ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΩΝ SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

Transcript

1 ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΩΝ TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA Phone Fax Rev. Fr. Athanasios Nenes, Parish Priest Cell Phone SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Elevation of Holy Cross Orthros/Divine Liturgy (8:30 a.m.) THURSDAY, SEPTMEBER 15 Philoptimo Chat Group (see inside flyer) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Greek School Agiasmos Service (4:00 p.m.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Greek School Agiasmos Service (10:00 a.m.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, NH Celebrating the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross (see inside flyer) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Mommy and Me (see inside flyer) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Sunday School begins! MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Metropolis of Boston Golf Classic, Andover, MA (see inside flyer) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Family Ice Cream Social (see inside flyer)

2 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord by His Might, has created a Dominion. He has conquered death by death, and become the first-born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades, and has granted the world great mercy. Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life. Η γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε, χαράν εμήνυσε πάση τή οικουμένη, εκ σού γάρ ανέτειλεν ο ήλιος τής δικαιοσύνης, Χριστός ο Θεός ημών, καί λύσας τήν κατάραν, έδωκε τήν ευλογίαν, καί καταργήσας τόν θάνατον, εδωρήσατο ημίν ζωήν τήν αιώνιον. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life." Ιωακείμ καί Άννα όνειδισμού ατεκνίας, καί Αδάμ καί Εύα, εκ τής φθοράς τού θανάτου, ηλευθερώθησαν, Άχραντε, εν τή αγία γεννήσει σου, αυτήν εορτάζει καί ο λαός σου, ενοχής τών πταισμάτων, λυτρωθείς εν τώ κράζειν σοι, Η στείρα τίκτει τήν Θεοτόκον, καί τροφόν τής ζωής ημών. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6: BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6: Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.

3 Sunday before Holy Cross The Reading is from John 3:13-17 The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him m a y h a v e eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17 Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ. We lead such busy lives, sometimes it seems there is no time left for ourselves. We rush around to jobs, classes, social obligations, family obligations. How can we consider one more thing to do? How about doing something that is stress-free, enjoyable, and generous on your part? Let me encourage you to join our choir. Singing in the choir is a personal and rewarding way to be involved in the Divine Liturgy. It is a privilege to be used by God for the purpose of leading the community in His praise. Singing, as you know, is praying to God twice! Several of our members say they stay in the Choir no matter how busy they are, because it is one of the activities that rejuvenates them. Leave the office, the house, the job, the responsibilities of everyday life, and come join us as we lift our voices together in a beautiful, harmonious sound, singing the hymns of our church. Our choir is a wonderful, loyal group of people who would warmly welcome you. Many of them would tell you they don t consider themselves to be opera singers, but find that they love singing with our group. It is, quite simply, our favorite way to pray. Our first rehearsal will be Wednesday, September 28 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Our first choir Sunday will be Sunday, October 2. Please join us! For more information, please contact Choir Director, Cynthia Alex at cindialex1@gmail.com.

4 Harris J. Booras Chapter #406 AHEPA NEWS Greetings to all! Our chapter recess for July and August is over, and we are reconvening again in September with our first meeting on Thursday, September 8, Our Chapter donated $1,500 to AHEPA HQ to support the restoration of St. Nicholas Chapel at the Ground Zero Site in NYC. We received a warm acknowledgement and thank you letter from HQ. Good news: According to an update from HHT Nicholas Nikas of District 7, our "Socrates" team of three, who won the HHT trophy last year, will retry for a second win this year! Details are being currently finalized. Special meetings are scheduled and soon to be announced to discuss plans and details for the Celebration and Benefit fundraiser (for the Metaxas Scholarships) in mid-october On a very sad note for our AHEPA #406 Watertown chapter, we inform our members and all of the Watertown Community that our Brother, dear friend, and well known to all in the Watertown church community, AHEPA Secretary, Thanasis Vulgaropulos, suffered a massive stroke sometime the week of 8/13-8/16, while alone in his home. His son, Menelaos from North Carolina, found out from AT&T that there were no calls from his phone during that time. He alerted Waltham police who entered the home and found him on the floor immobilized. He is paralyzed on his right side and cannot speak. He was taken to Newton-Wellesley Hospital and later to MGH Acute Center where he is now. My wife Lillian and I visited him on August 19 and two of our daughters visited him on August 20 and tried communicating with him. He is aware of everything, but, unfortunately, he cannot speak and express himself, which is very frustrating. He will have a very difficult rehab and will need visitors to see him and give him support in this very hard period in his life. We urge all who know him to show their support. Perastika! To all our AHEPA members, please pay your membership dues ($70) for 2016 if you have not already done so. Thanks to all members who have already paid. Please recruit friends or family members who may be interested in joining AHEPA. New and innovative ideas are needed to sustain and expand our chapter membership and contribute to AHEPA s causes. Fraternally, Constantine B. Lagos, Treasurer/ Communications AHEPA Chapter #406 ENJOY THE REMAINING DAYS OF SUMMER! We welcome suggestions as well as inquiries for membership or other information. Contact numbers as follows: John Abate, President / Basil Patsios / Constantine Lagos Demetri Tsatsarones / George Loridas /

