Regina Coeli Parish

What Matters Most

2011-12-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

Gnostic Christian - Christian Gnostic - Gnostic (without a prefix) Does It Matter?
To some, this is can be an issue while to others it is a moot point and just adds to the larger conversation. The Apostolic Johannite Church is a Christian Church and as stated from the main AJC website,

Many of us seek a real spiritual community which is loving, inclusive, spiritually lively and empowering of people of all genders, races and sexualities, both rich and poor.
The Johannite tradition represents just such a community: founded by Saint John the beloved disciple of Jesus, rooted in the tradition of John the Baptist and guided by direct, experiential contact with the Divine, this Johannite tradition encourages personal responsibility and freedom of thought and practice.
The Apostolic Johannite Church is a global network of Johannite communities that focus on supporting individual and direct experience of the Divine through fellowship, meditation and prayer, service and ritual, lively discussion and study.

This parish, the Regina Coeli Parish has a great mix of members who all understand that which brings us together and that which holds us together. We are a rich, spiritual community trying to make sense of our world and we assist each other as we live meaningful lives.
Please feel free to contact us at any time and either join us for one of our services or contact us to arrange to meet for coffee. Our virtual doors are always open. TUUM EST

Stu+

Mass Sunday December 11, 2011

2011-11-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce our Sophianic Gnostic Mass this Sunday, Dec, 11th at 3 pm. The location is #16 - 95 Talcott Rd Victoria (View Royal). Please call Fr. Stu+ at # 250-883-1508 if there are any questions. This will be our location for Mass (as of Nov. 2011) until numbers dictate otherwise.

Our Bishop and Patriarch will be in attendance this Sunday and looks forward to meeting with you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Gnostic Mass May 8

2011-05-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

I hope you will be able to join us this Sunday at the space in Chinatown. Celebrate with us the Marriage of Word and Wisdom. 6:00pm.

I trust you all have been making use of the fine spring weather and delighting in the renewal of the Earth. Often, that renewal is not reflected in our Spirits, but we must trust in the work of the Elements, which, acting upon us, promote this. Which is a great reason to come to Mass! Even in the midst of winter, our spirits may bloom.

But I wish for all of us that our hearts and spirits may reflect the season.

Gnostic Mass May 1

2011-04-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

The next Mass will be held at our meeting location at 201 - 3 Fan Tan Alley (details) at 6:00 pm.

The last Mass, April 17th a special time--As Mass always is for me, no matter what. It seems we gather not only to celebrate the Divine and the Presence in us all, but also to celebrate each other.

You are most welcome to come and participate in that celebration!

Easter 2011

2011-04-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

My dear Brother, the learned and articulate Father Tim+, rector and parish priest of St Uriel's in Sydney Australia describes Easter in the following post. The full post is linked here but I would like to directly quote part of it. We have much to know.

In the Gospel of John, the journey of Jesus and his beloved friends together displays an increasing flavour of intimacy from when he first meets them and they begin travelling and learning together. You get the sense, I think, that one by one, as the relationships between them get more intimate, they begin to know, to recognise who it is that has come amongst them. Jesus himself admits his own identity, he tells us he is the Son of his Divine Father.

But in the week they enter Jerusalem, this week, he does a series of remarkable things – he suggests to his disciples that they could enter into the very same intimate, familial relationship with the Divine that he has. In fact, at their final meal together on Thursday before his arrest that evening, he welcomes each of them into his Father's household by washing their feet – acting not as the master of the house, but as a servant. At the foot of the cross, on Good Friday he gives his most Beloved Disciple (who is the exemplar for the community of what discipleship truly is) to Mary as her son and Mary to him as his mother.

Finally, having promised the coming of a spirit of great comfort who will dwell among them (and within them), just as the Shekhinah – the Presence of the Divine – dwelt in the Temple, he bows his head and gives over his spirit. This great work draws his beloved friends into this divine loving relationship. Some traditions have the Gospel of John ending right there, with no mystery of the resurrection, no post-resurrection teaching and no ascension story. I think when you see the scope of what Jesus accomplishes at the moment of his death, you could easily see why the rest of the Gospel could be just a kind of tidying up.

From this perspective (and this is not, I stress, a mainstream perspective) the great Mystery of Easter, is not about death and resurrection (as beautiful as those themes are) and not about a sacrifice of the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. The Mystery of Easter is the formation of a great, rambling, loving household of brothers and sisters who dwell in God as God dwells in them. That household continues to this day, you are a part of it and Easter is a sacred call to recognise – just as the disciples recognised – who it is that has come amongst you.

