Next Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus Mass, January 2nd: Intent: Renewal of Life

Happy New Year to All! This coming Sunday the 2nd of January at 5:00 PM, we will celebrate our monthly Chapel service especially for the GLBTTQ COmmunity of Gnostics. We hope to see you there!

Rev's John, Donna, Gerry, Amber, and our helpful Lay Server Laura

THE COLLECT

O omnipotent God, who fillest and dost govern the immensity of worlds which have come forth from Thee; Thou verily art the eternal new-born Child, and yet Thou art the Ancient of Days! Thou hast veiled Thy ineffable glory and splendor in the garment of time and the cloak of space; Thou wilt transform all things so that they might return to Thee, to Thy timeless essence. We dedicate our lives to Thee, and we resolve to so live throughout this year, that Thy glory might increase and fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Amen.

THE LESSON

The lesson is taken from the Book of the Revelation of St. John the Divine:

Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. Behold, I make all things new.

THE GOSPEL

The gospel is taken from the words of Hermes the Thrice Great Lord:

Your consciousness is in God; draw it into yourself, and it will appear; will, and it takes birth; suspend the senses of the body and the birth of the Godhead takes place. But first you must purify yourselves from the mindless torments of matter, one of which is ignorance, though there are many others, which force the man who is confined to the prison of the body to suffer by way of the passions. But these at once depart from him on whom God has had mercy, and so the body of Gnosis in man is built. This is the way of true rebirth. And now my child be still, and keep solemn silence; and thus will the grace from God not cease to come upon us.

This Sunday, December 5th: The Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus @ Ecclesia Gnostica Monthly Service

Second Sunday in Advent: Violet. Mass of same
Feast day of the H. Nicholas

THE LESSON

The lesson is taken from the writings of the Gnostic Fathers:

Cease to seek God in created things on the outside, but seek Him within thyself; and thus learn who it is that takes possession of thee and says: “My God, my consciousness, my understanding, my soul, my body.” Then learn whence is sorrow, and rejoicing, and love, and hate, and being awake, and being asleep, and getting angry against one’s will. Now if thou inquire into these things thou shalt find Him in thyself, one and many, like the atom, and thus thou shalt find the way out from thy lesser self.


We're at 3363 Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village (nearest cross street is Revere, Turn on Revere to enter parking lot from alley.plenty of parking!

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Next Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus, Sunday October 3, at 5:00 P.M.

Dear Friends of the Gnostic Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus,

This Coming Sunday we will be holding our Monthly Sunday Evening Service at Ecclesia Gnostica 3363 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039. Free Parking. Donation to the Ecclesia Gnostica Optional.

The Collects from the Mass of the Day and intent, with links to our lectionary follows.

Hope to see you there!

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622&s=100#!/group.php?gid=286336823603

Michaelmas Sunday: White. Mass of same (p. 155).

THE COLLECT

O glorious prince of the heavenly army, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the eternal combat, which we sustain against the powers of darkness, malice and ignorance, which afflict us on this aeonial battlefield of our earthly life! Come, invincible leader of the host of heaven, guardian of the paradise of the world and wielder of the double-edged, flaming sword! Aid and sustain us in our defense against the adversary; and come to lead us finally into the presence of the Most High, into the abode of the blissful. Enlighten and purify us, O Thou great and mighty Archangel Michael, grant us to abandon the works of darkness and to love the Gnosis of the Light; so that whilst all things of this world pass away we may ever hold fast those things which abide for evermore.

Second Collect of the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity (p. 99).Intent: Commemoration of the Saints

THE COLLECT

We glorify and thank Thee, O Indwelling One, for the abiding presence among us of Thy glorious and holy saints who were and are and are to come. We humbly recognize that they indeed are the corners of our cosmos, the pillars of the perfection of mankind, and the revealers of reality. Do Thou, O Holy One, ever affirm within us Thy powers of holiness, that in the fullness of the time of our perfection we might join the ranks of thy leaders of light and become providers of purpose and helpers of Thy holy hand.
Amen.


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Next Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus Mass, Sunday, June 6 at 5:00 PM

Corpus Christi: Mass of same, Procession with the Most H. Sacrament.

THE COLLECT:

O God, Holy and Ineffable, who art verily mystically present in all things, and who art yet transcending all embodiment, we thank Thee for this wonderful sacrament of the altar, which Thou givest us as a token of thine indwelling divinity. We thank Thee for this the most wonderful gift which Thou hast given unto us and we ask Thee to grant us so to venerate the mystery of this sacred body and blood that we may ever perceive within ourselves thine indwelling presence, and share Thy life with others. Amen.

The Chapel of Ss. Serge and Bacchus is held on the first Sunday of Every Month at 500 PM at Ecclesia Gnostica, 3363 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90039. The Gnostic High Mass is celebrated at all Chapel of Ss. Serge and Bacchus Services as it is celebrated at the Ecclesia Gnostica, with the exception that certain changes or additions have been made to reflect the special needs of our community and to ask for the intercession of GLBT saints such as Serge & Bacchus, Perp...etua and & Felicitas, and others, as well as to address the special issues, concerns, and needs of our community in our intentions and prayers.

What we refer to as a Mass, or a Gnostic mass Is the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. In this sacrament the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ. This sacrament unites us in a very special way with Christ the Savior and through Him with the Fullness (PLEROMA). The ultimate objective of this process is the achievement of salvific knowledge (the knowledge of Salvation), as it is offered to us by the Love of God and the intercession of Divine Grace.

With the sacraments as an important aid, and the Christ within as our guide, we can be fundamentally transformed and may ultimately obtain freedom from embodied existence and return to the ultimate unity. This is possible for each and every one of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or identity. Our Clergy are ordained into recognized Apostolic and Catholic Lineages and duly qualified to celebrate Mass. The Gay, Lesbian and Bi-sexual members of our Clergy and congregation are particularly involved in and devoted to keeping the Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus an integral part of our Gnostic Community.

Communion of the Sacred Wine and/or Bread is offered to all who wish to receive it, we do not require prior confession or even that a person is a member of our church. We do, however, offer a general confession and absolution in the context of our service. It is by prayer and sincere contrition that we are purified and prepared to receive these sacraments. A brief Homily follows the mass, and we offer fellowship and refreshments for all who would like to stay for a few minutes after the service.

Blessings!

Reverends: John Goelz, Donna Owen, Gerry Szeman & Amber Tidwell

Next Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus Mass at Ecclesia Gnostica Sunday, May 2 @5pm

Fourth Sunday after Easter: Intent: Divine Aid toward Liberation
& Feast of the Holy Apostles Philip and James (May 1st)

THE COLLECT

O Thou single source of truth and wisdom, who hast taught us that we shall be lamps unto ourselves and islands of refuge unto ourselves, let us ascend up to the supreme light as if on the chariot of truth, bring us over all gulfs and abysses, bear us upward out of gorges and valleys; become to us a harbor of liberation so that we may repose in the arms of life everlasting. Amen.

" Truth, which existed since the beginning, is sown everywhere and many see it being sown, but few are they who see it being reaped."" (excerpt from The Gospel of Phillip, translated by Wesley W. Isenberg)

" If you consider how long the world existed you, and how long it will exist after you, you will find that your life is one single day, and your sufferings one single hour... Scorn death, therefore, and take thought for life!" (excerpts from the Apocryphon of James, translated by Francis E. William)

The Chapel of Ss. Serge and Bacchus is held at 5:00 P.M. on the First Sunday of Every Month at Ecclesia Gnostica, 3363 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Nearest Cross street is Revere. Enter parking lot from alley @ Revere. Our Gnostic High Mass, Chanted and Spoken, is similar to an Old Catholic or High Anglican Service. It differs only slightly from our traditional Gnostic Mass, in that the special intentions of the GLBTQ Community are addressed in our Prayers, Gay & Lesbian Saints, especially Ss. Serge & Bacchus and Perpetua & Felicitas, are invoked with all Saints and Gnostic teachers, and our homilies (given after the conclusion of the Mass) will address particular concerns of GLBTQ brothers and sisters in our Gnostic community. Of course, all are welcome and invited to attend Services and receive Holy Communion at the Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus or any Ecclesia Gnostica Service. No confession or church membership required, however private appointments for confession or spiritual counseling with a Gay or Lesbian Priest are available, as well as hospital or home visits for the elderly or infirm to receive healing and communion. Refreshments and fellowship following the service. Free will donation. Please feel free to contact Rev. John Goelz at: pleroma999@hotmail.com, or Rev. Donna Owen at rev_donna@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions.

More information about the Ecclesia Gnostica is available at: http://www.gnosis.org/eghome.htm

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He has risen

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter! The Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus will NOT be held Easter Sunday @ 5:00 PM, Please come to our Morning Mass at 11:00 AM @ the Ecclesia Gnostica, 3363 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039. Hope to see you there!

Easter Day; The Festival of the Risen Light
Intent: The Inner Resurrection



THE COLLECT:
O Infinite Intelligence, in Whom all inspiration is, tell us
the truth about ourselves in whatsoever ways we best may bear without
being broken by that burden. Give us, we pray Thee, the sure and certain
witness that spirit shall finally triumph over matter, and that death
to the world is but a gateway to the ineffable splendor of eternal life
in Thee. Deal lightly with us, O Divine Directing One, that we may learn
our lessons in this life through love, yet with an unassuming air of
absolute and utter confidence in Thy complete command of Cosmos; O
never-setting sun of wisdom, goodness and truth, who livest and reignest
God for ever and ever.


Amen.

He has risen, awaken from the sleep of death and be transfigured into his likeness!

Reverends: John Goelz, Donna Owen, Gerry Szeman & Amber Tidwell

नेक्स्ट Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus this Sunday, March 7th at 5:00 PM

This Coming Sunday, March 7th at 5:00 PM we will be having our monthly Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus @ Ecclesia Gnostica, 3363 Glendale Blvd (at Revere) Los Angeles, CA 90039. I hope you can join us!

