SATURDAY OF LAZARUS MARCH 31ST

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1 Ελληνικός Ορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL Reverend Fr. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Presbyter Church Office: Alex Limberatos, Youth Director - youth@stgeorgetampabay.org or his cell phone SUNDAY MARCH 25th, 2018 NEW WEB PAGE: SATURDAY OF LAZARUS MARCH 31ST Join us for Church services and Youth Retreat Lazarus Saturday, Orthros 8:30 AM & Divine Liturgy 9:30AM Youth Lazarus retreat will follow the church service and Palm making in the Kontos Hall Σάββατο, Η ε γερσις του Λαζα ρου, 8.30πμ Όρθρος & 9.30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Our behalf of Father Gregory, the Parish Council and the Saint George community we extend our warm wishes to Mrs. Evangelia Kontos for a Happy and Healthy Name day. Artoklasia and coffee hour donated by Mr. and Mrs. Kontos in honor of Evangelia and their granddaughters nameday. ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ The St. George Greek School Teachers and Students have prepared a program of poems and Greek dance to celebrate Greek independence day! Please join us in the Kontos Community Hall for the Greek Independence day program. Coffee sponsored by the Greek School PTΑ! 1

2 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ: Κυριακή Ε των Νηστειών Ο Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου,Αποστ. Ανάγνωσμα: Εβρ. β Αδελφοί, όλοι έχουν τον ίδιο πατέρα: Και αυτός που εξαγνίζει και αυτοί που εξαγνίζονται. Γι αυτό και δεν ντρέπεται να τους ονομάζει αδέλφια. Όπως λέει η Γραφή: Θα διαλαλήσω στ αδέλφια μου το μεγαλείο σου, θα σε εξυμνήσω μέσα στη συνάθροιση. Και αλλού: Θα εμπιστευτώ τον εαυτό μου σε αυτόν. Και συνεχίζει: Να, εγώ και τα παιδιά που μου δωσε ο Θεός. Επειδή λοιπόν «τα παιδιά» αυτά ήταν άνθρωποι, έγινε κι ο Ιησούς άνθρωπος, για να καταργήσει με τον θάνατόν του αυτόν που εξουσίαζε τον θάνατο, δηλαδή τον διάβολο, και μ αυτόν τον τρόπο να απελευθερώσει όσους ο φόβος του θανάτου τους είχε καταδικάσει να είναι δούλοι σ όλη τους τη ζωή. Είναι φανερό ότι δεν έρχεται να βοηθήσει αγγέλους, αλλά τους απογόνους του Αβραάμ. Έπρεπε λοιπόν να γίνει σ όλα όμοιος με τ αδέλφια του, ώστε να γίνει σπλαχνικός και πιστός αρχιερέας στην υπηρεσία του Θεού, για τη συγχώρηση των αμαρτιών του λαού. Έτσι, επειδή ο ίδιος υπέφερε και δοκιμάστηκε, μπορεί τώρα να βοηθήσει αυτούς που δοκιμάζονται. EPISTLE: The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 2:11-18 BRETHREN, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee." And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ: Κυριακή Ε των Νηστειών Ο Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου, Ευαγγ. Ανάγνωσμα: Λουκ. α Εκείνες τις μέρες, η Ελισάβετ, η γυναίκα του Ζαχαρία, έμεινε έγκυος. Έκρυβε όμως την εγκυμοσύνη της για πέντε μήνες και έλεγε: «Ο Θεός είδε τη στενοχώρια μου και φρόντισε να με απαλλάξει από την ντροπή που ένιωθα μπροστά στους ανθρώπους για την ατεκνία μου». Τον έκτο μήνα της εγκυμοσύνης της Ελισάβετ, ο Θεός έστειλε τον άγγελο Γαβριήλ στην πόλη της Γαλιλαίας Ναζαρετ, σε μια παρθένο, που ήταν αρραβωνιασμένη με κάποιον που λεγόταν Ιωσήφ και προερχόταν από τη γενιά του Δαβίδ. Η παρθένος λεγόταν Μαριάμ. Παρουσιάστηκε, λοιπόν, σ αυτήν ο άγγελος και της είπε: «Χαίρε εσύ, η προικισμένη με τη χάρη του Θεού! Ο Κύριος είναι μαζί σου. Ευλογημένη απ τον Θεό είσαι εσύ περισσότερο απ όλες τις γυναίκες». Εκείνη μόλις τον είδε ταράχτηκε με τα λόγια του και προσπαθούσε να εξηγήσει τι σήμαινε ο χαιρετισμός αυτός. Ο άγγελος της είπε: «Μη φοβάσαι, Μαριάμ, ο Θεός σου έδωσε τη χάρη του θα μείνεις έγκυος, θα γεννήσεις γιο και θα τον ονομάσεις Ιησού. Αυτός θα γίνει μέγας και θα ονομαστεί Υιός του Υψίστου. Σ αυτόν θα δώσει ο Κύριος ο Θεός τον θρόνο του Δαβίδ, του προπάτορα του. Θα βασιλέψει για πάντα στους απογόνους του Ιακώβ και η βασιλεία του δεν θα έχει τέλος». Η Μαριάμ τότε ρώτησε τον άγγελο: «Πώς θα μου συμβεί αυτό, αφού εγώ δεν έχω συζυγικές σχέσεις με κανέναν άνδρα;» Ο άγγελος της απάντησε: «Το Άγιο Πνεύμα θα έρθει επάνω σου και θα σε καλύψει η δύναμη του Θεού γι αυτό και το άγιο παιδί που θα γεννήσεις θα ονομαστεί Υιός Θεού. Μάθε ακόμη ότι η συγγενής σου Ελισάβετ συνέλαβε γιο 2

