Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee: Triodion begins

Transcript

1 Ελληνικός Ορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL Reverend Fr. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Presbyter Church Office: Alex Limberatos, Youth Director - youth@stgeorgetampabay.org or his cell phone Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee: Triodion begins SUNDAY JANUARY 28th, 2018 NEW WEB PAGE: 1

2 EPISTLE The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15 TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟ Κυριακή ΛΓ Επιστολών, Αποστ. Ανάγνωσμα: Β Τιμ. γ Παιδί μου Τιμόθεε, εσύ με παρακολούθησες στη διδασκαλία, στον τρόπο ζωής, στους σκοπούς, στην πίστη, στη μακροθυμία, στην αγάπη, στην υπομονή, στους διωγμούς, στα παθήματα σαν αυτά που υπέμεινα στην Αντιόχεια, στο Ικόνιο, στα Λύστρα. Τι διωγμούς υπέφερα! Κι απ όλα με γλίτωσε ο Κύριος. Κι όχι μόνο εγώ, αλλά και όλοι όσοι θέλουν να ζήσουν με ευσέβεια, σύμφωνα με το θέλημα του Ιησού Χριστού, θα αντιμετωπίσουν διωγμούς. Μόνο οι πονηροί άνθρωποι και οι απατεώνες θα προκόβουν στο χειρότερο θα εξαπατούν τους άλλους και οι άλλοι θα τους εξαπατούν. Εσύ όμως να μένεις σ αυτά που έμαθες και που για την αξιοπιστία τους έχεις τεκμήρια. Ξέρεις από ποιόν τα έμαθες και μη λησμονείς ότι από τη βρεφική σου ηλικία γνωρίζεις τη Γραφή, που μπορεί να σε κάνει σοφό οδηγώντας σε στη σωτηρία δια της πίστεως στον Ιησού Χριστό. GOSPEL Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: The Gospel According to Luke 18:10-14 The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Κυριακή ΙΣΤ Λουκά Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου, Ευαγγ. Ανάγνωσμα: Λουκ. ιη Είπε ο Κύριος αυτή την παραβολή: δύο άνθρωποι ανέβηκαν στο Ναό για να προσευχηθούν, ο ένας ήταν Φαρισαίος και ο άλλος ήταν τελώνης. Ο Φαρισαίος στάθηκε επιδεικτικά και προσευχόταν αναφερόμενος στον εαυτό του με αυτά τα λόγια: «Θεέ μου, σ ευχαριστώ, γιατί εγώ δεν είμαι σαν τους άλλους τους ανθρώπους, που είναι κλέφτες, άδικοι, άτιμοι ή και σαν αυτόν τον τελώνη νηστεύω δύο φορές την εβδομάδα, δίνω το ένα δέκατο απ όλα τα εισοδήματα μου. Και ο τελώνης στεκόταν από μακριά και δεν ήθελε ούτε τα μάτια του να σηκώσει στον ουρανό, μόνο χτυπούσε στο στήθος του και έλεγε Θεέ μου, συγχώρεσε με τον αμαρτωλό. Σας λέγω πως αυτός κατέβηκε στο σπίτι του συγχωρεμένος παρά ο άλλος. Γιατί όποιος υπερηφανεύεται θα ταπεινωθεί, ενώ όποιος ταπεινώνεται θα ανυψωθεί. 2

3 Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιµον. Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. Απολυτίκιον Αγίου Ανδρέου Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος Καὶ τοῦ κορυφαίου αὐτάδελφος τῷ Δεσπότῃ τῶν ὅλων, Ἀνδρέα, ἱκέτευε, εἰρήνην τῇ Οἰκουμένη δωρήσασθαι καὶ ταῖς ψνχαῖς ἡμῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Ἀπολυτίκιο Άγίου Γεωργίου Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἐλευθερωτής, καὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστής, ἀσθενούντων ἰατρός, βασιλέων ὑπέρμαχος, Τροπαιοφόρε Μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Seasonal Kontakion Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου, καὶ χείρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νὺν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος. Hymns of the Week Resurrectional Apolytikion When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man. St. Andrew Dismissal Hymn 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. St. George Dismissal Hymn Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick and a champion of kings. O trophy bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Seasonal Kontakion Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One. Thank you for your donations of olive oil for the altar kandelia The Church always needs oil so please continue to bring your donations. 3