Blessings and Peace be upon you

Father Stu+

Gnostic Mass April 3

2011-03-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Come on down to Chinatown and be blessed with the marriage of Word and Wisdom this coming Sunday April 3 at 6:00pm. Door opens at 5:30, so if you find it locked, please knock loudly.

See below for detailed directions.

The Vernal Equinox & Gnostic Mass - March 20, 2011

2011-03-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Please join us on the vernal equinox to celebrate our Gnostic Mass. It will be held at 6 pm at our Pandora St location. There will be someone on the street to let you in. We look forward to seeing you all.

Father Stu+

Gnostic Mass - February 2011

2011-02-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Please join us this coming Sunday the 13th of February @ 6 pm for our Sophianic Mass.

We meet at 201 - 3 Fan Tan Alley
(access is via the Pandora Street entrance just 10 - 20 metres east of the Alley towards Government St - we will be there to meet you)

Father Stu+

Happy New Year! January Service Schedule

2011-01-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

We hope that you had a happy holidays and wish you a great year in 2011. Our first service of the new year is this Sunday. Here is a schedule of Sunday services and activities for the month ahead:

All Services begin at 6:00 pm at our worship space in Fan Tan Alley. (Please see our earlier blog entries for directions and particulars)

January 9th - Epiphany
Mass of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts
Celebrant: The Rev. Subdeacon Michael Thorne, MA

After Mass, we will have our usual lively discussion about all things Gnostic - also we'll do a bit of forward planning for the next few months.

January 16th - The Second Sunday after Epiphany
Sophianic Mass
Celebrant: Father Stu

January 30th - The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Sophianic Mass
Celebrant: Father Stu

Services and Events - November/December

2010-11-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Wishing You a Blessed Advent and Christmastide!

Regina Coeli Apostolic Johannite Parish, Victoria BC

We meet every week on Sunday with doors open at 5:30pm for 6:00pm start (unless otherwise indicated). Please see the previous postings for information on how to locate us.

November 7th
The Twenty-fourth Sunday After Trinity
Divine Office: Vespers
Discussion: The Gospel of Thomas

November 14th
The Twenty-fifth Sunday After Trinity
Divine Office:

Vespers from A Gnostic Book of Hours
Discussion: The Gospel of Thomas

November 21st
The Sunday Next Before Advent
Eve of the Feast Day of All Gnostic Saints (November 22)
Discussion: Wrap-Up The Gospel of Thomas
Introduction to Centring Prayer

November 28th
Advent Sunday
Johannite Gnostic Mass - The Graal of Undefiled Wisdom
The Consecration of Regina Coeli Parish Liturgical Space

Confirmation, Ordinations to Minor and Major Orders

Celebrant and Ordaining Bishop

His Eminence IOHANNES IV
Sovereign Patriarch and Primate of the Apostolic Johannite Church

Ordinands

Reverend Mr. Michael Thorne to the Sacred Order of the Subdiaconate

Ms. Andrea Hess to the Order of the Reader - Lectorate

Mr. Nicholas (Colin) Williams to the Order of Doorkeeper - Ostiariate

This will be a very special day for Regina Coeli, as our beloved Patriarch, Primate, and Bishop is making an Episcopal Visit to Victoria. Accompanying His Eminence will be The Reverend Father Lance Hoddinott, the AJC's newest priest and the Primate's Chief of Staff. Monsignor Jordan Stratford is also planning to attend as well as other folks from the AJC Family. Our new parish space will be consecrated by our Bishop and there will be much rejoicing!

December 5th
The Second Sunday in Advent - Eve of the Feast Day of Holy St. Nicholas
The Spiritual Practice of the Tarot

December 12
The Third Sunday in Advent
Sophianic Mass - The Marriage of Word and Wisdom
Celebrant - Father Stu
Rector of Regina Coeli Parish

December 19
The Fourth Sunday in Advent
No Service - Regina Coeli will then be on hiatus until the New Year.

Have a Happy Holiday!

Gnostic Discussion Group - October 31st

2010-10-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

We will be meeting to continue our ongoing discussions about the AJC and all things Gnostic this Sunday evening October 1st.

Topic: The Gospel of Thomas

Time: Sunday October 31st - 6:00pm to 7:30(ish).
Place: 201 - 3 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria BC
(please see the previous blog entry for directions etc.)

Hope to see you there!

In Love and Light,
Michael

Gnostic Talk - Sundays at 6:00 PM

2010-10-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

We will not be meeting at the Cafe Demitasse on 2nd Saturdays as we now have a meeting space in Fan Tan Alley available to us every Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00pm

So on Sundays, we will either celebrate Mass or continue with our ongoing Gnostic Discussion.

