December 28, 2014 Sunday after Nativity. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC

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1 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC December 28, 2014 Sunday after Nativity House Blessings Father Michael will be blessing homes beginning at 1pm on January 7th. He will begin at 9am each day after that with the last house blessing being scheduled at 7pm. This is a great opportunity for Father Michael to visit your family and to get to know one another up close and personal. Please call the office at (240) and schedule a day/time that is convenient for you and your family. May the Newborn continue to bless you and your family! O Πάτερ Μιχαήλ θα ευλογήσει τα σπίτια απο τις 1μμ στις 7 Ιανουαρίου. Θα ξεκινήσει στις 9 το πρωί κάθε μέρα με την τελευταία ευλογία σε σπίτι να έχει προγραμματιστεί στις 7μμ. Αυτή είναι μια ευκαιρία για τον Πατέρ Μιχαήλ να επισκεφθεί την οικογένειά σας και να γνωρίσετε ο ένας τον άλλο από κοντά και προσωπικά. Σας παρακαλώ καλέστε το γραφείο στο (240) για να προγραμματίσετε μια ημέρα / ώρα βολική για την οικογένειά σας. Ας συνεχίσει ο Νεογεννηθείς να ευλογεί εσάς και την οικογένειά σας!

2 YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ HYMNS OF THE DAY Tone of the week: Ηχος δ' Εωθ. Eothinon Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Apolytikion of Sun. after Nativity in the Second Tone Εὐαγγελίζου Ἰωσήφ, τῷ Δαυῒδ τὰ θαύματα τῷ Θεοπάτορι Παρθένον εἶδες κυοφορήσασαν, μετὰ Mάγων προσεκύνησας, μετὰ Ποιμένων ἐδοξολόγησας, δι' Ἀγγέλου χρηματισθείς. Ἱκέτευε Χριστὸν τὸν Θεόν, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλήσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεύσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τὴ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣν περίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν ὑπερούσιον τίκτει, καὶ ἡ γῆ τὸ Σπήλαιον, τῶ ἀπροσίτω προσάγει. Ἄγγελοι μετὰ Ποιμένων δοξολογοῦσι. Μάγοι δὲ μετὰ ἀστέρος ὁδοιποροῦσι. δι' ἡμᾶς γὰρ ἐγεννήθη, Παιδίον νέον, ὁ πρὸ αἰώνων Θεός. Tone of the week: Tone Four Seventh Eothinon Reading: On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the twenty-sixth of this month, we make commemoration of Saints Joseph, the Betrothed of the Virgin; David, the Prophet and King; and James, the Brother of God. When there is no Sunday within this period, we celebrate this commemoration on the 26th. Apolytikion of Sun. after Nativity in the Second Tone O Joseph, proclaim the wonders to David, the ancestor of God. Thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; thou hast given glory with the shepherds; thou hast worshipped with the Magi; and thou hast been instructed through an Angel. Entreat Christ God to save our souls. Apolytikion of Sts. Constantine & Helen Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man. Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone On this day the Virgin beareth the Transcendent in essence; * to the Unapproachable, * the earth doth offer a small cave; * Angels join in choir with shepherds * in giving glory; * with a star the Magi travel upon their journey; * for our sakes is born a young Child, * He that existed * before the ages as God. 2

3 Πρὸς Γαλάτας 1:11-19 Προκείμενον. Ἦχος δ. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 67.35,26 Θαυμαστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν τοῖς Ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ. Στίχ. Ἐν Ἐκκλησίαις εὐλογεῖτε τὸν Θεὸν. ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον. Οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐγὼ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου παρέλαβον αὐτό, οὔτε ἐδιδάχθην, ἀλλὰ διʼ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἠκούσατε γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ, ὅτι καθʼ ὑπερβολὴν ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν καὶ προέκοπτον ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ ὑπὲρ πολλοὺς συνηλικιώτας ἐν τῷ γένει μου, περισσοτέρως ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τῶν πατρικῶν μου παραδόσεων. Ὅτε δὲ εὐδόκησεν ὁ θεὸς ὁ ἀφορίσας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου καὶ καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ ἵνα εὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εὐθέως οὐ προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι οὐδὲ ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα πρὸς τοὺς πρὸ ἐμοῦ ἀποστόλους, ἀλλὰ ἀπῆλθον εἰς Ἀραβίαν, καὶ πάλιν ὑπέστρεψα εἰς Δαμασκόν. Ἔπειτα μετὰ ἔτη τρία ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἱστορῆσαι Πέτρον, καὶ ἐπέμεινα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡμέρας δεκαπέντε. Ἕτερον δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ κυρίου. St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 1:11-19 Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Psalm 67.35,26 God is wonderful among his saints. Verse: Bless God in the congregations. EPISTLE BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 3

