Father Michael s greatest gift..

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1 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC 4th Sunday of Matthew June 28, 2015 Father Michael s greatest gift.. ALL of you!!!!!!!!! I thank God for allowing me to share the journey of life with each and everyone of YOU!!!!! To μεγαλύτερο δώρο του Πατήρ Μιχαήλ ΌΛΟΙ εσείς!!! Ευχαριστώ το Θεό που με αξίωσε να μοιραστώ το ταξίδι της ζωής με καθέναν χωριστά από ΕΣΑΣ!!! The More you know about our Building Ministry. Τurn to page for more detailed information

2 THE MISSION OF THE STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF WASHINGTON DC in Silver Spring, Maryland is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian faith, to energize, cultivate and guide the life of the Church according to the Orthodox Christian faith and Sacred Tradition. The Church sanctifies the faithful through the Divine Worship, especially the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments, building the spiritual and ethical life of the faithful in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, Sacred Tradition, the doctrines and canons of the Ecumenical and local Synods, the canons of the Holy Apostles and Fathers of the Church and of all other Synods recognized by the Orthodox Church, as interpreted by the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople. The Church serves as a beacon, carrier and witness of the message of Christ to all persons, through Divine Worship, preaching, teaching and living the Orthodox Christian faith. 2

3 YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ HYMNS OF THE DAY Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον /Ἦχος γʹ 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. 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. Resurrectional Apolytikion/Mode 3 Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. He trampled death under foot by means of death; and He became the firstborn from the dead. From the maw of Hades He delivered us; and He granted the world His great mercy. 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. 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 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. 3

4 Ο ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα Πρὸς Ρωμαίους 6:18-23 Ετσι δε, αφού εγίνατε ελεύθεροι από την αμαρτίαν, υπεδουλώθητε εις την αγιότητα και την αρετήν. Χρησιμοποιώ ανθρωπίνας εικόνας και εκφράσεις εξ αιτίας της αδυναμίας, που παρουσιάζει η ανθρωπίνη, η σαρκική ακόμη κατάστασίς σας. Δηλαδή όπως είχατε προσφέρει τα μέλη σας δούλα εις την ακαθαρσίαν της αμαρτίας και της ανομίας, δια να διαπράττετε την αμαρτίαν, έτσι και τώρα πρέπει να προσφέρετε τα μέλη σας δούλα εις την αρετήν, δια να πρωχωρήσετε και επιτύχετε την αγιότητα. Αλλοτε, όταν ήσθε δούλοι εις την αμαρτίαν, ήσθε μεν ελεύθεροι ως προς την δικαίωσιν και την αρετήν, που θέλει ο Θεός, αλλά ποίον καρπόν, ποίον κέρδος και ωφέλειαν είχατε τότε από τα έργα της αμαρτίας, δια τα οποία τώρα εντρέπεσθε κάθε φοράν που τα ενθυμείσθε. Διότι η κατάληξις εκείνων είναι ο αιώνιος πνευματικός θάνατος. Τωρα δε που απεκτήσατε την ελευθερίαν και απηλλάγητε από την δουλείαν της αμαρτίας, υπεδουλώθητε δε θεληματικά στον Θεόν, έχετε ως καρπόν την προκοπήν εις την αγιότητα τελικόν δε και αναφαίρετον κέρδος την αιωνίαν ζωήν. Διότι αι μεν συνέπειαι και ο μισθός της αμαρτίας είναι ο πνευματικός θάνατος, το δε δώρον του Θεού προς εκείνους, που τον υπακούουν, είναι η αιώνιος ζωή δια του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού. ΤΗΕ EPISTLE St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 6:18-23 BRETHREN, having been set free from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once yielded your members to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your members to righteousness for sanctification. When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 4

