Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC. 6th Sunday of Matthew July 12, 2015 STEWARDSHIP

Transcript

1 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC 6th Sunday of Matthew July 12, 2015 STEWARDSHIP Are YOU part of the stewardship puzzle?

2 YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον /Ἦχος πλ. αʹ Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ. HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion/Mode pl. 1 Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. For in His goodness He was pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, and to raise up those who had died, by His glorious Resurrection Τοῦ Ὁσίου/Ἦχος αʹ Τῆς ἐρήμου πολίτης Τῶν Φαράσων τὸν γόνον, καὶ τοῦ Ἄθωνος κλέϊσμα, καὶ τῶν ἀπ αἰῶνος ὁσίων, μιμητὴν καὶ ἰσότιμον, Παΐσιον τιμήσωμεν πιστοί, τὸ σκεῦος χαρισμάτων τὸ μεστόν, ὡς φυλάσσοντα ἐκ πάντων τῶν λυπηρῶν, τοὺς πίστει ἀνακράζοντας Δόξα τῷ δεδωκότι σοι ἰσχύν, δόξα τῷ σὲ στεφανώσαντι, δόξα τῷ ἐνεργοῦντι διὰ σοῦ, πᾶσιν ἰάματα. 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. For the Saint/Mode 1 As a Citizen of the Dessert O believers, let us honor that offspring of Farasa, the pride and joy of Athos, and a vessel full of gifts of grace, Paisios, the peer of the devout monastic saints for imitating them. He protects from all distress and from worldly grief the people who cry out with faith: "Glory to Christ who gave you His might; glory to Him who put a crown on you; glory to Him who through you is working cures for all." Apolytikion of Sts. Constantine & Helen Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man. Apolytikion of St. Andrew As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy. Κοντάκιον/Ἦχος βʹ Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία, πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε, μὴ παρίδῃς, ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε. Kontakion/ Mode 2 O Protection of Christians unshamable, mediation with the Creator immovable, we sinners beg you, do not despise the voices of our prayers, but anticipate, since you are good, and swiftly come unto our aid as we cry out to you with faith: Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who defend now and ever those who honor you. 2

3 Ο ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα ΤΗΕ EPISTLE Πρὸς Ρωμαίους 12:6-14 Εφ' όσον δε έχομεν διάφορα χαρίσματα σύμφωνα με την χάριν, που μας έχει δοθή από το Αγιον Πνεύμα, ας επαναπαυώμεθα εις αυτά και ας εργαζώμεθα πνευματικώς δι' αυτών. Είτε δηλαδή έχομεν προφητικόν χάρισμα, ας διδάσκωμεν την αλήθειαν ανάλογα με το χάρισμα αυτό. Είτε έχομεν χάρισμα πνευματικής διακονίας εις την Εκκλησίαν, ας μένωμεν συνεπείς εις αυτό εκείνος, που έλαβε το χάρισμα να διδάσκη, ας μένη εις την διακονίαν της διδασκαλίας και ας αναλύη τας αληθείας του Θεού στους πιστούς. Εκείνος που έχει το χάρισμα να παρηγορή, να ενθαρρύνη και να προτρέπη τους πιστούς στον δρόμον της αρετής, ας μένη στο έργον αυτό της ηθικής τονώσεως εκείνος, που έχει αγαθά και αισθάνεται την εσωτερικήν κλίσιν να τα μοιράζη στους πτωχούς, ας το πράττη με απλότητα και διάκρισιν εκείνος που έχει ορισθή προϊστάμενος, ας διαχειρίζεται την εξουσίαν και ας επιστατή εις κάθε καλόν έργον με επιμέλειαν και δραστηριότητα εκείνος, που ελεεί, ας προσφέρη την ελεημοσύνην του με γλυκύτητα και καλωσύνην. Η αγάπη σας ας είναι πάντοτε ειλικρινής, απηλλαγμένη από κάθε υποκρισίαν και ιδιοτέλειαν να αποστρέφεσθε και να μισήτε με όλην σας την δύναμιν το πονηρόν, να είσθε δε και να μένετε πάντοτε προσκολλημένοι στο αγαθόν. Δια της ειλικρινούς και αδελφικής αγάπης να γίνεσθε φιλόστοργοι ο ένας στον άλλον και ο καθένας σας να αποδίδη τα πρωτεία της τιμής και του σεβασμού στους άλλους (και να μη σπεύδη να ζητή δια τον ευατόν του τιμάς και πρωτοκαθεδρίας). Εις τον ζήλον και την δραστηριότητα, που απαιτείται δια κάθε καλόν έργον, να μη είσθε ράθυμοι και δυσκίνητοι. Το πνεύμα σας, αι εσωτερικαί πνευματικαί δυνάμεις σας, να είναι διαποτισμέναι και πλήρεις από την φλόγα του κατά Θεόν ζήλου. Δι' όλων δε αυτών των χαρισμάτων και αρετών να δουλεύετε με προθυμίαν και να ευαρεστήτε στον Κυριον. Εχοντες ακλόνητον την ελπίδα εις τα άπειρα αγαθά, που σας έχει ετοιμάσει ο Θεός, να χαίρετε και να αγάλλεσθε εις την θλίψιν να δεικνύετε υπομονήν και γενναιότητα να επιμένετε πάντοτε με προθυμίαν και ζήλον εις την προσευχήν. Με τα δώρα της αγάπης σας να γίνεσθε συμμέτοχοι και βοηθοί εις τας ανάγκας των Χριστιανών να επιδιώκετε την φιλοξενίαν, χωρίς να περιμένετε να σας την ζητήσουν. Να εύχεσθε και να παρακαλήτε, τον Θεόν δι' εκείνους που σας διώκουν. Να εύχεσθε και να λέγετε πάντοτε καλά λόγια δι' όλους και ποτέ να μη καταράσθε. St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:6-14 BRETHREN, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 3

