Sunday of the Holy Fathers Κυριακή των Αγίων Πατέρων

Sunday, July 15, 2018 NEW WEB PAGE: www.stgeorgenpr.org Ελληνικός Ορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654 Reverend Fr. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Presbyter 727-967-2178 frgregory.stgeorge@gmail.com Antonia: secretary1.stgeorge@gmail.com - Church Office: 727-868-5911 Alex Limberatos, Youth Director - youth@stgeorgetampabay.org or his cell phone 262-370-0586 Sunday of the Holy Fathers Κυριακή των Αγίων Πατέρων 1

Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Αναστάσιμο Απολυτίκιον Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Απολυτίκιο των Αγίων Πατέρων Ὑπερδεδοξασμένος εἶ, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ φωστῆρας ἐπὶ γῆς τοὺς Πατέρας ἡμῶν θεμελιώσας, καὶ δι' αὐτῶν πρὸς τὴν ἀληθινὴν πίστιν, πάντας ἡμᾶς ὁδηγήσας πολυεύσπλαγχνε, δόξα σοι. Απολυτίκιον 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. Κοντάκιον της Ημέρας Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε. Hymns of the Week Resurrectional Apolytikion Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee. Apolytikio of the Holy Fathers You are greatly glorified, O Christ our God, who established our Fathers as luminaries upon the earth, and through them led us all to the true Faith. O Most compassionate, glory to You. St Andrews Apolytikion 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. Kontakion for the Feast O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. Καλώς ορίσατε στην Εκκλησία του Αγίου Γεωργίου! Είμαστε χαρούμενοι που σας βλέπουμε και που μας δίνετε την ευκαιρία να προσευχηθούμε σήμερα μαζί σας!! 2

ΤΗΕ EPISTLE Reading St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15 TITUS, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful. All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ -.Παιδί μου Τίτε, αυτά τα λόγια είναι αξιόπιστα και θέλω να τα βεβαιώνεις με την προσωπική σου μαρτυρία, ώστε όσοι έχουν πιστέψει στο Θεό να φροντίζουν να πρωτοστατούν σε καλά έργα. Αυτά είναι τα καλά και τα χρήσιμα στους ανθρώπους. Από το άλλο μέρος, να αποφεύγεις τις ανόητες αναζητήσεις σε γενεαλογικούς καταλόγους, τις φιλονικίες και τις διαμάχες γύρω από τις διατάξεις του ιουδαϊκού νόμου, γιατί όλα αυτά είναι ανώφελα και μάταια. Τον άνθρωπο που ακολουθεί πλανερές διδασκαλίες συμβούλεψέ τον μια δυο φορές, κι αν δεν ακούσει άφησέ τον, με τη βεβαιότητα πως αυτός έχει πια διαστραφεί και αμαρτάνει, καταδικάζοντας έτσι ο ίδιος τον εαυτό του. Όταν θα σου στείλω τον Αρτεμά ή τον Τυχικό, έλα το συντομότερο να με συναντήσεις στη Νικόπολη, γιατί εκεί αποφάσισα να περάσω το χειμώνα. Τον Ζηνά το νομικό και τον Απολλώ, να τους εφοδιάσεις πλουσιοπάροχα με ότι χρειάζονται για το ταξίδι τους, ώστε να μην τους λείψει τίποτα. Ας μαθαίνουν και οι δικοί μας να πρωτοστατούν σε καλά έργα, για ν αντιμετωπίζουν τις επείγουσες υλικές ανάγκες, ώστε η ζωή τους να μην είναι άκαρπη. Σε χαιρετούν όλοι όσοι είναι μαζί μου. Χαιρέτησε τους πιστούς που μας αγαπούν. Η χάρη να είναι μαζί με όλους σας. Αμήν. THE GOSPEL reading is from Matthew 5:14-19 The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ - Είπε ο Κύριος στους μαθητές Του, εσείς είστε το φως για τον κόσμο μια πόλη χτισμένη ψηλά στο βουνό δεν μπορεί να κρυφτεί. Οι άνθρωποι, όταν ανάψουν το λυχνάρι, δεν το βάζουν κάτω από το δοχείο με το οποίο μετρούν το σιτάρι, αλλά το τοποθετούν στο λυχνοστάτη, για να φωτίζει όλους τους ανθρώπους του σπιτιού. Έτσι να λάμψει και το δικό σας φως μπροστά στους ανθρώπους, για να δουν τα καλά σας έργα και να δοξολογήσουν τον ουράνιο Πατέρα σας. Μη νομίσετε πως ήρθα για να καταργήσω το νόμο ή τους προφήτες. Δεν ήρθα για να τα καταργήσω, αλλά για να τα πραγματοποιήσω. Σας βεβαιώνω πως όσο υπάρχει ο κόσμος, έως τη συντέλειά του, δε θα πάψει να ισχύει ούτε ένα γιώτα ή μία οξεία από το νόμο. Όποιος, λοιπόν, καταργήσει ακόμα και μία από τις πιο μικρές εντολές αυτού του νόμου και διδάξει έτσι τους άλλους, θα θεωρηθεί ελάχιστος στη βασιλεία του Θεού. Ενώ όποιος τις τηρήσει όλες και διδάξει έτσι και τους άλλους, αυτός θα θεωρηθεί μεγάλος στη βασιλεία του Θεού. 3