4 MEMORIAL SERVICE - +ΙΕΡΟ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΟ+ Trisagion + Anthony Miceli 40day memorial service for +Aivatis Aivatoglou given by his family 45year memorial service for + Ioanna Jenny Caramitros given by the Cusimano family Trisagion +Petros and +Athanasios May their Memory be Eternal! Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτών! Memorials When planning your memorial service please make sure that you contact the office and give the names of the reposed so that Father Gregory has them in advance. In addition, if you would like KOLYVA we ask that you contact Katina Kollias or Did you know this about Memorial Services and Kolyva : Memorial services may not be chanted from the Saturday of Lazarus through the Sunday of Thomas on any Feast days of the Lord or any Feast days of the Theotokos. Koliva is boiled wheat with a combination of some or all of the following ingredients: powdered sugar, almonds, ground walnuts, sesame seeds, cinnamon, pomegranate seeds, raisins, anise, parsley and more. Koliva is made for memorials, typically on Saturdays of the Souls, and according to different traditions, the day of a Funeral, the 40 th day after death, 3 rd month, 6 th month, 9 th month, annually, and even sometimes just on big anniversaries only, such as 5 years, 10 years, etc. You may also have Kolyva on the funeral day but ONLY boiled wheat no sweetness is added. Sweetness is added on the 40day memorial and thereafter. In John s Gospel we find this quote, Christ said, Unless a wheat grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24) As Orthodox Christians we are awaiting the 2 nd Coming and the General Resurrection of the dead, through Christ we have Life! But, remembering the memory of our deceased beloved ones is an opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed as well as a way to help us heal from the death. 4

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6 Με τη σημερινή παραβολή του Τελώνου και του Φαρισαίου, η αγία μας εκκλησία μας εισαγάγει στην ευλογημένη περίοδο του τριωδίου. Μια κατεξοχήν περίοδο Μετανοίας, αλλαγής δηλαδή τρόπου σκέψης και ζωής. Ο Χριστός θέλοντας να φανερώσει το νόημα της αποστολής Του αλλά και να απαντήσει στους γραμματείς και φαρισαίους που διαμαρτύρονταν για τη συναναστροφή του με τις πόρνες και τους τελώνες, μιλά με μια σειρά σχετικές παραβολές. Η σημερινή που ως κύριους χαρακτήρες έχει έναν τελώνη και ένα φαρισαίο εξετάζει και τους δυο από απόψεως ψυχολογίας. Η προσευχή του Φαρισαίου Είναι γνωστό ότι οι Φαρισαίοι ήταν τάξη θρησκευτική. Στις μέρες του Χριστού την τάξη αυτή την διέκρινε υπέρμετρος θρησκευτικός ζήλος, τυπολατρεία, εμπάθεια και πίστη σε ανθρώπινες ψευτοσυντηρητικές παραδόσεις που είχαν αντικαταστήσει στη συνείδηση τους το νόμο της γραφής. Ιδιαιτέρως τους διέκρινε ο εγωισμός και η υποκρισία. Ο Φαρισαίος ανεβαίνοντας στο ναό για να προσευχηθεί ήταν φυσικό να εκφράσει μέσα από την προσευχή του το περιεχόμενο της καρδιάς του. Καθώς προείπαμε, ανήκοντας και αυτός στην τάξη των θρησκευόμενων εκείνων ανθρώπων που τηρούσαν όλες τις διατάξεις του νόμου και ακόμα παραπάνω, ένιωθε την αυτάρκεια που δημιουργεί η εξωτερική εικόνα. Αυτό αποδεικνύεται περίτρανα και από τον χαρακτηρισμό που οι ίδιοι οι φαρισαίοι απέδιδαν στους εαυτούς τους ως «δικαίους» και «τελείους». Αρχίζει λοιπόν να προσεύχεται και η προσευχή του δεν είναι τίποτε άλλο από περιαυτολόγιση και καύχηση για την αγιότητά του. Καταρχήν αυτός δεν είναι όπως τους άλλους. Η αξία του έγκειται στο ότι οι άλλοι είναι άθλιοι διότι διαφορετικά καταρρέει το περισσότερο μέρος της αρετής του. Δεύτερον, νηστεύει «δις του σαββάτου». Σάββατο εδώ εννοεί ολόκληρη την εβδομάδα. Οι φαρισαίοι νήστευαν τη Δευτέρα και την Πέμπτη, χωρίς αυτό να διατάσσεται από το νόμο. Το δεύτερο λοιπόν καύχημα του είναι ότι εκτελεί περισσότερα από όσα διατάσσει ο νόμος και κατά κάποιο τρόπο θέλει να πει ότι ο Θεός είναι και υποχρεωμένος απέναντι του. Τρίτο καύχημα του είναι ότι «αποδεκατοί πάντα όσα κτάται». Ο μωσαϊκός νόμος προέβλεπε να καταβάλλουν όλοι οι Ισραηλίτες το ένα δέκατο των γεωργικών και κτηνοτροφικών μόνο προϊόντων τα οποία ήταν και τα κύρια επαγγέλματα της εποχής που δόθηκε ο νόμος. Μετά αναπτύχθηκαν τα άλλα επαγγέλματα για τα οποία όμως τίποτα δεν προβλεπόταν από αυτόν. Οι φαρισαίοι ως επί το πλείστον ασχολούνταν με άλλα επαγγέλματα εκτός από γεωργία και κτηνοτροφία. Ως εκ τούτου τα μόνα προϊόντα για τα οποία οι φαρισαίοι με πολύ ζήλο και ιεροπρέπεια κατέβαλλαν στο ναό το δέκατο ήταν όπως λέει αλλού ο Κύριος, το «άνηθον», το «ηδύοσμον», το «πήγανον», το «κύμινον» και άλλα τέτοια άνθη, που καλλιεργούσαν σε γλάστρες. Ενώ ο αμαρτωλός λαός, όπως τον χαρακτήριζαν οι φαρισαίοι, κατέβαλλε κάθε χρόνο εκτός από τους άλλους φόρους και το 10% από το σιτάρι ή από τα άλλα προϊόντα της γης και της ποίμνης στο ναό. Για τους «αμαρτωλούς» η θρησκεία ήταν δαπανηρή και χωρίς κανένα καύχημα, ενώ για τους «άγιους» φαρισαίους ήταν αδάπανη και πηγή καυχημάτων. 6

7 Η Μετάνοια του τελώνη Ταυτόχρονα όμως με το Φαρισαίο ανέβηκε και ο Τελώνης στο ναό για να προσευχηθεί και δεν τολμούσε «ουδέ τους οφθαλμούς εις τον ουρανόν επάραι, αλλ έτυπτεν εις το στήθος αυτού λέγων Ο Θεός ιλάθητι μοι τω αμαρτωλώ». Είναι γεγονός ότι ο τελώνης κατά την αρχαιότητα ήταν ο αντιπροσωπευτικός τύπος του διευφθαρμένου ανθρώπου. Αυτό φαίνεται και από τα λόγια του Κυρίου «Έστω σοι ώσπερ ο εθνικός και ο Τελώνης» ή «Τελώναι και πόρναι προάγουσιν υμάς εις την βασιλείαν του Θεού». Με αυτή λοιπόν την αίσθηση της αραρτωλώτητας και της ανεπάρκειας που δημιουργεί η απουσία του Θεού, ξεκινά η αληθινή μετάνοια του τελώνη που είναι υπόδειγμα μετανοημένου αμαρτωλού. Είναι γι αυτούς που είπε ο Κύριος «ουκ ήλθον καλέσαι δικαίους» και εννοεί εδώ όλους όσους αυτοδικαιόνονται μπροστά στο Θεό, «αλλά αμαρτωλούς εις μετάνοιαν». Έχοντας λοιπόν ακράδαντη πίστη στους λόγους του Κυρίου ότι «Τελώναι και πόρναι προάγουσιν υμάς εις την βασιλείαν του Θεού» ας είναι όλη μας η ζωή μια προσπάθεια κάθαρσης της ψυχής μας από την υπερηφάνεια και καθώς λένε και οι πατέρες της εκκλησίας μας είναι προτιμότερο αφού αμαρτάνουμε να μετανοούμε και να ταπεινωνόμαστε, παρά να έχουμε πνευματικά επιτεύγματα και να υπερηφανευόμαστε. Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness. Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights. All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday. 7

