Help Our "Community"

Transcript

1 Saints Constantine Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC Sunday of Prodigal Son February 8, 2015 Help Our "Community" Shepherd of Israel, you lead descendants of Joseph, you sit on your throne above winged creatures. Listen to our prayer let your light shine for tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh. Save us by your power. Our God, make us strong again! Smile on us save us.

2 YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ HYMNS OF THE DAY Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον /Ἦχος βʹ Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾍδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι. Ἀπολυτίκιον Τῆς Ἑορτῆς/Ἦχος αʹ Χαῖρε κεχαριτωμένη Θεοτόκε Παρθένε ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἀνέτειλεν ὁ Ἥλιος τῆς δικαιοσύνης, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, φωτίζων τοὺς ἐν σκότει. Εὐφραίνου καὶ σὺ Πρεσβύτα δίκαιε, δεξάμενος ἐν ἀγκάλαις τὸν ἐλευθερωτὴν τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν, χαριζόμενον ἡμῖν καὶ τὴν Ἀνάστασιν. Resurrectional Apolytikion/Mode 2 When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, n did You mortify Hades by lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised dead from nerworld, all Powers of heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You. Apolytikion. For Feast/Mode 1 Lady full of grace, rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, for Christ our God, Sun of righteousness has risen from you He illumined those in darkness. And you, righteous Elder, be glad in heart, receiving in your embraces One who liberates our souls bestows on us Resurrection. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλήσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεύσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τὴ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣν περίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Ανδρέα Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος, καὶ τοῦ Κορυφαίου αὐτάδελφος, τὸν Δεσπότην τῶν ὅλων Ἀνδρέα ἱκέτευε, εἰρήνην τὴ οἰκουμένη δωρήσασθαι, καὶ ταὶς ψυχαὶς ἡ μῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Apolytikion of Sts. Constantine & Helen Having seen image of Thy Cross in Heaven, like Paul, having received call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted commonwealth to Thy h, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by intercessions of Theotokos, O only Friend of man. Apolytikion of St. Andrew As first of Apostles to be called, O Andrew, bror of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech Master of all to grant world peace our souls great mercy. Κοντάκιον/Ἦχος αʹ Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῷ τόκῳ σου, καὶ χεῖρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νῦν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος. Kontakion/Mode 1 You sanctified virginal womb by Your birth, O Lord, blessed hs of Symeon fittingly, O Christ God; even now You came saved us. Now, give peace to our Nation in time of war, empower our Leaders, so loved by You, only one who loves humanity. 2

3 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 6:12-20 Προκείμενον. Ἦχος α. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1 Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς. Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἀδελφοί, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλʼ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος. Τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει. Τὸ δὲ σῶμα οὐ τῇ πορνείᾳ, ἀλλὰ τῷ κυρίῳ, καὶ ὁ κύριος τῷ σώματι ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ τὸν κύριον ἤγειρεν καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐξεγερεῖ διὰ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν; Ἄρας οὖν τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη; Μὴ γένοιτο. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν; Ἔσονται γάρ, φησίν, οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν. Ὁ δὲ κολλώμενος τῷ κυρίῳ ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν. Φεύγετε τὴν πορνείαν. Πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει. Ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν ἁγίου πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ θεοῦ; Καὶ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἑαυτῶν, ἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς δοξάσατε δὴ τὸν θεὸν ἐν τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν, καὶ ἐν τῷ πνεύματι ὑμῶν, ἅτινά ἐστιν τοῦ θεοῦ EPISTLE Our Epistle Reader today is: Mr. Michael Pittas St. Paul's First Letter to Corinthians 6:12-20 Prokeimenon. Mode 1. Psalm 32.22,1 Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Verse: Rejoice in Lord, O ye righteous. Brethren, "all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for stomach stomach for food" -- God will destroy both one or. The body is not meant for immorality, but for Lord, Lord for body. And God raised Lord will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I refore take members of Christ make m members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two shall become one flesh." But he who is united to Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every or sin which a man commits is outside body; but immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body in your spirit which belong to God. 3

4 ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην Ἄνθρωπός τις εἶχε δύο υἱούς. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ νεώτερος αὐτῶν τῷ πατρί πάτερ, δός μοι τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας. καὶ διεῖλεν αὐτοῖς τὸν βίον. καὶ μετ οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας συναγαγὼν ἅπαντα ὁ νεώτερος υἱὸς ἀπεδήμησεν εἰς χώραν μακράν, καὶ ἐκεῖ διεσκόρπισε τὴν οὐσίαν αὐτοῦ ζῶν ἀσώτως. δαπανήσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ πάντα ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἰσχυρὸς κατὰ τὴν χώραν ἐκείνην, καὶ αὐτὸς ἤρξατο ὑστερεῖσθαι. καὶ πορευθεὶς ἐκολλήθη ἑνὶ τῶν πολιτῶν τῆς χώρας ἐκείνης, καὶ ἔπεμψεν αὐτὸν εἰς τοὺς ἀγροὺς αὐτοῦ βόσκειν χοίρους. καὶ ἐπεθύμει γεμίσαι τὴν κοιλίαν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν κερατίων ὧν ἤσθιον οἱ χοῖροι, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐδίδου αὐτῷ. εἰς ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἐλθὼν εἶπε πόσοι μίσθιοι τοῦ πατρός μου περισσεύουσιν ἄρτων, ἐγὼ δὲ λιμῷ ἀπόλλυμαι!ἀναστὰς πορεύσομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου καὶ ἐρῶ αὐτῷ πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου. οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου ποίησόν με ὡς ἕνα τῶν μισθίων σου. καὶ ἀναστὰς ἦλθε πρὸς τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ. ἔτι δὲ αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος εἶδεν αὐτὸν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, καὶ δραμὼν ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν.εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ υἱός πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου, καὶ οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου. εἶπε δὲ ὁ πατὴρ πρὸς τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ ἐξενέγκατε τὴν στολὴν τὴν πρώτην καὶ ἐνδύσατε αὐτόν, καὶ δότε δακτύλιον εἰς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ὑποδήματα εἰς τοὺς πόδας, καὶ ἐνέγκαντες τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτὸν θύσατε, καὶ φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν, ὅτι οὗτος ὁ υἱός μου νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη. καὶ ἤρξαντο εὐφραίνεσθαι. Ην δὲ ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ὁ πρεσβύτερος ἐν ἀγρῷ καὶ ὡς ἐρχόμενος ἤγγισε τῇ οἰκίᾳ, ἤκουσε συμφωνίας καὶ χορῶν, καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος ἕνα τῶν παίδων ἐπυνθάνετο τί εἴη ταῦτα. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἥκει καὶ ἔθυσεν ὁ πατήρ σου τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, ὅτι ὑγιαίνοντα αὐτὸν ἀπέλαβεν. ὠργίσθη δὲ καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν εἰσελθεῖν. ὁ οὖν πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐξελθὼν παρεκάλει αὐτόν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπε τῷ πατρί ἰδοὺ τοσαῦτα ἔτη δουλεύω σοι καὶ οὐδέποτε ἐντολήν σου παρῆλθον, καὶ ἐμοὶ οὐδέποτε ἔδωκας ἔριφον ἵνα μετὰ τῶν φίλων μου εὐφρανθῶ ὅτε δὲ ὁ υἱός σου οὗτος, ὁ καταφαγών σου τὸν βίον μετὰ πορνῶν, ἦλθεν, ἔθυσας αὐτῷ τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ τέκνον, σὺ πάντοτε μετ ἐμοῦ εἶ, καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐμὰ σά ἐστιν εὐφρανθῆναι δὲ καὶ χαρῆναι ἔδει, ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη. 4

5 GOSPEL Sunday of Prodigal Son The Gospel of Luke 15:11-32 The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; younger of m said to his far, 'Far, give me share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between m. Not many days later, younger son gared all he had took his journey into a far country, re he squered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, he began to be in want. So he went joined himself to one of citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on pods that swine ate; no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my far's hired servants have bread enough to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise go to my far, I will say to him, 'Far, I have sinned against heaven before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose came to his far. But while he was yet at a distance, his far saw him had compassion, ran embraced him kissed him. And son said to him, 'Far, I have sinned against heaven before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But far said to his servants, 'Bring quickly best robe, put it on him; put a ring on his h, shoes on his feet; bring fatted calf kill it, let us eat make merry; for this my son was dead, is alive again; he was lost, is found.' And y began to make merry. Now his elder son was in field; as he came drew near to house, he heard music dancing. And he called one of servants asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your bror has come, your far has killed fatted calf, because he has received him safe sound.' But he was angry refused to go in. His far came out entreated him, but he answered his far, 'Lo, se many years I have served you, I never disobeyed your comm; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry be glad, for this your bror was dead, is alive; he was lost, is found.'" 5

6 Συμβολον Της Πίστεως Πιστεύω εἰς ἕνα Θεόν, Πατέρα, Παντοκράτορα, ποιητὴν οὐρανοῦ καὶ γῆς, ὁρατῶν τε πάντων καὶ ἀοράτων. Καὶ εἰς ἕνα Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ, τὸν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντα πρὸ πάντων τῶν αἰώνων φῶς ἐκ φωτός, Θεὸν ἀληθινὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἀληθινοῦ, γεννηθέντα οὐ ποιηθέντα, ὁμοούσιον τῷ Πατρί, δι' οὗ τὰ πάντα ἐγένετο. Τὸν δι' ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους καὶ διὰ τὴν ἡμετέραν σωτηρίαν κατελθόντα ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ σαρκωθέντα ἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου καὶ Μαρίας τῆς Παρθένου καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα. Σταυρωθέντα τε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου, καὶ παθόντα καὶ ταφέντα. Καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρα κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς. Καὶ ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανοὺς καὶ καθεζόμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Πατρός. Καὶ πάλιν ἐρχόμενον μετὰ δόξης κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς, οὗ τῆς βασιλείας οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. Καὶ εἰς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸ Κύριον, τὸ ζωοποιόν, τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐκπορευόμενον, τὸ σὺν Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ συμπροσκυνούμενον καὶ συνδοξαζόμενον, τὸ λαλῆσαν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν. Εἰς μίαν, Ἁγίαν, Καθολικὴν καὶ Ἀποστολικὴν Ἐκκλησίαν. Ὁμολογῶ ἓν βάπτισμα εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. Προσδοκῶ ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν. Καὶ ζωὴν τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος. Ἀμήν. The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, Far Almighty, Creator of heaven earth of all things visible invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, only-begotten Son of God, begotten of Far before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with Far through Whom all things were made. Who for us men for our salvation came down from heaven was incarnate of Holy Spirit Virgin Mary became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered was buried. And He rose on third day, according to Scriptures. He ascended into heaven is seated at right h of Far. And He will come again with glory to judge living dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in Holy Spirit, Lord, Creator of life, Who proceeds from Far, Who toger with Far Son is worshipped glorified, Who spoke through prophets. In one, holy, catholic, apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for forgiveness of sins. I look for resurrection of dead life of age to come. Amen. Κυριακή Προσευχή Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου. Ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου. Γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον. Καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν. Καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ρῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ. The Lord s Prayer Our Far, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ΕΥΧΕΣ ΠΡΟ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΙΑΣ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ Πιστεύω, Κύριε, και ομολογώ ότι συ ει αληθώς ο Χριστός, ο Υιός του Θεού του ζώντος, ο ελθών εις τον κόσμον αμαρτωλούς σώσαι, ων πρώτος ειμί εγώ. Έτι πιστεύω, ότι τούτο αυτό εστί το αχράντον Σώμα σου και τούτο αυτό εστί το τίμιον Αίμα σου. Δέομαι ουν σου, ελέησόν με και συγχώρησον μοι τα παραπτώματά μου, τα εκούσια και τα ακούσια, τα εν λόγω, τα εν έργω, τα εν γνώσει και αγνοία, και αξίωσόν με ακατακρίτως μετασχείν των αχράντων σου μυστηρίων, εις άφεσιν αμαρτιών, και εις ζωήν αιώνιον. Αμήν. Ιδού βαδίζω προς Θείαν Κοινωνίαν, Πλαστουργέ, μη φλέξης με τη μετουσία, Πυρ γαρ υπάρχεις τους αναξίους φλέγον. Αλλ ουν κάθαρον εκ πάσης με κηλίδος. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το 6