July 9, 2018 My Dear Fathers, Beloved Monastics, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In my recent readings I came across this beautiful explanation of the benefits of prayer. According to St. Ephraim the Syrian, "Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven." Truly, there is a great deal to learn from this passage. Beginning from the Saint s first statement ("Virtues are formed by prayer ), we can understand it to mean that prayer (which is one of the most personal ways to commune with God) is an entirely positive force. These virtues that St. Ephraim exclaims: temperance, suppression of anger, as well as preventing pride and envy, are all calm and peaceful attributes. When engaged in true prayer with our Creator, consider that it is impossible to exalt ourselves physically. With our heads bowed and eyes closed, we approach our God, not just as subjects would a King, but as children would approach a Father: seeking and asking for assistance, as well as comfort and consolation. When we experience true prayer, we are surrendering our bodies, and in doing so, also our egos, and our troubled spirits. We acknowledge that it is a falsehood to believe that we can rely on our own understanding alone, rather than on the Will of God. We become more aware of ourselves, and therefore, more temperate and peaceful people. If we have approached this moment of prayer whether angered at ourselves, or envious of others, these feelings must be overtaken by the peace and stillness that comes from taking time to speak to our Lord and God. Having calmed ourselves of these various passions, we are now closer to God during the distractions of daily life. This peacefulness, gentleness, and forgiveness we encounter in prayer, are of course, fruits of the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts. And, having opened our hearts and minds to the Holy Trinity, we are, as St. Ephraim says, raised to Heaven. I am pleased to be able to share this passage with you. In its plain language it outlines all the emotional, psychological states of prayer, finally ending with the goal of true communion with God. I hope and pray that as we continue through these summer months, that you take these words to your heart, nurturing their message and meaning, as we all endeavor to grow closer to our Creator, day by day. I remain, Paternally yours with love in the Lord, + A L E X I O S Metropolitan of Atlanta 4

Message from Fr. Gregory This past week, I was so pleased that St. George sent eight parishioners to Week 3 of our Metropolis St. Stephen s Summer Camp, held at the beautiful Diakonia Retreat Center in Salem, South Carolina. I was joined by our Youth Director Alex Limberatos, who taught religious education and served as a cabin counselor for the 9th-10th grade boys, as well as Diana Psetas, who served in the kitchen and as a general utilities person, as well as our Hellenic College student Vasi Motsios, who served as lifeguard and cabin counselor. The four of us were part of a staff of about 20. We also had four of our kids participate in the program, joining about 100 fellow Greek Orthodox children from across our Metropolis, ranging from 6th-12th grade. This was my first time at the camp, and I can t overstate how impressed I was. We kept them busy from 7:30 in the morning until 11:00 at night, and they had fun of course with games and sports, but also had experiential learning opportunities, such as a ropes course, where we talked about trust and faith and learned teamwork. But we also gave them four hours a day of prayer and religious instruction, and they actually looked forward to it. I can t describe my joy at seeing the kids singing the services together in our morning and evening prayers. We also had great conversations about their faith, and they had the opportunity to ask all the questions they wanted. Finally, the whole week built toward their participation in the Holy Sacrament of Confession, followed by Liturgy and Holy Communion on Friday morning. How inspiring to see the kids voluntarily ask to go to confession after learning about its importance in our lives. We were also blessed by the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, who joined us from Wednesday on and spent a great deal of time with the kids and staff. I can t wait to send my own kids to this camp as soon as they are old enough to go. I encourage all our families to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity next year. As we have mentioned, a portion of the Sponsor-A-Day donations is being used to sponsor kids who cannot afford to attend this program. Please speak to me or Alex for more details. 5