We will be discussing The Gospel of Thomas, so please bring a copy if you have one - it's always fun (and informative) to compare the different translations.

All are welcome and we hope to see you there.
Dates: October 31 (Sp0oky), November 7th, November 14th, November 21st.
Location: 201 - 3 Fan Tan Alley (meet the doorkeeper at the Pandora Street entrance just 10 - 20 metres East of the Alley itself)

Questions? Email Us

View Larger Map

Second Saturday Coffee and Discussion

2010-07-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Please join us for coffee and discussion about Gnosticism and the Apostolic Johannite Church. All are welcome and we hope to see you there. We will be meeting on Second Saturdays at the Demitasse Cafe at 1320 Broad Street in Victoria. (there are two locations for Demitasse, so take note that this is the one on Broad street and not the one on Blanshard).

Over the next few sessions we will be discussion, sharing, and reflecting about the classic Gnostic scripture The Hymn of the Pearl from The Acts of Thomas. You can find it online along with some other resources at:

http://www.gnosis.org/library/hymnpearl.htm

Time: 1:00 PM
Dates: Aug. 14th, Sep. 11th, Oct. 9th, Nov. 13th
Location: Demitasse Cafe - 1320 Broad Street Victoria
View Larger Map
Questions? mailto:unx@shaw.ca?subject=Regina%20Coeli%20Coffee%20Meeting

In Love and Light,

Michael

Mass and Minor Orders - Please join us

2010-07-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday, July 17 Monsignor Jordan+ will be conducting a Gnostic Mass and conferring minor orders.
This will take place at 5pm in #1-1281 Ryan Street in Fernwood. (Mapquest http://tinyurl.com/24r925h)

We look forward to your attendance.

Father Stu+

2010-06-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

A Second Cuppa Gnosticism?Coffee House Meet-Up II

Regina Coeli is having another coffee meet-up this Saturday at Demitasse on Broad Street and everyone is welcome! I've just come back from the AJC's Conclave in Madison Wisconsin and have lots to share about Gnosticism and the AJC. Just in case we need something to talk about (not likely!), let's take a look at the AJC statement of principles as a starting point. They are online at: http://www.johannite.org/sop.html

This event is open to all who are interested and intrigued. The Reverend Mr. Michael Thorne (that's me) will be leading this event so please drop by and feel free to bring a friend. Newcomers are always most welcome. Any questions, drop me an email

Demitasse Cafe - 1320 Broad Street - Victoria

1:00 pm Saturday June 12th

Michael

Coffee House Meet-up

2010-03-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a coffee and fellowship event with discussion about Gnosticism and the Apostolic Johannite Church.

This event is open to all who are interested and intrigued. The Reverend Michael Thorne will be leading this event so please drop by.

Demitasse Cafe - 1320 Broad Street - Victoria

11:00 am Saturday March 27th

Stu+

Fourth Sunday in Lent

2010-03-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

We look forward to seeing you at our service this coming Sunday the 14th of March @ 2pm

The location for this service will be at
#309 - 2790 Cedar Hill Rd
Victoria

I look forward to seeing you

Stu+

Mass February 28, 2010

2010-02-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

We will be celebrating the Eucharist this coming Sunday, the 28th of February at

suite 9 - 1125 Hillside Ave in Victoria.

We would be pleased to see you at this up coming service

Stu+

Christmas Mass

2009-12-24T10:36:00.001-08:00

Please join us on December 27 at 3pm for our Christmas Mass

Spirit of life and mighty One of light, open our eyes that we may recognize the bounty of blessings which thou hast bestowed upon us, and grant that through our appreciation of that which is temporal we may be brought at length to that which is eternal.

Praise be to thee for the wonder of the fire that bringeth warmth and brightness to the world and to our mind; praise be to thee for the freshness of air that bloweth where it listeth as the image of thy most holy Spirit; praise be to thee for the rich earth, the sustainer of all that lives; praise be to thee for water that refreshes the earth in stillness and in storm; praise be to thee for the courage of the heroes, the example of the saints and the splendor of all noble deeds; for the memory of our true home above the shadows of this world, and for the hope of our return to thy kingdom of life and light everlasting.

I would like to offer prayers to those who have lost loved ones and to those who struggle to find their way. I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and may you find peace in the New Year.

Father Stu+

Sunday Coffee Social

2009-11-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

This coming Sunday, (November 22, 2009) prior to the service at 3pm we are planning a coffee social at the former Rising Star Bakery now Demitasse Cafe at 1320 Broad St downtown. This will be from 12 noon until 2 pm

Please join us for coffee and a snack as well as interesting conversation

We look forward to visiting with you

Father Stu+

Welcome to our Bishop

2009-11-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

We would like to invite you all to join us this coming Sunday, the 22nd of November for our regular Gnostic service at 3 pm

This Sunday we are honoured to have His Eminence The Most Rev. Mar Iohannes IV, Ep.Gn. Patriarch of the Apostolic Johannite Church join us.

