Κυριακή Απόδοσις των Θεοφανείων, Leavetaking of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

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 Κυριακή Απόδοσις των Θεοφανείων, Leavetaking of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ SUNDAY JANUARY 14TH, 2018 NEW WEB PAGE: The Leavetaking of the Feast of Theophany takes place on January 14. The entire office of the Feast is repeated except for the Entrance, festal readings, Litya, Blessing of Loaves at Vespers, and the Polyeleos and festal Gospel at Matins. The festal Antiphons are not sung at Liturgy, and the Epistle and Gospel of the day are read. Apolytikion of Apodosis of EpiphanyLord, when You were baptized in the Jordan, the veneration of the Trinity was revealed. For the voice of the Father gave witness to You, calling You Beloved, and the Spirit, in the guise of a dove, confirmed the certainty of His words. Glory to You, Christ our God, who appeared and enlightened the world. 1

2 EPISTLE: The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:7-13 BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (in saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟ: Κυριακή Απόδοσις των Θεοφανείων, Αποστ. ανάγνωσμα: Εφ. δ 7-13 Στον καθένα μας όμως δόθηκε χάρισμα, σύμφωνα με το μέτρο της δωρεάς του Xριστού. Γι αυτό και λέει η Γραφή: Aνέβηκε ψηλά, πήρε μαζί του αιχμαλώτους, έδωσε δώρα στους ανθρώπους. Το «ανέβηκε» όμως, τι άλλο σημαίνει παρά πως προηγουμένως κατέβηκε εδώ κάτω στη γη; Αυτός που κατέβηκε είναι ο ίδιος που ανέβηκε πάνω απ όλους τους ουρανούς, για να γεμίσει με την παρουσία του το σύμπαν. Αυτός σε άλλους έδωσε το χάρισμα αποστόλου, σε άλλους του προφήτη, σε άλλους του ευαγγελιστή και σ άλλους του ποιμένα και δασκάλου, για να καταρτίζουν και να διακονούν τους πιστούς, ώστε να οικοδομείται το σώμα του Χριστού. Έτσι θα καταλήξουμε όλοι στην ενότητα που δίνει η πίστη και η βαθιά γνώση του Υιού του Θεού, θα γίνουμε ώριμοι και θα φτάσουμε στην τελειότητα που μέτρο της είναι ο Χριστός. GOSPEL: Sunday after Epiphany The Gospel According to Matthew 4:12-17 At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ: Κυριακή Απόδοσις των Θεοφανείων, Ευαγγ. Ανάγνωσμα Ματθ. δ Στο μεταξύ, άκουσε ο Iησούς πως συνέλαβαν τον Iωάννη κι αναχώρησε στη Γαλιλαία. Άφησε όμως τη Nαζαρέτ και ήρθε και εγκαταστάθηκε στην παράκτια Kαπερναούμ, στην περιοχή του Zαβουλών και του Nεφθαλείμ, έτσι που να βρει την εκπλήρωσή της η προφητεία του προφήτη Hσαΐα, που λέει: «Στην πατρίδα του Zαβουλών και στην πατρίδα του Nεφθαλείμ, πάνω στον παράκτιο δρόμο, πέρα από τον Iορδάνη, στη Γαλιλαία που κατοικείται από εθνικούς, ο λαός που παρέμενε στο σκοτάδι είδε φως λαμπρό, και για κείνους που παρέμεναν σε τόπο και σκιά θανάτου, φως ανέτειλε γι αυτούς».aπό τότε άρχισε ο Iησούς να κηρύττει και να λέει: Mετανοείτε, γιατί έχει φτάσει η βασιλεία των ουρανών 2

3 Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιµον. 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. Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἐν Ἰορδάνῃ βαπτιζοµένου σου Κύριε, ἡ τῆς Τριάδος ἐφανερώθη προσκύνησις τοῦ γὰρ Γεννήτορος ἡ φωνὴ προσεµαρτύρει σοι, ἀγαπητόν σε Υἱὸν ὀνοµάζουσα καὶ τὸ Πνεῦµα ἐν εἴδει περιστερᾶς, ἐβεβαίου τοῦ λόγου τὸ ἀσφαλές. Ὁ ἐπιφανεὶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ τὸν κόσµον φωτίσας δόξα σοι. 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 Ἐπεφάνης σήµερον τῇ οἰκουµένῃ, καὶ τὸ φῶς σου Κύριε, ἐσηµειώθη ἐφ' ἡµᾶς, ἐν ἐπιγνώσει ὑµνοῦντάς σε. Ἦλθες ἐφάνης τὸ Φῶς τὸ ἀπρόσιτον Hymns of the Week Resurrectional Apolytikion 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 As You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, then the worship of the Trinity became manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to You, naming You the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ God, who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You 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 You appeared today to us on earth, O Master, and Your light was signed on us who cry aloud to You and say with understanding, O Christ our God: You came and shone forth, O Light unapproachable 3

4 SCHEDULE OF ECCLESIASTICAL SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2018 Πρόγραμμα Εκκλησιαστικών ακολουθιών μηνός Ιανουαρίου Ιανουαρίου, Τρίτη, Αγ. Αντωνίου, Εσπερινός, :45μμ. January 16, Tuesday, St. Anthony, Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM. 17 Ιανουαρίου, Τετάρτη, Αγ. Αντωνίου, Όρθρος 8.30πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30πμ. January 17, Wednesday, St. Anthony, Matins 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. 17 Ιανουαρίου, Τετάρτη, Αγ. Αθανασίου, Εσπερινός, :45μμ. January 17, Wednesday, St. Athanasios, Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM. 18 Ιανουαρίου, Πέμπτη, Αγ. Αθανασίου, Όρθρος 8.30πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30πμ. January 18, Thursday, St. Athanasios, Matins 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. 20 Ιανουαρίου, Σάββατο, Μ. Εσπερινός, :45μμ. January 20, Saturday, Great Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM. 21 Ιανουαρίου, IΕ Λουκά, Όρθρος 8.15 πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30 πμ. January 21, Sunday, 15 th Sunday of Luke, Matins 8:15 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. 24 Ιανουαρίου, Τετάρτη, Αγ. Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου, Εσπερινός μετ Αρτοκλασίας, :00μμ. January 24, Wednesday, St. Gregory the Theologian, Vespers with Artoklasia, 6:00-7:00 PM. 25 Ιανουαρίου, Πέμπτη, Αγ. Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου, Όρθρος 8.30πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30πμ. January 25, Thursday, St. Gregory the Theologian, Matins 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. 27 Ιανουαρίου, Σάββατο, Μ. Εσπερινός, :45μμ. January 27, Saturday, Great Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM. 28 Ιανουαρίου, Κυριακή, ΙΣΤ Λουκά (Τελώνου καί Φαρισαίου), Όρθρος 8.15 πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30 πμ. January 28, Sunday, Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (Triodion Begins), Matins 8:15 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. 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

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6 MEMORIAL SERVICE - +ΙΕΡΟ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΟ+ Trisagion + Anthony Miceli 40day Trisagion for + Nikolaou Kokka given by his sister Helen and Tom Asimou Cleveland Ohio Trisagion +Stavro, +Argyro, +Theodoros, +Patra, +Georgios, +Marigo given by Helen and Tom Asimou 3 year memorial service for +Ipapanti Kidonia given by her family May their Memory be Eternal! Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτών! Thank you for your donation of olive oil for the altar kandelia In Loving memory of their parents, brother, sister Donated by Helen and Tom Asimou Cleveland, Ohio 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! On behalf of Father Gregory and the Parish Council We thank Evripides and Evangelia Kontos for their donation towards the repairs of the face of the church. Εκ μέρους του Πατέρα Γρηγορίου και του Ενοριακού Συμβουλίου ευχαριστούμε τον Ευριπίδη και την Ευαγγελία Κοντό για τη δωρεά τους προς την επισκευή της εκκλησίας. 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! Needed Immediately Commercial Grade Vacuum Cleaner Contact the church office if you wish to donate this item. 6

7 Δωροθέτες A MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY JANUARY 16th, 7:00 pm at Chick FilA on US 19, Palm Harbor. Please spread the word. 7

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9 ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ Aγιασμός για το Σπιτη σας! Παρακαλούμε συμπληρώστε την φόρμα και να το επιστρέψει στο γραφείο της Εκκλησία Παρακαλούμε εκτυπώστε τακτοποιημένα την φόρμα για να αναφέρετε την ημερομηνία και την ωρα που επιθυμείτε το αγιασμό σας να γινη. Στείλτε την φορμα στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας, ή φέρτε το μαζί σας στην εκκλησία την Κυριακή. H γραμματέα της εκκλησία θα σας ενημερώσει και θα βεβαιώσει την ημερομηνία και την ώρα του Aγιασμό σας. According to the Greek Orthodox tradition, the month of January is the time for home blessings. If you wish for Fr. Gregory to come and bless your home or business, please complete the form and return it to the Church office. Please print neatly. Our St. George family extends its congratulations and warmest wishes to Theofanis Katsiklis on his ordination to the to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, February 4, 2018 in St. Augustine, Florida. For bus transportation please contact Tina Wilson By Sunday January 14h, 5pm. Space is limited and on a first come basis CHURCH CALENDARS ARE HERE! ΗΜΕΡΟΛΟΓΙΑ 2018 ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΤΟΙΜΑ. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FROM FATHER GREGORY AND THE PARISH COUNCIL! 2018 CHURCH CALENDARS ARE HERE! YOU MAY PICK THEM UP FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE! ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΠΑΤΕΡ ΓΡΗΓΟΡΙ ΚΑΙ ΤΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ. TA ΗΜΕΡΟΛΟΓΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ 2018 ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΤΟΙΜΑ. ΠΕΡΑΣΤΕ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΤΕ ΤΟ ΗΜΕΡΟΛΟΓΙΟ ΣΑΣ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ! Acolytes - (Altar Boys) The Acolytes are a group of dedicated males who desire to serve their church in special way by assisting the priest during the Divine Liturgy. Any young man is eligible to join. If you are interested in learning more or would like to join the Acolytes, please contact Alex Limberatos or Vasili Major

10 When Grace is Active Orthodoxy way of life Those who are saved, that is, those who will enter the eternal Kingdom of God, are only those in whom grace dwells; not secretly, but openly, permeating our entire essence and becoming even outwardly visible, absorbing, as it were, our entire nature. Saint Theophan the Recluse So, what does it mean to have grace permeate our entire being? Saint Theophan offers the following, All those entering into contact with such a grace-filled person feel an unusual force present within him, which manifests itself in different ways. When such a person begins to speak about something spiritual, everything emanates from him as brightly as the midday sun, and his words go directly to the soul, authoritatively forming corresponding feelings and dispositions within. Even if he does not speak, he exudes a warmth which touches everything, and a certain force goes out, which stimulates moral energy and engenders readiness for every kind of spiritual action and exploit. For grace to permeate our entire being requires our total dedication to doing the will of God. We cannot be lukewarm in our commitment. This is the worst condition because we are complacent and God will surely reject us. St. John the Theologian reports to us the following, I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelations 3:15 16) St. Theophan says, One must be fervent towards God and all that is Divine, but cold towards everything secular and worldly. If you are neither cold towards the secular, nor fervent towards the Divine, but are instead lukewarm and half-cold towards both one and the other, you will be cast out by God. We must work to maintain our zeal so we will not be lukewarm in our relationship with God. Building a Strong Spiritual Center Within Developing our relationship with God is a life long effort. It begins with an awakening to the reality of God followed by our baptism where we receive the Holy Spirit. This grace which is within us acts like leaven in the making of bread. When we make bread we add leaven and then kneed it until it is mixed thoroughly throughout the entire mixture. It provides energy so the flower mixture will rise becoming filled with air. The same happens with grace that comes to us in our baptism. It permeates our entire being. It fills us with spirit so we can become like God. As long as we continue to perfect ourselves through a life of repentance, this grace remains active and continues to grow in strength, but when we don't nurture it it withdraws and become silent. We become like a fallen loaf of bread. Throughout our life we are continually making choices. We choose either to follow the direction that grace leads us in, or, we instead, choose to follow our own thoughts and reasoning. St. Theophan tells us 10

11 that when we do live a grace-filled life our internal being will become "radiant like a star, beaming bright rays everywhere. Saint Theophan cautions us that if we do not continue to choose the path grace leads us down then grace will abandon us. When we do follow it a powerful center forms in us. He says, If you, through your own choice and decision, do not choose grace, then it will abandon you completely, and leave you in the hands of your self-will... Inner regulation begins only when you choose the side of grace, and make the ways of life in the spirit of grace the inviolable rule of your life. From that moment, as the decision is forming inside you, a center will also form within you, a powerful center, which will begin more and more forcefully to draw you toward itself. In this center will be grace... Then the grace of God will begin to draw towards the center all the other forces of your nature, both intellectual and spiritual, and govern their entire action, retaining within them that which is good, and destroying that which is bad. This drawing of everything to one center and directing of all to one goal is the inner rebirth that you have so fervently desired. This is the aim of Orthodox Spirituality to draw in and empower the grace of the Holy Spirit within us. Our aim is to become Holy through the work of grace working through all our members and in all of our actions. With our cooperation we can become as bright as a star as Saint Theophan suggests. How Do Saints Hear Our Prayers Have you ever wondered about how the saints can hear our prayers. This is a question that Saint Theophan tries to answer for us using the analogy of a telegraph line, He writes, When true prayer that is, sincere prayer moves in the soul, then that prayer, by means of the action of the element upon it, flies it has if on a beam of light to the Saints, and tells him what we want and what we are praying about. There is no gap between the time we make our prayer and when it is heard; the only necessity is that it comes from our heart. It is our telegraph line to Heaven. The very same prayers, which are not from our heart, but which come only from our head and tongue, do not produce a ray which rises to heaven, and they are not audible there. Those are not even prayers, but only prayer-like modes. Prayers need to be sincere and said with feeling and not just read as if reading an . Only those that are sincere are heard according to Saint Theophan. As proof he suggests you notice how you feel after you have prayed fervently. If it was sincere you will feel a calming and an inner assurance that you will be able to cope with what is troubling you. This is the response that comes like the speed of light to a sincere prayer. Saint Theophan says, Prayer comes to someone who labors at it, but it will not come to anyone who does not work at it. We see that the Holy Fathers labored a great deal at prayer, and by these very labors kindled within themselves a prayerful spirit. Our thoughts in prayer must reflect a humbleness. Ask always, "if It be you will." Ask always for forgiveness of your failing to act as God has intended. And, always give thanks for all God does give you, knowing that even in times of difficulty He is providing you what you need for you spiritual growth. Keep in mind that your aim is to become one with Him in His Kingdom and that all things of this world are only temporary and means for our becoming one with God. 11

12 Philoptochos Honors Saint through Vasilopita Every year Philoptochos Chapters across America host a luncheon and offer Vasilopita for sale or auction to benefit the Saint Basil Academy, a Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Institution in Garrison New York. This event provides a major source of funding for the Academy s operating expenses. Vasilopita is a sweet cake or bread baked in honor of Saint Basil. A coin is baked in the Vasilopita reminding us of Saint Basil s generosity to the poor. The saint would hide money in baked goods to give alms to the poor while maintaining their dignity. Although many people continue to refer to the Saint Basil Academy as an orphanage, it is so much more. The academy provides for orphans, but also for children of chronically ill or destitute parents, or children from broken homes. Saint Basil Academy was purchased by the Philoptochos Society in The property, known as the Rupert Estate, consists of 250 scenic acres located on the shores of the Hudson River, directly across from the United States Military Academy at West Point. The multiple chapters of the Philoptochos support the St. Basil Academy through a Sisterhood fund which provides for the physical needs of the children, including clothing, furnishings, equipment and other essentials for the dormitories and kitchens; graduation celebrations, and awards and gifts. Additionally, the Fund facilitates the mission of Saint Basil Academy which is to shelter, protect, love and educate the youth so that they grow up to be healthy, wholesome, well-rounded Orthodox Christians, as well as productive members of society with vision and hope. Over the past 10 years, National Philoptochos has contributed approximately $4 million to the Academy. Who was Saint Basil? Saint Basil was the first person in human history to establish an orphanage for little children. He also founded the first Christian hospital in the world. His fame as a Holy Man spread like wildfire throughout the Byzantine world. He was considered one of the most wise and compassionate clergymen in the entire history of the Church. His Feast Day is observed on January 1st, the beginning of the New Year and the Epiphany season. The Church, therefore, in respect for his many contributions to the Church and to mankind in general, combined the joy and happiness of the New Year with the glory of the birth of Christ, and the Epiphany into what is known in the Orthodox Church as the Vasilopita Observance. The Vasilopita is a joyous observance, and it is a custom which should not be neglected by Greek Orthodox Christians in the Western world. It should be retained annually in the home and in the parish. It is a wonderful way to begin each New Year which God has given to the world. If you have been holding the observance in your home, congratulations! Please continue to do so. If you have not, hopefully this information has explained to you how to do it. We urge you to begin this year and make it a "family gathering" every year on Saint Basil's Day/New Year's Day, the 8th day of Christmas. 12

13 Η Κυριακή που ακολουθεί τη μεγάλη Δεσποτική εορτή των Θεοφανείων, ονομάζεται Κυριακή μετά τα Φώτα. Το αποστολικό ανάγνωσμα της ημέρας είναι παρμένο από την προς Εφεσίους Επιστολή του Αποστόλου Παύλου. Το αποστολικό ανάγνωσμα δεν αναφέρεται συγκεκριμένα στο γεγονός της Βάπτισης του Κυρίου, την οποία προ λίγων ημερών εορτάσαμε, αλλά παραπέμπει στο μυστήριο της Θείας Οικονομίας για τη σωτηρία των ανθρώπων, το οποίο αποκάλυψε στην ανθρωπότητα ο Ιησούς Χριστός με την ενανθρώπησή του. Η εορτή των Θεοφανείων αποτελεί τη φανέρωση της Αγίας Τριάδας στον κόσμο. Ο Ιησούς Χριστός κατά τη Βάπτισή του στον Ιορδάνη ποταμό, παρουσιάζεται και ομολογείται ενώπιον των ανθρώπων ως ο Υιός του Θεού, ο Λυτρωτής και Σωτήρας του κόσμου. Την ίδια αυτή αλήθεια υπογραμμίζει και ο Απόστολος Παύλος στο παρόν αποστολικό ανάγνωσμα. Ο Χριστός με την ενανθρώπησή του, τη Σταυρική του Θυσία, την Ανάσταση και την Ανάληψή του στους ουρανούς γίνεται η πηγή χάριτος και ο διανομέας των ποικίλων χαρισμάτων του Αγίου Πνεύματος στα μέλη της Εκκλησίας. Ο άνθρωπος με το Άγιο Βάπτισμα αναγεννάται πνευματικά με τη Χάρη του Θεού. Λαμβάνοντας το Άγιο Βάπτισμα γινόμαστε μέλη του σώματος της Εκκλησίας και είμαστε συνδεδεμένοι με την κεφαλή αυτού του σώματος, που είναι ο ίδιος ο Ιησούς Χριστός. Ο σύνδεσμος αυτός της ενότητας δεν περιορίζεται μόνο στη σχέση με την κεφαλή, αλλά επεκτείνεται και σε όλα τα μέλη του σώματος. Το κάθε μέλος είναι συνδεδεμένο αρμονικά με την κεφαλή του σώματος, αλλά ταυτόχρονα και με όλα τα υπόλοιπα μέλη. Μέσα στο σώμα της Εκκλησίας το κάθε μέλος έχει τη δική του θέση και αποστολή «κατά το μέτρον της δωρεάς του Χριστού». Δηλαδή ο ίδιος ο Ιησούς Χριστός, η κεφαλή της Εκκλησίας είναι εκείνος που παρέχει τα διάφορα χαρίσματα στα μέλη του σώματος. Μαζί με τη Χάρη του Θεού, προσφέρονται και τα δώρα του Αγίου Πνεύματος, που είναι η διανομή και χορήγηση των χαρισμάτων από τη δωρεά του Χριστού. Δεν υπάρχει βαπτισμένος άνθρωπος που να μην παίρνει τη δωρεά του Χριστού με τα χαρίσματα του Αγίου Πνεύματος. Τα χαρίσματα είναι οι δωρεές του Αγίου Πνεύματος και χορηγούνται στους πιστούς από τον Ιησού Χριστό «κατά το μέτρον της δωρεάς». Δίδονται δηλαδή ως δωρεά στους πιστούς κατά την κρίση του Θεού και ανάλογα με την πίστη μας προς αυτόν, αλλά σε καμία περίπτωση δεν αποτελούν αμοιβή της αξίας ή των ικανοτήτων μας. Τα χαρίσματα όμως του Αγίου Πνεύματος όπως αναφέραμε, προσφέρονται με βάση το μέτρο του Χριστού, που αυτό εξαρτάται από το βαθμό και το μέτρο της λειτουργίας της βουλήσεως του ανθρώπου. Δεν μπορεί κάποιος να έχει όλα τα χαρίσματα, τα χαρίσματα είναι πολλά και ποικίλα. Μόνο ο Ιησούς ως άνθρωπος είχε όλες τις δωρεές και τα χαρίσματα. Ο Απόστολος Παύλος χαρακτηρίζει αυτά τα χαρίσματα, ως καρπό του Αγίου Πνεύματος στον άνθρωπο, που καλείται να καλλιεργήσει στο χώρο της Εκκλησίας «εις έργον διακονίας, εις οικοδομήν του Σώματος του Χριστού» (Γαλ. 5,22). Ο δυναμισμός των χαρισμάτων διοχετεύεται στο χώρο της Εκκλησίας, όπου ο Χριστός τα εμπιστεύεται στους Αγίους Αποστόλους, Προφήτας, Ευαγγελιστάς, Ποιμένας και Διδασκάλους. Τα χαρίσματα στην Εκκλησία δεν προσφέρονται ούτε αδιάκριτα, ούτε άσκοπα. Τα χαρίσματα λειτουργούν σωστά, αν προσφέρονται και βοηθούν στον καταρτισμό της αγιότητος. Τα χαρίσματα και οι χαρισματούχοι άνθρωποι της Εκκλησίας, δεν αποσκοπούν στην αυτοπροβολή, αλλά στην οικοδομή του σώματος της Εκκλησίας, στην κατάκτηση της αγιότητας των πιστών. Άλλωστε η πορεία του πιστού ανθρώπου δεν έχει αποκλειστικό ατομικό χαρακτήρα, κανείς δηλαδή δεν πορεύεται προς την τελειότητα μόνος του, αλλά πορευόμαστε ως κοινωνία προσώπων. Η Εκκλησία προβάλει την κοινότητα και την κοινωνία και όχι την ατομοκρατία. Η σωτηρία ενός πιστού, είναι υπόθεση όλης της Εκκλησίας και η σωτηρία των μελών της Εκκλησίας αφορά τον κάθε πιστό. Ας μην λησμονούμε πως ο Τριαδικός Θεός είναι κοινωνία αγάπης τριών προσώπων. Ακολούθως ο Απόστολος Παύλος με βάση τη θεολογία αυτή τονίζει: «μέχρι καταντήσωμεν οι πάντες εις την ενότητα της πίστεως και της επιγνώσεως του υιού του Θεού, εις άνδρα τέλειον, εις μέτρον ηλικίας του πληρώματος του Χριστού». Αυτά λοιπόν τα χαρίσματα καλούμαστε εμείς οι άνθρωποι να καλλιεργήσουμε. Κατά τον Άγιο Νικόλαο Καβάσιλα τα χαρίσματα είναι σαν τους σπόρους, που μπορεί η ποικιλία και ο αριθμός τους να εξαρτώνται από τον Σπορέα, η ωρίμανση και το μέγεθος όμως από την εύφορη γη, την αγαθή δηλαδή προαίρεση του ανθρώπου. 13

14 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 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. 14

15 *************************************************************************************** For tickets and information contact Roula or on Sunday after coffee hour in the Kontos hall. First time in America Giorgos Veros LIVE! Tickets $35 under 18 years $20 Για εισιτήρια και πληροφορίες επικοινωνήστε με τη Ρούλα ή την Κυριακή μετά από ώρα καφέ στην αίθουσα Kontos. Πρώτη φορά στην Αμερική Γιώργος Βέρος LIVE! Εισιτήρια $ 35 κάτω των 18 ετών $ 20 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 OILVE 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

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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 01/14 Tuesday 01/15 Goya and Dance practice Tuesdays from 7-8 Greek Dance (younger kids) Wednesday 01/16 1:00PM GREEK BIBLE STUDY 6:00PM GREEK SCHOOL St. Anthony, Vespers, 6:00-6:45 PM. 7:00pm 8:30pm Adult Bible Study/Catechism Αγ. Αντωνίου, Εσπερινός, :45μμ. Thursday 01/17 January 17, Wednesday, St. Anthony, Matins 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. Women s bible study Kontos Hall following Divine liturgy 17 Ιανουαρίου, Τετάρτη, Αγ. Αντωνίου, Όρθρος 8.30πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30πμ. 6:30pm Choir practice in the church Friday 01/18 St. Athanasios, Matins 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. Friday Night Πέμπτη, Αγ. Αθανασίου, Όρθρος 8.30πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30πμ. Saturday 01/19 Sunday 01/20 6:00-6:45 PM. Great Vespers :45μμ. Μ. Εσπερινός, Matins 8:15 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. Sunday School Philoptochos Vasilopita luncheon Όρθρος 8.15 πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30 πμ. 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)

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