4 ΤΟ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 9:1-8 Αφού εμπήκε στο πλοίον ο Ιησούς, επέρασε την λίμνην και ήλθε εις την πόλιν του, δηλαδή την Καπερναούμ. Και ιδού έφεραν προς αυτόν ένα παραλυτικόν, κατάκοιτον επάνω στο κρεββάτι και όταν είδεν ο Ιησούς την πίστιν του παραλυτικού και εκείνων, που τον έφεραν, είπε στον παραλυτικόν θάρρος, παιδί μου, μη φοβήσαι ότι αι αμαρτίαι σου θα εμποδίσουν την θεραπείαν δια την πίστιν σου, σου έχουν ήδη συγχωρηθή αι αμαρτίαι. Και ιδού, μερικοί από τους γραμματείς που ήσαν παρόντες, εσκέφθησαν αυτός βλασφημεί (είναι ασεβής, διότι οικιειοποιείται την εξουσίαν του Θεού να συγχωρή αμαρτίας ). Οταν δε ο Ιησούς, ως παντογνώστης, είδε ολοκάθαρα τας πονηράς σκέψεις των γραμματέων, είπε διατί κυκλοφορείτε στον νουν και την καρδίαν σας τέτοιες πονηρές σκέψεις; Διότι, τι είναι ευκολώτερον να πη κανείς Σου έχουν συγχωρηθή αι αμαρτίαι σου η να πη Σηκω επάνω και περιπάτει; Το πρώτον, ως εσωτερικόν, δεν το βλέπει κανείς και επομένως δεν ημπορεί να το εξακριβώση. Το δεύτερον, ως εξωτερικόν και αισθητόν, δεν ημπορεί να το αρνηθή, όσον κακόπιστος και αν είναι. Δια να ιδήτε δε και μάθετε καλά, ότι ο υιός του ανθρώπου έχει εξουσίαν να συγχωρή αμαρτίας και να θεραπεύη ασθενείας, τότε λέγει προς τον παραλυτικόν σήκω επάνω υγιής, πάρε το κρεββάτι σου και πήγαινε στο σπίτι σου. Και αμέσως εσηκώθη ο παραλυτικός εντελώς υγιής και επήγε στο σπίτι του. Οταν δε τα πλήθη του λαού είδαν αυτό που έγινε, εθαύμασαν και εδόξασαν τον Θεόν, ο οποίος έδωσεν στον Ιησούν, που τον εθεωρούσαν ως ένα εκ των ανθρώπων, τέτοιαν εξουσίαν, να συγχωρή δηλαδή αμαρτίας και να θεραπεύη ασθενείας. ΤΗΕ GOSPEL The Gospel of Matthew 9:1-8 At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. 4

5 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, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the 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 Father, 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; and 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 5

6 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, and I confess, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. Moreover, I believe that this is Your immaculate Body, and that this is Your precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray to You: have mercy on me, and forgive me my transgressions, those voluntary and involuntary, those in word, those in deed, those in knowledge and those in ignorance; and make me worthy to partake of Your immaculate Mysteries without condemnation, for the remission of sins and life everlasting. Amen. Behold, I approach for divine Communion; Creator, burn me not as I partake; For You are Fire, which burns the unworthy. But, rather, cleanse me from every impurity. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief I confess You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Be awe-stricken, O man, beholding the deifying Blood; For it is a lighted Coal that burns the unworthy. The divine Body both deifies and nourishes me; It deifies the spirit, and wondrously nourishes the mind. You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and by Your divine zeal You have changed me; but burn away my sins with immaterial Fire, and make me worthy to be filled with delight in You; that, leaping for joy, O good One, I may magnify Your two comings. Into the brilliant company of Your saints, how shall I the unworthy enter? For if I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my garment betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels; Lord, cleanse my soul of pollution, and save me, for You love mankind. Master, Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ my God, do not let these Holy Things be to me for judgment because of my unworthiness, but rather may they be for the purification and sanctification of soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave to God, to put my hope of salvation in the Lord. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like the 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! 6

7 SAINTS AND FEASTS Synaxis of Archangel Gabriel-July 13 It is believed that the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel was transferred to this day from March 26 so that it could be celebrated more festively than in the period of the Great Fast; and, in fact, all the miracles of the Archangel are celebrated on this feast day, which has been listed here in the church books since the ninth century. Aquila the Apostle among the 70-July 14 Saint Aquila, who was from Pontus of Asia Minor, was a Jew by race and a tent-maker by trade. In the year 52 he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth when Saint Paul first came there. They gave him hospitality, and the Apostle remained with them for many days, himself working at the same trade as they (Acts 18:2-3). And having believed in Christ through Paul, they followed him from that time on, working together with him and suffering perils with him for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, as he himself testifies concerning them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the nations" (Rom. 16:3-4). When and where they reposed is unknown. Julitta & Kyrikos the Martyrs-July 15 Saint Julitta was from the city of Iconium. Fearing the persecution of Diocletian, she took her son Cyricus, who was three years old, and departed for Seleucia; but finding the same evil there, she went over to Tarsus in Cilicia, where the ruler arrested her. He took her son from her and tried with flatteries to draw the youth to himself. But the little one, in his childish voice, called on the Name of Christ and kicked the ruler in the belly so hard, that the tyrant became enraged and cast him down the steps of the tribunal. In this manner, the child's head was crushed, and he gave up the spirit. As for his blessed mother, she first endured many torments, and finally was beheaded in the year

8 PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the church office. Constantine, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Louis, Fr. Peter, Kathy, Kalliope, Chris, John, Georgia, Dean, Bill, Sylvia, Zenon, Danielle, Delores, Demetrios, Maria and Harry. PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal me Your servant from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray that You heal me as Your servant and grant me the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. MEMORIAL Mr. Elias P. Kalamoutsos, beloved husband of Eleni Kalamoutsos. Loving father of Panagiotis & Vasilios Kalamoutsos. Adored brother of Irene (Pete) Chapin. Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. Today s coffee hour is offered in memory of Mr. Elias P. Kalamoutsos with love from his family. May his memory be eternal! FUTURE MEMORIAL Mr. George Kartsakalis July 26, Year Mr. Nicholas Stamos July 26, Year 8

9 Philoptochos News: Starting TODAY, Sunday, July 12 there will be a collection box in the back of the hall for Food Pantry collection. When you go grocery shopping, just add an item from the wish list to go in the collection box! The items will go to Montgomery County Family Center. The wish list is as follows: PEANUT BUTTER, JELLY, RICE (Brown & white), SALT, SUGAR, OIL, FRUIT JUICE, also JUICE BOXES, DRY MILK, Carnation Instant Breakfast, MICROWAVEABLE INDIVIDUAL MAC & CHEESE, LARGE CEREAL BOXES, INDIVIDUAL CEREAL BOXES, OATMEAL, CANNED AND DRIED FRUIT, SPAGHETTI-O S, CHEF BOYARDEE, CANNED CHICKEN, INSTANT NOODLE SOUPS, NUTRITION/BREAKFAST BARS, CRACKERS, SPAGHETTI/SPAGHETTI SAUCE (jar & can), ALL OTHER NON PERISHABLE ITEMS WELCOME!!!!! PLACE DONATIONS IN THE BOX IN THE BACK OF THE HALL!!!! Thank you for your support for those in need. Save The Date: Taverna Night -"Nikos Nite" on Sunday, October 18, More information to follow. Please mark your calendars! Communion Wine: If you are interested in purchasing Commandaria Wine only for the church, please contact the church office at (240) for more information. To keep things consistent we use Commandaria wine for Holy Communion. We appreciate your expression of love for Him in providing us with this particular wine. May God continue to bless you always! Confession: Father Michael is available for confession at your convenience. Please call on his cell phone at (301) or fm@papouli.net for an appointment. 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 and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s command to let the children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for the children and youth at Saint Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ and by the example of Saint Basil to fulfill the command of our Lord and let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 10

11 The More You Know Visitation Fr. Michael invites himself to visit with you in the comfort and convenience of your own home, To have you share your journey of the past here in our community, To have FM share with your entire family the Nea Zoe/New Life Building Ministry to date and to understand the path that has brought us to where we are, To share opportunities of decorating God s Holy Temple with Iconography and artifacts, To offer opportunities for your family to help further the completion of this holy calling from God. Please call Fr. Michael on his cell phone Or Fr. Michael at fm@papouli.net to set-up a home visit. May God continue to bless you and His Church Community of Sts Constantine and Helen of Washington, DC 11

12 Traditional Icon Screen #1 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 and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Please help build your church. Share with us which This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping of these with two our proposals Lord s command for an to let icon the screen children you come prefer. to me. This is accomplished admin@schgocdc.org through this ministry or by bringing call the love of Christ to those let us in know! need. Everything Αγαπητοί that αδελφοί is offered και for the αδελφές children and εν Χριστώ, youth at Saint Basil s Παρακαλούμε is offered in the βοηθείστε name and presence στην οικοδόμηση of Christ. In daily της care, εκκλησίας in counseling σας. and Γνωστοποιείστε teaching, in recreation, μας and ποια in worship, από τις the δύο students προτάσεις encounter για Christ εικονοστάσι and His abundant προτιμάτε. and comforting Στείλτε love. μας στο admin@schgocdc.org ή καλέστε στο για να μας ενημερώσετε! Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His promises. They see Marble the hope, joy, and Icon power Screen #2 in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ and by the example of Saint Basil to fulfill the command of our Lord and let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 12

13 QUOTE OF THE WEEK That we should always blame ourselves Part 3 of 5 [The person continues his soul-searching into the fact that he is to blame.] If I had humility, I would take this opportunity to gain a crown; and I would view this person as Jesus cauterizing instrument. He is cauterizing my passion, so I can become healthy. He is helping me now. He is my benefactor! I must embrace him, love him and pray for him, because he actually did me a favor by revealing my sickness. If he had not spoken to me in this manner, I would have remained unaware of the extensive egotism within me; and I would never have realized that I need to struggle against it. The sting of this temptation uncovered my sickness. Now that I have seen it, I will make sure that I apply the medication in order to be healed. St. Kosmas Aitolos Bookstore BOOKSTORE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 10am-4pm Every Time I Do My Cross $20.00 By: Presvytera Angela Alatzakis What it's about: How we make the sign of the cross, and some of the reasons why we do. The book follows a boy (named James) through his Sunday; waking up, going to church, liturgy, church school, a soccer game, riding his bike, eating with his family, and going to bed. During these events in his day, he tells us why he does his cross. Dear God, Prayers For Children $7.00 By: Maria Velardocchia Children will love this prayer book, as it guides them with everyday prayers. Because these prayers are specific to children s needs and thoughts, they will enjoy reading them and learning them. With each prayer ending with, Thank you, God, for listening to my prayer. Amen, your child knows and thanks God for being with them all the time. Children will easily learn these prayers and repeat them often, offering them great comfort knowing that God is always listening! 13