Rev. Economos Peter J. Thornberg, Proistamenos Metropolis of New Jersey

Transcript

1 St. Sophia/SS. Faith, Hope & Agape Greek Orthodox Church of Valley Forge 900 South Trooper Road Jeffersonville, PA, Tel.: (610) Fax: (610) Sunday Worship: 8:45 am Orthros: 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Office Hours - 9 am to 3 pm Rev. Economos Peter J. Thornberg, Proistamenos frpeterstsophia@verizon.net Metropolis of New Jersey

2 January 18, th Sunday of Luke Athanasios & Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria Xenia the Martyr ENTRANCE HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion Katelisas to Stavro ( By Thy Cross Destroyed ) O Death didst Thou destroy by Thy Cross. Thou opened Paradise to the Thief and the laments of the myrrhbearers didst Thou change and to Thine own Apostles command them to announce that Thou had risen O Christ our God, Who gives to the World Thy Great Mercy. Apolytikion for SS. Athanasios and Cyril Erghis lampsandes orthodhoxias ( Having shone ) Having shone with deeds of Orthodoxy and extinguished all impious doctrines, you have rightly won the trophies and victory. Since you enriched all the world with correct belief, greatly adorning the Church with your words and deeds, you therefore have worthily found Christ God, who by your prayers grants to all the great mercy. Apolytikion of St. Sophia/Ss. Faith, Hope & Agape Greek Oς ελαία κατά καρπος ανεβλάστησας, έν ταίς ανλαίς του Κυρίου, Σοφία μάρτυς σεμνή, καί προσήγαγες Χριστώ καρπόν η δύτατον, τούς τής νηδύος σου βλαστούς, δί α γώνων εύαγων, Αγάπην τε καί `Ελπίδα σύν τη θεόφρονι Πίστει, μεθων δυσώπει υπέρ πάντων ήμων. English Phonetics for Greek Os elea kata karpos anevlastisas, en tes avles tu Kyriou Sofia martys semni, ke prosigages Christo karpon idytaton, tus tis nidyos su vlastus, di agonon evagon, Agapin te ke Elpida, syn ti theofroni Pisti; meth on dysopi yper pandon imon. English As an olive tree laden with fruit you sprouted forth, in the courtyards of the Lord, Sophia martyr dignified, and you brought to Christ a fruit most sweet, Namely your womb s own sprouts, brought up by instructive deeds: your daughters Faith and Hope, along with God-minded Love; together intercede with God for us all. Seasonal Kontakion O Mitran Parthenikin ( You sanctified the virginal womb ) You sanctified the virginal womb by Your birth, O Lord, and blessed the hands of Symeon fittingly, O Christ God; and even now You came and saved us. Now, give peace to our Nation in time of war, and empower our Leaders, so loved by You, the only one who loves humanity.

3 Church Beautification Update January 18, 2015 Happy New Year! As we ring in the New Year, let us take the opportunity to reflect on our beautiful St. Sophia Church and all that has been accomplished. Our church is truly a shining beacon of our faith. And we have become a regional landmark as well! We should always remember to give thanks for our beautiful church and how much has been accomplished. Of course, no matter how much has been accomplished, the work to continue our progress goes on. Our new Narthex furnishings have been completed by the world-renowned artisans at S. Kavroulakis Company of Chania, Crete; the same firm that carved our beautiful icon screen and other artifacts. The Narthex furnishings have been shipped from the ancient seaport of Pireaus and with an estimated shipping time of 30 days, we can expect delivery sometime later this month. Some of these items are still available for sponsorship. In order to protect our iconography and artifacts, we have installed a special humidity control system which will help stabilize the humidity levels especially during the winter months. We are considering a proposal for a donor plaque to acknowledge those who have contributed to make our new church and its decoration possible. Our iconographer, Dr. George Kordis may return for a brief visit later this year to decorate the donor plaque and apply a protective varnish to the icons on the icon screen and other items. St. Sophia Church Mortgage The current mortgage balance as of 12/31/2014 is $1,398, EPISTLE READING The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 13:7-16 Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers. Verse: For you are just in all you have done. Brethren, remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their lives, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Ἀνάγνωσις ἐπιστολῆς Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 13:7-16 Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν. Ἀδελφοί, μνημονεύετε τῶν ἡγουμένων ὑμῶν, οἵτινες ἐλάλησαν ὑμῖν τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ ὧν ἀναθεωροῦντες τὴν ἔκβασιν τῆς ἀναστροφῆς, μιμεῖσθε τὴν πίστιν. Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς χθὲς καὶ σήμερον ὁ αὐτός, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις μὴ παραφέρεσθε καλὸν γὰρ χάριτι βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν, οὐ βρώμασιν, ἐν οἷς οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν οἱ περιπατήσαντες. Ἔχομεν θυσιαστήριον, ἐξ οὗ φαγεῖν οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ τῇ σκηνῇ λατρεύοντες. Ὧν γὰρ εἰσφέρεται ζῴων τὸ αἷμα περὶ ἁμαρτίας εἰς τὰ ἅγια διὰ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως, τούτων τὰ σώματα κατακαίεται ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς. Διὸ καὶ Ἰησοῦς, ἵνα ἁγιάσῃ διὰ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος τὸν λαόν, ἔξω τῆς πύλης ἔπαθεν. Τοίνυν ἐξερχώμεθα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς, τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν αὐτοῦ φέροντες. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ὧδε μένουσαν πόλιν, ἀλλὰ τὴν μέλλουσαν ἐπιζητοῦμεν. Διʼ αὐτοῦ οὖν ἀναφέρωμεν θυσίαν αἰνέσεως διὰ παντὸς τῷ θεῷ, τοῦτʼ ἔστιν, καρπὸν χειλέων ὁμολογούντων τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ. Τῆς δὲ εὐποιΐας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε τοιαύταις γὰρ θυσίαις εὐαρεστεῖται ὁ θεός.

4 Stewardship Update January 18, 2015 GOSPEL READING The Reading is from the Gospel of Luke 17:12-19 At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When He saw them He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus's feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus: "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him: "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well." Xronia Polla! Happy New Year! As we usher in the new calendar year, now is a wonderful time for renewal and new beginnings. Many make resolutions such as losing weight, eating better, exercising more, etc. But have you considered what the year ahead should hold for your spiritual life? Now is a most appropriate time to consider our many personal blessings from God-- family, friends, a warm home, food on the table, etc. What about your life itself? Stewardship is our way of thanking God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. What are you personally doing to show your gratitude to Him for your own blessings? Are you giving back to Him and the Church of your Time, Treasure and Talents? Our parish needs all three from us! Thank you to everyone who has supported our 2014 Stewardship Program. If you have not yet paid up your 2014 Stewardship Pledge, please do so today! Please be sure to indicate 2014 on the memo line of your check to receive proper credit. ΕVΑΓΓÉΛΙΟΝ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσερχομένου αὐτοῦ εἴς τινα κώμην ἀπήντησαν αὐτῷ δέκα λεπροὶ ἄνδρες, οἳ ἔστησαν πόρρωθεν, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἦραν φωνὴν λέγοντες Ιησοῦ ἐπιστάτα, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. καὶ ἰδὼν εἶπεν αὐτοῖς πορευθέντες ἐπιδείξατε ἑαυτοὺς τοῖς ἱερεῦσι. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὑπάγειν αὐτοὺς ἐκαθαρίσθησαν. εἷς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἰδὼν ὅτι ἰάθη, ὑπέστρεψε μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης δοξάζων τὸν Θεόν, καὶ ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον παρὰ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ εὐχαριστῶν αὐτῷ καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν Σαμαρείτης. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς εἶπεν οὐχὶ οἱ δέκα ἐκαθαρίσθησαν; οἱ δὲ ἐννέα ποῦ; οὐχ εὑρέθησαν ὑποστρέψαντες δοῦναι δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ εἰ μὴ ὁ ἀλλογενὴς οὗτος; καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ἀναστὰς πορεύου ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέ σε. The 2015 campaign is now underway. We are asking all of our stewards to commit not only of your Treasure, but of your Time and Talent as well. To continue to grow as a parish and provide the programs and support to the Orthodox faithful in the region, we really need everyone s help! Thank you! 2013 (Year End) 2014 (12/31/14) Pledge Unit Goal Pledge $ Goal $200,000 $210,000 Number of Pledges Amount Pledged $210,485 $211,822 Average Pledge $ $ New Stewards 46 23

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6 One in six Americans go hungry each day. Your gift of $1 and one canned good can change that. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, our GOYA will take up a special collection to feed the hungry in our community. We will also set up a collection box in the Community Center for canned goods. All canned goods and funds will benefit the Patrician Society of Norristown. Let s turn the biggest weekend in football into a super day of giving!