4 ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Sunday after Nativity Κατὰ Ματθαῖον Αναχωρησάντων δὲ αὐτῶν ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου φαίνεται κατ ὄναρ τῷ Ιωσὴφ λέγων ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ φεῦγε εἰς Αἴγυπτον, καὶ ἴσθι ἐκεῖ ἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι μέλλει γὰρ Ηρῴδης ζητεῖν τὸ παιδίον τοῦ ἀπολέσαι αὐτό. Ο δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ νυκτὸς καὶ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς Αἴγυπτον,καὶ ἦν ἐκεῖ ἕως τῆς τελευτῆς Ηρῴδου, ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος ἐξ Αἰγύπτου ἐκάλεσα τὸν υἱόν μου. Τότε Ηρῴδης ἰδὼν ὅτι ἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων, ἐθυμώθη λίαν, καὶ ἀποστείλας ἀνεῖλε πάντας τοὺς παῖδας τοὺς ἐν Βηθλεὲμ καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ὁρίοις αὐτῆς ἀπὸ διετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω, κατὰ τὸν χρόνον ὃν ἠκρίβωσε παρὰ τῶν μάγων.τότε ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Ιερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος φωνὴ ἐν Ραμᾷ ἠκούσθη,θρῆνος καὶ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς Ραχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς,καὶ οὐκ ἤθελε παρακληθῆναι, ὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν. Τελευτήσαντος δὲ τοῦ Ηρῴδου ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου κατ ὄναρ φαίνεται τῷ Ιωσὴφ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳλέγων ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ πορεύου εἰς γῆν Ισραήλ τεθνήκασι γὰρ οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου.ὁ δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς γῆν Ισραήλ.ἀκούσας δὲ ὅτι Αρχέλαος βασιλεύει ἐπὶ τῆς Ιουδαίας ἀντὶ Ηρῴδου τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, ἐφοβήθη ἐκεῖ ἀπελθεῖν χρηματισθεὶς δὲ κατ ὄναρ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη τῆς Γαλιλαίας,καὶ ἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς πόλιν λεγομένην Ναζαρέτ, ὅπως πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν ὅτι Ναζωραῖος κληθήσεται. GOSPEL Sunday after Nativity The Gospel of Matthew 2:13-23 When the wise men departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaos reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene." 4

5 Συμβολον Της Πίστεως Πιστεύω εἰς ἕνα Θεόν, Πατέρα, Παντοκράτορα, ποιητὴν οὐρανοῦ καὶ γῆς, ὁρατῶν τε πάντων καὶ ἀοράτων. Καὶ εἰς ἕνα Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ, τὸν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντα πρὸ πάντων τῶν αἰώνων φῶς ἐκ φωτός, Θεὸν ἀληθινὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἀληθινοῦ, γεννηθέντα οὐ ποιηθέντα, ὁμοούσιον τῷ Πατρί, δι' οὗ τὰ πάντα ἐγένετο. Τὸν δι' ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους καὶ διὰ τὴν ἡμετέραν σωτηρίαν κατελθόντα ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ σαρκωθέντα ἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου καὶ Μαρίας τῆς Παρθένου καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα. Σταυρωθέντα τε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου, καὶ παθόντα καὶ ταφέντα. Καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρα κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς. Καὶ ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανοὺς καὶ καθεζόμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Πατρός. Καὶ πάλιν ἐρχόμενον μετὰ δόξης κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς, οὗ τῆς βασιλείας οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. Καὶ εἰς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸ Κύριον, τὸ ζωοποιόν, τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐκπορευόμενον, τὸ σὺν Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ συμπροσκυνούμενον καὶ συνδοξαζόμενον, τὸ λαλῆσαν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν. Εἰς μίαν, Ἁγίαν, Καθολικὴν καὶ Ἀποστολικὴν Ἐκκλησίαν. Ὁμολογῶ ἓν βάπτισμα εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. Προσδοκῶ ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν. Καὶ ζωὴν τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος. Ἀμήν. The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen. Κυριακή Προσευχή Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου. Ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου. Γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον. Καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν. Καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ρῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ. The Lord s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ΕΥΧΕΣ ΠΡΟ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΙΑΣ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ Πιστεύω, Κύριε, και ομολογώ ότι συ ει αληθώς ο Χριστός, ο Υιός του Θεού του ζώντος, ο ελθών εις τον κόσμον αμαρτωλούς σώσαι, ων πρώτος ειμί εγώ. Έτι πιστεύω, ότι τούτο αυτό εστί το αχράντον Σώμα σου και τούτο αυτό εστί το τίμιον Αίμα σου. Δέομαι ουν σου, ελέησόν με και συγχώρησον μοι τα παραπτώματά μου, τα εκούσια και τα ακούσια, τα εν λόγω, τα εν έργω, τα εν γνώσει και αγνοία, και αξίωσόν με ακατακρίτως μετασχείν των αχράντων σου μυστηρίων, εις άφεσιν αμαρτιών, και εις ζωήν αιώνιον. Αμήν. Ιδού βαδίζω προς Θείαν Κοινωνίαν, Πλαστουργέ, μη φλέξης με τη μετουσία, Πυρ γαρ υπάρχεις τους αναξίους φλέγον. Αλλ ουν κάθαρον εκ πάσης με κηλίδος. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το 5

