TONIGHT 6:00pm Vespers of Forgiveness Come and let us reunite Let us begin the Holy & Great Fast in love

Transcript

1 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC Forgiveness Sunday February 22, 2015 TONIGHT 6:00pm Vespers of Forgiveness Come and let us reunite Let us begin the Holy & Great Fast in love ΑΠΟΨΕ 6:00 μμ Εσπερινός της Συγχώρεσης Ελάτε να ενωθούμε καί να αρχίσουμε την Αγια και Μεγάλη Νηστεία αγαπημένοι

2 Are these services of Holy and Great Lent on your daily calendar? Have you made an appointment to be there? Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Evenings: Great Compline-6:00pm At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Wednesday Evening: 9th Hour 5:30pm-Presanctified Liturgy-6:00pm At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Friday Morning: 9th Hour 8:30am-Presanctified Liturgy-9:00am At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Friday Evening: Salutations to the Theotokos-7:00pm At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Είναι αυτές οι Λειτουργίες της Μεγάλης Σαρακοστής στο ημερολόγιό σας? Έχετε σχεδιάσει να ήσαστε εκεί καθημερινώς? Δευτέρα, Τρίτη και Πέμπτη: Απόδειπνο το Μέγα-6:00μμ At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Τέτάρτη: Ενάτη Ωρα 5:30μμ Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία-6:00μμ At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Παρασκευή: Ενάτη Ωρα 8:30πμ-Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 9:00πμ At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Παρασκευή: Χαιρετισμοί στην Θεοτόκο -7:00μμ At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 2

3 Forgive Me! Συγχώρησέ Με! Dear loved ones, TODAY! We begin our Great Lenten Journey Our entire daily routine is set to change. A road lies before us and in the distance is the bright light of Pascha, the Resurrection of our Lord. But first we must prepare ourselves for the Great Feast. Come join all of your brothers and sisters in the Church at 6:00pm on February 22nd for the Vespers of Forgiveness. Let us join in an embrace filled with tears as we ask one another for forgiveness for those things that have created a chasm between each one of us and which has lead us to separate ourselves from our God. Let us reunite as one community without distinctions or separations. We are one family! With all of my love and prayers and asking your forgiveness in anticipation of this most sacred moment, I remain your loving priest, Father Michael Forgive Me! Συγχώρησέ Με! Αγαπημένοι μας, Την Κυριακή, 22 Φεβρουαρίου, αρχίζουμε τη Σαρακοστιανή μας πορεία Η καθημερινή μας ρουτίνα θα αλλάξει εξ ολοκλήρου. Ένας δρόμος ανοίγεται μπροστά μας και στο τέλος του είναι το λαμπρό φως του Πάσχα, η Ανάσταση του Κυρίου μας. Αλλά πρώτα θα πρέπει να προετοιμαστούμε για τη μεγάλη γιορτή. Ελάτε και ενωθείτε με τους αδελφούς σας στον Ναό στις 6:00 μ.μ. στις 22 Φεβρουαρίου για τον Εσπερινό της Συγχώρεσης. Ας αγκαλιαστούμε με δάκρυα στα μάτια, και να ζητήσουμε συγνώμη ο ένας από τον άλλον γιά όλα αυτά που δημιούργησαν το χάσμα μεταξύ μας και μας οδήγησε να χωριστούμε από τον Θεό μας. Ας συγκεντρωθούμε σαν μία Κοινότητα χωρίς διακρίσεις ή διαχωρισμούς. Είμαστε μία οικογένεια! Με όλη μου την αγάπη και τις προσευχές και ζητώντας την συγγνώμη σας εν αναμονή αυτής της πιο ιερής στιγμής, Π. Μιχαήλ 3

4 YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον / Ἠχος δʹ Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion/Mode 4 When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world. 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. 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/πλ. βʹ Τῆς σοφίας ὁδηγέ, φρονήσεως χορηγέ, τῶν ἀφρόνων παιδευτά, καὶ πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστά, στήριξον, συνέτισον τὴν καρδίαν μου Δέσποτα. Σὺ δίδου μοι λόγον, ὁ τοῦ Πατρός Λόγος ἰδοὺ γὰρ τὰ χείλη μου, οὐ μὴ κωλύσω ἐν τῷ κράζειν σοι Ἐλεῆμον, ἐλέησόν με τὸν παραπεσόντα. Kontakion/Mode pl. 2 O guide to wisdom, provider of prudence, disciplinarian of fools, and defender of the poor, fortify and discipline my heart, O Master; You, give me a word, O Word of the Father. For behold, I will not hinder my lips from crying to You: O merciful Lord, have mercy on me who have fallen. 4

5 Πρὸς Ρωμαίους 13:11-14; 14:1-4 Προκείμενον. Ἦχος πλ δ. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. Αποστολος Στα Νεα Ελληνικα: Και τουτο ειδοτες τον καιρον οτι ωρα ημας ηδη εξ υπνου εγερθηναι νυν γαρ εγγυτερον ημων η σωτηρια η οτε επιστευσαμεν η νυξ προεκοψεν η δε ημερα ηγγικεν αποθωμεθα ουν τα εργα του σκοτους και ενδυσωμεθα τα οπλα του φωτος ως εν ημερα ευσχημονως περιπατησωμεν μη κωμοις και μεθαις μη κοιταις και ασελγειαις μη εριδι και ζηλω αλλ ενδυσασθε τον κυριον ιησουν χριστον και της σαρκος προνοιαν μη ποιεισθε εις επιθυμιας τον δε ασθενουντα τη πιστει προσλαμβανεσθε μη εις διακρισεις διαλογισμων ος μεν πιστευει φαγειν παντα ο δε ασθενων λαχανα εσθιει ο εσθιων τον μη εσθιοντα μη εξουθενειτω και ο μη εσθιων τον εσθιοντα μη κρινετω ο θεος γαρ αυτον προσελαβετο συ τις ει ο κρινων αλλοτριον οικετην τω ιδιω κυριω στηκει η πιπτει σταθησεται δε δυνατος γαρ εστιν ο θεος στησαι αυτον EPISTLE St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 4. Psalm 75.11,1 Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them. Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel. Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand. 5

6 ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα: ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 6:14-21 Εαν γαρ αφητε τοις ανθρωποις τα παραπτωματα αυτων αφησει και υμιν ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος εαν δε μη αφητε τοις ανθρωποις τα παραπτωματα αυτων ουδε ο πατηρ υμων αφησει τα παραπτωματα υμων οταν δε νηστευητε μη γινεσθε ωσπερ οι υποκριται σκυθρωποι αφανιζουσιν γαρ τα προσωπα αυτων οπως φανωσιν τοις ανθρωποις νηστευοντες αμην λεγω υμιν οτι απεχουσιν τον μισθον αυτων συ δε νηστευων αλειψαι σου την κεφαλην και το προσωπον σου νιψαι οπως μη φανης τοις ανθρωποις νηστευων αλλα τω πατρι σου τω εν τω κρυπτω και ο πατηρ σου ο βλεπων εν τω κρυπτω αποδωσει σοι εν τω φανερω μη θησαυριζετε υμιν θησαυρους επι της γης οπου σης και βρωσις αφανιζει και οπου κλεπται διορυσσουσιν και κλεπτουσιν θησαυριζετε δε υμιν θησαυρους εν ουρανω οπου ουτε σης ουτε βρωσις αφανιζει και οπου κλεπται ου διορυσσουσιν ουδε κλεπτουσιν οπου γαρ εστιν ο θησαυρος υμων εκει εσται και η καρδια υμων 6