While in attendance His Eminence will confer the Order of the Lectorate on Brother Michael Thorne.

Please join us on this most auspicious occasion

Stu+

November 8 Service Cancelled

2009-11-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I must cancel the service set for November 8

The next scheduled service is set for November 22 - our Bishop, The Most Rev Mar Iohannes IV will be in attendance

Stu+

Templar Sunday plus one

2009-10-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Please join us this coming Sunday where we celebrate Templar Sunday. The actual date was last Sunday but in the grand scheme a week is a fraction of time.

Remember them O Lord, in Thy kingdom, Thy faithful servants Jacques de Molay, Guy de Auvergne, and all the glorious martyrs of the Order of the Templars, who have shone as brilliant lights of the eternal Gnosis in their days. Thou who art ever the comforter of the oppressed and the repose of those who suffer for the sake of the truth, grant them peace, refreshment, glory and the splendour of Thy Gnosis. Grant that we, following the example of Thy Holy Martyrs, may with them bear witness to the Gnosis of Love, Liberty and Light forever. Not to us, not to us O Lord, but to Thy name be the Glory; now and for evermore.

Our service begins at 3 pm on the 25th of October and we can be located at Church of Truth Community of Conscious Living at 111 Superior St in James Bay

Father Stu+

The Autumnal Equinox

2009-09-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will be celebrating our regular Sophianic Mass at 3 pm at our regular location - Church of Truth Community of Conscious Living at 111 Superior St in James Bay

Please join us as we head into the Fall season

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.

Father Stu+

End of August Mass

2009-08-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

I look forward to seeing you all this coming Sunday, the 30th of August for our regular Mass and service.

This Sunday we will be welcoming Brother Michael Thorne into the order of the Doorkeeper. Please join us in this celebration.

Hear us while we praise Thee, Thou First Mystery who hast shone out in the mystery of manifestation and caused the God of Truth to establish the aeons, and appointed rulers and ministers and servants in the aeons. Take and save all our portions scattered abroad since the foundation of the world in the rulers, ministers and servants of the aeons; gather them all in, and take them to the Light. We praise thee, O God unattainable, and we thank thee for Christ, thy light, which thou hast sent to dwell in us.

Father Stu+

Summer Service

2009-07-25T15:19:00.001-07:00

Please join us this coming Sunday the 26th of July for our regularly scheduled Sophianic Eucharist at 3 pm

Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a person who has [good] seed. His enemy came during the night and sowed weeds among the good seed. The person did not let the workers pull up the weeds, but said to them, 'No, otherwise you might go to pull up the weeds and pull up the wheat along with them.' For on the day of the harvest the weeds will be conspicuous, and will be pulled up and burned." (Thomas 57)

Father Stu+

In the Presence of the Divine

2009-07-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is not to say that we are not always in the presence of the Divine but it was especially rich today to sit under a tree and perform a small service in a grove formerly (50 plus years ago) inhabited with the Sisters of St Ann as they went about their world of education and administering to the physical and spiritual health of a large population in Victoria.

Our service was very peaceful and I trust the Sisters would have shared our space in the spirit of moment.

Thanks Aaron we will do this again.

Father Stu+

July 5

2009-07-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

I will be on Academy Close behind St Ann's at 2pm July 5

Father Stu+

July 5 - Gnostic Mass - 2pm - in a park in town

2009-07-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

We don't need our regular parish building to have a service - why not meet for a service in a park in town. The weather is wonderful and our city is resplendent with parks. Our dear brother parish in Sydney Au (The good Father Tim) regularly meets in a park.

How about 2 pm in the tree grove grassy area of St Ann's Academy (unless someone has a different suggestion)

Father Stu+

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is Love. Beloved, if God so loved us, we aught also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us His Spirit. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. There is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. If a man say: I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.
The first Epistle General of St. John

A Wedding!

2009-06-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

I recently had the privilege of blessing the wedding of my son and his beautiful bride. The joys of the profession.

Father Stu+

AT LAST! Where have you been???

2009-06-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I am back and well and ready to start with regular services. My surgery went well but the recovery was a little slower than I had anticipated. I have been in touch with our meeting place and have been able to set a schedule based upon availability.

The dates for our services are as follows (3 pm start @ 111 Superior St., Victoria)
July 26
August 30
September 20
October 25
November 8 & 22
December 27

I will advise if I can find space so that we could meet a little more regularly but this is a start.

