ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Sunday, August 19th, 2012

Transcript

1 ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Sunday, August 19th, 2012 Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos 3074 Bethelview Road Cumming GA (770) cell (770) We are an intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia!

2 WORSHIP Eleventh Gospel/Tone - Second We are so very glad you have joined us today, and we pray you will be inspired and encouraged by your time with us. The Orthodox worship service is an ancient and timeless expression of how people have loved, served and worshipped God for many centuries, but it may be a bit of a different experience for you. Please feel free to use a service book or not and simply allow the words of the service to wash over you. The central act of our worship culminates in people receiving communion. This is a very special time for us all and we have some specific beliefs about our communion together. This is why we never impose this service on those who are not prepared or are not baptized Orthodox. This service may raise questions in your mind. Please feel free to ask Fr. Barnabas or Fr. Paul anything you wish after the service. At the end of the service EVERYONE is invited to come forward and receive a portion of the blessed bread from Fr. Barnabas. No one should leave church hungry! Know you are welcome and we are glad you are here. May God bless you and your family. Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed ones; wherefore we honor you, O Godbearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors with the Lord. Memorials - A 10 year memorial is lovingly offered today for Chris Georgiadis, son of Helen & Al McCart and for George Levendakis, father of Helen & Al McCart and Aphrodite Levendakis. May Their Memory Be Eternal! Prosforo: Is lovingly offered by the Helen & Al McCart in memory of their son Chris and father George. Schedule for the Week Wednesday, August 22nd - 6:30 p.m. Vespers Saturday, August 25th - 5 p.m. Great Vespers Confessions will be heard following Great Vespers by Fr. Paul Parish Council On Duty Today - Harriet Howell & Dennis Kostulakos Welcoming Ministry - Margaret Manos - Ushering Ministry - Philoptochos ACOLYTES James Blane, Nathan Frazier, Spiros Kefalas, Dean Pryles, Nicholas Pryles, Mike Manos, Giovanni Ray, Tommy Roberts, Luke Sulyma, Mike Trainor, Connor Walters, Roney Walters, Thomas Miller and Christos Zourzoukis STS. RNI YOUTH CHOIR Jessica Catapano, Maria Hagen, Christina Pryles & Laramie Smith

3 TODAY WE REMEMBER Eleventh Sunday of Matthew Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You. Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. Resurrectional Kontakion in the Second Tone Arisen art Thou, Almighty Saviour, from the tomb; as Hades beheld, he trembled at the miracle; and the dead arose, and creation, seeing this, doth rejoice with Thee; and as Adam also is glad, the world, O my Saviour, praiseth Thee forever. We Also Remember Andrew the General & Martyr and his 2,593 Soldiers Holy Martyrs Timothy, Agapius and Thecla Theophanes the New Wonderworker of Macedonia Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary Please pray for those faithful who are currently in need of our most fervent intercessions: Andrew, Archie, Bill, Bill, Carrie, Demetra, Dina, Donna, Efthymios, Elaine, Elizabeth, Christina, Gus, Heidi, Igli, James, Jerry, Joe, John, Maria, Michael, Nomiki, Oni, Paul, Sarah, Taki, Tara and Violeta Remember Our Military Connor Walters (son of Diane & Tim Walters, grandson of Jimmy & Pat Roney) is in basic training at the Marine Corps Base in Paris Island, SC. Cards & letters, along with your prayers, from home would be welcome. RCT Walters, CP rd BN, LIMA CO, PLT 3072 P.O. Box MCRD Paris Island, SC Father Barnabas is on Vacation Father Barnabas is on vacation through Friday, August 30th. In his absence, Father Paul Stoll will be conducting all scheduled services. In case of emergency, please contact Fr. Paul Stoll on his cell at

4 Epistle Reading The Reading is from St. Paul s First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12 The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15 BRETHREN, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Α Ω Ἀδελφοί, ἡ σφραγὶς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀποστολῆς ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ. Ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία τοῖς ἐμὲ ἀνακρίνουσιν αὕτη ἐστίν. Μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν φαγεῖν καὶ πιεῖν; Μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ἀδελφὴν γυναῖκα περιάγειν, ὡς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ Κηφᾶς; Ἢ μόνος ἐγὼ καὶ Βαρνάβας οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν τοῦ μὴ ἐργάζεσθαι; Τίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ; Τίς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ καρποῦ αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει; Ἢ τίς ποιμαίνει ποίμνην, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ γάλακτος τῆς ποίμνης οὐκ ἐσθίει; Μὴ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον ταῦτα λαλῶ; Ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα λέγει; Ἐν γὰρ τῷ Μωϋσέως νόμῳ γέγραπται, Οὐ φιμώσεις βοῦν ἀλοῶντα. Μὴ τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ θεῷ; Ἢ διʼ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει; Διʼ ἡμᾶς γὰρ ἐγράφη, ὅτι ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι ὀφείλει ὁ ἀροτριῶν ἀροτριᾷν, καὶ ὁ ἀλοῶν τῆς ἐλπίδος αὐτοῦ μετέχειν ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι. Εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῖν τὰ πνευματικὰ ἐσπείραμεν, μέγα εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν; Εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς ἐξουσίας ὑμῶν μετέχουσιν, οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς; Ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐχρησάμεθα τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ταύτῃ, ἀλλὰ πάντα στέγομεν, ἵνα μὴ ἐγκοπήν τινα δῶμεν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

5 Gospel Reading The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35 The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailors, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to everyone of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." Α Ω Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην Ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ, ὃς ἠθέλησε συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ. ἀρξαμένου δὲ αὐτοῦ συναίρειν προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ εἷς ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων. μὴ ἔχοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀποδοῦναι ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ πραθῆναι καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ τέκνα καὶ πάντα ὅσα εἶχε, καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι. πεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγων κύριε, μακροθύμησον ἐπ ἐμοὶ καὶ πάντα σοι ἀποδώσω. σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἀπέλυσεν αὐτὸν καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ. ἐξελθὼν δὲ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος εὗρεν ἕνα τῶν συνδούλων αὐτοῦ, ὃς ὤφειλεν αὐτῷ ἑκατὸν δηνάρια, καὶ κρατήσας αὐτὸν ἔπνιγε λέγων ἀπόδος μοι εἴ τι ὀφείλεις. πεσὼν οὖν ὁ σύνδουλος αὐτοῦ εἰς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν λέγων μακροθύμησον ἐπ ἐμοὶ καὶ ἀποδώσω σοι. ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἤθελεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπελθὼν ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ τὸ ὀφειλόμενον. ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ τὰ γενόμενα ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα, καὶ ἐλθόντες διεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν πάντα τὰ γενόμενα. τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ λέγει αὐτῷ δοῦλε πονηρέ, πᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι, ἐπεὶ παρεκάλεσάς με. οὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς καὶ ἐγώ σε ἠλέησα; καὶ ὀργισθεὶς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασανισταῖς ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ πᾶν τὸ ὀφειλόμενον αὐτῷ. Οὕτω καὶ ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ ἐπουράνιος ποιήσει ὑμῖν, ἐὰν μὴ ἀφῆτε ἕκαστος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν.

6 ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday, September 16th - Back-to-Church Sunday "Hey, how would you like to go to church with me this Sunday?" Chances are you've never heard this phrase and most likely you have never spoken it... Studies show that 82% of unchurched people would attend if someone invited them! Yet fewer than 2% of Christians ever invite an unchurched person! National Back to Church Sunday was designed to change that. Most people who drop out of church haven't lost their faith in God; they simply fell out of the habit of churchgoing. Some moved or had a change in life circumstances, or they had a falling out with their former church and simply drifted away. Most often, life became too busy and this means many of them could be open to returning to church. That's why Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church is participating in Back to Church Sunday on September 16th. We are encouraging our faithful to invite someone they know to church services that Sunday. Call someone you haven't seen in church for a while and invite them back. Invite a neighbor who has asked about Orthodoxy to come with you to services on that Sunday. Take the chance that what you've gained by regular worship can also help someone else. Back to Church Sunday is September 16. Fr. Barnabas will have a special message on that Sunday as we all share the beauty and life-giving liturgy of the Greek Orthodox faith with our family, friends, and neighbors. We are the light of the world; it's time to shine! Upcoming Services Tuesday, August 28th, 6:30 p.m. - Vesperal Liturgy for the Beheading of John the Baptist Saturday, September 1st - 9 a.m. Orthros/10 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year Sunday, September 9th - Fr. Anthony & Fr. Barnabas are switching pulpits. Fr. Anthony Salzman will be our guest to help us understand the beauty & theology of iconography, while Fr. Barnabas will be the guest of St. Philothea Parish in Athens to speak about parish outreach and evangelism. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY The Wednesday morning Bible Study will resume Wednesday, Sep. 12th, at 10 a.m. continuing with the study of the Gospel of John.. The Wednesday evening class A Step-by-Step Look at the Divine Liturgy will begin on Wednesday, Sep. 12th, following 6:30 p.m. Vespers. Father Barnabas will be available to hear confession every Wednesday either before or after Vespers and by appointment. Please call or the church office to request a time to meet with Father and avail yourself to this healing divine mystery of the Church.

7 ANNOUNCEMENTS Society of Wisdom Monthly Lunch Tuesday, August 21st, 11:30 a.m. Mia s Italian Restaurant - Hwy 20 & Bethelview (Kroger Shopping Center) Contact Grace Chihlas if you plan to Book Club Meeting Schedule We will begin a new book - Wounded by Love The life and Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios This book is wonderful. Some of the topics we will discuss, in addition to his wonderful life story at the beginning, are: Spiritual Struggle Prayer Love for One s Neighbor Upbringing of Children Gift of Clear Sight August 25 September 8, 15, 22, 29 All meetings will begin following Saturday evening Vespers. The book is in the Gift Shop at church or it can be found at For more information call contact Donna Smith at missmagnoliasmoxie@gmail.com or Lisa Boston at or myakunda@yahoo.com Seeking Additional Community Input The Growth and Development Ministry is looking for your input. Displayed in the Narthex is latest draft of the Sts RNI Complex Master Plan. This is a 5-10 year plan with the first phase being the Multipurpose Facility. This is based upon the survey results reviewed at the last general assembly. The plan has a narrative attached to it explaining the layout and some of the changes already discussed. Please look it over and if you have any additional comments or suggestions, please them to Paul Ray at pcsec@stsrni.org, or you may drop off written comments at the church office. The plan will remain displayed in the Narthex through the end of August. This is an exciting time for our community and our future. We need everyone's involvement to be successful. Thank you in advance for your support! The Growth and Development Ministry

8 ANNOUNCEMENTS PHILOPTOCHOS WELCOME BACK DINNER/MEETING Friday, August 24th, 6 :30 p.m. Wok & Chopstick Restaurant 1525 McFarland Parkway, Alpharetta (770) AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR What is an AED? An automated external defibrillator or AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. One AED has been donated. Donations are still needed to cover the cost of the 2nd unit (approximately $1,500). Thank you for your support with this important project! Sts. RNI Parish Council ATTENTION PARISH TEENS Father Paul would like to meet with you TODAY after services for about 10 minutes to obtain your input for Sunday School - topices to cover, the schedule, etc. Please gather in the conference room immediately after the dismissal. Sts. RNI Choir Practice NEW DAY/NEW TIME Today - SUNDAY - Immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Chapel Contact Marie Chapman for more information or mommystargater@comcast.net Prosforo Baking Friday, August 24th, and Friday, September 28th - 9 a.m. Contact Stamatia Hagen for more information at mamma2maria@aol.com Save the Date Friday, September 7th, through Sunday, September 9th Sts. RNI Diakonia Center Labor of Love Work Weekend Contact Stamatia Hagen for more information

9 GREEK FEST 2012 JUST 9 MORE WEEKS! SAVE THE DATES Friday, October 19th 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 20th 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, October 21st 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We also need help: Set-Up - Thursday, October 18th Clean-Up - Monday, October 22nd Ask how you can become a steward of this wonderful event. Questions, concern, and to volunteer to help plan the Festival should be ed to Johnny Melts at greekfest@stsrni.org. Father Barnabas asks you to volunteer now so we can firm up our plans and schedules. Use one of the Festival Volunteer sheets and reserve your spot! A sign-up table will be in the Narthex or outside (weather permitting). OPA! Donation Wishlist for Festival Baking The following are items needed for baking: 50 lbs #7 filo ($125); 150 lbs sugar ($75); 12 gal. milk ($36); 40 doz eggs ($50); 100 lbs flour ($40); 40 lbs honey ($300); 20 lbs walnuts ($150) If anyone would like to donate any of these items or money towards the purchase, please contact Johnny Melts (greekfest@stsrni.org) or Ginny Kostulakos (wordscan49@att.net or ) Baking will begin on Friday, September 7th, 9 a.m. at the Blue House. We will make baklava.

10 ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday, September 9th - Sunday School Begins Registration HAS BEGUN - Sign up TODAY Parents, please register your children for Sunday School early so that we can plan for classroom space and supplies. Volunteers are needed for Sunday School teachers and assistants. Your participation makes Sunday School possible. Please contact Lisa Boston at or myakunda@yahoo.com SAVE THE DATE Saturday, September 22nd, 5 p.m. - GOYA Opa Picnic Fundraiser Join us for food, fun & fellowship! Sunday, September 23rd - General Assembly Meeting will be held following the Divine Liturgy VOLUNTEERS NEEDED A Chairman for the Sunday Fellowship Hour Grace Chihlas has chaired this Ministry since its inception and done a wonderful job of planning & providing refreshments each Sunday. Thank you Grace for your service. Greek School Teachers Volunteer replacements for the pre-k and primary Greek School teachers at Sts. RNI are needed for this school year. Society of Wisdom A volunteer is needed to take on the organization of the monthly luncheons. GOYA BIBLE STUDY WITH FR. BARNABAS - August 19th - Cancelled Father Barnabas is on Vacation

11 ANNOUNCEMENTS FELLOWSHIP HOUR Our Fellowship Hour Donation Campaign has begun. We hope you have enjoyed the refreshments provided over the past year and will continue to support the Fellowship Committee s efforts to serve you each Sunday. For the year, donations have been made by the following families: Andropoulos Birozes Bozzuto Chapman Chihlas Doulgerakis Druffner Hayes Johnson Jordan Kanellos Kefalas Klock Kostulakos Koulouvaris Livaditis Lytle Manos Marvos McCart Melts Milam Miller Moissiades Morris Panos Pappas Patrick Pardinas Philoptochos Pournaras Powell Pryles Ray Shoji Sulyma Thrasivoulou Trainor Willis DONATIONS FOR Ecclesiastical Year Now Being Accepted. Thank you all for your support of this Ministry PARISH COUNCIL Dennis Kostulakos (President), John Patrick (Vice President), Paul Ray (Secretary), Vic Pryles (Treasurer), David Chapman, Harald Hagen, Harriet Howell and Florence Lytle Our Vision & Mission Our vision as Saints Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church is to grow as a family in Christ. Our mission as a Greek Orthodox Church is to serve God and neighbor, strengthen the family and reach out to the community.

12 To date the 92 families below have returned Stewardship Commitment Cards for Nicholas & Varvara Alexiou Jim & Angie Andropoulos Richard & Sophia Bethune Paul & Elaine Bilson Anthony & Mary Birozes Renee Birozes Katherine Blanos Joseph (Ike) Bonnelli-Barbara Selwa Jordan & Lisa Boston Niko & Helen Bouboulis Kosta & Carolyn Bozzuto Thalia Bruno Athena Catapano David & Marie Chapman Grace Chihlas Julie Chokos Roy & Lydia Clarkson Arthur Costakis Jamie Crossno Dean & Jenny Demos Wesley & Donna Dennison Keith & Mary Druffner Quay & Trissie Farr Chris & Liz Foxhall Dan & Sonia Frazier Paul & Caroline Geertgens Robert & Jennifer Guano Harald & Stamatia Hagen Kevin & Allison Hammond Christine Hatcher Michael & Ann Hayes Harriet Howell Mark & Jennie Johnson Eleni Jordan Bill & Mary Kaloudis Jim Kanellos Maria Kalou Kardomateas Theodoros & Aphrodite Kazazakis-Levendakis Tasso & Laura Kefalas Jackie Klock Dennis & Ginny Kostulakos Jonathan & Kelley Kostulakos Louis & Dianne Koulouvaris Alex & Melpo Levantis Earnest & Elizabeth Livaditis Leon & Frances Lopez Archie & Florence Lytle Connie Machoudy Harry & Tina Maheras Kiki Manolakis Emanuel Manos William & Margaret Manos Bill & Audrey Marianes Riley & Elizabeth Marvos Al & Helen McCart Johnny & Becky Melts Bill & Mary Milam Matt & Athena Miller Nik Moissiades Patricia Morris Nick & Teddie Panos Constantinos & Evelyn Pantazopoulos Gus & Albie Pappas John & Evon Patrick Lawson & Susan Plummer Mihai & Heidi Popa Fr. Barnabas & Pres. Connie Powell Pam Powers Katherine Prattes Vic & Suzi Pryles Paul & Gigi Ray Earl & Marina Raymond David & Mary Roberts Jimmy & Pat Roney Bill & Debbie Sarandis Dina Sarandis Taka & Kathryn Shoji Eric & Donna Smith George & Anna Sofikitis Stamatia (Estelle) Sofikitis Dennis & Laura Sparks Robert & Alexis Sulyma Tohotmos & Carol Tadros Mike & Estelle Theodosion Nikolaos & Eva Thrasivoulou Ed & Anne Trainor Brian & Jennifer Tubbs James & Jane Vlahos Plutarch & Tina Vamvakias Tim & Diane Walters Steve & Smara Wolff Sam & Katherine Yalanzon