SCHEDULE OF ECCLESIASTICAL SERVICES FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2018 Πρόγραμμα Εκκλησιαστικών ακολουθιών μηνός Ιουλίου 2018 July 8, 6 th Sunday of Matthew, 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. 8 Ιουλίου, ΣΤ Κυριακή Ματθαίου, 8:15πμ Όρθρος, 9:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. July 15, Sunday of the Holy Fathers, 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. 15 Ιουλίου, Κυριακή των Αγ. Πατέρων, 8:15πμ Όρθρος, 9:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. July 22, Sunday, St. Markella the Virgin-Martyr of Chios, 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. 22 Ιουλίου, Κυριακή, Αγ. Μαρκέλλας Χιοπολίτιδας, 8:15πμ Όρθρος, 9:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. July 27, Friday, St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer, 8:30AM Matins 9:30AM Divine Liturgy 27 Ιουλίου, Παρασκευή, Αγ. Μεγαλομάρτυς Παντελεήμων, Όρθρος 8:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ. July 29, 9 th Sunday of Matthew, 8:15AM Matins, 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. 29 Ιουλίου, Θ Κυριακή Ματθαίου, 8:15πμ Όρθρος, 9:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. We wish you all a very blessed Summer! Σας ευχόμαστε ένα ευλογημένο καλοκαίρι! We sincerely thank all of you for coming and attending Church! We sincerely thank all our Stewards for supporting our Church! We sincerely thank all our Volunteers! We sincerely wish to all of you a very blessed month of July and enjoy your Vacations!!! 6

Some of the meanings of symbols in our Orthodox Faith that we need to know Edited by A Monk of St. Tikhon's Monastery. All-Seeing Eye: The All-Seeing Eye of God looks out from the triangle, which represents the Trinity. This reminds us that God always watches over us in love (Ps. 33:18). Ark: This is a common symbol of the Church, since, like the Ark of Noah, all can find life in the safety of the Church. Candle: Candles are used in the Church as symbols of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Light of the World (John 8:12; 9:5). Censer: This is a symbol of prayer, for as the smoke of incense soars upward, so too prayer ascends to God (Rev. 8:4 and Ps. 141:2). Chalice and Cross: This represents the cup used at the Last Supper, the Cross standing for the suffering of Christ (Luke 22:42). Sometimes, instead of a Cross, there is placed a square loaf, Christ the Bread of Life. Thus, his symbol can also be seen as symbolizing the Holy Eucharist. Dove Descending: This symbol, white, with a three-rayed nimbus descending, is the most common representation of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22). Fish: This is one of the most ancient symbols for Christ. The letters of the Greek word for fish, also signify the first letters of each word of the phrase Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Grapes: A bunch of grapes signifies the Sacrament of the Holy Communion. It also is a symbol of Christ the Fruit of Life. Lamb of God: This symbol emphasizes the sacrificial role of Christ (John 1:29). The lamb carries the banner of victory over sin and death (1 Cor. 5:7; Rev. 5:13). Lily: This is a symbol of Easter and immortality. The bulb decays in the ground, yet from it new life is released. Olive Branch: The olive branch is the symbol for peace, harmony and healing. Peacock: This is an ancient symbol of the Resurrection. When the peacock sheds his feathers, he grows more brilliant ones than those he lost. Seven-Fold Flame: This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Ten Commandments: These are pictured as tablets of stone, with numbers on each, symbolizing the Ten Commandments. Sometimes there are three commandments on the first and seven on the second; sometimes there are four and six; and sometimes there are five on each tablet. Wheat: Wheat is the symbol of the Bread of Life, based on the Gospel of Mark 7

+ MEMORIAL SERVICE - ΙΕΡΟ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΟ+ +TRISAGION Memorial service for + Michael Duncan +TRISAGION ON THE 44 ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS FRIENDS OF CYPRUS is holding two memorial services in the Atlanta area Sunday, July 15, Annunciation Cathedral on Clairmont Rd. Sunday, July 22, Holy Transfiguration Church in Marietta. Please join us in honoring the memory of thousands who perished during the invasion. On July, 20, 1974, Turkey, a large military power, invaded the small defenseless island of Cyprus. Thousands of Greek Cypriots died and thousands are still missing Greeks were forced out of their homes in the northern part of the island to the south, Turks from the south to the north The island was forcibly divided, inhibiting free movement and creating de facto separate regions. Local economy collapsed, infrastructure was disrupted Arable land was seized, historical monuments were pillaged. Thousands of Turkish nationals were brought to populate the northern region and change the demographics of the island 44 years later, Cyprus is still divided. Turkish troops still occupy the island. LIVESTREAM STEPS 1) Go to Church Website stgeorgenpr.com 2) click Watch Live top of our website page 3) Click on events (left side) or published events and begin watching the Sunday service 8

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! 9

Οἱ ἄνθρωποι τοῦ Θεοῦ εἶναι φῶς τοῦ κόσμο Μητροπολίτης Ἐδέσσης, Πέλλης καί Ἀλμωπίας Ιωήλ Ἡ Ἐκκλησία μας σήμερα γιορτάζει τοὺς Πατέρες ποὺ ἔλαβαν μέρος στὴν τετάρτη Οἰκουμενικὴ Σύνοδο, ἡ ὁποία ἀσχολήθηκε καὶ ἀποφάνθηκε ὁριστικὰ γιὰ τὴν ἕνωση τῶν δύο φύσεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Τὸ εὐαγγελικὸ ἀνάγνωσμα ποὺ διαβάζεται σήμερα στοὺς Ναοὺς εἶναιἀφιερωμένο σ αὐτοὺς καὶ εἶναι ἀπὸ τὴν ἐπὶ τοῦ Ὄρους Ὁμιλία τοῦ Κυρίου μας. Ὁ Θεάνθρωπος ὀνομάζει τοὺς μαθητὲς Του φῶς τοῦ κόσμου. Ἂς δοῦμε πιὸ ἀναλυτικὰ τὰ λόγια αὐτὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Τὸ παράδειγμα τοῦ φωτὸς τί ὑπονοεῖ; Ὁ Κύριος χρησιμοποίησε γιὰ τοὺς μαθητὲς Του τὸ παράδειγμα τοῦ ἁλατιοῦ (Ματθ. 5,13) καὶ τοῦ φωτός. Τὸ παράδειγμα τοῦ φωτὸς εἶναι τὸ ὑψηλότερο. Ὅταν λέγει πὼς ἡ πόλη ποὺ εἶναι πάνω στὸ βουνό, δὲν μπορεῖ νὰ κρυφτεῖ, θέλει νὰ τοὺς τονίσει «ἀκρίβειαν τοῦ βίου, καθαρὴ ζωή», λέγει ὁ Χρυσόστομος. Τοὺς διαπαιδαγωγεῖ νὰ εἶναι ἐναγώνιοι στὴ ζωή τους, νὰ ἔχουν στραφεῖ τὰ μάτια ὅλων τῶν ἀνθρώπων πάνω τους καὶ νὰ ἀγωνίζονται ἐνώπιον ὅλης τῆς οἰκουμένης. Ὁ Χριστὸς ἄναψε τὸ φῶς τῆς χάριτός Του μέσα μας. Ἡ δική μας προσπάθεια εἶναι νὰ διατηρήσουμε τὸ φῶς αὐτὸ ἄσβεστο. Ἡ λαμπρότητα τῆς ζωῆς μας ἔχει ἐπίδραση στοὺς ἄλλους. Ἀπόλυτο φῶς εἶναι ὁ Χριστὸς ποὺ μάλιστα εἶπε γιὰ τὸν ἑαυτό Του, πὼς εἶναι τὸ φῶς τοῦκόσμου (Ἰω. 8,12). Φῶς καὶ φωστῆρες εἶναι μὲ σχετικὴ ἔννοια καὶ οἱ πιστοὶ καὶ οἱ ἅγιοι. Ὁ ἀπόστολος Παῦλος γράφει: διότι κάποτε ἤσασταν στὸ σκοτάδι, τώρα ὅμως ποὺ πιστεύετε στὸν Κύριο, εἶστε στὸ φῶς νὰ ζεῖτε λοιπὸν σὰν ἄνθρωποι ποὺ ἀνήκουν στὸ φῶς. (Ἐφ. 5,8).Ὁ ἴδιος θὰ πεῖ σὲ ἄλλη του ἐπιστολὴ γιὰ τοὺς πιστοὺς πὼς εἶναι σὰν λαμπερὰ ἀστέρια στὸν κόσμο, μένοντας σταθεροὶ στὸ εὐαγγέλιο ποὺ δίνει ζωὴ (Φιλιπ. 2,15-16). Ἡ Ἐκκλησία εἶναι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου Πράγματι ὁ Κύριος εἶναι φῶς, ποὺ ὁδηγεῖ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ἀπὸ τὴν πλάνη στὴν ἀλήθεια, ἀπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτία στὴν ἀρετή, ποὺ φωτίζει τὸ ἡγεμονικὸ (τὸ νοῦ) τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. Ἐπίσης τὸ ἔργο τοῦ Χριστοῦ τὸ κάνουν κι οἱ πιστοί. Ἕνας σύγχρονος θεολόγος θὰ τὸ πεῖ αὐτὸχαρακτηριστικά: Ἡ σωτηρία δὲν εἶναι μιὰ ἁπλὴ ἀτομικὴ ὑπόθεση, οὔτε περιορίζεται σὲ κάποιο στενὸ κύκλο ἐκλεκτῶν, ἀλλὰ προσφέρεται σ ὅλο τὸν κόσμο. Ἡ σωτηρία δὲν εἶναι ἕνα εἶδος πνευματικότητας, ἀλλὰ εἶναι ἡ ἀντίθεση σὲ κάποιο δαιμονικὸ κατεστημένο, στὸσκοτάδι καὶ στὴν ἀποσύνθεση. Ἡ Ἐκκλησία εἶναι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου. Αὐτὸ σημαίνει τὴν καθολικὴ καὶ παγκόσμια εὐθύνη της, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν εὐθύνη τοῦ καθενός μας. Δὲ ζοῦμε γιὰ τὸν ἑαυτό μας ἢ γιὰ ἕναν ὁρισμένο κύκλο ἐθνικό, ἰδεολογικό, θρησκευτικὸ ζοῦμε γιὰ τὰ ἀδέλφια μας παντοῦ πάνω στὴ γῆ, ὅσο κι ἂν διαφέρουν ἀπὸ μᾶς κι ὅσο κι ἂν μᾶς ἀντιμάχονται. Ὁ Χριστὸς εἶχε πεῖ στοὺς μαθητὲς του τὸ ἑξῆς σπουδαῖο παράγγελμα καὶ θὰ γίνετε δικοί μου μάρτυρες στὴν Ἱερουσαλὴμ καὶ σὲ ὅλη τὴν Ἰουδαία καὶ Σαμάρεια καὶ ὥς τὰ πέρατα τῆς γῆς (Πράξ. 1,8). Μέχρι καὶ στὸτελευταῖο μέρος τῆς γῆς ὀφείλουμε νὰ ἀνάψουμε τὸ φῶς τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ὁ Ἠσαΐας ἀναφέρεται στὸν Πατέρα ποὺ ἀπευθύνεται στὸ Μεσσία καὶ τοῦ λέγει 10