Father Stu+

Sophianic Mass - May 3

2009-05-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

We look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday, May 3 for our Gnostic Eucharist

Our service will be at the usual location, the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street in James Bay at 3PM

From the Gospel according to St. Thomas:

Jesus said: Blessed are the solitary and elect, for you shall find the kingdom; because you come from it, and you shall go there again. Jesus said: If they say to you: 'From where have you originated', you say to them: 'We have come from the Light, where the Light has originated through itself. It stood and it revealed itself in their image.' If they say to you: 'Who are you?', say: 'We are His sons and we are the elect of the Living Father.' If they ask you: 'What is the sign of your Father in you?', say to them: 'It is a movement and a rest.'

Please Note: After this service there will not be a service until some time later in June. I will be having surgery and I am not expected to be back in full form until the middle of June. I will advise how things are going and will announce via our mailing list and this website as soon as I am able to set regular services.

See you Sunday

Father Stu+

Low Sunday - April 19

2009-04-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

The first Sunday after Easter has been called "Low Sunday", so as to distinguish it from Easter Sunday, which has been called "High Sunday".

We look forward to seeing all of you at our regular Sophianic Mass and learn more about our rich, light within.

As sung by the Psalmist, "From whence shall my salvation come?" It comes in diverse ways through the Messengers of the Light, and for us through the Gnostic sacraments or mysteries, particularly the central one of the Eucharist. The Eucharist does not do the work for us, but it provides the necessary aid; it provides the spiritual nourishment and sustenance that gives us the strength to make the great journey in this life, to search out the hidden tomb of our authentic being and to lift the stone away. The inner light that makes the way clear in the darkness of this world is increased by our participation in the Eucharist. Eucharist comes from the Greek word meaning "thanksgiving." It is a thanksgiving for the wealth of the spirit given to us in the Eucharist, in the sacrament of what has been rightly called "the most precious gift."

Father Stu+

Lent 2

2009-03-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Please join us this coming Sunday the 8th of March for our Gnostic Eucharist - It is the Second Sunday in Lent. Our service will be at the usual location, the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street in James Bay at 3PM

The following is from Father Marshall's homily for this date.

The season of Lent bears an overall character of introspection and self-examination. When the attention of the psyche turns inward, one finds an initial sense of alienation and emptiness, a yearning for something only vaguely formulated that we intuitively know would bring true wholeness and fill the emptiness we feel. Such, for the Gnostic, is the yearning for God....

Look forward to seeing you
Don't forget that daylight savings starts tomorrow

Father Stu+

Candlemass Eve

2009-01-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

Please join us this coming February 1 @ 3: pm for our Gnostic Eucharist which celebrates Candlemass.

The following is from the beginning of Rev. Steven Marshall's Candlemass homliy

Candlemas comes at a time in the year that certainly reflects its spiritual meaning for the Gnostic. In early times, the Celts knew this feast day as Imbolc, the first day of the month by that name in their calendar. During this time of year the days were still sufficiently short that the evening meal was often prepared and eaten by candlelight or torchlight. It is also the season of the first spring lambs being born from their mothers; and so the time for the milking of the ewes to supply what was needed to bolster the dwindling supplies of food put away for the winter. We no longer live in such an agrarian society and these metaphors from the past may not relate to us as they once might have, but we can use these images and metaphors to open a window to something else, something transcendent to the world in which we find ourselves....

from the Gospel of 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.

Humbly
Father Stu+

Gnostic Mass Schedule for Winter 2009

2009-01-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have finally been able to set our dates for the use of the church for the next number of months.
The first service of the new year will take place on
February 1 @ 3:00 pm at the usual location .
I look forward to seeing you all there.
I will post the service schedule off to the right hand side of this page

Father Stu+

As We Say Farewell to 2008

2008-12-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

It was nice to see you all this past Sunday - a day in the sun

I will be posting the schedule of services for 2009 as soon as they have been arranged

Some day I will contribute my own homilies but until then I am pleased to offer a homily written by our Patriarch

Homily for St. John's Day 2008

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Apostle. Evangelist. Theologian. Beloved Disciple. Patriarch. Patron Saint. The Eagle of Patmos, The Revelator, The Presbyter. Son of Thunder

All these names have been used of the figure we call the Apostle John, Patron Saint together with John the Baptist, of the Apostolic Johannite Church, and of Freemasonry.

The Beloved Disciple, the Apostle of Fraternal Love, John, is held to be the embodiment of the characteristics we seek to cultivate, as those who seek after a deeper and more realized experience of the Divine, seeking to serve our fellow human beings, and as those called to not merely be Christians, but to be Christ-like. The Apostle is the icon of the Disciple of the Logos- Patient, Loyal, enduring and most of all, through out legend and story, possessed of the love that consumes for not only his fellow humanity but for the Divine as well.

