THE FAST OF THE PANAGIA AUGUST 1st-15th ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΔΕΚΑΠΕΝΤΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ

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1 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC August 3, th Sunday of Matthew THE FAST OF THE PANAGIA AUGUST 1st-15th ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΔΕΚΑΠΕΝΤΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ ALL WEEKDAY AND SATURDAY SERVICES WILL TAKE PLACE AT STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN CHAPEL - NORWOOD PROPERTY TRANSFIGURATION VESPERS AND LITURGY WILL TAKE PLACE AT ST ANDREW S UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

2 THE MISSION OF THE STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF WASHINGTON DC in Silver Spring, Maryland is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian faith, to energize, cultivate and guide the life of the Church according to the Orthodox Christian faith and Sacred Tradition. The Church sanctifies the faithful through the Divine Worship, especially the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments, building the spiritual and ethical life of the faithful in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, Sacred Tradition, the doctrines and canons of the Ecumenical and local Synods, the canons of the Holy Apostles and Fathers of the Church and of all other Synods recognized by the Orthodox Church, as interpreted by the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople. The Church serves as a beacon, carrier and witness of the message of Christ to all persons, through Divine Worship, preaching, teaching and living the Orthodox Christian faith. YOUR PRIESTS ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU 24/7. Please use their cell phones for anything you need that pertains to your spiritual journey. Fr. Michael: (301) fm@papouli.net Fr. Jason: (301) Fr. Michael ΟΙ ΙΕΡΕΙΣ ΣΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΣΤΗ ΔΙΑΘΕΣΗ ΣΑΣ 24/7. Παρακαλείσθε να τους καλείτε στα κινητά τηλέφωνα για οποιαδήποτε ανάγκη σας σχετική με τη πνευματική σας πορεία. Σας ευχαριστούμε! Fr. Jason

3 HOW TO FOLLOW THE CHURCH SERVICES ON YOUR SMART PHONE/IPAD Step 1: Open your smart phone/ipad. Step 2: Turn on WiFi. Step 3: Select WiFi name: Greek Orthodox Step 4: Use password: greekwireless Step 5: Launch a browser. Type in Step 6: Tap on Step 7: Select the date of the service. You will see Matins. Tap on GR-EN Text/Music. Step 8: When Matins is completed go back to the Table of Contents and tap on Divine Liturgy. Tap on GR-EN Text/Music. You re done Follow the Divine Liturgy complete in either Greek or English. 3

4 YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ Αναστάσιμο Aπολυτίκιον. Hχος Βαρύς Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλήσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεύσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τὴ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣν περίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. 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. Κοντάκιον Ἐπὶ τοῦ ὄρους μετεμορφώθης, καὶ ὡς ἐχώρουν οἱ Μαθηταί σου τὴν δόξαν σου, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἐθεάσαντο, ἵνα ὅταν σε ἴδωσι σταυρούμενον, τὸ μὲν πάθος νοήσωσιν ἑκούσιον, τῷ δὲ κόσμῳ κηρύξωσιν, ὅτι σὺ ὑπάρχεις ἀληθῶς, τοῦ Πατρὸς τὸ ἀπαύγασμα. HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion. Grave Mode By means of Your Cross, O Lord, You abolished death. To the robber You opened Paradise. The lamentation of the myrrhbearing women You transformed, and You gave Your Apostles the order to proclaim to all that You had risen, O Christ our God, and granted the world Your great mercy. Apolytikion of Sts. Constantine & Helen Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man. 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. Kontakion Upon the mountain were You transfigured, and Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they were able, O Christ our God; so that when they would see You crucified they might understand that Your Passion was deliberate, and declare to the world that in truth You are the Father's radiance. 4

5 ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Α' Α ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Σας παρακαλώ δε, αδελφοί μου, στο όνομα και εξ ονόματος του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού να είσθε όλοι ομόφωνοι και να λέγετε σαν από μια καρδία, την ίδια ομολογία της πίστεώς σας και να μη υπάρχουν μεταξύ σας σχίσματα και διαιρέσεις, αλλά να είσθε συγκρατημένοι, κατηρτησμένοι και ενωμένοι μεταξύ σας με τα αυτά φρονήματα και με την αυτήν γνώμην. 11 Διότι-σας το καθιστώ αυτό γνωστόν-μου ανεφέρθη από τους οικιακούς και συγγενείς της Χλόης για σας, αδελφοί μου, ότι υπάρχουν μεταξύ σας αντιθέσεις και φιλονεικίαι. 12 Εννοώ δε τούτο, ότι ο καθένας από σας, θέλων να παρουσιάση ανώτερον τον εαυτόν του από τους άλλους, λέγει εγώ μεν είμαι του Παύλου μαθητής. Αλλος λέγει εγώ είμαι του Απολλώ. και άλλος εγώ είμαι μαθητής του Κηφά, και άλλος εγώ είμαι μαθητής του Χριστού. 13 Εχει, λοιπόν, διαιρεθή ο Χριστός και η Εκκλησία του εις κόμματα και εις μερίδας; Ερωτώ ειδικώτερα σας, που διαλαλείτε και λέγετε ότι είσθε του Παύλου μήπως ο Παύλος εσταυρώθη προς χάριν σας, δια να λάβετε την σωτηρίαν; Η μήπως έχετε βαπτισθή στο όνομα του Παύλου; 14 Ας είναι ευλογημένον και δοξασμένον το όνομα του Θεού, ο οποίος έφερεν έτσι τα πράγματα, ώστε από σας να μη βαπτίσω κανένα, ειμή μόνον τον Κρίσπον και τον Γαϊον. 15 Και έτσι δεν ημπορεί να πη κανείς, ότι εβάπτισα Χριστιανούς στο ιδικόν μου όνομα. 16 Εβάπτισα ακόμη και την οικογένειαν του Στεφανά εκτός δε από αυτούς δεν γνωρίζω, αν έχω βαπτίσει κανένα άλλον. 17 Αλλωστε εγώ δεν είχα ως κύριον έργον μου την τέλεσιν του μυστηρίου του βαπτίσματος, διότι δεν με έστειλεν ο Χριστός ως Απόστολόν του εις την οικουμένην να βαπτίζω, αλλά να κηρύττω το χαρμόσυνον μήνυμα της σωτηρίας. Αυτό δε το κήρυγμα δεν το κάνω με την δύναμιν και τα ρητορικά σχήματα της ανθρωπίνης σοφίας, μη τυχόν και χάση την σωτήριον δύναμίν του και την άπειρον θείαν αξίαν του ο σταυρός του Κυρίου. EPISTLE The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. 1:10-17 Brethren, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 5

6 Ἐκ τοῦ κατὰ Ματθαῖον 14:14-22 ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ 14 Και όταν εβγήκεν ο Ιησούς από εκεί που έμενεν, είδε πολύν λαόν, επλαγχνίσθη αυτούς και εθεράπευσεν όλους όσοι ήσαν άρωστοι. 15 Αργά δε το απόγευμα προσήλθαν οι μαθηταί και του είπαν ο τόπος είναι έρημος και η ώρα έχει περάσει διέλυσε τα πλήθη, ώστε να πάνε εις τα γύρω χωριά και να αγοράσουν δια τον εαυτόν τους τροφάς. 16 Ο δε Ιησούς τους είπεν δεν έχουν ανάγκην να πάνε δώστε τους σεις να φάγουν. (Και είπε τούτο, δια να δώση ευκαιρίαν στους μαθητάς να δείξουν την αγάπην των, αλλά και δια να τους προπαρασκευάση ψυχολογικώς δια το θαύμα). 17 Εκείνοι δε του είπαν εδώ δεν έχομεν παρά μόνον πέντε άρτους και δύο ψάρια. 18 Ο δε Ιησούς είπε φέρετέ τα εδώ εις εμέ. 19 Και αφού συνέστησε εις τα πλήθη να καθήσουν επάνω εις τα χόρτα, επήρε τους πέντε άρτους και τα δύο ψάρια, εσήκωσε τα μάτια στον ουρανόν, δια να ευχαριστήση τον ουράνιον Πατέρα, ευλόγησε, έκοψε τους άρτους εις κομμάτια και τα έδωσε στους μαθητάς και οι μαθηταί στους όχλους. 20 Εφαγαν δε όλοι και εχόρτασαν και εμάζευσαν ο,τι επερίσσευσεν από τα κομμάτια, δώδεκα κοφίνια γεμάτα. 21 Εκείνοι δε που έφαγαν ήσαν πέντε περίπου χιλιάδες, εκτός από τας γυναίκας και τα παιδιά. 22 Και αμέσως ο Ιησούς ηνάγκασε τους μαθητάς να εισέλθουν στο πλοίον και να πάνε προ αυτού στο απέναντι μέρος, μέχρις ότου αυτός απολύση τα πλήθη του λαού. (Τούτο δε το έκαμε δια να μη παρασυρθούν και οι μαθηταί από τον άκριτον ενθουσιασμόν των ανθρώπων αυτών, που ήθελαν να τον ανακηρύξουν βασιλέα). The Gospel of Matthew 14:14-22 GOSPEL At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 6

7 SAINTS AND FEASTS Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - August 6 Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5). Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross. The Holy Apostle Matthias - August 9 After Judas by transgression fell from his apostleship (Acts 1: 25), and hanging himself out of despair ended his life with a wretched and shameful death (Matt. 27: 5), then, that the number of the Twelve not be lacking, all the disciples gathered in one place after the Ascension of the Savior (the number of men and women being 120), and they chose two 7

8 SAINTS AND FEASTS men from among them, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was also surnamed Justus, and Matthias, and they set them in the midst. Then they prayed to God and cast lots, "and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1: 15-26). And thus, having taken the place of Judas, Matthias fulfilled the work of apostleship and the prophecy concerning Judas, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David: "And his bishopric let another take" (Ps. 108:7). After this, it is said, Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, and completed his life there in martyrdom. Μεταμόρφωση του Σωτήρος Χριστού - 6 Αυγούστου Κατά τη διήγηση των Ευαγγελιστών, ο Κύριος μας Ιησούς Χριστός πήρε από τους μαθητές τον Πέτρο (βλέπε 29 Ιουνίου), τον Ιωάννη (βλέπε 26 Σεπτεμβρίου) και τον Ιάκωβο (βλέπε 30 Απριλίου) και ανέβηκε στό όρος Θαβώρ για να προσευχηθεί. Όπως σημειώνει ο Άγιος Νικόδημος ο Αγιορείτης: «Eπήρε δε τρεις μόνους Aποστόλους, ως προκρίτους και υπερέχοντας. O μεν γαρ Πέτρος επροκρίθη, επειδή ηγάπα πολλά τον Xριστόν. O δε Iωάννης, επειδή ηγαπάτο από τον Xριστόν. O δε Iάκωβος, επειδή εδύνετο να πίη το ποτήριον του θανάτου, το οποίον και ο Kύριος έπιεν». Οι τρεις μαθητές Του, όπως ήταν κουρασμένοι από τη δύσκολη ανάβαση στο Θαβώρ και ενώ κάθισαν να ξεκουραστούν, έπεσαν σε βαθύ ύπνο. Όταν, ξύπνησαν, αντίκρισαν απροσδόκητο και εξαίσιο θέαμα. Το πρόσωπο του Κυρίου άστραφτε σαν τον ήλιο, και τα φορέματα Του ήταν λευκά σαν το φως. Τον περιστοίχιζαν δε και συνομιλούσαν μαζί Του δυο άνδρες, ο Μωϋσής (βλέπε 4 Σεπτεμβρίου) και ο Ηλίας (βλέπε 20 Ιουλίου). Γράφει χαρακτηριστικά ο Άγιος Νικόδημος ο Αγιορείτης: «Έφερε δε εις το μέσον τους τον Mωυσήν και τον Ηλίαν, διά να διορθώση τας σφαλεράς υποψίας, οπού είχον οι πολλοί περί αυτού. Kαθότι, άλλοι μεν έλεγον τον Kύριον, πως είναι ο Ηλίας. Άλλοι δε, πως είναι ο Iερεμίας. Διά τούτο λοιπόν επαράστησεν εις το Θαβώρ τους πρώτους και κορυφαίους Προφήτας, διά να γνωρίσουν οι μαθηταί, και διά των μαθητών όλοι οι άνθρωποι, πόση διαφορά είναι αναμεταξύ του Xριστού, και των Προφητών. O μεν γαρ Xριστός, είναι Δεσπότης. Oι δε Προφήται, είναι δούλοι. Kαι ίνα μάθουν, ότι ο Kύριος έχει την εξουσίαν του θανάτου και της ζωής. Διά τούτο, από μεν τους αποθαμένους, έφερε τον Mωυσήν. Aπό δε τους ζωντανούς, έφερε τον Ηλίαν». Αφού οι μαθητές συνήλθαν κάπως από την έκπληξη, ο πάντα ενθουσιώδης, Πέτρος, θέλοντας να διατηρηθεί αυτή η αγία μέθη που προκαλούσε η ακτινοβολία του Κυρίου, ικετευτικά είπε να στήσουν τρεις σκηνές. Μια για τον Κύριο, μια για το Μωϋσή και μια για τον Ηλία. Πριν προλάβει, όμως, να τελειώσει τη φράση του, ήλθε σύννεφο που τους σκέπασε και μέσα απ' αυτό ακούστηκε φωνή που έλεγε: «Οὗτος ἐστὶν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός αὐτοῦ ἀκούετε» (Λουκά, θ' 28-36). Δηλαδή, Αυτός είναι ο Υιός μου ο αγαπητός, που τον έστειλα για να σωθεί ο κόσμος. Αυτόν να ακούτε. 8

9 SAINTS AND FEASTS Οφείλουμε, λοιπόν, και εμείς όχι μόνο να Τον ακούμε, αλλά και να Τον υπακούμε. Σε οποιοδήποτε δρόμο μας φέρει, είμαστε υποχρεωμένοι να πειθαρχούμε. Έθιμα της Μεταμορφώσεως του Σωτήρος Η Μεταμόρφωση του Σωτήρος, ως σπουδαία δεσποτική εορτή, αποτελεί εξαίρεση εθιμικά καθιερωμένης ιχθυοφαγίας, μέσα στην σύντομη αλλά αυστηρή νηστεία του Δεκαπενταύγουστου. Σε πολλούς τόπους πιστεύουν ότι την παραμονή το βράδυ, κάποια ώρα, ανοίγουν ξαφνικά οι ουρανοί και φαίνεται το «άγιο φως», σε όσους είχαν την υπομονή και την πίστη να ξαγρυπνήσουν. Ανήμερα δε, προσφέρουν στους ναούς τα πρώτα σταφύλια της χρονιάς, για να ευλογηθούν από τον ιερέα μετά την θεία λειτουργία, και να διανεμηθούν ως ευλογία στους πιστούς. Σε ορισμένους μάλιστα τόπους προσφέρουν στον ναό το πρώτο λάδι της χρονιάς, για να ευλογηθεί, ώστε η ευλογία να επεκταθεί και στην υπόλοιπη παραγωγή. Πρόκειται για το αρχαίο έθιμο των απαρχών, της προσφοράς δηλαδή των πρώτων καρπών στον Θεό, μια μορφή αναίμακτης τελετουργικής θυσιαστικής προσφοράς, που πέρασε και στον χριστιανισμό. Ο λαϊκός άνθρωπος, προσκομίζοντας για ευλογία τις απαρχές των καρπών και των γεννημάτων του, αναθέτει ουσιαστικά την ελπίδα της επιβίωσής του στον Θεό, από τον οποίο ζητά ευλαβικά να συνεργήσει, για να επιτύχει η σοδειά, από την οποία εξαρτάται και η επιβίωση ολόκληρης της παραδοσιακής κοινότητας. Ήδη στους Αποστολικούς Κανόνες επιτρέπεται η προσαγωγή στον ναό σταφυλιών, όχι όμως και άλλων οπωρικών, ενώ ο Θεόδωρος Βαλσαμών, ερμηνεύοντας τον Δ Κανόνα των Αγίων Αποστόλων, ερμηνεύει την εξαίρεση αυτή των σταφυλιών από το ότι το κρασί, που προέρχεται από αυτά, χρησιμοποιείται για την παρασκευή της θείας κοινωνίας. Έτσι, τα ευλογημένα σταφύλια μοιράζονται και τρώγονται μαζί με το αντίδωρο στην Λέσβο, ενώ στον Μοσχοπόταμο της Πιερίας άφηναν το πρώτο τσαμπί του τρύγου σε κάποιο εικόνισμα του ναού, για να πάει καλά η σοδειά. Δεν πρέπει εξ άλλου να ξεχνούμε ότι στην Μεταμόρφωση του Σωτήρος είναι αφιερωμένοι οι ναοί των μεγαλύτερων και επιβλητικότερων ελληνικών φρουρίων, γεγονός που δείχνει την σημασία, θρησκευτική και εθνικά αναγεννητική, που ο λαός μας ανέκαθεν έδινε στην μεγάλη αυτή εορτή. Και φυσικά, ως σπουδαία εορτή είναι και εθιμικά καθιερωμένη αργία, η παραβίαση της οποίας, από κάποιους ασεβείς και φιλάργυρους, επέφερε την άμεση θεϊκή τιμωρία, σύμφωνα με τις παραδόσεις του ελληνικού λαού, για παραδειγματισμό και των υπολοίπων. 9

10 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS CHURCH OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Please note our church office is now OPEN to all parishioners/visitors. The paving of our new church parking lot is now complete! As always, please call the church office if we can be of any assistance to you at (240) Philoptochos Fall Festival Volunteer Registration: Our Annual Greek Festival is made possible by the combined efforts of many volunteers, just like you! The success of our festival depends on the support of all our parishioners, friends and guests. Proceeds from our festival will assist our Church in continuing its programs and ministries. Please set aside some time to help the church during this major fund-raiser. Contact Nikki Pappas during Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy today, or call her at , on her cell or by npgreekschool@hotmail.com to volunteer. She will also have sign-up sheets available today for your convenience. Please also check with Olympia Koskinas for sign-up sheets as well. GOYA: Sunday, August 24th GOYA Board Elections and Meeting. GOYA will be hosting a " Breakfast Items" food drive to support a local food pantry from August 1st- 31st. Please donate non perishable items such as boxed cereal, juice boxes, breakfast bars, oatmeal, individual apple sauce/ fruit cup, peanut butter, jelly. Please do not buy Costco size items as space is limited. Please place in the box in the church hall. Thank you! SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, November 8th, Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington DC, presents 'Rockin' through the Ages' Dance. Featuring the band 'Soul-Easy' at "The Ballroom" 3701 Rossmoor Boulevard in Silver Spring, MD. VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL: Our Vacation Church School (pre-k to12th grade) will be held 9am to 12pm on August 18-21st. We are still looking for volunteers - Please call Fr. Jason at (301) or at fatherjason@schgocdc.org. 10

11 PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the church office. Eleni, Maria, Simeon, Nikitas, Andreas, Constantine, Maria, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Harry, Maria, Aspasia, Panagiota, Kostas, Hariklia and Chrisanthi PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal me Your servant from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray that You heal me as Your servant and grant me the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FUTURE GOD PARENTS All Orthodox Christians planning to become a God Parent must be able to recite the Creed by memory. You may recite our Symbol of Faith in either English or Greek. 40-DAYS BABY BLESSING For your convenience we are letting you know that you can make an appointment to church your baby on the 40th day after its birth, no matter what day that might be. There is no reason that you have to inconvenience the mom and the baby, waiting in the back of the Narthex until the priest is available on a Sunday ONLY. Make an appointment to come to church when it is convenient for you at a time that will not disrupt the baby's routine. ANY day you would like. 9am through 6pm by appointment. Bring the entire family or come just with your husband and the baby. Whatever you want. No waiting no inconvenience. More private time with the priest to talk about the future baptism if you wish. Call the office for an appointment. 11

12 CONFESSION Father Michael is available to you for confession at any time. Please call Father Michael on his cell phone, (301) FUTURE MEMORIAL SERVICE August 10, 2014 Penelope Xeron (40 Days) August 17, 2014 Nicholas Stamos (40 Days) 12

13 Ψυχιατρείο και Ορθόδοξη Εξομολόγηση Posted: 28 Jul :26 AM PDT Τα ψυχιατρεία θα ήταν άδεια, αν οι χριστιανοί εξομολογούντο ορθόδοξα (Γέροντας Παΐσιος) Ακούστε. Τα ψυχιατρεία θα ήταν άδεια, αν οι χριστιανοί εξομολογούντο ορθόδοξα, καθαρά, με ειλικρίνεια, ταπείνωση και υπακοή, σε διακριτικό Πνευματικό, ας είναι και λίγο αυστηρός. Και μετά να κοινωνούν αξίως. Τότε κανείς δεν θα είχε άγχος, προβλήματα και μεγάλους πειρασμούς. Πρέπει να ξέρετε, ότι, όλα ξεκινούν από τον εγωϊσμό, την ανυπακοή και τους κακούς λογισμούς. Υπακοή είναι Ζωή, Παρακοή είναι Θάνατος. Πηγή: ΠΝΕΥΜΑΤΙΚΑ ΜΑΡΓΑΡΙΤΑΡΙΑ, «ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΦΙΛΟΘΕΟΣ ΜΑΡΤΥΡΙΑ», τευχ , ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ 1995, σ

14 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY * Tel: (212) Fax: (212) communications@goarch.org ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS CALLS FOR PRAYERS FOR THE CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, or any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes (Rev. 7: 16-17) July 29, 2014 To the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of Parish Councils, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Members of Philanthropic Organizations, the Youth and Youth Workers, and the entire Orthodox Christian Family in the United States of America. Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, For decades, the region considered a cradle of civilization and the birthplace of Christianity has become an arena of violence, resulting in the loss of countless lives. While the source of violence has varied in each instance, what is consistent in every case is that the blood of innocent victims has saturated the Middle East. This is especially true of Christians, who have endured unimaginable suffering because of their faith. The ongoing conflict in the Holy Land has forced Christian communities to live along the margins of society in the very place of Christ s birth, death and resurrection. The conflict in Syria has led to the destruction of churches, monasteries and orphanages. Christians are kidnapped, ransomed, and killed. Over a year ago, Metropolitan Paul and Archbishop John of Aleppo of the Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox Patriarchates of Antioch were kidnapped and they are still missing. Further east, in the Iraqi city of Mosul, the entire Christian population has been eradicated. Local Christian communities have consistently responded to this terror with the Gospel s mandate to love one s neighbor unconditionally. Where extremists have embraced genocide, Christians have demanded coexistence and have provided refuge for those suffering persecution. They do so, recalling the words of the Book of Revelation, that through love, they shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them. For the Lamb shall be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes (Rev. 7: 16-17). Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we enter the blessed period of the Dormition of the Most-Holy Mother of God, we must remain steadfast in Christ s promise to care for those persecuted for righteousness sake. We are confident that our Lord will grant to them the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 5:10), however, as members of the one Body of Christ (Rom 12: 4-5), we must not forget our calling to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. Together, we must intensify our prayers, asking for an end to the bloodshed and for the prevalence of God s peace in the tormented lands of the Middle East. As we chant the Paraklesis Services and pray to the Most-Holy Theotokos for God s mercy and peace, may we also heed the calling of the Bible to open our mouths for the mute and for the rights of all who are destitute. Open our mouths and defend the rights of those in need (Prov. 31: 8-9). With Paternal Love in Christ, Archbishop Demetrios of America 14

15 August 15th: "The Summer Pascha" The feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos has a special place in the festal calendar of the Orthodox Church, and it is directly linked to the uniqueness of the person of the Panagia in the work of the "salvation in Christ" of humanity, making it the greatest of the festivals established by the Church in honor of the Mother of Christ, known as the so-called Marian feasts or feasts of the Mother of God. The first testimony for the celebration of the Dormition of the Theotokos appears in the fifth century AD, around the time the Third Ecumenical Synod in Ephesus (431) convened, which defined the dogma of the Mother of God which became the reason to further develop the honor towards the person of the Theotokos. The first time it seems to have been celebrated was in Jerusalem on the 13th of August and later on it was moved to the 15th of the same month. It had a general Marian character, without specific reference to the event of the Dormition, and it was called the "day of Mary the Theotokos". A "kathisma" (central church of a monastery) outside the walls of Jerusalem on the road to Bethlehem is mentioned as being the initial center of celebrations. The connection between this celebration and the Dormition of the Theotokos began in =the Church of the Panagia found in Gethsemene, where her tomb was, and the feast was established by Emperor Maurice ( ). According to ecclesiastical tradition, the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is preceded by a fast, which was established in the seventh century. Initially it was divided into two periods: before the feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior and before the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. In the tenth century they were merged into one fast, which includes fourteen days and begins on August 1st. During this fast we abstain from oil, except on Saturdays and Sundays, while on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior fish is allowed. 15

16 During the fifteen days of August we chant in the churches during the evening hours (except Sundays), alternatively, the "Small and Great Supplication Canon to the Most-Holy Theotokos", otherwise known as the "Supplications" or "Paraklesis". The Mother of Jesus Christ, according to ecclesiastical tradition, was informed of her impending death by an angel three days prior to it happening, and she began to properly prepare. Because on the day of her Dormition not all the Apostles were in Jerusalem, a cloud grabbed them and brought them near her. The only one absent was the Apostle Thomas. The Dormition of the Theotokos took place in the house of John the Evangelist, where he lived after the crucifixion of Christ. After having shut her eyes, the Apostles carried her deathbed to the Garden of Gethsemene, where she was buried. After three days the Apostle Thomas went to her tomb, and only found her grave clothes. Over the tomb of the Panagia a large church was built by Saint Helen. After its destruction, the Byzantine Emperor Marcian ( ) together with his second wife Pulcheria built a new church, which exists until today. Between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches there are doctrinal disputes concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos. The Catholic Church believes in the dogma of the bodily Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assumptio Beatae Mariae Virginis), which was officially established with the apostolic encyclical of Pope Pius XII "Munificentissimus Deus" (1 November 1950). In contrast, the Orthodox Church speaks first of the Dormition of the Theotokos, which was a real death (the separation of soul and body), and then of the translation of the Theotokos, which was a resurrection (the union of soul and body) and ascension near her Son. The feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated in a less emphatic manner in other Orthodox and Catholic countries of the world, in which most the day of August 15th is a public holiday, like Greece. The Protestant confessions consider the Dormition of the Theotokos a secondary feast, since it is not based on biblical references. Countless churches and monasteries have been built in honor of her Dormition, magnificent frescoes adorn each church behind the main entrance, together with amazing compositions for her sacred funeral, chosen hymns that decorate her Service, and with brilliant words and eulogies delivered by the Fathers and newer clergymen on the day of her memorial. In Greece, the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated with great brilliance, and is called the 16

17 "Summer Pascha". In many Aegean islands (Tinos, Paros, Patmos) an epitaphion is decorated and paraded to honor the Panagia. In cities and villages throughout the country, in churches dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, traditional festivals are organized, leading to widespread revelry. Panagia Soumela is to be found in Vermion Imatheia from Mount Mela. In Tinos the celebration is linked to the torpedoing of the "Ellie", and together with the Dormition the Greeks commeorate those who perished. In Leros is the Kastrovasilissa, in Astypalaia the Portaitissa, in Rhodes is the Kremasti, in Paros the Ekatontapyliani, in Lesvos is Holy Zion in Agiasos, and in Nisyros is the Kyra Spiliani. In Crete is the Kalyviani and Neapolis has the Megali Panagia. In Imbros is Panagia Imvriotissa and in Halkidiki there is the Megali Panagia. In Goumenissa there is the Monastery of the Mother of God, in Epirus is the Molivdoskepasti, in Kefalonia is the Ophiousa, in Andros the Phaneromeni, in Karpathos is the Panagia of Olympus, and in Amorgos the Hozoviotissa. In Skiathos the Vaggelistra, in Leonidio Kynourias is the Panagia of Elonas, and in Mantinea is the Episkopiotissa. The Dormition of the Theotokos is not a mournful event for the Greek people, because the Panagia was "translated to life". Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos. 17

18 «Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε, σώσον ημάς». Είναι «σωτήρας» η Παναγία; Ρωτάτε για ποιό λόγο ολόκληρη η Ορθόδοξη και η καθολική Εκκλησία αποκαλούν τη Θεοτόκο «σωτήρα» λέγοντας «Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε σώσον ημάς», ενώ ένας είναι ο Σωτήρας ο Ιησούς Χριστός, ο Βασιλιάς και Κύριος. Τέτοιου είδους ερώτημα θέτεις και περιμένεις απάντηση. Είναι εύκολο να θέτεις αδιανόητα ερωτήματα και να περιμένεις αναπαυτικά να σου απαντήσουν, έτσι δεν είναι; Αυτό το πονηρό ερώτημα, δεν είναι δικό σου ούτε προέρχεται από σένα αλλά από εκείνους που αμέσως μετά τον πόλεμο γύριζαν στη Μάτσβα και πωλούσαν αμερικανική εξυπνάδα στους Ματσβάνους. Αληθεύει ότι ένας είναι ο Σωτήρας του κόσμου και Μεσσίας, που για μας υπέφερε το πάθος της σταύρωσης και το θάνατο. Δεν υπάρχουν δύο σωτήρες αλλά ένας. Όμως αληθεύει πως η Θεοτόκος μπορεί να σώσει τους ανθρώπους από την εξαθλίωση και την αδυναμία, όπως μας μαρτυρεί η εμπειρία. Μπορεί να μας δωρίσει τη σωτηρία παρακαλώντας τον Γιό της και Σωτήρα του κόσμου. Εμείς παρακαλούμε και τους Αγίους Αποστόλους: «Άγιοι Απόστολοι σώστε μας!». Αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι αναγνωρίζουμε πολλούς σωτήρες αλλά έναν και μοναδικό. Όμως παρακαλούμε τους Αποστόλους ως πνευματικά φωτισμένους και ηθικά άξιους που είναι κοντά στο Θεό να παρακαλέσουν τον Σωτήρα του κόσμου για τη σωτηρία μας. Και στον Άγιο Νικόλαο κατά την προσευχή μπορούμε να πούμε: «Άγιε Νικόλα σώσε μας!». Αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι αναγνωρίζουμε τον Άγιο Νικόλαο ως Σωτήρα του κόσμου, ίσον προς τον Ιησού Χριστό, ούτε ότι απομακρυνόμαστε από αυτή την αλήθεια, ότι πάντοτε και πάντα ένας και μοναδικός είναι ο Σωτήρας του κόσμου. Αλλά προσευχόμαστε στον Άγιο Νικόλαο ή σε όποιον άλλον άγιο να μας σώσει παρακαλώντας τον Σωτήρα και Ελεήμονα Κύριο. Η περίπτωση είναι παρόμοια με το να παρακαλούμε τους πρίγκιπες να παρακαλέσουν με τη σειρά τους το βασιλιά για κάτι που θέλουμε ή με το να παρακαλούμε κάποιους από τους συγγενείς μας να πάρουν το μέρος μας στο δικαστήριο. Εμείς, πιστεύουμε στη συγγένεια με το Θεό, στην οικογένεια του Χριστού την πνευματική, την ένδοξη και αθάνατη. Κάθε σωματική συγγένεια στη γη είναι μόνο εικόνα ή σύμβολο της ουράνιας θεϊκής συγγένειας. Ειρήνη και χαρά από τον Κύριο. 18

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21 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, W a s h i n g t o n D. C. Reverend Father Michael Eaccarino, Protopresbyter Reverend Father Jason Houck, Presbyter Festival Ad Book Sales Festival: September 6 & September 7, 2014 Full Page $250 Half Page $150 Organization Name: Address: Phone #: Paid Check # Cash Please provide via a PDF or JPG copy of Ad to: ( gadirects@hotmail.com or admin@schgocdc.org ) All ads must be submitted by August 15, 2014!! **If you have any questions, call the church (240)

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23 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h Of Washington, DC Temporary Church Address: St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD Office Address: 701 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD Phone: (240) office@schgocdc.org Website: Rev. Michael Eaccarino, Protopresbyter fm@papouli.net Rev. Jason Houck, Presbyter FatherJason@schgocdc.org We welcome all visitors among us always! We hope you find our worship true and reverent and our people here friendly and cordial. If you are seeking a spiritual home, we would be honored by your presence in our family. We are glad you chose to worship with us today. ALTAR BOYS Joe Mayes joem1222@gmail.com STEWARDSHIP Sotirios Nasios snasios@yahoo.com Kathy Matrakas klukia14@gmail.com GREEK LANGUAGE/ MINISTRY Iphigeneia Kambanis agkambanis@msn.com ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Fr. Jason Houck FatherJason@schgocdc.org CHOIR Dr. Theodore Papaloizos ted@greek123.com Jr. GOYA/Sr. GOYA Alexandra Pittas pittasa@verizon.net GREEK DANCE MINISTRY Maria Romas mromas3@gmail.com YOUNG AT HEART Helen Thornberg bwt602r@aol.com Christina Clifton Christina.Clifton@verizon.net CATECHETICAL MINISTRY Tara Kavadias tarakavadias@yahoo.com YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAL) Tommy Karadimas tkaradimas13@aol.com PHILOPTOCHOS Paraskevoula Hays voulaphilo@landmark.org HOPE & JOY Chrystyna Pittas cpittas1@gmail.com Elizabeth Scott escott2253@gmail.com 23

24 PARISH LIFE - Dates to Remember Monday Δευτέρα 8/4/14 Strict Fast 6:00-7:00pm Paraklesis to the Theotokos At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday Τρίτη 8/5/14 Strict Fast 6:00-7:00pm Great Vespers for Holy Transfiguration At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Wednesday Τετάρτη 8/6/14 Fish Allowed Holy Transfiguration 8:30-10:30am Orthros & Divine Liturgy 6:00-7:00pm Holy Unction Service At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Thursday Πέμτη 8/7/14 Strict Fast Friday Παρασκευή 8/8/14 Strict Fast Saturday Σάββατον 8/9/14 Wine and Oil Allowed 6:00-7:00pm Paraklesis to the Theotokos At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property 6:00-7:00pm Paraklesis to the Theotokos At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property 6:00-7:00pm Great Vespers At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Sunday Κυριακή 8/10/14 Wine and Oil Allowed 9th Sunday of Matthew 7:00-8:15am Orthros / Ορθρος 8:15-9:45am Divine Liturgy / Θ. Λειτουργία At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 6:00-7:00pm Paraklesis to the Theotokos At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property 24