Ἰδοὺ δέδωκά σε εἰς διαθήκην γένους, εἰς φῶς ἐθνῶν τοῦ εἶναι σε εἰς σωτηρίαν ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς. Τὸ φῶς τῶν ἐθνῶν, ποὺ εἶναι ὁ Χριστός, ὀφείλει ἡ Ἐκκλησία μὲ τοὺς πιστοὺς νὰ τὸ μεταδώσει στὰ πέρατα τῆς γῆς. Οἱ πνευματικοὶ ἄνθρωποι ποὺ καθαρίζουν συνέχεια τὸν ἑαυτό τους μὲ πόνους γιὰ τὴν ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ, ποὺ ταπεινώνουν τὴ σάρκα τους μὲ διάφορες ἀσκήσεις, ποὺ μὲ τὴν προσευχὴκαὶ τὴ μελέτη γεμίζουν τὸ νοῦ τους μὲ φῶς, αὐτοὶ ποὺ γνώρισαν «τοὺς λόγους τῶν ὄντων» καὶ ξεπέρασαν κάθε αἴσθηση τοῦ κόσμου, αὐτοὶ μποροῦν νὰ κηρύξουν τὸ Χριστὸ καὶ νὰ μεταδώσουν τὸ φῶς τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου, λέγει ὁ ὅσιος Νικήτας. Πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἀπευθύνεται ὁ Κύριος,ὅταν λέει: Σεῖς εἶστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου (Ματθ. 5,14). Τὸ χρέος τῶν πιστῶν Μεγάλη εἶναι ἡ εὐθύνη τῶν πνευματικῶν ταγῶν τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ἁπλῶν πιστῶν στὴ διάδοση τοῦ εὐαγγελικοῦ μηνύματος. Ἐπίσκοποι, κληρικοί, λαϊκοὶ ποὺ γνώρισαν τὸ φῶς τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου καὶ τὸ βίωσαν, μεταδίδουν καὶ στοὺς ἄλλους τὸ βίωμά τους.ἀντίθετα, ἐὰν αὐτοὶ ποὺ εἶναι ταγμένοι νὰ στέκονται «ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν» δείχνουν ἀδυναμία πρὸς τὴν πίστη, τότε καθυστερεῖ ὁ εὐαγγελισμὸς τῶν ἀνθρώπων καὶ γίνεται μάλιστα καὶ σκανδαλισμὸς στὶς ψυχές τους. Οἱ ἁμαρτίες μας καὶ ἡ κακὴ προσωπική μας ζωὴ ἐνεργεῖἀρνητικὰ στοὺς ἀνθρώπους ποὺ δὲν γνώρισαν τὸ Χριστό. Ἂς φροντίσουμε νὰ ἔχουμε συνέπεια λόγων καὶ πράξεων, ὥστε νὰ ἀνάπτεται συνεχῶς τὸ σωτήριο φῶς τῆς διδασκαλίας τοῦ Κυρίου σ ὅλη τὴ γῆ. Some advice on Praying at Home First one should have a prayer rule that you have developed with your spiritual father. Saint Theophan offers this advice, Do not make a rule that is too long and drawn out for you. It is better to stand at prayer a little more often and to make a few prostrations during the course of the day, doing this frequently, so that the entire day is filled with prostrations. For those who already have a regular daily prayer routine and a prayer rule they follow and feel the need for more prayers, especially during the Lenten period or other fasting time, he offers this advice, Pray a little more without the prayer book, expressing your vital spiritual needs to the Lord in your own words. In the morning and evening, red no more than on ordinary days, but before the beginning of the recited prayer and afterward, pray your own prayers. In between the prayers that you read, insert your own prayer with prostrations, both from the waist and to the ground, and from a kneeling position. Then after you have completed your regular prayers he advises this, Do some reading with meditation. You need to read, not to pack your mind with diverse information and ideas, but to receive edification and to understand how best to accomplish those things which are necessary for us. It goes without saying that he implies spiritual books for this purpose, Scripture, lives of the saints or books by well known spiritual fathers and elders. 11

Did you know that here at St. George Church: 1.You can receive on your cell phone a Daily Bible Verse? 2.You can receive on your email the Church Bulletin in color???? The Greek and Adult Bible studies held on Wednesdays will resume on August 22nd Thursday morning Women s group will resume Thursday August 9th Wishing you all a great and blessed summer! Οι δύο Βίβλου μελέτες της Τετάρτης θα συνεχιστούν στις 22 Αυγουστου Η Βίβλου μελέτες γυναικών που συναντά την Πέμπτη πρωί θα επαναληφθεί την Πέμπτη 9 Αυγούστου Σας ευχόμαστε όλοι ένα ευλογημένο και υπέροχο καλοκαίρι 3.You can watch all our services LIVE on your cellphone or your PC and even on your TV!! 4.You can be connected to St George through your Facebook!! 5.You can visit our Church Web Page for upcoming Events!!! Please call our Church office for more information OR to give your cell phone number (s) and email address and you will start receiving Daily Bible Inspirations!! Love & Loss Bereavement (Grief) Group Have you experienced the death of a loved one? Have you lost: A spouse or partner? A mother or father? A child or other relative? A friend? A co-worker? YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN OUR BEREAVEMENT GROUP: EVERYONE IS WELCOME who has experienced a death. Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. July 9th,16th, 23rd, 30th, August 6th and August 13th. (six weeks on, two weeks off, etc..) An on-going group; free! You may join anytime. Location: Kontos Community Center, St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey 34654 Questions: Leave message at: (352) 942-7424 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. 12

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, Daniel Scherr, Maria Stolis, Phil and Marie Sherman, Evelyn Leufen, Ferd Leufen, Stamatia Matia Vamvounakis, Maria Stolis, Charlie, Laurie Fleischer, Joann Myers, 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. In preparation for the Feast Day of The Dormition of the Theotokos on August 14th and 15th we need the following volunteers 1) Altar Boys Altar boys to assist with Father in the service and the Epitaphiou procession 2) Mirofores - young girls for the Epitaphiou procession 3) Epitaphiou -Young men ( +18yrs older) to hold the Epitaphiou of Panagia on in the evening of Tuesday August 14th. 5) Decoration of the Epitaphiou - The Epitaphiou will be decorated on Monday evening August 13th after the evening services. If you or your children are interested in any of these areas please contact the Church office at 727-868-5911 or speak to Nikki Micelli. We know how valuable your time is and we greatly appreciate your time and talent and dedication that you give to St. George. We appreciate you! 13

Father Gregory Edwards contact information is Cell: 727-967-2178 Office: 727-868-5911 Email address: frgregory.stgeorge@gmail.com 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 727-967- 2178. 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 727-868-5911 η τον +π. Γρηγόριος στο 727-967-2178 Η ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ Η Θεία Κοινωνία προσφέρεται στην Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία μόνο στα άτομα που βαφτίστηκαν στην Ορθόδοξη Πίστη. Για να συμμετάσχεις στην Θεία Κοινωνία, πρέπει να είσαι σε καλή κατάσταση με την Εκκλησία πνευματικά (για παράδειγμα, οι παντρεμένοι άνθρωποι πρέπει να έχει ευλογηθεί ο γάμος τους στην Εκκλησία και όλοι πρέπει να είναι χωρίς σοβαρή αμαρτία στις καρδιές τους). Για όλους τους Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς πρέπει να τηρείται η σωστή προετοιμασία για τη Θεία Κοινωνία: δηλαδή, εξέταση της συνείδησης, εξομολόγηση, ανάγνωση των προσευχών για ιερή Κοινωνία και σωστή νηστεία. Αν έχετε περαιτέρω απορίες σχετικά με αυτό, παρακαλείται να μιλήσετε με τον Ιερέα. Οι γυναίκες πρέπει να αφαιρέσουν όλο το κραγιόν όταν πλησιάζουν για τη Θεία Κοινωνία. Παρακαλείται να αφήσετε τους γονείς με τα μωρά τους και τους ηλικιωμένους να προσεγγίσουν πρώτα. 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 15

16 Thank you for your donations of olive oil for the altar Kandelia and the wine for Holy Communion. The Church always needs these items so please continue to bring your donations.