Counted among the inner circle of Jesus, and by our tradition, his successor. Witness to the raising of Jairus' daughter, present at the Transfiguration and in Gethsemane, standing steadfast at the Crucifixion and among the first to be at the grave. By his blessing, poison was called out from a chalice like a serpent. Plunged into to boiling oil, he emerged unharmed. By the word of Jesus, the Theotokos was made his mother, and he her son.

Surely, such holy attributions seem to be so far out of reach for men like us. Even the greatest fall short.

Is there a loftier figure a Gnostic can have for their exemplar? A figure so beyond all those that would claim his name in history- from the community of the beloved disciple, to Theocletus, Patriarch in Asia Minor, to Bernard Raymond Fabre Palaprat, whose patron was none other than the Emperor Napoleon of France.

In all this it is easy to forget the rest of the story of John. John speaks thusly- Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus answered- Forbid him not, for he who is not against us, is for us.

John was rebuked by his teacher when he would not accept that Jesus was not accepted by the Samaritans,

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

52 and sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Eli'jah did 2 Kgs. 1.9-16 ?

55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Even in the garden, in the time of Jesus' grief- John could not be awake but one hour with him, as scripture tells us.

He would not be the Beloved Disciple and the Apostle of Fraternal Love, if he was also not first chief among those most human

Not so lofty now perhaps?

But perhaps then, it is neither image of John we can cling to, of youthful zeal and error, or the greatest of saints and teachers.

Perhaps it is so because we are neither image, but something between them. The mix of holiness and humanity, hubris and humility. In order to be Apostles of Fraternal Love, we must understand love first, in order to understand love, we must be consumed by it, and to be consumed is to also be destroyed. The road of the Gnostic is not some lofty path removed from the glories and snares of life, it is none other than the process of life itself, and in living, we have the opportunity to transcend the false dichotomies that make up our being, define our heroes, and seemingly determine our destinies- and stand as witness to the world just as it is.

John, says, in the words of the poet Robert Browning-

"If I live yet, it is for good, more love "Through me to men: be nought but ashes here "That keep awhile my semblance, who was John,— "Still, when they scatter, there is left on earth "No one alive who knew (consider this!) "—Saw with his eyes and handled with his hands "That which was from the first, the Word of Life. "How will it be when none more saith 'I saw'?

No, he is not like us at all.

The Beloved Disciple in scripture is never individualized, and never identified, and likewise the word translated for love in the 'The Disciple whom Jesus loved' is agape

He is us. This is the deeper and more realized experience of the Divine.

Apostle. Evangelist. Theologian. Beloved Disciple. Patriarch. Patron Saint. The Eagle of Patmos, The Revelator, The Presbyter. Son of Thunder

and together with him we say

"Lord, hear our prayer"

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Father Stu+

Message from His Eminence Mar Iohannes (Our Bishop)

2008-12-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

To my brothers and sisters at Regina Coeli Parish

I am greatly sorry that we could not gather for liturgy this past weekend; it was something that I was looking forward to for a few months. Unfortunately, the weather seemed to have other plans, and I was taken aback by how the weather affects the Island- my disbelief was quickly pummeled by the road back in, and the ferry to Vancouver.

I want to thank you for your continued support, for the Apostolic Johannite Church, Regina Coeli Parish, and the attention I know you give to your own spiritual paths- this has been evident in the opportunities I've had to converse and correspond with you in the past, and I was looking forward to continuing those discussions this past weekend. Just the same, I'm determined to visit and looking towards summer or fall, to eliminate that flash snow storm possibility.

The cancellation of the liturgy also left me unable to communicate announcements, so I'll do this here.

In consultation with Monsignor Stratford; Father Stu will be taking up the full duties as Rector of Regina Coeli Parish.

Msgr Jordan will continue to be involved with the parish but will be turning some of his focus to a few projects that we all think will be beneficial not only to Regina Coeli, but the Apostolic Johannite Church and Gnosticism as a whole. I know many of you enjoy Monsignor's writings and books, and this is some of what he'll be working on in the coming year.

Given this as well as the fact that Monsignor and I agree that Father Stu has done an excellent job of guiding Regina Coeli, we both feel it is most appropriate and beneficial to see him take up those duties in a more formal fashion, he's served well and I know that you'll be in good hands with his care, and Monsignor's support. I look forward to the coming year for the parish, and I look forward to celebrating with you before too long.

Please take all the best that Advent and Christmas has to offer- for spiritual renewal, time with friends and family, and solemn reflection. In the meantime, I'll leave you with the homily that I didn't get the opportunity to deliver.

