PALM SUNDAY ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ

Transcript

1 St. George Greek Orthodox Church Ελληνικός Ορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL Athanasios Letsos, Parish Council President Church Office: Office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.. Officiating Clergy: +Rev. Fr. Soterios Rousakis and Sunday April 21st, PALM SUNDAY ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ KOUVOUKLION DÉCOR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Contact Church office or Keke to volunteer On behalf of the St. George Parish Council, the ministries and the St. George community, we welcome and thank +Rev. Father Soterios Rousakis, Protopresbyter for celebrating and worshiping with us in today s Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy. 1

2 Ο ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ: Ἀδελφοί, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ πάντοτε πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε. Τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις. Ὁ κύριος ἐγγύς. Μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε, ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν θεόν. Καὶ ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν, φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί, ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε. Ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί, ταῦτα πράσσετε καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθʼ ὑμῶν. ΤΗΕ EPISTLE: BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. Ο ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ: Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 12:1-18 Πρὸ ἓξ ἡμερῶν τοῦ πάσχα ἦλθεν Ὁ Ιησοῦς εἰς Βηθανίαν, ὅπου ἦν Λάζαρος ὁ τεθνηκώς, ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐποίησαν οὖν αὐτῷ δεῖπνον ἐκεῖ, καὶ ἡ Μάρθα διηκόνει ὁ δὲ Λάζαρος εἷς ἦν τῶν ἀνακειμένων σὺν αὐτῷ. ἡ οὖν Μαρία, λαβοῦσα λίτραν μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτίμου, ἤλειψε τοὺς πόδας τοῦ Ιησοῦ καὶ ἐξέμαξε ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ ἡ δὲ οἰκία ἐπληρώθη ἐκ τῆς ὀσμῆς τοῦ μύρου. λέγει οὖν εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, Ιούδας Σίμωνος Ισκαριώτης, ὁ μέλλων αὐτὸν παραδιδόναι διατί τοῦτο τὸ μύρον οὐκ ἐπράθη τριακοσίων δηναρίων καὶ ἐδόθη πτωχοῖς; εἶπε δὲ τοῦτο οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ, ἀλλ ὅτι κλέπτης ἦν, καὶ τὸ γλωσσόκομον εἶχε καὶ τὰ βαλλόμενα ἐβάσταζεν. εἶπεν οὖν ὁ Ιησοῦς ἄφες αὐτήν, εἰς τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ ἐνταφιασμοῦ μου τετήρηκεν αὐτό. τοὺς πτωχοὺς γὰρ πάντοτε ἔχετε μεθ ἑαυτῶν, ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε. Εγνω οὖν ὄχλος πολὺς ἐκ τῶν Ιουδαίων ὅτι ἐκεῖ ἐστι, καὶ ἦλθον οὐ διὰ τὸν Ιησοῦν μόνον, ἀλλ ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἴδωσιν ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐβουλεύσαντο δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἀποκτείνωσιν, ὅτι πολλοὶ δι αὐτὸν ὑπῆγον τῶν Ιουδαίων καὶ ἐπίστευον εἰς τὸν Ιησοῦν.Τῇ ἐπαύριον ὄχλος πολὺς ὁ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν, ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ἔρχεται Ιησοῦς εἰς Ιεροσόλυμα, ἔλαβον τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων καὶ ἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἔκραζον ὡσαννά, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου, ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ισραήλ. εὑρὼν δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς ὀνάριον ἐκάθισεν ἐπ αὐτό, καθώς ἐστι γεγραμμένον μὴ φοβοῦ, θύγατερ Σιών ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεται καθήμενος ἐπὶ πῶλον ὄνου.ταῦτα δὲ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ πρῶτον, ἀλλ ὅτε ἐδοξάσθη ὁ Ιησοῦς, τότε ἐμνήσθησαν ὅτι ταῦτα ἦν ἐπ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, καὶ ταῦτα ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ. Εμαρτύρει οὖν ὁ ὄχλος ὁ ὢν μετ αὐτοῦ ὅτε τὸν Λάζαρον ἐφώνησεν ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ὄχλος, ὅτι ἤκουσαν τοῦτο αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι τὸ σημεῖον. THE GOSPEL: John 12:1-18 Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of 2

3 his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."when the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. Η ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ Η Θεία Κοινωνία προσφε ρεται στην Ορθο δοξη Εκκλησία μο νο στα α τομα που βαφτίστηκαν στην Ορθο δοξη Πίστη. Για να συμμετα σχεις στην Θεία Κοινωνία, πρε πει να είσαι σε καλη κατα σταση με την Εκκλησία πνευματικα (για παρα δειγμα, οι παντρεμε νοι α νθρωποι πρε πει να ε χει ευλογηθεί ο γα μος τους στην Εκκλησία και ο λοι πρε πει να είναι χωρίς σοβαρη αμαρτία στις καρδιε ς τους). Για ο λους τους Ορθο δοξους Χριστιανου ς πρε πει να τηρείται η σωστη προετοιμασία για τη Θεία Κοινωνία: δηλαδη, εξε ταση της συνείδησης, εξομολο γηση, ανα γνωση των προσευχω ν για ιερη Κοινωνία και σωστη νηστεία. Αν ε χετε περαιτε ρω απορίες σχετικα με αυτο, παρακαλείται να μιλη σετε με τον Ιερε α. Οι γυναίκες πρε πει να αφαιρε σουν ο λο το κραγιο ν ο ταν πλησια ζουν για τη Θεία Κοινωνία. Παρακαλείται να αφη σετε τους γονείς με τα μωρα τους και τους ηλικιωμε νους να προσεγγίσουν πρω τα. Σας ευχαριστου με! 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. Memorials When planning your memorial service please note that memorials will resume on Sunday, May 12th. Please contact the office and give the names of the reposed so that Father has them in advance. In addition, if you would like KOLYVA we ask that you contact Katina Kollias directly at or

4 Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Απολυτίκιον Τὴν κοινὴν Ἀνάστασιν, πρὸ τοῦ σοῦ Πάθους πιστούμενος, ἐκ νεκρῶν ἢγειρας τὸν Λάζαρον Χριστὲὁ Θεός, ὅθεν καὶἡμεῖς ὡς οἱπαῖδες, τὰ τῆς νίκης σύμβολα φέροντες, σοὶ τῷ Νικητῇ τοῦ θανάτου βοῶμεν, Ὡσαννὰἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις, εὐλογημένοςὁἐρχόμενος, ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου. Απολυτίκιον Αγίου Ανδρέου Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστο λων Πρωτο κλητος Καὶ τοῦ κορυφαίου αὐτα δελφος τῷ Δεσπο τῃ τῶν ὅλων, Ἀνδρε α, ἱκε τευε, εἰρη νην τῇ Οἰκουμε νη δωρη σασθαι καὶ ταῖς ψνχαῖς ἡμῶν τὸ με γα ἔλεος. Ἀπολυτίκιο Άγίου Γεωργίου Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλω των ἐλευθερωτη ς, καὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστη ς, ἀσθενου ντων ἰατρο ς, βασιλε ων ὑπε ρμαχος, Τροπαιοφο ρε Μεγαλομα ρτυς Γεω ργιε, πρε σβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Ἀπολυτίκιον Αγιου Νεκτάριος ὁ Θαυματουργός Σηλυβρίας τον γο νον και Αιγίνης τον ε φορον, τον εσχα τοις χρο νοις φανε ντα, αρετη ς φίλον γνη σιον, Νεκτα ριον τιμη σωμεν πιστοί, ως ε νθεον θερα ποντα Χριστου, αναβλυ ζεις γαρ ια σεις παντοδαπα ς, τοίς ευλαβω ς κραυγα ζουσι, δο ξα τω σε δοξα σαντι Χριστω, δο ξα τω σε θαυμαστω σαντι, δο ξα τω ενεργου ντι δια σου, πα σιν ια ματα. Κοντάκιον της Ημέρας Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. Hymns of the Week Palm Sunday Apolytikion In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam." 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 save. Apolytikion of Nectarius the Wonderworker O faithful, let us honor Nektarios, divine servant of Christ, offspring of Silivria and guardian of Aegina, who in these latter years was manifested as the true friend of virtue. All manner of healing wells forth for those who in piety cry out, "Glory to Christ who glorified you; glory to Him who, through you, wrought wonders; glory to Him who, through you, works healing for all." Kontakion Truly the Lord has set you in the sky of abstinence, as a fixed star giving light to the ends of the world, O John, our teacher and Father. 4

5 PRAYER CORNER: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; If you wish your name to be placed at our Prayer list please contact our Church office Prayer List for: Maria Stolis, Daniel Scherr, Phil and Marie Sherman, Evelyn Leufen, Fred Leufen, Charlie, Laurie Fleischer, Nikki and Brian, Anthony, Maria Cusimano, Yianni Evangelina Mastrovasilis Sotirios Elias, Tzoya, Jamie, Julie, Suzanne, Thomas, Wendy Panagos, Michael Chernega Antonios Katsogiannis PRAYER LIST FOR OUR TROOPS ZOE LEKAKIS, (MARINES), NICHOLAS ARTZNER, (USARMY) LEONIDAS STEFOPOULOS, (USARMY ), ELIAS A. KOSTAKIS, (USARMY) COSTADINO BAETEN, (NAVY), CONSTANTINOS VLAHOCHRISTOS, (NAVY ) GERARD FAUGHNAN (US ARMY) JOSEPH MONTELLA (MARINE CORPS) 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! 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. 5

6 PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind and is a most merciful and compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servant(s) (names), for whom I humbly pray to You, and whom I commend to Your gracious care and protection. O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, so that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear, doing Your will in all things. Give them grace and mercy so that they may be patient, hard working, tireless, devout, and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption, and direct them in the way of salvation, through the goodness of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the prayers of His Holy Mother and the blessed Saints. Amen. Lenten Prayer of. St. Ephrem O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen. RAFFLE Last Supper handmade by Eleni Manikas Donated by Chuck and Eleni Manikas 3 tickets for $5.00 all proceeds go to St. George Church Tickets available during coffee hour or Friday night dinners GREAT LENT! The Lenten fasting discipline commences after Forgiveness Vespers and concludes with the breaking of the fast at Pascha. In general, the fasting rules during Great Lent is as follows: WEEKDAYS (Monday Friday) are observed as Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and olive oil. WEEKENDS (Saturday and Sunday) are observed as Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit alcoholic beverages and olive oil. In addition, two special feast days that fall during this period Annunciation and Palm Sunday are kept as Fish, Wine, and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones, in addition to alcoholic beverages and olive oil. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so. Before you attempt to strictly follow the fasting guidelines, consult with your Priest. It is very easy to lose sight of the fact that fasting is merely a means to an end (that is, our salvation) and not an end in itself. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father. 6

7 fers true and enduring peace. In the Icon of the Feast of Palm Sunday, Christ is the central figure, depicted seated upon the colt of a donkey as He enters Jerusalem, a fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9. Christ is blessing with His right hand, and in His left hand is a scroll, symbolizing that He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Anointed One who has come to redeem us from our sins and break the power of death. The colt, one of the animals that were considered unclean according to the Law, is symbolic of the inclusion of all peoples of all nations in the new covenant that will come through the death and Resurrection of Christ (Isaiah 62:10-11). It is also a sign that our Lord has revealed a heavenly and spiritual kingdom that of- On the right, the disciples accompany Jesus in His Triumphal Entry. Depicted on the left are the Jews who greet Him crying Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! The word Hosanna means Save, I pray or Save now. The children are the small people who are greeting Christ with palm branches and laying these and their garments on the ground before Christ as tokens of honor for one who is acknowledged as a King. The city of Jerusalem is shown as the walled buildings, and the temple is depicted as the building with the dome. 7

8 LOVE AND LOSS GROUP COME AND TALK ABOUT THOSE YOU HAVE LOVED AND LOST. HELP HONOR THEIR MEMORIES. TALK WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. ALL ARE WELCOME MEETINGS WILL RESUME ON APRIL 30TH, 2019 WHEN: EVERY TUESDAY FROM 1-2:30PM WHERE: KONTOS COMMUNITY CENTER ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 9426 LITTLE RD NPR FL WHO: Thank you to Debbie and Gus Mavias for sponsoring the coffee hour last Sunday in memory of Gus beloved mother, +Vasilla Koula Mavias. 8

9 ******************************************************************************* The Philoptochos of St. George Invites you to the ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY FISH LUNCHEON Sunday, April 21st, 2019 at Kontos Event Center Immediately following services) Tickets on sale at door $10.00 per person The parishioners of St. George sincerely appreciate the efforts and donations of the Ladies of Philoptochos in sponsoring Holy Week. Their time, talent, and treasuresthat they have given St. George are a true testament of stewardship. The parish is blessed to have these ladies involved in such an important ministry. Holy Week books are available for purchase in the Narthex $25 The Divine Liturgy Hymnals are also available for purchase...$20 The hymnal is designed for the congregation to be able to sing/chant during the liturgy. It is highly recommended to have your own personal copy to bring with you to services. 9