Combating Feelings of Depression Often when we feel depressed we try to overcome our state though some kind of amusement. Such a course will never lead to any real contentment. That is not to say that their is something wrong with engaging in amusements, it is just that they will not help you overcome any feelings of depression. Saint Theophan says, Amusements, especially pleasant ones, give rise to depression, because while they are not sinful, that are unable to content the heart. Generally speaking, the inconstancy of the emotions is characteristic to us. It is necessary to discard and overcome this, being concerned that one thing does not change; that is, that your most important decision, the goal of life you have chosen for yourself [to be united with God], always remains in force. Much time in our lives today is taken up with amusements such as computer games, internet surfing, movies and television. Regard these as mere pastimes and something that you need to control and not depend on for any personal well being. True satisfaction only comes with a genuine relationship with God. Saint Theophan says, God is asking your heart once and for all, and the heart desires God. For without God it is never satisfied, it is bored; examine yourself from this aspect. Maybe you will find the door to the peace of God. So how do we find this door in our heart? For those who believe in Christ and His Resurrection, one of the proven ways is through prayer. Each day. establish a prayer rule for both morning and evening. Be sure to include as a major part of this rule the practice of the Jesus Prayer. Daily prayer is essential for any genuine relationship with God and will surely, with your good effort, bring you inner peace that will lift you above any feelings of depression. Once we are in true contact with God we only experience joy that comes from His unconditional love. When wee have opened that door in our heart, we receive His grace freely and are enabled to do the good works he teaches us to do. It is in this way we become like Christ. Everything is taken care of by God It s not owing to his own abilities that man can be cured. It is God who heals. You should feel that your entire being is full of sin, full of darkness. If, however, you resort to God, the Lord takes away the sin, the passions, the darkness and the disease as well; He heals man and provides the light. But you need to stand before God like this: Whatever the cost may be, my God, make me humble and let me truly repent. Make me come back to you, see the sin and turn to you, who are the light and salvation. If you speak like this, God saves you. ******* When someone renounces himself and goes against his will he, then, has nothing to take care of and is no longer afraid. Everything is taken care of by God. Transcribed talks by Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos From: Holy Hesychasterion The Nativity of Theotokos Publications 18

Bored or Lonely? Boredom can easily lead to loneliness and loneliness to depression. Saint Theophan gives us some good advice how to avoid boredom. He says that each time you feel yourself alone, think of God and your guardian angel who is with you at all times. Take advantage of all such opportunities for a moment of solitude with God and have a conversation with Him. Then learn to fill your day with meaningful activities. He shares advice a father gave to his daughter. Everyone has a number of daily chores, which they work off like some sort of quitrent. There are many people, however, for whom these quitrent chores are simple and do not take much time. there is a lot of time left over whereby, if it is not filled with anything, there is no way to avoid boredom. Here is the most reliable way for you to avoid it: Arrange things so you do not have a single moment and al your time is filled with suitable occupations so that, upon completion of one activity, you have another one ready to begin. What kind of activities should these be? 1) Aesthetic occupations: music, singing, painting. 2) Some sort of handicraft: knitting, needlework and the like. 3) The best remedy for boredom, however, is to acquire a taste for serious reading and the study of subjects that you are unfamiliar with. It is not so much the reading that drives away boredom as the study. If you follow this smile advice you will find shortly you will not a enough time to do everything you want to do. You will lose that feeling of loneliness and avoid the terrible problem of depression. Even one who lives alone and rarely has guests will have a life filled with activity, one without boredom or loneliness. Take up the reading of spiritual books and avoid frivolous novels and such. Dig into something that will engage your mind fully. Avoid the trap of TV which can dumb the mind. If you do go to the TV when bored then seek out something that will give you new insight about our world and that will engage your mind in an active way. You can also seek out regular activities such as volunteering at Church or with another agency in town. But it's not necessary to become over active in social activities as these for many create to many tensions and often includes engaging with people who distract you spiritually. Each person has a different makeup so you need to seek activities that fit your personality, especially those that keep you learning. To be alone does not mean to be lonely. In reality we are never alone. God is always with us along with our guardian angel. The more you study spiritual matters, including the Church history, teachings of the Fathers, as well as Holy Scripture, you will discover forever new topics which you are not aware of. Each one will broaden your world view and open you to greater and greater spiritual awareness at the same time. Your desire to learn will never be satisfied. Read and keep busy and you will become wise, devoid of loneliness. You will become more aware of God's ever presence. STAY CONNECTED WITH ST. GEORGE ON FACEBOOK! WWW.FB.COM/ST.GEORGEGREEKORTHODOX 19

SUNDAY COFFEE FELLOWSHIP HOUR! Ανακοινώνουμε ότι η ώρα καφέ που κανονικά εξυπηρετείται τις Κυριακές μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία θα κλείσει από τις 17 Ιουνίου έως τις 5 Αυγούστου. Τα κολίβα για τα μνημεία θα εξυπηρετηθούν στο Νάρθηκα της Εκκλησίας μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία. Kαλο Καλοκαίρι! The Sunday coffee fellowship hour will be closed from Sunday June 17th and will reopen August 5th. The Kolyva for the memorial service will be distributed in the Nathex of the church after the Divine Liturgy. Have a safe summer! Today s Divine Liturgy offerings by an Anonymous Donor Please contact the Church office and speak with Antonia at 727-868-5911 If you would like 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. KOLYVA When planning your memorial service please make sure that you contact the office and give the names of the reposed so that Father has them in advance and we can list them in the bulletin. In addition, if you would like KOLYVA we ask that you contact Katina Kollias 727-849-0544 or 1-352-277-6545 directly as she prepares the Sunday KOLYVA. The difference between repentance and contrition Thinking of my own sinfulness brings the need for contrition. We are not speaking yet about repentance, but about contrition. Repentance is a gift of the Holy Spirit. God will give it to me. For example, you did something and then say Oh no! What have I done? Why did I not listen to the Gerondas? Now I will have to hear the Gerondas admonition! This is being contrite. But when I call you and tell you, My child, what have you done? If you confess your error and say Punish me, Geronta!, and I don t punish you, but rather grant you to take Communion, you will say, How good is Geronta! How I am and how he is! Look at the Grace of God! Oh my soul does not suffer to sadden God! Now repentance begins. Contrition is one thing, repentance is another. Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra https://orthodoxcityhermit.com 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 727-271-5259 Office727-807-7887 3226 Little Road Suites 2&3 Trinity, FL 34655 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! 24

Join us every Thursday evening at 7pm for family soccer fun! St. George Greek Orthodox Church 25

CONTINUE YOUR OFFERINGS THROUGH THE SUMMER Message from Parish Council Treasurer Toula Mancini We wait all year for summer. Then we fill them with vacations at the beach, camping trips in the woods and flying to Greece or far-off places. It s no wonder that church attendance dips in the summer. But while you are relaxing, your church continues to be busy with regular worship, social activities, caring for sick and the homebound members, planning weddings, baptisms and funerals, and ministering to the hungry and homeless in your community. And your clergy and church staff still need to be paid, as does the electric company. So, here s the problem: The bills continue to roll in even when you re away, and many stewards have not planned to keep their offerings current when they are on vacation. That s why so many churches face a cash crunch in the summer months. But here are some ideas for how to help Your church Saint George maintain its finances in the summer months. Pay it forward Your church would love to receive your summer offerings or part of them in advance. If you know you re going to be away, plan ahead by offering more in the weeks in advance of your time away from church. Make it up Alternatively, when you get back from your time away, give a little more in the weeks that follow in order to make up for the lost weeks. Use your envelopes Are you a check-writing person? Then simply fill in advance your offering envelopes with your weekly gift. If you have a check in every envelope, then on any given Sunday you need only to bring that day s envelope and whatever earlier Sunday envelopes are there. Also, envelopes can be mailed directly to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34654. Use banking bill pay Lots of people find online banking services a convenient way to pay their monthly car loan, mortgage, light bill and other routine expenses. Why not your church offering, too? Many online banking services will cut a check and send it to the church for you. 26

Enroll in electronic giving You can help by enrolling in electronic giving. Your offerings will go right to the church in the amount and according to the timeframe you specify. You can sign up for Saint George electronic giving just contact the financial office today. Speak with Denise our bookkeeper. This is an average of a typical summer month revenue and expense. (The average was calculated from summer 2017 with few adjustments) Please remember your church Saint George while vacationing this summer by submitting your contributions. A board in the foyer of hall will have a copy of bills needed to be paid. Please consider taking one and paying one of the bills. Sponsor a Day is another option to help our church get through the summer. Thank you, In His Service Toula 27