Ad Sacram Flammam

+ Iohannes

Snow in Victoria?

2008-12-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

Yes it seems to be true - we had a snow storm (Victoria style) and we were forced to have to cancel our mass this past Sunday the 14th.

Our Patriarch was here and seemed somewhat bewildered about all the weather fuss as he is a Calgarian and nothing seems to slow them down - We will attempt a Patriarchal visit some time in the new year. He was thrilled however to have what amounted to a motorcade as we drove from town out to Sooke at an average of 20 kmh. He told me that he always had hoped for such an eventful trip.

Our next service and mass is scheduled for Sunday the 28th of December. Assuming we will be back to the usual Victoria seasonal weather I look forward to being at your service.

Please have a safe, peaceful, and joy-filled Christmas

Blessings

Father Stu+

Thank You and...

2008-11-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

A thank you to my faithful parishioners for your regular attendance - it is wonderful to be a part of your lives and help be together as we celebrate our Eucharist. One day I will get the incense to behave or maybe I should stop trying and trust that it assists in the magic.

Several things of note:

Please do not forget that on the 14th of December our Patriarch Mar Iohannes (Bishop Shaun) will be visiting and participating in our Eucharist. Please join us and take some time to visit with our Bishop
Recently I moved to Sooke - If any of you live in the Sooke area and wish to get together for coffee and/or wish to set up a regular meeting I would be pleased to accommodate. If possible and there was interest I am sure we could begin to hold services somewhere in the Sooke area. Please let me know by sending an email and at least we could start a dialog.

In Peace

Father Stu+

Sunday, November 9, 2008

2008-11-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome - we will be having our regular service - please join us

Now the universe is first of all living beings, while man as a living creature, is next after the universe but first of mortals. Being mortal he is not only not good but also evil; while the universe is not good as being movable but not evil in that it is deathless. Thus there are these three: God, the universe, and man; God holds the universe, and the universe man. Now God sent man down here to examine heaven, and to know divine power, and to witness the forces of Nature, and to infer what is good and bad, and to find out every kind of cunning workmanship. Having mind according to the father’s will, man is beyond all other living creatures on earth and delight in divinity, giving God the utmost praise and thanks, while revering His image; not unaware that he is himself a second image of God.

We will also take a moment this Sunday to "Remember"

Father Stu+

Parish Update

2008-10-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to our service this coming Sunday the 26th of October at the usual time and place.

We have confirmed our service dates for December - they will be held on December 14 and 28.

Exciting news - Our Patriarch - His Eminence The Most Reverend Shaun McCann, Ep.Gn. will be celebrating eucharist with us on December 14. Please join us.

Father Stu+

Welcome to October

2008-09-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is October 1st - wow soon it will be Thanksgiving.
Next Sunday, the 5th of October we will be having the service that was originally set for the 12th of the month.
See you on Sunday.

Father Stu+

Prayers

2008-09-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

On September 25, near Brisbane Australia, our good friend and colleague, Father Tim Mansfield said farewell to his beloved Mother. She had been struggling with a terminal illness for several months and finally found her much needed peace and has returned to her natural home.

I would ask that you find a moment to pray for the repose of her soul and to pray for Father Tim and his family.

Father Tim's parish is St Uriel the Archangel in Sydney

Father Stu+

The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us what Heaven's kingdom is like."
He said to them, "It's like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, but when it falls on prepared soil, it produces a large plant and becomes a shelter for birds of the sky."
Gospel of Thomas (20)

The Mists of Paroketh: The Veil of Illusion

2008-09-17T21:38:00.001-07:00

Click here for a link to this interesting short film

Change to Service Date in October

2008-09-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Due to a previous commitment with our landlord we have had to switch the date of one of our October services.

Instead of October 12 our service will take place one week early on October 5 and then the next service after that will be on October 26

Please do not forget that our next scheduled service will take place on Sunday September 28 at the usual time and celebrate Michaelmas Sunday which is the day before the day of the Holy Archangel Michael (September 29)

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.

Father Stu+

The Descent of the Holy Sophia

2008-09-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

September 8 (celebrated Sunday, September 7)

The date that Gnostics celebrate as the Descent of Sophia corresponds to the traditional date for the Birth of Mary in the Church Calendar. Both of these mythic motifs relate to the coming down to earth of the feminine image of the Redeemer. The story of the descent of Sophia is the story of our own fall into matter. The story of the birth of Mary describes the role of the Holy Female Power in our own redemption and liberation.

The Rev. Steven Marshall, of the Ecclesia Gnostica, has a well written homily at http://gnosis.org/ecclesia/homily_Descent.htm

Sunday, September 7 - Grandparents Day - Join us and celebrate.

2008-09-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true - this coming Sunday - the day of our next Gnostic Eucharist is also Grandparents Day. Not that I am biased but being a care-giver grandparent myself I look forward to celebrating this time with you. I will see you at 3 pm at our regular location.

Father Stu+

National S'mores Day

2008-08-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true - according to some arcane source today is National S'mores Day. In the world of the Regina Coeli Parish we had great participation and limited smoke at today's service.

I promise I will try and fix the censor so that we can finally fill the sacred space with wonderful incense. I was glad to see you all.

I will be out of town until the 23rd of August (next service will be on the 24th) however I am sure that Father Jordan will be available should the need arise.

Have a good fortnight

Father Stu+

Mother Crow

2008-07-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

Our congregation commemorated the Feast of Mary Magdalene with and in the presence of the Holy Mother. Thank you for your presence.

It seemed somewhat in keeping with this day that we were witnesses to a gift of nature at our door step.

When we arrived at the church there were 2 crows sitting on the path leading up to the door - they seemed disheveled yet quite unafraid of our presence. It took just a moment to realize that these were fresh out of the nest baby crows and their parents were sitting on the power lines above us making sure we knew they were there. Within a short time the mother crow began to fly down and dive at us in an attempt to get us to leave. The babies seemed somewhat oblivious but the mother and father crow were ever so persistent in their efforts to get us to move away.

Although I understand that mother crows will force their young out of the nest to encourage them to begin to look after themselves, the mother will do whatever she can to protect her babies once on the ground. Nature does have a way of demonstrating the innate responsibility assumed by a parent while at the same time showing us that as both male and female we equally share in the care and development of our community.

…But they were grieved. They wept greatly, saying, How shall we go to the Gentiles and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of the Son of Man? If they did not spare Him, how will they spare us?
Then Mary stood up, greeted them all, and said to her brethren, Do not weep and do not grieve nor be irresolute, for His grace will be entirely with you and will protect you.
But rather, let us praise His greatness, for He has prepared us and made us into Men.
When Mary said this, she turned their hearts to the Good, and they began to discuss the words of the Savior.
Peter said to Mary, Sister we know that the Savior loved you more than the rest of woman.
Tell us the words of the Savior which you remember which you know, but we do not, nor have we heard them.
Mary answered and said, what is hidden from you I will proclaim to you.
And she began to speak to them these words: I, she said, I saw the Lord in a vision and I said to Him, Lord I saw you today in a vision. He answered and said to me,
Blessed are you that you did not waver at the sight of Me. For where the mind is there is the treasure.
I said to Him, Lord, how does he who sees the vision see it, through the soul or through the spirit?
The Savior answered and said, He does not see through the soul nor through the spirit, but the mind that is between the two that is what sees the vision and it is

Father Stu

The Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

2008-07-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today, July 22 marks the feast day of Mary of Magdala.
Please join us this coming Sunday the 27th of July at 3 PM for our bi-weekly Sophianic Liturgy and Mass and celebrate this holy event with us.

Father Stu

Let's add coffee

2008-07-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for a great turnout for mass and for the conversations after. The questions and discussions were rich and engaging.

It helps immensely that we have such a great Father J+ resource who has a wonderful ability to help us all see through the mists of the past and make our Gnostic heritage real today.

See you all in 2 weeks

Father Stu

Parish Schedule - Summer and Fall 2008

2008-07-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that we have set dates for our mass and social time from now through the end of November 2008.
We will continue to meet at the Church of Truth Community of Conscious Living at 111 Superior St in James Bay.
We would like to offer a social time after mass to discuss topics of interest to our Gnostic community and we have set time aside for this.
Please feel free to add comment around topics that you feel you might like to discuss.
Our schedule is as follows - The time will be from 3:00pm to approximately 4:30 pm
July 13 and 27
August 10 and 24
September 7 and 28
October 12 and 26
November 9 and 23

Father Stu

A Wonderful Day

2008-06-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Yes I think it was at least 30 degrees C and a glorious Sunday to begin our regular bi-weekly service. Thank you to all our parishioners for coming out to my inaugural service as a newly minted priest.
We plan to have our next service on July 13. Please invite your friends and family as we look forward to a growing Gnostic parish in Victoria.

Apostolic Johannite Church Gnostic Mass, June 29th 3PM

2008-06-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Regina Coeli Gnostic Parish of the Apostolic Johannite Church will be celebrating the Gnostic Eucharist at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street in James Bay at 3PM on Sunday, June 29th.

All are welcome, and the service offers Open Communion to all who wish to receive it.