3 στα γηρατειά της έτσι, αυτή που την αποκαλούσαν στείρα, τώρα βρίσκεται στον έκτο μήνα της εγκυμοσύνης. Για τον Θεό τίποτα δεν είναι ακατόρθωτο». Η Μαριάμ τότε είπε: «Είμαι μια δούλη του Κυρίου ας γίνει το θέλημα του σ εμένα όπως μου το είπες». Κι έφυγε από αυτήν ο άγγελος. GOSPEL: Annunciation of the Theotokos The Gospel According to Luke 1:24-38 In those days, Elizabeth the wife of Zacharias conceived and for five months she hid herself, saying, "Thus the Lord had done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men." In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Your Easter offering contributions are greatly appreciated! A Warm Thank you to all those that have donated towards the décor of the icons for the Salutations and the Icons for Holy Week and Easter. For those that have committed towards the Holy Week Icons and décor we kindly ask that you submit your donations to the office so that we can secure the flowers for the décor. We thank you for your continued support to YOUR Church! Father Gregory will be available to hear confession on Saturday of Lazarus from 1pm 5pm before Holy Week. Confessions will not be heard during Holy Week. Ο πατέρας Γρηγόριος θα είναι διαθέσιμος για εξομολογήση το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου από τις 1 μ.μ. - 5μ.μ. Οι εξομολογήσεις δεν θα ακουστούν κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας. Preparation For Holy Confession: Prayer of Repentance O Lord my God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. I have also omitted to do what Your holy law requires of me. But now with repentance and contrition I turn again to Your love and mercy. I entreat You to forgive me all my transgression and to cleanse me from all my sins. Lord, fill my heart with the light of Your truth. Strengthen my will by Your grace. Teach me both to desire and to do only what pleases You. Amen. 3

4 Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιµον. Σήμερον τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν τὸ Κεφάλαιον, καὶ τοῦ ἀπ' αἰῶνος Μυστηρίου ἡ φανέρωσις, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, Υἱὸς τῆς Παρθένου γίνεται, καὶ Γαβριὴλ τὴν χάριν εὐαγγελίζεται. Διὸ καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ τὴ Θεοτόκω βοήσωμεν Χαῖρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ. λυτίκιον Αγίου Ανδρέου Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος Καὶ τοῦ κορυφαίου αὐτάδελφος τῷ Δεσπότῃ τῶν ὅλων, Ἀνδρέα, ἱκέτευε, εἰρήνην τῇ Οἰκουμένη δωρήσασθαι καὶ ταῖς ψνχαῖς ἡμῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Ἀπολυτίκιο Άγίου Γεωργίου Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἐλευθερωτής, καὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστής, ἀσθενούντων ἰατρός, βασιλέων ὑπέρμαχος, Τροπαιοφόρε Μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Seasonal Kontakion Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. Hymns of the Week Resurrectional Apolytikion Today marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Wherefore, we also cry out with him, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you." St. Andrew Dismissal Hymn As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy. St. George Dismissal Hymn Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick and a champion of kings. O trophy bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Seasonal Kontakion To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" Love & Loss Bereavement (Grief) Group Have you experienced the death of a loved one? YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN OUR BEREAVEMENT GROUP: EVERYONE IS WELCOME who has experienced a death. Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. 3/5 through 4/16 (off 4/2) An on-going group; free! You may join anytime. Location: Kontos Community Center, St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey Questions: Leave message at: (352) This workshop is facilitated by Chaplain Laura Starre Emerson, M.S., Ed.S. in Counseling, an experienced Bereavement Group Facilitator, and Suicide and Crisis Counselor. She is Orthodox, and a new member of our parish. On-going Bereavement Groups will be offered in the future; call for dates. 4

5 Prayers at Church Prayer Upon Entering a Church I will come into Your house in the greatness of Your mercy: and in fear I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify You forever, One Divine Power worshiped in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer upon Leaving a Church Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. Prayer at the Icon of Christ We reverence Your spotless icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God. Because of Your own good will You ascended the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver those who You had created from the bondage of the enemy. We cry aloud unto You: You have filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for You came to save the world. Amen. PRAYER CORNER: If you wish your name to be placed on the St. George Prayer List, please contact our Church office. Do not call for others because some people do not want their names to be published. Prayer List for: Calliope Scumas, MaryAnne Kranidis, Elias Kranidis, Kaliope Potawsky, Daniel Scherr, Maria Stolis, Phil and Marie Sherman, Evelyn Leufen, Ferd Leufen, Stamatia Matia Vamvounakis, Maria Stolis, Charlie, Laurie Fleischer, Joann Myers, PRAYER PRAY EVERY Morning and Evening at a Minimum Remember to make your prayer life one that is a firm rule and not something that is done occasionally or sporadically. It must be done each day morning and evening at a minimum. You need to commit to follow your rule each and every day. Think about certain personal hygiene tasks such as brushing your teeth that you do each day out of habit. You don t forget to do them each day. Your prayer needs to become a habit as strong as these. Prayer must become a daily habit that you never forget. Prayer is essential for the health of our soul Just like the hygiene activities that we do for the health of our body. PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind and is a most merciful and compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servant(s) (names), for whom I humbly pray to You, and whom I commend to Your gracious care and protection. O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, so that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear, doing Your will in all things. Give them grace and mercy so that they may be patient, hard working, tireless, devout, and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption, and direct them in the way of salvation, through the goodness of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the prayers of His Holy Mother and the blessed Saints. Amen. 5

6 «Το απ αιώνος μυστήριον, ανακαλύπτεται σήμερον, και ο Υιός του Θεού, Υιός ανθρώπου γίνεται, ίνα του χείρονος μεταλαβών, μεταδώ μοι του βελτίονος. Εψεύσθη πάλαι Αδάμ, και Θεός επιθυμήσας ού γέγονεν άνθρωπος γίνεται Θεός, ίνα Θεόν τον Αδάμ απεργάσηται» (Δοξαστικό αίνων 25ης Μαρτίου). Σήμερα, Δ Κυριακή των Νηστειών, συμπίπτει φέτος να εορτάζεται ο Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου. Έτσι, το αποστολικό ανάγνωσμα, το οποίο προέρχεται από την Προς Εβραίους Επιστολή του Αποστόλου Παύλου, είναι «της εορτής» και τονίζει τη μέγιστη σημασία της ενανθρώπησης του Υιού και Λόγου του Θεού. «Και αυτός που εξαγνίζει και αυτοί που εξαγνίζονται έχουν τον ίδιο Πατέρα». Ο Υιός και Λόγος του Θεού, ως «ο εκ του Πατρός γεννηθείς προ πάντων των αιώνων» (βλ. Σύμβολον της Πίστεως), είναι Υιός γνήσιος και μονογενής, προέρχεται από την ουσία του Πατέρα και είναι Θεός αληθινός. Εμείς οι άνθρωποι ως κτίσματα, είμαστε παιδιά του Θεού κατά χάριν και υιοθεσίαν. Εντούτοις, ο Υιός του Θεού δεν ντρέπεται να μας αποκαλεί αδέλφια Του, εξαιτίας της χωρίς όρια ταπεινοφροσύνης, φιλοστοργίας και φιλανθρωπίας Του. Στη συνέχεια ο Απόστολος των Εθνών διασαφηνίζει πως η σάρκωση του Υιού και Λόγου του Θεού δεν ήταν ούτε φανταστική ούτε εικονική, αλλά απόλυτα πραγματική: «επεί ουν τα παιδία κεκοινώνηκε σαρκός και αίματος, και αυτός παραπλησίως μετέσχε των αυτών». Ο άγιος Ιωάννης ο Δαμασκηνός, στο βιβλίο «Έκδοσις Ακριβής της Ορθοδόξου Πίστεως», σχολιάζει: «(Ο Θεός Λόγος) ως τέλειος Θεός κατά φύση έγινε ο ίδιος τέλειος άνθρωπος κατά φύση, αφού δεν δέκτηκε καμιά τροπή στη φύση της θεότητος ούτε έκανε φάντασμα την οικονομία της σωτηρίας, αλλά ενώθηκε καθ υπόσταση ασύγχυτα και αναλλοίωτα και αδιαίρετα με τη σάρκα, που πήρε από την αγία Παρθένο» [Κεφάλαιο Γ 2 (46) ]. Κατ αυτό τον τρόπο, ο σαρκωθείς Ιησούς Χριστός μπορεί και καταργεί δια του θανάτου και της Αναστάσεώς Του την εξουσία του διαβόλου, που κατατυραννούσε τον άνθρωπο. Με το όπλο δηλαδή που για αιώνες ο διάβολος φόβιζε την οικουμένη, το θάνατο, ο Ιησούς Χριστός απελευθερώνει το ανθρώπινο γένος και χαρίζει σ αυτό την όντως ζωή. Στο στίχο 16 ο Απόστολος Παύλος επεξηγεί γιατί ο Υιός του Θεού «κεκοινώνηκε σαρκός και αίματος»: επειδή «ούκ αγγέλων επιλαμβάνεται, αλλά σπέρματος Αβραάμ επιλαμβάνεται». Το ρήμα «επιλαμβάνεται» αποδεικνύει την άνευ ορίων αγάπη και ενδιαφέρον του Θεού για την ανθρώπινη φύση: την καταδίωξε, τη συνέλαβε, την φόρεσε αληθινά, αν και αυτή δια της αμαρτίας έφευγε πολύ μακριά Του. Πραγματικά! Αυτό δεν το χάρισε στους αγγέλους, αλλά με την Ανάσταση και την Ανάληψή Του, η σάρκα που είναι απ την ανθρώπινη φύση προσκυνείται από αγγέλους και αρχαγγέλους. «Έπρεπε λοιπόν να γίνει σε όλα όμοιος με τα αδέλφια του». Αυτός που είναι «ο τη ουσία αναφής», αυτός που «στερέωσε τους ουρανούς πάλαι κατ αρχάς», αυτός που έχει «δρακί την πάσαν κτίσιν» (πρβ. Δοξαστικό Θ Μ. Ώρας Χριστουγέννων), φρόντισε να γίνει σε όλα αδελφός μας: κυοφορήθηκε, γεννήθηκε, τράφηκε, μεγάλωσε, έπαθε, πέθανε, τάφηκε. Έγινε έτσι αληθινός αρχιερέας για μας προς τον Πατέρα, δυνατός να προσφέρει θυσία το ίδιό Του το Σώμα και το Αίμα, καθαρίζοντας και απαλλάσοντάς μας από τα αμαρτήματά μας. Το αποστολικό ανάγνωσμα τελειώνει με τη διαβεβαίωση πως ο Κύριος ημών Ιησούς Χριστός μπορεί τώρα 6

7 να βοηθά όσους δοκιμάζονται, μιας και ο Ίδιος υπέφερε και δοκιμάστηκε. Έπαθε λοιπόν ο Κύριος ότι και εμείς παθαίνουμε, γεύτηκε τον ανθρώπινο πόνο στο ακρώτατό του σημείο κατ αυτό τον τρόπο γνωρίζει και ως άνθρωπος τι είναι η θλίψη, τι είναι οι πειρασμοί στη ζωή. Επομένως, γνωρίζει να συμπάσχει με μας, έχοντας πάντοτε τεταμένη «χείρα βοηθείας» προς τον άνθρωπο. Σήμερα, που όπως προαναφέραμε η Εκκλησία μας εορτάζει το κοσμοσωτήριο γεγονός του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου, γίνεται η φανέρωση «του απ αιώνος μυστηρίου» και τελεσιουργείται «της σωτηρίας ημών το Κεφάλαιον» (πρβ. Απολυτίκιο Ευαγγελισμού). Ο Υιός και Λόγος του Θεού γίνεται κοινωνός «σαρκός και αίματος», παίρνει από την αγία Παρθένο Μαρία την ανθρώπινη φύση, την ανακαινίζει και την επαναφέρει στο πρωτόκτιστο κάλλος, την ανεβάζει σε θεϊκό και ουράνιο ύψος. Ο Μέγας Βασίλειος, στην ευχή του Επινίκιου Ύμνου στη Θεία Λειτουργία, αναφέρει χαρακτηριστικά: «( Ο Υιός), εκ Παρθένου αγίας σαρκωθείς εκένωσεν εαυτόν, μορφήν δούλου λαβών, σύμμορφος γενόμενος τω σώματι της ταπεινώσεως ημών, ίνα ημάς συμμόρφους ποιήση της εικόνος της δόξης αυτού». Μεγάλο λοιπόν και σπουδαίο το νόημα της σημερινής εορτής! Και ασφαλώς, πρωταγωνιστικό ρόλο έχει η Αειπάρθενος Μαρία, η οποία έκλινε ταπεινά τον αυχένα στο σχέδιο της Θείας Οικονομίας λέγοντας: «Ιδού η δούλη Κυρίου» (Λουκ. 1, 38). Ας φωνάξουμε λοιπόν προς τη Θεοτόκο κι εμείς, μαζί με τον πρωτοστάτη Άγγελο: «Χαίρε, του πεσόντος Αδάμ η ανάκλησις χαίρε, των δακρύων της Εύας η λύτρωσις. Χαίρε, αστήρ εμφαίνων τον Ήλιον χαίρε, γαστήρ ενθέου σαρκώσεως. Χαίρε, δι ης νεουργείται η κτίσις χαίρε δι ης βρεφουργείται ο Κτίστης. Χαίρε, Νύμφη ανύμφευτε!» (Ακάθιστος Ύμνος). March 25 Annunciation of the Theotokos Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38). Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55) 7

