise all that the future has so richly to offer in turn.

In the months and years to come it is my sincere hope that you avail yourselves of the resource you have in the Johannite Church abroad, and never shrink from the opportunity to make yourselves also a resource for those that labour with you in the most noble task of pursuing wholeness, compassion and understanding.

This is my prayer and wish for you, together with the Apostolic Council and the whole of the Apostolic Johannite Church, and in that spirit I remain,

Yours before the Sacred Flame,

+ IOHANNES IV

 

St. Sarah’s Schedule 2009

St. Sarah’s schedule for 2009 has been set, and here it is! All liturgies are 7-9PM at the Theosophical Society in Arlington, MA. All dates are Saturday’s except for May.

Jan. 24

Feb. 28

Mar. 28

Apr. 25
May 24 (Sunday)

Jun. 27

Jul. 25

Aug. 22

Sep. 26

Oct. 24

Nov. 28

Dec. 26

 

Gnostic Night Out!

Location
Christopher’s Restaurant
1920 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 876-9180 
7PM. Click here to RSVP 

Because we can’t meet in our regular location this month we’re going to instead have a very informal evening of fellowship and conversation at this nice restaurant in Porter Square, Cambridge called Christopher’s. Topics of conversation could range from the ancient Gnostic texts, modern Gnosticism, or how the Patriots are doing without Tom Brady. It’ll be fun! I hope to see all of you there, but I’ll need you all to RSVP very soon so I can make a reservation.

 

2009 AJC Conclave website is up

We’ve been hard at work planning for the 2009 Conclave, and what a Conclave this will be! This will be the biggest Gnostic event of the last 100 years! You can be a part of it. Check out the website here.

Also, I’d like to challenge the members and friends of St. Sarah’s Parish to join me in a tax-deductible donation of $15 a month to help support this effort. To donate please click here.

 

Johannite Gnostic July Study Group

St. James the Just

Study Group Reading & Discussion for July 26, 2008

Comparing the inspirational texts of St. James from both the Epistle of James in the New Testament and the Secret Book of James (aka. The Aprocryphon of James) from the Gnostic texts found at Nag Hammadi, Egypt give us insight into the common themes thought to be important by both St. James and his scribes.

The major themes of both texts

Epistle of St. James	Secret Book of James
1. Trials and temptations	1. Being filled and lacking
2. Listening and doing	2. Believe in my cross
3. Favoritism forbidden	3. Be eager for the Word
4. Faith and deeds	4. Understand the Light
5. Taming the tongue	5. Shame on you, Blessings on you
6. Two kinds of wisdom	6. Few find the Kingdom of Heaven
	7. Know yourselves

Questions for discussion

1. What do these themes teach us about St. James’s world view?
2. Where do they diverge?
3. Intersect?

This study group will meet immediately before the Mass scheduled at the Theosophical Society in Arlington at 7pm. See you there!