Happy and Blessed New Year -Ευλογημένο το Νέο Έτος The Tradition of the Vasilopita

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1 STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF BROOKLYN ΚΑΘΕΔΡΙΚΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΑΓΙΩΝ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΕΛΕΝΗΣ 64 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, New York Telephone: (718) Fax Telephone: (718) Dean: Fr. John K. Lardas *** ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH OF THE WTC ΝΑΟΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ ΤΟΥ WTC Ήχος Δ-Εωθινόν Ευαγγέλιο Ζ *********************************************************************************** Happy and Blessed New Year -Ευλογημένο το Νέο Έτος The Tradition of the Vasilopita The tradition of baking and cutting a special "pita" (which can mean a loaf of bread, a cake, or even a pie) each year on January 1st is observed in honor of our holy father Basil the Great, archbishop of Caesarea in Cappodocia-- hence its name "Vasilopita" meaning "St. Basil's Bread." This tradition is observed in both parish churches and in the homes of the faithful. What is the meaning of this tradition and how did it begin? For centuries upon centuries, parents, grandparents and godparents have related the following to Orthodox children about St. Basil and the Vasilopita. One year, during a time of terrible famine, the emperor levied a sinfully excessive tax upon the people of Caesarea. The tax was such a heavy burden upon the already impoverished people that to avoid debtors' prison each family had to relinquish its few remaining coins and pieces of jewelry, including precious family heirlooms. Learning of this injustice upon his flock, St. Basil the Great, the archbishop of Caesarea, took up his bishop's staff and the book of the holy Gospels and came to his people's defense by fearlessly calling the emperor to repentance. By God's grace, the emperor did repent! He canceled the tax and instructed his tax collectors to turn over to St. Basil all of the chests containing the coins and jewelry which had been paid as taxes by the people of Caesarea. But now St. Basil was faced with the daunting and impossible task of returning these thousands of coins and pieces of jewelry to their rightful owners. After praying for a long time before the icons of our Master Christ and His All-Holy Mother, St. Basil had all the treasures baked into one huge pita. He then called all the townspeople to prayer at the cathedral, and, after Divine Liturgy, he blessed and cut the pita, giving a piece to each person. Miraculously, each owner received in his piece of Vasilopita his own valuables. They all joyfully returned home, giving thanks to God who had delivered them from abject poverty and to their good and holy bishop St. Basil the Great! In remembrance of that miracle wrought by God as a result of St. Basil's love and defense of his people, Orthodox Christians have observed the tradition of the Vasilopita each year on January 1st-- the date on which St. Basil reposed in the Lord in the year 379. In some places the Vasilopita is prepared as a loaf of rich bread (like that used for Artoklasia), while in other places it takes the form of a spicy sheet cake (without frosting). But no matter what form a Vasilopita may take, they all have one thing in common-- each contains a single coin. After placing the bread dough or cake batter in the proper baking pan, the baker makes with the foil-wrapped coin the sign of the Cross over it, closes his/her eyes, and then secretely places it into the unbaked Vasilopita. After the Vasilopita is baked and cooled, it is blessed and cut following Divine Liturgy for the feast of St. Basil on January 1st.