7 μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. Θεουργόν Αίμα φρίξον, άνθρωπε βλέπων, Άνθραξ γαρ εστί τους αναξίους φλέγων, Θεού το Σώμα, και θεοί με, και τρέφει, Θεοί το πνεύμα, τον δε νουν τρέφει ξένως. Έθελξας πόθω με Χριστέ, και ηλλοίωσας τω θείω έρωτι, αλλά κατάφλεξον πυρί αϋλω τας αμαρτίας μου, και εμπλησθήναι της εν σοι τρυφής καταξίωσον, ίνα τας δύο σκιρτών μεγαλύνω, Αγαθέ, παρουσίας σου. Εν ταις λαμπρότησι των αγίων σου, πως εισελεύσομαι ο ανάξιος; Εάν γαρ τολμήσω συνεισελθείν εις τον νυμφώνα, ο χιτών με ελέγχει. Ότι ουκ έστι του γάμου, και δέσμιος εκβαλούμαι υπό των Αγγέλων, καθάρισον, Κύριε, τον ρύπον της ψυχής μου, και σώσον με, ως φιλάνθρωπος. Δέσποτα φιλάνθρωπε, Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ, ο Θεός μου, μη εις κρίμα μοι γένοιτο τα Άγια ταύτα, δια το ανάξιον είναι με, αλλ εις κάθαρσιν και αγιασμόν ψυχής τε και σώματος, και εις αρραβώνα μελλούσης ζωής και βασιλείας. Εμοί δε το προσκολλάσθαι τω Θεώ αγαθόν εστί, τίθεσθαι εν τω Κυρίω την ελπίδα της σωτηρίας μου. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe, Lord, I confess, that You are truly Christ, Son of living God, Who came into world to save sinners, of whom I am first. Moreover, I believe that this is Your immaculate Body, that this is Your precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray to You: have mercy on me, forgive me my transgressions, those voluntary involuntary, those in word, those in deed, those in knowledge those in ignorance; make me worthy to partake of Your immaculate Mysteries without condemnation, for remission of sins life everlasting. Amen. Behold, I approach for divine Communion; Creator, burn me not as I partake; For You are Fire, which burns unworthy. But, rar, cleanse me from every impurity. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like thief I confess You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Be awe-stricken, O man, beholding deifying Blood; For it is a lighted Coal that burns unworthy. The divine Body both deifies nourishes me; It deifies spirit, wondrously nourishes mind. You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, by Your divine zeal You have changed me; but burn away my sins with immaterial Fire, make me worthy to be filled with delight in You; that, leaping for joy, O good One, I may magnify Your two comings. Into brilliant company of Your saints, how shall I unworthy enter? For if I dare to enter into bridal chamber, my garment betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment, I shall be bound cast out by Angels; Lord, cleanse my soul of pollution, save me, for You love mankind. Master, Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ my God, do not let se Holy Things be to me for judgment because of my unworthiness, but rar may y be for purification sanctification of soul body, as a pledge of life Kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave to God, to put my hope of salvation in Lord. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like thief I confess You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Master, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Holy One, when You come into Your Kingdom! 7

8 SAINTS AND FEASTS Zachariah Prophet February 8th The Prophet Zachariah was son of Barachias, a contemporary of Prophet Aggeus (Dec. 16). In days of Babylonian captivity, he prophesied, as it says, in book of Ezra, "to Jews that were in Judah Jerusalem" (Ezra 5: 1); he aided Zerubbabel in rebuilding of Temple in Jerusalem. In book of Ezra he is called "Zachariah son of Addo (or Iddo)" but in his own prophetic book he is called more fully "Zachariah, son of Barachias, son of Addo Prophet" (Zach. 1:1). When captives returned from Babylon, he came to dwell in Jerusalem in his old age. His book of prophecy is divided into fourteen chapters has eleventh place among books of minor Prophets; his name means "Yah is renowned." Sozomen reports that under Emperor Honorius, Zachariah's holy relics were found in Eleuropolis of Palestine. The Prophet appeared in a dream to a certain Calemerus, telling him where he would find his tomb. His body was found to be incorrupt (Eccl. Hist., Book IX, 17) Ο ΠΡΟΦΗΤΗΣ ΖΑΧΑΡΙΑΣ 8 Φεβρουαρίου Είναι ο ενδέκατος της σειράς των μικρών λεγομένων προφητών της Παλαιάς Διαθήκης. Ήταν γιος του Βαραχίου και εγγονός του Άδδή. Γεννήθηκε (στη Γαλαάδ) στα χρόνια της Βαβυλωνιακής αιχμαλωσίας των Ιουδαίων. ο Ζαχαρίας, ήταν αυτός πού με τον προφήτη Άγγαΐο, διήγειραν τους Ιουδαίους, όταν αυτοί το 537 με 536 επέστρεψαν στην Ιουδαία, να ανοικοδομήσουν το ναό της Ιερουσαλήμ. Υπάρχει ή άποψη, ότι ο προφήτης Ζαχαρίας ανήκε σε Ιερατικό γένος και ήταν ιερεύς και ο ίδιος. Κατά την Ιουδαϊκή παράδοση, ο Ζαχαρίας και ο Άγγαίος ήταν μέλη της Μεγάλης Συναγωγής, ή οποία ώρισε τον Κανόνα των βιβλίων της Παλαιάς Διαθήκης. Ασχολήθηκαν δε και με την τακτοποίηση της ιεράς λειτουργίας, και συνέθεσαν ή αναθεώρησαν ψαλμούς. ο Ζαχαρίας προφήτευσε την είσοδο του Ιησού στην Ιερουσαλήμ για την Κυριακή των Βαΐων, και για το ποσό πού πλήρωσαν οι Αρχιερείς στον Ιούδα σαν τίμημα για την προδοσία του Διδασκάλου. 8

9 SAINTS AND FEASTS Haralambos Holy Martyr February 10th This Saint was a priest of Christians in Magnesia, foremost city of Thessaly, in diocese having same name. He contested during reign of Alexer Severus ( ), when Lucian was Proconsul of Magnesia. At time of his martyrdom Saint was 103 years of age. St. Haralambos is commemorated on February 10th, with exception when this date falls on Saturday of Souls preceeding Lent or on Clean Monday ( first day of Lent), in which case feast is celebrated on February 9th Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΧΑΡΑΛΑΜΠΟΣ 10 Φεβρουαρίου Ήταν Ιερέας στη Μαγνησία της Μ. Ασίας. Ή ζωή του ήταν μια συνεχής υπηρεσία αφοσίωσης στο Χριστό και αγάπης προς τον πλησίον. Όταν το 198 ο Σεπτίμιος Σεβήρος εξαπέλυσε διωγμό κατά των Χριστιανών, ο έπαρχος Λουκιανός έφερε μπροστά του το Χαράλαμπο και τον απείλησε ότι θα τον βασάνιζε πολύ σκληρά, για να αρνηθεί το Χριστό. ο γέροντας Ιερέας χαμογέλασε και απάντησε: "Εμείς οϊ χριστιανοί, είμαστε εξοικειωμένοι με τους αγώνες και τους πολέμους, όπως οι γενναίοι στρατιώτες δεν επιθυμούν τον ήσυχο θάνατο στο κρεβάτι, αλλά τον δοξασμένο της μάχης. Σε μένα υπάρχουν τα γηρατειά, αλλά να μάθετε καλά ότι στους δικούς μας αγώνες το πάν είναι ή ψυχή, ή αποφασιστικότητα, ή αυταπάρνηση. Αυτά δεν πέφτουν με την ηλικία, αλλά μένουν πάντοτε ανθηρά και νέα. Αμφιβάλλεις, έπαρχε; Δοκίμασε. Και θα δεις ότι με τη χάρη του Κυρίου μου Ιησού Χριστού θα κουρασθούν όλοι οι ακμαίοι δήμιοι σου, χωρίς ο ιερέας Χαράλαμπος να ζητήσει την επιείκεια σου". Εκνευρισμένος από τα λόγια αυτά ο έπαρχος, διατάζει και τον γδέρνουν ζωντανό. Αυτός, όμως, αντί να σπαράζει από τον πόνο, δοξολογούσε το Θεό για την αντοχή πού του έδινε. Τότε πολλοί δήμιοι, πού έβλεπαν αυτό το θαύμα, πίστεψαν στο Χριστό. Φοβισμένος ο έπαρχος τον άφησε ελεύθερο. Αργότερα ο ίδιος ο Σεβήρος, μη μπορώντας να τα βγάλει πέρα μαζί του, τον αποκεφάλισε σε ηλικία 113 ετών. 9

10 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil New Year Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. They see hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, many ors in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him guide ors to an encounter with Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry FUTURE in past seventy MEMORIALS years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS MEMORIAL SERVICE Mr. Christy Gus Cokas, beloved husb of late Mary D. Cokas. Devoted far of Christy D. (Diana) Cokas. Adored bror of Mary Cokas late James, George, Peter, Irene, Evelyn, Takie Louis Cokas. Loved grfar of Jameson Carly Cokas. Today s coffee hour is offered in memory of Mr. Christy Gus Cokas with love from his family. May his memory be eternal! A Trisagion is being offered today for Mrs. Theognossia Theophilou, beloved aunt of Mrs. Barbara Frangou. May her memory be eternal! February 15, 2015 Mr. John W. Cheakalos 2 Years February 15, 2015 Mr. Elias Kalamoutsos 40 Day Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 10

11 PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact church office. Maria, Simeon, Nikitas, Andreas, Constantine, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Maria, Kostas, Chrisanthi, Louis, Katy, Fr. Peter, Kathy, Kalliope, Maria, Chris, John, Georgia, Rebecca, Jennie Dean. PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Far, physician of our souls bodies, who have sent Your onlybegotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness infirmity, visit heal me Your servant from all physical spiritual ailments through grace of Your Christ. Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body spirit, recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each or that we may be healed. I pray that You heal me as Your servant grant me gift of complete health. For You are source of healing to You I give glory, Far, Son Holy Spirit. Amen. 11

12 CONFESSION Far Michael is available to you for confession at any time. Please call Far Michael on his cell phone at (301) For it is absolutely necessary for grace of God to leave, once a tried struggler has acquired a good taste of it in beginning, so that he may be tested become a practiced soldier of Christ. And without such temptations, no one has ever ascended to perfection. This stage that we mentioned where many fall into delusion is stage where grace of God withdraws in order to make us, as we have said, practiced soldiers of war, so that we are not infants forever. But Lord wants us to become worthy men brave fighters able to guard His riches. That is why He allows us to be tempted. The Holy Elder Joseph Hesychast. Monastic Wisdom. 12

13 ANNOUNCEMENTS House Blessings: Far Michael is available for House Blessings at your convenience. Please call/text at or to set up an appointment. Communion Wine: My dearest spiritual children, Thank you from bottom of my heart for loving God as you do. He loves all of us in His great compassion. I also want to thank you for bringing oil, wine prosfora as elements offered for Holy Eucharist. To keep things consistent we use Commaria wine for Holy Communion. We appreciate your expression of love for Him in providing us with this particular wine. If you are interested in purchasing Commaria wine for church, please contact church office at (240) for more information. May God continue to bless you always! Πολυαγαπημένα πνευματικά παιδιά μου, Σας ευχαριστώ από τα βάθη της καρδιάς μου για την αγάπη του Θεού, όπως το κάνετε. Μας αγαπά όλους μας με τη μεγάλη συμπόνια του. Θέλω επίσης να σας ευχαριστήσω για την προσφαρά σε λάδι, κρασί και άρτους ως στοιχεία που προσφέρονται για τη Θεία Ευχαριστία. Για να κρατήσουμε τα πράγματα σε μια συνέχεια χρησιμοποιούμε Κουμανταρία ως κρασί για την Θεία Κοινωνία. Θα εκτιμούσαμε ως έκφραση της αγάπης γι 'Αυτόν την παροχή σας σε αυτό το συγκεκριμένο κρασί. Είθε ο Θεός να συνεχίσει να σας ευλογεί πάντα! 13

14 Article of Week The Second Sunday of Triodion Period: Sunday of The Prodigal Son Introduction The Sunday of Prodigal Son is second Sunday of a three-week period prior to commencement of Great Lent. On previous Sunday, services of Church began to include hymns from Triodion, a liturgical book that contains services from Sunday of Publican Pharisee, tenth before Pascha (Easter), through Great Holy Saturday. As with Sunday of Publican Pharisee, me of this Sunday is repentance, focus on parable of Prodigal Son leads Orthodox Christians to contemplate necessity of repentance in our relationship with our Heavenly Far. Biblical Story The name for this Sunday is taken from parable of our Lord Jesus Christ found in Luke 15: The parable is story of a man his two sons. The youngest of sons asks his far to give him his inheritance. The far does this, soon after son leaves journeys to a distant country (vv ). After younger son arrives, he squers all of his possessions with prodigal living. Within a short period of time, he wastes everything. A severe famine comes, but he has nothing falls into great need (vv ). He is able to find work feeding swine, but this does not improve his situation. The Scriptures say, He would gladly have filled his stomach with pods that swine ate, but no one gave him anything (vv ). The parable says that in midst of his dire conditions, he came to himself. He realized that his far s hired servants have enough to eat food to spare, while he perishes with hunger. He says, I will arise go to my far will say to him, Far, I have sinned against heaven before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants (vv ). He arose returned to his far. But as he approached, his far saw him at a great distance. The far had compassion on his son, ran to meet him, embraced him, kissed him. The son admitted his sinfulness his unworthiness to be called a son, but in his joy at return of his son, far called his servants to bring best robe, a ring for his son s finger, sals for his feet. He also called for fatted calf to be killed for a feast. He exclaimed, For this my son was dead is alive again; he was lost is found (vv ). While y were feasting celebrating return of prodigal son, older son comes inquires about what is happening. He is told that his bror had returned that his far has received him with a feast. The older bror becomes angry will not go in to feast. The far comes out pleads with him, but older son answers by saying he has been faithful to his far for many years yet far never gave him opportunity for such feasting. He expresses his anger jealousy over his bror who was received in such a manner after he squered his inheritance (vv ). The far responds by telling his oldest son, You are always with me, all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry be glad, for your bror was dead is alive again, was lost is found (vv ). The parable of Prodigal Son forms an exact icon of repentance at its different stages. Sin is exile, enslavement to strangers, hunger. Repentance is return from exile to our true home; it is to receive back our inheritance freedom in Far s house. But repentance implies action: I will rise up go (v. 18). To repent is not just to feel dissatisfied, but to make a decision to act upon it. In words of our Lord, we also learn of three things through this parable: condition of sinner, rule of repentance, greatness of God s compassion. The reading of this parable follows Sunday of Publican Pharisee so that, seeing in person of Prodigal Son our own sinful condition, we might come to our senses return to God through repentance. For those who have fallen into great despair over ir sins thinking that re is no forgiveness, this parable offers hope. The Heavenly Far is patiently lovingly waiting for our return. There is no sin that can overcome His love 14

15 for us. Finally, this parable offers us insight into world in which we live. It is a world where activities of people are disconnected not ordered toward fulfillment of God s divine purpose for life. It is a world of incoherent pursuits, of illusory strivings, of craving for foods drinks that do not satisfy, a world where nothing ultimately makes sense, a world engulfed in untruth, deceit sin. It is exact opposite of world as created by God potentially recreated by his Son Spirit. There is no cure for evils of our age unless we return to God. The world in which we live is not a normal world, but a wastel. This is why in Slavic tradition of Orthodox Church reading of Psalm 137 is added to Matins service for this following two Sundays. This nostalgic lament of Hebrew exiles states: "By streams of Babylon we sat wept as we remembered Zion. On willows we hung our harps, for how could we sing Lord s song in a strange l (Psalm 137). Here we can see challenge of life in this world alienation from God that can happen when sin reigns in our lives. As a result of sin in our lives, we lose joy of communion with God, we defile lose our spiritual beauty, we find ourselves far away from our real home, our real life. In true repentance, we realize this, we express a deep desire to return, to recover what has been lost. On this day Church reminds us of what we have aboned lost, beckons us to find desire power to return. Our Heavenly Far is waiting ready to receive us with His loving forgiveness His saving embrace. Icon of Feast The icon of Sunday of Prodigal Son shows prodigal being received by his far upon his return. We are presented with an image of a warm loving embrace, son showing his need for his far, an attitude that represents repentance, love, hope for renewal restoration. The far is shown full of compassion for his son, having born burden of his sin suffering, but now filled with joy that he has returned. Orthodox Christian Celebration of Feast of Prodigal Son The Sunday of Prodigal Son is celebrated with Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is preceded by Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening. The hymns of Triodion for this day are added to usual prayers hymns of weekly commemoration of Resurrection of Christ. The naming of Sunday is related to reading of story from Gospel at Divine Liturgy. Scripture readings for Sunday of Prodigal Son are: At Orthros (Matins): The prescribed weekly Gospel reading. At Divine Liturgy: I Corinthians 6:12-20; Luke 15: For week that follows Sunday of Prodigal Son, fasting is observed on Wednesday Friday. This is last week that meat is allowed on nonfasting days. The next Sunday is Sunday of Last Judgment, also known as Meatfare Sunday. It is last day that meat can be eaten prior to fast of Great Lent. Hymns Prayers of Feast of Prodigal Son Kontakion (Tone Three) When I disobeyed in ignorance Thy farly glory, I wasted in iniquities riches that Thou gavest me. Wherefore, I cry to Thee with voice of prodigal son, saying, I have sinned before Thee, O compassionate Far, receive me repentant, make me as one of Thy hired servants Κυριακή του Ασώτου Ο τίτλος που έχει δοθεί στην σημερινή 17η Κυριακή του Λουκά φαίνεται λάθος. Ο τίτλος δείχνει ότι αναφέρεται σε έναν συγκεκριμένο χαρακτήρα της παραβολής. Αλλά εκτός από τον πατέρα, δύο ήταν τα αδέρφια που ήταν οι πρωταγωνιστές, και ίσως πρέπει να διαβάζεται «των Ασώτων» στη γενική του πληθυντικού. Η παραβολή αρχίζει με το ρητό «Ειπε δέ ακόμη καί τήν εξης παραβολήν ενας ανθρωπος ειχε δυο υιους». Ολοι ξέρουμε την ιστορία πολύ καλά. Ένας πατέρας είχε δύο γιούς, ο νεώτερος ήταν ατίθασος και ανεπρόκοπος. Ζήτησε το μερίδιό του πρίν την ώρα του, ο πατέρας του το έδωσε χωρίς αντίρηση και ο νεαρός έφυγε μακρυά σε ξένο τόπο «απεδημησεν εις χώραν μακράν» «καί εταξίδεψε εις μακρυνήν χώραν», «Καί 15

16 Κυριακή του Ασώτου (cont.) εκει εσπατάλησε τήν περιουσίαν του ζων ενα βίον ασωτον, παραλυμένον καί ασυλλόγιστον». Ο νεώτερος γιος επιστρέφει τελικά, ο πατέρας που περιμένει την επιστροφή του τον βλέπει και τρέχει έξω για να τον συναντήσει, αγκαλιάζοντας τον και καλωσορίζοντας τον στό σπίτι χωρίς καμμιά κατηγορία αλλά με γιορταστική υποδοχή. Ο μεγαλύτερος γιος είναι εξαγριωμένος και αποφασίζει να διαμαρτυρηθεί γιά την γενναιόδωρη υποδοχή του αδελφού του από τον πατέρα του. Σήμερα θέλω να μοιραστώ μαζί σας μια τελείως διαφορετική άποψη αυτής της παραβολής. Η λέξη «ασωτος» δεν σημαίνει «άστατος» αλλά «απερίσκεπτα σπάταλος» «ασωτεύεσθαι» «ασωτευόμενος» σύμφωνα με τους Έλληνες της Αποστολικής εποχής, σημαίνει το να τα ξοδεψεις όλα μέχρι δεκάρας. Θα ήθελα να σκεφτούμε κάτι που ίσως μερικοί δεν το καταλαβαίνουν αλλά θα σας παρακαλούσα να έχετε υπομονή και να προσπαθήσουμε μαζί να εξηγήσουμε καί να καταλάβουμε αυτό που ακολουθεί, όχι γιά τον «άσωτο γιό» αλλά γιά έναν «άσωτο Θεό». Στην αρχή αυτού του 15ου κεφαλαίου του Λουκά διαβάζουμε Καθως επερνουσε τά διάφορα μέρη, τόν επλησίαζαν ολοι οι Τελωναι και οι αμαρτωλοι μέ ενδιαφέρον ίνα ακούσουν τήν διδασκαλίαν του». Οι άνθρωποι αυτοί αντιπροσωπεύονται από το νεώτερο αδελφό. ΑΛΛΑ υπήρξε και μια δεύτερη ομάδα ανθρώπων «Οι Φαρισσαίοι καί οι γραμματείς εγόγγυζαν μεταξύ των» αυτή η ομάδα αντιπροσωπεύει τον μεγαλύτερο αδελφό. Σε ποιόν λοιπόν απευθυνόταν η διδασκαλία του Ιησού; στους Φαρισαιους καί τους γραμματείς. Ο στόχος αυτής της ιστορίας δεν είναι οι άστατοι αμαρτωλοί αλλά οι θρήσκοι που κάνουν όλα όσα απαιτεί η Βίβλος. Ο Ιησούς απευθύνεται περισσότερο στους ηθικούς οικείους απ ότι στους ανήθικους ξένους. Θέλει να τους δείξει την τύφλωση, τη στενότητα, και την δικαιοσύνη πρός εαυτόν, και πώς αυτά τα πράγματα καταστρέφουν τις ψυχές τους και τις ζωές των ανθρώπων γύρω τους. Λέει ότι οι θρήσκοι και οι άθεοι είναι πνευματικά χαμένοι και ότι ο τρόπος με τον οποίο σκεφτόμαστε να συνδεθούμε με τον Θεό είναι λάθος. Οι εκκλησίες μας είναι γεμάτες με ανθρώπους που μοιάζουν με το νεώτερο ή τον μεγαλύτερο αδελφό της ιστορίας αυτής; ας μήν απαντήσουμε προς το παρόν. Ονόμασα τον Θεό, σύμφωνα με την ιστορία μας, «άσωτο Θεό». Η αγάπη και η επιείκεια του Θεού μπορούν να συγχωρήσουν και να διορθώσουν κάθε είδος αμαρτίας ή αδικίας. Δεν έχει σημασία ποιός είστε ή τι έχετε κάνει. Δεν έχει σημασία και αν ακόμα έχετε σκοτώσει κάποιον ή έχετε ζημιώσει τον εαυτό σας. Η αγάπη και η αποδοχή του είναι δωρεάν. Γι αυτό και η λέξη «άσωτος». Μια άλλη ενδιαφέρουσα σκέψη. Ο Ιησούς δεν τελειώνει ποτέ την ιστορία. Γιατί; Γιατί το πραγματικό του ακροατήριο για αυτήν την ιστορία είναι οι Φαρισσαίοι, εκείνοι που αντιπροσωπεύονται από τον μεγαλύτερο αδελφό. Θέλει να ανταποκριθούν στο μήνυμά Του. Ποιο είναι το μήνυμα; Θα δούμε ότι δίνει διαφορετική έννοια στην αμαρτία, τι σημαίνει να είσαι χαμένος και τι σημαίνει να σωθείς. Ο Ιησούς χρησιμοποιεί τους δύο αδελφούς για να μας δείξει ότι υπάρχουν δύο τρόποι γιά ευτυχία και ολοκλήρωση: ο τρόπος της ηθικής συμμόρφωσης και ο τρόπος της αυτοανακάλυψης. Ο άνθρωπος, όπως ο μεγαλύτερος αδερφός, που ζει τη ζωή του σύμφωνα με την ηθική συμμόρφωση λέει: «Δεν πρόκειται να κάνω οτι θέλω εγώ, αλλά ότι θέλουν η παράδοση και η κοινότητα.» Ο άλλος, ο νεώτερος αδερφός, λέει: «Εγώ αποφασίζω τι είναι σωστό και τί λάθος γιά μένα. Θα ζήσω όπως θέλω καί έτσι θα βρώ τον εαυτό μου και την ευτυχία μου». Υπογραμμίζω ότι υπάρχουν δύο χαμένοι γιοί σε αυτήν την παραβολή όχι μόνο ένας. Ο κακός γιος πηγαίνει στην γιορτή του πατέρα του αλλά ο καλός γιος όχι. Ο εραστής των πορνών σώζεται, αλλά το άτομο των ηθικών αρχών είναι ακόμα χαμένο. Γιατί ο μεγαλύτερος αδελφός δεν μπήκε μέσα; Ο ίδιος δίνει την απάντηση: 25 Στο μεταξύ, ο μεγαλύτερος γιος ήταν στο χωράφι. Kαθώς, λοιπόν, πλησίασε στο σπίτι την ώρα που επέστρεφε, άκουσε μουσική και χορούς. 26 Φώναξε τότε έναν από τους υπηρέτες και ρωτούσε να μάθει τι σημαίνουν όλα αυτά. 27 Kι εκείνος του είπε: Eπέστρεψε ο αδελφός σου κι ο πατέρας σου έσφαξε το καλοθρεμμένο μοσχάρι, επειδή ξανάρθε πίσω σ αυτόν υγιής. 28 Oργίστηκε τότε εκείνος και δεν ήθελε να μπει μέσα. Bγήκε, λοιπόν, έξω ο πατέρας του και τον παρακαλούσε, μα εκείνος αποκρίθηκε στον πατέρα του και του είπε 29: Tόσα χρόνια τώρα εργάζομαι για σένα και ποτέ δεν παραμέλησα κάποια εντολή σου.. Είναι περήφανος από το ήθος του. Αισθάνεται τόσο δίκαιος που δεν θα πάει στη γιορτή με τον πατέρα του. Τι ήταν αυτό που ήθελε περισσότερο; Ήθελε το ίδιο πράγμα με τον νεώτερο αδελφό, και οι δύο ήθελαν αυτό που μπορούσαν να πάρουν από τον πατέρα καί ΟΧΙ τον πατέρα τον ίδιο. Θυμηθείτε, ο 16

17 Κυριακή του Ασώτου (cont.) μεγαλύτερος αδελφός έμεινε κοντά στον πατέρα του και ποτέ δεν τον παράκουσε. Αυτός ήταν ο τρόπος του να τον έχει υπό τον έλεγχο του. Και οι δύο μισούσαν την εξουσία του πατέρα τους και ήθελαν να είναι ελεύθεροι από αυτόν. Και οι δύο ήθελαν να λένε στον πατέρα τους τι να κάνει. Και οι δύο επαναστάτησαν! Ο ένας με το να είναι πολύ κακός και ο άλλος με το να είναι πολύ καλός. Καταλαβαίνουμε τι μας διδάσκει ο Κύριός μας; Και οι δύο χρησιμοποιούσαν τον πατέρα για τον εγωκεντρισμό τους περισσότερο παρά από την αγάπη τους καί την ευχαρίστησή τους να τον υπηρετούν ως πατέρα τους. Εάν οπως ο μεγαλύτερος αδερφός, πιστεύουμε ότι ο Θεός οφείλει να μας ευλογήσει και να μας βοηθήσει επειδή έχουμε δουλέψει τόσο σκληρά να τον υπακούμε και να είμαστε καλοί άνθρωποι, τότε ο Κύριος δεν είναι πιά ο Σωτήρας μας. ΕΜΕΙΣ ενεργούμε σαν Σωτήρες του ΕΑΥΤΟΥ ΜΑΣ. Εάν επιδιώκουμε να ελέγχουμε το Θεό μέσω της υπακοής μας, τότε όλη μας η ηθική είναι ένας τρόπος να χρησιμοποιούμε τον Θεό για να τον κάνουμε να μας δίνει τα πράγματα που πραγματικά θέλουμε στη ζωή. Υπακούμε στο Θεό για να πάρουμε τα πράγματα ή για να του μοιάσουμε, για να τον αγαπήσουμε, για να τον γνωρίσουμε και για να βρούμε τη χαρά σε Αυτόν; Είναι πολύ σημαντικό για μας να καταλάβουμε το παρακάτω. Ο Ιησούς μας λέει ποιό είναι το λάθος μας. Σκεφτόμαστε ότι η αμαρτία χαλάει την σειρά των κανόνων. Ο Ιησούς μας λέει σε αυτή την παραβολή ότι ο μεγαλύτερος αδελφός δεν έχει παραβιάσει κανέναν από τους ηθικούς κανόνες αλλά είναι χαμένος όπως και ο νεώτερος αδελφός. Γιατί; Επειδή αμαρτία δεν είναι μόνο η παραβίαση των κανόνων, είναι γιατί βάζει τον εαυτό του στη θέση του Θεού μας Σωτήρος, Κυρίου και Δικαστή. Στο εδάφιο 18:14 του Λουκά ο Ιησούς λέει: ο καθένας που υψώνει τον εαυτό του θα ταπεινωθεί, μα εκείνος που ταπεινώνει τον εαυτό του θα υψωθεί. Εκείνοι από μας που ομολογούμε ότι είμαστε αμαρτωλοί προχωρούμε προς το Θεό, γιατί οι προϋποθέσεις γιά να λάβουμε την Χάρη του Θεού είναι να καταλαβαίνουμε ότι την χρειαζόμαστε. Οι άνθρωποι που λένε «δεν έχω κάνει τίποτα κακό, δεν έχω σκοτώσει καθέναν», απομακρύνονται από το Θεό. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι ο μεγαλύτερος αδελφός που υποθέτουμε ότι ήταν «καλός γιός», «υπάκουος» ήταν μακρύτερα από τον πατέρα από το ότι ο κακός γιός ο νεώτερος αδελφός του, γιατί δεν μπορούσε να δεί την κατάστασή του. Επιτρέψτε μου να σας ρωτήσω αδελφοί μου, είστε πικρόχολοι επειδή η ζωή σας δεν πηγαίνει με τον τρόπο που θέλατε; Πιστεύετε ότι μιά και ζείτε καλή ζωή αξίζετε καλή ζωή από τον Θεό? Ότι ο Θεός σας χρωστάει εύκολη ζωή επειδή προσπαθείτε να ανταποκριθείτε στα πρότυπά του; Τί γίνεται εάν τα πράγματα πάνε στραβά στη ζωή σας; Θα πρέπει να θυμώσετε με το Θεό; Δεν το αξίζω αυτό! Είμαι ευπρεπές άτομο! Είμαι «καλός», επομένως περιμένω καλά πράγματα στη ζωή μου. Αρα το να ζούμε καλή ζωή δεν είναι για τη χαρά που βρίσκουμε στο να κάνουμε καλά πράγματα αλλά γιά να ελέγχουμε το περιβάλλον μας. Εάν νομίζουμε ότι η καλοσύνη και η ευπρέπεια είναι ο τρόπος να έχουμε καλή ζωή από τον Θεό, τότε θα αρρωστήσουμε από θυμό, γιατί τις περισσότερες φορές η ζωή δεν πηγαίνει ποτέ όπως θέλουμε. Πάντα πιστεύουμε ότι αξίζουμε περισσότερα από όσα παίρνουμε. Θα δούμε κάποιον να έχει καλύτερη ζωή από μας και θα σκεφτόμαστε, «γιατί αυτός και όχι εγώ; Μετά από όλα όσα έχω κάνει!» Η αγανάκτηση είναι το ελάττωμά μας. Εάν πιστεύουμε ότι ο Θεός μας αγαπά επειδή είμαστε Ελληνες Ορθόδοξοι, Καλύμνιοι ορθόδοξοι, γιά τον τρόπο που τον λατρεύουμε ή γιά το ήθος μας όταν κρίνουμε αυτούς που δεν είναι σαν εμάς. Εκείνοι από μας που δεν είναι βέβαιοι ότι ο Θεός μας αγαπά και μας δέχεται είναι υποσυνείδητα ανασφαλείς. Ο μεγαλύτερος αδελφός γιά να αισθάνεται καλύτερα ήθελε να έχει τον νεώτερο αδερφό γιά να κατακρίνει. Ακούμε φόβο στη φωνή του όταν λέει στον πατέρα του «Tόσα χρόνια τώρα εργάζομαι για σένα και ποτέ δεν παραμέλησα κάποια εντολή σου. Δεν ήταν από ευχαρίστηση να δεί τον πατέρα του ευχαριστημένο. Γιατί λέμε την αλήθεια; Για δική μας ευχαρίστηση και όφελος ή γιά χάρη του Θεού ή της αλήθειας και για την αγάπη των ανθρώπων γύρω μας; Γιατί είμαστε ευγενικοί στους άλλους και χρήσιμοι στους φτωχούς; Γιά να μας ευλογήσει ο Θεός, γιά να σκεφτόμαστε τους εαυτούς μας σαν φιλανθρώπους; Εγωκεντρισμός; Γιατί νομίζετε ότι οι κοινότητες είναι γεμάτες με κουτσομπολιό και καυγάδες; Ή γιατί βλέπουμε ηθικούς ανθρώπους ξαφνικά να κάνουν σκανδαλώδεις αμαρτίες; Κάτω από την ανιδιοτέλεια υπάρχει μεγάλος εγωκεντρισμός. Ο μεγαλύτερος γιός λέει στον πατέρα του, «Kι όμως σε εμένα δεν έδωσες ποτέ ούτε ένα κατσίκι για να διασκεδάσω με τους φίλους μου.» όσο προσπαθούμε να κερδίσουμε τη σωτηρία μας με τον έλεγχο του Θεού μέσω της υποτιθέμενης καλοσύνης μας, 17

