Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 2013 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT New Orleans, Louisiana DECEMBER 22, 2013 T O D A Y SUNDAY BEFORE THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Sunday, December 22 ~ 8:45 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday School following Holy Communion Preparation for Christmas Pageant 12:00 pm ~ Annual Christmas Pageant in Gymnasium Followed by PTA Christmas Party and Pot Luck Luncheon in Gymnasium Monday, December 23 ~ NO ADULT GREEK SCHOOL Tuesday, December 24 ~ EVE OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST 7:00 pm ~ Royal Hours and Vesper Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great Philoptochos Christmas Eve Reception in Gymnasium following Church Services Wednesday, December 25 ~ THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST NO SERVICES CATHEDRAL OFFICE CLOSED Thursday, December 26 ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Synaxis of the Theotokos 6:00 pm ~ Great Vespers St. Stephanos the Martyr Friday, December 27 ~ 6:00 am GOYA Departs for Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta, Georgia Saturday, December 28 ~ NO VESPERS 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ~ Hall Rental Sunday, December 29 ~ 8:45 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy NO Sunday School and NO Youth Greek School CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS DECOR The Cathedral Family sincerely thanks Evangelia Kouniaris, who annually decorates the Cathedral during the Nativity season. This year she was assisted by Maria Anastasiou, Violet Christidis, Marlene Liaptsios, and Nick Liaptsios. Their combined efforts were indeed a labor of love, as well as a blessing to the community, which will enjoy the Christmas splendor during the coming weeks. POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Many, many thanks are extended to the Holy Trinity Cathedral Family members, who supported the "2013 Poinsettias for Christmas" appeal. Their generous contributions provided the beautiful, colorful array of fresh potted plants that adorn the solea. PLEASE NOTE: The Cathedral staff asks that all parishioners refrain from watering plants in the church and the Hellenic Cultural Center. A schedule has been established for this task. IN THE GYMNASIUM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SERVICES HOLY TRINITY PTA invites everyone to attend the ANNUAL PTA CHRISTMAS PARTY today SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 following the CHRISTMAS PAGEANT FASTING POT LUCK LUNCHEON CHRISTMAS PICTURES FOR A SMALL DONATION OF $5 GREEK SCHOOL HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Greek School teacher Fay Kalergi wishes to announce that there will be NO adult or youth Greek School classes from Saturday, December 21, 2013, through Sunday, January 5, 2014. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6, 2014. METROPOLIS WINTER YOUTH RALLY IN ATLANTA DECEMBER 27-30 GOYANS attending the Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta are reminded that the community sponsored Hotard bus will leave New Orleans at 6:00 am on Friday, December 27, and return on Monday, December 30. Please contact GOYA advisors Maria Michailakismariamich1276@aol.com or Maria Patselikos - mpatseli@tulane.edu, if you have questions concerning the WYR. PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND CONSTANTINOPLE Fathers Buddy Noel and Maximos Pafilis will direct a special ecumenical pilgrimage to Rome and Constantinople September 8-18, 2014. The trip will include the Vatican museums and Hagia Sophia. Detailed flyers are available in the Cathedral office.

AHEPA All AHEPANS are asked to remit their 2013 dues as soon as possible. Payments, which must be received no later than December 31, 2013, may be mailed to the Cathedral office or to Manoli Ioannidis at 4725 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Your immediate attention is greatly appreciated. PHILOPTOCHOS ANGEL TREE Philoptochos thanks the many parishioners, who very generously donated gift cards, money, and other items to brighten Christmas for eleven families. A total of 42 individuals were helped. Chairpersons Viki Moustoukas and Diana Peterson, along with Debbie Funti and Cornelia Koniditsiotis, oversaw the organization of the project and collection of gifts that were subsequently distributed privately by Father Maximos. Adorable ornaments were previously created by HOPE and JOY, and the Angel Tree was set up and decorated by Marianthe Melancon and Stacy Rico of the PTA. May God bless you all with a healthy and happy 2014. CHRISTMAS EVE RECEPTION Philoptochos will host a festive reception following Christmas Eve church service. Philoptochos members are asked to contribute food for the reception both sweet and savory items are welcome. Please contact Event Coordinator Evangelia Bilalis at 833-1758 or 250-5935 to let her know what you can bring. VASILOPTITA SUNDAY In the fourth century Saint Basil the Great established various philanthropic institutions and distributed money to the poor in a discreet manner by placing gold coins in sweetened bread. The recipients cutting the bread were surprised to find the gold coin, which provided them with material sustenance. These special loaves became known as the bread of Saint Basil, or Vasilopita. This year, the beautiful tradition of our Orthodox faith, the Cutting of the Vasilopita, will be held following church services on January 5, 2014. All proceeds from this annual celebration are sent to the Academy of Saint Basil, a home away from home for Orthodox young people, who come from broken homes or are victims of poverty, abuse, or abandonment. Thanking you in advance for your consideration, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. MEMBERSHIP