15th Sunday of Luke - ΙΕ Λουκᾶ

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 secretary1.stgeorge@gmail.com - Church Office: 727-868-5911 Alex Limberatos, Youth Director - youth@stgeorgetampabay.org or his cell phone 262-370-0586 SUNDAY JANUARY 21st, 2018 NEW WEB PAGE: www.stgeorgenpr.org Artoklasia, 6:00-7:00 PM. 15th Sunday of Luke - ΙΕ Λουκᾶ The St. George Parish Council invites you to join them on Sunday January 28th following the Divine Liturgy for a special coffee hour honoring Father Gregory Nameday Please join us for Church Service to celebrate the feast of St. Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople and the Name day of our Father Gregory 24 Ιανουαρίου, Τετάρτη, Αγ. Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου, Εσπερινός μετ Αρτοκλασίας, 6.00-7:00μμ. January 24, Wednesday, St. Gregory the Theologian, Vespers with 25 Ιανουαρίου, Πέμπτη, Αγ. Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου, Όρθρος 8.30πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30πμ. January 25, Thursday, St. Gregory the Theologian, Matins 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. Please join us today after church service as we honor our Patrida dance group and Georgia Rigas for bringing home the Bronze medal from the Hellenic Dance Festival in Orlando this past weekend. Also we have the Annual cutting of the Vasilopita and the annual Philoprochos luncheon gala in the Kontos Hall $5.00 donation and a surprise for all the children. 1

EPISTLE The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 4:9-15 Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟ Κυριακή ΛΒ Επιστολών, Αποστ. Ανάγνωσμα: Α Τιμ. δ 9-15 Αυτό που λέω είναι αλήθεια και αξίζει να γίνει πέρα για πέρα αποδεχτό. Και εμείς γι αυτό υπομένουμε κόπους και ονειδισμούς, γιατί στηρίξαμε την ελπίδα μας στον αληθινό Θεό, που είναι σωτήρας όλων των ανθρώπων και ιδιαίτερα των πιστών. Αυτά να παραγγέλλεις και να διδάσκεις. Κανείς να μη σε καταφρονεί που είσαι ακόμη νέος. Αντίθετα, να γίνεις υπόδειγμα για τους πιστούς με το λόγο, με τη συμπεριφορά σου, με την αγάπη, με την πνευματική ζωή, με την πίστη, με την αγνότητα. Ώσπου να έρθω, συγκέντρωσε την προσοχή σου στην ανάγνωση των Γραφών, στις συμβουλές και στη διδασκαλία. Μην αφήνεις αχρησιμοποίητο το χάρισμα που έχεις και που σου δόθηκε όταν ύστερα από υπόδειξη των προφητών της Εκκλησίας σε χειροτόνησαν οι πρεσβύτεροι. Αυτά να έχεις στο νού σου, μ αυτά να ασχολείσαι, ώστε η πρόοδός σου να είναι φανερή σε όλα. GOSPEL The Gospel According to Luke 19:1-10 At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Κυριακή ΙΕ Λουκά (Του Ζακχαίου) Ευαγγελικό Ανάγνωσμα: Λουκ. ιθ 1-10 Εκείνο τον καιρό περνούσε ο Ιησούς μέσα από την Ιεριχώ. Και να ένας άνθρωπος που τον έλεγαν Ζακχαίο και αυτός ήταν αρχιτελώνης και επομένως πλούσιος. Και ζητούσε να δει τον Ιησού ποιος είναι και δεν μπορούσε, εξαιτίας του κόσμου και επειδή ήταν μικρόσωμος. Έτρεξε λοιπόν μπροστά και ανέβηκε σε μια συκομουριά για να τον δει, γιατί από κει θα περνούσε. Και μόλις ήλθε σ εκείνο το μέρος, σήκωσε τα μάτια του ο Ιησούς και τον είδε και του είπε Ζακχαίε, κατέβα γρήγορα, γιατί σήμερα πρέπει να μείνω στο σπίτι σου. Και ο Ζακχαίος κατέβηκε αμέσως και υποδέχτηκε τον Ιησού με χαρά. Όλοι τότε που το είδαν τούτο εγόγγυζαν και έλεγαν πως μπήκε να φιλοξενηθεί στο σπίτι ενός αμαρτωλού ανθρώπου. Ο Ζακχαίος όμως στάθηκε μπροστά στον Ιησού και του είπε «Να τα μισά από τα υπάρχοντα μου, Κύριε, τα δίνω στους φτωχούς και αν τύχει και έκλεψα κανενός του το δίνω πίσω τετραπλάσιο». Τότε του είπε ο Ιησούς «Σήμερα έγινε σωτηρία σε τούτο το σπίτι, γιατί και αυτός είναι παιδί του Αβραάμ. Γιατί ο υιός του ανθρώπου ήλθε για να ψάξει να βρει και να σώσει τους χαμένους». 2

Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιµον. Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε 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. Seasonal Kontakion Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου, καὶ χείρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νὺν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος. Hymns of the Week Resurrectional Apolytikion From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee. 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 Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One. Thank you for your donations of olive oil for the altar kandelia The Church always needs oil so please continue to bring your donations. 3

MEMORIAL SERVICE - +ΙΕΡΟ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΟ+ Trisagion + Anthony Miceli 40day memorial service for +Athena Marakas given by her family 8year memorial service for + Eirini Renee Salivaras given by her family Memorial services for +Dimitrios and Andonia given by Savas Savidas May their Memory be Eternal! Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτών! 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 727-849-0544 or 1-352-277-6545 Did you know this about Memorial Services and Kolyva : Memorial services may not be chanted from the Saturday of Lazarus through the Sunday of Thomas on any Feast days of the Lord or any Feast days of the Theotokos. Koliva is boiled wheat with a combination of some or all of the following ingredients: powdered sugar, almonds, ground walnuts, sesame seeds, cinnamon, pomegranate seeds, raisins, anise, parsley and more. Koliva is made for memorials, typically on Saturdays of the Souls, and according to different traditions, the day of a Funeral, the 40 th day after death, 3 rd month, 6 th month, 9 th month, annually, and even sometimes just on big anniversaries only, such as 5 years, 10 years, etc. You may also have Kolyva on the funeral day but ONLY boiled wheat no sweetness is added. Sweetness is added on the 40day memorial and thereafter. In John s Gospel we find this quote, Christ said, Unless a wheat grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24) As Orthodox Christians we are awaiting the 2 nd Coming and the General Resurrection of the dead, through Christ we have Life! But, remembering the memory of our deceased beloved ones is an opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed as well as a way to help us heal from the death. 4

Philoptochos Honors Saint through Vasilopita Every year Philoptochos Chapters across America host a luncheon and offer Vasilopita for sale or auction to benefit the Saint Basil Academy, a Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Institution in Garrison New York. This event provides a major source of funding for the Academy s operating expenses. Vasilopita is a sweet cake or bread baked in honor of Saint Basil. A coin is baked in the Vasilopita reminding us of Saint Basil s generosity to the poor. The saint would hide money in baked goods to give alms to the poor while maintaining their dignity. Although many people continue to refer to the Saint Basil Academy as an orphanage, it is so much more. The academy provides for orphans, but also for children of chronically ill or destitute parents, or children from broken homes. Saint Basil Academy was purchased by the Philoptochos Society in 1944. The property, known as the Rupert Estate, consists of 250 scenic acres located on the shores of the Hudson River, directly across from the United States Military Academy at West Point. The multiple chapters of the Philoptochos support the St. Basil Academy through a Sisterhood fund which provides for the physical needs of the children, including clothing, furnishings, equipment and other essentials for the dormitories and kitchens; graduation celebrations, and awards and gifts. Additionally, the Fund facilitates the mission of Saint Basil Academy which is to shelter, protect, love and educate the youth so that they grow up to be healthy, wholesome, well-rounded Orthodox Christians, as well as productive members of society with vision and hope. Over the past 10 years, National Philoptochos has contributed approximately $4 million to the Academy. Who was Saint Basil? Saint Basil was the first person in human history to establish an orphanage for little children. He also founded the first Christian hospital in the world. His fame as a Holy Man spread like wildfire throughout the Byzantine world. He was considered one of the most wise and compassionate clergymen in the entire history of the Church. His Feast Day is observed on January 1st, the beginning of the New Year and the Epiphany season. The Church, therefore, in respect for his many contributions to the Church and to mankind in general, combined the joy and happiness of the New Year with the glory of the birth of Christ, and the Epiphany into what is known in the Orthodox Church as the Vasilopita Observance. The Vasilopita is a joyous observance, and it is a custom which should not be neglected by Greek Orthodox Christians in the Western world. It should be retained annually in the home and in the parish. It is a wonderful way to begin each New Year which God has given to the world. If you have been holding the observance in your home, congratulations! Please continue to do so. If you have not, hopefully this information has explained to you how to do it. We urge you to begin this year and make it a "family gathering" every year on Saint Basil's Day/New Year's Day, the 8th day of Christmas. OFFICE UPDATE : Thank you for your patience! 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 727-967-2178 for the office please contact 727-868-5911 and leave a message so that the office may return your call. Thank You! Needed Immediately Commercial Grade Vacuum Cleaner Contact the church office 727-868-5911 if you wish to donate this item. 6