18 Κυριακή του Ασώτου (cont.) ποτέ δεν θα είμαστε βέβαιοι ότι είμαστε αρκετά καλοί για Αυτόν. Απελπιζόμαστε όταν κάποιος μας κατακρίνει; Είναι επειδή δεν έχουμε πεισθεί πόσο μας αγαπά ο Θεός καί χρειαζόμαστε την έγκριση των άλλων να ανεβεί η αξία μας. Όταν κάνουμε κάτι λάθος δεν μας ενοχλεί η συνείδησή μας ακόμα κι άν μετανοήσαμε και ζητήσαμε συγγνώμη; Καί επειδή δεν ήμαστε βέβαιοι ότι μετανοήσαμε αρκετά ακόμη βασανιζόμαστε γι αυτό που κάναμε. Σκεφτήτε πώς επικοινωνούμε ή προσευχόμαστε. Στενά με το Θεό όπως κάνουμε με τον εραστή/ερωμένη μας ή απλώς του ζητάμε ζητάμε ζητάμε να ικανοποιήσει τις ανάγκες μας; Προσπαθούμε να ελέγξουμε το Θεό μέσω των προσευχών μας; Θυμηθείτε, ο νεώτερος αδελφός ήξερε πώς ήταν άρρωστος. Ο μεγαλύτερος αδελφός δεν είχε καμμία ιδέα γιά την τραγική του κατάσταση. Αυτοί οι δύο τύποι συμπεριφοράς απεικονίζουν το είδος της κοινότητος μας. Είμαστε γεμάτοι με ανωτερότητα και θυμό; Το Ευαγγέλιο μας καλεί μακρυά από τον εγωκεντρισμό και την ηθικολογία. Αδελφοί μου, εάν δεν έχουμε καταλάβει πλήρως το μήνυμα του Ευαγγελίου, θα παραμείνουμε σαν τον μεγαλύτερο αδελφό, κατακρίνοντας, ανησυχώντας, λυπημένοι και θυμωμένοι συνεχώς. Είναι αυτά τα χαρακτηριστικά της κοινότητάς μας; Όπως ο πατέρας έτρεξε έξω να καλωσορίσει το νεώτερο γιο γιά επιστροφή του και βγήκε έξω επίσης γιά να προσκαλέσει τον μεγαλύτερο γιο του στους εορτασμούς πρέπει να συνειδητοποιήσουμε ότι έτσι και ο Θεός έρχεται συνεχώς προς το μέρος μας! Εάν καταλάβουμε τις αμαρτίες μας και μετανοήσουμε, αυτό σημαίνει ότι Θεός είναι μέσα μας και εργάζεται μέσω του Αγίου Πνεύματός Του. Τώρα που πλησιάζει η Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή και η προσοχή μας είναι στραμμένη στη μετάνοια και τη συγχώρεση θα ήθελα να έχετε υπόψη ότι: Για να γίνουμε αληθινά Χριστιανοί πρέπει επίσης να μετανοήσουμε γιά τους λόγους που δεν μας άφησαν να κάνουμε το σωστό. Σαν Ορθόδοξοι μετανοούμε όχι μόνο για τις αμαρτίες μας αλλά και για την ηθική μας. Την αμαρτία του να προσπαθούμε να σωθούμε μόνοι μας. Ο Θεός ψάχνει για μας φίλοι μου. Προσεύχομαι ότι αυτή η Μεγάλη Σαρακοστιανή προετοιμασία θα είναι ένας χρόνος στον οποίο θα προετοιμαστούμε ατομικά και ως κοινότητα για Αυτόν να μας βρεί τη Λαμπρή Μέρα της Ανάστασής Του, Πάσχα 12 Απριλίου Καλή Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή! Αμήν 18

19 Taking Lent Seriously Instead of making decisions to change our normal activities during Lent, many seem satisfied to continue life as in any or period. They go to church on Sunday, y don't participate in additional Lenten services, ir social life proceeds as normal, y even ignore fast. What does it mean to take Lent seriously? It means we engage in it whole heartedly as a spiritual challenge opportunity. This means we make special plans to make an extra effort during this period. We can think of this period as a gift of God encouraging us to seek ways to perfect ourselves, to make changes in our way of life, to be renewed deepen our spirituality. It is a period intended for Repentance change. We are prepared by mes of Sundays precede Lent: desire of Zacchaes to repent, humility of Publican, welcomed return of Prodigal Son, of Final Judgment we will all face, need power of forgiveness. Meditate on se Gospel lessons (Publican Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14); Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32); Judgment (Meat-fare) Sunday (Matt 25:31-46); Forgiveness (Cheese-Fare) Sunday (Matt 6:14-21). Combined, y provide foundation for right motivation during Lent. Next, we find on church calendar many additional services. If we are serious about Lent we will make plans to participate in m, increasing our time devoted to prayer. This requires a decision extra effort. The main services are Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesdays Salutations on Friday evenings. Of course re is also fasting to go along with our additional time in prayer. Without fasting you cannot say re is Lent. To underst its importance review story of Adam Eve. Their transgression involved eating against God s will. Also first act of Christ when he began His public ministry was a 40 day fast. Food is central to life. Without it re is biological death. We tend to think of essentials of life only in terms of nourishment, but we must lift our thoughts to consider a higher life which depends on God instead of food. In fasting we are reminding ourselves of great truth, life is not dependent on bread alone but on God. The problem for Adam was that he ate for his own sake, to be independent of God, thinking fruit of tree would make him like God. Adam in disobeying Gods comm to not eat of this fruit lost eternal life. Christ came to restore what had been lost. He began with a fast. It says in Scripture, "When He had fasted forty days forty nights, He became hungry" (Matt 4:2). Hunger makes us realize that we are dependent on something more than what we have in ourselves. It raises important question, What does my life depend on? With fasting we face temptation Christ faced during His fast. When he rejected it He said, It is written (Deuteronomy 8:3), Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from mouth of God. (Matt 4:4). He restored relationship between food, life God. By fasting we enter into that experience Christ had with understing that life is dependent on more than food. The life we seek is eternal depends on God. When fasting we can experience food as a gift from God realize how our life in this world next world are dependent on Him. It is through fasting that we can recover realization of our spiritual nature. We denounce temptations that come when we are hungry or not able to satisfy a desire for a certain kind of food. We develop inner strength against temptations. When combined with prayer we experience victory of Christ over evil. We learn that our greater hunger is a hunger for God. This is why our fast in Lent is also coupled with additional prayer services. To be serious about Lent is to be serious about our salvation our desire to be united with God. In preparing for our fast we must think about more that "rules" of fasting. It is not enough to simply follow "rules." The fast must be God centered. It must be viewed as something to help us discover ourbody as Temple of His presence. True fasting will lead us to temptation, discomfort, showing us our 19

20 Taking Lent Seriously (cont.) GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 ness raising doubts. Lent is long enough to test January our resolve, 1, 2015 our endurance perseverance which are all necessary to follow path to union with Feast Christ. of Saint Basil New Year Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw If 19:14) we are serious about Lent, we also make modifications in our way of life during Lent. We brace ourselves to go against grain of our modern materialistic self-centered culture that ignores most religious traditions To efforts. Most If Reverend we are serious Hierarchs, about Lent Reverend we will choose Priests not to Deacons, follow norm. Monks We will Nuns, instead Presidents reduce our level Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, of activity to make room for silence inner reflection. We should reduce use of TV, internet surfing, video watching games, as well Day, as Afternoon, or forms of entertainment Church Schools, pastimes. Philoptochos This does Sisterhoods, not have to Youth, be a complete absence Hellenic but Organizations, a reduced one. We can entire watch Greek Orthodox news Family carefully in select America or programming that is beneficial for our soul. We want to make more time for spiritual reading, listening to spiritual talks, prayer. We should try to Beloved create an Brors atmosphere Sisters in our in homes Christ, that encourages spiritual enrichment during this period. We want gain On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers experience of what is important for true life that comes from faith a life lived by this faith. support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of Let's our Holy become Archdiocese serious about has offered Lent, let's attend love of Christ, extra services, comfort let's of His fast, presence, let's reduce our healing social activities, power of let s faith limit to children, our time youth, spent on families Internet in surfing, need. videos Serving Orthodox games. children Instead, from lets make throughout time for inner United introspection States, Saint that leads Basil us Academy to repentance, continues nurturing to provide our soul, a caring deepening spiritual or environment relationship with where God. y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in Thank God for this special time do take Lent seriously. Have a good spiritual Lent. keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry Reference: by bringing Great love Lent, of Alexer Christ to those Schmemann. in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Taking Basil s Lent is offered Seriously in - 2 name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Lent Saint is Basil not just Academy about fasting, is also but a place more where importantly lives it is of a period children for introspection youth are guided repentance. in Christ. If we On are taking Lent seriously we will have made time for quiet reflection made plans for a full confession with a beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth priest. love. They Repentance are shown is not something blessings we of do only life in in Christ, Lent, but how is to part follow of an His Orthodox will way to find of life. strength After all Christ assurance in began His His teaching promises. saying, They "Repent, see for hope, joy, kingdom power is at h." in a life But of faith during Lent a lifelong Church relationship gives it with special Him. emphasis. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, Elder travelers, Sergei of many Vanves ors tells in us need, that re he offered are two an kinds encounter of repentance: with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior 1. Repentance that involves confession of a specific sin. Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies 2. Repentance that is based on a general sinful state. Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of The cutting first of typed Vasilopeta. is critical, because We are to also not led repent by Christ for a specific by sin example is to remain of Saint in sin Basil to to be fulfill separated comm from God of our His Lord Church. let For children a specific come sin re to me. are In three your stages ministry of repentance. in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are First, called repenting to offer Him as soon as guide sin ors is committed. to an encounter with Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this Second, recalling it at end of day asking for God's forgiveness. vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have Third, established confessing supported it when one this receives ministry in sacrament past seventy of Confession. years. May you also receive abundant rich At blessings third of stage our Lord we receive at beginning a full pardon of this new are reunited year as we with offer Christ Him through glory Holy honor Spirit unto as ages prayer of ages! of absolution is read by priest. In eyes of God sin no longer exists. Your heavenly record is cleared our With conscience paternal love is relieved in Christ, of its burden. DEMETRIOS At first stage we can gain forgiveness from God from lesser sins like wicked thoughts. Elder Sergei says, "If Archbishop you have a of wicked America thought repent by desiring to think act orwise, this sin is erased immediately." GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 20