7 GOSPEL Forgiveness Sunday The Gospel of Matthew 6:14-21 The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 7

8 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 8

9 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! 9

10 SAINTS AND FEASTS First & Second Finding of the Venerable Head of John the Baptist February 24 The first finding came to pass during the middle years of the fourth century, through a revelation of the holy Forerunner to two monks, who came to Jerusalem to worship our Saviour's Tomb. One of them took the venerable head in a clay jar to Emesa in Syria. After his death it went from the hands of one person to another, until it came into the possession of a certain priest-monk named Eustathius, an Arian. Because he ascribed to his own false belief the miracles wrought through the relic of the holy Baptist, he was driven from the cave in which he dwelt, and by dispensation forsook the holy head, which was again made known through a revelation of Saint John, and was found in a water jar, about the year 430, in the days of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger, when Uranius was Bishop of Emesa. First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro February 28 Julian the Apostate, knowing that the Christians purify themselves by fasting most of all during the first week of the Fast -- which is why we call it Clean Week -- planned to defile them especially at that time. Therefore he secretly commanded that during those days the markets be filled with foods that had been defiled with the blood of animals offered in sacrifice to idols. But by divine command the Martyr Theodore (see Feb. 17) appeared during sleep to Eudoxius, then Archbishop of Constantinople. The Saint revealed to him the tyrant's plan, then told him to call the faithful together immediately on Monday morning and prevent them from purchasing those foods, but rather to make kollyva to supply their needs. The bishop asked what kollyva might be, and the Saint answered, "Kollyva is what we call boiled wheat in Euchaita." Thus, the purpose of the Apostate was brought to nought, and the pious people who were preserved undefiled for the whole of Clean Week, rendered thanks to the Martyr on this Saturday, and celebrated his commemoration with kollyva. These things took place in 362. Wherefore, the Church keeps this commemoration each year to the glory of God and the honour of the Martyr. 10

11 MEMORIAL SERVICE 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 Mr. keeping John with our W. Lord s Cheakalos, command beloved to let the husband children come of Mary to me. Cheakalos. This is accomplished Devoted through father this William ministry by bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for the children and youth at Saint (Janine) Cheakalos, Irene (Ernie) Koutras, James (Betsy) Cheakalos. Adored grandfather of Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, Louis, and in worship, Alexander, the students Samantha, encounter Johnny, Christ Peter and His and abundant Stephanie. and comforting May his love. memory be eternal. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the Mr. beautiful Elias campus, P. Kalamoutsos, in a nurturing environment beloved husband of prayer of and Eleni grace, Kalamoutsos. they are led in the Loving path of truth father and of Panagiotis love. They are & shown Vasilios the blessings Kalamoutsos. of the life Adored in Christ, brother how to follow of Irene His (Pete) will and Chapin. to find strength Cherished and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. uncle of many nieces and nephews. 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 Today s he guided them coffee in truth hour and is love offered through in teaching memory and preaching, of Mr. John as a faithful W. Cheakalos and caring pastor, and to Mr. their Elias Savior P. Kalamoutsos and Redeemer. with This is love also from our calling their today. families. In our May support their for memory Saint Basil be Academy, eternal! 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 FUTURE MEMORIALS 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! March 8, 2015 Mr. Spyros Passas 5 Years March 8, 2015 Mr. Demetrios Zibragos 40 Days With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 11

12 PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the church office. Maria, Simeon, Nikitas, Andreas, Constantine, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Louis, Fr. Peter, Kathy, Kalliope, Maria, Chris, John, Georgia, Jennie, Dean, Chrisanthi, Aziz and Sohila. PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your onlybegotten 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. 12

13 Philoptochos News: The next general meeting of Philoptochos will be Sunday, March 1, 2015 following coffee hour. Please join us!! GOYA: Great Lent Retreat on March, 28th & 29th at Skycroft Retreat Center. Registration Forms and Payments are due no later then March 1st. The More You Know Visitation: Not everyone has . Not everyone has the ability to come to church on Sundays. The place of the priest is primarily in front of the altar then he should be in your home or business not sitting in his office. I am inviting myself to your home/apartment to share with you the good news of our parish. Please contact Father Michael at (301) 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. House Blessings: Father Michael is available for House Blessings at your convenience. Please call/text at or fm@papouli.net to set up an appointment. 13

14 Apokriatiko Glendi Thank You! Co-chairpersons, Voula Vithoulkas and Peggy Nathenas would like to thank our Parish family, friends and GOYAn s for all their hard work in making this a successful event. We thank you for all your donations including, food, pastries, beverage and monetary donations. Thank you to everyone who helped us set up, serve the food and helped us clean up. It was truly a community bonding evening! Kali Sarakosti.. 14

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16 STEWARDS STEWARDSHIP AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 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. Demetre Koutras Mr. & Mrs. James Moshovitis Mrs. Louis J. Tiches Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Triantis Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Wells 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! 16

17 Joy is Yours By Jim Burns Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Did you know that over 500 times in the Bible we are commanded to rejoice? The Living Bible says, Be full of joy. Every morning I repeat a particular verse in the Psalms to myself. In fact some mornings I say it while looking in the mirror, because I don t feel joyful. Nevertheless, this verse is forever true and always helpful. Here it is: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). The truth of that Psalm helps me get my day started on the right track. I have found that if I start my day rejoicing in the Lord, my day will be full of joy. A great preacher once said, The surest mark of a Christian is not faith or even love but joy. Did you know that Jesus came to give you joy, a deep, overflowing joy that only comes from God? Jesus said, I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (John 15:11). God s kind of joy is not a giddy, superficial good feeling. Rather, His joy runs deep. Even during the tough times it prevails in your soul. GOING DEEPER: 1. Why do you think the writer of Philippians repeats himself in verse 4:4? 2. Have you ever felt peace or hope in the midst of trials? If you have, then you have experienced joy. What do you think is the connection between rejoicing in the Lord and being filled with joy? FURTHER READING: Romans 12:12; Philippians 3:1 17

18 Loving Your Enemies? GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 By Mike DeVries January 1, 2015 But I tell you who hear me: Love Feast your of enemies, Saint Basil do and good New to Year those who hate you, bless those who curse Let the you, children pray come for those to me, who and mistreat do not hinder you. them; Luke for 6:27-28 to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew Sometimes 19:14) I really don t like what the Bible has to say and often it is not the things I struggle to understand, but the things I do understand. Case in point: Jesus teachings about loving your enemies. For To the all Most I hear Reverend about people Hierarchs, wanting the Reverend to follow Priests the teachings and Deacons, of Jesus, the Monks I find and a disconcerting Nuns, the Presidents reality. and Most of Members us select of the Parish things Councils we want of to the follow Greek or Orthodox the things Communities, that fit into the our Distinguished ideals for life. Archons So, when of the it Ecumenical loving Patriarchate, our enemies, the we Day, might Afternoon, wish Jesus and Church had said: Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the comes to Love Hellenic those Organizations, people who and are the around entire Greek you whom Orthodox you Family can love, in America do good to those who will do good back to you, bless those who are like you and pray for those whom you deem worthy. But, that is not what He Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, said. Instead, Jesus said: If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers your and support coat, do for not the sacred stop him ministry from of taking our beloved your Saint tunic. Basil Give Academy. to everyone For seventy who asks years you, this institution and if anyone of takes our Holy what Archdiocese belongs to has you, offered do not the demand love of Christ, it back. the comfort Do to others of His as presence, you would and the have healing them power do to of you. faith If you to children, love only youth, those and who families love in you, need. what Serving credit Orthodox is it to children you? Even from sinners throughout love the those United who States, love Saint them. If you Basil love Academy those continues who love to you, provide what a caring credit and is that spiritual to you? environment Even sinners where they love are those able who to grow, love learn, them. and And if achieve. you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. (Luke 6:29-33). This vital mission Jesus calls of Saint on us Basil to love Academy, our enemies those carried out by the who directors, hate us, staff, curse trustees and mistreat benefactors, us. These is in are the keeping people with we our are Lord s to love in command our to actions, let the not children just our come words. to me. This is is a accomplished hard teaching through because this it ministry calls us to by go bringing against the the love flow of Christ of culture. to those It calls in need. us to Everything step forward that is and offered do what for the appears children to and be crazy. youth at But Saint therein Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, lies the beauty. To love those who hate us, curse us and mistreat us is to proclaim the kingdom come and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. and diffuse hate with love, for love covers a multitude of sins, both others and ours. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the GOING beautiful campus, DEEPER: in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and 1. How love. They do are you shown struggle the blessings with Jesus of the teaching life Christ, to love how one to another? follow His will and to find strength and assurance Is in there His a promises. specific They person see God the hope, is calling joy, and you power to love? in a life What of faith will and you a lifelong do to demonstrate relationship with love Him. to this 2. person? This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, FURTHER travelers, and READING: many others in Matthew need, offered 5:43-48; an encounter Luke 6:34-36; with Christ Romans by taking 12:9-21 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 18