5 ΤΟ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα ΤΗΕ GOSPEL Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 8:5-13 Ενώ δε εισήλθεν ο Ιησούς εις την Καπερναούμ, τον επλησίασε με σεβασμόν ένας εκατόνταρχος παρακαλών αυτόν και λέγων Κυριε, ο δούλος μου είναι κατάκοιτος στο σπίτι μου παράλυτος και βασανίζεται από τρομερούς πόνους. Και λέγει προς αυτόν ο Ιησούς εγώ θα έλθω και θα τον θεραπεύσω. Ο εκατόνταρχος όμως απεκρίθη και είπε Κυριε, δεν είμαι εγώ άξιος να εισέλθης συ, ο Παντοδύναμος, κάτω από την στέγην μου. Αλλά πες ένα μόνον λόγον και αμέσως θα θεραπευθή ο δούλος μου. Ημπορείς δε να διατάξης και η διαταγή σου θα γίνη έργον. Διότι και εγώ είμαι άνθρωπος, και ευρίσκομαι υπό την εξουσίαν των ανωτέρων μου, έχω δε υπό τας διαταγάς μου στρατιώτας και λέγω στούτον, πήγαινε και πηγαίνει, και στον άλλον, έλα και έρχεται, και στον δούλον μου κάμε τούτο και το κάμνει. Ακούσας ο Ιησούς τα γεμάτα πίστιν αυτά λόγια εθαύμασε και είπεν εις αυτούς που τον ακολουθούσαν σας διαβεβαιώνω, ότι ούτε μεταξύ των Ισραηλιτών δεν εύρηκα τόσον μεγάλην πίστιν. Αληθινά δε σας λέγω ότι από τας χώρας της Ανατολής και της Δυσεως, από όλα τα μέρη της οικουμένης, θα έλθουν πολλοί και θα παρακαθήσουν στο πνευματικόν δείπνον μαζή με τον Αβραάμ και τον Ισαάκ και τον Ιακώβ εις την βασιλείαν των ουρανών. Οι δε κληρονόμοι της βασιλείας των ουρανών, (οι απόγονοι δηλαδή των πατριαρχών, που έχουν τας επαγγελίας του Θεού), θα εκδιωχθούν και θα ριφθούν στο πυκνότατον σκότος του Αδου. Εκεί θα είναι ο κλαυθμός και το τρίξιμο των οδόντων. Και είπεν ο Ιησούς στον εκατόνταρχον πήγαινε και όπως επίστευσες, ότι δηλαδή ημπορώ με ένα μου λόγον να θεραπεύσω τον δούλον σου, ας γίνη προς χάριν σου. Και πράγματι εθεραπεύθη ο δούλος του αμέσως κατά την ώρα εκείνην. The Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13 At that time, as Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; be it done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment. 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, 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 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, 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! 7

8 SAINTS AND FEASTS ΟΙ ΠΡΩΤΟΚΟΡΥΦΑΙΟΙ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΙ ΠΕΤΡΟΣ και ΠΑΥΛΟΣ 29 Ιουνίου Ό Πέτρος καταγόταν από τη Βηθσαϊδά της Γαλιλαίος και ήταν γιος του Ιωνά, αδελφός του αποστόλου Ανδρέα του Πρωτοκλήτου και ήταν ψαράδες στη λίμνη Γεννησαρέτ. Είχε νυμφευθεί στην Καπερναούμ, όπου έμενε οικογενειακά, μαζί με την πενθερά του. Ψαράς στο επάγγελμα, ήταν τύπος αυθόρμητος, ορμητικός, και τη ζωή του κοντά στο Χριστό τη μαθαίνουμε από τα τέσσερα Ευαγγέλια, ενώ την αποστολική του δράση, από τις Πράξεις των Αποστόλων. Έγραψε και δύο Καθολικές 'Επιστολές, μέσα στις οποίες, να τι προτρέπει στους χριστιανούς: "Νήψατε, γρηγορήσατε' ό αντίδικος υμών διάβολος ως λέων ωρυόμενος περιπατεί ζητών τίνα καταπίη"1. Δηλαδή εγκρατευθείτε, γίνετε άγρυπνοι και προσεκτικοί. Διότι ό αντίπαλος και κατήγορός σας διάβολος, σαν λιοντάρι πού βρυχάται, περιπατεί με μανία και ζητάει ποιόν να τραβήξει μακριά από την πίστη για να τον καταπιεί. Μετά την Ανάληψη του Κυρίου, ό Πέτρος, δίδαξε το Ευαγγέλιο στην Ιουδαία, στην Αντιόχεια, στον Πόντο, στην Γαλατία, στην Καππαδοκία, στην Ασία και τη Βιθυνία. Κατά την παράδοση (πού σημαίνει ότι δεν είναι απόλυτα Ιστορικά διασταυρωμένο) έφτασε μέχρι τη Ρώμη, όπου επί Νέρωνος (54-68) υπέστη μαρτυρικό θάνατο, αφού τον σταύρωσαν χιαστί, με το κεφάλι προς τα κάτω. Ό δε Παύλος γεννήθηκε στην Ταρσό της Κιλικίας και στην αρχή ήταν σκληρός διώκτης του χριστιανισμού. Όμως, με θαύμα γνώρισε το Χριστό και έγινε ό μεγαλύτερος κήρυκας του Ευαγγελίου, θυσιάζοντας μάλιστα και τη ζωή του γι' αυτό. Ονομάστηκε Απόστολος των Εθνών και τη ζωή με τις περιπέτειές του θα τα δει κανείς, αν μελετήσει τις Πράξεις των Αποστόλων, αλλά και τις 14 Επιστολές του στην Καινή Διαθήκη. Ό Παύλος θέλει κάθε χριστιανός, όπως και ό ίδιος, να αισθάνεται και να λέει: "ζω δε ουκέτι εγώ, ζή δε εν εμοί Χριστός"2. Δηλαδή, δε ζω πλέον εγώ, ό παλαιός άνθρωπος, αλλά ζει μέσα μου ό Χριστός. Και ακόμα, "τα πάντα και εν πόσι Χριστός"3. Να διευθύνει, δηλαδή, όλες τις εκδηλώσεις της ανθρώπινης ζωής μας ό Χριστός. Ό απόστολος Παύλος υπέστη μαρτυρικό θάνατο (χωρίς αυτό να είναι απόλυτα διασταυρωμένο) δι' αποκεφαλισμού στη Ρώμη. Α' Επιστολή Πέτρου, ε' 8. Προς Γαλατάς Προς Κολασσαείς. γ' 11. Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles: Peter, Andrew, James & John the sons of Zebedee, Phillip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Jude the brother of James, Simon & Matthias June 30 The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9). 8

9 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. ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FUTURE GOD PARENTS All Orthodox Christians planning to become a God Parent must be able to recite the Creed by memory. You may recite our Symbol of Faith in either English or Greek. 40-DAYS BABY BLESSING For your convenience we are letting you know that you can make an appointment to church your baby on the 40th day after its birth, no matter what day that might be. There is no reason that you have to inconvenience the mom and the baby, waiting in the back of the Narthex until the priest is available on a Sunday ONLY. Make an appointment to come to church when it is convenient for you at a time that will not disrupt the baby's routine. ANY day you would like. 9am through 6pm by appointment. Bring the entire family or come just with your husband and the baby. Whatever you want. No waiting no inconvenience. More private time with the priest to talk about the future baptism if you wish. Call the office for an appointment. 9

10 Philoptochos News: Thank you to the ladies that donated to the Direct Diocesan District purse drive. We collected 25 purses. The Philoptochos President of Holy Trinity Church, New Rochelle, New York, was very appreciative of our donation. In all 700 purses were donated. They have already been collected and distributed by different organizations. Flip Flops: We are half way to our goal of collecting 50 flip flops for Rainbow Place Women s Shelter in Rockville. Thank you to those families that have already donated. 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. 10

11 STEWARDS Stewardship as of June 28, 2015 The following names are of families who love their God and have renewed their Commitment to the Church Ministries of Sts. Constantine & Helen: Mr. & Mrs. George Ladany Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mercado Mrs. Eleni Retzos Mr. Angelo Tompros Stewardship pamphlets are available in the Narthex of the Church, or you may contact the Church office, and we will gladly send one to you by mail! 11

12 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 12

13 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 13

14 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 14

15 Doing Love - Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey Often we speak about love as if it is a feeling. But if we wait for a feeling of love before loving, we may never learn to love well. The feeling of love is beautiful and life-giving, but our loving cannot be based in that feeling. To love is to think, speak, and act according to the spiritual knowledge that we are infinitely loved by God and called to make that love visible in this world. Mostly we know what the loving thing to do is. When we "do" love, even if others are not able to respond with love, we will discover that our feelings catch up with our acts. "And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9: (NIV) Words That Create Community - from Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey The word is always a word for others. Words need to be heard. When we give words to what we are living, these words need to be received and responded to. A speaker needs a listener. A writer needs a reader. When the flesh - the lived human experience - becomes word, community can develop. When we say, "Let me tell you what we saw. Come and listen to what we did. Sit down and let me explain to you what happened to us. Wait until you hear whom we met," we call people together and make our lives into lives for others. The word brings us together and calls us into community. When the flesh becomes word, our bodies become part of a body of people. For further reflection.."only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." - Deuteronomy 4: 9 15

16 All Youth Ministry & Catechetical Ministry Volunteers: The ecclesiastical year of has come to a close. As per the covenant, all volunteers for Youth and Catechetical Ministries were appointed for a one year duration. On behalf of the Parish Council and the entire family of Saints Constantine and Helen we thank you for your love and devotion, but above all for your self-sacrifice. If you are interested in serving in a specific ministry for the ecclesiastical year please send an request to Father Michael, or schedule an appointment to discuss what opportunities are available and what would be the best way for you to volunteer in serving our God. All requests must be submitted by July 1, Thank you for your love and devotion, With prayers and love, Father Michael fm@papouli.net or (301)

17 CELEBRATIONS, BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES 65th Wedding Anniversary Congratulations to Helen & George Stathopoulos who celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on June 24, 2015! One by one each year flew by, since you both said 'I do' 65 years of memories, shared by the two of you. From big events and holidays, to simple daily pleasures. Some tearful times along life s way, some joys that can t be measured. One by one each year now gone, but still they re yours forever each and every memory! Happy Anniversary. 17

18 YOUTH MINISTRY OUR GOYANS END OF THE YEAR TRIP TO HERSHEY PARK, PA!! 18

19 A Brief Commentary on How Christians Ought to Make the Sign of the Cross over Their Faces Patriarch Macarius of Antioch This has two explanations. The first one is as follows. The Holy Fathers prescribed making the Sign of the Cross in the following way. First, the person intending to pray must gather together the three fingers of his right hand (three, in reference to the Holy Trinity) the thumb and the two fingers adjacent to it. Then, he must raise them to the upper part of his head and place them on his forehead. Then, he should bring them down and place them on his abdomen. Then, he should raise them again and place them on his right shoulder. Then, he should raise them from there and place them on his left shoulder. After that, he should bring them down. When a person places these three fingers on his forehead he should say, Holy God. When he places them on his abdomen he should say, Holy Mighty. When he places them on his right shoulder he should say, Holy Immortal. Finally, when he places them on his left shoulder and then goes down in prostration he should say, Have mercy on us. Alternatively, when he touches these four parts of his body [with his fingers], he can say, O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and our God or O God, forgive me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. When a person raises these three fingers to the upper part of his head, this signifies Christ s coming down from heaven to earth. When he places them on his abdomen, this signifies Christ s coming down from heaven, dwelling in the Virgin s womb, taking a body from her, and the fact that He was crucified in this body and saved us. When he places his fingers on his right shoulder, this signifies that Christ will count us among the [righteous] standing on His right hand on the Day of Judgment. When he places his fingers on his left shoulder, this signifies that Christ has delivered us from standing with the sinners on His left. The second explanation is the following. When a person gathers these three fingers together, raises them to the upper part of his head, and places them on his forehead, this signifies that Christ our Lord and God came down from heaven to earth for the sake of our salvation and so that we might believe in Him. When a person places his fingers on his abdomen, this signifies that Christ was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, and descended to the lowest reaches of Hades, to save the souls of the righteous who had been undergoing a punishment there in the days of old. It also indicates that He is going to save all those believing in Him and keeping His commandments. When a person places his fingers on his right shoulder, this signifies that Christ ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father, and also that He shall come again to judge the living and the dead. He will make the righteous to stand on His right hand, as He had promised us in the pure Gospel. The sinners, however, will stand on His left. When a worshipper places his three fingers on his left shoulder, this signifies that he is praying to [Christ] and beseeching Him that He will not make him one of the people of the left side but will deem him worthy to stand on His right hand [on the Day of Judgment]. For all these reasons, it is incumbent on every Christian to make the sign of the cross after this fashion, so as to gain all the said benefits, and not to make it in any other way, lest one forfeit the great benefits mentioned above. (Noble, Samuel; Treiger, Alexander [ ]. The Orthodox Church in the Arab World, : An Anthology of Sources [Orthodox Christian] [Kindle Locations ]. Northern Illinois University Press. Kindle Edition) 19

20 The Times, They Are A Changin By: THE PHILLY GREEK-STAKE BLOG Each Sunday we, as good Greek Orthodox Each Sunday we, as good Greek Orthodox Christians, go to Church. We sit, we pray, we sing the hymns, and sometimes we even try to chant along with the psalti (cantor). Well, I just actually hum along with the psalti those Byzantine musical scales are, well, Byzantine. As the liturgy nears the end, the priest will motion the board members to proceed with passing the trays for the weekly monetary donations. In our church its usually two trays passed. After the trays are passed, they take them to the office and are dumped on the table where a group of board members, and guys like me not on the board but who help out, start counting the money. Of course, everyone is counting and the conversations start. A few comments on current events are made and a few jokes here and there. I always find it ironic that the only people that count $1.00 bills on Sunday mornings are bartenders, strippers, Greek musicians, and church board members! Maybe not in that order. The first thing you notice when you are counting the donations is the denominations of the cash. The majority of the money is the customary $1.00 bill. These are usually given by the elderly, children, those parishioners who are in church every Sunday, and those that may attend church services once or twice a year and don t understand what money it takes to run a church community, but throw in a buck or two because they have to people are watching. Sometimes you find a few $5.00, $10.00, and even an occasional $20.00 bill, then you see it wow, a $100 bill! You know the person who threw in that amount is looking for some redemption. Maybe they are praying for forgiveness about something they are starting to feel guilty about or merely giving thanks for something. We ll never know. But then you see a couple of $100 bills stuck together. One time there were five $100 bills together. Hallelujah, that person was definitely trying to find religion or hit the lottery and needed to share the wealth. God Bless him or her! Then there are the bored souls. You can spot them a mile away. They re either staring into space not really paying attention to the liturgy or the sermon, looking this way and that way, but you can see their fingers working. They usually take a $1.00 bill and start folding it up into little folds until they can t fold it any more. Do they unravel it when it comes time to throw it in the tray? Of course not. They just throw it in like a used piece of paper and we end up spending time trying to unravel it. What is worse than that are the really bored, but creative ones who make Origami figures out of the bills really? I m starting to hate Origami cranes. Some parishioners write things on their bills such as, God Bless You, Sorry, that s all I have, or, Thank you, Lord, for thinkin bout me, I m alive 20

21 and doin fine. Okay, I ve never read that one but it s from the Five Man Electrical Band s 1970 song Signs, and I thought it would fit right in with the story. People also write checks for $5.00. I m starting to see more of them now. We use to look funny at checks because most of our parishioners had businesses that dealt with cash. Not anymore. Even those businesses that were traditionally cash businesses have gone over to the credit cards and if I were a betting man, I would bet that the church could make a ton of money if the board members had a portable credit card swipe for their cell phones. Could you imagine walking down the aisles between the pews? $5.00, sir? Swipe here and press enter. Thank you and God Bless you. People in Greece don t understand the concept of donations to the church. Here, in America and Canada, it is the foundation for the survival of our churches. The Greek Orthodox churches are incorporated by the people, built by the sweat and money of the people, and financially sustained by the people. Do you know what it cost to run a church? I have heard people say, I hate that the church has become a business, or, what do they do with all that money. You should take the time to find out. You would be surprised and shocked what it takes to run a church. Our churches don t run on prayers. Our churches don t exist because of good thoughts. When we walk in to our church, the moment we open the door and step in, we are using items that need to be paid for, just like your house or business. Electricity so that we can see. Gas so we have heat in the winter. Water so we can cook, clean, and do other things. Telephone and internet so we can stay in touch with the modern world. Insurance in case someone falls or there is hail storm and the building is damaged. Maintenance fees to keep the buildings in shape. Employees who take care of the day to day operation, including our priests, psalti, secretaries, Greek school teachers, and all the taxes that go along with paying those employees. Mortgages to the bank because the people wanted to build but didn t have the money. And candles so we can pray. I know of some churches with budgets of almost $1,000,000 and other of less than $150,000. I was shocked to learn, when I was a solicitor for a small Borough in Pennsylvania, that our church budget was larger than the Borough s budget!! But it is us, the parishioners, who help sustain the churches with our donations, whether monetary or other. So next time the tray is passed your way, help in any way you can and know that your donations are being used so you have a place to pray. An, please stop making those Origami cranes!!! 21