8 Ένα μεγάλο ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ σε όλους τους εθελοντές και Δωροθέτες μας του Αγίου Γεωργίου! Ο Θεός να σας έχει πάντοτε καλά! A big THANK YOU to all our Volunteers and Donors! May our God bless you and your Families always! What is Christian Stewardship? Life on Earth is a Gift One day, a person complained to his priest that the Church and Christianity is one continual give, give, give. To which the priest replied, Thank you very much for the finest definition of Christianity I have ever heard. You re right, Christianity is all about a constant give, give, give. God giving His only Son to the world to show His unconditional love. His Son Jesus giving His life on the cross to forgive our sins and destroy death. Then our Lord s disciples giving all they had to make sure God s Good News of love was preached to all people everywhere. They not only gave away their homes and businesses, but even gave up their lives as martyrs in gratitude to God! In times of trouble or worry, especially over our career, we call upon God to strengthen us, to provide opportunity and to bring us success. When we achieve some measure of worldly success, it is easy to say to ourselves as we read in the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy (8:17), My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But the next verse quickly reminds us, Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. Life on earth is a gift. The work we do is also a gift if we see it as an opportunity to serve God and others. Saint Paul instructs us, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23). When we see our work in this way, we are able to become Christian stewards of our work. Christian Stewardship Is... learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ s redeeming love. caring for the needs of others. offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. what a person does after saying I believe, as proof of that belief. devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as parish, as diocese/ metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal. JOIN US FOR STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY JANUARY 28TH,

9 Congratulations to the newly appointed Parish Council members New Parish Council Members Tom Letsos, George Psetas Dina Rivers, Toula Mancini Roula Papapanos, Tina Wilson Mike Seraskeris, Delia Kalogiannis Keke Kikilis, Helen Antonatos Koulla Mitchell, Sherry Athanasoulis Lisa Aivatoglou, Maria Psihoulas I,, do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogma, teaching, traditions, holy canons, worship and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the Charter and Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will faithfully and sincerely fulfill the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me, God. The St. George Parish Council invites you to join them on Sunday January 28th following the Divine Liturgy for a special coffee hour honoring Father Gregory s Nameday 9

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11 11 What is Triodion? Triodion - Sundays in Preparation for Great Lent During the three week pre-lenten season the church prepares us for repentance. She urges us to prepare ourselves through gradual diet modification and instructing us with themes of humility, judgment, repentance and forgiveness. The period is bounded by four Sundays. The dates below are very important. For more information you may log onto the Archdiocese sites where you will find the Scripture lessons, hymns, articles and other information regarding these very special Sundays. 1.January 28 th -.Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14) This Sunday emphasizes humility as a key attitude for repentance. The Greek word for repentance is metanoia, which means a change of mind. To repent we must not boast of our spiritual feats, but humble ourselves like the Publican who longs for a change of mind. We are called to learn this secret of the inward poverty of the Publican rather than the self-righteousness of the Pharisee who is convinced of his perfectness and not open to change because of his pride. There is no prescribed fasting for this week. 2. February 4 th Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) This Sunday teaches us about our need to return from exile. This parable shows us the mercy of the Father who with open arms receives his son, whose behavior he does not return, but is joyous of his return home. We are encouraged to examine ourselves in the period of Lent to purge ourselves of sin and come home. The week that follows is called Meat Week (Kreatini) as it is the last week we are to eat meat. In the villages of Greece this was the traditional week to slaughter the family pig and the leftovers were smoked to be eaten after Pascha. The normal rule of fasting are applied to this week, fast on Wednesday and Friday. Saturday of this week is the first Saturday of Souls where those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection and eternal life are remembered at a special service Saturday of the Souls. Parishioners bring small dishes of kollyva to the church and submit a list of first names of deceased ones to the priest. We commend to God all those who have departed before us, who are now awaiting the Last Judgment. This is an expression of the Churches love. We remember them because we love them. 3. February 11 th Judgment (Meat-fare) Sunday (Matt 25:31-46) This Sunday emphasizes the Last Judgment. We are reminded of our individual responsibility for love. We are encouraged not to eat meat this week, but we can eat eggs, cheese and other dairy products. 4. February 18 th Forgiveness (Cheese-Fare) Sunday (Matt 6:14-21) This Sunday emphasizes forgiveness and how we must forgive others if God is to forgive us so we can break the chains of sinful tendency which we inherit from the Adam and Eve. This is the last day of preparation as the traditional Lenten fast begins on the following day where no meat, dairy or eggs are to be eaten according to the church tradition. 5.Great Lent Begins Great Lent is the period that the Church has in her wisdom set aside for us to intensify our own spiritual growth through fasting, prayer and worship. If you follow the Church guidelines on fasting, make time to attend the services and intensify your own prayer life, you will be rewarded with a greater closeness to God.

12 Please see Koulla Mitchell for tickets for this event! Or you may contact her at or

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14 ST. GEORGE PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS HAPPY NAME DAY +FATHER GREGORY From the Ladies Philoptochos Xronia Polla. ******************************************* 14 OFFICE UPDATE : Thank you for your patience! The church office is underway with a project to improve the phone system so that it will help cut costs. For emergency (only) you may reach Father Gregory at for the office please contact and leave a message so that the office may return your call. Thank You! For those watching us on U-Stream we apologize for the inconvenience. U-stream is currently offline. We are currently repairing this issue and should be fixed shortly. Thank You!

15 Prayers at Church Prayer Upon Entering a Church I will come into Your house in the greatness of Your mercy: and in fear I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify You forever, One Divine Power worshiped in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer upon Leaving a Church Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. Prayer at the Icon of Christ We reverence Your spotless icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God. Because of Your own good will You ascended the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver those who You had created from the bondage of the enemy. We cry aloud unto You: You have filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for You came to save the world. Amen. PRAYER CORNER: If you wish your name to be placed on the St. George Prayer List, please contact our Church office. Do not call for others because some people do not want their names to be published. Prayer List for: Calliope Scumas, MaryAnne Kranidis, Elias Kranidis, Kaliope Potawsky, Daniel Scherr, Maria Stolis, Phil and Marie Sherman, Evelyn Leufen, Ferd Leufen, Stamatia Matia Vamvounakis, Maria Stolis, Charlie, Laurie Fleischer, Joann Myers PRAYER PRAY EVERY Morning and Evening at a Minimum Remember to make your prayer life one that is a firm rule and not something that is done occasionally or sporadically. It must be done each day morning and evening at a minimum. You need to commit to follow your rule each and every day. Think about certain personal hygiene tasks such as brushing your teeth that you do each day out of habit. You don t forget to do them each day. Your prayer needs to become a habit as strong as these. Prayer must become a daily habit that you never forget. Prayer is essential for the health of our soul Just like the hygiene activities that we do for the health of our body. PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind and is a most merciful and compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servant(s) (names), for whom I humbly pray to You, and whom I commend to Your gracious care and protection. O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, so that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear, doing Your will in all things. Give them grace and mercy so that they may be patient, hard working, tireless, devout, and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption, and direct them in the way of salvation, through the goodness of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the prayers of His Holy Mother and the blessed Saints. Amen. 15