19 Αν θέλεις να σε συγχωρούν οι άλλοι, συγχώρησε τους άλλους πρώτος εσύ (Γέροντας Ιάκωβος Τσαλίκης) Μορφωμένος άνθρωπος ο κ. Σταύρος. Με πτυχίο πανεπιστημίου και ξένες γλώσσες και πείρα ζωής. Δυσκολευόταν, όμως, στα πνευματικά. Δεν μπορούσε να καταλάβει και τα πιο απλά πράγματα. Όλα τα εξέταζε και τα πλησίαζε ορθολογιστικά. Είχε αναπτύξει το νου και όχι την καρδιά. Δεν ήταν πρόθυμος να συγχωρήσει εύκολα τους άλλους. Ειδικά αυτούς που έβλεπε κατώτερους και εμπαθείς. Καθόταν τώρα απέναντι από τον Γέροντα Ιάκωβο, έναν ασκητικό ιερομόναχο, με ροζιασμένα χέρια και ένοιωθε σαν μαθητούδι μπροστά στον δάσκαλο. Ερωτήσεις πολλές. Αντιρρήσεις περισσότερες. Αλλά και οι απαντήσεις σοφές και αποκαλυπτικές. Ρώτησε τον Γέροντα για το σοβαρό (το σοβαρότερο;) θέμα της συγχωρήσεως των άλλων ανθρώπων, που δυσκολευόταν να το κατανοήσει: Αφού βλέπω καθαρά και ολοφάνερα τον άλλον να αμαρτάνει, πως να τον συγχωρήσω; Δεν έχω δίκιο; Όλους μας βλέπει ο Θεός αδιάκοπα και ξέρει καθαρά και ολοφάνερα ότι αμαρτάνουμε. Γιατί μας συγχωρεί και μας ανέχεται και μας περιμένει να μετανοήσουμε και να ζητήσουμε άφεση αμαρτιών; Πάλι δεν σας καταλαβαίνω, πάτερ μου. Τι πρέπει να κάνουμε; Να πούμε στην αμαρτία μπράβο; Να την επαινέσουμε σιωπώντας; Ποτέ δεν πρέπει να επαινούμε την αμαρτία, είπε ο π. Ιάκωβος. Συγχωρούμε τον αμαρτωλό και όχι την αμαρτία. Εάν δεν κάνουμε αυτήν την διάκριση, αυτό το διαχωρισμό 19

20 μεταξύ αμαρτίας και αμαρτωλού, θα βρισκόμαστε πάντοτε σε λάθος δρόμο. Τότε, τι πρέπει να κάνουμε; Πώς να αντιμετωπίζουμε αυτό το θέμα; Έχεις δει τους σιδεράδες, που μαστορεύουν τα σίδερα; Δεν τα πιάνουν τα αναμμένα σίδερα με τα χέρια τους, γιατί θα καούν, εξήγησε ο Γέροντας. Έχουν ειδικές τσιμπίδες και δαγκάνες και έτσι τα πλησιάζουν και τα μαστορεύουν. Το ίδιο πρέπει να κάνουμε και για κάθε πρόβλημα και για κάθε θέμα, που πλησιάζουμε. Να έχουμε τα κατάλληλα εργαλεία και στα πνευματικά θέματα τις κατάλληλες προϋποθέσεις. Αυτό ισχύει και για το θέμα της συγχωρήσεως των άλλων. Μα, πάτερ μου, εγώ έθεσα ένα συγκεκριμένο ζήτημα. Πώς μπορούμε να συγχωρήσουμε κάποιον, που αμάρτησε φανερά και χωρίς καμία δικαιολογία; Εγώ θέλω να μάθω τι πρέπει να κάνω στην περίπτωση αυτή. Το «χωρίς καμιά δικαιολογία» πρέπει να το αφήσουμε στην άκρη, γιατί δεν μπορούμε να ξέρουμε, είπε ο π. Ιάκωβος. Μόνον ο Θεός γνωρίζει τα βάθη της ψυχής του κάθε ανθρώπου. Μόνον Εκείνος ξέρει τι συμβαίνει. Εμείς βλέπουμε απ έξω. Εκείνος βλέπει το από μέσα. Ας θυμηθούμε και την διδασκαλία του Χριστού για τα ποτήρια, όταν μιλούσε για την υποκρισία των Γραμματέων και των Φαρισαίων. Απ έξω φαίνονται καθαρά. Μέσα, όμως, είναι γεμάτα από βρωμιά και αδικία και αρπαγή. Να το πω και με ένα άλλο παράδειγμα. Όταν πηγαίνουμε στο γιατρό να μας θεραπεύσει, δεν του λέμε εμείς τι να κάνει. Εκείνος ξέρει τη δουλειά του. Εμείς απλώς του λέμε ότι πονάμε και σε ποιο μέρος υποφέρουμε. Τη στιγμή, που λέμε «εγώ θέλω» σταματούμε την διαδικασία της γνώσεως, για το θέμα, που πρέπει να μάθουμε. Η αλήθεια μας δίδεται όταν τη ζητήσουμε ταπεινά, όπως ζητούμε την υγεία μας από τον γιατρό. Δεν μπορούμε να διατάξουμε την αλήθεια, άλλα να την παρακαλέσουμε να μας δοθεί, να μας αποκαλυφθεί. Γιατί ή αλήθεια είναι ο Θεός, που δεν μπορούμε να τον διατάξουμε, άλλα μόνον να τον παρακαλέσουμε και να τον αγαπήσουμε. Ναι, πάτερ μου, αλλά τότε τι γίνεται; Αν δεν πω στο γιατρό εγώ τι θέλω πώς θα με εξετάσει και πώς θα με θεραπεύσει; Όχι, όχι, όχι, παιδί μου, αυτό είναι λάθος, ξανάπε ο Γέροντας. Ο γιατρός ξέρει τι θέλεις, όταν τον επισκέπτεσαι. Εσύ το μόνο, που μπορείς να πεις είναι ότι πονάς και σε ποιο σημείο νιώθεις τον πόνο σου. Τα υπόλοιπα είναι δική του δουλειά. Γι αυτό και οι Άγιοι Πατέρες μας συμβουλεύουν να προσευχόμαστε σαν τα μικρά παιδιά, που κλαίνε όταν πονούνε. Και δείχνουνε το μέρος όπου πονάνε. Πάλι δεν το καταλαβαίνω, πάτερ μου, το νόημα των λόγων, που μου λέτε, απάντησε ο κ. Σταύρος. Δεν πονώ εγώ, αλλά θέλω να ξέρω τι στάση, να κρατήσω σε κάποιον, που αμάρτησε φανερά. Θα τον συγχωρήσω ή όχι; Τη συγχώρηση πρέπει να τη δίνουμε σε όλους, όπως κάνει και ο ίδιος ο Θεός. «Βρέχει επί δικαίους και αδίκους», λέγει το Ευαγγέλιον. Διότι όλοι είμαστε αμαρτωλοί και όλοι θα έπρεπε να καταδικασθούμε, για τις αμαρτίες μας, λίγες ή πολλές. Για αυτό πρέπει να συγχωρούμε και να ευχόμαστε στον Θεό να συγχωρήσει και τον αμαρτωλό και εμάς, που αμαρτάνουμε και πολύ συχνά δεν καταλαβαίνουμε τι κάνουμε ή τι δεν κάνουμε. Αν, όμως, είμαστε αδύναμοι πνευματικώς και η συμπεριφορά του άλλου μας επηρεάζει αρνητικά, τότε πρέπει να μη τον κατηγορούμε, αλλά να τον αποφεύγουμε και να μην έχουμε μαζί του συναναστροφές και συνέπειες. Και αν είναι αιρετικός τότε να τον αποφεύγουμε τελείως και να μη τον δεχόμαστε. Γιατί η συντροφιά με τους αιρετικούς είναι επικίνδυνη, μπορεί να μας δηλητηριάσει και να μας θανατώσει πνευματικά. Γενικώς για τους αμαρτωλούς πρέπει να θυμόμαστε τα λόγια του Μ. Βασιλείου: «Φθείρουν ήθη χρηστά ομιλίαι κακαί». Δηλαδή ή συντροφιά με τους αμαρτωλούς μπορεί να φθείρει και τους καλούς χαρακτήρες. 20

21 Αυτό το γνωρίζω, συνέχισε ο κ. Σταύρος, που επέμενε στην γνώμη του. Αυτό, που δεν ξέρω είναι το πώς και το γιατί της συγχωρήσεως των άλλων ανθρώπων. Το πώς μας το είπε ο Χριστός: «Χωρίς εμού ου δύνασθε ποιείν ουδέν» (Ιω. ιε 5). Χρειάζεται η δική του βοήθεια, είπε ο Γέροντας. Για αυτό και πρέπει να ζητούμε συνεχώς την βοήθειά του. Αν εκείνος δεν βοηθήσει, τίποτε καλό δεν μπορούμε να κάνουμε. Όσον για το «γιατί», αυτό μας το λέγει το Ευαγγέλιο: «Εάν γαρ αφήτε τοις ανθρώποις τα παραπτώματα αυτών, αφήσει και υμίν ο Πατήρ υμών ο ουράνιος εάν δε μη αφήτε τοις ανθρώποις τα παραπτώματα αυτών, ουδέ ο πατήρ υμών αφήσει τα παραπτώματα υμών» (Ματθ. στ 14-15). Να γιατί πρέπει να συγχωρούμε τους άλλους, όσον και αν αμάρτησαν. Από την συγχώρηση, αγαπητέ μου, αρχίζει η αγάπη. Διάβασε το ιγ Κεφάλαιο της Α Επιστολής του Αποστόλου Παύλου προς Κορινθίους και τότε θα καταλάβεις το γιατί πρέπει να συγχωρούμε. Την έχω διαβάσει, πάτερ μου, αλλά πάλι αδυνατώ να κατανοήσω τι θέλετε να πείτε με το πώς και το γιατί Τότε θα σου μιλήσω, φίλτατε, με άλλο παράδειγμα, για να γίνω πιο σαφής, ξανάπε ο π. Ιάκωβος. Άνοιξε την δεξιά σου παλάμη από το μέσα μέρος και τέντωσε την όσον μπορείς. Ο κ. Σταύρος τέντωσε την παλάμη του δεξιού του χεριού και περίμενε. Τότε ο Γέροντας πήρε το ποτήρι με το νερό, που βρισκόταν πάνω στο τραπέζι και έριξε λίγο πάνω στην παλάμη του επισκέπτη του. Το νερό, καθώς ήταν φυσικό, κύλησε από το χέρι και χύθηκε κάτω και δεν έμεινε στην ανοιχτή παλάμη ούτε σταγόνα. Τώρα κάνε κούρμπα την παλάμη σου, είπε ο Γέροντας. Τι θα πει κούρμπα, πάτερ μου; Δεν ξέρω την λέξη Κούρμπα στο χωριό μου λένε την καμπύλη, εξήγησε ο π. Ιάκωβος. Κάνε, λοιπόν, την παλάμη σου κυρτή, σαν λακκούβα, όπως παίρνεις το νερό, για να πλυθείς. Υπάκουσε ο κ. Σταύρος και ο Γέροντας έριξε πάλι στην χούφτα του λίγο νερό από το ποτήρι και έμεινε το νερό στο χέρι του κ. Σταύρου. Αυτό είναι, που πρέπει να κάνουμε όταν θέλουμε να μάθουμε μιαν αλήθεια και πιο πολύ όταν θέλουμε να συγχωρήσουμε κάποιον αμαρτωλό, εξήγησε ο π. Ιάκωβος. Σκύβουμε το κεφάλι της λογικής μας μπροστά στην αλήθεια, ταπεινώνουμε τον εαυτό μας, που νομίζει ότι όλα τα ξέρει και όλα μπορεί να τα καταλάβει, ομολογούμε την αδυναμία μας και τότε ο Θεός μας δίνει άφθονη την χάρη του και για να καταλάβουμε και για να ενεργήσουμε σωστά. Αυτό κάνουμε και όταν θέλουμε να συγχωρήσουμε και να πλησιάσουμε τον Χριστό της αγάπης, που συγχωρεί και βοήθα όσους ζητούν ταπεινά την βοήθεια του. Χωρίς ταπείνωση, ούτε τον εαυτόν μας μπορούμε να συγχωρήσουμε και να τον αγαπήσουμε πραγματικά. Αυτό μας δίδαξε ο Χριστός και με την ζωήν και με τον λόγον του. Και αυτό πρέπει να κάνουμε κι εμείς, αν θέλουμε να δούμε «Θεού πρόσωπον». Να ταπεινωθούμε πρώτα μπροστά στον Θεόν, ως αμαρτωλοί που είμαστε και Εκείνος θα μας βοηθήσει να ταπεινωθούμε και μπροστά στους ανθρώπους, να τους συγχωρήσουμε και να καταλάβουμε ότι αλλιώς δεν γίνεται τίποτα. Ο κ. Σταύρος φαίνεται ότι κατάλαβε αυτήν τη φορά και έσκυψε το κεφάλι του μπροστά στον Γέροντα, σαν να ζητούσε συγχώρηση για την διανοητική του έπαρση και την ψυχική του αλαζονεία. Γιατί αυτό το νόσημα της έπαρσης και της αλαζονείας τυφλώνει και ξεστρατίζει την ψυχή του ανθρώπου. Τότε ο π. Ιάκωβος, που είδε διακριτικά την μεταστροφή του επισκέπτη του, θέλησε να βάλει, ωσάν περισπωμένη στο ρήμα «αγαπώ» τον επίλογο της κουβέντας τους, είπε: Ο Χριστός μας έδωσε τον λεγόμενον «χρυσόν κανόνα» ζωής ανάμεσα στους άλλους ανθρώπους: «Πάντα ουν όσα αν θέλητε ίνα ποιώσιν υμίν οι άνθρωποι, ούτω και υμείς ποιείτε αυτοίς ούτος γαρ εστίν ο νόμος και οι προφήται» (Ματθ. ζ 12). Δηλονότι, αν θέλεις να σε συγχωρούν οι άλλοι, συγχώρησε τους άλλους πρώτος εσύ. Αμήν. Πηγή: Ορθόδοξη Δικτυακή Παρουσία 21

22 SATURDAY OF SOULS In Memory of Υπέρ αναπαύσεως ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΝ February 14, 21 & 28, 2015 Please complete the form with the BAPTISMAL FIRST NAMES ONLY of those to be commemorated at the three Saturday of Souls memorial services. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. Please submit names at each Liturgy separately. Σάς παρακαλούμε να συμπληρώσετε την διπλανή σελίδα με τα ονόματα των τεθνεώντων (μόνο το βαπτιστικό όνομα) και να το δώσετε στην εκκλησία ή στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας. Σας παρακαλούμε να φέρνετε καινούργια κατάσταση κάθε βδομάδα ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΩ ΓΡΑΨΕΤΕ ΜΕ ΚΑΘΑΡΑ ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΑ! 22

23 Elder Thaddeus on the Souls of the Dead Q. Fr. Thaddeus, what can you tell us about the souls of the dead? A. We should not mourn the dead but instead pray fervently for our departed loved ones that God may grant them to dwell with the angels. This is what He wants from us. Mourning will get us nowhere. By mourning we not only can destroy our own health but can also harm the peace that the souls of the deceased have received from the Lord. We must pray for our loved ones. We must not be sorrowful and depressed. Excessive sorrow for our loved ones who have left this world is not a Christian act, but an act of godlessness. We prepare ourselves in this life for eternal life. We must be thankful for everything and thank God for taking the souls of our departed loved ones to Himself. If they have departed this world without having repented, we must pray for them that God might forgive their sins. We must perform acts of mercy in their name and in their memory for the peace of their souls, and God will accept such acts of love. Only the Lord can free a soul from meshes of thought in which it became entangled while in this life, and which still bind it in eternity. Only God can free such a soul. Therefore we must pray for our loved ones who are deceased. It is the most we can do: to pray that God grant rest to their souls and to give their baptismal names to priests and hieromonks who serve the Holy Liturgy every day so that they may pray for their souls. Someone once approached Bishop Nikolai [Velimirovich] and asked him, "Will the souls of unrepentant sinners be saved?" He answered, "They will, if there is someone who will pray for them. It is most beneficial for departed souls if Forty Liturgies are served for them and if, after that, someone gives a donation to the church to continue commemorating them at the Holy Liturgy." The Liturgy is, as we know, a Golgothan sacrifice. This means that the Lord Himself is sacrificed at the Holy Liturgy. When a priest takes out the particles from the prosphora for the repose of the departed and after receives Holy Communion, he says, "O Lord, by Thy most pure Blood forgive the sins of all those commemorated today!" As you see, this is the most perfect prayer and the greatest sacrifice that we can offer up for our loved ones who have departed to God. From Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, pp

24 The Preconditions for Canonization Below is an interview by journalist Maria Papavlachou from the website newsbomb.gr with Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou. 1. Question: What are the characteristic features by which the Church chooses who will enter the List of Saints? Answer: First we need to define the meaning of holiness, and what does it mean to be a saint according to our ecclesiastical and theological tradition. A saint is not a good person or even a virtuous person, but someone who exists within the Church with its sacramental and evangelical life, united with Christ, and they feel within them the Grace of Christ. Saint Nicholas Cabasilas says that "they are called holy because of the holy gifts which they partake of, and the body and blood they commune of." Therefore, some characteristic features for a Christian to be numbered in the List of Saints of the Church is: to be a member of the Church, to have a faith that is Orthodox, to have an ecclesiastical mindset, to have love for God and people, to be a martyr or to live a venerable life, and to work miracles, that is, for Christ to work various signs through them. Of course, the phrase used by the Ecumenical Patriarchate is not "making a saint" (ἁγιοποίηση), but "enlisting a saint" (ἁγιοκατάταξη), which means that they are listed in the List of Saints (Ἁγιολόγιο) of the Church. This means that the Ecumenical Patriarchate does not "manufacture" saints, but lists those in the List of Saints that have the traits that I mentioned, which are both recognized by people who knew them or received miraculous intervention from them. This is preceded by their acceptance by the people, followed by the canonization of the Church. The consciousness of the Orthodox peoples plays a big role in the canonization of a Christian. 2. Question: In recent years, have canonizations become more frequent in your opinion? If yes, how do you believe this is beneficial? Answer: Each era has its saints. In all the centuries of the Church there are millions of saints. For example, during the Turkish occupation there emerged hundreds of martyrs, called new martyrs, just like today we have new martyrs in the Middle East. In the Church we meet many people - clergy, monks, laity - who have all the features I mentioned previously, but the Church proceeds to canonize only some people, yet this does not mean that there are not other sanctified people. Therefore, the canonization of some saints recently does not cover the multitude of saints that actually exist. These times are difficult from every side. The media usually only presents what is relevant, but the truth is that there are many people who exist that can be characterized as saints, who may not be openly manifest. This means that despite our many problems today, we should not despair. Source: Ekklesiastiki Paremvasi, "Συνέντευξη: Προϋποθέσεις ἁγιοκατάταξης", January Translated by John Sanidopoulos. 24

25 Alexandroupolis Metropolitan in Favor of GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Religious Tel: (212) Oath Fax: (212) Abolition 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 Abolition our Holy Archdiocese of the religious has offered oath in the courts love of and Christ, inaugurations the comfort of of elected His presence, officials, and the and healing its replacement power of faith by a civil to children, oath, is youth, proposed and families by Metropolitan in need. Serving Anthimos Orthodox of Alexandroupolis children from throughout in northern United Greece. States, A day Saint after Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and new Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras refused to take a religious oath and took a political oath instead, the Alexandroupolis Metropolitan spoke to the Press about his proposal. I feel guilty when I achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in force keeping state with deputies, our Lord s governors command and to let mayors the children to swear come to the to me. Holy This Bible, is accomplished Anthimos said. through He this also ministry stressed that by bringing the religious the love oath of Christ a very to those important in need. matter Everything for those that is who offered believe for the in children God and a youth great at parody Saint to those Basil s who is offered don t. in Referring the name and to presence the origin of Christ. of the religious In daily care, oath, in counseling Anthimos and explained teaching, that in recreation, after Greece was and liberated in worship, from the students the Ottoman encounter occupation, Christ and the His newly abundant built and Greek comforting state needed love. to find a way to turn the uneducated Saint Basil Academy rebels to is citizens. also a place The where religious the lives oath of was the children borrowed and youth from are the guided Greek in Christ. Church On to the add importance beautiful to campus, official in procedures. a nurturing environment The swearing-in of prayer ceremony and grace, was they established are led in the for path state of officials truth and and public sector love. employees. They are shown Also, the the blessings religious of the oath life was in Christ, put in how use to in follow courts. His Although will and to the find Bible strength prohibits and assurance the in oath, His promises. the Greek They Church see the deemed hope, joy, it necessary and power for in a the life establishment of faith and a lifelong of the relationship new Greek with state. Him. The the use of This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis suggested the replacement of the religious oath by a civil oath. We travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others should swear to our honor and our conscience; we either have them or we don t, he said. Many people and believe Redeemer. that This the religious is also our oath calling should today. be In abolished. our support People for Saint in Basil swearing-in Academy, ceremonies we are led surely by our Ladies perjure he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior most Philoptochos of the time Society For and us our Christians, local Philoptochos the invocation chapters in of collecting the Holy an Trinity offering is and very in the serious celebration business, of the he said. cutting In of courts, the Vasilopeta. people We put are their also hand led by on Christ the Holy and by Bible the example with such of Saint ease Basil of conscience. to fulfill the The command oath is of a terrible our Lord thing and let for the those children who come believe. to me. For In those your who ministry do in not the believe parish and is a in travesty. your daily What life in worries Christ, me you is are the sin called that to burdens offer Him the and one guide who others swears. to an encounter Metropolitan with the Ambrosios Lord that will of Kalavyta lead to abundant and Aigialeias and eternal life. decries Alexis On this Tsipras day may for we offer refusing our prayers religious and generous oath. Meanwhile, support for Saint Metropolitan Basil Academy. Ambrosios May we of strengthen Kalavryta this and Aigialeias vital work decried to children the and new youth Greek in fulfilling PM s choice. the request Greece of our used Lord to and be in a honoring Christian the state legacy and of now all who its have Christian established identity and is supported eliminated, this ministry Ambrosios in the wrote past seventy in his years. personal May you blog. also The receive Metropolitan the abundant also and rich added, blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! Greeks voted Mr. Alexis Tsipras for Prime Minister of Greece, ie a public official, who a) lives with a companion, as they say in mass media, and not a wife, i.e. with a woman he is not married to in With paternal love in Christ, church, DEMETRIOS b) has not baptized his children in a Christian baptism ceremony and c) as Prime Minister, with great Archbishop arrogance, of America refuses to take a religious oath! It is the first time this is happening in the history of Greece! GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 25

26 YOUTH MINISTRY GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Ο όσιος Παΐσιος για την παιδική ψυχολογία Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) Γέροντα, το παιδί ενός γνωστού μου κάνει συνέχεια σκανταλιές, φωνάζει, χτυπάει. Τι To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members φταίει; τι of the να Parish κάνει; 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 Κοίταξε, δεν φταίνε τα παιδιά. Σήμερα τα έχουν κλεισμένα μέσα στα διαμερίσματα και δεν έχουν χώρο να τρέξουν, να παίξουν. Ζορίζονται τα παιδιά. Δεν μπορούν να κινηθούν, να εκτονώσουν την ζωηράδα τους. Τρελλαίνονται, μετά χτυπάν το κεφάλι τους στον τοίχο! Τα Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, παιδιά On this blessed για να Feast μεγαλώσουν of Saint Basil φυσιολογικά and the beginning θέλουν of the New αυλή! Year, Δηλαδή our honored γέροντα, tradition is τα to παιδιά offer prayers στα and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our διαμερίσματα Holy Archdiocese αποκτούν has offered ψυχολογικά the love of προβλήματα; 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 Έμ, to offer εάν Him ζορίζεται, and guide others πιέζεται. to an encounter Πολύ καλύτερα with the Lord να that υπάρχη will lead μια to abundant αυλή! and Αυτό eternal είναι life. το On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this φυσιολογικό. vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established Βλέπεις, αν and πάς supported σε κάποιο this ministry σπίτι in the που past έχει seventy παιδιά years. και May τα you βρεις also receive όλα τακτοποιημένα, the abundant and rich στην blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! εντέλεια, αυτό δεν είναι καλό. Σημαίνει στρατιωτική πειθαρχία, υπάρχει φόβος μέσα στην With ψυχή paternal των παιδιών. love in Christ, Καλύτερα είναι να ασχολείται η μάννα με την ανατροφή των παιδιών, να DEMETRIOS τους μιλάει, να τους διαβάζει για τους αγίους, για το Χριστό, παρά να ασχολείται με την Archbishop τακτοποίηση of America και τα άψυχα πράγματα. GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 26

27 YOUTH MINISTRY (cont.) GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January *** 1, 2015 Σε έναν καθηγητή είπε: 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) Όταν αποκτήσεις δικά σου παιδιά θα τα καταλαβαίνεις καλύτερα τα παιδιά στο σχολείο. Όταν κανείς τ αγαπάει τα παιδιά, και όταν τα μαλώνει με καλωσύνη, το δέχονται τα παιδιά το καταλαβαίνουν αυτό! 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 Να μην δημιουργούνται αντιπάθειες στην ψυχή του καθηγητή με τα παιδιά. Και όταν μας κάνουν τη ζωή δύσκολη να γνωρίζετε ότι φταίτε. Δηλαδή τώρα ξεπληρώνετε αυτά που κάνατε άλλοτε. 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! Σήμερα έχει γίνει ένα μεγάλο άλμα και δεν καταλαβαίνουν οι γονείς τα παιδιά και τα παιδιά τους γονείς. Πρέπει να μπει κανείς στη θέση του άλλου και μετά θα συνεννοηθούν. Πρέπει να τα δένουμε τα παιδιά, αλλά μαλακά. Να εγώ τις ντομάτες μου τις έδεσα με κορδέλλες. Αν τις έδενα με σύρμα τι θα γινόταν; Δεν θα τραυματίζονταν; Φταίνε σήμερα και πολλές Χριστιανικές οικογένειες. «Εγώ εντάξει, τάσφιξα τα παιδιά μου, όχι σαν τα παιδιά του κόσμου και κοιμάμαι ήσυχος». Δεν είναι ότι τάσφιξε, έστω και παραπάνω από αδιακρισία, αλλά γιατί τόκανε. Αν τόκανε από φόβο για την αμαρτία, να τα γλυτώσει από την κόλαση, από φόβο Θεού, βοηθάει ο Θεός και δεν παθαίνει τίποτα το παιδί. Αν είναι από εγωισμό; Αν όμως γίνεται από νοοτροπία (Το δικό μου το παιδί δεν τόκανε αυτό;;!!). Ε, τότε δεν βοηθάει ο Θεός για να διορθώσει τους γονείς. Γέροντα, σκέφτομαι στο καινούργιο σπίτι που θα χτίσω, στον κάτω όροφο να κάνω δύο διαμερισματάκια για τους γονείς και τα πεθερικά μου. Είναι καλά έτσι; Ναι, πολύ καλά!! Μπράβο που το σκέφτηκες. Είναι μεγάλη ευλογία από το Θεό να κοιτάει κανείς τους γονείς του. Κι αν δεν σου φτάνουν τα λεφτά για το σπίτι θα βγάλω μια «απανταχούσα» και θα γυρίσω γύρω-γύρω το Άγιον Όρος για να σου φέρω. (Είχα λογισμό ότι δεν φτάνουν τα χρήματα, δεν είπα τίποτα, μόνος το κατάλαβε). With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 27

28 YOUTH MINISTRY (cont.) GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January *** 1, 2015 Γέροντα τα παιδιά πρέπει να τα Feast δέρνουμε of Saint όταν Basil and κάνουν New αταξίες; Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) Να τα δέρνετε; πολύ ή λίγο; (Γελάει). Κοιτάξτε να δείτε και ο φόβος είναι φρένο και γλυτώνει το παιδί από πολλά, όταν δεν καταλαβαίνει. Ας To the πούμε Most ότι Reverend το παιδί Hierarchs, ανεβαίνει the Reverend στην καρέκλα Priests and ψηλά. Deacons, Δεν the νοιώθει Monks and τον Nuns, κίνδυνο. the Presidents Άμα φάει and ένα Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, από την the μαμά, Day, μετά Afternoon, πάλι and θα Church θέλει ν Schools, ανέβει, the θα Philoptochos κοιτάει δεξιά-άριστερά, Sisterhoods, the Youth, να δει, the «με μπατσάκι βλέπουν;» Hellenic Organizations, κι αν δεν and το the βλέπει entire κανείς Greek Orthodox θα θυμάται Family το in μπάτσο America πούφαγε και θα μαζεύεται. Άσε να μην φάω κάνα μπάτσο, θα λέει, και έτσι ο φόβος γίνεται φρένο και γλυτώνει τα μωρά από πολλά. Όταν όμως αρχίζουν τα παιδιά και καταλαβαίνουν πρέπει να καθόμαστε με το καλό και με υπομονή να τους εξηγούμε αυτά που μπορούν να καταλάβουν. 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! Οι γονείς καμμιά φορά κάνουν κακό στα παιδιά τους από την υπερβολική αγάπη που τους έχουν Βλέπεις αν «εκτροχιασθεί» η αγάπη τότε κάνει κακό στο παιδί Το «πνίγει» με την πολλή αγάπη. Είναι αρρωστημένο πράγμα. Ευτυχώς μερικά παιδιά έχουν μέσα τους ανδρεία και γλυτώνουν άλλα όμως καταστρέφονται Βλέπεις θέλει και η αγάπη ένα φρένο ένα μέτρο Εγώ δεν θα γινόμουν καλός γονιός, μου λέει ο λογισμός, γιατί δεν θα μπορούσα να επιβληθώ στον εαυτό μου. Καλό είναι η οικογένεια να έχει τον ίδιο πνευματικό. Ο άντρας, η γυναίκα, τα παιδιά, αυτό βοηθάει πολύ. Τα μικρά παιδιά όταν διαβάζουν συναξάρια πολύ ωφελούνται. Επειδή είναι απλά έχουν πολλή πίστη. Έτσι αποκτούν καλές συνήθειες. Όταν αρχίσει κανείς από μικρός την πνευματική ζωή, από το δημοτικό ακόμα αυτός κάνει την πιο χαρούμενη ζωή. Γιατί μικρός έχει και την αμεριμνησία. Αποκτάει και καλές συνήθειες και συνεχίζει έτσι. Εγώ μικρός πέρασα τα καλύτερά μου χρόνια, πέμπτη-έκτη δημοτικού πετούσα. Μετά αν μεγαλώσει λίγο μπαίνει η καλή ανησυχία, τι θα γίνω, τι θα σπουδάσω κ.λ.π. Μέχρι το 40 που άρχισε ο πόλεμος με τους Ιταλούς, ήμουν 16 χρονών, τότε πέρασα τα With paternal love in Christ, καλύτερά DEMETRIOS μου χρόνια. Μετά ο πόλεμος τα χάλασε τα πράγματα. Είχαμε δυσκολίες. Πηγή: Archbishop Αθανάσιος of America Ρακοβαλής «Ο πατήρ Παΐσιος μου είπε», εκδόσεις «Μέλισσα», Θεσσαλονίκη 1998 GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 28

29 YOUTH MINISTRY GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 The AHEPA Educational January 1, 2015 Foundation Presents Feast Programs of Saint Basil for and Students New Year 2015 Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 2015 Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31, :14) The new 2015 AHEPA Educational Foundation scholarship application is now available online! Last year, the AHEPA family awarded over $1 million in combined scholarships. The deadline for the scholarship application is March 31, Download your application! 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 AHEPA/Stavros Niarchos Journey to Greece Program: Deadline: March 31, 2015 Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The On this 2015 blessed AHEPA/Stavros Feast of Saint Basil Niarchos and the Educational beginning of the Journey New Year, to Greece our honored will tradition be taking is to place offer prayers from June and support 26th - for July the 27th, sacred and ministry is now of our accepting beloved Saint applications. Basil Academy. Since For seventy AHEPA years this has institution sent thousands of our Holy of Archdiocese Greek American has offered youth the to love Greece of Christ, with the this comfort program. of His presence, The program and the offers healing students power of faith the to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint opportunity Basil Academy to continues transfer to up provide to six a college caring and credits spiritual and environment to introduce where them they to are the able beauty to grow, of learn, Greece. and Applications achieve. must be received by March 31, 2015, Download your application here! This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping AHEPA/Deree with our Lord s Semester command to Abroad: let the children AHEPA come has to me. partnered This is with accomplished Deree, The through Amercan this ministry College by bringing of the Greece, love of to Christ offer to AHEPA those in need. students Everything a qualified that is offered college for semester the children abroad. and youth Our at Saint special Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, discount and in worship, price the for students transferable encounter credits, Christ and fall His or abundant spring semester. and comforting If interested love. please send your contact Saint Basil info Academy to: deree@ahepa.org. is also a place where $9,347, the lives of including the children housing, and youth per are semester, guided in Christ. $7,528, On including beautiful housing, campus, summer in a nurturing term - environment 8 weeks $3,764, of prayer including and grace, housing, they are led summer in the path session of truth - 4 and weeks. the love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance AHEPA/Pan in His promises. Hellenic They see Scholarship the hope, joy, and Foundation: power in a life The of faith AHEPA and a lifelong has partnered relationship with with the Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, Pan travelers, Hellenic and many Scholarship others in need, Foundation he offered to an offer encounter two with spots Christ in by the taking Hellenic His love Birthright to them. For Program. others Two he guided lucky them AHEPA in truth family and love members through teaching will experience and preaching, a unique as a faithful educational and caring and pastor, cultural to their opportunity. and Redeemer. Students This between is also our the calling ages today. of 18 In to our 25, support with for limited Saint Basil financial Academy, means, we are who led have by our NEV- Ladies Savior ER Philoptochos been Greece, Society and may our local apply. Philoptochos The dates chapters of this in program collecting an are offering June 19 and - in July the celebration 19. Those of students the cutting who of the are Vasilopeta. accepted We will are also be required led by Christ to and purchase by the example airfare of only, Saint all Basil other to fulfill expenses the command will be 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 covered. called to offer If interested Him and guide please others to an your encounter name with and the contact Lord that info will to: lead PanHellenic@ahepa.org 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 AHEPA/NHS work to children Heritage and youth in Greece fulfilling Program Deadline: the request of our Lord and March in honoring 27, 2015: the legacy AHEPA of all who has have partnered established with and supported the National this ministry Hellenic in the Society past seventy to offer years. our May youth a also once receive in a the lifetime abundant opportuni- 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! ty to explore Greek heritage, culture, and identity with a peer group of students from the United With States paternal and love Greece. in Christ, Candidates will be selected to receive this gift from AHEPA and the National DEMETRIOS Hellenic Society if they meet the following criteria: They are currently enrolled undergraduate Archbishop of college America students of Greek American descent. Between the ages of 18 & 26. Have never been, or seldom go to Greece. GPA of 3.0 or higher. The program runs from GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 29

30 YOUTH MINISTRY (cont.) GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 The AHEPA January Educational 1, 2015 Foundation Presents Feast Programs of Saint Basil for and Students New Year 2015 Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) 2015 Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31, 2015 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 June 11th - June 18th and has an application deadline of March 27, If interested in applying to this program, please send contact info to: NHS@ahepa.org. 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! AHEPAcademy Deadline: March 1, 2015 AHEPAcademy is a leadership and professional development program that identifies, educates, inspires, mentors, advances, and networks exceptional Greek-American high school students as they progress through their high school, college, graduate and professional careers. AHEPAcademy provides instruction and inspiration by prominent Greek-American and Philhellene instructors from the academic, professional, and public service fields across the United States. AHEPAcademy is looking for exceptional Greek-American high school juniors during the school year with top grades (minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent or Top 10% of Class), who exemplify scholarship, leadership, character, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, and involvement in the Greek-American community to apply for selection to this summer's AHEPAcademy on Campus program. Applications for AHEPAcademy are now available on The early action deadline for submission of completed applications to AHEPAcademy is March 1, Please contact AHEPAcademy and your local AHEPA Chapter as soon as possible to indicate your interest in applying for the program and regarding your eligibility to receive a scholarship from your local AHEPA Chapter for your participation in the AHEPAcademy on Campus program. For detailed information and application please visit: AHEPAcademy. AHEPA/Aristotelian University Greek Immersion Elective Deadline: March 1, 2015 Greek-American and Philhellene University Professor Dr. Dean Lomis, working in concert with the instructors from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, have reached an agreement with the AHEPA Educational Foundation to provide a unique and masterful program on Greek as an elective language course towards college credit. This summer all Greek American students wishing to take up to 6 elective college credits can choose to take this unique class in Thessaloniki. With The paternal University love in Christ, sponsors the classes and additional course work, for an AHEPA discounted DEMETRIOS 600 Euro. All meals and housing is the responsibility of the student. Deadline is March 1, Archbishop of America 2015, interested individuals please name and contact info to: Aristotelian@ahepa.org GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 30

31 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) March 1, 2015 Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Let the Sunday, children come March to me, 1and st has do not been hinder dedicated them; for to such to honor belongs the kingdom special of relationship heaven. (Matthew 19:14) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members together. of the Parish Councils Properly of the prepare Greek Orthodox to receive Communities, Holy Communion the Distinguished together. 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, you yourself also receiving His Body and Blood. 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 As this many day may as we have offer our been prayers baptized and generous in support Christ, for Saint have Basil put Academy. on Christ. May we Alleluia. 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 (Gal. seventy 3:27) 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 Godparent s Sunday between Godparents and their Godchildren. Take this opportunity to invite your Godparent(s) or Godchildren and plan to attend the Divine Liturgy Please do not escort His children to the Holy Chalice and walk away without Liturgy will begin at 8:30 a.m. This special event is sponsored by our Catechitical Ministry GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 31

32 Sunday of Orthodoxy GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 March January 1, Feast of Saint Basil 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 JOIN US!! 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 All Patriarchate, Parents, the Grandparents Day, Afternoon, Church and Schools, Godparents, the Philoptochos we Sisterhoods, invite the you Youth, to the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America accompany your children on Sunday, March 1st, at the end of the Divine Liturgy, to process with your icons in the 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 Special ministry Service of our beloved of Saint Sunday Basil Academy. of Orthodoxy. 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 32

33 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 33

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36 PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE LENTEN RETREAT sponsored by the Twenty-first Annual "Growing in Faith"Bible Study in conjunction with Greater Baltimore Orthodox Clergy Association Do You Believe in Miracles? with retreat master Very Reverend Protopresbyter Mark Leasure Guardian of the Miraculous Myrrh-streaming Theotokos Kardiotissa Icon from Saint George's Orthodox Church in Taylor, PA Saturday, March 14, :00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Concluding with a Paraklesis to the Theotokos, veneration of the Holy Icon, and anointing with Her precious and miraculous Myrrh $30 per person- (incl. cont. breakfast and Lenten luncheon - please note any food allergies) Registration deadline March 2nd. After March 3rd, registration will be $35. Retreat will be held at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church 909 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley/Cockeysville, MD Information: click on 2015 Retreat or 36

37 Do You Believe in Miracles? Tentative retreat schedule 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Continental breakfast 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Presentation (in the Sanctuary) 12:30 p.m. Lenten luncheon Following lunch: Question and answer session (Sanctuary) followed by Paraklesis to the Theotokos, veneration of Her Holy Icon, and anointing with Her precious and miraculous Myrrh We will offer a variety of Lenten baked goods for sale. Very Reverend Protopresbyter Mark Leasure, Guardian of the Kardiotissa Icon Very Reverend Mark Leasure was born in Warren, PA, and pursued undergraduate studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, PA in 1991, and was married and ordained to the Priesthood by the late Metropolitan Nicholas in June of He was pastor of Saint Michael's Orthodox Church in Niles, IL for five years. He pursued Doctoral studies through the Antiochian Archdiocese and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He presently serves on the Diocesan Consistory and Board of Trustees and is Dean of the Pocono Deanery. He serves as editor of the Diocesan newspaper, The Church Messenger, and as editor of the Diocesan Year Book. Father Mark has been the pastor of Saint George's Orthodox Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania for eighteen years. He and Presvytera Beverly have two children, Kyra and Adam. Three years ago, on October 12, 2011, Saint George's was blessed with the visitation of the Holy Myrrh- Streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. After an afternoon of veneration by the faithful, a Moleben to the Theotokos was celebrated. Afterward, Reader Nectarios, Guardian of the Hawaiian Icon, presented Saint George's with an 8x10 replica of the Iveron Icon as a remembrance of Her visit. This Icon was anointed with the Myrrh and touched to the original miraculous Hawaiian Icon. It was left overnight on the tetrapod [table] for veneration the next day. The following morning when Father Mark entered the church, he noticed a sweet fragrance, and assumed it was the lingering aroma that had accompanied the miraculous Icon 37 the day before. He eventually noticed that small drops of liquid were appearing on Christ's hands, and then greater quantities of the fragrant Myrrh began streaming from other places on the Icon. As of now, there is a steady stream of fragrant, blessed Myrrh flowing from Her Icon, bringing a message of hope and healing to our fallen world. Every Wednesday evening, Saint George's offers a Moleben to the Theotokos in the presence of Her Icon, and the faithful venerate it and are anointed with Her Myrrh. Father Mark has many stories of physical and spiritual healing which have resulted, both to skeptics and believers alike. It is a great honor and blessing for us to host this Holy Icon of the Theotokos, who embraces her Son so sweetly, and who weeps for our fallen world. Let us approach Her with reverence as we ask for Her blessing. What is the significance of Holy Relics and Myrrhstreaming Icons? The pious veneration of Holy Relics, based on their miraculous nature, originated from Divine Revelation. Even in the Old Testament, there are instances of God's miracles with the Holy Relics of certain people who were wellpleasing to Him. From the earliest Christian times, on the anniversary of the martyrdom of witnesses to the Faith, the faithful would go to the catacombs and celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Saints' tombs. Today, all consecrated Orthodox churches contain relics of Martyr-Saints in their altar tables, so that all Divine Liturgies must be performed upon the relics of Saints. Generally, the Saints' relics are miraculous, and incorrupt (meaning that the skin has not decomposed, but is still present around the bones). Often there is a sweet fragrance or Holy Myrrh flowing from the relics, revealing the Grace of God; we read in the Gospels that the sin of man is considered a foul odor before God while a virtuous and holy life is as the sweet aroma of Christ unto God (2 Cor. 2:15). Even if we American Orthodox cannot travel on pilgrimage to a beloved Saint's reliquary or tomb to venerate his or her relics, we do have the icons of the Saints, and so can encounter the Holy Ones in our daily lives. The sanctified bodies and images of the Saints are so powerful that miracles continually occur by means of their relics, or even by being anointed with oil from the lamps burning at their relics, or from soil from the ground where the Saints are or were buried. By venerating the Saints, not only do we convey our love for them, but also we bring into ourselves their holiness and blessing. Icons which stream Holy Myrrh, or "tears of heaven" as it is sometimes called, are yet another instance where God makes His presence known to us, and actively reaches out to us. They serve as a reminder that we are called to be sincere witnesses for Christ, following His example and acting as shining beacons in the fallen world around us. *Adapted from explanation in Retreat 2011 brochure

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