22 QUOTE OF THE WEEK That we should always blame ourselves Part 1 of 5 St. Anthony the Great affirms: If a person places the burden on himself, he finds rest. The moment he casts it on someone else, he will feel troubled internally. Try it when the opportunity arises. If, during a temptation, you blame the other person, internally you will feel troubled, distressed a mess! On the other hand, as soon as you think: The other person is not at fault, I am to blame. Why am I speaking about another person? Have I forgotten who I am? I have made so many mistakes and sins hence, I should not be speaking at all, you will feel as if you are landing on solid ground and are no longer in danger of falling. Whereas previously, when you were soaring high, you were fearful and uneasy: I am about to fall at any moment. Once you descend low, and set foot on solid ground, you no longer have anything to fear. St. Kosmas Aitolos Bookstore BOOKSTORE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 10am-4pm Εμπειρίες κατά την Θεία Λειτουργία- $35.00 Το "Πιστεύω" ως Γνώσις και βίωμα της Ορθοδόξου Πίστεως $35.00 Το βιβλίο είναι ερμηνεία στη Θεία Λειτουργία μέσα από διακόσια (200) και πλέον πραγματικά γεγονότα και εμπειρίες Αγίων, Ιερέων, Μοναχών και πιστών που καταγράφονται σ αυτό. Το βιβλίο αναφέρεται στο Σύμβολο της Πίστεως και είναι ένα βοήθημα που με απλό, κατανοητό και βιωματικό τρόπο δίνει στον κάθε πιστό Χριστιανό να κατανοήσει τις αλήθειες-δόγματα της Πίστεώς μας. 22

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25 SUMMER DINNER THEATRE 2015 Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland PRESENTS: LEGALLY BLONDE-The Musical Join the Philoptochos of Sts. Constantine & Helen,WDC Sunday, July 26 Matinee & Show Doors open 12:30PM & show begins 2PM Tickets for Show & Buffet $49.99 ADULT $ & UNDER Rsvp to Helen Thornberg no later than June 22nd to guarantee seats together! or by 25

26 OLI MAZI! Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC Temporary Church Address: St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD Office Address: 701 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD Phone: (240) office@schgocdc.org Website: Reverend Father Michael J. Eaccarino, Presiding Priest Cell Phone: (301) & fm@papouli.net We welcome all visitors among us always! We hope you find our worship true and reverent and our people here friendly and cordial. If you are seeking a spiritual home, we would be honored by your presence in our family. We are glad you chose to worship with us today. ALTAR BOYS Paul R. Zayas roberto.zayas81@gmail.com STEWARDSHIP Sotirios Nasios snasios@yahoo.com CHOIR Dr. Theodore Papaloizos ted@greek123.com YOUTH MINISTRY Elias Mavromatis eblackeye@hotmail.com CATECHETICAL MINISTRY Tara Kavadias tarakavadias@yahoo.com Assisted By: Voula Vithoulkas voulavithoulkas@gmail.com YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAL) Viktoria Taroudaki Victoria.taroudaki@gmail.com GREEK LANGUAGE MINISTRY Ifigenia Kambanis agkambanis@msn.com & Erini Iatrou eirini.iatrou@gmail.com JR. HIGH MINISTRY (Jr. GOYA) SR. HIGH MINSTRY (Sr. GOYA) GREEK DANCE MINISTRY Elaine Romas eromas@verizon.net Kristina Maria Paspalis kmpaspalis@gmail.com YOUNG AT HEART Helen Thornberg bwt602r@aol.com & Christina Clifton Christina.Clifton@verizon.net 26 PHILOPTOCHOS Paraskevoula Hays voulaphilo@landmark.org HOPE & JOY Athanasia Raptis (301) & Maria Poulakis maria.poulakis7@gmail.com

27 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) YOUR PRIEST IS AVAILABLE TO YOU Protocol Number 24/7! 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) Please call or text FM s cell phone ( ) or (fm@papouli.net) for anything you might need, including 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, appointments, the Day, Afternoon, questions and Church Schools, or any the Philoptochos special Sisterhoods, events. the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Fr. Michael: (301) 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, Ο ΙΕΡΕΥΣ youth, and families ΣΑΣ in need. ΕΙΝΑΙ Serving Orthodox ΣΤΗ children ΔΙΑΘΕΣΗ from throughout ΣΑΣ the United 24/7. States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. Παρακαλώ να τον καλείτε στο κινητό τηλέφωνο για οτι This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s command θελετε. to let the Σας children ευχαριστούμε! 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 27