5 TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH THE PHILOTIMO CHAT GROUP THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 PLEASE JOIN US IN THE CHURCH HALL EVERY 3rd THURSDAY OF THE MONTH 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join a friendly group! Get creative! Make connections! Linger over coffee! Men and women are welcome!

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7 George K. Menichios American Legion Post 324 Dedication of VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK ST. METHODIOS FAITH AND HERITAGE CENTER Saturday, September 17, :00 a.m. Please join the veterans of the George K. Menichios Post 324 in the celebration of their 75 th Anniversary during the Annual Open House at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH. As part of our 75 th Anniversary, the Post donated the funds to beautify the Park. The George K. Menichios Post 324 dedicates this Veterans Memorial Park to not only Greek-Americans, but young men and women of all races and ethnicity, who have interrupted their lives to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States in times of war and peace. Many have made the supreme sacrifice to protect the freedoms of this country. To that end, the Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to honor their memory and serve as a reminder to future generations that our liberties and values stand safe today because of such brave men and women. We thank God for each and every one of

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I become a member of the parish? Membership in the Orthodox Church begins at baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout our life. We are united with Christ through the sacraments, or mysteries of the Church and through our faithful offering of our entire selves to Jesus Christ. Our Archdiocese requires each parish to distinguish between voting members and non-voting members. A voting member is over 18 years of age and turns in a signed stewardship commitment card, committing a portion of time, talent and treasure to the Church. The Archdiocese also requires the voting member to remain current through the year on their commitments. Keep in mind that true membership in the Body of Christ involves living according to His word and with His Church. Why must I commit to give a specific amount? Please keep in mind that your stewardship of money is kept in the strictest of confidence. However, we do compile the amounts anticipated to better plan our budget. What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment? During the course of a year, people s circumstances change. Your stewardship is valued because it is made out of your love for God and His Church. Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet your stewardhip commitment we are glad you are part of this parish. CHISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IS: Learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. Our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgement of Christ s redeeming love. Caring for the needs of others. Offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. What a person does after saying I believe..., as proof of that belief. Devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as diocese/metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal.

9 2016 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT CARD INFORMATION Name Spouse Name (if applicable) Street Address City / State / Zip Code Home Phone Mobile Phone Address Spouse (if applicable) Dependent children s names and birthdates: May we include your contact info in the parish directory? Yes No May we add you to our parish list? Yes No In the Gospel of Saint Matthew (6:19), Jesus instructs us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Often in life, we pursue and collect those things that do not last. We must ask, One hundred years from now, where will our possessions be? Our greatest blessing is our family. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to be stewards of this great gift. If we are faithful to this calling, perhaps our Lord will say to us as he did to the faithful steward, Well done good & faithful servant (Matthew 25:23). TREASURE In gratitude for God s blessings, I/ We commit to Christ and His Church the following amount: $ weeklymonthly/annual TIME & TALENT Individual stewards indicate areas of interest with a checkmark. Families mark H for husband, W for wife and C for children. EDUCATION Bible Study Adult Rel. Education Intro to Orthodoxy Publications Speakers Bookstore Library YOUTH Church School Teacher Church School Administration Youth Leader Vacation Church School Camp Counselor BUILDING AND GROUNDS Garden & Landscape Plumbing Electrical Clean-up Interior Repairs Exterior Repairs Roofing Hall Rentals ADMINISTRATION Fiscal Mgt/Review By-Laws Fundraising Office Help Computer/Technical Data Entry LITURGICAL Sanctuary & Altar Care Altar boys/acolytes Baking Prosphoro Choir Reader Greeter/Usher MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMS Campus Ministry Welcome Team New Member Events Outreach Stewardship Sunday Fellowship/Coffee Visitation Hospital Visitation Shut-ins Feed the Hungry Grief Bereavement Group Disaster Relief Projects Blood Drives Project Mexico IOCC OCMC Mission Center Seniors Ministry Couples Ministry Singles Ministry Military Ministry COMMUNICATIONS Website and Bulletin and Newsletter Public Relations Any other talents or info on items listed above: PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD Credit Card: Cardholder: Acct. #: Exp. Date: _ CVV2 Code: (3 or 4 digit on back of card)

10 Join us for another exciting year of Greek School! For more information, please contact Voula Polychronopoulos, Greek School Director, at or the church office at

11 WELCOME TO THE TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL SCHOOL Dear Greek School Families, Welcome to the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek School! The Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church is a historic and vibrant community. The Greek Education Program has a long and rich history as generations of children have experienced the richness and beauty of the Greek language and culture. The following offers a brief introduction of our program and explains how your children can be part of this exciting educational experience. May God continue to bless you and your family. REGISTRATION Rev. Fr. Athanasios Nenes, Pastor Registration for the school year has begun. A $50 deposit per child is required to reserve a spot for the Fall. 1. Students have the option to attend: SCHEDULE Once a week Thursdays from 4-6 PM or Saturdays from 10 am 1 pm OR Twice a week Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm. 2. Greek School classes for the school year will begin with the Agiasmos Services on Thursday, September 15 and Saturday, September Greek School calendar corresponds with the Watertown Public School closings and vacation schedules. Parish Stewards Non-Stewards 2-day attendees (Tuesday and Thursday) $700/child $300/each additional child $1,200/child $500/each additional child 1-day attendees (Thursday or Saturday) $675/child $300/each additional child $1,100/child $500/each additional child *Please Note: Tuition includes textbooks, course materials and activity fees.* EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT As an incentive for early registration, we are offering a $ per family discount. However, your full tuition payment and registration form MUST be received in our office by Thursday, October 20 to qualify for this discount. After Thursday, October 20, the tuition fee will be according to the payment plans described below. PAYMENT PLANS Pay four quarterly installments: 9/30/16, 11/30/16, 1/30/17, 3/30/17 Pay your full or partial tuition payment by credit card, check or cash. Make checks payable to: TaxiarchaeArchangels Greek Orthodox Church. QUESTIONS? Please contact Voula Polychronopoulos, Greek School Director, at or the church office at

12 Mommy and Me at Taxiarchae! Next Meetings Friday, September 23 and Friday, October 28, :00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Mommy and Me is moving to the 4th Friday of every month! Mothers and children (newborn to age 4) are welcome to come. This gathering will be a wonderful way to meet other local Orthodox mothers and provide our little ones with the opportunity to share in faith, friendship, and fun. Dads, Yiayias, and Pappous are always welcome to bring the little ones, too. Come for coffee and treats, and we hope to see you!

13 SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2016! Calling all mothers, fathers, young adults, yiayias and papous! We need you! Please consider volunteering to help spread our beautiful Orthodox faith by becoming involved in our Sunday School. We are in need of teachers and assistants for the upcoming ecclesiastical school year. Please contact Fr. Athanasi if you are interested.

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15 ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: Please join us for fellowship immediately following the Liturgy in the social hall. For those visiting an Orthodox Church, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. However, all present are welcome to partake of the Antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. PARKING: Help us be a good neighbor. When parking at the Watertown Savings Bank, the ATM needs to be accessible to bank patrons, even on Sunday s! Please be considerate. MEMORIALS: Memorial service offered today for the repose of the soul of Christine Avtges (40 days) and Bobby Sarris (10 years). May their memory be eternal! Αιωνία η Mνήμη! Coffee hour will be hosted by the Sarris family. BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC: Fridays from 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. SUNDAY WEEKLY BULLETIN: Every week, the Sunday Weekly Bulletin is posted on our website at MOMMY AND ME: Mommy and Me meets every fourth Friday of the month from 10:00 11:30 a.m. For more information, please call Donna Levas at and leave a message for her.

16 FAMILY ICE CREAM SOCIAL Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church Friday, September 30, :30 8:30 p.m. Create your own ice cream sundae! This event kicks off our series of monthly family events! Bring your family and friends! Please RSVP to the church office or Thank you!