2 Κυριακή, 28η Δεκεμβρίου, 2014 Κυριακή: ΜΕΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΙΝ. Ἐν ᾗ μνήμην ἐπιτελοῦμενἰωσήφ τοῦ νήστορος, Δαυΐδ τοῦ Βασιλέως καί Ἰακώβ τοῦ Ἀδελφοθέου. Τῶν Ἁγίων Δισμυρίων Μαρτύρων τῶν ἐν Νικομηδείᾳ καέντων. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Μάρτυρος Γλυκερίου. Τοῦ Ὁσίου Σίμωνος τοῦ Μυροβλύτου, κτήτορος τῆς ἐν τῷ Ἄθῳ Ἱερᾶς Μονῆς Σιμωνοπέτρας. Αναστάσιμο Απολυτίκιον-Ήχος Δ Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Απολυτίκιον Χριστουγέννων Ἡ γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῶ κόσμω, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως, ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοὶς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο, σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν, Κύριε δόξα σοί. Απολυτίκιον για την Κυριακή μετά τα Χριστούγεννα Εὐαγγελίζου Ἰωσήφ, τῷ Δαυῒδ τὰ θαύματα τῷ Θεοπάτορι Παρθένον εἶδες κυοφορήσασαν, μετὰ Mάγων προσεκύνησας, μετὰ Ποιμένων ἐδοξολόγησας, δι' Ἀγγέλου χρηματισθείς. Ἱκέτευε Χριστὸν τὸν Θεόν, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Απολύτίκιον Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλῆσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεῦσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τῇ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣν περίσῳζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. Απολυτίκιον Αγίου Νικολάου Κανόνα πίστεως καὶ εἰκόνα πραότητος, ἐγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ἀνέδειξέ σε τῇ ποίμνῃ σου, ἡ τῶν πραγμάτων ἀλήθεια διὰ τοῦτο ἐκτήσω τῇ ταπεινώσει τὰ ὑψηλά, τῇ πτωχείᾳ τὰ πλούσια, Πάτερ Ἱεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Κοντάκιον Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν ὑπερούσιον τίκτει, καὶ ἡ γῆ τὸ Σπήλαιον, τῶ ἀπροσίτω προσάγει. Ἄγγελοι μετὰ Ποιμένων δοξολογοῦσι. Μάγοι δὲ μετὰ ἀστέρος ὁδοιποροῦσι. δι' ἡμᾶς γὰρ ἐγεννήθη, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός. Sunday December 28th, 2014 Sunday after Nativity.20,000 Martyrs burned in Nicomedia.Holy Martyr Glycerus.Simon the Myrrhbearer, Founder of Simonopetra, Monastery of Mount Athos. Afterfeast of the Nativity. St. Simon the Myrrh bearer, builder of Simonopetra Monastery. Resurrectional Apolytikion Fourth Tone Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world. Apolytikion for Christmas Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined the light of knowledge upon the world; for thereby they that worshipped the stars were instructed by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee. Apolytikion of Sun. after Nativity O Joseph, proclaim the wonders to David, the ancestor of God. Thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; thou hast given glory with the shepherds; thou hast worshipped with the Magi; and thou hast been instructed through an Angel. Entreat Christ God to save our souls. Apolytikion of Sts. Constantine and Helen Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man. Apolytikion of St. Nicholas The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Kontakion On this day the Virgin beareth the Transcendent in essence; * to the Unapproachable, * the earth doth offer a small cave; * Angels join in choir with shepherds * in giving glory; * with a star the Magi travel upon their journey; * for our sakes is born a young Child, * He that existed * before the ages as God.

3 Θαυμαστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν τοῖς Ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ. Στίχ. Ἐν Ἐκκλησίαις εὐλογεῖτε τὸν Θεὸν. Πρὸς Γαλάτας 1:11-19 Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον. Οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐγὼ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου παρέλαβον αὐτό, οὔτε ἐδιδάχθην, ἀλλὰ διʼ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἠκούσατε γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ, ὅτι καθʼ ὑπερβολὴν ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν καὶ προέκοπτον ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ ὑπὲρ πολλοὺς συνηλικιώτας ἐν τῷ γένει μου, περισσοτέρως ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τῶν πατρικῶν μου παραδόσεων. Ὅτε δὲ εὐδόκησεν ὁ θεὸς ὁ ἀφορίσας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου καὶ καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ ἵνα εὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εὐθέως οὐ προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι οὐδὲ ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα πρὸς τοὺς πρὸ ἐμοῦ ἀποστόλους, ἀλλὰ ἀπῆλθον εἰς Ἀραβίαν, καὶ πάλιν ὑπέστρεψα εἰς Δαμασκόν. Ἔπειτα μετὰ ἔτη τρία ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἱστορῆσαι Πέτρον, καὶ ἐπέμεινα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡμέρας δεκαπέντε. Ἕτερον δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ κυρίου. God is wonderful among his saints. Verse: Bless God in the congregations. St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 1:11-19 BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. *************************************************************************************************************************** Κατὰ Ματθαῖον Αναχωρησάντων δὲ αὐτῶν ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου φαίνεται κατ ὄναρ τῷ Ιωσὴφ λέγων ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ φεῦγε εἰς Αἴγυπτον, καὶ ἴσθι ἐκεῖ ἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι μέλλει γὰρ Ηρῴδης ζητεῖν τὸ παιδίον τοῦ ἀπολέσαι αὐτό. Ο δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ νυκτὸς καὶ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς Αἴγυπτον,καὶ ἦν ἐκεῖ ἕως τῆς τελευτῆς Ηρῴδου, ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος ἐξ Αἰγύπτου ἐκάλεσα τὸν υἱόν μου. Τότε Ηρῴδης ἰδὼν ὅτι ἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων, ἐθυμώθη λίαν, καὶ ἀποστείλας ἀνεῖλε πάντας τοὺς παῖδας τοὺς ἐν Βηθλεὲμ καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ὁρίοις αὐτῆς ἀπὸ διετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω, κατὰ τὸν χρόνον ὃν ἠκρίβωσε παρὰ τῶν μάγων.τότε ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Ιερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος φωνὴ ἐν Ραμᾷ ἠκούσθη,θρῆνος καὶ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς Ραχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς,καὶ οὐκ ἤθελε παρακληθῆναι, ὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν. Τελευτήσαντος δὲ τοῦ Ηρῴδου ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου κατ ὄναρ φαίνεται τῷ Ιωσὴφ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳλέγων ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ πορεύου εἰς γῆν Ισραήλ τεθνήκασι γὰρ οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου.ὁ δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς γῆν Ισραήλ.ἀκούσας δὲ ὅτι Αρχέλαος βασιλεύει ἐπὶ τῆς Ιουδαίας ἀντὶ Ηρῴδου τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, ἐφοβήθη ἐκεῖ ἀπελθεῖν χρηματισθεὶς δὲ κατ ὄναρ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη τῆς Γαλιλαίας,καὶ ἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς πόλιν λεγομένην Ναζαρέτ, ὅπως πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν ὅτι Ναζωραῖος κληθήσεται. The Gospel of Matthew 2:13-23 When the wise men departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaos reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

4 THE ORTHODOX CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY As with Pascha, the Feast of the Nativity begins with a period of preparation. It is preceded by a fast corresponding to Lent and lasting for forty days. The fast begins on November 15th. On the Sundays immediately before December 25, special commemorations emphasize the link between the Old Testament and the New Testament. On December 20th the Forefeast of the Nativity is commemorated, and the daily liturgical texts are directed toward the Feast itself. On Christmas Eve, services include the Great or Royal Hours, the Great Vespers, and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. On Christmas Day the service commemorates the Birth of Christ in Bethlehem, the adoration (worship) of the Shepherds, and the arrival of the Wise Men (Magi) with their gifts. The service held on this day is the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. The days following Christmas are associated with the Theotokos and Joseph. December 26 is the Synaxis of the Mother of God, and the first Sunday after the Feast commemorates Saint "Joseph the Betrothed." December 29 commemorates the Massacre of the Innocents, and January 1st the Circumcision of our Lord. The Nativity season concludes on December 31st, but the spirit of the festival extends to the celebration of Theophany (Epiphany), the feast commemorating the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan River and the manifestation of God, the Holy Trinity. The feast is celebrated on January 6th. Please note: Christmas would mean so much more to our Orthodox Christian children if the parents would take time and use the above information to teach them. Also, reading the account of the Birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ directly from the Holy Bible. Consumerism. materialism, secularism, atheism, has done much damage to the understanding and true spirit of the Christian celebration of the Birth of the Messiah and Savior of the world. We cannot, you, as Orthodox Christian parents, cannot allow out contemporary, unbelieving and corrupt society to distort the Truth of the Revelation and Manifestation of God and confuse our Christian children of what Christmas is and will always be, the birth of the only Savior of Mankind, Jesus Christ. HOLY ICON OF THE NATIVITY The holy icon of the Nativity tells the story of Christ's Birth from the Holy Scripture. It also shows that all creation is taking part in Christ's Birth. The Angels give thanks with their song, the heavens give the Star, the Wise Men give their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The poor, humble shepherds give their praise and amazement, the earth gives the cave, and humanity gives the Virgin.The Holy icon is an icon with many scenes. First, it stresses the importance of the Theotokos, the Mother of God (1) She is placed in the center and is the largest figure in the icon. In this icon, she is kneeling with crossed arms, looking at the Christ Child. The three stars, denoting her ever-virginity (before, during, and after the Birth) are on her forehead and shoulders. The Christ Child, in the center of the icon, is in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger. In the background is the dark cave where He was born. In the cave are an ox and a donkey guarding the newborn Babe. Even though the Gospels say nothing of the cave, this information is from Holy Tradition. Neither do the Gospels speak of the ox and the donkey, but all icons of the Nativity include these animals. Including the animals in the icon fulfills the prophesy of Isaiah 1:3: "The ox knows his master, and the donkey his master's crib, but Israel does not know me, and the people have not regarded me." The long ray of Light from the Star points directly to the cave. This ray comes from the Star and travels to all parts of the world. It teaches that this bright Star is an astronomical happening, and is a messenger from heaven announcing the Birth of Jesus Christ.On the left hand side of the icon is another scene. The Wise men who were led by the Star, are riding horses to bring their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. The Wise Men are of various ages: One is without a beard. In those days, young men did not wear beards. The other Wise Man has long hair and long beard, which indicates that he is much older. These details teach that regardless of age and appearance, the Good News was given to each and everyone.opposite the Wise Men is the scene with the humble shepherds. An Angel proclaims the glad tidings. A young shepherd plays a reed instrument. This scene reveals that the music of the humans was added to the hymn of the Angels. Across from the shepherd's scene is the Heavenly Choir of Angels. They are giving glory to God. The Angels serve two purposes in the Nativity of Christ. They give glory to God and announce the Good News to all mankind.the background shows a very rugged terrain. This is not a true representation of the land in this area. Joseph could not find room in Bethlehem, so they went outside of Bethlehem to a cave. This rocky mountain formation only serves as a background for the event.in the lower part of the icon are two more scenes. In the right hand corner are two women Joseph brought to take care of the Christ Child. They are bathing Him as any baby is bathed. The humanity of Jesus Christ is clearly shown in this setting.opposite the bathing of Jesus scene sits a sad and worried Joseph. He is not part of the central group the Christ Child and the Theotokos. Joseph is not the natural father. Joseph is troubled and despondent. There is an old man talking to Joseph. The old man is Satan. Satan can appear in many forms. Here he is as an old man who is tempting Joseph and suggesting evil thoughts. Satan is telling Joseph that virgin birth is impossible. He's telling Joseph that he's a fool if he believes this. This story comes to us from Holy Tradition. The sad Joseph shows us not only his personal predicament but the dilemma of all mankind the difficulty of accepting that which is "beyond words or reason."the tree, which is in the middle of the lower part of the icon, is a symbol of the Tree of Jesse. This tree refers to Isaiah 11:1-2, "But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him." King David was often mentioned as the son of Jesse and Jesus was from the House of David.The Holy Icon of the Nativity reminds one to praise and glorify the Birth of Christ. The celebration of Christmas each year serves to remind each and every one of us that Christ came to save you and me from sin and death.

5 Χριστούγεννα Χριστούγεννα πάλι. Σε μία εποχή σύγχυσης και αποπροσανατολισμού, όπου οι άνθρωποι έχουν μείνει στο παρελθόν της ευμάρειας, θρηνούν για τους χαμένους παραδείσους της άνεσης, της κατανάλωσης, της απληστίας, της ψεύτικης ισχύος, χωρίς να βλέπουν ότι όλα αυτά χάθηκαν γιατί απωλέσαμε το μέτρο, απωλέσαμε την πίστη, απωλέσαμε την διάθεση για κόπο συλλογικό. Σε μια εποχή όπου η αμαρτία θεωρείται δικαίωμα, όπου το χαμόγελο είναι προσποιητό και μένουμε κολλημένοι στις μικρότητές μας. Σε μία εποχή όπου η παιδεία δεν νοιάζεται για την καλλιέργεια χαρακτήρων, αλλά μόνο για γνώσεις, στείρες απομνημονεύσεις, όπου το όραμα είναι οι επαναστάτες χωρίς αιτία ή τα πειθήνια όργανα ενός συστήματος που δεν αγαπά.χριστούγεννα πάλι. Και θέλουμε ελπίδα. Θέλουμε νόημα. Θέλουμε κάτι για να ξυπνήσει τις καρδιές μας. Κάτι ή Κάποιον;Χριστούγεννα πάλι. Θα στολίσουμε τα δέντρα μας, θα ανταλλάξουμε τα δώρα μας, θα πούμε τα κάλαντά μας, θα κάνουμε την ελεημοσύνη μας, θα ψωνίσουμε για να τονωθεί η αγορά, θα παρακολουθήσουμε τις εορταστικές εκδηλώσεις, θα ζητήσουμε από τα παιδιά να δώσουν ένα ίχνος χαράς στη ζωή μας. Μπορεί και το πρωί της μεγάλης μέρας, ακούγοντας την καμπάνα να χτυπά χαρούμενα, να νιώσουμε την ανάγκη να περάσουμε από το ναό της γειτονιάς μας, να ανάψουμε ένα κερί και να φάμε το χριστουγεννιάτικο τραπέζι σαν μία ξεχωριστή μέρα της ζωής μας.χριστούγεννα πάλι. Ναι, θέλουμε Κάποιον να μας δώσει ελπίδα. Ή να γίνει ο Ίδιος η ελπίδα.ο λόγος των Πατέρων της Εκκλησίας σήμερα είναι περισσότερο επίκαιρος από ποτέ. Μηνύματα που μαρτυρούν ένα πέρασμα από τη ζωή την δική μας, την καθημερινή, την ανθρώπινη, αυτή των επιθυμιών και των λογισμών, των ανεκπλήρωτων και των εκπληρούμενων, από τη ζωή της ανάγκης και της στόχευσης στον εαυτό μας, στη ζωή που βγαίνει από το εγώ και συναντά το εμείς, τον άλλο, αυτόν που καλούμαστε να βάλουμε στην καρδιά μας και να μπούμε στη δική του καρδιά, μα πρωτίστως την συνάντηση με Εκείνον τον Κάποιο που προσέλαβε τη ζωή μας για να γίνει η Ζωή μας. Το ταπεινό νήπιο της Βηθλεέμ, το οποίο μπήκε στο χρόνο μας για να γίνει ο Χρόνος της αιωνιότητας για μας. Που μπήκε στον κόσμο από αγάπη και φανερώθηκε ως η Αγάπη. «Που έγινε άνθρωπος, για να λάβουμε από Εκείνον το δώρο να γίνουμε θεοί κατά χάριν»(μέγας Αθανάσιος).«Ο Θεός δεν εγκατέλειψε το δημιούργημά Του, το γένος των ανθρώπων, όταν αυτό βάδιζε στη φθορά. Αλλά με την προσφορά του δικού του σώματος εξαφάνισε τον επερχόμενο θάνατο. Διόρθωσε με την διδασκαλία του την αμέλεια των ανθρώπων και κατάφερε με τη δύναμή Του να επιτελέσει όλα τα ανθρώπινα» (Μέγας Αθανάσιος). «Οι άνθρωποι νικημένοι από τις πρόσκαιρες ηδονές και τις δαιμονικές φαντασιώσεις και πλεκτάνες, δεν παραδέχτηκαν την αλήθεια. Γέμισαν την ψυχή τους με χίλιες δυο κακίες και αμαρτίες, ώστε από τη συμπεριφορά τους να μη θεωρούνται πλέον λογικοί αλλά ανόητοι. Τι έπρεπε λοιπόν να κάνει ο Θεός; Τι άλλο παρά ν ανανεώσει το κατ εικόνα, ώστε μέσω αυτού να μπορέσουν να τον γνωρίσουν και πάλι οι άνθρωποι; Και πώς θα γινόταν αυτό, εκτός αν ερχόταν σε μας η εικόνα του Θεού, δηλαδή ο Σωτήρας μας Ιησούς Χριστός; Διότι όλοι οι άνθρωποι είχαν πληγωθεί και αναστατωθεί ψυχικά από τις δαιμονικές απάτες και τη ματαιότητα των ειδώλων. Πώς λοιπόν θα έπειθαν την ψυχή και το νου των συνανθρώπων τους για θέματα που ούτε οι ίδιοι μπορούν να δουν; Αυτό που δεν βλέπει κανείς, πώς θα το διδάξει και σ άλλους;ποιόν χρειαζόμασταν, λοιπόν, παρά το Λόγο του Θεού που βλέπει τη ψυχή και το νου μας, που κινεί όλη την κτίση και μέσω αυτών μας καθιστά γνωστό τον Πατέρα; Και το πιο παράδοξο είναι ότι ο Λόγος του Θεού, ενώ δίδαξε με πιο φτωχές λέξεις, επισκίασε τους μεγάλους σοφιστές κατάργησε τις διδασκαλίες τους, όλους τους τράβηξε προς τον εαυτό του και γέμισε τις εκκλησίες του. Και το ακόμη πιο θαυμαστό είναι ότι με την κάθοδό του σαν άνθρωπος στον άδη κατάργησε τα μεγάλα λόγια των σοφών για τα είδωλα... Αλλά για την έρευνα των Γραφών και την αληθινή γνώση τους χρειάζεται έντιμος βίος, καθαρή ψυχή και χριστιανική αρετή» (Μέγας Αθανάσιος).