Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church

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1 Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church THE WEEKLY CHURCH BULLETIN Rev. Fr. Andrew G. Karamitos, Economos Rev. Deacon Zacharias Zaharis & Rev. Deacon Antonios Calash 525 Church Road Elgin, Illinois Phone: Visit us at: Archdiocese: In case of emergency, please call: Sunday, February 25, 2018 Today s Readings Sunday of Orthodoxy Epistle: Hebrews 11:24-26,32-40 Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:00 am Gospel: John 1:43-51 USHERS ON DUTY: Nikki Limberis (early duty), Jim Boytor, Joseph Calash, Mary Grivas, George Karas, John Katrakis, Dan Savas and Anthony Kroll COMMUNION ANNOUNCEMENT While we pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all the world s Christians, the reality remains that there is still no intercommunion between our Orthodox Churches and the Churches in the West. This means that only Baptized, Chrismated, and observant Orthodox faithful receive Communion in our Churches. At the same time, we warmly welcome all non-orthodox to join us in prayer and celebration, and humbly offer to all present the Antidoro bread of fellowship at the end of the service. We offer this important symbol instead of the Gifts, in the words of the Apostle Paul, Till we all come to the unity of the Faith (Eph. 4.13). Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers. Verse: For you are just in all you have done. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

2 Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:24-26, τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, πίστει Μωϋσῆς μέγας γενόμενος ἠρνήσατο λέγεσθαι υἱὸς θυγατρὸς Φαραώ, μᾶλλον ἑλόμενος συγκακουχεῖσθαι τῷ λαῷ τοῦ θεοῦ ἢ πρόσκαιρον ἔχειν ἁμαρτίας ἀπόλαυσιν μείζονα πλοῦτον ἡγησάμενος τῶν Αἰγύπτου θησαυρῶν τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀπέβλεπεν γὰρ εἰς τὴν μισθαποδοσίαν. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; Ἐπιλείψει γὰρ με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ τε καὶ Σαμψών καὶ Ἰεφθάε, Δαυίδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων. Ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι - ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος - ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσιν καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες, μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν. The Gospel According to John 1:43-51 At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:44-52 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠθέλησεν ὁ Ιησοῦς ἐξελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν καὶ εὑρίσκει Φίλιππον καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ἀκολούθει μοι. ἦν δὲ ὁ Φίλιππος ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδά, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως Ανδρέου καὶ Πέτρου. εὑρίσκει Φίλιππος τὸν Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ὃν ἔγραψε Μωϋσῆς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ καὶ οἱ προφῆται, εὑρήκαμεν, Ιησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἀπὸ Ναζαρέτ. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ ἐκ Ναζαρὲτ δύναταί τι ἀγαθὸν εἶναι; λέγει αὐτῷ Φίλιππος ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε. εἶδεν ὁ Ιησοῦς τὸν Ναθαναὴλ ἐρχόμενον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει περὶ αὐτοῦ ἴδε ἀληθῶς Ισραηλίτης, ἐν ᾧ δόλος οὐκ ἔστι. λέγει αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ πόθεν με γινώσκεις; ἀπεκρίθη Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ πρὸ τοῦ σε Φίλιππον φωνῆσαι, ὄντα ὑπὸ τὴν συκῆν εἶδόν σε. ἀπεκρίθη Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ῥαββί, σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, σὺ εἶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ισραήλ. ἀπεκρίθη Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὅτι εἶπόν σοι, εἶδόν σε ὑποκάτω τῆς συκῆς, πιστεύεις; μείζω τούτων ὄψει. καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγότα, καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀναβαίνοντας καὶ καταβαίνοντας ἐπὶ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.

3 Resurrectional Apolytikion Plagal of the First Tone Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead. Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ. Seasonal Kontakion Plagal of the Fourth Tone To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. St. Sophia Apolytikion Like a most fruitful olive tree you did blossom forth. In the folds of the Lord, Sophia most pious, and to Christ you did bring sweetest fruit. The tender sprouts of your womb, through Divine martyrdom, Agape along with Hope, and Faith, the God-minded, with whom do we entreat for all of us. Ως ελαία κατάκαρπος ανεβλάστησας, εν ταις αυλαίς του Κυρίου Σοφία Μάρτυς σεμνή, και προσήγαγες Χριστώ καρπόν ηδύτατον, τους της νηδύος σου βλαστούς δι αγώνων ευαγών, Αγάπη τε και Ελπίδα, συν την θεόφρονη Πίστη μεδ ων δυσώπει υπέρ πάντων ημών. Stewardship Commitment Prayer Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1 INCREASING OUR STEWARDSHIP AWARENESS Success is on the same road as failure; Success is only a little further down the road. - Jack Hyles Always remember I ve read the last page of the Bible. It s all going to turn out all right. - Billy Graham Financial Snapshot Operational Budget for 2018 is $559,900. As of February 18, 155 Stewards have pledged $181,880. We have received $92,249.