The New Year also means the Philoptochos Membership drive begins. We encourage membership renewals and gladly welcome new members throughout the year. Our next meeting is Saturday, January 4, at 10:30 am in the Coffee Room. If you are interested in joining, please contact Membership Chairperson Cathy Vial. ORDER OF ST. MARKELLA NEW YEAR S EVE CELEBRATION Come one, come all to the Annual New Year s Eve Dinner Dance sponsored by the Order of St. Markella of Chios. The festivities will begin at 9:30 pm in the Hellenic Cultural Center. Tickets are $50 per person and $40 for students. To make your reservations, please call Maria Anastasiou at 504-456-1780 or Maria Mellis at 504-454-1876. HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL EPIPHANY CROSS RETRIEVAL AND 150TH ANNIVERSARY KICK OFF Sunday, January 12, 2014 The Holy Trinity Family is invited to observe the Epiphany Cross Retrieval along Bayou St. John, directly in front of the Cathedral, following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 12, 2014, and afterward to attend the 150th Anniversary Kick Off Celebratory Luncheon in the Hellenic Cultural Center. The traditional Epiphany Cross Retrieval commemorates the Baptism and the Holy Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The fortunate individual, who recovers the Cross, will receive a gift from the community and will be recognized at the luncheon. Male members of Holy Trinity Cathedral, who are age 16 or older and who desire to be a part of this meaningful Orthodox tradition, are asked to complete a Cross Retrieval Application Form, as well as a Permission Form. Both documents, which are available in the Cathedral office, MUST be completed and returned to the office no later than Sunday, January 5, 2014. Nominations for a young lady of our community to be the dove bearer are also being accepted. To assure the success of this event, the 150th Anniversary Committee is asking for assistance in covering the costs associated with the endeavor. Sponsorship Forms are enclosed. Please consider a sponsorship level in support of the Epiphany festivities. For further information on all Epiphany related questions, contact the Cathedral office, Nick Chronis, Costa Vennis, or Barbara Wolf. Father Maximos Pafilis, the Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish Council, and the Cathedral staff wish each of you a blessed Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year.

CHILDREN S COOKIE WORKSHOP The directors of Greek School and HOPE & JOY are conducting an exciting joint venture on Sunday, January 19, 2014, for the children of both groups. Fay Kalergi and Vicki McCallef invite these young people to attend a Greek Alphabet Cookie Workshop and Pizza Party in the Hellenic Cultural Center beginning at 1:00 pm after Greek School. It will be a wonderful hands on opportunity for the children to learn all of the Greek letters while preparing bake items that will be sold the following Sunday, January 29. Proceeds will benefit HOPE & JOY. Parents are asked to bring their young bakers to this educational, fun activity. Contact Vicki McCallef at vmccallef@yahoo.com for more information. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday School Director Patrick Latour announces the following holiday schedule: Sunday, December 22 Sunday School students will meet upstairs to prepare for the Christmas Pageant. There will be NO Sunday School classes. There are NO Sunday School classes on December 29 Regular Sunday School classes resume on January 5, 2014, at which time students will celebrate Vasilopita Day in the Cathedral after all parishioners have exited the church. Father Maximos will explain the traditions of this day, and all students will receive their own slice of Vasilopita. 2014 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL STEWARDSHIP The Gifts of the Magi icon presents the Wise Men offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. These wealthy scholars and priests of the East endured numerous dangers and traveled great distances to offer their treasures to Christ, the newborn king. What a beautiful and meaningful example of stewardship they set for all future generations, helping us to understand the blessing of properly using and sharing God s gifts. The 2014 Stewardship packets were mailed to your homes this past week. Please take time to review the message conveyed in the enclosed material and consider donating your time, talent, and treasure to Holy Trinity Cathedral. To update Cathedral records, each steward, individual or family, is asked to complete a 2014 Commitment Card and return it to the office. Moreover, stewards are strongly encouraged to submit the completed forms by January 24, 2014, to assist with upcoming budget planning. Your cooperation on this matter is greatly appreciated. Anastasia the Great Martyr December 22 This Saint, the daughter of Praepextatus and Fausta, was from Rome. She was a most comely, wealthy, and virtuous maiden, whose mother instructed her in the Faith of Christ. The Saint was joined to a man named Publius Patricius. He was prodigal in life and impious in disposition, but St. Anastasia was widowed after a short time. Henceforth, she secretly went to the dwellings of the poor and to the prisons, visiting the Martyrs of Christ and bringing them whatever was needed for their daily subsistence. She washed their wounds, loosed them from their fetters, and consoled them in their anguish. Also, because the Saint, through her intercessions, healed many from the ill effects of spells, potions, poisons, and other harmful substances, she received the name "Deliverer from Potions." Since the fame of her deeds spread, she was arrested by Diocletian's minions and after enduring many torments was put to death by fire in the year 290.