Join our Face book group: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=286336823603


Third Sunday in Lent: Violet. Mass of same Intent: Understanding
________________________________________
THE COLLECT
O repose of the all, we give Thee glory, the Father of Greatness, the glorious King, the Sun in His Aeons, the mighty Crown-bearer, the Father of all our race, the God of all the Gods, the good tree that has given no evil fruit, the Father whose children are many, the Watcher who guards His tower, the sleepless shepherd, the helmsman who does not swoon from the drink of the world, the king and god of Truth, He of the unfading crown, who is Himself all wisdom and love, and who fills our hearts with understanding and compassion.
Amen.


"Almighty Father, your Son, by His holy love for His Disciple John, sanctified man's love for his brother, We ask You to sanctify our love for one another, and to bless all Gay & Lesbian members of our Ecclesia wherever they are..."

excerpt from our Pre-Eucharistic Prayer, The Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus at Ecclesia Gnostica

"Behold how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together, of Serge & Bacchus the pair filled with grace, let us sing…" excerpt from The Collect of Ss. Serge & Bacchus, The Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus at Ecclesia Gnostica

NEXT CHAPEL OF SAINTS SERGE & BACCHUS MASS, This Coming SUNDAY, February 7, 500 PM at Ecclesia Gnostica

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT OUR NEXT CHAPEL OF SAINTS SERGE & BACCHUS MASS,

This Coming SUNDAY, February 7, 500 PM at Ecclesia Gnostica,

3363 Glendale Blvd. (nearest x-street Revere)

Rev's; John, Donna, Gerry & Amber



"Almighty Father, your Son, by His holy love for His Disciple John, sanctified man's love for his brother, We ask You to sanctify our love for one another, and to bless all Gay & Lesbian members of our Ecclesia wherever they are..."

excerpt from our Pre-Eucharistic Prayer, The Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus at Ecclesia Gnostica

"Behold how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together, of Serge & Bacchus the pair filled with grace, let us sing…" excerpt from The Collect of Ss. Serge & Bacchus, The Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus at Ecclesia Gnostica



Candlemas Day: White. Mass of same (p. 119).

http://gnosis.org/ecclesia/lect119.htm


MEDITATIONS
Candlemas Day

Intent: Kindling of the Light in Darkness

THE COLLECT

O Lord of Light and Lady of Love, eternal, ineffable mystery of the Godhead, grant that enlightened by the flame of consciousness, we may successfully journey into the far and glorious kingdom beyond the aeons, and join the great flame as sparks flying upwards.
Amen.

THE LESSON

The lesson is taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah:

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever. Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

THE GOSPEL

The gospel is taken from the Gospel according to St. Thomas:

Jesus said: I shall choose you, one out of a thousand, and two out of ten thousand, and they shall stand as a single one. His disciples said: Show us the place where thou art, for it is necessary for us to seek it. He said to them: Whoever has ears let him hear. Within a man of light there is light and he lights the whole world. When he does not shine, there is darkness. Jesus said: Love thy brother as thy soul, guard him as the apple of thine eye.


Notes on Candlemass from THE GNOSTIC CALENDAR
A Mandala of Wholeness:

http://www.gnosis.org/ecclesia/cal_mandala.htm

"CANDLEMAS. After the darkest season of the year, 43 days after the winter solstice, Candlemas is a festival of the coming of the Light. The dark season is passing away, yet the Light has not yet triumphed. In the pagan tradition, the darkness is ruled by the Horned God, Cernunnos, a paternal and virile male deity. To the ancients, this festival symbolized the impregnation of the Goddess or feminine principle by the masculine. The Dark God lights up his house with candles to receive the Light Goddess and impregnate her.

Within the Christian tradition, this is the day when all the candles used during the year are to be blessed in the church. The candle is a symbol for the vehicle of consciousness. One can make oneself a shining receptacle for the creative and regenerative forces. Thus the power of the Dark God can greatly stimulate the personality. We may say that spiritual and intellectual fertility are available to us in great measure. By utilizing the creative force of darkness, we prepare ourselves for the regeneration of consciousness and Light in the coming season.

A flame is a great symbol of consciousness, and the presence of lighted candles serves to remind us that we are sparks of consciousness. Just as the candle's light cannot be seen well in sunlight but needs the darkness to receive the illumination, so our consciousness must be measured by the background of unconsciousness out of which we arise. So it is fitting to bless candles forty days after the darkest day of the year, and to recognize our own dark unconscious beginnings in our journey to the light."

Happy New Year! Next Chapel of Ss. Serge & Bacchus Mass Sunday, January 3rd!

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT OUR NEXT CHAPEL OF SAINTS SERGE & BACCHUS MASS,

This Coming SUNDAY, JANUARY 3rd at 500 PM at Ecclesia Gnostica,

3363 Glendale Blvd. (nearest x-street Revere)


Rev's; John, Donna, Gerry & Amber