Please see Koulla Mitchel for tickets for this event! Or you may contact her at 727-844-0620 or 727-267-0072 7

January 25 This great Father and Teacher of the Church was born in 329 in Arianzus, a village of the second district of Cappadocia, not far from Nazianzus. His father, who later became Bishop of Nazianzus, was named Gregory (commemorated Jan. 1), and his mother was named Nonna (Aug. 5); both are among the Saints, and so are his brother Caesarius (Mar. 9) and his sister Gorgona (Feb. 23). At first he studied in Caesarea of Palestine, then in Alexandria, and finally in Athens. As he was sailing from Alexandria to Athens, a violent sea storm put in peril not only his life but also his salvation, since he had not yet been baptized. With tears and fervour he besought God to spare him, vowing to dedicate his whole self to Him, and the tempest gave way to calm. At Athens Saint Gregory was later joined by Saint Basil the Great, whom he already knew; but now their acquaintanceship grew into a lifelong brotherly love. Another fellow student of theirs in Athens was the young Prince Julian, who later as Emperor was called the Apostate because he denied Christ and did all in his power to restore paganism. Even in Athens, before Julian had thrown off the mask of piety; Saint Gregory saw what an unsettled mind he had, and said, "What an evil the Roman State is nourishing" (Orat. V, 24, PG 35:693). After their studies at Athens, Gregory became Basil's fellow ascetic, living the monastic life together with him for a time in the hermitages of Pontus. His father ordained him presbyter of the Church of Nazianzus, and Saint Basil consecrated him Bishop of Sasima (or Zansima), which was in the archdiocese of Caesarea. This consecration was a source of great sorrow to Gregory, and a cause of misunderstanding between him and Basil; but his love for Basil remained unchanged, as can be plainly seen from his Funeral Oration on Saint Basil (Orat. XLIII). About the Year 379, Saint Gregory came to the assistance of the Church of Constantinople, which had already been troubled for forty years by the Arians; by his supremely wise words and many labours he freed it from the corruption of heresy, and was elected Archbishop of that city by the Second Ecumenical Council, which assembled there in 381, and condemned Macedonius, Archbishop of Constantinople, the enemy of the Holy Spirit. When Saint Gregory came to Constantinople, the Arians had taken all the churches and he was forced to serve in a house chapel dedicated to Saint Anastasia the Martyr. From there he began to preach his famous five sermons on the Trinity, called the Triadica. When he left Constantinople two years later, the Arians did not have one church left to them in the city. Saint Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), who was presiding over the Second Ecumenical Council, died in the course of it, and Saint Gregory was chosen in his stead; there he distinguished himself in his expositions of dogmatic theology. Having governed the Church until 382, he delivered his farewell speech - the Syntacterion, in which he demonstrated the Divinity of the Son - before 150 bishops and the Emperor Theodosius the Great; in this speech he requested, and received from all, permission to retire from the see of Constantinople. He returned to Nazianzus, where he lived to the end of his life, and reposed in the Lord in 391, having lived some sixty-two years. His extant writings, both prose and poems in every type of metre, demonstrate his lofty eloquence and his wondrous breadth of learning. In the beauty of his writings, he is considered to have surpassed the Greek writers of antiquity, and because of his God-inspired theological thought, he received the surname "Theologian." Although he is sometimes called Gregory of Nazianzus, this title belongs properly to his father; he himself is known by the Church only as Gregory the Theologian. He is especially called "Trinitarian Theologian," since in virtually every homily he refers to the Trinity and the one essence and nature of the Godhead. Hence, Alexius Anthorus dedicated the following verses to him: Like an unwandering star beaming with splendour, Thou bringest us by mystic teachings, O Father, To the Trinity's sunlike illumination, O mouth breathing with fire, Gregory most mighty. 8