2014 ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDARS The 2014 Ecclesiastical calendars, which were mailed to all parishioners this week, were underwritten by Psarellis and Associates. The Holy Trinity Cathedral Family is extremely grateful to Steven Psarellis for his generosity and sincerely thanks him for assisting with this ministry. Holy Trinity Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community of New Orleans 1200 ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70122 PHONE: (504) 282-0259 FAX: (504) 283-5586 Very Reverend Father Maximos Pafilis FrMaximos@holytrinitycathedral.org 504-609-1499

22α ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ 2013 ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΠΡΟ ΤΗΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΕΩΣ Τῆς Ἁγίας Μεγαλομάρτυρος Ἀναστασίας Ἑωθινόν Δ 22 nd DECEMBER 2013 SUNDAY BEFORE THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST Great Martyr Anastasia Eothion 4 Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἀνάστασης Ἦχος α Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου Σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος, Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν διὰ τοῦτο αἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοί, Ζωοδότα Δόξα τῇ Ἀναστάσει σου, Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε φιλάνθρωπε. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῶν Προεόρτιον Ἦχος δ Ἑτοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέμ. Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσομεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰμ τεθνηξόμεθα, Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῶν Πατέρων Ἦχος δ Μεγάλα τὰ τῆς πίστεως κατορθώματα ἐν τῇ πηγὴ τῆς φλογός, ὡς ἐπὶ ὕδατος ἀναπαύσεως, οἱ Ἅγιοι τρεῖς Παῖδες ἠγάλλοντο, καὶ ὁ Προφήτης Δανιήλ, λεόντων ποιμήν, ὡς προβάτων ἐδείκνυτο. Ταὶς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἁγίας Τριάδας Ἦχος πλ δ Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ πανσόφους τοὺς ἁλιεῖς ἀναδείξας, καταπέμψας αὐτοῖς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον, καὶ δι' αὐτῶν τὴν οἰκουμένην σαγηνεύσας, φιλάνθρωπε, δόξα σοί. Κοντάκιον τῶν Χριστουγέννων Ἦχος γ Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν. Resurrection Apolytikion Tone 1 The stone had been sealed by the Jews, and soldiers were guarding your pure Body; but on the third day, Savior, you arose and gave life to the world. Wherefore the heavenly Powers cried out to you, Giver of life: Glory to your resurrection, Christ, glory to your kingdom, glory to your divine plan, you who alone love human kind. Apolytikion of the Forefeast Tone 4 Be ready, Bethlehem, Eden has been opened unto all. Efratha, prepare yourself, for now, behold, the Tree of life has blossomed forth in the cave from the Holy Virgin. Her womb has proven a true spiritual Paradise, wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, and as we eat thereof we shall all live, and shall not die as did Adam. For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen before time. Apolytikion of the Fathers Tone 4 Great are the accomplishments of faith. In the fountain of flame the three Holy Youths rejoiced as though they were resting by the waters. And the Prophet Daniel showed himself to be a shepherd to the lions, as though they were sheep. Through their prayers O Christ our God, save our souls. Apolytikion of the Holy Trinity Plagal Tone 4 Blessed are You, O Christ our God, who made fishermen all-wise, sending upon them the Holy Spirit and, through them, netting the world. O Loving One, glory to You. Kontakion of the Nativity Tone 3 On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.

ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Ἑβραίους ια 9-10, 32-40 Ἀδελφοί, πίστει παρῴκησεν Ἀβραάμ εἰς γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας ὡς ἀλλοτρίαν, ἐν σκηναῖς κατοικήσας μετὰ Ισαὰκ καὶ Ιακὼβ τῶν συγκληρονόμων τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τῆς αὐτῆς ἐξεδέχετο γὰρ τὴν τοὺς θεμελίους ἔχουσαν πόλιν, ἧς τεχνίτης καὶ δημιουργὸς ὁ θεός. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω ; ἐπιλείψει με γὰρ διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ, Σαμψών, Ιεφθάε, Δαυίδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν, οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρης, ἐδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρης ἀπέθανον, περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι, ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος, ἐπὶ ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσιν καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν. ΤΟ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Ματθαίον α 1-25 Βίβλος γενέσεως Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ Δαυῒδ υἱοῦ Αβραάμ. Αβραὰμ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ισαάκ, Ισαὰκ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιακώβ, Ιακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιούδαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, Ιούδας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Φαρὲς καὶ τὸν Ζαρὰ ἐκ τῆς Θάμαρ, Φαρὲς δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Εσρώμ, Εσρὼμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αράμ, Αρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αμιναδάβ, Αμιναδὰβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ναασσών, Ναασσὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαλμών,Σαλμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Βοὸζ ἐκ τῆς Ραχάβ, Βοὸζ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ωβὴδ ἐκ τῆς Ρούθ, Ωβὴδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιεσσαί, Ιεσσαὶ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Δαυῒδ τὸν βασιλέα. Δαυῒδ δὲ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐγέννησε τὸν Σολομῶνα ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου,Σολομὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ροβοάμ, Ροβοὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αβιά, Αβιὰ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ασά, Ασὰ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωσαφάτ, Ιωσαφὰτ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωράμ, Ιωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Οζίαν, Οζίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωάθαμ, Ιωάθαμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αχαζ, Αχαζ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Εζεκίαν, Εζεκίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Μανασσῆ, Μανασσῆς δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αμών, Αμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωσίαν, Ιωσίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιεχονίαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος. Μετὰ δὲ τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος Ιεχονίας ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαλαθιήλ, Σαλαθιὴλ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ζοροβάβελ,Ζοροβάβελ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αβιούδ, Αβιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ελιακείμ, Ελιακεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αζώρ, Αζὼρ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαδώκ, Σαδὼκ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αχείμ, Αχεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ελιούδ, Ελιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ελεάζαρ, Ελεάζαρ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ματθάν, Ματθὰν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιακώβ, Ιακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ιησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός.Πᾶσαι οὖν αἱ γενεαὶ ἀπὸ Αβραὰμ ἕως Δαυῒδ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ Δαυῒδ ἕως τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος ἕως τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες. Τοῦ δὲ Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ γέννησις οὕτως ἦν. μνηστευθείσης γὰρ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ιωσήφ, πρὶν ἢ συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα ἐκ Πνεύματος Αγίου. Ιωσὴφ δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς, δίκαιος ὢν καὶ μὴ θέλων αὐτὴν παραδειγματίσαι, ἐβουλήθη λάθρα ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν.ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου κατ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ λέγων Ιωσὴφ υἱὸς Δαυΐδ, μὴ φοβηθῇς παραλαβεῖν Μαριὰμ τὴν γυναῖκά σου τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν Αγίου.τέξεται δὲ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ιησοῦν αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν.τοῦτο δὲ ὅλον γέγονεν ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν,καὶ καλέσουσι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Εμμανουήλ,ὅ ἐστι μεθερμηνευόμενον μεθ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός. Διεγερθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ιωσὴφ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου ἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου καὶ παρέλαβε τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ,καὶ οὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν ἕως οὗ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐκάλεσε τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ιησοῦν. THE EPISTLE Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. THE GOSPEL Matthew 1:1-25 The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel"(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

Holy Trinity Epiphany Cross Retrieval 2014 The Epiphany Cross Retrieval and Kick Off of the 150th Anniversary of our Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral will be on Sunday, January 12 th, 2014 The Cross Retrieval will take place on Bayou St. John in front of our Cathedral at the end of the Divine Liturgy with a celebratory Luncheon to follow in the Hall. The traditional Epiphany Cross Retrieval celebrates the Baptism and the Holy Theophany of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The swimmer who retrieves the Cross will receive a gift from the Community and be recognized at the Luncheon. Those males of our Holy Trinity Cathedral Family that are age 16 or older and desire to be a part of this meaningful Orthodox tradition are invited to complete an application to swim to retrieve the cross on this special occasion. Application forms are available from the Cathedral Office. Nominations for a young lady of our community to be the dove bearer are being accepted. Completed application and permission forms are to be submitted to the Cathedral Office not later than Sunday, January 5, 2014. Sponsorships for this event are being accepted. Be a part of this historic event and help support this 2014 Epiphany Cross Retrieval of our Holy Trinity Cathedral by selecting a sponsorship level and returning the form to the Cathedral Office with your donation. Donor names will be included in event programs. Thank you for your support. Submit the following to be a sponsor of the 2014 Epiphany Cross Retrieval Event of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New Orleans and 150th Anniversary Celebration Kick Off. Name (as it will appear in program): Address: Phone: Gold Sponsorship - $500.00 Silver Sponsorship - $250.00 Bronze Sponsorship - $150.00 Copper Sponsorship - $100.00 Select one of the above sponsorship levels. Make check payable to Holy Trinity Cathedral and mark memo for 150th Anniversary Epiphany. Please submit checks to the Cathedral Office 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70122.