TWELFTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Sunday, August 26th, 2012

Transcript

1 TWELFTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Sunday, August 26th, 2012 Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos 3074 Bethelview Road Cumming GA (770) cell (770) We are an intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia!

2 WORSHIP First Gospel/Tone - Third We are so very glad you have joined us today, and we pray you will be inspired and encouraged by your time with us. The Orthodox worship service is an ancient and timeless expression of how people have loved, served and worshipped God for many centuries, but it may be a bit of a different experience for you. Please feel free to use a service book or not and simply allow the words of the service to wash over you. The central act of our worship culminates in people receiving communion. This is a very special time for us all and we have some specific beliefs about our communion together. This is why we never impose this service on those who are not prepared or are not baptized Orthodox. This service may raise questions in your mind. Please feel free to ask Fr. Barnabas or Fr. Paul anything you wish after the service. At the end of the service EVERYONE is invited to come forward and receive a portion of the blessed bread from Fr. Barnabas. No one should leave church hungry! Know you are welcome and we are glad you are here. May God bless you and your family. Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed ones; wherefore we honor you, O Godbearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors with the Lord. Prosforo: Is lovingly offered by the Prosforo Ministry Volunteers Schedule for the Week Tuesday, August 28th - 6:30 p.m. Vesperal Liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Baptist Wednesday, August 29th - 6:30 p.m. Vespers Saturday, Sept. 1st - 9 a.m. Orthros/10 a.m. Divine Liturgy for Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year Saturday, Sept. 1st - 5 p.m. Great Vespers Confessions will be heard following Great Vespers by Fr. Paul Parish Council On Duty Today - Harriet Howell & Dennis Kostulakos Welcoming Ministry - Helen McCart - Ushering Ministry - Parish Council ACOLYTES James Blane, Nathan Frazier, Dean Pryles, Nicholas Pryles, Mike Manos, Giovanni Ray, Tommy Roberts, Luke Sulyma, Mike Trainor, Connor Walters, Roney Walters, Thomas Miller and Christos Zourzoukis STS. RNI YOUTH CHOIR Jessica Catapano, Maria Hagen, Christina Pryles & Laramie Smith

3 TODAY WE REMEMBER Twelfth Sunday of Matthew Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone: Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. * For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. * He trampled death under foot by means of death; * and He became the firstborn from the dead. * From the maw of Hades He delivered us; * and He granted the world His great mercy. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone: In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life." Resurrectional Kontakion in the Third Tone: On this day didst Thou arise out of the grave and didst lead us from the bars and gates of death, Thou Who art great in compassion. On this day, both Adam danceth and Eve rejoiceth; and with them, all of the Patriarchs and the Prophets chant unceasing hymns in praise of the godly power of Thy dominion and might. We Also Remember The Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalie Our Righteous Father Joseph Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir Please pray for those faithful who are currently in need of our most fervent intercessions: Andrew, Archie, Bill, Bill, Carrie, Demetra, Dina, Donna, Efthymios, Elaine, Elizabeth, Christina, Gus, Heidi, Igli, James, Jerry, Joe, John, Maria, Michael, Nomiki, Oni, Paul, Sarah, Taki, Tara and Violeta Remember Our Military Connor Walters (son of Diane & Tim Walters, grandson of Jimmy & Pat Roney) is in basic training at the Marine Corps Base in Paris Island, SC. Cards & letters, along with your prayers, from home would be welcome. RCT Walters, CP rd BN, LIMA CO, PLT 3072 P.O. Box MCRD Paris Island, SC Father Barnabas is on Vacation Father Barnabas is on vacation through Friday, August 30th. In his absence, Father Paul Stoll will be conducting all scheduled services. In case of emergency, please contact Fr. Paul Stoll on his cell at

4 Epistle Reading The Reading is from St. Paul s First Letter to the Corinthians 15:1-11 The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15 BRETHREN, I would remind you in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast - unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. Α Ω Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ὃ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ παρελάβετε, ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἑστήκατε, διʼ οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, εἰ κατέχετε, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ εἰκῇ ἐπιστεύσατε. Παρέδωκα γὰρ ὑμῖν ἐν πρώτοις, ὃ καὶ παρέλαβον, ὅτι Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν κατὰ τὰς γραφάς. καὶ ὅτι ἐτάφη καὶ ὅτι ἐγήγερται τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ κατὰ τὰς γραφάς καὶ ὅτι ὤφθη Κηφᾷ, εἶτα τοῖς δώδεκα ἔπειτα ὤφθη ἐπάνω πεντακοσίοις ἀδελφοῖς ἐφάπαξ, ἐξ ὧν οἱ πλείους μένουσιν ἕως ἄρτι, τινὲς δὲ καὶ ἐκοιμήθησαν ἔπειτα ὤφθη Ἰακώβῳ, εἶτα τοῖς ἀποστόλοις πᾶσιν ἔσχατον δὲ πάντων, ὡσπερεὶ τῷ ἐκτρώματι, ὤφθη κἀμοί. Ἐγὼ γάρ εἰμι ὁ ἐλάχιστος τῶν ἀποστόλων, ὃς οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς καλεῖσθαι ἀπόστολος, διότι ἐδίωξα τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ. Χάριτι δὲ θεοῦ εἰμι ὅ εἰμι, καὶ ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη, ἀλλὰ περισσότερον αὐτῶν πάντων ἐκοπίασα, οὐκ ἐγὼ δέ, ἀλλʼ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ σὺν ἐμοί. Εἴτε οὖν ἐγώ, εἴτε ἐκεῖνοι, οὕτως κηρύσσομεν καὶ οὕτως ἐπιστεύσατε.

5 Gospel Reading The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26 At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Α Ω Καὶ ἰδοὺ εἷς προσελθὼν εἶπεν αὐτῷ διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ἀγαθὸν ποιήσω ἵνα ἔχω ζωὴν αἰώνιον; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός. εἰ δὲ θέλεις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωήν, τήρησον τὰς ἐντολάς. λέγει αὐτῷ ποίας; ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς εἶπε τὸ οὐ φονεύσεις, οὐ μοιχεύσεις, οὐ κλέψεις, οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις, τίμα τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν. λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ νεανίσκος πάντα ταῦτα ἐφυλαξάμην ἐκ νεότητός μου τί ἔτι ὑστερῶ; ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ιησοῦς εἰ θέλεις τέλειος εἶναι, ὕπαγε πώλησόν σου τὰ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ δὸς πτωχοῖς, καὶ ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ δεῦρο ἀκολούθει μοι. ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ νεανίσκος τὸν λόγον ἀπῆλθε λυπούμενος ἦν γὰρ ἔχων κτήματα πολλά. Ο δὲ Ιησοῦς εἶπε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι δυσκόλως πλούσιος εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν. πάλιν δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν, εὐκοπώτερόν ἐστι κάμηλον διὰ τρυπήματος ῥαφίδος διελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. ἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα λέγοντες τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι; ἐμβλέψας δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς παρὰ ἀνθρώποις τοῦτο ἀδύνατόν ἐστι, παρὰ δὲ Θεῷ πάντα δυνατά ἐστι.

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

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

8 ANNOUNCEMENTS AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR What is an AED? An automated external defibrillator or AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. One AED has been donated. Donations are still needed to cover the cost of the 2nd unit (approximately $1,500). Thank you for your support with this important project! Sts. RNI Parish Council Sts. RNI Choir Practice NEW DAY/NEW TIME Today - SUNDAY - Immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Chapel Contact Marie Chapman for more information or mommystargater@comcast.net Prosforo Baking Friday, Friday, September 28th - 9 a.m. Contact Stamatia Hagen for more information at mamma2maria@aol.com Save the Date Friday, September 7th, through Sunday, September 9th Sts. RNI Diakonia Center Labor of Love Work Weekend Contact Stamatia Hagen for more information at mamma2maria@aol.com GREEK LANGUAGE & GREEK DANCE Sts. RNI Hellenic Studies Ministry will be offereing Greek Language & Greek Dance classes again this year. More information will be coming out in the next few weeks. In the meantime, if you are interested in signing up for Greek Language or Greek Dance classes, or if you are interested in assisting/teaching, please send an to officeadmin@stsrni.org. Thank you, Hellenic Studies Ministry

9 GREEK FEST 2012 JUST 8 MORE WEEKS! SAVE THE DATES Friday, October 19th 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 20th 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, October 21st 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We also need help: Set-Up - Thursday, October 18th Clean-Up - Monday, October 22nd Ask how you can become a steward of this wonderful event. Questions, concern, and to volunteer to help plan the Festival should be ed to Johnny Melts at greekfest@stsrni.org. Father Barnabas asks you to volunteer now so we can firm up our plans and schedules. Use one of the Festival Volunteer sheets and reserve your spot! A sign-up table will be in the Narthex or outside (weather permitting). OPA! Donation Wishlist for Festival Baking The following are items needed for baking: 50 lbs #7 filo ($125); 150 lbs sugar ($75); 12 gal. milk ($36); 40 doz eggs ($50); 100 lbs flour ($40); 40 lbs honey ($300); 20 lbs walnuts ($150); 50 lbs salted butter; If anyone would like to donate any of these items or money towards the purchase, please contact Johnny Melts (greekfest@stsrni.org) or Ginny Kostulakos (wordscan49@att.net or ) Baking will begin on Friday, September 7th, 9 a.m. at the Blue House. We will make baklava.

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

11 Letter from Connor Walters

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