21 Taking Lent Seriously (cont.) GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) The Elder emphasizes need for second stage. He advises that we should provide a specific Protocol concentrated Number 01/15 time for repentance each day, even if it is only but January a few seconds. 1, 2015 This involves searching our conscience making a spiritual critique of all our activities Feast of Saint day. Basil We should New identify Year all that was evil as well as good we Let did not children do come that which to me, was done not without hinder m; proper for to attitude such belongs or thought. kingdom After our of examination heaven. (Matw we can ask God 19:14) for forgiveness. This must be done with sincerity with a contrite heart, feeling remorse that we were not able to do everything according to His will. To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Elder Members Sergei of also Parish tells us Councils not to pay of attention Greek to Orthodox our past sins. Communities, We are to live Distinguished each day as a Archons new day. of We must Ecumenical Patriarchate, that sin is not part Day, of our Afternoon, true nature. Church If we are Schools, not careful Philoptochos we can be led Sisterhoods, to despair this Youth, we must remember avoid Hellenic as it Organizations, is a greater sin. entire Greek Orthodox Family in America The Beloved second Brors type of repentance Sisters in is Christ, a more general condition, one many of us may have neglected. This is our sinful On state this that blessed we inherited Feast of from Saint Basil sin of Adam beginning which has of separated New Year, us from our God. honored It is tradition also called is to ancestral offer prayers sin which support we have for inherited sacred at our ministry birth. of It our is a beloved general state Saint of Basil our Academy. being where For we seventy have years inborn this tendency institution to of sin. The our recognition Holy Archdiocese of this may has offered be termed as love contrition. of Christ, Because comfort of this of condition His presence, we must also healing repent power for of sins faith we to have children, committed youth, unknowingly. families in But need. how Serving can we Orthodox ask for forgiveness children from for that throughout which we do United not know States, we Saint have done? Basil Are Academy we not continues only responsible to provide for a those caring sins we spiritual have knowingly environment committed? where y The are reality able to is that grow, this learn, may be our achieve. largest area of sinfulness. Out of our ignorance our psychological needs, such sins are hidden in our mind This but vital linger mission underneath of Saint our Basil awareness. Academy, We carried frequently out by unknowingly directors, do staff, something trustees that offends benefactors, anor is in person keeping do with not our realize, Lord s acknowledge, comm to let impact children of our come actions. to me. Each This time is we accomplished cause anor through person this to suffer, by knowingly bringing or love unknowingly, of Christ to we those have in sinned. need. Everything We need to that admit is offered limits for of our children conscience youth our at spiritual Saint ministry weakness Basil s is that offered leaves in us in name a condition presence where of we Christ. are unable In daily to discern care, in such counseling sins. The Elder teaching, advises in us recreation, to ask God: in "Forgive worship, me of students my sins encounter which I do Christ not know, His for all abundant my unconscious comforting sins." love. In addition we should recognize Saint all Basil our failures Academy is insufficiencies. also a place where This means lives acknowledging of children in front youth of God are guided our sorrow in Christ. for not On loving Him beautiful or our campus, neighbor in sufficiently, a nurturing environment not having enough of prayer compassion grace, or y not praying are led in enough. path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance Sergei in His promises. says that repentance They see is necessary hope, joy, for everyone power in because a life of we faith are all sinners. a lifelong We relationship all live in with sin from Him. Elder birth, This a sacred state where work was we have also a tendency focus of to sin. patron Fortunately, saint of our merciful Academy, God Saint knows Basil. our For condition sick, orphans, expects us travelers, to continually many repent. ors God in does need, not he look offered favorably an encounter on anyone with who Christ does by not taking think His y love are to a m. sinner For ors does not he see guided need m for in truth repentance. love Even through if we teaching do not feel we preaching, have sinned as a we faithful must still caring have pastor, feeling to ir that we Savior are sinners Redeemer. with humility This is also be repentive our calling for today. our weakness In our support general for Saint condition, Basil Academy, ever seeking we are to improve led by our ourselves Philoptochos in eyes Society of God. our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of Ladies cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of According our Lord to Elder let Sergei, children repentance come to is me. " In key your to ministry spiritual in life." It parish way in we your gain daily forgiveness life in Christ, from you God. are It called allows to us offer to become Him purified guide ors so we to can an be encounter united with with God. It Lord allows that us will to lead have to effective abundant prayers eternal a life. true relationship On this day with may God. we offer Thorough our prayers humility generous that comes support with for a life Saint of Basil repentance Academy. we gain May we support strengn of this Holy vital Spirit work which to children helps us in youth all kinds fulfilling of difficult request situations of our we face Lord as in result honoring of life in legacy this world. of all He who says have that established repentance is supported a normal state this ministry for all Christians. in past This seventy is years. characteristic May you of also receive lives of abundant saints. It is rich surest blessings path of for our spiritual Lord at progress. beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! So if we are to take Lent seriously we must repent each day seek a deeper understing of our sinful nature, With knowing paternal that love God in Christ, will help us if we do repent. It is a good time for those who have not regularly participated DEMETRIOS in sacrament of Confession to arrange for this sacrament. Archbishop of America Reference: Elder Sergi of Vanves: His Life Teachings by Jean-Claude Larchet, pp GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 21

22 SATURDAY OF SOULS GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil New Year Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΝ February 14, 21 & 28, 2015 To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Please Organizations, complete form entire with Greek Orthodox Family in America BAPTISMAL FIRST NAMES ONLY of those to be commemorated at three Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On Saturday this blessed of Feast Souls of Saint memorial Basil services. beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy PLEASE continues to WRITE provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission CLEARLY. of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping Please with submit our Lord s names comm at each to let Liturgy children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love separately. of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, Σάς παρακαλούμε students encounter να Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On συμπληρώσετε την διπλανή σελίδα beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. με They τα ονόματα are shown των blessings τεθνεώντων of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in (μόνο His promises. το βαπτιστικό They see όνομα) hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, και να το many δώσετε ors στην in need, εκκλησία he offered an ή encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he στο guided γραφείο m in truth της εκκλησίας love through. teaching Σας preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos παρακαλούμε Society our να local φέρνετε Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of cutting καινούργια of Vasilopeta. κατάσταση We are also κάθε led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let βδομάδα children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him guide ors to an encounter with Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry in past seventy years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΩ ΓΡΑΨΕΤΕ ΜΕ ΚΑΘΑΡΑ ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΑ! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America In Memory of Υπέρ αναπαύσεως GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY

23 Ψυχοσάββατο GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE Μνήμη". OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New Ο York, ψάλτης NY διαβάζει κάτι πολύ συγκινητικό από τό Tel: (212) Τριώδιο: Fax: (212) "Επειδή τινές άωρον πολλάκις υπέστησαν επί ξένης θάνατον, Protocol εν θαλάσση Number τε 01/15 καί Πόσα χρόνια είχε ν' ακούσει αυτή January αβάτοις 1, 2015 όρεσι... 'Ισως δε καί πένητες όντες καί τή λέξη! Από τότε που ήταν μικρό Feast of Saint Basil άποροι New καί Year τών νενομισμένων μνημοσύνων ουκ Let children παιδί. come to Ταράχθηκε, me, do όταν not hinder τήν άκουσε m; for έτυχον... to such belongs φλανθρώπως kingdom of οι heaven. θείοι (Matw πατέρες σήμερα. 19:14) Λείπει από τό χωριό του περισσότερο από κινούμενοι εθέσπισαν ποιείσθαι τούτων απάντων πενήντα χρόνια. Σήμερα ήρθε για πρώτη φορά. Κι κοινώς μνείαν..." Τί τρυφερή σκέψη! Τί ευγένεια! έτυχε To να Most 'ναι Reverend Ψυχοσάββατο. Hierarchs, Στη Reverend Μεγάλη Priests Πόλη, Τά Deacons, καντήλια στούς Monks τάφους Nuns, είναι όλα Presidents αναμμένο. Σέ όπου Members ζήτησε of πλούτη Parish και Councils κοινωνική of καταξίωση, Greek Orthodox δεν Communities, μερικούς έχουν Distinguished σκορπίσει Archons λουλούδια. of Ecumenical χρόνο Patriarchate, να θυμηθούν Day, τους Afternoon, πεθαμένους. Church Δεν Schools, "Εδώ έχουν θυμούνται Philoptochos τούς πεθαμένους" Sisterhoods, είπε. Youth, θυμούνται Hellenic Organizations, τις ψυχές όσων έφυγαν. entire Greek Δεν Orthodox κάνουν Family in America Ανάβει ένα κεράκι στόν τάφο τών γονέων του καί μνημόσυνα. Στη Μεγάλη Πόλη φοβούνται και τη γονατίζει. "Ο Θεός νά σάς αναπαύει" είπε. Καί ζωή Beloved και Brors το θάνατο. Sisters Γι' αυτό in Christ, είχε λησμονήσει τη On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of συνέχισε: New Year, "'Ησαστε our honored πλούσιοι tradition μέσα is to στή offer φτώχεια λέξη Ψυχοσάββατο. prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint σας... Basil Academy. Τό φτωχοκάλυβό For seventy σας years τό this κάνατε institution παλάτι... "Λείπουν όλοι" του είπαν. "Σήμερα είναι of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, Από comfort που of αντλούσατε His presence, τόσο θάρρος..."; Ψυχοσάββατο και έχουν πάει στο Κοιμητήριο. healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox Σηκώθηκε children πιό from δυνατός. throughout 'Αρχισε United νά ανάβει States, Saint κερί σ' Κάνουν Μνημόσυνο. Είναι Ψυχοσάββατο σήμερα". Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual όλους environment τούς τάφους. where 'Ολοι y are γνωστοί, able to φίλοι, grow, learn, συγγενείς. Πήρε τό δρόμο κι αυτός γιά τόν 'Αγιο Κωνσταντίνο. achieve. Ο παπάς που η φωνή του ήταν ακόμη ζωντανή μέσα Σέ λίγο έφτασε. Τά πόδια του λύγισαν. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by του, directors, ο δάσκαλος staff, trustees που τόν benefactors, έμαθε γράμματα, 'Ολα έχουν αλλάξει. Οι τάφοι μαρμάρινοι, μέ is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come γεροντάκια to me. This καί is γριούλες, accomplished που through έπιαναν this τότε ministry τά πολυτέλειες, όπως καί στίς μεγάλες πόλεις. by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything στασίδια that is offered μέσα στή for μισοσκότεινη children εκκλησία, youth at Saint φίλοι μέ Θυμήθηκε τούς παλιούς τάφους. 'Ενα κιβούρι χωρίς Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In τούς daily care, οποίους in counseling έπαιζε, συγγενείς teaching, in κοντινοί recreation, καί όνομα, λίγο χώμα ανασηκωμένο καί γύρω γύρω μώβ in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant μακρινοί, όλοι comforting εκεί, ένας love. κόσμος ολόκληρος. Κάτι κρίνα. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of είχε children νά πεί στόν youth καθένα. are guided in Christ. On Μέ beautiful τά άνθη campus, αυτά in στόλιζαν a nurturing τόν environment Επιτάφιο of τή prayer Μ. Τό grace, Μνημόσυνο y are τελείωσε. led in path 'Ολοι of truth βγήκαν από τήν Παρασκευή. love. They are Καί shown πάνω blessings από τούς of τάφους life in Christ, τά Εκκλησία. how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. θεόρατα They τώρα, see ήσυχη hope, κατοικία joy, τών power "'Ελα in a life νά of πάρεις faith στάρι, a lifelong νά συχωρέσεις" relationship with τού είπαν. Him. κυπαρίσσια, πουλιών. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of "'Ωρα Academy, νά φύγουμε" Saint πρόσθεσαν. Basil. For "Οι sick, πεθαμένοι orphans, μέ Μέ travelers, δέος μπήκε many στήν ors Εκκλησία. in need, Μύριζε he offered λιβάνι an encounter καί τούς with πεθαμένους Christ by taking καί His οι love ζωντανοί to m. For μέ ors τούς κερί. he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, ζωντανούς. as a faithful Αποκρεύουμε caring σήμερα. pastor, to ir Θά Savior φάμε Μαυροντυμένες Redeemer. This γυναίκες, is also our calling γριές today. καί In νέες, our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies μακαρόνια φτιαχτιά. Θά πιούμε κρασί από τό βαρέλι δακρυσμένες, Philoptochos Society σάν χορός our αρχαίας local Philoptochos τραγωδίας, ακούν chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of μας..." τόν cutting Παπα-Χάρη, of Vasilopeta. που διαβάζει We are also τά led Ψυχοχάρτια. by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of Μερικά our Lord ονόματα let children φέρνουν come αναφιλητά. to me. In your Μνήμες ministry "'Εμειναν in parish δυνατοί in εδώ" your σκέφθηκε. daily life in "Δέ Christ, φοβούνται you are νωπές called καί to offer φλεγμαίνουσες. Him guide ors to an encounter with τό θάνατο". Lord that Εδώ will τό lead μεσότοιχο to abundant που χωρίζει eternal τή life. ζωή Κάτω On this στό day δάπεδο, may we μπροστά offer our στό prayers Τέπλο, τά generous κόλλυβα. support καί τό for θάνατο Saint Basil έχει Academy. γκρεμιστεί. May we strengn this Σέ vital κάθε work δίσκο to children η φλόγα ενός youth κεριού in fulfilling τρεμοσβήνει. request 'Εζησαν Η of our Lord κοντά in στή honoring φύση, κοντά legacy στήν of all εκκλησία, who have ανάγνωση established τών ονομάτων supported συνεχίζεται. this ministry in past seventy κοντά years. στήν May πραγματικότητα you also receive καί abundant έμειναν δυνατοί. rich Πως blessings νά of συγκρατήσει our Lord at η beginning ανθρώπινη of this μνήμη new year του as Τούς we offer ζηλεύω. Him Μακάρι glory νά honor μήν είχα unto φύγει ages κι of εγώ. ages! Θά φάω μαζί τους. Θά πιώ μαζί τους. Θά νιώσω, ονόματα! Σέ λίγο θά λησμονηθούν καί οι μνημονευόμενοι With paternal love in καί Christ, όπως καί τότε, έστω γιά μιά μέρα, έστω γιά λίγο... οι μνημονεύοντες. Θά DEMETRIOS περιοδικό "Πρόσβαση", Μάρτιος 2001 μείνουμε, άραγε, ζωντανοί στή "Μνήμη τού Θεού"; Archbishop of America Αυτές τίς σκέψεις κάνει καθώς ακούει τόν παπά τούς ψάλτες νά ψέλνουν δεητικά τό "Αιωνία η GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 23