6 μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. Θεουργόν Αίμα φρίξον, άνθρωπε βλέπων, Άνθραξ γαρ εστί τους αναξίους φλέγων, Θεού το Σώμα, και θεοί με, και τρέφει, Θεοί το πνεύμα, τον δε νουν τρέφει ξένως. Έθελξας πόθω με Χριστέ, και ηλλοίωσας τω θείω έρωτι, αλλά κατάφλεξον πυρί αϋλω τας αμαρτίας μου, και εμπλησθήναι της εν σοι τρυφής καταξίωσον, ίνα τας δύο σκιρτών μεγαλύνω, Αγαθέ, παρουσίας σου. Εν ταις λαμπρότησι των αγίων σου, πως εισελεύσομαι ο ανάξιος; Εάν γαρ τολμήσω συνεισελθείν εις τον νυμφώνα, ο χιτών με ελέγχει. Ότι ουκ έστι του γάμου, και δέσμιος εκβαλούμαι υπό των Αγγέλων, καθάρισον, Κύριε, τον ρύπον της ψυχής μου, και σώσον με, ως φιλάνθρωπος. Δέσποτα φιλάνθρωπε, Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ, ο Θεός μου, μη εις κρίμα μοι γένοιτο τα Άγια ταύτα, δια το ανάξιον είναι με, αλλ εις κάθαρσιν και αγιασμόν ψυχής τε και σώματος, και εις αρραβώνα μελλούσης ζωής και βασιλείας. Εμοί δε το προσκολλάσθαι τω Θεώ αγαθόν εστί, τίθεσθαι εν τω Κυρίω την ελπίδα της σωτηρίας μου. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe, Lord, and I confess, 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. Moreover, I believe that this is Your immaculate Body, and that this is Your precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray to You: have mercy on me, and forgive me my transgressions, those voluntary and involuntary, those in word, those in deed, those in knowledge and those in ignorance; and make me worthy to partake of Your immaculate Mysteries without condemnation, for the remission of sins and life everlasting. Amen. Behold, I approach for divine Communion; Creator, burn me not as I partake; For You are Fire, which burns the unworthy. But, rather, cleanse me from every impurity. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief I confess You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Be awe-stricken, O man, beholding the deifying Blood; For it is a lighted Coal that burns the unworthy. The divine Body both deifies and nourishes me; It deifies the spirit, and wondrously nourishes the mind. You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and by Your divine zeal You have changed me; but burn away my sins with immaterial Fire, and make me worthy to be filled with delight in You; that, leaping for joy, O good One, I may magnify Your two comings. Into the brilliant company of Your saints, how shall I the unworthy enter? For if I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my garment betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels; Lord, cleanse my soul of pollution, and save me, for You love mankind. Master, Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ my God, do not let these Holy Things be to me for judgment because of my unworthiness, but rather may they be for the purification and sanctification of soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave to God, to put my hope of salvation in the Lord. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief I confess You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Master, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Holy One, when You come into Your Kingdom! 6

7 SAINTS AND FEASTS Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-- 1 January Since the Mosaic Law commands that if a woman give birth to a male child, he should be circumcised in the foreskin of his flesh on the eighth day (Lev. 12:2-3), on this, the eighth day from His Nativity, our Saviour accepted the circumcision commanded by the Law. According to the command of the Angel, He received the Name which is above every name: JESUS, which means "Saviour" (Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31 and 2:21). Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia Saint Basil the Great was born about the end of the year 329 in Caesarea of Cappadocia, to a family renowned for their learning and holiness. His parents' names were Basil and Emily. His mother Emily (commemorated July 19) and his grandmother Macrina (Jan. 14) are Saints of the Church, together with all his brothers and sisters: Macrina, his elder sister (July 19), Gregory of Nyssa (Jan. to), Peter of Sebastia (Jan. 9), and Naucratius. Basil studied in Constantnople under the sophist Libanius, then in Athens, where also he formed a friendship with the young Gregory, a fellow Cappadocian, later called "the Theologian." Through the good influence of his sister Macrina (see July 19), he chose to embrace the ascetical life, abandoning his worldly career. He visited the monks in Egypt, in Palestine, in Syria, and in Mesopotamia, and upon returning to Caesarea, he departed to a hermitage on the Iris River in Pontus, not far from Annesi, where his mother and his sister Macrina were already treading the path of the ascetical life; here he also wrote his ascetical homilies. About the year 370, when the bishop of his country reposed, he was elected to succeed to his throne and was entrusted with the 7

8 SAINTS AND FEASTS Church of Christ, which he tended for eight years, living in voluntary poverty and strict asceticism, having no other care than to defend holy Orthodoxy as a worthy successor of the Apostles. The Emperor Valens, and Modestus, the Eparch of the East, who were of one mind with the Arians, tried with threats of exile and of torments to bend the Saint to their own confession, because he was the bastion of Orthodoxy in all Cappadocia, and preserved it from heresy when Arianism was at its strongest. But he set all their malice at nought, and in his willingness to give himself up to every suffering for the sake of the Faith, showed himself to be a martyr by volition. Modestus, amazed at Basil's fearlessness in his presence, said that no one had ever so spoken to him. "Perhaps," answered the Saint, "you have never met a bishop before." The Emperor Valens himself was almost won over by Basil's dignity and wisdom. When Valens' son fell gravely sick, he asked Saint Basil to pray for him. The Saint promised that his son would be restated if Valens agreed to have him baptized by the Orthodox; Valens agreed, Basil prayed, and the son was restored. But afterwards the Emperor had him baptized by Arians, and the child died soon after. Later, Valens, persuaded by his counsellors, decided to send the Saint into exile because he would not accept the Arians into communion; but his pen broke when he was signing the edict of banishment. He tried a second time and a third, but the same thing happened, so that the Emperor was filled with dread, and tore up the document, and Basil was not banished. The truly great Basil, spent with extreme ascetical practices and continual labours, at the helm of the church, departed to the Lord on the 1st of January, in 379. at the age of forty-nine. His writings are replete with wisdom and erudition, and rich are these gifts he set forth the doctrines concerning the mysteries both of the creation (see his Hexaemeron) and of the Holy Trinity (see On the Holy Spirit). Because of the majesty and keenness of his eloquence, he is honoured as "the revealer of heavenly things" and "the Great." Saint Basil is also celebrated on January 30th with Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom. 8

9 PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the church office. Maria, Simeon, Nikitas, Andreas, Constantine, Maria, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Harry, Maria, Aspasia, Panagiota, Kostas, Chrisanthi, Louis, Katy, Fr. Peter, and Alexi, Kathy PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal me Your servant from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray that You heal me as Your servant and grant me the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FUTURE GOD PARENTS All Orthodox Christians planning to become a God Parent must be able to recite the Creed by memory. You may recite our Symbol of Faith in either English or Greek. 40-DAYS BABY BLESSING For your convenience we are letting you know that you can make an appointment to church your baby on the 40th day after its birth, no matter what day that might be. There is no reason that you have to inconvenience the mom and the baby, waiting in the back of the Narthex until the priest is available on a Sunday ONLY. Make an appointment to come to church when it is convenient for you at a time that will not disrupt the baby's routine. ANY day you would like. 9am through 6pm by appointment. Bring the entire family or come just with your husband and the baby. Whatever you want. No waiting no inconvenience. More private time with the priest to talk about the future baptism if you wish. Call the office for an appointment. 9

10 CONFESSION Father Michael is available to you for confession at any time. Please call Father Michael on his cell phone, (301) MEMORIAL SERVICE The memorial service today is chanted for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Penelope Xeron, beloved wife of George Xeron. Loving mother of Efthimios "Mike" Xeron (Dolly) and Sophia C. Tromm (Bobby). Cherished grandmother of Nicole Elizabeth, Robert Eugene Jr. and Penelope Sophia. May her memory be eternal. FUTURE MEMORIALS January 11, 2015 Mr. Michael Miltiadou 40 Day January 25, 2015 Mr. Dimitrios Lazaris 3 Years January 25, 2015 Mr. George Pollos 3 Years 10

11 8-10 East 79 th Street, New York, NY tel fax ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Ἀριθ. Πρωτ.: 239 /14 25 Δεκεμβρίου 2014 Χριστούγεννα Ὅτι παιδίον ἐγεννήθη ἡμῖν υἱὸς καὶ ἐδόθη ἡμῖν... (Ἠσαΐας 9:6) ερικῆς. Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἡ ἁγία καί ὑπέροχη Ἑορτή τῶν Χριστουγέννων εἶναι μία χαρμόσυνη ἡμέρα ἡ ὁποία μᾶς ἑνώνει στή λατρεία καί τήν δοξολογία τοῦ Δημιουργοῦ καί Λυτρωτοῦ μας. Σήμερα ὁ αἰώνιος Θεός εἰσέρχεται στήν ἀνθρώπινη κατάστασή μας γιά νά μᾶς ἐλευθερώσει ἀπό τήν ἁμαρτία τό κακό καί τόν θάνατο. Σήμερα, ἡ ἄπειρη σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀποκαλύπτεται στή γέννηση τοῦ Σωτῆρος, καί ἡ ἀλήθεια τῆς θεϊκῆς δυνάμεώς Του γίνεται γνωστή. Σήμερα, ἑδραιώνεται μία διαρκής ὑπόσχεση εἰρήνης ἀπό ἕνα βρέφος τό ὁποῖο εἶναι ὁ Πρίγκηψ τῆς Εἰρήνης τό ὄνομα τοῦ ὁποίου εἶναι Ἐμμανουήλ τό ὁποῖο σημαίνει Ὁ Θεός εἶναι μαζί μας. Τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή, ἡ μεγάλη ἀγάπη Του για μᾶς γίνεται φανερή καθώς ὁ Λόγος σάρξ ἐγένετο καί ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν (Ἰωάν. 1:14). Ἡ Σάρκωση τοῦ Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἶναι ἀποκάλυψη τῆς ἀληθείας. Σήμερα, ἡ λαμπρότητα τῆς θεϊκῆς σοφίας, ἡ δόξα τοῦ Κυρίου, καί ἡ ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου ἀποκαλύπτονται. Ἡ ἀρχαία ὑπόσχεση πού δόθηκε στόν Ἀδάμ καί τήν Εὔα, στόν Ἀβραάμ, τόν Ἰσαάκ καί τόν Ἰακώβ καί σέ τόσο πολλούς ἄλλους ἐκπληρώνεται. Ὅλα αὐτά πού προφήτευσαν οἱ Προφῆτες ἔγιναν πραγματικότητα. Ὁ Θεός ἔγινε ἄνθρωπος γιά νά λυτρωθοῦμε ἐμεῖς οἱ ἄνθρωποι καί γιά νά μᾶς ἀποκαταστήσῃ σέ εὐλογημένη κοινωνία καί περίσσεια ζωῆς μαζί Του. Ἡ Σάρκωση ἀποτελεῖ ἐπίσης ἀποκάλυψη τῆς ἀληθινῆς καί αἰώνιας εἰρήνης. Διά τῆς γεννήσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ δρόμος γιά τήν συμφιλίωσή μας μέ τόν Θεό εἶναι ὁρατός. Ἡ ἀναταραχή πού προκλήθηκε ἀπό τήν ἁμαρτία καί τήν ἀπελπισία ἀπαντᾶται μέ τήν γαλήνη τοῦ ἐρχομοῦ τοῦ Πρίγκηπος τῆς Εἰρήνης. Ἡ Θεοτόκος καί ὁ Ἰωσήφ βρίσκουν ἀνάπαυση στά μάτια τοῦ νηπιάσαντος Κυρίου. Οἱ βοσκοί ἀκοῦν τούς ἁγίους ἀγγέλους νά διακηρύσσουν, Καί ἐπί γῆς εἰρήνη! Οἱ Μάγοι βρίσκουν βεβαιότητα στό θαυματουργό σημεῖο τό ὁποῖο τούς ὁδηγεῖ 11

12 στή Βηθλεέμ καί σέ Ἐκεῖνον πού ἐκπληρώνει τά πάντα. Ἡ Σάρκωση τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἶναι μιά ἀποκάλυψη ἀγάπης. Προσφέροντας τόν Ἑαυτόν Του πρός χάριν μας, καθίσταται μέγιστο δῶρο. Τό φῶς τῆς χάριτος ἀποκαλύπτει τήν εὐσπλαγχνία τοῦ Θεοῦ γιά τή δημιουργία Του, καί ἡ δύναμη τῆς χάριτος ἡ ὁποία εἶναι ὁρατή στό βρέφος ἐπιβεβαιώνει ὅτι ἔχει ἐπέλθει ἴαση. Στήν ἀνακαίνιση τῆς ζωῆς πού Ἐκεῖνος μᾶς χάρισε, ἦλθε ὁ Χριστός γιά νά μᾶς ὁδηγήσῃ ἀπό τόν θάνατο στή ζωή. Στήν ὡραιότητα ἑνός παιδιοῦ, καί ὄχι μέ κατακλυσμιαία ἤ πρόσκαιρη ἰσχύ, ἡ δύναμη τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Θεοῦ μᾶς φέρνει ἀνείπωτη χαρά καί ἄσβεστη ἐλπίδα! Ὁ ἑορτασμός μας τῆς ἐνδόξου Ἑορτῆς τῶν Χριστουγέννων ἐπιβεβαιώνει αὐτή τήν ἀποκάλυψη καί προσφέρει μαρτυρία τῆς δυνάμεώς της στή ζωή μας. Ἡ λατρεία καί δοξολογία τοῦ Σαρκωθέντος Κυρίου προσφέρει ζωηρή μαρτυρία ἀληθείας σέ ἕναν κόσμο γεμᾶτο ἀπό σύγχυση καί ἐξαπάτηση. Μέσα στό ζόφος καί τήν ἀπελπισία πού βρῆκε πολλούς, ἐμεῖς διακηρύσσουμε τήν θεϊκή σοφία ἡ ὁποία μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ στό νόημα τῆς ὑπάρξεώς μας καί στήν ἀληθινή ζωή γιά τήν ὁποίαν ἔχουμε πλασθεῖ. Οἱ καρδιές μας γεμίζουν μέ εἰρήνη, τήν ὁποία μοιραζόμεθα μέ ἄλλους, διότι ἡ ἐλπίδα μας ἔχει ἀνανεωθεῖ ἀπό τήν ἐμπιστοσύνη μας στόν Θεό. Βιώνουμε τήν βεβαιότητα τῶν αἰωνίων εὐλογιῶν, καί προσκαλοῦμε ἄλλους νά ἔλθουν καί νά δοῦν ὅλα ὅσα Ἐκεῖνος ἔχει κάνει γιά μᾶς. Τέλος, οἱ συνάξεις μας στίς ἐνορίες καί στά σπίτια μας, κάθε ἡμέρα καί κάθε στιγμή τῆς ζωῆς μας εἶναι πλήρεις τῆς ἀγάπης Του. Ὅπως Ἐκεῖνος ἀπεκάλυψε τήν μεγάλη ἀγάπη Του γιά μᾶς στή γέννησή Του, ἔτσι κι ἐμεῖς ἀποκαλύπτουμε τήν θεϊκή χάρη μέσα διά τῆς πίστεώς μας, τίς πράξεις καλωσύνης καί διακονίας, καί τή γενναιοδωρία μας στούς ἄλλους ἰδιαιτέρως στούς ἔχοντες ἀνάγκη βοηθείας. Ἡ εὐσπλαγχνία μας, ἡ ὁποία μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ νά προσφέρουμε δοξολογία στόν ὕψιστο Θεό, θά ὁδηγήσει ἄλλους στόν Βασιλέα τῶν βασιλέων, στόν Σωτῆρα μας πού εἶναι ὁ Χριστός καί Κύριός μας! Εἴθε ἐσεῖς καί οἱ κοινότητες καί οἰκογένειές σας νά εἶσθε πλήρεις χαρᾶς καί εἰρήνης αὐτή τήν εὐλογημένη Ἑορτή καθώς ἑορτάζετε τήν ἀποκάλυψη τοῦ Θεοῦ στή γέννηση τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἐν μέσῳ τεραστίων δυσκολιῶν καί ἀναγκῶν, εἴθε νά ἐπιβεβαιώνετε ἐπίσης ὅτι ζεῖτε μέσα στήν παρουσία τοῦ Κυρίου μας πού σᾶς ὁδηγεῖ στό νά μοιράζεσθε τήν χάρη καί τήν ἀλήθεια ἡ ὁποία θά ὁδηγήσει ἄλλους σέ Ἐκεῖνον καί σέ περίσσεια ζωῆς. Καλά Χριστούγεννα καί εὐλογημένο τό νέο Ἔτος. Μετά πατρικῆς ἀγάπης ἐν Χριστῷ ἐνανθρωπήσαντι, ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος 12

13 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Web: communications@goarch.org Protocol Number 239/14 December 25, 2014 The Nativity of Christ For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. (Isaiah 9:6) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This holy and blessed Feast of the Nativity of our Lord is a very joyous day that brings us together in worship and praise of our Creator and Redeemer. Today the eternal God enters our humanity for our deliverance from sin, evil and death. Today the infinite wisdom of God is revealed in the birth of the Savior, and the truth of His divine will is made known. Today an enduring promise of peace is established by an infant who is the Prince of Peace and whose name Emmanuel means God is with us. On this day His great love for us is shown as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ is a revelation of truth. Today, the brilliance of divine wisdom, the glory of the Lord, and the hope of the Gospel of salvation are revealed. The ancient promise made to Adam and Eve, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and to so many others is fulfilled. All that was foretold by the Prophets has happened. God has become man so that we can be redeemed and restored to blessed communion and abundant life with Him. The Incarnation is also a revelation of true and eternal peace. Through the birth of Christ, the path of our reconciliation with God is visible. The turmoil caused by sin and despair is met with the calm of the coming of the Prince of Peace. The Theotokos and Joseph find comfort in the eyes of the infant Lord. The shepherds hear the holy angels proclaim Peace on earth! The Magi find assurance in the miraculous sign that leads them to Bethlehem and to the One who fulfills all things. 13

14 The Incarnation of Christ is a revelation of love. In offering Himself for our sakes, He becomes the greatest gift. The light of grace reveals God s compassion for His creation, and the power of grace visible in the child affirms that healing has come. In the newness of life, He has come to lead us from death to life. In the beauty of a child, not by overwhelming force or temporal might, the power of God s love for us brings unspeakable joy and unquenchable hope! Our celebration on this glorious Feast of the Nativity affirms this revelation and offers a witness of its power in our lives. Our worship and praise of the Incarnate Lord offers a vibrant witness of truth in a world filled with confusion and deception. Into the darkness and hopelessness that many have found, we proclaim the divine wisdom that guides us to the meaning of our existence and to the true life for which we have been created. Our hearts are filled with peace which we share with others, for our hope has been renewed by our trust in God. We live in the assurance of eternal blessings, and we invite others to come and see all that He has done for us. Finally, our gatherings in parishes and homes, each day and every moment of our lives are filled with His love. As He revealed His great love for us in the birth of our Lord, we reveal divine grace through our faith, our acts of kindness and service, and our generosity to others especially those in need. Our compassion, which leads us to give glory to God in the highest, will lead others to the King of kings, to our Savior who is Christ the Lord! May you and your communities and families be filled with joy and peace on this blessed Feast as you celebrate the revelation of God in the birth of Christ. While you live in the midst of tremendous challenges and needs, may you also affirm that you live in the presence of our Lord who guides you in sharing the grace and truth that will lead others to Him and to abundance of life. With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America 14

15 YOUTH MINISTRY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!!! Applications are now being accepted for the Next Generation Initiative s new Archimedes Award Scholarship for outstanding high school seniors of Hellenic heritage intending to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related fields at a university in the United States. To be considered for a scholarship, please apply by March 1, For more information, and to apply, please go online to This new scholarship, the first such to be offered through the Next Generation Initiative, was founded by Dr. Andrew Economos, who is stepping forward to help young Greek Americans who share his passion for science and learning, and encourage Hellenic American students to excel in these fields. Finalists for the Archimedes Award will be selected by an independent committee of university professors and experts with records of experience in STEM education, from the University of California at Davis, Fairfield University, the Stevens Institute of Technology, Old Dominion University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. More information about the Archimedes Award is online at The Next Generation Initiative Don t forget to follow us on our NextGen Launchpad on LinkedIn. 15

16 YOUTH MINISTRY Our Goyans participate in the Advent Retreat at St. Sophia Cathedral 16

17 YOUTH MINISTRY Goyan s Magical Night of Ice-Skating 17

18 Reprinted from Orthodox Life Vol. 44, No. 5 October 1994 AMERICAN CHRISTMAS AND ORTHODOX NATIVITY By Archbishop Seraphim of Chicago ( 1987) On American Christmas, some of you more, some of you to a lesser extent, celebrate, have parties, give presents to each other, etc. Alas, American Christmas is acquiring a more and more pagan character: so much time is wasted on shopping, often unnecessarily, for clothing, for everything exterior, while inner spiritual concerns remain almost in oblivion. The Nativity of the God-Child Christ, the Redeemer of mankind, is hardly given any thought whatsoever. The kind, gentle image of Christ is supplanted by that of jolly old Santa Claus - a distressing, blasphemous caricature of one of God's greatest saints - Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker of Mira, whom the Roman Catholics contrived to exclude from their order of saints some years ago. The psychology of the masses is infectious. We, the zealots of religious piety, understand this and, in a fatherly way, for the sake of love, look askance, although not without sadness, at this chaotic tribute in the country which gave shelter to our flock. At the same time, we sincerely ask all members of our Russian Church Abroad: having given notice to the secular world, when the embers of the American festival have died, give some attention to your inner self - prepare yourself spiritually, in the Orthodox way, for our Orthodox Feast of the Nativity of Christ. First of all, for at least the remainder of Lent - fast. After all, there are not many fast days left. Whoever is able, prepare yourselves with fasting. On the holy eve of the feast, make certain that you come to church: the Nativity services are so beautiful! On the day of Nativity, try your best to get leave from work or school, even if you must lose a day's wages. Give them to God! Keep holy, sanctify in a special way, this whole day of the Great Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God. Do not do anything thoughtless on the Nativity. It is traditional on this day to visit the clergy, family or friends, to somehow reinforce the joy of the Festival. It is not sinful on this day to have guests or go out, within reason of course, so as not to lose the image of God, which we carry. It is certainly blessed for families and those of means [who have more of this world's goods] to invite people who are alone to their Nativity dinner, especially those in poverty, to warm them with kindness and attention. How good this is and pleasing to God! On this great day we can and must celebrate, especially spiritually. Too often this celebration is substituted with uncontrolled drunken par ties. It is not a crime to be merry and celebrate a Festival, but not wildly. Examine the Holy Gospels. There the word joy appears nearly twenty times, but the word gladness appears only once, and even then in conjunction with the word joy. I will introduce the text: But the'angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name 18

19 John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; anid many shall rejoice at his birth (Luke I, 13-14). On the Feast day of the Nativity it has become customary, seemingly from the Three Wise Men, to give each other gifts, especially the poor and needv. This is a good and holy custom! In America, we may divide it into two parts: on American Christmas give gifts to family and friends, and on our Nativity to do good deeds; that is, send care packages to needy people, churches and charitable organizations. In this way, we can pay tribute to the customary American Christmas as well as to our Great Orthodox Feast of the Nativity of Christ. God grant that this advice would find its way to your hearts! As pastors, we understand how, when all around people are celebrating, it is difficult not to be caught up in the festivities. However, blessed are those who maintain their fasting and prayer throughout the whole period of the Nativity Fast, leaving aside all celebration until our Orthodox Nativity. Archbiship Seraphim of Chicago (1987) Γιατί κόβουμε βασιλόπιτα στήν 1 Ιανουαρίου Tην κόβουμε εξαιτίας ενός γεγονότος που διαδραματίστηκε στην βυζαντινή εποχή! Πιο συγκεκριμένα, στα χρόνια του Ιουλιανού του Παραβάτη. Το Βυζάντιο μόλις είχε κηρύξει πόλεμο ενάντια στου Πέρσες, με τον Ιουλιανό και τα στρατεύματά του να ξεκινάνε κινηθούν εναντίον τους. Περνώντας από την Καισαρεία, ο Ιουλιανός διέταξε έκτακτη φορολόγηση για όλους τους κατοίκους της περιοχής. Μη θέλοντας, οι κάτοικοι αναγκάστηκαν να δώσουν χρυσαφικά, χρήματα κτλ. Τα χαράτσια θα τα έπαιρνε στον δρόμο της επιστροφής του για την Κωνσταντινούπολη. Ο Ιουλιανός όμως σε μια μάχη με τους Πέρσες σκοτώθηκε, καθιστώντας αδύνατη την επιστροφή του από την Καισάρεια. Μιας και οι φόροι στο μεσοδιάστημα είχαν ήδη μαζευτεί, ο Άγιος Βασίλειος ( μ.χ.) σκέφτηκε έναν πρωτότυπο τρόπο για να τα επιστρέψει στο λαό: Έδωσε εντολή να ζυμώσουν ψωμιά, τοποθετώντας μέσα σε κάθε ψωμί από ένα νόμισμα ή χρυσαφικό. Στη συνεχεία τα μοίρασε στα σπίτια των κατοίκων. Τρώγοντας τα, οι κάτοικοι όλο και κάτι έβρισκαν μέσα. Έτσι, γεννήθηκε το έθιμο της πίτας που ονομάστηκε βασιλόπιτα. 19

20 On Holy Water At Theophany by St. John Maximovitch Our father among the saints John Maximovitch, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco The Wonderworker (d. 1966), was a diocesan bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) who served widely from China to France to the United States. Countless miracles have been attributed to this holy bishop, both during his lifetime and since his repose. He guided souls in many places across the globe during his earthly sojourn. On Theophany, the Day of the Lord s Baptism, every year a great miracle is performed. The Holy Spirit, coming down upon the water, changes its natural properties. It becomes incorrupt, not spoiling, remaining transparent and fresh for many years. This Holy Water receives the grace to heal illnesses, to drive away demons and every evil power, to preserve people and their dwellings from every danger, to sanctify various objects whether for church or home use. Therefore, Orthodox Christians with reverence drink Holy Water a great Agiasma (holy thing), as the Greeks call it. One should always have at home enough Theophany water to last the whole year, and make use of it at every need: in cases of illness, leaving on a journey, whenever one is upset, students prior to examinations, etc. People who drink a little Holy Water daily, before eating any kind of food, do well. It strengthens the powers of our soul if it is done with prayer and reverence, and one does not merely expect a mechanical result from it. Every priest should take care to bless a sufficient quantity of water for his church, so that it will be on hand for the course of the whole year for every need and to be given out to those who ask for it; and parishioners should provide themselves at Theophany with Holy Water for the whole year and even so that it can be kept for future years. 20

21 .Why Do We Have Our Homes Blessed? by Phyllis Meshel Onest Begin Everything with Prayer Since we are reminded in Scripture to begin whatever we do with prayer, it has been the practice of Orthodox Christians for centuries to have new dwellings blessed either before or just after settling in. This has been extended to one's business or office, and even college dorm rooms. "The service performed by the priest to bless the new dwelling is somewhat similar to the consecration of a church [in the Russian practice] in that holy water, holy oil, and incense are used and a lesson from the holy Gospel is read. All the rooms of the house are sprinkled with holy water and each of the four outer walls are anointed with the sign of the Cross with holy oil, a candle placed before them, and after the censing of the house, the lesson from the Holy Gospel is read [in Greek practice the service of the Small Blessing of Waters is generally done]. At the conclusion of the blessing, the inhabitants are blessed with holy water: the husband first, followed by the wife and then the children - the oldest first. Relatives and friends present are then blessed." (Marriage and the Christian Home, by Rev. Michael B. Henning, p.24.) Back to "The Fall" From Scripture we know that whatever God created was good, but with "the Fall", evil entered the world, corrupting the creation. God the Father sent His Son Jesus to save it by effecting a "new creation". This is celebrated at Theophany, specifically with the Great Blessing of Water. "The consecration of the waters on this feast places the entire world - through its 'prime element' of water - in the perspective of the cosmic creation, sanctification, and glorification of the Kingdom of God in Christ and the Spirit." (The Orthodox Faith, Vol. II, Worship, by Fr. Thomas Hopko, p.127.) All the readings, hymns, prayers, and actions of the day speak of God's presence in our entire world and universe, His creation. Through water all of the creation is once again sanctified by God, becoming good again, the way God had intended. The Feast Of Theophany The Feast of Theophany (or Epiphany) commemorates the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. We know from the troparion of the day that "the Trinity was made manifest" to us. But there's more to it than this. "When Jesus descends into the depths of the river, there occurs a profound upheaval. It is not the one baptized who is purified, for he is spotless; but it is the water that is transfigured and illumined. This water, which was believed to be transparent and purifying, is in fact polluted, inhabited by evil spirits, servants of the old 21

22 gods. By purifying the elements, by sanctifying matter, Jesus frees the cosmos from the powers of evil." (The Incarnate God, Vol. I, Catherine Aslanoff, French edition editor, translated by Paul Meyendorff, p.163.) The Great Blessing of Water and the Home The Great Blessing of Water takes place at the end of that day's Liturgy. Since our homes cannot be brought to the Church, the Church - through the priest and cantor - go to the homes. There the service of blessing, which began in the church, is finished with the sprinkling of water in the home. Traditionally, in most Orthodox parishes, the priest personally visits all his parishioners each year to pray with them in the place where they live, and to bless their surroundings with the newly sanctified water of Theophany (January 6/13). By sanctifying our living quarters, our private place, we extend the grace of God to our individual dwellings. (In very large parishes a yearly visit may not be possible. In areas of the country where the winter is harsh, I know of at least one parish where houses are blessed at the beginning of the ecclesiastical year in September.)We also bring the blessed water to our homes to use throughout the year to bless our homes and to drink whether we are ill or as part of our daily prayer life. "There are many occasions in family life when a sip of holy water can help to remind us of the blessing that was given 'to bestow sanctification', 'unto healing of soul and body', 'to be a fountain welling forth unto life eternal', as the priest prayed in the litany of Epiphany day." (Little Falcons: Water, Vol. 5, No. 2, 1998, p.33.) Weaving Christ into Our Lives" The blessing of homes by these holy waters maintains the spiritual association between the 'family church' and the parish, as well as again providing for the sharing of God's spiritual gifts. This annual blessing is not as elaborate as the blessing of the new dwelling, but because of this it should not be overlooked, for it is in this way that the grace of God is extended to individual dwellings." (Marriage and the Christian Home, p.25.) If the priest comes to bless the home when the children are present, they have the opportunity to see the parish priest in a different and personal situation. If the priest permits, they can lead the way through the house, or hold a candle. They can show him their rooms or pets or favorite toys. They receive a blessing with water. For children, the house blessing shows the connection of the Church to the home. In Summary What does it mean to ask God to bless something? All things in the world have been spoiled right along with us. God must bless His world again in order for it to be the way that He wants it to be. For this reason God sent His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit to the world: to bless everyone and everything that He made, to make all things good again. When the priest comes to bless our homes, he asks God to have mercy on the house, to rid it of every evil and to fill it with every blessing. What a wonderful way to begin the New Year!.. 22

23 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h Of Washington, DC Temporary Church Address: St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD Office Address: 701 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD Phone: (240) office@schgocdc.org Website: Rev. Michael Eaccarino, Protopresbyter fm@papouli.net Rev. Jason Houck, Presbyter FatherJason@schgocdc.org We welcome all visitors among us always! We hope you find our worship true and reverent and our people here friendly and cordial. If you are seeking a spiritual home, we would be honored by your presence in our family. We are glad you chose to worship with us today. ALTAR BOYS Joe Mayes joem1222@gmail.com STEWARDSHIP Sotirios Nasios snasios@yahoo.com Kathy Matrakas klukia14@gmail.com GREEK LANGUAGE/ MINISTRY Ifigenia Kambanis agkambanis@msn.com Erini Iatrou eirini.iatrou@gmail.com OUTREACH MINISTRY Ms. Anastasia Kyritsopoulos (301) a.kyritsopoulos2@gmail.com CHOIR Dr. Theodore Papaloizos ted@greek123.com Jr. GOYA/Sr. GOYA Alexandra Pittas pittasa@verizon.net GREEK DANCE MINISTRY Elaine Romas eromas@verizon.net Kristina Maria Paspalis kmpaspalis@gmail.com YOUNG AT HEART Helen Thornberg bwt602r@aol.com Christina Clifton Christina.Clifton@verizon.net 23 CATECHETICAL MINISTRY Tara Kavadias tarakavadias@yahoo.com Voula Vithoulkas voulavithoulkas@gmail.com YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAL) Viktoria Taroudaki Victoria.taroudaki@gmail.com PHILOPTOCHOS Paraskevoula Hays voulaphilo@landmark.org HOPE & JOY Father Jason Houck (301) fatherjason@schgocdc.org

24 PARISH LIFE - Dates to Remember Monday Δευτέρα 12/29/14 Strict Fast Νηστεία Tuesday Τρίτη 12/30/14 Strict Fast Νηστεία Wednesday Τετάρτη 12/31/14 Strict Fast Νηστεία Thursday Πέμτη 1/1/15 Fast Free Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Περιτομή του Ιησού Χριστού 8:30am Orthros -Ορθρος 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Θεία Λειτουργία At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Friday Παρασκευή 1/2/15 Fast Free Saturday Σάββατον 1/3/15 Fast Free 6:00-7:00pm Great Vespers - Μέγας Εσπερινός At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Sunday Κυριακή 1/4/15 Fast Free Sunday before Epiphany Κυριακή πρό τῶν Φώτον 7:00-8:15am-Orthros - ρθρος 8:15-10:00am Divine Liturgy-Θ. Λειτουργία At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 24