16 Η ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ Η Θεία Κοινωνιά προσφε ρεται στην Ορθο δοξη Εκκλησιά μο νο στα α τομα που βαφτι στηκαν στην Ορθο δοξη Πι στη. Για να συμμετα σχεις στην Θειά Κοινωνιά, πρε πει να ει σαι σε καλη κατα σταση με την Εκκλησιά πνευματικα (για παρα δειγμα, οι παντρεμε νοι α νθρωποι πρέπει να ε χει ευλογηθει ο γα μος τους στην Εκκλησιά και ο λοι πρε πει να ει ναι χωρι ς σοβαρη αμαρτιά στις καρδιε ς τους). Για ο λους τους Ορθο δοξους Χριστιανου ς πρε πει να τηρει ται η σωστη προετοιμασιά για τη Θειά Κοινωνιά: δηλαδη, εξε ταση της συνει δησης, εξομολο γηση, ανα γνωση των προσευχω ν για ιερη Κοινωνιά και σωστη νηστειά. Αν ε χετε περαιτε ρω αποριές σχετικα με αυτο, παρακαλείται να μιλη σετε με τον Ιερέα. Οι γυναι κες πρε πει να αφαιρε σουν ο λο το κραγιο ν ο ταν πλησια ζουν για τη Θειά Κοινωνιά. Παρακαλείται να αφη σετε τους γονει ς με τα μωρα τους και τους ηλικιωμε νους να προσεγγι σουν πρω τα. Σας ευχαριστούμε! GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION Holy Communion is offered in the Orthodox Church only to those individuals baptized and Chrismated (confirmed) in the Orthodox Faith. To participate in Holy Communion one must be in good standing with the Church spiritually (for example, married people must have had their marriage blessed in the Church and all must be without grave sin on their hearts). For all Orthodox Christians, the proper preparation for Holy Communion must be observed: examination of conscience, confession, reading the prayers for Holy Communion, and the proper fasting. If you have any further questions about this, please speak with the clergy. Women should remove all lipstick when approaching for Holy Communion. Please let parents with their babies and the elderly approach first. We Thank you Father Gregory Edwards contact information is Cell: Office: address: If you would like to schedule a meeting, an appointments or confession please contact the church office and speak with Antonia or you may contact Fr. Gregory at Church is open daily for your spiritual needs from 9:00am - 4:00pm and on Sundays 8:15am-1:00pm Αγαπητοί μου εκ Κυρίω αδελφοί, είμαστε στην ευχάριστη θέση να σας ανακοινώσουμε ότι ο Ελληνορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός του Αγίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος και Θαυματουργού Γεωργίου θα είναι ανοικτός καθημερινά από 9:00πμ έως και τις 4:00μμ και Κυριακές από 8:15πμ έως 1:00μμ για τις Λατρευτικές σας ανάγκες. Για την εξομολόγησή σας ή για οποιαδήποτε άλλη Λατρευτική ανάγκη παρακαλούμε να τηλεφωνήσετε το γραφείο του Αγίου Γεωργίου η τον +π. Γρηγόριος στο

17 BULLETIN SPONSOR FORM If you would like to sponsor an issue of the St. George Weekly Bulletin Please contact the Church Office and speak with Antonia from 9am -4pm Monday thru Friday Requests will need to be made by Tuesday 2 weeks prior the Bulletin issue The Bulletin donation is $50.00 payable to St. George Greek Orthodox Church Stewardship 2018 Forms are available at the church office or the pangari Stewardship committee waiting to assist you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you! John 20:21 Be a Part of the St. George Team!!! Stewardship is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values, to express our thankfulness for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us, and to grow in grace. Complete your 2018 Commitment Card today! Sponsor a Day at St. George s! This year, 2017, it will cost over $480,000 to run St. George s. That means that it costs about $1320 a day to keep the doors of our church open. Following other successful parishes, we have decided to challenge our parishioners to sponsor a day at St. George s. With about 300 families, that means we could come close to sponsoring the whole year if every family would take a single day. Each week in the bulletin, we will acknowledge and thank those families who have stepped up to the challenge. Thank you to: Constantine and Angela Bougas (In memory of Nick and Mary Michael our parents ) Mr. Jack Balahtsis, The Edwards Family, The Tout Family The Chilimigras Family, The Psetas Family, The St. George Baking Angels Koulla Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Saravanos, (2) Anonymous, Mr.& Mrs. Peter Pappas Mancini Family, Anonymous,Parish Council Member Watch all our Church Services LIVE from your Computer, laptop or your smartphone! Τώρα μπορείτε να βλέπετε ζωντανά τις Ιερές ακολουθείες από τον υπολογιστή σας ή το τηλέφωνό σας!!! Bible Verse: A Rich Man is not one who has much but one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever. +St. John Chrysostom 17

18 St. George offers 3 bible study sessions under the direction of +Fr. Gregory *********************************************************** Adult Bible Study/Catechism Wednesday evening at 7pm Kontos Community Hall Join us on Wednesday evenings as we learn more about the Orthodox faith. We are currently reading a book that studies the similarities and differences between Orthodoxy and other Christian confessions and faiths. There is always room for Q&A. This group is aimed at both those who are interested in joining the Orthodox Church, as well as Orthodox who want to learn more about their faith. Everything is in English. The study is proceeded by prayer from 6:00-7:00 PM in the chapel. ****************************************************************************** Greek Bible Study Meets every Wednesday afternoon, 1:00-2:30 PM with a potluck lunch. Join us on Wednesdays for a potluck lunch as we read through a Greek spiritual text. We are currently in a study of the Divine Liturgy. The book and conversation are in Modern Greek Κύκλος μελέτης στα ελληνικά Kάθε Τετάρτη από τις 1.00pm-2.30pm Ελάτε! **************************************************************************** Women s Bible study Thursday morning at 10:30am Discussion about faith, religion and family life. Focus on Family Life! +Father Gregory Welcomes you ALL Thank you to all those that attend weekly! 18

19 PRAYER LIST FOR OUR TROOPS ZOE LEKAKIS, MARINES ALEXI LAKE, MARINES LEONIDAS STEFOPOULOS, USARMY ELIAS A. KOSTAKIS, USARMY COSTADINO BAETEN, NAVY CONSTANTINOS VLAHOCHRISTOS, NAVY If you have a loved one serving in the USA Military please submit their names by calling the Church Office so that we can pray for them. May God Bless you and keep you all safe! The church will be collecting toiletry items for military care packages for our troops. Items such as shavers, shaving cream, wipes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, foot powder ect.. Also stationery items and stamps. You may drop off your donated items to the Church office If you wish to donate towards the gifts for our next Divine Liturgy please contact the Church office and speak with Antonia at The offerings include: 10 prosfora, the communion wine, the oil, the incense and charcoal. All items used during the prothesis in preparation for the Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion. THE CHURCH IS LOW and needs Olive Oil for the Kandeli(a) in the altar and the church. If you would like to donate oil please do so and bring it with you on Sunday or to the Church office. ****************************** VISITING ANGELS MINISTRY The visiting angels ministry needs volunteers! This ministry visits the nursing homes, shut-ins and hospitals. If you would like to be involved in this Philanthropic mission please contact Sofia Bouzios Tel Stavroula Grivas Tel You may also log onto the website 19

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21 Thank you to our bulletin sponsors for your continued support with advertising your business in our weekly bulletins. 21

22 LOVE AND LOSS GROUP On going Bereavement (Grief) Support Group. All are welcome who have experienced a death, recent or past. You may join at any time. FREE! MONDAYS, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. A series of on-going (six weeks on, two weeks off). Next dates: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12 3/5, 3/12, 3/19,4/9, 4/16 (NO GROUP 4/2). Kontos Community Center at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. For more information call (352)

23 St. George Weekly Church Services & Church Ministries Schedule The Church & the Church Office are open daily from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Feel free to come to Pray and light a candle at the Church Monday 01/29 Tuesday 01/30 Goya and Dance practice Tuesdays from 7-8 Greek Dance (younger kids) Wednesday 01/31 No Greek bible Study Δεν θα έχουμε μελέτη Βίβλου στα Ελληνικά 6:00PM GREEK SCHOOL Δεν θα έχουμε μελέτη το βράδυ /Βίβλου N0 Adult Bible Study/Catechism Thursday 02/01 NO Women s bible study 6:00-7:00 PM, Great Vespers with Blessing of the Waters μμ, Μ. Εσπερινός με Αγιασμό Πρωτομηνιάς 6:30pm Choir practice in the church Friday 02/02 Presentation of The Lord, 8:30AM Matins/Orthros & 9:30AM Divine Liturgy Η Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου, 8:30πμ Όρθρος & 9:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία Saturday 02/03 3:00pm 6:30pm Friday Night 6:00-6:45 PM. Great Vespers :45μμ. Μ. Εσπερινός, Sunday 02/04 Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Matins 8:15 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. Sunday School Κυριακή του Ασώτου, Όρθρος 8.15 πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30 πμ. 23

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