24 Saturday of Dead GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil New Year Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) The day before Sunday of Last Judgement marks a commemoration of all those who have departed this life Gone to ir rest. This is first of four such Saturdays 'of dead' that occur during annual Lenten discipline, its position To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils directly of before Greek Orthodox commemoration Communities, Distinguished of Last Archons Judgement of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America reminds us that all humankind, not only ourselves those to come, but all those who have gone before us from first moment of creation, will be called to account on day of great reckoning. Knowing that we live in a world filled with consequences of human sin, Saturday of Dead is dedicated to praying on behalf of members of this great human 'family' who now lie asleep in Lord yet who continue to form an important part of our communal Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, history achieve. of salvation. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy God s is also a place where Unconditional lives of children youth are Love guided in Christ. On beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. They see hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, many ors in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are into called a to relationship offer Him with guide us ors wants to encounter us to love with God Lord in return. that will lead to abundant eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry in past seventy years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! What can we say about God's love? We can say that God's love is unconditional. God does not say, "I love you, if..." There are no ifs in God's heart. God's love for us does not depend on what we do or say, on our looks or intelligence, on our success or popularity. God's love for us existed before we were born will exist after we have died. God's love is from eternity to eternity is not bound to any time-related events or circumstances. Does that mean that God does not care what we do or say? No, because God s love wouldn t be real if God didn t care. To love without condition does not mean to love without concern. God desires to enter With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 24

25 STEWARDSHIP GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 You will never January overcome 1, 2015 God s generosity, even if you give Feast away of Saint Basil all that New you Year have. And however Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) much you bring to him, always more remains. Nor will you give anything that is your own; for all things To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils flow of from Greek God. Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Saint Gregory Theologian (Or 14.22) Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, MESSAGE On this blessed Feast of OF Saint THE Basil WEEK: beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of "If our Holy you Archdiocese have any has encouragement offered love of Christ, from comfort being of united His presence, with Christ, healing if power any of faith comfort to children, youth, from his families love, in if need. any Serving fellowship Orthodox with children from Spirit, throughout if any United tenderness States, Saint Basil Academy compassion, continues n to provide make a caring my joy spiritual complete environment by where being y like-minded, are able to grow, learn, having achieve. same love, being one in spirit purpose. Do nothing out of selfish This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in ambition keeping with our or Lord s vain comm conceit, to let but in children humility come to consider me. This is ors accomplished better through than this ministry yourselves. by bringing love Each of Christ of to you those should in need. Everything look not that only is offered to your for own children interests youth at but Saint also Basil s to is offered interests name of presence ors." of Christ. - Philippians In daily care, in 2: counseling 1-5 (NIV) teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On Community, beautiful campus, in a nurturing Quality environment of of Heart prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in The word His promises. community They see has hope, many joy, connotations, power in a life of faith some a positive, lifelong relationship some with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, negative. travelers, many Community ors in need, can he offered make an us encounter think with of Christ a safe by taking togerness, His love m. shared For ors meals, he guided m common in truth goals, love through joyful teaching celebrations. preaching, as a faithful It also can caring call pastor, forth to ir images Savior of sectarian Redeemer. This exclusivity, is also our calling in-group today. In our language, support for Saint self-satisfied Basil Academy, isolation, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of romantic naiveté. However, community is first of all a quality of heart. cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of It our grows Lord from let children spiritual come to me. knowledge In your ministry that in we parish are alive in your not daily for life in ourselves Christ, you are but called for to offer one Him anor. guide ors Community to an encounter is with fruit Lord of that our will lead capacity to abundant to make eternal life. interests On this day may of ors we offer our more prayers important generous support than our for Saint own Basil (see Academy. Philippians May we strengn 2:4). this The vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have question, established refore, supported this is ministry not in "How past can seventy we years. make May community?" you also receive but abundant "How can rich we blessings develop of our Lord at nurture beginning giving of this new hearts?" year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 25

26 STEWARDSHIP (cont.) Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes Fr. John Peck Are you a ti-cripple? Is your parish? Speak out now. Take survey. To All Clergy Laity Interested in Subject of Orthodox Christians Giving to Church. A national study Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes has been launched by Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of USA. We need invite as many participants as possible. Both Orthodox clergy laity are invited to take part in this unique project. The following are examples of questions that study will explore: Why do people give or don t give to ir parishes? Are Church members satisfied with how money matters are hled in ir parishes? How do parishioners make decisions on how much, when why to give? What causes boost people s generosity encourage greater giving? The study is being conducted as an online survey. If you are interested have a few minutes to share your thoughts, suggestions concerns, click on link below complete questionnaire. The study is anonymous: no names are asked no individual responses will be shared with anyone. Please, share this invitation link to study with your Orthodox friends, relatives fellow parishioners. Send it to m via , post on your Facebook page or your parish web-site. We are grateful for your input on this unique study project. If you have questions or comments contact me at: OrthodoxGenerosity@gmail.com Alexei D. Krindatch, Research Coordinator Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of United States of America. 26

27 NEW STEWARDS NEW STEWARDS AS OF FEBRUARY 8, 2015 Miss Alexia Christian Miss Anastasia Gerohristodoulos Mr. George Gerohristodoulos Mr. & Mrs. Hrisostomos Gerohristodoulos Miss Sophia Gerohristodoulos Ms. Xenia Hajicosti Mr. & Mrs. Gus Ioakim Mrs. Eleni Kalamoutsos Mr. Vasilios Kalamoutsos Mr. & Mrs. George Katsafanas Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Mantzouranis Mr. Dimitrios Papaloizos Mr. & Mrs. Stavros Papaloizos Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Papaloizos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Recachinas Stewardship pamphlets are available in Narx of Church, or you may contact Church office, we will gladly send one to you by mail! 27

28 WHEN YOU FAST: A REFLECTION BEFORE GREAT LENT George Parsenios PhD What appears to happen in Passion of Christ what actually happens are not at all same. What appears to happen is not that extraordinary. The Romans crucified a Jewish man in order to keep public order. During ir long rule over Judea, Romans had killed many Jews, making death of Jesus one among se many. But, only in appearance. The reality was very different. The Paschal homily attributed to St. John Chrysostom emphasizes this difference between appearance reality. Chrysostom describes Christ`s encounter with Hades as follows: Hades was embittered when it encountered e in lower regions It took a body, met God face to face. It took earth, encountered Heaven. It took that which was seen, fell upon unseen. Fooled by what appeared to be just anor corpse, Hades was overthrown by an encounter with Almighty God, as Passion Resurrection of Christ shook foundations of universe in final acts of a cosmic drama. As we enter Lenten season, we are reminded that we have a role in this universal, cosmic drama. Let s reflect on proper nature of our role by using language of appearance reality. For, it is easy to confuse our role, or to play wrong role by focusing on our appearance rar than our reality. When Jesus chastises his opponents, he often calls m hypocrites for practicing ir piety in public, for drawing attention to mselves as y pray. The word hypocrite, of course, is Greek word for "actor." They are trying to "act" pious "act" charitable. Their focus is on ir appearance in public. Jesus urges m instead "to go into your room shut door pray to your Far who is in secret; your Far who sees in secret will reward you" (Matt 6:6). Now, se things are not included in Gospels so that we can ridicule Pharisees whom Jesus criticizes. Indeed, y are written, not because we are unlike Pharisees, but because we have unfortunate potential to be just like m. The very things that are designed to make us more humble, very acts of repentance self-denial that are supposed to make us more open to God more loving to one anor can be used to make us more self-satisfied more self-centered. But this is to focus on appearance of holiness, not its reality. A wonderful little book called Way of Ascetics provides an important image for reflecting on real holiness. For, we may be inclined to think that, if we want to be humble, we must try to appear humble. We might, for instance, wear especially humble clos or constantly adopt humble postures. But, this, too, can be a way of drawing attention to ourselves. The Way of Ascetics has a lovely passage about real humility, however, emphasizing that truly humble person doesn`t st out as being more humble than ors,, indeed, doesn`t st out at all. You may not even notice him because goal of humility is precisely not to st out. Real holiness has a way of making a person appear relatively normal, just like everyone else. As with Passion of Christ, of course, this appearance of being usual everyday is only on surface. A very helpful step in focusing on inner drama of holiness is to avoid comparing ourselves with ors, Church reminds us of this fact in various ways. On 5th Sunday of Lent, for instance, we commemorate St. Mary of Egypt. She lived alone in desert until she met St. Zosimas, who tells her story. We wouldn`t know anything about St. Mary, however, if St. Zosimas had not 28

29 encountered her in desert. And St. Zosimas would not have been in desert if his monastery had not observed Lenten fast in a particular way. To keep monks of his monastery from competing with one anor, monks retreated individually into desert, in order to observe fast separately. Their drama was internal ir only audience was God. This is a helpful model to imitate. A certain silence should accompany our fasting. While it will be helpful to encourage one anor support one anor over next forty days, it is also easy for this need for support to become something else. It`s easy to find ways to drop hints of our fasting regimen into casual conversations. We might even rationalize a good reason for doing so. But this is to risk making fast into one more opportunity to put ourselves in limelight at center stage, to undermine real work of fasting, prayer repentance that lie within inner heart of Lent. The great ascetics of early Church always navigated between appearance reality of holiness. We are regularly told in stories of Desert Fars that monks of Egyptian desert would hide ir ascetical practices from visitors. They don`t make ir guests fast with m, but prefer to show hospitality to whomever comes to see m. They feed m well make m comfortable. The visitors, of course, are always surprised suppose that se renowned monks are not really all that strenuous in ir spiritual exercises. We are always told in stories, however, what really happens, how ascetic only allows himself to appear unimpressive, because his greater concern is care comfort of his guests. Here we see opposite of hypocrites whom Christ admonishes. The appearance is allowed to be unspectacular, while reality of generosity holiness is profound. Let us, n, observe fast in reality not only in appearance, following se models of piety especially model of our Lord, whose strength was shown in weakness whose apparent defeat in death led in reality to victory of Resurrection. "For, if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his" (Rom 6:5). George Parsenios, M.A. Duke University, M.Div. Holy Cross School of Theology, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. Yale University, Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary Department of Outreach & Evangelism 83 Saint Basil Road, Garrison, New York Telephone: (646) Fax: (646) outreach@goarch.org 29

30 YOUTH MINISTRY GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil New Year Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. They see hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, many ors in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him guide ors to an encounter with Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry in past seventy years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 30

