Saints RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS, & IRENE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH. January 10, 2016

Transcript

1 Saints RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS, & IRENE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos 3074 Bethelview Road, Cumming GA (770) facebook.com/sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Read our daily devotionals at January 10, 2016

2 Gregory of Nyssa Saint Gregory, the younger brother of Basil the Great, illustrious in speech and a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, was born in 331. His brother Basil was encouraged by their elder sister Macrina to prefer the service of God to a secular career (see July 19); Saint Gregory was moved in a similar way by his godly mother Emily, who, when Gregory was still a young man, implored him to attend a service in honor of the holy Forty Martyrs at her retreat at Annesi on the River Iris. Saint Gregory came at his mother's bidding, but being wearied with the journey, and feeling little zeal, he fell asleep during the service. The Forty Martyrs then appeared to him in a dream, threatening him and reproaching him for his slothfulness. After this he repented and became very diligent in the service of God.

3 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY On This day, we also Commemorate: Gregory of Nyssa; Dometian, Bishop of Melitene; Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Basil the Great & Gregory of Nyssa Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the First Tone To the offspring of Ithaca, the pride and joy of Lesvos, * monastic martyrs glory, let us offer to Raphael our songs of praise; * for lately he appeared, and pours out cures and healings to us all. * Inexplicably he appears to believers, both in dreams and awake, who cry: * Glory to Christ who gave you His might. * Glory to Him who gave you miracles. * Glory to Him who through you fulfills our prayerful requests. Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the Fourth Tone Because of the finding of your holy relics, wise one, * the Island of Lesvos has been filled fully with the grace, * which God richly gave to you. * You, O devout martyr Raphael, paradoxically * appeared to many people, and you grant cures and healings. * And therefore we the faithful re-joice in all your miracles. 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. Singers and Chanters: Anthony Birozes, David Boyd, Marie Chapman, Maria Hagen, Lynn Lucher, Jimmy Smith, Todd Stewart Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone: By means of Your Cross, O Lord, You abolished death. To the robber You opened Paradise. The lamentation of the myrrh-bearing 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 of the Feast in the First Tone: 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. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone: 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.

4 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:7-13 Prokeimenon. Mode 1. Psalm 32.22,1 Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. 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. Ἀδελφοί, ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ ἡμῶν ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τῆς δωρεᾶς τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ λέγει, Ἀναβὰς εἰς ὕψος ᾐχμαλώτευσεν αἰχμαλωσίαν, καὶ ἔδωκεν δόματα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις. Τὸ δέ, Ἀνέβη, τί ἐστιν εἰ μὴ ὅτι καὶ κατέβη πρῶτον εἰς τὰ κατώτερα μέρη τῆς γῆς; Ὁ καταβάς, αὐτός ἐστιν καὶ ὁ ἀναβὰς ὑπεράνω πάντων τῶν οὐρανῶν, ἵνα πληρώσῃ τὰ πάντα. Καὶ αὐτὸς ἔδωκεν τοὺς μὲν ἀποστόλους, τοὺς δὲ προφήτας, τοὺς δὲ εὐαγγελιστάς, τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους, πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων, εἰς ἔργον διακονίας, εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ μέχρι καταντήσωμεν οἱ πάντες εἰς τὴν ἑνότητα τῆς πίστεως καὶ τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰς ἄνδρα τέλειον, εἰς μέτρον ἡλικίας τοῦ πληρώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

5 GOSPEL READING The Gospel according to Matthew 4:12-17 At that time, 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." Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς ὅτι Ιωάννης παρεδόθη, ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν, καὶ καταλιπὼν τὴν Ναζαρὲτ ἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς Καπερναοὺμ τὴν παραθαλασσίαν ἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλείμ, ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ησαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος γῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ, ὁδὸν θαλάσσης, πέραν τοῦ Ιορδάνου, Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκότειεἶδε φῶς μέγα, καὶ τοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτουφῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς. Απὸ τότε ἤρξατο ὁ Ιησοῦς κηρύσσειν καὶ λέγειν μετανοεῖτε ἤγγικε γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.

6 PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me. Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.

7 Welcome to all visitors who are worshiping with us this morning. Please join us for Fellowship Hour afterwards at the Blue House. Father Barnabas is available to hear confession every Wednesday either before or after 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. Please call the Church office for more information: (770) For Today: Ushers: Parish Council Members Welcoming Ministry: Deborah Bowen Fellowship Hosted by Tadros Family Parish Council of 2015: John Patrick, President; Harald Hagen, Vice President; David Chapman, Secretary; Chris Foxhall, Treasurer; Anthony Birozes, Kosta Bozzuto, Marie Chapman, Helen McCart, Johnny Melts, Greg Pappas, Plutarch Vamvakias, Len Vanerstrom TODAY, Jan 10 Sunday after Theophany 8:45 a.m. Orthos Divine Liturgy Memorial Fouad Tadros, father (in-law) of Koko & Carol Tadros Sunday School Classes begin after communion 2016 Ecclesiastical Calendars are in the Narthex. Please take one home with you. Visit the Gift Shop for Inspiration and Gifts Wed., Jan 13 Bible Study (the Library) 6:30 p.m. Sat., Jan 16 5:00 p.m. - *Are you interested in being a part of the Orthodox Church? If so, classes will be forming. Please call Admin Office or see Deborah Bowen to communicate your interest.* Acolytes: Jacob and Jimmy Atkinson, David Druffner, Mike & Peter Jordanopolos, Spiro Kefalas, Christos Kaloudis, Thomas Miller, Jacob Sparks, Mike Trainor, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos, Christos Zourzoukis Senior Acolytes: Johnny Melts, Mike Manos, Dean Pryles Please say a special prayer for the following Individuals: J. Andropoulos, Bill, A. Dukas, J. Havins, A. Henning, V. Jones, D. Lucher, Maryann, M. Samaltanos; D. Sarandis, and S. and K. Yalanzon Friendly Reminder: The Orthodox Church practices close communion. This means only Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared to receive the Eucharist should approach the Chalice at communion. If you have any questions, please see Fr. Barnabas after service. **New member meeting with Father Barnabas in the Blue House after Coffee Hour on January 31. If you have been a member for two years or less, please join us!**

8 CALENDAR for January, 2016 *Please call Administrative Office to schedule your House Blessing with Father Barnabas * Date Time Event Jan 10 - Sun 8:45 a.m. 8:00 p.m. SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY Orthos Divine Liturgy Memorial for Fouad Tadros, father of Koko Tadros Faith Encouraged Live Program Jan 11 - Mon Please join us in taking down the Christmas Decorations in the church. All available hands are needed Jan 12 - Tues 7:00 p.m. Parish Council Meeting Jan 13 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Bible Study (the Library) Jan 15 - Fri Jan 16 Sat Jan 17 - Sun 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 8:45 a.m. 12 th Sunday of Luke Orthos Divine Liturgy Meeting with Sunday School teachers in the Library after the Divine Liturgy Jan 19 Tues Noon Ladies Fellowship meeting at Mary Milam s home Contact Tina Maheras at tdmaheras@comcast.net or Margaret Gasper at mmgasper@comcast.net Jan 20, Wed Jan 22, Fri Jan 23, Sat 6:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Bible Study (the Library) Akathist Hymn, Part 1 Project Comfort Women s Retreat in Hilton Head, SC January 23 January 29

9 Jan 24, Sun Jan 27, Wed Jan 29, Fri 8:45 a.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 14 th Sunday of Luke Orthos Divine Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live Program Reservations Required by tomorrow for Orthodox on Purpose Seminar! Bible Study (the Library) Jan 30, Sat 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. BEING ORTHODOX ON PURPOSE by Father Barnabas Jan 31, Sun 8:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. After Coffee Hour 15 th Sunday of Luke Orthos Divine Liturgy Hope/Joy visit to The Oaks Assisted Living Home/Crafts New member meeting with Father Barnabas in the Blue House after Coffee Hour. If you have been a member for two years or less, please join us! Special help needed on the Church Grounds: Please commit some time to cleaning and organizing the church grounds, including the Blue House and Parish Life Center. Contact Deborah Bowen at for more information.

10 Stewardship Commitment for families as of 12/31/15 Birozes, Anthony Bowen, Deborah Bozzuto, Kosta & Carolyn Chapman, David & Marie Chason, Russell & Chyrisse Consos, John Eifert, April & David Farr, Quay & Trissie Foxhall, Chris & Liz Guano, Robert & Jennifer Kefalas, Tasso & Laura Klock, Jacqueline Levantis, Alex & Melpo Lucher, David & Lynne Manos, William and Margaret Marvos, Todd & Ann Milam, Bill & Mary Panos, Nicholas & Teddie Pantazopoulos, Constantinos & Evelyn Pappas, Gus Patrick, John & Evon Perry, Michele Powell, Father Barnabas and Presvytera Connie Powers, Pam Ralston, Luke & Liz Sparks II, Dennis Sparks, Dennis & Laura Stewart, Todd Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer Vamvakias, Plutarch & Tina Waldron, Rusty & Christine We are an Intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia