ENTRANCE HYMNS. Apolytikion of St. Sophia/Ss. Faith, Hope & Agape

Transcript

1 September 13, 2015 Sunday before Holy Cross Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr ENTRANCE HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion - Angelike Dinamis ( Angelic Powers ) Angelic Powers were in Your Sepulchre and those who guarded You became as men long dead. And standing there was Mary by Your Tomb seeking Your pure and sacred Body, O You despoiled Hades yet tempted not by him were Y ou. You did meet the Virgin O Life Bestower, O You Who rose from the dead, Glory to You O Lord. Apolytikion for the Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross Ton Zoopion Stavron ( The Life-giving Cross ) The life-giving Cross of Your goodness, which we the unworthy have from You as a gift, we present to You, O Lord, as an intercessor. Save our leaders and our nation and keep them in peace, through the Theotokos, O only One who loves humanity. Apolytikion for the the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) You have made the earthly beauty of the holy tabernacle of Your glory to be like the majesty of the firmament on high, O Lord. Make it strong forever and ever, and accept our supplications that we unceasingly bring to You there, at the intercession of the Theotokos. For You are the life and resurrection of all. Apolytikion of St. Sophia/Ss. Faith, Hope & Agape Greek Oς ελαία κατά καρπος ανεβλάστησας, έν ταίς ανλαίς του Κυρίου, Σοφία μάρτυς σεμνή, καί προσήγαγες Χριστώ καρπόν η δύτατον, τούς τής νηδύος σου βλαστούς, δί α γώνων εύαγων, Αγάπην τε καί `Ελπίδα σύν τη θεόφρονι Πίστει, μεθων δυσώπει υπέρ πάντων ήμων. English Phonetics for Greek Os elea kata karpos anevlastisas, en tes avles tu Kyriou Sofia martys semni, ke prosigages Christo karpon idytaton, tus tis nidyos su vlastus, di agonon evagon, Agapin te ke Elpida, syn ti theofroni Pisti; meth on dysopi yper pandon imon. English As an olive tree laden with fruit you sprouted forth, in the courtyards of the Lord, Sophia martyr dignified, and you brought to Christ a fruit most sweet, Namely your womb s own sprouts, brought up by instructive deeds: your daughters Faith and Hope, along with God-minded Love; together intercede with God for us all. Seasonal Kontakion Ouranos polifotos ( Like heaven full of light ) Lord, Your Church appears to us * to be like heaven * full of light, and guides with light * all who believe in You, O Christ. * And we who stand in it cry to You: * Savior, establish forever this holy house.

2 Stewardship Update September 6, 2015 On September 1 st we marked the start the new Ecclesiastical year. Summer is over, kids are back to school and people are returning from their vacations. As we begin the new year, now is a most appropriate time to make sure we return to church (for those we haven t seen during the summer months). Also, as we gear up for the very busy fall, it is important to make sure we keep God in our schedules -- not just on holy days and Sundays, but every day of the week Orthodox Christian Stewardship is our way of thanking God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. To be considered good stewards of our parish and the faith, we must give back in gratitude to Him by giving of our time, talent and treasure. Our Parish and His Ministries need all three from each of us! What are you personally doing to show your gratitude to Him for your own blessings? Are you truly giving back to Him to support His ministries here on Earth? For those of us with children, we also need to make sure they become active in the faith as well and learn that our faith is even more important than fall sports!! Please register your children for Sunday school if you have not already done so. SAVE THE DATE! St. Sophia s Feast Day Dinner Dance is on Saturday, October 10, 2015 MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW! We would like to thank everyone who has supported our parish thus far in 2015 with your Time, Talent and Treasure. We continue to welcome new families to our parish; it is great to see so many new faces become involved with the spiritual life of our community! If you have not yet become a steward for 2015, there is still time! Stewardship forms are available at the Pangari or by calling the Parish office at God Bless you! 2014 (Year End) 2015 (9/11/15) Pledge Unit Goal Number of Pledges Pledge $ Goal $210,000 $210,000 Amount Pledged $209,857 $201,002 Average Pledge $ $1,046 EPISTLE READING The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18 O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God. BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. Ἀνάγνωσις ἐπιστολῆς Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18 Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου. Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου. Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν. New Stewards 23 13

3 Church Beautification Update September 13, 2015 GOSPEL READING The Reading is from the Gospel of John 3:13-17 The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." Our iconographer, Dr. George Kordis, and his team arrived 11 days ago and left us with stunning artwork in the altar area and the Narthex. We received sponsorships for the Holy Ascension of Christ icon, which was painted over the altar area. We appreciate the support of our many donors, including the most recent anonymous donor in support of this new beautification project. In addition, Dr. Kordis and his team of world renowned artists painted in the Narthex, including the Donor Wall. They also varnished and sealed all of the icons in the iconastasion and lower walls to protect them from damage. Many sponsorships are still available for both iconography and the furnishings. Please check out the exhibit next door in the Fr. John A. Limberakis Cultural Center. A draft of the names that will be listed on the donor plaque is currently in the Parish office. Please double check your name and listing to make sure it is accurate. If you have questions or concerns, please see any Parish Council member. ΕVΑΓΓÉΛΙΟΝ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17 Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ. St. Sophia Church Mortgage Mortgage balance as of 8/30/15 is $1,341, We recently negotiated a lower rate with QNB Bank, which will lower our payment by $1,000/month.

4 GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS (continued) Movie Tavern Tickets: This is the fabulous movie theater in town that offers first run movies as well as an "in-house" dining experience. The Ladies Philoptochos is selling discounted MOVIE TAVERN movie tickets for $8.50 each. They can be used on any day and even for new releases. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Maria or Kathy Tsipras. For show times visit Popcorn Sales: St. Sophia supports Scouting by allowing our Boys Scouts to sell popcorn after church in the Cultural Center. The following Sundays are available for popcorn sales: 9/27, 10/11, 10/18 and 10/25. If your son would like an opportunity to sell popcorn, please contact Cathy Cox at (484) or her at Coffee Hour Sponsors Needed!: There are several opportunities to be a coffee sponsor in the next several weeks.. If you are interested in hosting a coffee hour, please put your name on the list at the back of the hall or contact Elaine in the Parish office. Parish List: If you have not yet given us your address (or if it has changed recently) please let the Parish office know so that we can update our files. You may either call the Parish office with your information or you may it directly to stsophia@verizon.net. Pastoral Visits - A Request to All Parishioners: If you desire a pastoral visit in case of a hospitalization or for someone who is homebound, in a nursing facility, or in prison, please have an immediate family member notify the Parish office at so that a visit can be arranged. In Case of Emergency: If you are having an extreme medical emergency and are in need of an Orthodox priest, please call the Parish office at PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR FEAST DAY DINNER DANCE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015 Cocktails 6 pm (Open Bar & Hors d oeuvres) Dinner 7:15 pm For more information please see any Parish Council Member or call the Parish Office Greek & American Music Any information or announcements for the Sunday bulletin must be received by 3pm on the Wednesday prior to publication. Please information to stsophia@verizon.net. Thank you. Elaine Piligian

5 September 13, 2015 Sunday before Holy Cross Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr Safe Travels to our Iconographers: After a brief visit, our iconographers, Dr. George Kordis, Mr. Kanellos Kanellopoulos, Mr. Polychronis (Chronis) Vichos and Mr. Alkiviades (Alki) Pappas, left this morning headed to California, where their next project awaits. Pay special attention to the beautiful icon of the Ascension over the altar area and, as you leave church, the new iconography in the Narthex. CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK Mon., Sept. 14 th Tues., Sept. 15 th Wed., Sept. 16 th Thurs., Sept. 17 th Fri., Sept. 18 th Sat., Sept. 19 th Sun., Sept. 20 th Mon. Sept. 21 st GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Exaltation of the Holy Cross Post-Festival Clean-up Post-Festival Clean-up Great Vespers for Feast Day of St. Sophia 7:00 pm Ladies Philoptochos to host reception following Vespers Feast Day of St. Sophia 8:45 am Orthros; 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Ladies Philoptochos to host luncheon following Divine Liturgy Winter Hours Resume 8:45 am Orthros; 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday School Begins Today Luncheon for Fr. Peter on celebrating 10 years since his Ordination to the Priesthood. First Day of Greek School Sunday School Registration Has Begun: Sunday school begins on September 20 th. Registration forms for Sunday school are available at the Pangari and on our Parish website -- Greek Dance Groups: Dance Group registration forms are available at the Pangari and on our Parish website All students MUST be registered in order to participate. Thanks to a generous contribution from the ASTERA Foundation, we will not be charging tuition for St. Sophia Stewards this year. Greek School Registration: The Greek school registration form is available at the Pangari and on our website. For questions regarding the program, please contact Erietta Fotiadis at or eriettafotiadis@gmail.com AFTER September 10 th. For questions regarding registration, please contact Roula Matsiras at or rmatsiras@hotmail.com, or Christine Bailey at or christinebailey@outlook.com. Please complete form and return along with your payment to St. Sophia Parish Office by August 30, Yiayia's Attic Yiayia s attic is open all day today. Your help up in the balcony of the Cultural Center would be greatly appreciated today. To All Our Baking Ladies of the Parish: Our Vesper service on Wednesday evening, September 16 th, will be followed by a reception featuring sweets and coffee or tea. Typically, the sweets need to be eaten without a fork, so we re looking for cookies, cookie bars, Greek specialties, etc., to grace our tables. If you are able to contribute, please bring your goodies (homemade or store bought) to church on Wednesday between 9am and 3pm, or you can bring them with you to church that evening before Vespers. We ll be in the kitchen waiting for your delicious contributions which you will have brought ready-to-serve (bars, brownies in muffin cups, for example). SHOP-RITE or GIANT shoppers: We have enrolled in their Gift Card Program and the gift cards are on sale during coffee hour. If you are interested, please see Alexis Witt. Register Tapes: Don t forget to save your Shop-Rite register tapes. We can only use receipts from any of the ten Brown s stores located in: Bensalem PA, East Norriton, PA, Fairless Hills PA, Cheltenham, PA and in Philadelphia, PA, on Island Ave., Oregon Ave., 52 nd & Parkside, Haverford Ave., and Ridge Ave. in the Roxborough section. They also have one store in Brooklawn, NJ. The drop off box is located in the lobby of the Cultural Center. Please submit receipts timely, only tapes from within 4 months of the transaction date are accepted. REDNER S Register Tapes: We are now collecting Redner s Market register tapes. Remember to use your Pump Perks card when making purchases. The drop off box is located in the lobby of the Cultural Center.

6 PRAYERS BEFORE RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION (The Communion Prayers are recited silently by those prepared to receive the Holy Mysteries) 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. PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION We thank You, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, that again today You have counted us worthy of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Set us a straight path; make us all firm in reverence of You; keep watch over our lives; safeguard our movements; through the prayers and intercession of the glorious Theotokos and ever-virgin, Mary and of all Your saints. Amen.