31 YOUTH MINISTRY OCF COLLEGE RETREAT On Saturday, March 7, 2015, Orthodox Christian Fellowship of University of Maryl will be hosting its first annual Lenten Retreat at St. Nektarios Monastery in Emmitsburg, MD. Come join fellow college students young adults from throughout Mid-Atlantic for fellowship, prayer, Lenten renewal. This retreat is FREE for all college students college-aged young adults. To register, please use following link: AsFgzwLtIO For more information, please contact Hope to see you 31

32 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil New Year Let Sunday, children come March to me, 1 st has do not been hinder dedicated m; for to such to honor belongs kingdom special of heaven. relationship (Matw 19:14) To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members toger. of Parish Properly Councils of prepare Greek Orthodox to receive Communities, Holy Communion Distinguished Archons toger. of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Please do not escort His children to Holy Chalice walk away with- Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast out of you Saint yourself Basil also beginning receiving of New His Year, Body our honored Blood. tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. They see hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, many ors in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him guide ors to an encounter with Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On As this many day may as we have offer our been prayers baptized generous in support Christ, for Saint have Basil put Academy. on Christ. May we Alleluia. strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry in past (Gal. seventy 3:27) years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America Godparent s Sunday March 1, 2015 between Godparents ir Godchildren. Take this opportunity to invite your Godparent(s) or Godchildren plan to attend Divine Liturgy Liturgy will begin at 8:30 a.m. This special event is sponsored by our Catechitical Ministry GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY

33 Sunday of Orthodoxy GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 March January 1, Feast of Saint Basil New Year Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) PLEASE JOIN US!! To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical All Patriarchate, Parents, Day, Grparents Afternoon, Church Schools, Godparents, Philoptochos we Sisterhoods, invite you Youth, to Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America accompany your children on Sunday, March 1st, at end of Divine Liturgy, to process with your icons in Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred Special ministry Service of our beloved of Saint Sunday Basil Academy. of Orthodoxy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. They see hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, many ors in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him guide ors to an encounter with Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry in past seventy years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 33

34 YOUTH MINISTRY GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 The AHEPA Educational January 1, 2015 Foundation Presents Feast Programs of Saint Basil for Students New Year 2015 Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 2015 Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31, :14) The new 2015 AHEPA Educational Foundation scholarship application is now available online! Last year, AHEPA family awarded over $1 million in combined scholarships. The deadline for scholarship application is March 31, Download your application! To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America AHEPA/Stavros Niarchos Journey to Greece Program: Deadline: March 31, 2015 Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, The On this 2015 blessed AHEPA/Stavros Feast of Saint Basil Niarchos Educational beginning of Journey New Year, to Greece our honored will tradition be taking is to place offer prayers from June support 26th - for July 27th, sacred ministry is now of our accepting beloved Saint applications. Basil Academy. Since For seventy AHEPA years this has institution sent thouss of our Holy of Archdiocese Greek American has offered youth to love Greece of Christ, with this comfort program. of His presence, The program offers healing students power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint opportunity Basil Academy to continues transfer to up provide to six a college caring credits spiritual environment to introduce where m y to are able beauty to grow, of learn, Greece. Applications achieve. must be received by March 31, 2015, Download your application here! This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping AHEPA/Deree with our Lord s Semester comm to Abroad: let children AHEPA come has to me. partnered This is with accomplished Deree, The through Amercan this ministry College by bringing of Greece, love of to Christ offer to AHEPA those in need. students Everything a qualified that is offered college for semester children abroad. youth Our at Saint special Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, discount in worship, price for students transferable encounter credits, Christ fall His or abundant spring semester. comforting If interested love. please send your contact Saint Basil info Academy to: deree@ahepa.org. is also a place where $9,347, lives of including children housing, youth per are semester, guided in Christ. $7,528, On including beautiful housing, campus, summer in a nurturing term - environment 8 weeks $3,764, of prayer including grace, housing, y are led summer in path session of truth - 4 weeks. love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance AHEPA/Pan in His promises. Hellenic They see Scholarship hope, joy, Foundation: power in a life The of faith AHEPA a lifelong has partnered relationship with with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, Pan travelers, Hellenic many Scholarship ors in need, Foundation he offered to an offer encounter two with spots Christ in by taking Hellenic His love Birthright to m. For Program. ors Two he guided lucky m AHEPA in truth family love members through teaching will experience preaching, a unique as a faithful educational caring pastor, cultural to ir opportunity. Redeemer. Students This between is also our calling ages today. of 18 In to our 25, support with for limited Saint Basil financial Academy, means, we are who led have by our NEV- Ladies Savior ER Philoptochos been Greece, Society may our local apply. Philoptochos The dates chapters of this in program collecting an are offering June 19 - in July celebration 19. Those of students cutting who of are Vasilopeta. accepted We will are also be required led by Christ to purchase by example airfare of only, Saint all Basil or to fulfill expenses comm will be of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are covered. called to offer If interested Him guide please ors to an your encounter name with contact Lord that info will to: lead PanHellenic@ahepa.org to abundant eternal life.. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital AHEPA/NHS work to children Heritage youth in Greece fulfilling Program Deadline: request of our Lord March in honoring 27, 2015: legacy AHEPA of all who has have partnered established with supported National this ministry Hellenic in Society past seventy to offer years. our May youth a also once receive in a lifetime abundant opportuni- rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! ty to explore Greek heritage, culture, identity with a peer group of students from United With States paternal love Greece. in Christ, Cidates will be selected to receive this gift from AHEPA National DEMETRIOS Hellenic Society if y meet following criteria: They are currently enrolled undergraduate Archbishop of college America students of Greek American descent. Between ages of 18 & 26. Have never been, or seldom go to Greece. GPA of 3.0 or higher. The program runs from GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 34

35 YOUTH MINISTRY (cont.) GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 The AHEPA January Educational 1, 2015 Foundation Presents Feast Programs of Saint Basil for Students New Year 2015 Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) 2015 Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31, 2015 To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America June 11th - June 18th has an application deadline of March 27, If interested in applying to this program, please send contact info to: NHS@ahepa.org. Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. They see hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, many ors in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him guide ors to an encounter with Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry in past seventy years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! AHEPAcademy Deadline: March 1, 2015 AHEPAcademy is a leadership professional development program that identifies, educates, inspires, mentors, advances, networks exceptional Greek-American high school students as y progress through ir high school, college, graduate professional careers. AHEPAcademy provides instruction inspiration by prominent Greek-American Philhellene instructors from academic, professional, public service fields across United States. AHEPAcademy is looking for exceptional Greek-American high school juniors during school year with top grades (minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent or Top 10% of Class), who exemplify scholarship, leadership, character, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, involvement in Greek-American community to apply for selection to this summer's AHEPAcademy on Campus program. Applications for AHEPAcademy are now available on The early action deadline for submission of completed applications to AHEPAcademy is March 1, Please contact AHEPAcademy your local AHEPA Chapter as soon as possible to indicate your interest in applying for program regarding your eligibility to receive a scholarship from your local AHEPA Chapter for your participation in AHEPAcademy on Campus program. For detailed information application please visit: AHEPAcademy. AHEPA/Aristotelian University Greek Immersion Elective Deadline: March 1, 2015 Greek-American Philhellene University Professor Dr. Dean Lomis, working in concert with instructors from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, have reached an agreement with AHEPA Educational Foundation to provide a unique masterful program on Greek as an elective language course towards college credit. This summer all Greek American students wishing to take up to 6 elective college credits can choose to take this unique class in Thessaloniki. With The paternal University love in Christ, sponsors classes additional course work, for an AHEPA discounted DEMETRIOS 600 Euro. All meals housing is responsibility of student. Deadline is March 1, Archbishop of America 2015, interested individuals please name contact info to: Aristotelian@ahepa.org GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 35

36 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil New Year Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Chartered Orthodox June Communities, 17, 1950 Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Welcomes Day, Afternoon, you to join in Church Tradition Schools, Philoptochos of cutting Sisterhoods, of Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred Sunday, ministry of February our beloved Saint 8, Basil 2015, For 2:00pm seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring spiritual environment where y are able to grow, learn, achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by directors, staff, trustees benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for children youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, in worship, students encounter Christ His abundant comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer grace, y are led in path of truth love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance in His promises. They see hope, joy, power in a life of faith a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, travelers, many ors in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through Greek teaching Village preaching, Restaurant as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society New our local Hampshire Philoptochos chapters Ave. in Silver collecting Spring, an offering MD in celebration of cutting of Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ by example of Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him guide ors to an $30.00 encounter per with person Lord that will lead to abundant eternal life. On (includes- this day may we Buffet offer our prayers Lunch generous OR Choice support for of Saint 3 Basil Entrées, Academy. Mezze, May we strengn Wine, this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have established supported this ministry in Coffee, past seventy & Dessert) years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America ORDER OF AHEPA James C. Magin, Chapter 383 Vasilopita Luncheon TODAY!!!!! Wishing you your families a wonderful 2015 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ POLLA!!!! GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 36

37 YOUTH MINISTRY (cont.) GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 GREEK ORTHODOX Feast of Saint Basil ARCHDIOCESE New Year OF AMERICA Let children come to me, do not hinder m; for to such belongs kingdom of heaven. (Matw 19:14) To Most Reverend Hierarchs, Reverend Priests Deacons, Monks Nuns, Presidents Members of Parish Councils of Greek Orthodox Communities, Distinguished Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Day, Afternoon, Church Schools, Philoptochos Sisterhoods, Youth, Hellenic Organizations, entire Greek Orthodox Family in America UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Beloved Brors Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil beginning of New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers support for sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of NEW YORK Applications instructions for three scholarships administered by our Holy Archdiocese has offered love of Christ, comfort of His presence, healing power of faith to children, youth, families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout United States, Saint Department Basil Academy of continues Philanthropy to provide of a caring Greek spiritual Orthodox environment Archdiocese where of y America are able to are grow, available learn, for achieve. awards This vital to mission be made of Saint for Basil Academy, academic carried out by year. directors, The George staff, & trustees Naouma benefactors, (Gioule) is Gioles in keeping with our Lord s comm to let children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry Scholarship by bringing love of Christ Katina to those John in need. Malta Everything Scholarship that is offered are for for undergraduate children studies, youth at Saint Basil s is offered in name presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling teaching, in recreation, Paleologos in worship, Scholarship students is encounter awarded Christ for graduate His abundant work of a comforting non-ological love. nature. Each of se Saint Basil Academy is also a place where lives of children youth are guided in Christ. On scholarships beautiful campus, was in established a nurturing environment through generous of prayer gifts grace, from y dedicated are led in Greek path Orthodox of truth Christians love. They are shown blessings of life in Christ, how to follow His will to find strength assurance wanted in His promises. to provide They financial see hope, assistance joy, towards power in a life education of faith of young a lifelong people relationship from with our Him. who This sacred work was also focus of patron saint of Academy, Saint Basil. For sick, orphans, Orthodox travelers, Christian many ors community. in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to m. For ors he guided m in truth love through teaching preaching, as a faithful caring pastor, to ir Savior Applications Redeemer. can This be is accessed also our calling here today. or by In visiting our support for Saint Basil Academy, (scholarships we are are led listed by our in Ladies Philoptochos Society our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering in celebration of SPOTLIGHT cutting of Vasilopeta. section on We are homepage). also led by Christ For more by information, example of please Saint Basil to fulfill comm of our Lord let children come to me. In your ministry in parish in your daily life in Christ, you are scholarships@goarch.org called to offer Him guide or ors call to an encounter with The Lord deadline that will for lead submitting to abundant an application eternal life. for On this day may we offer our prayers generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengn this vital work to children youth in fulfilling request of our Lord in honoring legacy of all who have any of se scholarships is April 27, established supported this ministry in past seventy years. May you also receive abundant rich blessings of our Lord at beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory honor unto ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 37