7 January 18, th Sunday of Luke Athanasios & Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria Xenia the Martyr Coffee Hour Sponsors Needed!: We are in need of coffee hour sponsors for the upcoming weeks. If you are interested in hosting a coffee hour, please put your name on the list at the back of the hall AND contact the Parish office (by , if possible.) PTO/Bingo Meeting Today: There will be a PTO/Bingo meeting after Divine Liturgy today Ecclesiastical Calendars: The new calendars are now available for pick up in the back of the Cultural Center. Each calendar is in an envelope addressed to each family (2014 stewards) of our parish. If you cannot find your packet, please the Parish Office. CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK Monday, Jan 19 th 6:30 pm PC meeting Tuesday, Jan 20 th 7:00 pm Adult Bible Study in the Cultural Center Wed, Jan 21 st Thurs, Jan 22 nd Friday, Jan 23 rd SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS Tues, Jan 20 th Sun, Jan 25 th Fri, Jan 30 th Sun, Feb 1 st Mon, Feb 2 nd Tues, Feb 3 rd Sun, Feb 8 th Tues, Feb 10 th Fri, Feb 13 th Sat, Feb 14 th Sun, Feb 15 th Tues, Feb 17 th Sat, Feb 21 st Sat, Feb 21 st Sun, Feb 22 Wed, Feb 25 th Fri, Feb 27 th Sat, Feb 28 th 7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study in the Cultural Center Stewardship Sunday / AHEPA meeting after Divine Liturgy 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs Godparent Sunday /IOCC food drive / Souper Bowl Luncheon Fundraiser Hellenic University Club Scholarship Committee to visit 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy Presentation of Our Lord 7:00 pm Adult Bible Study in the Cultural Center National Scout Sunday / Philoptochos On the Go Breakfast Fundraiser 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy St. Haralambos the Martyr DVYC GOYA Valentines Dance (details enclosed) 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy 1 st Saturday of Souls Meatfare Sunday / AHEPA Cheesesteak luncheon fundraiser 7:00 pm Adult Bible Study in the Cultural Center 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy 2 nd Saturday of Souls PTO Family Night Bingo (details enclosed) Cheesefare Sunday Philoptochos Tiropites (Cheese Pocket) Fundraiser 10:00 am - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 7:00 pm - 1 st Salutations to the Theotokos 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy 3 rd Saturday of Souls

8 GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS It s Girl Scout Cookie Time! Beginning today through Sunday, March 8th, Girl Scouts will be selling cookies during coffee hour after church. For those parents who would like their daughter(s) to participate, please contact Presvytera Katherine at pkstfamily@verizon.net or speak to her directly to coordinate dates. Please be sure to let her know your first and second choices and she will do her best to accommodate you, but it is on a first come/first serve basis. Presvytera needs to know TODAY if you choose to participate. For those already signed up, parents are responsible for helping their daughter(s) set-up their table and have their own cash box. Thank you. Sun. Feb 8 th National Scout Sunday: Sunday, February 8, 2015, is National Scout Sunday, and we will recognize all those children and adults who are part of scouting. All Scouts MUST be in their Class A uniforms. We are very excited to support scouting in this community. Please submit to the Parish office (by , if possible) the names (children and adults), ranks and branch of scouting you are in by Wednesday, January 28 th in order to be included in the program at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Please remember that there are numerous religious service awards that our children can works towards earning for all levels of Scouting. Please see Fr. Peter for more information! Sun. Feb 8th On the Go Breakfast Fundraiser: Philoptochos will be having a breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, February 8th. The menu is a Breakfast Bagel Sandwich with Bacon, Egg & Cheese with a Hash Brown Patty all for only $5! REDNER S Register Tapes: We are now collecting Redner s Market register tapes. Remember to use your Pump Perks card when making purchases. The drop off box is located in the lobby of the Cultural Center. Pastoral Visits - A Request to All Parishioners: If you desire a pastoral visit in case of a hospitalization, or for someone who is homebound, in a nursing facility, or in prison, please have an immediate family member notify the Parish office at so that a visit can be arranged. In Case of Emergency: If you are having an extreme medical emergency and are in need of an Orthodox priest, please call the Parish office at For that gift you forgot... We still have candy available! Sun. Feb 22nd - Cheesefare Sunday Tiropites: The Philoptochos will be selling tiropites cheese pies for $3 each. Last year, we sold out early, so we are taking pre-orders to meet the highly anticipated demand this year. Please call ahead to ensure that we have your tiropites reserved just for you! For advance orders or information contact Maria or Kathy Tsipras (610) Movie Tavern Tickets: This is the fabulous movie theater in town that offers first run movies as well as an "in-house" dining experience. The Ladies Philoptochos is selling discounted MOVIE TAVERN movie tickets for $8.50 each. They can be used on any day and even for new releases. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Maria or Kathy Tsipras. For showtimes visit SHOP-RITE Register Tapes: Don t forget to save your Shop-Rite register tapes. We can only use receipts from any of the ten Brown s stores located in: Bensalem PA, East Norriton, PA, Fairless Hills PA, Cheltenham, PA and in Philadelphia, PA, on Island Ave., Oregon Ave., 52 nd & Parkside, Haverford Ave., and Ridge Ave. in the Roxborough section. They also have one store in Brooklawn, NJ. The drop off box is located in the lobby of the Cultural Center. Please submit receipts timely, only tapes from within 4 months of the transaction date are accepted. For GIANT shoppers: We have enrolled in their Gift Card Program and the gift cards are on sale during coffee hour. If you are interested, please see Alexis Witt. PLEASE NOTE: Any information or announcements for the Sunday bulletin must be received by 3pm on the Wednesday prior to publication. Please information to elaine.stsophia@verizon.net. Thank you. Elaine Piligian