Αυτά τα τελευταία λόγια μας δείχνουν ότι για να γιορτάσουμε τα Χριστούγεννα με Χριστό, χρειάζεται να ξαναβρούμε Ποιος είναι η Αλήθεια και τι είναι αληθινό στη ζωή μας. Να μη μείνουμε σε ό,τι μας ευχαριστεί, αλλά να αφήσουμε στην άκρη είδωλα, ψεύτικες ιδέες ευτυχίας, ψεύτικα πρότυπα, μεγάλα λόγια και να ξαναγίνουμε παιδιά του Θεού. Στις εκκλησιές μας, στο μυστήριο της Ευχαριστίας, στην ευγνωμοσύνη για Εκείνον που μας αγαπά τόσο ώστε να γίνει Ένας από μας. Να ξαναβρούμε τις αξίες της εντιμότητας στη ζωή, της καθαρής ψυχής και της χριστιανικής αρετής. Αυτές που η εποχή μας λησμόνησε. Αυτές που ο Χριστός μας τις δίνει ως τον τρόπο της δωρεάς που μας οδηγεί στην Βασιλεία Του. Και να μεταμορφώσουμε κάθε έργο μας, την παιδεία μας, τις σχέσεις μας με τους άλλους, τον τρόπο της πολιτικής και της κοινωνίας, τον τρόπο του πολιτισμού ο καθένας με τον αγώνα του Εκείνος να είναι το νόημά μας.χριστούγεννα πάλι. Θα μείνουμε στον τρόπο της αμαρτίας, της αποτυχίας, θα μείνουμε στην όψη της γιορτής, ή θα ζήσουμε Εκείνον που έδωσε και έγινε η Ζωή μας;η απάντηση περνά από την Εκκλησία!

6 Καθημερινές Λειτουργίες Weekday Liturgies 1 Ιανουαρίου, 2014-Η ΚΑΤΑ ΣΑΡΚΑ ΠΕΡΙΤΟΜΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ ΗΜΩΝ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ και μνήμη του εν Αγίοις Πατρός ημών Βασιλείου του Μεγάλου, Αρχιεπισκόπου Καισαρείας της Καππαδοκίας Όρθρος: 9:00 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία: 10:00πμ January 1, 2014-The Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the feast of St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea of Cappadocia Orthros 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00AM Ανακοινώσεις 4 Ιανουαρίου, 2015-Αγιασμός των υδάτων στο Battery Park στο Μανχάταν 11 Ιανουαρίου, 2015-Γεύμα Φιλοπτώχου, Βασιλόπιτα, μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία στην αίθουσα της εκκλησίας. 18 Ιανουαρίου, 2015-Καθαγιασμός της εικόνας της Γεννήσεως-Δωρεά της αγαπημένης μας Πολυξένης Χίου και το τριετές μνημόσυνο της. -Διανομή ρούχων και φαγητού στους άστεγους 1 Φεβρουαρίου-Πάρτη για το τελικό παιχνίδι Football από τον οργανισμό της AHEPA 8 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή των Αναδόχων Αγιασμό στα σπίτια σας Παρακαλούμε να επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας εάν θέλετε να αγιάσετε το σπίτι σας μετά τα Άγια Θεοφάνεια (718) Ωράριο για τις Κυριακάτικες Λειτουργίες Όρθρος 9:15πμ * Θεία Λειτουργία 10:30πμ Announcements January 4, Blessing of the waters at Battery Park, Manhattan January 11, 2015 Annual Philoptochos Vasilopita Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy in the church hall January 18, Consecration of the Nativity Icon donated by our Beloved Paulette Hios and her 3 year Memorial Service -Midnight Run February 1-Super Bowl party in the church hall sponsored by AHEPA February 8-Godparent Sunday House blessings for Epiphany Please note that if you would like your home blessed with holy water after Epiphany please contact the Church office (718) Hours for Sunday Liturgy Orthros 9:15am * Divine Liturgy 10:30am