4 A warm welcome to all those visiting St. Sophia today. We are happy that you have come to worship with us and hope your experience was prayerful and uplifting. We invite you to join our family by becoming a steward of Christ s Holy Church. Please introduce yourself to Fr. Andrew after Divine Liturgy Church Humor No pokemon here, just God. Timely Thought God won t light your second step until you have taken your second step. THE CHURCH STAFF Our Administrative Assistant: Vivian Baxter stsophiasec@aol.com Our Youth Director: Natalie Wians YMDIRNatalie@aol.com Office Hours: Monday Friday 9 am - 3 pm WORSHIP SERVICES THIS WEEK Wednesday, February 28 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6 pm Friday, March 2 Akathist 7 pm Sunday, March 4 Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8 am ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK 2/28 Hope 9:30 am 3/3 Greek School 9 am 3/4 Youth Liturgy Pre K to 6 th Grades Oratorical SAINTS WE CELEBRATE TODAY Tarasios, Patriarch of Constantinople Reginos, Bishop of Skopelos Markellos, Bishop pf Apamea MEMORIAL Today s memorial is chanted for the repose of the soul of: Effie Midos Canup 40 Days May her memory be eternal. Memorials and Artoklasia Services must be scheduled at least one week prior by calling the Church Office at FEBRUARY COFFEE HOUR HOSTS 2/25 Today! Philoptochos Loukoumades Sunday We are seeking hosts for March 18 & May 13 & May 27 coffee hours. Questions? Want to host a coffee hour? Please call Kathy Katrakis

5 SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Sunday School meets immediately following Holy Communion. A reminder that it is important for your child to regularly attend Sunday Church School. We are still taking registrations for Adult Classes Sessions 2 & 3. Please register as soon as possible. YOUTH MINISTRIES 2/28 Hope St. Sophia 9:30-11am Jr. Olympics Registration - EXTENDED!!! Father Andrew has graciously extended Jr. Olympics Registration through Feb. 21st! If you missed the first deadline...don't miss the second! Please get your registration forms in ASAP!!! You may call/text Natalie Wians at ymdirnatalie@aol.com CHOIR The March choir practices are 3/8, 3/22 & 3/29 at 7 pm. For those interested in joining us, please see George St Georges. You may also call or text him at PHILOPTOCHOS The next Philoptochos Ladies meeting will be March 5 at 7 pm. We invite all ladies to join and participate in their philanthropic endeavors. PARISH COUNCIL The next Parish Council meeting will be March 19 at 6:30 pm. GOLDEN CIRCLE OF FRIENDS The Golden Circle will meet March 5 at 11 am. Please bring a Lenten dish to pass. All ages are welcome to join us for a morning of fellowship and camaraderie. PERICLES GREEK SCHOOL Pericles Greek School meets every Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Our school is staffed by Greek/American bilingual teachers, experienced in teaching the Greek language. Students are placed in levels based on language experience and knowledge. Please call the Church office for information, registration forms or to schedule a visit. HOPE BOOKSTORE & ICON STORE: Looking for unique gifts? Excellent items are available in our Book and Spiritual Icon store, located in the Community Center. Please visit our store today! We offer prayer & best wishes to the following who celebrate their Birthday this week: Evangelia Baxter, Dorothy Calogeropoulos, Peter Christofidis, Michael Doyle, Anthony England, Terry England, James Flaherty, Soula Galanis, Ann Marie Garoufalis, Magdaline Garris, George Mantis, Christos Metropulos, Maria Pantelis, John Pahigianis, Vasiliki Pantelis, Agape Schlau, Stephanie Ventura, Mimoza Vlahopoulos, Eric Wickman, Matthew Zaharias and Sophia Zaharopoulos We offer prayer & best wishes to the following who celebrate their Anniversary this week: Mr. William & Mrs. Soula Galanis Mr. John & Mrs. Kathy Katrakis May God grant them many more years of God s Blessings, Health and Happiness!