Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Moon

The image is announcing a beautiful astronomical event that occurs on the night of **December 3–4, 2025**: the Moon will appear very close to the **Pleiades star cluster** (also known as the Seven Sisters or Messier 45).

### What you'll see:
- A bright, nearly full Moon (it will be about 98–99% illuminated, just 1–2 days before full moon).
- Right next to the Moon (only a few degrees away), the sparkling, jewel-like Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus.
- The cluster will look like a tiny, brilliant dipper of stars. On this night, the Moon passes so close that it almost appears to "meet" or "visit" the Seven Sisters.

### Why it's special:
- The Pleiades is one of the brightest and most famous open star clusters in the sky, easily visible to the naked eye.
- Lunar conjunctions with the Pleiades happen every month (because the Moon orbits through the same part of the sky), but they are especially striking when the Moon is bright and passes very close.
- On December 3, 2025, the Moon comes within about **0.5–1 degree** of the center of the cluster (roughly the width of your thumb held at arm's length), making it one of the closest approaches of the year.

### When and where to look (December 3–4, 2025):
- Look **east after sunset** (around 6–8 PM local time, depending on your location).
- The Moon and Pleiades will rise together in the eastern sky and be visible all night.
- Best seen with the naked eye or binoculars. A small telescope will show the cluster's bright blue stars beautifully against the glowing Moon.

### Fun cultural note:
The Pleiades have been called the "Seven Sisters" in many cultures (Greek, Native American, Japanese, Aboriginal Australian, etc.). Some traditions say only six are easily visible because the seventh sister is "hiding" or "lost" — on this night, the bright Moon will be right there, almost like the missing sister has returned!

So on **December 3, 2025**, go outside after dark and enjoy the Moon meeting the Seven Sisters — it's a gorgeous celestial sight!



Henry McClure  
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Fwd: Baklava Schedule



Henry McClure  
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Fr. Nikolai Meyers <frnmeyers@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Dec 3, 2025, 4:28 PM
Subject: Baklava Schedule
To: Fr. Nikolai Meyers <frnmeyers@gmail.com>


Saints Peter & Paul
Orthodox Church
Topeka, KS
December 3rd, 2025
The Holy Prophet Sophonias (Zephaniah)
Dear Faithful of Saints Peter and Paul, 
The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!

Baklava
Orders for Christmas Baklava are being taken until Dec. 7th on our website.
Here is the schedule for making Baklava:

Thur.     Dec. 11             9:00 AM       Begin Baklava Baking

Fri.        Dec. 12             6:00 PM        Baklava Baking Continues

Sat.        Dec. 13             9:00 AM       MORE Baklava Baking

Sun.       Dec. 14             following Coffee Hour          MORE Baklava

Mon.     Dec. 15             6:00 PM          Baklava Baking & Boxing, if needed

Thur. Dec. 18 9:00 AM Complete wrapping, etc. and sort for distribution

Sat. Dec. 20 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Order pick-up

Catechism
Catechism resumes on Wednesdays.  Everyone is welcome to attend.
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm following Vespers at 5:15 pm and a fasting potluck.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  It will be streamed at 6:30 pm on zoom also at: https://classicalacademicpress.zoom.us/j/2777306254 

Metropolitan SABA's Weekly Teaching
Attached to this email is Met. SABA's weekly teaching. 

Dillons Rewards Program
You can designate Ss. Peter and Paul as your charity of choice with your Dillons Rewards card.  There is no cost to you.  Dillons will donate .05% of your purchase to the Charity of your choice when you use your Dillons Rewards card. You can designate Ss. Peter and Paul as your charity here: https://www.dillons.com/i/community/community-rewards  
The code for Ss. Peter & Paul is HY763

Prosphora & Coffee Hour sign-up.
If you would like to make Prosphora or host coffee hour you can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11nQvrj2unx0Vz-dggw5Psb8xy2tRg3ybCQGOB_Rn9sI/edit#gid=0
If you would like to join a team to help with coffee hour or would like to host a week on your own please contact our Coffee Hour coordinator Gracie Crater at craterrb@gmail.com  

Schedule
Wednesday December 3rd 
Thursday December 4th 
  • 6 pm Vespers at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel 
Friday December 5th 
  • 5:15 pm Vigil for St. Nicholas 
Saturday December 6th 
  • 9 am Divine Liturgy for St. Nicholas 
  • Followed by a Festal Potluck Brunch. 
  • 5:45 pm 9th Hour & Great Vespers 
  • 7:05 pm Topeka Scarecrows Hockey Game. 
Sunday December 7th 
  • 9 am Orthros and Sunday School
  • 10 am Divine Liturgy 
  • Followed by Coffee Hour
Monday December 8th 
  • 5:15 pm Great Vespers for St. Anna.
Wednesday December 10th 
Thursday December 11th 
  • 5:15 pm Great Vespers for St. Spyridon
Friday December 12th 
  • 5:15 pm Great Vespers for St. Herman of Alaska
Saturday December 13th 
  • 10 am Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Manhattan, KS. 
  • 5:45 pm 9th Hour & Great Vespers 
Sunday December 14th 
  • 9 am Orthros and Sunday School
  • 10 am Divine Liturgy 
  • Followed by Coffee Hour
Tuesday December 16th 
  • 5:15 pm Advent Paraklesis 
Wednesday December 17th 
Friday December 19th 
  • 5:15 pm Great Vespers for St. Ignatius of Antioch
Saturday December 20th 
  • 10 am Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Manhattan, KS. 
  • 5:45 pm 9th Hour & Great Vespers 
Sunday December 21st 
  • 9 am Orthros and Sunday School
  • 10 am Divine Liturgy 
  • Followed by Coffee Hour
Tuesday December 23rd
  • 6 pm Royal Hours
Wednesday December 24th 
  • 9 am Vesperal Divine Liturgy
  • 11 pm Orthros for Christmas
Thursday December 25th 
  • Midnight Divine Liturgy for Christmas
  • Followed by Festal Potluck & breaking of the fast. 
Forgive me. 
Fr. Nikolai Meyers
Pastor: Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Topeka, KS; Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel, Manhattan, KS. 
Catechist: Saint Raphael School. 
Spiritual Advisor (Diocese of Wichita): Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Homeschooling
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In time

Individuation is the lifelong psychological process of becoming a distinct, independent individual. It involves developing your own beliefs, values, and a separate identity apart from external influences like family and society. A key part of this process, as conceptualized by Carl Jung, is to differentiate the ego and integrate both conscious and unconscious aspects of the self to achieve wholeness and a stronger sense of self. [1, 2, 3, 4]  
Stages and aspects of individuation 

• Early childhood and adolescence: The process begins in infancy but is most visibly characterized by the push for independence during adolescence. During this time, individuals often begin to assert themselves, question norms, and develop their own style and interests. 
• Adulthood: While it starts early, individuation is a lifelong journey. For adults, it involves making choices that align with one's unique identity and values, and finding meaning in life. It also includes acknowledging and accepting your flaws and past mistakes. 
• Psychological integration: A core concept from Carl Jung is that individuation is about integrating the "shadow" or the parts of yourself you've repressed, the "persona" (or social mask), and other aspects of the psyche to become a more complete and balanced person. This is achieved through self-reflection, dream analysis, and other therapeutic techniques. [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7]  

Benefits of healthy individuation 

• A strong, stable sense of self 
• Trust in your own instincts and judgment 
• The ability to set healthy boundaries in relationships 
• A clearer sense of purpose and meaning in life 
• Increased self-awareness and self-worth [2, 8]  

Challenges and signs of poor individuation 

• Difficulty setting goals 
• People-pleasing behavior 
• Poorly defined boundaries 
• Anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles 
• A diminished sense of self-worth or existential crises [8]  

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Henry McClure  
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Saffron

The best way to consume saffron is to infuse it in warm water or milk to release its flavor and color, then add the liquid to dishes or drinks. You can also use it directly in cooking or as a supplement, but always start with small amounts, and consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements. For culinary uses, steep a pinch of threads in hot (but not boiling) liquid for about 15 minutes before adding it to recipes like rice, stews, or desserts. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]  
Culinary uses 

• Infuse in liquid: Crumble a small pinch of saffron threads between your fingertips and steep them in warm water, milk, or stock for at least 15 minutes. This "blooms" the saffron, making it more potent and less bitter. 
• Add to dishes: Add the liquid from your infusion to dishes like risotto, paella, rice, soups, or curries. 
• Use in desserts: Steep saffron in milk or cream for desserts like rice pudding, custards, or ice cream. 
• Be cautious with powder: If using powdered saffron, be aware that it can be less pure and more likely to have an overpowering, medicinal taste if too much is used. It's best to buy the threads, if possible. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]  

Health and wellness 

• Make saffron water or tea: Steep a few threads in hot water and drink the liquid to potentially benefit from antioxidants. 
• Take supplements: Saffron is available in supplement form, often as capsules. 
• Consult a doctor: Before taking saffron supplements, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for you, especially if you are pregnant, have health conditions, or are taking other medications. [2, 3, 8, 9, 10]  

Best practices 

• Start small: Use only a pinch of saffron for cooking, as a little goes a long way and too much can create a medicinal flavor. 
• Store properly: Keep saffron in a dark, airtight container at room temperature to maintain its quality. 
• Timing: Some experts suggest taking saffron with food or at bedtime to maximize benefits and minimize potential side effects. [4, 10, 11]  

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Henry McClure  
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Did Hermann help?

No, Hermann Göring did not help the United States at Nuremberg; instead, he was a major defendant who was found guilty of war crimes and sentenced to death. The International Military Tribunal, which included the United States, convicted him for conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Göring died by suicide before his execution could be carried out. 

• Prosecution and conviction: Göring was the lead defendant at the Nuremberg trials. The prosecution presented evidence against him, and the tribunal found him guilty of the four major charges. 
• Defiance: Rather than help the prosecution, Göring was defiant during the trial, questioning the court's legitimacy. 
• Sentence: He was sentenced to death by hanging. 
• Death: Before his execution, Göring committed suicide by swallowing a cyanide pill in his cell. [1, 2, 3, 5]  

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