10 Ανάγνωσμα Ὁ Ὅσιος Θεόδωρος γεννήθηκε στὸ χωριὸ Συκέα ἢ Συκεῶν τῆς Ἀναστασιοπόλεως, πρώτης πόλεως τῆς ἐπαρχίας Ἀγκυρανῶν καὶ ἦταν υἱὸς τῆς πόρνης Μαρίας καὶ τοῦ Κοσμᾶ, ἀποκρισάριου τοῦ βασιλέως Ἰουστινιανοῦ. Ἡ ἐκ πορνείας γέννηση τοῦ Ὁσίου δὲν ἐμπόδισε τὸν Θεὸ νὰ τὸν ἀναδείξει Ἀρχιερέα τιμιότατο καὶ νὰ τὸν πλουτίσει μὲ παράδοξες θεοσημεῖες καὶ θαυματουργίες. Στὸ σχολεῖο προέκοπτε στὴ μάθηση καὶ σὲ ἡλικία δέκα ἐτῶν ἔδειξε κλίση στὸ μοναχικὸ βίο. Μία νύχτα καὶ ἐνῷ ὁ Ὅσιος εἶχε γίνει δωδεκαετής, ἐμφανίσθηκε σὲ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἅγιος Μεγαλομάρτυρας Γεώργιος ὁ Τροπαιοφόρος καὶ ἀφοῦ τὸν ξύπνησε τοῦ εἶπε: «Σήκω, Θεόδωρε, ἔφθασε ὁ ὄρθρος, πᾶμε νὰ προσευχηθοῦμε». Ὁ Ὅσιος εἶχε τόση εὐλάβεια πρὸς τὸν Ἅγιο Γεώργιο, ὥστε κάθε μεσημέρι φεύγοντας ἀπὸ τὸ σχολεῖο ἀνέβαινε στὸ γειτονικὸ πετρῶδες ὄρος, ὅπου ἦταν τὸ προσκύνημα τοῦ Ἁγίου Γεωργίου. Τὸν ὁδηγοῦσε ὁ ἴδιος ὁ Ἅγιος μὲ τὴ μορφὴ ἑνὸς παλικαριοῦ. Ὁ Ὅσιος ἀκολούθησε τὴ μοναχικὴ πολιτεία σὲ νεαρὴ ἡλικία μὲ τὴν εὐλογία τοῦ Ἐπισκόπου Ἀναστασιοπόλεως Θεοδοσίου. Λίγο ἀργότερα χειροτονήθηκε διάκονος καὶ πρεσβύτερος. Ἀμέσως ἐπισκέφθηκε τοὺς Ἁγίους Τόπους καὶ ἔλαβε τὸ σχῆμα τοῦ μοναχοῦ στὴ μονὴ τῆς Ὑπεραγίας Θεοτόκου τοῦ Χουζιβᾶ. Στὴν συνέχεια ἐπέστρεψε στὴν ἰδιαίτερη πατρίδα του καὶ παρέμεινε μόνιμα στὸ παρεκκλήσι τοῦ Ἁγίου Γεωργίου. Ἐκεῖ οἰκοδομοῦσε τὸν ἑαυτό του μὲ νηστεῖες καὶ χαμαικοιτίες, μὲ ἀγρυπνίες καὶ ψαλμῳδίες, γι αὐτὸ καὶ ἀπολάμβανε ἀπὸ μέρος τοῦ Θεοῦ, ποταμὸ ἀπὸ περισσότερα χαρίσματα ἐναντίων τῶν ἀκαθάρτων πνευμάτων καὶ τῶν κάθε εἴδους ἀσθενειῶν. Ἡ μητέρα του, ἔχοντας φρόνημα σαρκικό, ἐγκατέλειψε τὸν υἱό της καὶ ἀφοῦ πῆρε ὅσο μέρος τῆς περιουσίας τῆς ἀναλογοῦσε, νυμφεύθηκε τὸν Δαβίδ, ἄνδρα τῆς αὐτοκρατορικῆς φρουρᾶς τῆς Ἄγκυρας. 10

11 Μετὰ τὸν θάνατο τοῦ Ἐπισκόπου Ἀναστασιοπόλεως, Τιμοθέου, οἱ κάτοικοι τῆς πόλεως, κληρικοὶ καὶ λαϊκοί, πῆγαν στὴν Ἄγκυρα καὶ ζήτησαν ἀπὸ τὸν Μητροπολίτη Ἀγκύρας, Παῦλο, νὰ ἀναδείξει Ἐπίσκοπο τῆς πόλεώς τους τὸν Ὅσιο Θεόδωρο. Ὁ Ὅσιος δὲν δεχόταν μὲ κανένα τρόπο τὴν πρόταση αὐτή. Ἔτσι οἱ Χριστιανοὶ κατέφυγαν στὴ βία. Τὸν ἔβγαλαν ἔξω καὶ ἀφοῦ τὸν τοποθέτησαν ἐπάνω σὲ ἕνα φορεῖο, τὸν ἀπήγαγαν. Κατὰ τὴν χειροτονία του σὲ Ἐπίσκοπο κάποιος εἶδε ἕνα τεράστιο ἀστέρι ποὺ ἀκτινοβολοῦσε, νὰ κατέρχεται ἀπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸ καὶ νὰ στέκεται ἐπάνω στὴν ἐκκλησία, ἀστράφτοντας καὶ φωτίζοντας τὴν πόλη καὶ τὴν γύρω περιοχή. Ὁ Ὅσιος Θεόδωρος ἔφθασε στὴν Ἀναστασιόπολη μαζὶ μὲ τὸν Ἐπίσκοπο τῆς πόλεως Κίννας, Ἀμίαντο, ἀπὸ τὸν ὁποῖο ἐνθρονίσθηκε. Ἔκτοτε ἔλαμπε συνεχῶς ὡς ἥλιος μὲ τὰ θεία χαρίσματα τῶν ἰαμάτων, μὲ τὴν αὐστηρότητα τοῦ βίου του, μὲ ὅλες τὶς ἀρετὲς καὶ τὶς ἀγαθοεργίες. Ὁ Ὅσιος Θεόδωρος ἐπιθύμησε νὰ ἐπισκεφθεῖ γιὰ δεύτερη φορὰ τὰ Ἱεροσόλυμα. Ἐκεῖ προσκύνησε τὸν Τίμιο Σταυρό, τὸν Τάφο τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ ὅλα τὰ ἁγιάσματα ποὺ ὑπῆρχαν στὴν περιοχή, καθὼς καὶ τὰ κοντινὰ μοναστήρια. Τὸν ἐνοχλοῦσε ὅμως ὁ λογισμὸς καὶ τὸν ἔπεισε τελικὰ νὰ μὴν ἐπιστρέψει πίσω στὴν πατρίδα του, ἀλλὰ νὰ ζήσει ἡσυχαστικὴ ζωὴ σὲ κάποιο ἀπὸ τὰ μοναστήρια ποὺ ὑπῆρχαν ἐκεῖ. Νόμισε πὼς εἶχε πέσει ἔξω ἀπὸ τὸ μοναχικὸ μέτρο, ἐπειδὴ ἀνέλαβε τὴν πνευματικὴ εὐθύνη τῆς Ἐπισκοπῆς καὶ διότι τὸν στεναχωροῦσαν οἱ ἐνοχλητικὲς καταστάσεις ποὺ ὑπῆρχαν σὲ αὐτήν. Πῆγε λοιπὸν στὴ Λαύρα τοῦ Ἁγίου Σάββα καὶ ζοῦσε ἐκεῖ σὲ ἕνα κελλὶ κάποιου ἀγωνιστοῦ μοναχοῦ, ποὺ τὸν ἔλεγαν Ἀνδρέα. Κάποια νύχτα ὅμως παρουσιάσθηκε στὸν ὕπνο του ὁ Ἅγιος Γεώργιος καί, ἀφοῦ τοῦ ἔδωσε ἕνα ραβδί, τοῦ εἶπε: «Σήκω καὶ περπάτα, διότι πολλοὶ ἄνθρωποι λυποῦνται, γιατί ἀπουσιάζεις. Δὲν εἶναι ἐπιτρεπτὸ νὰ ἐγκαταλείψεις τὴν Ἐπισκοπή σου καὶ νὰ ζεῖς ἐδῶ». Ἔτσι ὁ Ὅσιος ἀποχαιρέτισε τοὺς πατέρες τῆς μονῆς καὶ πῆρε τὸν δρόμο τῆς ἐπιστροφῆς. Ὅταν ἔφθασε στὰ μέρη τῆς Γαλατίας, κοντὰ στὸ μοναστήρι τῶν Δρυΐνων, τοὺς παρήγγειλε νὰ μὴν μιλήσουν σὲ κανέναν γι αὐτό, καθὼς αὐτοὶ ποὺ βρίσκονταν ἐκεῖ δὲν τὸν γνώριζαν. Ὡστόσο ἡ φήμη τοῦ Ὁσίου κυκλοφόρησε παντοῦ. Ἔτσι ἔρχονταν πολλοὶ στὸ μοναστήρι, γιὰ νὰ λάβουν τὴν εὐλογία του. 11

12 FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY / WILL RESUME ON 5/03 HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! BRING FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS! ENJOY THE EVENING FILLED WITH LOTS OF GOOD FOOD, MUSIC AND LAUGHTER! St. George Kontos Community Center 9426 Little Road New Port Richey, Florida 3:30pm 7:30pm THANK YOU TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR SUPPORTING THIS FUNDRAISER FOR ST. GEORGE! THANKS TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS THAT DEDICATE THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO ST. GEORGE FOR THIS FUNDRAISER! MENU 1.Spanakopita, 2. Large Greek Salad, 3.Gyro & French Fries, 4. Baked Chicken 5.Fish and Chips 6.Baked Fish 7.Pastichio ( Greek Lasagna) 8. Stuffed pepper 9. Braised lamb shank 10. Chief s Special of the day Each meal comes with 2 side items Soup or salad Coffee or Tea and dessert 12

13 "Festival Nov. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2019 NEWS!!!" Saint George needs your TALENT for being the department head of a station. Your response is requested as a department head for this coming Festival. Thank you all who have volunteered in the past and will recommit for Nov Please contact contact me to volunteer Thank you, Yours in faith, Keke DONATIONS FOR FLOWERS NEEDED FOR FOUR ICONS OF ST. GEORGE DAY April 29 th Εικόνες Αγίου Γεωργίου $ each Icons to be decorated for veneration: 1st Icon - Front Soleas - 2nd Icon Chapel and 3rd Icon - Narthex PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE TO DONATE ONE OF THESE ICONS! Σας παρακαλούμε να επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας! TSOUREKI SALE Aγοράστε τα τσουρέκι σας από την φιλόπτωχο $7.00 Tsoureki will be sold for $7.00 each. We will begin selling in the KONTOS Hall following Liturgy on Sunday. Please continue to support the efforts of the Philoptochos as we prepare for PASCHA! No Preorders 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 Lazarus Saturday, Orthros 8:30 AM & Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. EVENING: 6:00-7:00 PM Great Vespers Σάββατο, Η έγερσις του Λαζάρου, 8.30πμ Όρθρος & 9.30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑ: μμ Μ. Εσπερινο ς Palm Sunday, 8:15 AM Matins/Orthros & 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy. YOUTH SUNDAY. EVENING: Bridegroom Service 6:00-7:30 PM Κυριακή των Βαϊ ων, 8:30 a.m. Όρθρος & 9.30 π.μ.. Θεία Λειτουργία. ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑ: Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου μ.μ. _ Great and Holy Monday EVENING: Service 7:00pm Great and Holy Tuesday EVENING: Service 7:00pm Great and Holy Wednesday MORNING: Divne Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 9:00-10:45 a.m. AFTERNOON: The Sacrament of Holy Unction (for healing) 4:00 p.m. EVENING: The Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 p.m. Great and Holy Thursday Remembrance of the Last Supper and the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ MORNING: Divine Liturgy 7:00 a.m. EVENING: Orthros - Crucifixion of our Lord and the Reading of the Twelve Gospels, 7:00 p.m Guest Celebrant will be His Grace Bishop Sebastian of Zelon. Great and Holy Friday. The Crucifixion and Burial of Christ. MORNING: The Great Hours 9:00 a.m. AFTERNOON: The Lowering of the Body of the Lord from the Cross and Preparation for His Burial 3:00pm EVENING: The Burial of Christ--Lamentations at the Tomb of the Lord with Procession of the Tomb of Christ 7:00pm Great and Holy Saturday MORNING: Divine Liturgy, 9:00-10:30 AM. Midnight Resurrection Services: 11:00 p.m. 11:45 p.m. Come Receive the Light 12:00 a.m. The Canon of Easter. The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 12:10 a.m. 1:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy of Easter and Holy Communion Distribution of red eggs and complimentary traditional Easter Soup following services at Kontos Event Center. SPECIAL REQUEST: Please stay for the Resurrection Service which is the main Christian focus of Pascha. 18

19 SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH The Great and Holy Sunday of Easter (the Bright Day) 11:00ΑΜ 12:00 NOON: Agape Vespers. During this Service the Gospel will be read in various languages. At this service we encourage everybody to attend especially all those who couldn t attend the night services of the Holy Saturday. It is a very nice chance to hear the CHRISTOS ANESTI CHRIST IS RISEN together with your children and family. If you read a foreign language besides Greek, please let us know so that you could participate in proclaiming Christ Is Risen to all nations. Monday, April 29th Feast Day of St. George the Trophy Bearer Matins...8:30 and Divine Liturgy..9:30 Tampa Bay Area Clergy will co-officiate with Rev. Fr. James Rousakis, Vicar Complimentary memorial luncheon will be given by Mrs. Goldie Parr in memory of her mother and godmother of St. George Church, Mrs. Maria Tsalichis. Monday evening vespers for Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene in Palm Harbor. 7:00 p.m. Hierarchical Matins and Procession of Holy Relics Tuesday, April 30th Services will be held in Palm Harbor at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene with the Tampa Bay Area clergy/ 8:30 a.m. Hierarchical Matins 10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon. Followed by Litany and Fellowship Luncheon. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WILL RESUME SUNDAY MAY 5TH,

20 Children, come take pictures with our visiting donkey on Palm Sunday and bring your parents with you! 20

21 21

22 Invitation The St. George Parish Council cordially invites you to come to celebrate together with the Tampa Bay Area clergy and our parishioners on the Feast Day of our Patron Saint George Monday after Easter, April 29, 2019 Αγίου Γεωργίου του Τροπαιοφόρου 8:30 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy A complimentary luncheon will be given by Mrs. Goldie Parr in loving memory of the godmother of our church, +Mrs. Maria Tsalichis. May her memory be eternal. Σας προσκαλούμε θερμά να έρθετε και να γιορτάσετε με τους ιερεις της περιοχής και τους ενορίτες μας την Ημέρα του Αγίου Γεωργιου. Δωρεάν γεύμα θα δοθεί από την κ. Goldie Parr εις μνήμη της νονάς της εκκλησίας, +Μαρία Τσαλίχη. 22

23 Dear Stewards of St. George: On the occasion of the Feast Day of St. George, I wish my dad, George Psetas, a very Happy Name Day and best wishes for many years ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ to come with continued good health to serve his church and family. Dad, in your honor of all your years of service, I am sponsoring a day for St. George. In His Service, Chris Psetas 23

24 St. George Weekly Church Services & Church Ministries Schedule The Church is open daily from 10 :00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. & closed on Good Friday & Bright Monday. Monday 04/21 GREAT & HOLY MONDAY BRIDEGROOM SERVICE 7 P.M. Tuesday 04/23 Wednesday 04/24 Thursday 04/25 Friday 04/26 GREAT & HOLY FRIDAY OFFICE CLOSED GREAT & HOLY TUESDAY BRIDEGROOM SERVICE 7 PM. DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M. SACRAMENT OF HOLY UNCTION 4 P.M. SACRAMENT OF HOLY UNCTION 7 P.M. HOLY THURSDAY COMMUNION 7 A.M. CRUCIFIXION & READING OF 12 GOS- PELS 7 P.M THE ROYAL HOURS 10 A.M. LOWERING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST 3 P.M. BURIAL OF CHRIST EPITAPHIO 7 P.M. Saturday 04/27 GREAT & HOLY SATURDAY DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT BASIL 9 A.M. RESURRECTION / ANASTASI 11 P.M. Sunday 04/28 EASTER SUNDAY- CHRIST IS RISEN AGAPE SERVICE 11 a.m. Monday Feast day of St. George the Trophy Bearer Matins..8:30 Divine Liturgy...9:30 Complimentary memorial luncheon following services given by Goldie Parr in honor of the godmother of St. George, +Maria Tsalichis. 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! 24