8 Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday The week following the Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt is called Palm or Branch Week. At the Tuesday services of this week the Church recalls that Jesus friend Lazarus has died and that the Lord is going to raise him from the dead (Jn 11). As the days continue toward Saturday, the Church, in its hymns and verses, continues to follow Christ towards Bethany to the tomb of Lazarus. On Friday evening, the eve of the celebration of the Resurrection of Lazarus, the great and saving forty days of Great Lent are formally brought to an end: Having accomplished the forty days for the benefit of our souls, we pray to Thee, O Lover of Man, that we may see the holy week of Thy passion, that in it we may glorify Thy greatness and Thine unspeakable plan of salvation for our sake... (Vespers Hymn). Lazarus Saturday is a paschal celebration. It is the only time in the entire Church Year that the resurrectional service of Sunday is celebrated on another day. At the liturgy of Lazarus Saturday, the Church glorifies Christ as the Resurrection and the Life who, by raising Lazarus, has confirmed the universal resurrection of mankind even before His own suffering and death. By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the branches of victory, we cry out to Thee, O Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord! (Troparion). Christ the Joy, the Truth and the Light of All, the Life of the world and its Resurrection has appeared in his goodness to those on earth. He has become the Image of our Resurrection, granting divine forgiveness to all (Kontakion). At the Divine Liturgy of Lazarus Saturday the baptismal verse from Galatians: As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Gal 3.27) replaces the Thrice-holy Hymn thus indicating the resurrectional character of the celebration, and the fact that Lazarus Saturday was once among the few great baptismal days in the Orthodox Church Year. Because of the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead, Christ was hailed by the masses as the long-expected Messiah-King of Israel. Thus, in fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament, He entered Jerusalem, the City of the King, riding on the colt of an ass (Zech 9.9; Jn 12.12). The crowds greeted Him with branches in their hands and called out to Him with shouts of praise: Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The Son of David! The King of Israel! Because of this glorification by the people, the priests and scribes were finally driven to destroy Him, to put Him to death (Lk 19.47; Jn 11.53, 12.10). The feast of Christ s triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, is one of the twelve major feasts of the Church. The services of this Sunday follow directly from those of Lazarus Saturday. The church building continues to be vested in resurrectional splendor, filled with hymns which continually repeat the Hosanna offered to Christ as the Messiah-King who comes in the name of God the Father for the salvation of the world. The main troparion of Palm Sunday is the same one sung on Lazarus Saturday. It is sung at all of the services, and is used at the Divine Liturgy as the third antiphon which follows the other special psalm verses which are sung as the liturgical antiphons in the place of those normally used. The second troparion of the feast, as well as the kontakion and the other verses and hymns, all continue to glorify Christ s triumphal manifestation six days before the Passover when he will give himself at the Supper and on the Cross for the life of the world. 8

9 Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together. Let us all take up Thy cross and say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! (First Verse of Vespers). When we were buried with Thee in baptism, O Christ God, we were made worthy of eternal life by Thy resurrection. Now we praise Thee and sing: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord! (Second Troparion). Sitting on Thy throne in heaven, and carried on a foal on earth, O Christ God, accept the praise of angels and the songs of children who sing: BIessed is he who comes to recall Adam!(Kontakion). At the vigil of the feast of Palm Sunday the prophecies of the Old Testament about the Messiah-King are read together with the Gospel accounts of the entry of Christ into Jerusalem. At Matins branches are blessed which the people carry throughout the celebration as the sign of their own glorification of Jesus as Saviour and King. These branches are usually palms, or, in the Slavic churches, pussy willows which came to be customary because of their availability and their early blossoming in the springtime. As the people carry their branches and sing their songs to the Lord on Palm Sunday, they are judged together with the Jerusalem crowd. For it was the very same voices which cried Hosanna to Christ, which, a few days later, cried Crucify Him! Thus in the liturgy of the Church the lives of men continue to be judged as they hail Christ with the branches of victory and enter together with Him into the days of His voluntary passion. Prayer Before and after any Work BEFORE ANY WORK: O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, Thou hast said, Without me you can do nothing. In faith I embrace Thy words, O Lord, and bow before Thy goodness. Help me to complete the work I am about to begin for Thine own glory: in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. AFTER ANY WORK: Thou, O Christ, art Thyself the fulfillment of all good things! Fill my soul with joy and gladness, and save me, for Thou art all merciful. GREAT LENT! The Lenten fasting discipline commences after Forgiveness Vespers and concludes with the breaking of the fast at Pascha. In general, the fasting rules during Great Lent is as follows: WEEKDAYS (Monday Friday) are observed as Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and olive oil. WEEKENDS (Saturday and Sunday) are observed as Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit alcoholic beverages and olive oil. In addition, two special feast days that fall during this period Annunciation and Palm Sunday are kept as Fish, Wine, and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones, in addition to alcoholic beverages and olive oil. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so. Before you attempt to strictly follow the fasting guidelines, consult with Fr. Gregory. It is very easy to lose sight of the fact that fasting is merely a means to an end (that is, our salvation) and not an end in itself. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father. 9

10 Saturday of Lazarus Retreat Saturday, March 31st Time: After church services around 11am. All children of ALL ages invited to participate. Activities: * Breakfast will be provided after church. * Make Lazarakia breads * Receive religious instruction about Holy Week * Help plant the Garden at Gesthemane * Group activities to interact with others and learn more about our faith. Please fill out the registration form and Submit it via or to the church office so we can plan for food and supplies. April 1st, Palm Sunday, 8:15 AM Matins/Orthros & 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy. YOUTH SUNDAY. Surprise visit for our Youth! Thank you to the gracious donation of Meni and Jack Tout 10

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12 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS TSOUREKI SALE Aγοράστε τα τσουρέκι σας από την φιλόπτωχο Tsoureki will be sold for $6.00 each. We will begin selling in the KONTOS Hall following Liturgy on Sunday, March 25th or at Friday night dinners March 23rd. PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY FISH LUNCHEON - Sunday April 1st (Immediately following church services) at Kontos Community Center Tickets will be sold on Sale Sundays 18th and 25th. Donation $8.00 EASTER DYED EGGS WILL BE SOLD ON A PRE-ORDER /PREPAID BASIS ONLY. ORDER ON MARCH 18TH AND 25TH. THEY CAN BE PICKED UP ONLY ON HOLY THURSDAY, HOLY FRIDAY AND HOLY SATURDDAY. Visitation committee is planning once again to prepare the Easter baskets for the nursing homes, shut ins and rehab centers. We ask that you please prepare Koulourakia, Melomacarona, Kourambethes or any other Easter goodies. Please have them by March 25th at the church office and Sofia or Stavroula will pick them up. Thank you for your love! THE CHURCH IS LOW and needs Olive Oil for the Kandeli(a) in the altar and the church. If you would like to donate oil please do so and bring it with you on Sunday or to the Church office. ****************************** VISITING ANGELS MINISTRY The visiting angels ministry needs volunteers! This ministry visits the nursing homes, shut-ins and hospitals. If you would like to be involved in this Philanthropic mission please contact Sofia Bouzios Tel Stavroula Grivas Tel

13 Who are We and What is Our Position - Palm Sunday "The beginning of Christ's Passion is today's triumphal procession. The people expected a king, a leader - and they found the Saviour of their souls. Nothing embitters a person so much as a lost, a disappointed hope; and that explains why people who could receive Him like that, who witnessed the raising of Lazarus, who saw Christ's miracles and heard His teaching, admired every word, who were ready to become His disciples as long as He brought victory, broke away from Him, turned their backs on Him and a few days later shouted, "Crucify Him, crucify Him." And Christ spent all those days in loneliness, knowing what was in store for Him, abandoned by every one except the Mother of God, who stood silently by, as She had done throughout her life, participating in His tragic ascent to the Cross; She who had accepted the Annunciation, the Good Tidings, but who also accepted in silence Simeon's prophecy that a sword would pierce her heart. Once more let us ask ourselves who we are and where we stand, what our position in this crowd is. Do we stand with hope, or despair, or what? And if we stand with indifference, we too are part of that terrifying crowd that surrounded Christ, shuffling, listening, and then going away; as we shall go away from church. The Crucifix will be standing here on Thursday and we shall be reading the Gospel about the Cross, the Crucifixion and death - and then what will happen? The Cross will remain standing, but we shall go away for a rest, go home to have supper, to sleep, to prepare for the fatigues of the next day. And during this time Christ is on the Cross, Christ is in the tomb. How awful it is that, like the disciples in their day, we are not able to spend one night, one hour with Him. Let us think about this, and if we are incapable of doing anything, let us at least realise who we are and where we stand, and at the final hour turn to Christ with the cry, the appeal of the thief, Remember me, Lord, in Thy Kingdom! Amen." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom 13

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15 PRAYER LIST FOR OUR TROOPS ZOE LEKAKIS, MARINES NICHOLAS ARTZNER, USARMY LEONIDAS STEFOPOULOS, USARMY ELIAS A. KOSTAKIS, USARMY COSTADINO BAETEN, NAVY CONSTANTINOS VLAHOCHRISTOS, NAVY If you have a loved one serving in the USA Military please submit their names by calling the Church Office so that we can pray for them. May God Bless you and keep you all safe! This is an announcement and a directive from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta The Sacrament of Holy Unction All Parishioners should attempt to attend the service and be anointed with the blessed oil of Holy Unction. As the Priest anoints the forehead, checks, chin, palm and back of the hands, we should ask God s forgiveness. Therefore, family members will no longer be permitted to take Holy Unction home. However, the Priest may anoint those unable to attend the service of Holy Unction on another day. For those who are shut-ins, homebound, or infirm, please contact your priest for a visitation and the offering of healing prayers and the Holy Sacraments. Εγκύκλειο από την Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Μητρόπολη της Ατλάντa Το Μυστήριο του Ιερού Ευχελαίου Όλοι οι πιστόι οφείλουμε να παρακολουθήσουμε το Μυστήριο του Ιερού Ευχελαίου. Όπως Ο Ιερέας αλείφει με το ευλογημένο λάδι του Ευχελαίου το μέτωπο, τα μάγουλα, πηγούνι, παλάμη και πίσω μέρος των χεριών, θα πρέπει να ζητήσουμε τη συγχώρεση του Θεού. Ως εκ τούτου, οι πιστοί ΔΕΝ θα επιτρέπονται πλέον να πάρουν το Ιερό Ευχέλαιο για το σπίτι τους. Ωστόσο, όσοι δεν μπορούν να παρευρεθούν στο Ιερό Ευχέλαιο, μπορουν να χριεθούν μία άλλη μέρα. Για εκείνους που δεν μπορουν να έρθουν στην εκκλησία, ή άτομα με αναπηρίες, παρακαλείστε να επικοινωνήσετε με τον γραφείο της ενορίας για να σας επισκεφθεί ο Ιερέας για νας σας προσφέρει προσευχές και τα Ιερά Μυστήρια. Memorials When planning your memorial service please make sure that you contact the office and give the names of the reposed so that Father Gregory has them in advance. In addition, if you would like KOLYVA we ask that you contact Katina Kollias or Thank you for your donations of olive oil for the altar Kandelia The Church always needs oil so please continue to bring your donations. 15

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17 Η ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ Η Θεία Κοινωνιά προσφε ρεται στην Ορθο δοξη Εκκλησιά μο νο στα α τομα που βαφτι στηκαν στην Ορθο δοξη Πι στη. Για να συμμετα σχεις στην Θειά Κοινωνιά, πρε πει να ει σαι σε καλη κατα σταση με την Εκκλησιά πνευματικα (για παρα δειγμα, οι παντρεμε νοι α νθρωποι πρέπει να ε χει ευλογηθει ο γα μος τους στην Εκκλησιά και ο λοι πρε πει να ει ναι χωρι ς σοβαρη αμαρτιά στις καρδιε ς τους). Για ο λους τους Ορθο δοξους Χριστιανου ς πρε πει να τηρει ται η σωστη προετοιμασιά για τη Θειά Κοινωνιά: δηλαδη, εξε ταση της συνει δησης, εξομολο γηση, ανα γνωση των προσευχω ν για ιερη Κοινωνιά και σωστη νηστειά. Αν ε χετε περαιτε ρω αποριές σχετικα με αυτο, παρακαλείται να μιλη σετε με τον Ιερέα. Οι γυναι κες πρε πει να αφαιρε σουν ο λο το κραγιο ν ο ταν πλησια ζουν για τη Θειά Κοινωνιά. Παρακαλείται να αφη σετε τους γονει ς με τα μωρα τους και τους ηλικιωμε νους να προσεγγι σουν πρω τα. Σας ευχαριστούμε! GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION Holy Communion is offered in the Orthodox Church only to those individuals baptized and Chrismated (confirmed) in the Orthodox Faith. To participate in Holy Communion one must be in good standing with the Church spiritually (for example, married people must have had their marriage blessed in the Church and all must be without grave sin on their hearts). For all Orthodox Christians, the proper preparation for Holy Communion must be observed: examination of conscience, confession, reading the prayers for Holy Communion, and the proper fasting. If you have any further questions about this, please speak with the clergy. Women should remove all lipstick when approaching for Holy Communion. Please let parents with their babies and the elderly approach first. We Thank you Father Gregory Edwards contact information is Cell: Office: address: If you would like to schedule a meeting, an appointments or confession please contact the church office and speak with Antonia or you may contact Fr. Gregory at Church is open daily for your spiritual needs from 9:00am - 4:00pm and on Sundays 8:15am-1:00pm Αγαπητοί μου εκ Κυρίω αδελφοί, είμαστε στην ευχάριστη θέση να σας ανακοινώσουμε ότι ο Ελληνορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός του Αγίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος και Θαυματουργού Γεωργίου θα είναι ανοικτός καθημερινά από 9:00πμ έως και τις 4:00μμ και Κυριακές από 8:15πμ έως 1:00μμ για τις Λατρευτικές σας ανάγκες. Για την εξομολόγησή σας ή για οποιαδήποτε άλλη Λατρευτική ανάγκη παρακαλούμε να τηλεφωνήσετε το γραφείο του Αγίου Γεωργίου η τον +π. Γρηγόριος στο

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20 Sponsor a Day at St. George s! This year, 2017, it will cost over $480,000 to run St. George s. That means that it costs about $1320 a day to keep the doors of our church open. Following other successful parishes, we have decided to challenge our parishioners to sponsor a day at St. George s. With about 300 families, that means we could come close to sponsoring the whole year if every family would take a single day. Each week in the bulletin, we will acknowledge and thank those families who have stepped up to the challenge. Thank you to: Constantine and Angela Bougas (In memory of Nick and Mary Michael our parents ) Mr. Jack Balahtsis, The Edwards Family, The Tout Family, The Chilimigras Family, The Psetas Family, The St. George Baking Angels, Koulla Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Saravanos, (2) Anonymous, Mr.& Mrs. Peter Pappas, Mancini Family, Anonymous Parish Council Member, Joseph Sima and Dr. Alexandra Penn-Sima Thank you for your patience! OFFICE UPDATE : The church office is underway with a project to improve the phone system so that it will help cut costs. For emergency (only) you may reach Father Gregory at for the office please contact and leave a message so that the office may return your call. For those watching us on U-Stream we apologize for the inconvenience. U-stream is currently offline. We are currently repairing this issue and should be fixed shortly. Thank You! Today s Divine Liturgy offerings are donated by Antonia Stefopoulos for her good health and the health of her family. Please contact the Church office and speak with Antonia at if you would like to donate the items for Divine Liturgy The offerings include: 10 prosfora, the communion wine, the oil, the incense and charcoal. All items used during the prothesis in preparation for the Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion. Ένα μεγάλο ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ σε όλους τους εθελοντές και Δωροθέτες μας του Αγίου Γεωργίου! Ο Θεός να σας έχει πάντοτε καλά! A big THANK YOU to all our Volunteers and Donors! May our God bless you and your Families always! 20

21 Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen. Scholarship for College Students The American Foundation for Greek Language & Culture (AFGLC) Scholarship opportunities are now available. The AFGLC Dr. Demetrios Halkias is open for College students to apply. The deadline to apply and submit all necessary official documents and paperwork is March 30, Pick up your application and rules and requirements at the Church office. The Scholarships will be awarded at the annual AFGLC conference on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs Campus. The theme this year for the conference is "All That's Greek on Stage and Screen". For questions contact Kalliope at or khalkias@afglc.org. "Festival Nov. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of 2018 NEWS!!!" "Saint George needs your TALENT for being the department head of a station. Your response is requested as a dept. head for this coming Festival by April 15th. A festival meeting for dept. heads will take place after the this date. Thank you all who have volunteered in the past and will recommit for Nov Please contact Diana Psetas or Nick Cusimano with your information. Thank you Yours in faith 21

22 Thank you to our bulletin sponsors for your continued support with advertising your business in our weekly bulletins. Spiro Dhima RE/MAX CHAMPIONS Agent Office Little Road Suites 2&3 Trinity, FL As a full-time Realtor, I am able to completely focus on the needs of my Clients and ensure they receive the best representation possible. I look forward to talking to you soon! 22

23 Monday 03/26 St. George Weekly Church Services & Church Ministries Schedule The Church & the Church Office are open daily from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Feel free to come to Pray and light a candle at the Church 6:15pm GOYA and dance 6:30pm Love and Loss Group Kontos community center Tuesday 03/27 Wednesday 03/28 Thursday 03/29 Greek dance Greek School Great Lent, Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:00-7:30 PM. 10:30am Women s bible study ΣΤ Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής. Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία, μμ. NO Adult Bible Study/Catechism during all of lent 6:30pm Choir practice in the church Friday 03/30 Saturday 03/31 Sunday 04/01 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 9:00-10:45 AM. Orthros 8:30 AM & Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. Lazarus Saturday EVENING: 6:00-6:45 PM Great Vespers St. Lazarus Retreat Palm Sunday 8:15AM Matins/Orthros 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. EVENING: Bridegroom Service 6:00-7:30 PM Παρασκευή. Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία, μμ. 3:00pm 6:30pm Friday Night Η ε γερσις του Λαζα ρου, 8.30πμ Όρθρος & 9.30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑ: μμ Εσπερινός του Ευαγγελισμού Κυριακη των Βαϊών 8:15 ΑΜ Όρθρος & 9:30 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑ: Ακολουθιά του Νυμφιόυ μμ There will be No Bible study Wednesday evening. From February 21st thru all of Lent Join us for the church service instead 23

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