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 28 Orthros: 9:15am, Divine Liturgy: 10:30am Epiphany Orthros: 9:15am, Divine Liturgy: 10:30am, Blessing of the Water at Battery Park 1:00 PM after Epiphany Orthros: 9:15am, Divine Liturgy: 10:30am The Cutting of the Vasilopita 18 Consecration of Nativity Icon by Bishop Sebastian -Midnight Run Celebration & Litohorites Brotherhood at the Cathedral New Year s Eve 5-The Fore feast of Epiphany, Royal Hours: 8:30 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM, (Followed by the Great Blessing of the Water) 6 Epiphany Orthros 8:00 AM, Divine Liturgy 9:00 AM (Followed by the Great Blessing of the Water) John the Baptist Reception to follow in the church hall for the Name Day of our Priests Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Trip to Barclays Center YKT vs. NAK following game on Court! 1-The Circumsission of our Lord and the Feast of St. Basil Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 8- A. Fantis Open House 9-11am GOYA Retreat hosted by our Cathedral DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY The Sunday Before 7 The Synaxis of St. 11 The Sunday 25- Greek Letters

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10 The Philoptochos Society of Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral Cordially invites you to the VASILOPITA LUNCHEON Sunday, January 11, 2015 In the Church Hall Immediately Following the Divine Liturgy Proceeds to Benefit Saint Basil s Academy Suggested Donation: $15 for Adults $7 for Children THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

11 January 4 Great Blessing of Waters at Battery Park Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Battery Park 1:30pm *** January 5 Fore feast of Theophany Royal Hours 8:30am Divine Liturgy 10:30am Followed by the Great Blessing of the Waters *** January 6 Feast Day of Epiphany Orthros 8:00am Divine Liturgy 9:00am Followed by the Great Blessing of the Waters 4 Ιανουαρίου Αγιασμός των υδάτων στο Battery Park στο Μανχάταν Όρθρος 8:45πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00πμ Battery Park 1:30μμ *** 5 Ιανουαρίου Προεόρτια Θεφανείων Μεγάλες Ώρες 8:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 10:30πμ και Μέγας Αγιασμός 6 Ιανουαρίου Εορτή των Θεοφανείων Όρθρος 8:00πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:00πμ και Μέγας Αγιασμός Join the Young Adults of Sts. Constantine and Helen & of the Holy Resurrection Church of Brookville at Dave & Buster s in Westbury, NY Saturday, January 24, 7PM Dave & Buster s 1504 Old Country Road Westbury, NY Phone If you need a ride from Brooklyn, please feel free to call the church office at or churchassistant@afantis.org

12 Consecration of the Nativity Icon donated by our Beloved Paulette Hios and her 3 year Memorial Service Καθαγιασμός της εικόνας της Γεννήσεως-Δωρεά της αγαπημένης μας Πολυξένης Χίου και το τριετές μνημόσυνο της. Orthros 9:00am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 10:30am Officiated by his Grace Bishop Sevastianos Όρθρος 9:009 :00πμ Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία 10:30 :30πμ Εκ του Θεοφιλεστάτου Επισκόπου Σεβαστιανού Sunday, January 18, 2015 Κυριακή, 18 Ιανουαρίου, 2015 Γεύμα μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία εις μνήμην της Πολυξένης Χίου στην αίθουσα της εκκλησίας *** Luncheon offered by the Cathedral in memory of Paulette Hios following the Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall