Κυριακή των Αγίων Πάντων - SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS

Transcript

1 Ελληνικός Ορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL Reverend Fr. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Presbyter Church Office: Alex Limberatos, Youth Director - youth@stgeorgetampabay.org or his cell phone Κυριακή των Αγίων Πάντων - SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS SUNDAY JUNE 3rd, 2018 NEW WEB PAGE: Registration June 3rd 1

2 ΤΗΕ EPISTLE: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2 Brethren, all the saints through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Ο ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ των Αγίων Πάντων, Αποστ. Ανάγνωσμα, Εβρ. ια 33-ιβ 2 Αδελφοί, οι άγιοι Πάντες με την πίστη κατατρόπωσαν βασίλεια, επέβαλαν το δίκαιο, πέτυχαν την πραγματοποίηση των υποσχέσεων του Θεού, έφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, έσβησαν τη δύναμη της φωτιάς, διέφυγαν τη σφαγή, έγιναν από αδύνατοι ισχυροί, αναδείχτηκαν ήρωες στον πόλεμο, έτρεψαν σε φυγή εχθρικά στρατεύματα, γυναίκες ξαναπήραν πίσω στη ζωή τους ανθρώπους τους, κι άλλοι βασανίστηκαν ως το θάνατο, χωρίς να δεχθούν την απελευθέρωσή τους, γιατί πίστευαν ότι μπορούσαν να αναστηθούν σε μια καλύτερη ζωή. Άλλοι δοκίμασαν εξευτελισμούς και μαστιγώσεις, ακόμη και δεσμά και φυλακίσεις. Λιθοβολήθηκαν, πριονίσθηκαν, πέρασαν δοκιμασίες, θανατώθηκαν με μάχαιρα, περιπλανήθηκαν ντυμένοι με προβιές και κατσικίσια δέρματα, έζησαν σε στερήσεις, υπέφεραν καταπιέσεις, θλίψεις και κακουχίες ο κόσμος δεν ήταν άξιος να χει τέτοιους ανθρώπους. Πλανήθηκαν σ ερημιές και βουνά, σε σπηλιές και σε τρύπες της γης. Όλοι οι παραπάνω, παρά την καλή μαρτυρία της πίστης τους, δεν πήραν ό,τι τους υποσχέθηκε ο Θεός, ο οποίος είχε προβλέψει κάτι καλύτερο για μας, έτσι ώστε να μην φθάσουν εκείνοι στην τελειότητα χωρίς εμάς. Έχοντας λοιπόν γύρω μας τόσο μεγάλη στρατιά Μαρτύρων, ας τινάξουμε από πάνω μας κάθε φορτίο και την αμαρτία που εύκολα μας εμπλέκει, κι ας τρέχουμε με υπομονή το αγώνισμα του δύσκολου δρόμου που έχουμε μπροστά μας. Ας έχουμε τα μάτια μας προσηλωμένα στον Ιησού, που μας έδωσε την πίστη, την οποία και τελειοποιεί. THE GOSPEL The Gospel According to Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38; 19:27-30 The Lord said to his disciples, "Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first." ΤΟ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ: Ευαγγ. Ανάγνωσμα: Ματθ. ί 32-33, 37-38, ίθ «Όποιος ομολογήσει μπροστά στους ανθρώπους ότι ανήκει σ εμένα, θα τον αναγνωρίσω κι εγώ για δικόν μου μπροστά στον ουράνιο Πατέρα μου. Όποιος όμως με απαρνηθεί μπροστά στους ανθρώπους, θα τον απαρνηθώ κι εγώ μπροστά στον ουράνιο Πατέρα μου». «Όποιος αγαπάει τον πατέρα του ή τη μάνα του παραπάνω από μένα, δεν είναι άξιος για μαθητής μου. Κι όποιος αγαπάει το γιο του ή τη 2

3 θυγατέρα του παραπάνω από μένα, δεν είναι άξιος για μαθητής μου. Επίσης όποιος δεν παίρνει το σταυρό του και δε με ακολουθεί, δεν είναι άξιος για μαθητής μου. Μίλησε τότε ο Πέτρος και του είπε: «Να, εμείς αφήσαμε τα πάντα και σε ακολουθήσαμε. Τι θα γίνει μ εμάς;» Κι ο Ιησούς τους απάντησε: «Σας βεβαιώνω πως εσείς που με ακολουθήσατε, όταν θα καθίσει ο Υιός του Ανθρώπου στο μεγαλόπρεπο θρόνο του, στον καινούριο κόσμο, θα καθίσετε κι εσείς σε δώδεκα θρόνους, για να κρίνετε τις δώδεκα φυλές του Ισραήλ. Κι όποιος άφησε σπίτια ή αδερφούς ή αδερφές ή πατέρα ή μητέρα ή γυναίκα ή παιδιά ή χωράφια για χάρη μου, θα πάρει εκατό φορές περισσότερα και θα κληρονομήσει την αιώνια ζωή. Πολλοί θα βρεθούν από πρώτοι τελευταίοι, κι άλλοι από τελευταίοι πρώτοι». + MEMORIAL SERVICE + - +ΙΕΡΟ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΟ+ 5 year memorial +Kaleigh Katherine Tzobanakis given by her grandmother Aikaterina, her father George & godmother Melanie & family May Her Memory be Eternal! Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτών! BULLETIN SPONSORED IN LOVING MEMORY + Kaleigh Katherine Tzobanakis Angel in Heaven There's a special Angel in Heaven that is a part of me. It is not where I wanted her but where God wanted her to be. She was here but just a moment like a nightime shooting star. And though she is in Heaven she isn't very far. She touched the heart of many like only an Angel can do. We held her every minute for the end we all knew So I send this special message to the Heaven up above Please take care of my Angel and send her all my love Volunteers Ushers and Greeters needed Please see a Parish Council member at the Pangari on Sunday or contact the church office

4 Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιµον Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Ἀπολυτίκιον Τῶν ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ Μαρτύρων σου, ὡς πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον τὰ αἵματα, ἡ Ἐκκλησία σου στολισαμένη, δι' αὐτῶν βοᾷ σοι Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, τῷ λαῷ σου τοὺς οἰκτιρμούς σου κατάπεμψον, εἰρήνην τῇ πολιτείᾳ σου δώρησαι, καὶ ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Αγίου Ανδρέου Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος Καὶ τοῦ κορυφαίου αὐτάδελφος τῷ Δεσπότῃ τῶν ὅλων, Ἀνδρέα, ἱκέτευε, εἰρήνην τῇ Οἰκουμένη δωρήσασθαι καὶ ταῖς ψνχαῖς ἡμῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Ἀπολυτίκιο Άγίου Γεωργίου Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἐλευθερωτής, καὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστής, ἀσθενούντων ἰατρός, βασιλέων ὑπέρμαχος, Τροπαιοφόρε Μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Seasonal Kontakion Ὡς ἀπαρχὰς τῆς φύσεως, τῷ φυτουργῷ τῆς κτίσεως, ἡ οἰκουμένη προσφέρει σοι Κύριε, τοὺς θεοφόρους Μάρτυρας, ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις, ἐν εἰρήνῃ βαθείᾳ, τὴν Ἐκκλησίαν σου, διὰ τῆς Θεοτόκου συντήρησον, πολυέλεε. Hymns of the Week Resurrectional Apolytikion From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee. Apolytikion of All Saints Your Church, O Christ our God, clothed itself in the blood of Your martyrs from throughout the world, as though it were a robe of linen and purple; through them, she cries out to You, "Send down upon Your people compassion, grant peace to Your commonwealth, and to our souls, great mercy." St. Andrew Dismissal Hymn As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy. St. George Dismissal Hymn Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick and a champion of kings. O trophy bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Seasonal Kontakion As the first-fruits of our nature to the Planter of created things, the world presenteth the Godbearing martyred Saints in off'ring unto Thee, O Lord. Through their earnest entreaties, keep Thy Church in deep peace and divine tranquillity, through the pure Theotokos, O Thou Who art greatly merciful. 4

5 PRAYER LIST FOR OUR TROOPS ZOE LEKAKIS, (MARINES), NICHOLAS ARTZNER, (USARMY) LEONIDAS STEFOPOULOS, (USARMY ), ELIAS A. KOSTAKIS, (USARMY)COSTADINO BAETEN, (NAVY), CONSTANTINOS VLAHOCHRISTOS, (NAVY ) If you have a loved one serving in the USA Military please submit their names by calling the Church Office so that we can pray for them. May God Bless you and keep you all safe! Sponsor a Day at St. George s! This year, 2018, it will cost over $480,000 to run St. George s. That means that it costs about $1320 a day to keep the doors of our church open. Following other successful parishes, we have decided to challenge our parishioners to sponsor a day at St. George s. With about 300 families, that means we could come close to sponsoring the whole year if every family would take a single day. Each week in the bulletin, we will acknowledge and thank those families who have stepped up to the challenge. Thank you to: 2 payments made by Constantine and Angela Bougas (In memory of Nick & Mary Michael and John & Marie Bougas, our parents) Mr. Jack Balahtsis, The Edwards Family, The Tout Family, The Chilimigras Family, The Psetas Family, The St. George Baking Angels, Koulla Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Saravanos, (2) Anonymous, Mr.& Mrs. Peter Pappas, Mancini Family, Anonymous Parish Council Member, Joseph Sima and Dr. Alexandra Penn-Sima, Terri & James Romberger Today s Divine Liturgy offerings are donated by an Anonymous Donor In good health Please contact the Church office and speak with Antonia at if you would like to donate the items for Divine Liturgy. The offerings include: 10 prosfora, the communion wine, the oil, the incense and charcoal. All items used during the prothesis in preparation for the Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion. Thank you for your donations of olive oil for the altar Kandelia The Church always needs oil so please continue to bring your donations. 5

6 What is the Apostles Fast? Having celebrated the feast of feasts, the Lord s Pascha, and Pentecost fifty days thereafter, we are about to embark upon the Apostles Fast, which this year begins on June 12th and ends with the commemoration of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul on June 29th. Orthodox Christians around the world observe four fasting seasons during the year. Two of these the Great Fast for the forty days of Lent, and the Dormition Fast during the first fifteen days of August are considered strict fasts. The other two are generally observed as lesser fasts: the so-called Christmas Lent or fast during the forty days before the Feast of the Nativity, and the Fast of the Apostles which occurs in June. In America the Fast of the Apostles is probably the least well known, but is among the oldest of Christian traditions. It is mentioned by St. Athanasius in the fourth century, and there are other testimonies to its existence very early in the history of the Church. The fast begins on the day after the observance of All Saints Sunday, which falls one week after Pentecost. Today the fast ends with the observance of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, which is held on June 29. In earliest practice, however, the fast was probably not connected with the Feast of Peter and Paul. Rather, it was a time for fasting after the celebration of Pentecost and/or All Saints. Apparently, different traditions prescribed different lengths of the fast whether for one week, several weeks, or even only one day. Today, the fast still has a variable length because of its connection to the date of Pentecost, and therefore of All Saints. The date of Pentecost varies with the date of Holy Pascha (Easter), falling fifty days after Pascha. Therefore, the date of the Sunday of All Saints varies accordingly. This means that the length of the Fast of the Apostles also varies each year. For those churches which follow the Old Calendar, the Fast can be very long (as long as 42 days) or very short (8 days), depending upon when Holy Pascha falls. For Orthodox churches which use the New Calendar, there are some years in which there is no Apostles Fast at all. There are different traditions regarding how strictly to follow the Fast. In most Orthodox traditions, the fast is not as severe as that during Great Lent. Fish, wine and oil are permitted on all days except Wednesday and Friday, which are strict fast-days throughout the year except immediately following the Great Feasts of the Lord. In other traditions, fish, wine and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays during the Fast of the Apostles. For faithful Orthodox today, the Fast of the Apostles can be an occasion for reflection upon the lives and example of the Holy Apostles. On the Sunday of All Saints, we remember and celebrate the lives of all those who have gone before us in the faith: our fathers, forefathers, the apostles, preachers, evangelists, teachers, hierarchs and martyrs. The readings which are appointed for that day (Hebrews 11:33-40, 12:1-2, and Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30) remind us that countless worshippers of God have sacrificed their lives for the faith which we have inherited. Following Jesus admonition recorded by St. Matthew, the Apostles left behind their parents, their children, and their possessions in order to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to people who did not know Him. Christian missionaries around the world are still doing this today. During the Fast of the Apostles we are reminded to pray for them all, and for Orthodox mission everywhere. The Fast is also an occasion to remember that in Christ, we have a unity that goes far beyond our personal opinions, likes or dislikes. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that the Apostles themselves recognized this very early. The occasion was an argument which took place regarding whether the followers of Christ needed to continue to observe the Law of Moses. At first, Peter and Paul took different sides in the discussion. Both Peter and Paul were Jews, but their personalities and backgrounds were very different. Peter, who was formerly a fisherman, was among the first of the disciples to follow Jesus. Presumably he was uneducated and probably spoke only Aramaic in the local Galilean dialect. Paul, on the other hand, was very well educated under Gamaliel, the most famous rabbi (teacher) of his time, and spoke several languages. Moreover, Paul originally named Saul was not among the Twelve Disciples. He even led a deadly persecution of Christians until he received an astounding vision of Christ while on the way to Da- 6

7 mascus (Acts 9). The blinding vision changed his life forever. Thereafter he became an ardent witness to the risen Christ. But because of his former life, it was very difficult at first for the disciples to forgive and accept him. Before very long, Peter and Paul became involved in the dispute about keeping the Law. Paul, who was preaching among Gentiles, taught that it was no longer necessary to keep the Law, because the purpose of the Law was to points to the death and resurrection of Christ. Paul even proclaimed that the Law had been nailed to the cross with Christ, for now we are justified by faith and not by following the Law (see Romans 10 and Galatians 3). Peter, however, was drawn towards the opinion of some Jews that although Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, the Law nevertheless should continue to be observed for all time. Paul journeyed to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and the other disciples in order to settle the matter. Paul says that he opposed Peter to his face (Galatians 2:11 ff.). After some discussion it was agreed that Christians would no longer follow the Law, including practices like circumcision and the complex dietary laws given in the Books of Moses. However, they would continue to observe some of the restrictions of the Law regarding moral principles, and the eating of blood. It is significant that Peter did not simply decide to agree with Paul on these matters. Rather, he was given a vision from God in which it was declared that foods which were formerly declared to be unclean for all Jews, were now clean or acceptable (Acts 10). Thus, Peter realized that God was instituting a new order and way of life, and that to agree with Paul was a matter of obedience to Christ himself. These events remind us to seek God when we have disagreements within the Church. This requires humility on our part, and the willingness to accept others even when we might not have agreed with them before. We let go of our own personal wishes or demands, and pray for the good of the Church and for a recognition of the will of God for all of us together. At the conclusion of the Fast, therefore, we celebrate Peter and Paul together. The icon of the Feast depicts the two men standing side-by-side, holding the Church together in their hands. This is a powerful symbol of the supernatural love for one another which is given by the Holy Spirit. In the Holy Spirit we have agreement and new life. For this reason, Orthodox Christians today can regard the Fast of the Apostles as one of the most important times of the year, a time to humble ourselves and pray for genuine love and unity in the Church around the world. By Fr. Brendan The general guidelines for the Apostles Fast are as follows: On Monday, June 4th we begin the Apostles Fast, one of the four canonical fasting periods of the Church year. The Apostles Fast always begins the Monday following All Saints Sunday and ends on June 29, the feastday of Ss. Peter and Paul, Chiefs of the Apostles. The duration of this fast varies each year depending on the date of Pascha (which determines the date of All Saints). MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, wine, and oil. TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS are Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, and fowl. SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS are Fish, Wine, and Oil Days. On these days the fast is further relaxed to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, and fowl. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fast or if you have any questions about the fast guidelines, then please contact your spiritual Father. 7

8 Sunday of All Saints The first Sunday after the Feast of Holy Pentecost is observed by the Orthodox Church as the Sunday of All Saints. This day has been designated as a commemoration of all of the Saints, all the Righteous, the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Shepherds, Teachers, and Holy Monastics, both men and women alike, known and unknown, who have been added to the choirs of the Saints and shall be added, from the time of Adam until the end of the world, who have been perfected in piety and have glorified God by their holy lives. Honoring the friends of God with much reverence, the Prophet-King David says, "But to me, exceedingly honorable are Thy friends, O Lord" (Ps. 138:16). And the Apostle Paul, recounting the achievements of the Saints, and setting forth their memorial as an example that we might turn away from earthly things and from sin, and emulate their patience and courage in the struggles for virtue, says, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every burden, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1). This commemoration began as the Sunday (Synaxis) of All Martyrs; to them were added all the ranks of Saints who bore witness (the meaning of "Martyr" in Greek) to Christ in manifold ways, even if occasion did not require the shedding of their blood. Therefore, guided by the teaching of the Divine Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition, we honor all the Saints, the friends of God, for they are keepers of God's commandments, shining examples of virtue, and benefactors of mankind. Of course, we honor the known Saints especially on their own day of the year, as is evident in the Menologion. But since many Saints are unknown, and their number has increased with time, and will continue to increase until the end of time, the Church has appointed that once a year a common commemoration be made of all the Saints. This is the feast that we celebrate today. It is the harvest of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world; it is the "much fruit" brought forth by that "Grain of wheat that fell into the earth and died" (John 12:24); it is the glorification of the Saints as "the foundation of the Church, the perfection of the Gospel, they who fulfilled in deed the sayings of the Savior" (Sunday of All Saints, Doxastikon of Vespers). In this celebration, then, we reverently honor and call blessed all the Righteous, the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Shepherds, Teachers, and Holy Monastics, both men and women alike, known and unknown, who have been added to the choirs of the Saints and shall be added, from the time of Adam until the end of the world, who have been perfected in piety and have glorified God by their holy lives. All these, as well as the orders of the Angels, and especially our most holy Lady and Queen, the Ever-virgin Theotokos Mary, do we honor on this day, setting their life before us as an example of virtue, and entreating them to intercede in our behalf with God, Whose grace and boundless mercy be with us all. Amen. Icon of the Sunday of All Saints: The icon of the Sunday of All Saints depicts our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ seated above the throne of heaven surrounded by the Saints. The rows of Saints included the Archangel Michael and other Angels, the Theotokos and John the Baptist, the Apostles, Bishops, Great Martyrs, Ascetics and Monastics. To the side of the throne are Adam and Eve, bowing in reverence to Christ. They are joined by the Saints, who are lifting their hands in worship to the King of Glory. At the lower left of the icon is the Patriarch Abraham who has a righteous soul in his bosom, as told in the story of Lazarus and the rich man in the Gospel. At the lower center is the Good Thief who was crucified with Christ. On the lower right is the Patriarch Jacob. Orthodox Christian Celebration of the Sunday of All Saints: The Sunday of the Fathers of All Saints is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. The services of Vespers, Orthros, and the Divine Liturgy include Resurrectional hymns of the tone of the week together with the hymns designated for the Sunday of All Saints. 8

9 PRAYER CORNER: If you wish your name to be placed on the St. George Prayer List, please contact our Church office. Do not call for others because some people do not want their names to be published. Prayer List for: Calliope Scumas, MaryAnne Kranidis, Elias Kranidis, Kaliope Potawsky, Daniel Scherr, Maria Stolis, Phil and Marie Sherman, Evelyn Leufen, Ferd Leufen, Stamatia Matia Vamvounakis, Maria Stolis, Charlie, Laurie Fleischer, Joann Myers, KOLYVA When planning your memorial service please make sure that you contact the office and give the names of the reposed so that Father has them in advance and we can list them in the bulletin. In addition, if you would like KOLYVA we ask that you contact Katina Kollias or directly as she prepares the Sunday KOLYVA. Prayers at Church Prayer Upon Entering a Church I will come into Your house in the greatness of Your mercy: and in fear I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify You forever, One Divine Power worshiped in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer upon Leaving a Church Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. Prayer at the Icon of Christ We reverence Your spotless icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God. Because of Your own good will You ascended the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver those who You had created from the bondage of the enemy. We cry aloud unto You: You have filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for You came to save the world. Amen. Fish-Fry Dinners will resume on June 8th 3PM 8PM Join us for Family Friday dinner! HELP OUR CHURCH DURING SUMMER TIME 9

10 CONTINUE YOUR OFFERINGS THROUGH THE SUMMER Message from Parish Council Treasurer Toula Mancini We wait all year for summer. Then we fill them with vacations at the beach, camping trips in the woods and flying to Greece or far-off places. It s no wonder that church attendance dips in the summer. But while you are relaxing, your church continues to be busy with regular worship, social activities, caring for sick and the homebound members, planning weddings, baptisms and funerals, and ministering to the hungry and homeless in your community. And your clergy and church staff still need to be paid, as does the electric company. So, here s the problem: The bills continue to roll in even when you re away, and many stewards have not planned to keep their offerings current when they are on vacation. That s why so many churches face a cash crunch in the summer months. But here are some ideas for how to help Your church Saint George maintain its finances in the summer months. Pay it forward Your church would love to receive your summer offerings or part of them in advance. If you know you re going to be away, plan ahead by offering more in the weeks in advance of your time away from church. Make it up Alternatively, when you get back from your time away, give a little more in the weeks that follow in order to make up for the lost weeks. Use your envelopes Are you a check-writing person? Then simply fill in advance your offering envelopes with your weekly gift. If you have a check in every envelope, then on any given Sunday you need only to bring that day s envelope and whatever earlier Sunday envelopes are there. Also, envelopes can be mailed directly to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road New Port Richey, FL Use banking bill pay Lots of people find online banking services a convenient way to pay their monthly car loan, mortgage, light bill and other routine expenses. Why not your church offering, too? Many online banking services will cut a check and send it to the church for you. 10

11 Enroll in electronic giving You can help by enrolling in electronic giving. Your offerings will go right to the church in the amount and according to the timeframe you specify. You can sign up for Saint George electronic giving just contact the financial office today. Speak with Denise our bookkeeper. This is an average of a typical summer month revenue and expense. (The average was calculated from summer 2017 with few adjustments) Please remember your church Saint George while vacationing this summer by submitting your contributions. A board in the foyer of hall will have a copy of bills needed to be paid. Please consider taking one and paying one of the bills. Sponsor a Day is another option to help our church get through the summer. Thank you, In His Service Toula 11

12 SCHEDULE OF ECCLESIASTICAL SERVICES FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2018 Πρόγραμμα Εκκλησιαστικών ακολουθιών μηνός Ιουνίου 2018 June 2, Saturday, Great Vespers with Blessing of the Waters, 6:00-7:00 PM 2 Ιουνίου, Σάββατο, Μέγας Εσπερινός με Αγιασμό Πρωτομηνιάς, μμ. June 3, Sunday of All Saints. YOUTH SUNDAY. 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. 3 Ιουνίου, Κυριακή Αγ. Πάντων. Όρθρος 8:15πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. June 4, Monday. Beginning of the Apostles Fast. 4 Ιουνίου, Δευτέρα, Αρχή της Νηστείας των Αγ. Αποστόλων June 6, Wednesday, 6:00-6:45 PM Paraklesis 6 Ιουνίου, Τετάρτη, μμ Παράκληση June 7, Thursday, Vespers for St. Kalliope, 6:00-6:45 PM 7 Ιουνίου, Πέμπτη, Εσπερινός Αγ. Καλλιόπης, μμ. June 8, Friday, St. Kalliope, 8:30 am Matins 9:30am Divine Liturgy 8 Ιουνίου, Παρασκευή, Αγ. Καλλιόπης, Όρθρος 8:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. June 9, Saturday, Great Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM 9 Ιουνίου, Σάββατο, Μέγας Εσπερινός, μμ. June 10, Second Sunday of Matthew. 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. 10 Ιουνίου, Β Κυριακή Ματθαίου. Όρθρος 8:15πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. June 17, Third Sunday of Matthew. 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. FATHERS DAY. 17 Ιουνίου, Γ Κυριακή Ματθαίου. Όρθρος 8:15πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. June 20, Wednesday, Holy Unction (Healing Service), 6:30-7:30 PM 20 Ιουνίου, Τετάρτη, Ιερόν Ευχέλαιον, μμ. June 23, Saturday, Great Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM 23 Ιουνίου, Σάββατο, Μέγας Εσπερινός, μμ. June 24, Sunday, Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist. 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. 24 Ιουνίου, Κυριακή, Γενέθλιον του Ιωάννου Προδρόμου. Όρθρος 8:15πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. 12

13 June 28, Thursday, Great Vespers for the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 6:00-7:00 PM 28 Ιουνίου, Πέμπτη, Μέγας Εσπερινός Αγ. Αποστόλων Πέτρου και Παύλου, 6:00-7:00μμ. June 29, Friday, Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 8:30am Matins 9:30am Divine Liturgy 29 Ιουνίου, Παρασκευή, Αγ. Αποστόλων Πέτρου και Παύλου, Όρθρος 8:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. June 30, Saturday, Great Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM 30 Ιουνίου, Σάββατο, Μέγας Εσπερινός, μμ. St. George Weekly Church Services & Church Ministries Schedule The Church & the Church Office are open daily from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Feel free to come to Pray and light a candle at the Church Monday 06/04 Tuesday 06/05 Wednesday 06/06 Beginning of the Apostles Fast. Greek Bible Study 1PM Greek 6:00-6:45 PM Paraklesis, followed by the evening Bible Study in English Αρχή της Νηστείας των Αγ. Αποστόλων Ελληνική μελέτη της Βίβλου-1πμ μμ Παράκληση, Thursday 06/07 Friday 06/08 10:30am Women s bible study Vespers for St. Kalliope, 6:00-6:45 PM St. Kalliope, 8:30 am Matins 9:30am Divine Liturgy FISH FRY 3PM 8PM Εσπερινός Αγ. Καλλιόπης, μμ. Αγ. Καλλιόπης, Όρθρος 8:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. Saturday 06/09 Great Vespers: 6:00PM-7:00 PM Μέγας Εσπερινός 6.00μμ-7.00μμ. Sunday 06/10 Sunday of Matthew. 8:15AM Matins/Orthros 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. Κυριακή Ματθαίου. 8.15πμ Όρθρος 9:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. 13

14 Community News and Events June 3rd: St. George community barbecue & family Fun day after the Divine Liturgy /School Graduation Register your kids for VBS and next year ministries June 4th June 8th - Vacation Bible School is back again, this year we are going to Ancient Babylon and learn about God's appointed hero & prophet: Daniel! Our kids will learn about the heroic tale of Daniel, how God gave him the wisdom and power to interpret dreams, and how he became a legend through his courage! SATURDAY JUNE 9th, YOUNG AT HEART SEASON-ENDING PICNIC Location : Safety Town at 12 NOON. Its important that you RSVP no later than JUNE 3rd to Jim so that the correct amount of food is ordered. Safety Town is located on the north side of SR52, between Hayes Road and the Suncoast Parkway. There is a large sign at the entrance. Just follow the roadway. Park behind the shelter located next to the Home Depot building. LOVE AND LOSS GROUP: Meets Monday evening 6:30pm 8:00pm Next dates are JUNE 4, 11, 18 (off 5/28) At the Kontos Community center, St. George Greek orthodox Church 9426 Little Road New Port Richey, Florida Questions: (352) ITEMS NEEDED FOR CHURCH: WE ARE IN NEED OF WINE for THE HOLY COMMUNIOMN Roussos wine is best but any kind of Mavrodaphne will do! You may drop your donation off at the Pangari on Sunday or the church office. LIVESTREAM STEPS 1) Go to Church Website stgeorgenpr.com 2) click Watch Live top of our website page 3) Click on events (left side) or published events and begin watching the Sunday service. Ένα μεγάλο ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ σε όλους τους εθελοντές και Δωροθέτες μας του Αγίου Γεωργίου! Ο Θεός να σας έχει πάντοτε καλά! A big THANK YOU to all our Volunteers and Donors! May our God bless you and your Families always! 14

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16 Η ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ Η Θεία Κοινωνία προσφέρεται στην Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία μόνο στα άτομα που βαφτίστηκαν στην Ορθόδοξη Πίστη. Για να συμμετάσχεις στην Θεία Κοινωνία, πρέπει να είσαι σε καλή κατάσταση με την Εκκλησία πνευματικά (για παράδειγμα, οι παντρεμένοι άνθρωποι πρέπει να έχει ευλογηθεί ο γάμος τους στην Εκκλησία και όλοι πρέπει να είναι χωρίς σοβαρή αμαρτία στις καρδιές τους). Για όλους τους Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς πρέπει να τηρείται η σωστή προετοιμασία για τη Θεία Κοινωνία: δηλαδή, εξέταση της συνείδησης, εξομολόγηση, ανάγνωση των προσευχών για ιερή Κοινωνία και σωστή νηστεία. Αν έχετε περαιτέρω απορίες σχετικά με αυτό, παρακαλείται να μιλήσετε με τον Ιερέα. Οι γυναίκες πρέπει να αφαιρέσουν όλο το κραγιόν όταν πλησιάζουν για τη Θεία Κοινωνία. Παρακαλείται να αφήσετε τους γονείς με τα μωρά τους και τους ηλικιωμένους να προσεγγίσουν πρώτα. Σας ευχαριστούμε! GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION Holy Communion is offered in the Orthodox Church only to those individuals baptized and Chrismated (confirmed) in the Orthodox Faith. To participate in Holy Communion one must be in good standing with the Church spiritually (for example, married people must have had their marriage blessed in the Church and all must be without grave sin on their hearts). For all Orthodox Christians, the proper preparation for Holy Communion must be observed: examination of conscience, confession, reading the prayers for Holy Communion, and the proper fasting. If you have any further questions about this, please speak with the clergy. Women should remove all lipstick when approaching for Holy Communion. Please let parents with their babies and the elderly approach first. We Thank you Father Gregory Edwards contact information is Cell: Office: address: If you would like to schedule a meeting, an appointments or confession please contact the church office and speak with Antonia or you may contact Fr. Gregory at Church is open daily for your spiritual needs from 9:00am - 4:00pm and on Sundays 8:15am-1:00pm Αγαπητοί μου εκ Κυρίω αδελφοί, είμαστε στην ευχάριστη θέση να σας ανακοινώσουμε ότι ο Ελληνορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός του Αγίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος και Θαυματουργού Γεωργίου θα είναι ανοικτός καθημερινά από 9:00πμ έως και τις 4:00μμ και Κυριακές από 8:15πμ έως 1:00μμ για τις Λατρευτικές σας ανάγκες. Για την εξομολόγησή σας ή για οποιαδήποτε άλλη Λατρευτική ανάγκη παρακαλούμε να τηλεφωνήσετε το γραφείο του Αγίου Γεωργίου η τον +π. Γρηγόριος στο

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19 Thank you to our bulletin sponsors for your continued support with advertising your business in our weekly bulletins. Spiro Dhima RE/MAX CHAMPIONS Agent Office Little Road Suites 2&3 Trinity, FL As a full-time Realtor, I am able to completely focus on the needs of my Clients and ensure they receive the best representation possible. I look forward to talking to you soon! 19

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