G O D P A R E N T S U N D A Y J A N U A R Y 3 1, P l e d g e n o w a n d b e c o m e a g o d p a r e n t t o o!

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2 G O D P A R E N T S U N D A Y J A N U A R Y 3 1, P l e d g e n o w a n d b e c o m e a g o d p a r e n t t o o!

3 Please pray the Service with us from the new Christmas Eve Liturgical booklets The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord, and God, and Savior Jesus Christ O Radiant Light Φως ἱλαρὸν ἁγίας δόξης, ἀθανάτου Πατρός, οὐρανίου, ἁγίου, μάρκαρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἠλίου δύσιν, ἰδόντες φῶς ἑσπερινόν, ὑμνοῦμεν Πατέρα, Υἱόν, καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦμα Θεόν. Ἄξιόν σὲ ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς,ὑμνεῖσθαι φωναὶς αἰσαίς, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς O radiant light of holy glory, the immortal Father, heavenly and holy, blessed Jesus Christ, And now that we have come to the setting of the sun with all the light of eventide, we praise You, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God. It is worthy at all times to praise You, with voices of holy song, O Son of God and Giver of life, the world does glorify You. Megalynarion Hymn Επi σoί χαίρει, Κεχαριτωμένη, πάσα η κτίσις, Αγγέλων τό σύστημα καί ανθρώπων τό γένος, ηγιασμένε ναέ καί παράδεισε λογικέ, παρθενικόν καύχημα, εξ ής Θεός εσαρκώθη καί παιδίον γέγονεν, ο πρό αιώνων υπάρχων Θεός ημών τήν γάρ σήν μήτραν θρόνον εποίησε, καί τήν σήν γαστέρα πλατυτέραν ουρανών απειργάσατο. Επί σοί χαίρει, Κεχαριτωμένη, πάσα η κτίσις δόξα σοι. All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace; the assembly of angels and the human race. You are a sanctified temple and a spiritual paradise, the glory from whom God was incarnate and become a child our God existing before all ages. He made your womb a throne, and your body more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace. Glory to you.

4 Genesis 1:1 13 In the beginning God made the heaven and the earth. Now the earth was invisible and unformed, and darkness was upon the deep and the Spirit of God was borne upon the water. And God said, Let there be light,for to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God made a separation between the light and the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night; and there was evening and there was morning, one day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the water and let there be a separation between the water and the water ; and it was so. And God made the firmament. And God made a separation between the water, which was below the firmament, and between the water which was above the firmament. And God called the firmament Heaven; and God saw that it was good, and there was evening and there was morning, a second day. And God said, Let the water below heaven be gathered together into one gathering, and let dry land appear ; and it was so. And the water below heaven was gathered together into their gatherings, and the dry land appeared. And God called the dry land Earth, and the accumulations of the waters he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth sprout herb of grass, sowing seed according to its kind and according to its likeness, and fruiting tree making fruit, whose seed is in it according to its kind upon the earth ; and it was so. And the earth brought forth herb of grass, sowing seed according to its kind and according to its likeness, and fruiting tree making fruit, whose seed was in it according to its kind upon the earth, and God saw that it was good. And there was evening and morning, a third day. Isaiah 9:6-7 A child has been born for us, a son has been given to us; whose government is upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Angel of Great Counsel, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Potentate, Prince of Peace, Father of the age to come. For I will bring peace upon princes, peace and health to him. Great his government, and of his peace there is no bound, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with judgment and with justice from henceforth and for ever more. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 7:10-16 and 8:1-4, 8-10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask a sign of the Lord your God; in the depth or in the height." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test." And he [Isaias] said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it a little thing for you to contend with men, and how do you contend with the Lord? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey before he knows how to prefer evil or choose good. For before the child knows good or evil, he refuses the evil to choose the good. Then the Lord said to me, 'Take for yourself a large new volume and write upon it in with a man's pen, Of making a rapid plunder of spoils; for it is at hand. And get me witnesses, reliable men, Urias the priest and Zachary the son of Barachias.' And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, 'Call his name Despoil-quickly-plunder-rapidly; for before the child knows how to cry "Father" or "Mother," he will take the power of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria before the king of the Assyrians.' Know you nations and be worsted; give ear, as far as the extremity of the earth; for if again you have become strong, again you will be worsted. And whatever counsel you take, the Lord will scatter it; and whatever word you speak, it will not remain in you, for God is with us."

5 Epistle - St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:1-12 I N MANY AND VARIOUS WAYS God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs. For to what angel did God ever say, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? And again, when he brings the first-born into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Of the angels he says, "Who makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire." But of the Son he says, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, the righteous scepter is the scepter of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, thy God, has anointed thee with the oil of gladness beyond thy comrades." And, "Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." Π ολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως πάλαι ὁ θεὸς λαλήσας τοῖς πατράσιν ἐν τοῖς προφήταις, ἐπʼ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων ἐλάλησεν ἡμῖν ἐν υἱῷ, ὃν ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων, διʼ οὗ καὶ τοὺς αἰῶνας ἐποίησεν, ὃς ὢν ἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης καὶ χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ, φέρων τε τὰ πάντα τῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ, διʼ ἑαυτοῦ καθαρισμὸν ποιησάμενος τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν, ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς, τοσούτῳ κρείττων γενόμενος τῶν ἀγγέλων, ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρʼ αὐτοὺς κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα. Τίνι γὰρ εἶπέν ποτε τῶν ἀγγέλων, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε; Καὶ πάλιν, Ἐγὼ ἔσομαι αὐτῷ εἰς πατέρα, καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται μοι εἰς υἱόν; Ὅταν δὲ πάλιν εἰσαγάγῃ τὸν πρωτότοκον εἰς τὴν οἰκουμένην λέγει, Καὶ προσκυνησάτωσαν αὐτῷ πάντες ἄγγελοι θεοῦ. Καὶ πρὸς μὲν τοὺς ἀγγέλους λέγει, Ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα, καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα πρὸς δὲ τὸν υἱόν, Ὁ θρόνος σου, ὁ θεός, εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος ῥάβδος εὐθύτητος ἡ ῥάβδος τῆς βασιλείας σου. Ἠγάπησας δικαιοσύνην, καὶ ἐμίσησας ἀνομίαν διὰ τοῦτο ἔχρισέν σε ὁ θεός ὁ θεός σου, ἔλαιον ἀγαλλιάσεως παρὰ τοὺς μετόχους σου. Καί, Σὺ κατʼ ἀρχάς, κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν Nativity Talent Show DVDs DVDs of the 2015 Nativity Talent Show are available. The cost is $20, with the proceeds going to next year s Christmas pageant. To place your order, process payment, and pick up your DVD, please contact Ralph Jones at ralph.d.jones@austin.rr.com. You can also watch MaryKathrine s video at:

6 Gospel - Luke 2:1-20 I n those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!" When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Εν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις, ἐξῆλθε δόγμα παρὰ Καίσαρος Αὐγούστου ἀπογράφεσθαι πᾶσαν τὴν οἰκουμένην.αὕτη ἡ ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἐγένετο ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου.καὶ ἐπορεύοντο πάντες ἀπογράφεσθαι, ἕκαστος εἰς τὴν ἰδίαν πόλιν.ἀνέβη δὲ καὶ Ιωσὴφ ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας ἐκ πόλεως Ναζαρὲτ εἰς τὴν Ιουδαίαν εἰς πόλιν Δαυΐδ, ἥτις καλεῖται Βηθλεέμ, διὰ τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν ἐξ οἴκου καὶ πατριᾶς Δαυΐδ,ἀπογράψασθαι σὺν Μαριὰμ τῇ μεμνηστευμένῃ αὐτῷ γυναικί, οὔσῃ ἐγκύῳ.ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἐκεῖ ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτήν,καὶ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι. Καὶ ποιμένες ἦσαν ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ τῇ αὐτῇ ἀγραυλοῦντες καὶ φυλάσσοντες φυλακὰς τῆς νυκτὸς ἐπὶ τὴν ποίμνην αὐτῶν.καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου ἐπέστη αὐτοῖς καὶ δόξα Κυρίου περιέλαμψεν αὐτούς, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν φόβον μέγαν.καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ ἄγγελος μὴ φοβεῖσθε ἰδοὺ γὰρ εὐαγγελίζομαι ὑμῖν χαρὰν μεγάλην, ἥτις ἔσται παντὶ τῷ λαῷ,ὅτι ἐτέχθη ὑμῖν σήμερον σωτήρ, ὅς ἐστι Χριστὸς Κύριος, ἐν πόλει Δαυΐδ.καὶ τοῦτο ὑμῖν τὸ σημεῖον εὑρήσετε βρέφος ἐσπαργανωμένον, κείμενον ἐν φάτνῃ.καὶ ἐξαίφνης ἐγένετο σὺν τῷ ἀγγέλῳ πλῆθος στρατιᾶς οὐρανίου αἰνούντων τὸν Θεὸν καὶ λεγόντων δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη, ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία. καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἀπῆλθον ἀπ αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν οἱ ἄγγελοι, καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ ποιμένες εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους διέλθωμεν δὴ ἕως Βηθλεὲμ καὶ ἴδωμεν τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο τὸ γεγονός, ὃ ὁ Κύριος ἐγνώρισεν ἡμῖν.καὶ ἦλθον σπεύσαντες, καὶ ἀνεῦρον τήν τε Μαριὰμ καὶ τὸν Ιωσὴφ καὶ τὸ βρέφος κείμενον ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ.ἰδόντες δὲ διεγνώρισαν περὶ τοῦ ῥήματος τοῦ λαληθέντος αὐτοῖς περὶ τοῦ παιδίου τούτου καὶ πάντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες ἐθαύμασαν περὶ τῶν λαληθέντων ὑπὸ τῶν ποιμένων πρὸς αὐτούς.ἡ δὲ Μαριὰμ πάντα συνετήρει τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα συμβάλλουσα ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς.καὶ ὑπέστρεψαν οἱ ποιμένες δοξάζοντες καὶ αἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἤκουσαν καὶ εἶδον καθὼς ἐλαλήθη πρὸς αὐτούς.

7 Welcome Visitors! We welcome all new visitors who worshipped with us this morning. We are pleased to have you with us! Please join us next door after service for coffee and fellowship. There is material in the entrance of the church regarding ministries and events of Transfiguration. We hope that you will return often to worship with us and grow in Christ! Receiving Holy Communion The sacrament of Holy Communion is reserved for only baptized and/or Chrismated Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared by fasting, prayer and confession. The Orthodox Church is not in sacramental communion with any other church outside the Orthodox Christian Faith. If you are not Orthodox, you are invited with everyone to receive the Antidoron (blessed bread) at the end of service. If you would like information about the Orthodox Church, please see Fr. Vasileios after services. The Prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16) Prayers for Health Konstantinos, Shelly, Ruthie, Barbara, Samantha, Maria, Efstathia, Tony, Rouba, Sarah, Emily, Kynlee, Wesley, Nick, Nicholas Wyatt, Cameren, Helen, Chrissy, Nancy, MaryAnn, Marian, Tina, Salin, George- Panagiotis, Raphael, Marta, Guadalupe, Caroline, John, Lili, Archie, Kelsey, Eva, Virginia, Makena, Dolly, Afrodite, Alexandros, Lou, Thomas, Greg, Bill, Kathryn, John, Kathy, Nakis, Maggie, Rosemary, Mindy, Pat, Louella, Steve, Clifford, Tina, Cynthia, Chad, Douglas, Mat. Sissy Yerger, Fr. Paul, Katerina, Vasili, Harry, Francis, Petya, Thomas, Romeo, John, John, Brenda, Georgie, Dale, Dale, Anna, Brenda, Carol, Jan, Nick, Damon, Nick, Alex,, John, Fr. Jason and family, Presv. Tiffany, Maria, David, Boyd, Chris, Jennifer, Jay, Dede, Michael, Jason, Ling, Josh, Chrissy, Bradley, Jim, Patricia, Argyre-Lisa, Rick, Milton, Gregg, Aphrodite, Carol, Lisa, Johanna, Candace, Kyle, Nicholas, Alex, Boriska, Judith, Dominique, Stephen, Irenaeus, Alexander, Mike, Lori, Annie, Anesti, Efstathia, Hannah, Papoulas, Anna, James,, Sheila, Kathi, Paul, Marie, Robert (Raphael), Bill, Zlatko, Jelica, Christians of Quaragosh, Brenda Baker, Fred Cantu, Brandon, Raphael, Fr. George, Judi, Marilyn, Bill, Dwiana, Antonela Jared, Malcolm Anthony Francis Ferrao, Jane Catherine Ferrao, Shawn Anthony Ferrao, Nicole Antonette Ferrao, Lanz Nathaniel Lahom Magno, Elyseo, Elenita, Dennis Luke, Austin, Lynne Marie, Betty, Tasia, Stephen, Shandra, Victoria, Emilio, Carolina, Vickie, Andrew, Gunner, Chelsea, Marie-Louise, Karen, Presbytera Jenny Newlin, Irini, Rodamia Eleni, John, Chrisanthi, Mary, Michael, Theodoros, Yanni, Chrisanthi, Nikitas, Jonathan, Archpriest George, Hieromonk Paul, Rebecca, Steve, Carl, Ted, Charalambos Stamos, Zoey, Carol, Gloria, Alex, Nicolette, Simone, Paul, Jacob, Kathy, Rolland Blake, Kimberly, Marihiam he is always wrestling in prayer for you (Colossians 4:12) Prayers for those in our Armed Forces SGT Jennifer D. Atkinson, SSG John Atkinson, COL Dave Romine, CPT James Alfaro, SSG Deane Anderson, CPT William Willett, MAJ Timothy Ullman, MAJ Chris Chase, SPC Mindy Keys, SPC Andrew Bentzel, MAJ Scot Thornhill, CPT Christopher Gilbert, CPT. Alexander Stathos, 1st LT Angela Bahlatzis, MIDN 1/C Joseph Barone, SGT Walter Hurbert ( Nikolaos ) Willoughby IV, LCDR Thomas Uhl, Lt. Lance Shannon

8 Christmas and Epiphany Schedule of Services Thursday, December 24, Nativity Eve Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord 9am Orthros & Imperial Hours of the 24th 5pm Christmas Eve Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great for the 24th Friday, December 25, Merry Christmas!!! Feast of the Nativity of Christ 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom for the 25th Saturday, December 26 Synaxis of the Theotokos 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Sunday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Friday, January 1, Happy New Year!!! The Circumcision of our Lord and the Feast of St. Basil the Great 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Tuesday, January 5 The Proeortia (Forefeast) of the Theophany of Christ 9am Orthros & Imperial Hours of the 5th 5pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil for the 5th Wednesday, January 6 The Holy Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy of St. John the Chrysostom followed by the Service of the Greater Blessing of Waters Thursday, January 7 The Synaxis Feast of St. John the Baptist 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy

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10 30th Anniversary Gala, Saturday, February 13, 2016 The Year of Consecration The Gala committee is looking for donations for the Silent Auction. Here are some ideas of what they are looking for: A weekend stay at a B&B Electronics: ipad, Kindle, Notebook Schlitterbahn family passes Dinner for 2 at a downtown restaurant A one nights stay at a hotel like the Four Seasons A wine tasting tour A day spa gift certificate A Time Share Ballroom dancing lessons gift certificate UT football tickets or tickets to other sports events Donate your expertise: computer tech support, music lessons, voice lessons, massage etc.. Bring your donations to the Church office. Parish Wide Women s Retreat led by Presvytera Vasiliki Saturday, January 16 Mt. Tabor Hall 8:30am - 1pm As We Prepare for the Consecration of Our Temple by Consecrating Our Hearts Presvytera Vasiliki will lead us through another spiritual journey. The retreat will start again with a Lenten Potluck breakfast at 8:30am and will end right after the Lenten Potluck lunch around 1pm. Please RSVP with the office at: office@transfiguration.org Prayers for Health List With the new year we will start a new Prayers for Health list. Please call the office at: or at: office@transfiguration.org to give the names of your loved ones that you would like to add to our prayers list. to all our volunteers, helpers, ministry leaders, parish council members, Philoptochos ladies, AHEPA members, Sunday School teachers, Greek School teachers, coffee hour sponsors, luncheon sponsors, ushers, alter boys, and everyone in our Parish for their immeasurable and invaluable work and help throughout the past year. May everyone have a blessed Merry Christmas and may God give you the desire or your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4) in the new year.

11 Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2015 Protocol Number 229/15 December 18, 2015 The Nativity of Christ Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, For unto us a Child is born, and His name will be called Prince of Peace! (Isaiah 9:6) On this blessed Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I greet you in the grace, joy and peace that accompany this unique event. We celebrate our Lord s holy Incarnation as a miraculous revelation of God s grace, and through faith we see the path to redemption, restoration, and life without end. Our hearts are filled with joy, for our hope is renewed in the fulfillment of His divine promise to save us and be with us. We also experience the peace of God, which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), as our hearts and minds are filled with the transforming presence of Christ. He has come to us as the Prince of Peace, offering a divine peace that is much greater than any comfort or security offered in this world. It is a peace that is available to all humanity, regardless of current challenges, threats, living conditions or stage of life. It is a peace that cannot be disturbed by the violence and insecurities of this broken world, for its origin is the God of peace, and it is sustained by His abundant grace. In our celebration of the Feast of the Nativity, we acknowledge the power of the peace of God in several ways. In our Great Vespers service we read the prophecies of Isaiah regarding the Incarnation of Christ, affirming the biblical revelation that His peace restores a created order that has been burdened by sin, violence and death. The Prophet states that He comes with wisdom, understanding, and righteousness, bringing a peace by which the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6). These images reveal that the presence and peace of our Lord restores the relationships of creation to what God intended them to be. Through the power of the Incarnation, we are given a glimpse of life to come and how it will be when the earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:9). As the Prince of Peace our Lord also brings to us peace through justice. In the same passage from Isaiah we read with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and reprove with equity the meek of the earth (Isaiah 11:4). Those who struggle without security the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, the refugee, the orphan, the sick they can find peace in the midst of their challenges and afflictions. In Christ, we have peace through justice and justice through peace, as He offers salvation to all. His Incarnation is the seal of that promise. Justice and righteousness as a foundation of divine and enduring peace shows a clear distinction between the spiritual peace granted by God and the temporal peace we often experience. In the world around us, peace is maintained through the use of force or the ability to use it when necessary. The priority of the rule of law is affirmed, with an emphasis on punishment or consequences for disrupting public order. Peace is also linked to economic stability and thwarting the chaos that could ensue if systems failed. All of these concepts of peace are important in our lives, but they are very limited. The peace of God that is revealed by Christ is a peace that we can have no matter the conditions of life, society, or level of security. It is a peace that comes through faith as we trust in the promises of God. As we see in Christ and in the lives of many Saints, it is a peace that stands in the face of great adversity, that is not dependent on any temporal security of life, status or property, but is strengthened by the hope we have in the grace of God. As we celebrate this Feast of the Nativity in the presence of our Incarnate Lord, and we reflect on the significance of His birth and the revelation of God s grace, may your hearts and minds be filled with His peace. Let this peace surround us as we deepen our faith in Christ, seek transformation by His grace, and commit all of our life to Him. In addition, as we proclaim Christ is born, Glorify Him, may we offer a witness of the peace that comes from above, revealing the love of God through our Lord s Incarnation to all the world. With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

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13 House Blessings right after the Feast of Theophany on January 6 This year again, we will do a progressive house blessing in your neighborhood. Please get together with your neighbors and arrange for a day that Father Vasileios can come and bless the houses in your neighborhood. To set an appointment please return the form below to the office. Please make sure you mark a couple of dates. EPIPHANY HOUSE BLESSING FORM To schedule a progressive house blessing, please return this form to the Church Office as soon as possible. Please indicate your preferred days of the week and time of day: Names of families: Addresses: Phone Number of Coordinating Family: If you have any questions please call the Church Office at Items needed: list of names of living members of the family; a crystal bowl with water; a bunch of fresh basil; a candle; an icon; incense; charcoal; incense burner

14 ! Mark your 2016 Calendars! Saturday, January 2: Orthodox Young Professionals Mobile Loaves & Fishes Sunday, January 3: Philoptochos Vasilopita Auction Saturday, January 9: Orthodox Young Professionals White Elephant Party Tuesday, January 12: Orthodox Young Professionals Orthodoxy on Tap Friday, January 15 - Monday, January 17: GOYA Basketball Tournament in Dallas Saturday, January 16: Parish Wide Women s Retreat Saturday, January 30: GOYA Post Basketball Tournament Party Sunday, January 31: Godparent Sunday, Pledge Now and Become a Godparent, too! Saturday, February 13: Parish Wide Women s Retreat Saturday, February 13: 30th Anniversary Gala Friday, February 26 - Sunday, February 28: YES in Austin T h a n k y o u t o e v e r y o n e w h o h a s c o m m i t t e d t o b e a S t e w a r d s o f a r! Fr. Vasileios & Presv. Stella Flegas Ambrose, Rod & Effie Appling, Dan & Gigi Athanasiou, Vaios & Madeleine Ayers, Robert & Magdalene Bakiris, Michalis & Mary Katherine Bakiris, Tsambika Benson, Kiki Bita, Teodor & Aspazia Bithos, George & Ria Bjeletich, Marko & Elissa Bourgeois, Lynne Boyer, Russell & Christine Burns, Michael & Evanthia Carter, Despina Christou, Christos & Christina Colovas, William & Betty D. Demetriadis, Alex & Joan DeRossi, Joseph & Koula Dimarhos, Theoharis Dow, Stephen & Diann Dudley, Drew & Ana Eckley, David & Vasiliki Esper, John & Jessica Falkowski, Chris & Olga Gatlin, Jack & Pat Georgantonis, Mary Georgantonis-Keah, Demetra Geranios, Peter & Lillian Gianakopoulos, George & Crissi C. Gianopoulos, Demetrios Glarakis, Christina Glaros, Michael & Nyda Gouris, Tom & Allison Gradziel, MaryBeth Graf, Iulia Harris, Christopher & Vicki Hrissikopoulos, Eleni Jones, Jerry & Julie Jones, Ralph & Anita Justice, Johnny & Argiro Kalenterides, Theodore Kalogirou, Nici Kenyon, Scott & Katina Khan, Tahseen & Sophia Klaras, Patricia Knisley, Lisa Lambros, Despina Landon, James & Karen Leara, William & Michelle Leatherwood, Lee & Elaine Levendakes, Steve Lindsey, Robert & Susan Maziasz, David McFalls, David & Mariam Meador, Archie & Dina Miller, Maria Mitchell, Pat Osowski, David & Elaine Perez, Irene Petty, Ioanna Phillips, John & Cynthia Phocas, Dionissios & Sonia Pon, Ken & Mary-Ellen Price, Peter & Cynthia Colovas Qatato, Jamal & Angele Randol, Mark & Jackey Romine, David Rossnagel, Stella Sarkis, J.P. & Mara Shotwell, Pat Skevofilax, George & Teresa Skevofilax, Ioannis & Cristina Smith, Alexander & Sandra Spiropoulos, Nicholaos & Christiana Stateson, Theone Streeman, Kyle & Sophie Streetman Suehs, Brandon & Jennifer Suehs, Thomas & Christine P. Tannous, Mays Uritu, Daniel Webber, Danny & Anna Willoughby, Walter & Triantafillia Wynn, Allen & Julie Yoder, Stuart & Kori Zotis, Stathis & Vicki

15 Fr. Vasileios & Presv. Stella Flegas Dn. George & Presv. Ria Bithos Fr. David & Presv. Vasiliki Eckley Fr. Theodor & Presv. Aspasia Bita Mr. & Ms. Dennis Ackerman Mr. & Ms. Rod Ambrose Dr. & Ms. Jacob Angelo Dr. & Ms. Louis Apostolakis Dr. & Mrs. Vaios Athanasiou Mr. & Ms. Robert Ayers Mr. & Ms. Michael Bakiris Mr. & Ms. Gregg Bell Ms. Kiki Benson Ms. Roxanne Bita Ms. Andja Bjeletich Mr. & Ms. Marko Bjeletich Mr. & Ms. Paul Boutte Mrs. Lynne Bourgeois Ms. Maria Burke Mr. & Ms. Michael Burns Ms. Despina Carter Ms. Catherine Christ Mr. & Ms. Demetrios Christie Mr. & Ms. Christakis Christou Mr. & Ms. Gregory Chronis Mr. & Ms. John Chronis Ms. Marianne Clay Mr. & Ms. Bill Colovas Mr. & Ms. Michael Courtney Mr. & Ms. Alex Demetriadis Mr. & Ms. Peter Demopoulos Mr. & Ms. Jo DeRossi Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Dow Mr. & Ms. Joseph Draina Mr. & Ms. Robert Dudley Ms. Judith Eagle Mr. & Ms. Michael Ebeling Mr. & Mrs. Rich Edwards Mr. & Ms. Fred Ekery Ms. Heathyr Ellington Mr. & Ms. John Esper Mr. & Ms. Costas Evgenides Mr. & Ms. Chris Falkowski Mr. Alexandros Frangopoulos Mr. & Ms. Jason Garwood T h a n k y o u t o a l l o f o u r Mr. & Ms. Jack Gatlin Mr. Ilias Georgakopoulos Ms. Demetra Georgantonis-Keah Ms. Mary Georgantonis Mr. & Ms. Anthony George Mr. & Ms. Peter Geranios Mr. & Ms. George Gianakopoulos Ms. Stella Gianas Mr. Demetri Giannopoulos Ms. Christina Glarakis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Glaros Mr. & Ms. Tom Gouris Ms. Mary Beth Gradziel Ms. Diandra Gressel Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Harris Mr. Anastasios Hatzigiannidis Ms. Vickie Hicks & Kaliopi Gialusis Mr. James Hitt Mr. & Ms. Brian Holland Ms. Gretchen Holtsinger Mr. & Mrs. David Horwedel Mrs. Eleni Hrissikopoulos Ms. Gwen Elisabeth Jerome Mr. & Ms. Jerry Jones Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Jones Mr. & Ms. Johnny Justice Mr. Theodore Kalenterides Ms. Nici Kalogirou Dr. James Kalpaxis Mr. & Ms. George Karides Ms. Mia Karides Ms. Elsie Karvelas Khouria Anne Kenna Mr. & Ms. Scott Kenyon Mr. & Ms. Andrew Keys Mr. & Ms. Tahseen Khan Ms. Panagiota Klaras Mr. & Ms. Kevin Korioth Mr. Stephan Kounelias Ms. Despina Lambros Mr. & Mrs. James Landon Mr. & Ms. Emilio Lara Mr. & Ms. William Leara Mr. & Ms. Lee Leatherwood Mr. Steve Levendakes S t e w a r d s! Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lindsey Ms. J. Fotini Margos Ms. Casandra Mariano Mr. David Maziasz Mr. & Ms. David McFalls Mr. & Ms. Archie Meador Mr. Alexander Milan Ms. Maria Miller Ms. Patricia Mitchell Ms. Nina Morris Mr. & Ms. Steven Mowad Mr. Blair Mulholland Mr. & Ms. John Nicholas Ms. Maria Nikas Mr. & Ms. Jim Norman Mr. & Ms. Shawn O Brien Mr. & Ms. Chris Orthman Ms. Valli Papas Mr. & Ms. Pete Pavlos Drs. Nicholas & Lisa Peppas Ms. Irene Perez Mr. & Mrs. Paul Petrogeorge Mr. & Ms. Antonios Petropoulos Mr. & Ms. Chris Petropoulos Mrs. Ioanna Petty Ms. Irene Phelps Ms. Cynthia Tassos Phililps Mr. & Ms. Denis Phocas Mr. & Mrs. Ken Pon Mr. & Ms. Gabe Poulos Mr. & Ms. George Poulos Mr. & Ms. Greg Prasifka Mr. & Ms. Peter Price Mr. & Ms. Jamal Qatato Mr. & Ms. Mark Randol Mr & Ms. Bruce Read Mr. Tom Rigney Mr. & Ms. William Robertson Mr. Peter Romell Dr. David Romine Mr. & Ms. Mihalis Salmatanis Ms. Maria Sarinaki Mr. & Ms. J.P. Sarkis Mr. & Ms. John Sasaridis Ms. Leonie Sewell Mr. & Ms. Shane Sewell Mr. & Ms. Michael Shannon Ms. Patrice Shotwell Mr. & Ms. Alexander Smith Ms. Georgia Spiropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nicolaos Spiropoulos Mr. & Ms. Karl Stahlke Mr. & Mrs. Harry Stamatis Ms. Theone Stateson Ms. Judith Stathos Mr. & Ms. George Strategakos Mr. & Ms. Steven Streetman Mr. & Ms. Brandon Suehs Ms. Michelle Suehs Mr. & Ms. Thomas Suehs Ms. Mia Tannous Mr. Mishko Teodorovich Ms. Debbie Tindle Mr. & Ms. Steve Tracey Mr. & Ms. Stephen Tsihlas Dr. & Ms. Steve Vacalis Mr. & Ms. Gregory Vrentas Mr. & Ms. Danny Webber Mr. & Ms. Jason Welch Mr. Mark Werner Mr. & Ms. Judd Willmann Mr. & Ms. Walter Willoughby Mr. & Mrs. Allen Wynn Mr. Drew Xanthopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Yoder Mr. & Ms. Elias Zachos Mr. & Ms. Stathis Zotis

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