Apolytikion of Gregory the Theologian The pastoral flute of your theology conquered the trumpets of orators. For it called upon the depths of the Spirit and you were enriched with the beauty of words. Intercede to Christ our God, O Father Gregory, that our souls may be saved. Kontakion of Gregory the Theologian O Glorious One, you dispelled the complexities of orators with the words of your theology. You have adorned the Church with the vesture of Orthodoxy woven from on high. Clothed in this, the Church now cries out to your children, with us, "Hail Father, the consummate theological mind." What is Christian Stewardship? Life on Earth is a Gift One day, a person complained to his priest that the Church and Christianity is one continual give, give, give. To which the priest replied, Thank you very much for the finest definition of Christianity I have ever heard. You re right, Christianity is all about a constant give, give, give. God giving His only Son to the world to show His unconditional love. His Son Jesus giving His life on the cross to forgive our sins and destroy death. Then our Lord s disciples giving all they had to make sure God s Good News of love was preached to all people everywhere. They not only gave away their homes and businesses, but even gave up their lives as martyrs in gratitude to God! In times of trouble or worry, especially over our career, we call upon God to strengthen us, to provide opportunity and to bring us success. When we achieve some measure of worldly success, it is easy to say to ourselves as we read in the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy (8:17), My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But the next verse quickly reminds us, Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. Life on earth is a gift. The work we do is also a gift if we see it as an opportunity to serve God and others. Saint Paul instructs us, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23). When we see our work in this way, we are able to become Christian stewards of our work. Christian Stewardship Is... learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ s redeeming love. caring for the needs of others. offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. what a person does after saying I believe, as proof of that belief. devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as parish, as diocese/ metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal. JOIN US FOR STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY JANUARY 28TH, 2018 9

St George Dance Group Congratulations Patrida Dance Group Our high school group Patrida participated at the Hellenic Dance Festival competition this past weekend in Orlando. There were 42 groups that competed in 6 categories divided into 2 Divisions. These groups represented many parishes from our metropolis and from Chicago and Denver. Patrida competed in the Intermediate category and out of 8 groups they placed and won a Bronze Medal!! We are very proud of our dancers!! They represented St George, their faith and culture with dignity and respect. They had a wonderful weekend bonding together, dancing together and making memories they will cherish forever! We would like to thank Father Gregory, the Parish Council, our Youth Director Alex, parishioners, parents and everyone that has supported the dance group! We couldn t have done this without you! Georgia Rigas Dance Director 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! 10

ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ Aγιασμός για το Σπιτη σας! Παρακαλούμε συμπληρώστε την φόρμα και να το επιστρέψει στο γραφείο της Εκκλησία Παρακαλούμε εκτυπώστε τακτοποιημένα την φόρμα για να αναφέρετε την ημερομηνία και την ωρα που επιθυμείτε το αγιασμό σας να γινη. Στείλτε την φορμα στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας, ή φέρτε το μαζί σας στην εκκλησία την Κυριακή. H γραμματέα της εκκλησία θα σας ενημερώσει και θα βεβαιώσει την ημερομηνία και την ώρα του Aγιασμό σας. According to the Greek Orthodox tradition, the month of January is the time for home blessings. If you wish for Fr. Gregory to come and bless your home or business, please complete the form and return it to the Church office. Please print neatly. Our St. George family extends its congratulations and warmest wishes to Theofanis Katsiklis on his ordination to the to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, February 4, 2018 in St. Augustine, Florida. For bus transportation please contact Tina Wilson 727-271-3061 Space is limited and on a first come basis. 2018 CHURCH CALENDARS ARE HERE! ΗΜΕΡΟΛΟΓΙΑ 2018 ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΤΟΙΜΑ. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FROM FATHER GREGORY AND THE PARISH COUNCIL! 2018 CHURCH CALENDARS ARE HERE! YOU MAY PICK THEM UP FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE! ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΠΑΤΕΡ ΓΡΗΓΟΡΙ ΚΑΙ ΤΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ. TA ΗΜΕΡΟΛΟΓΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ 2018 ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΤΟΙΜΑ. ΠΕΡΑΣΤΕ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΤΕ ΤΟ ΗΜΕΡΟΛΟΓΙΟ ΣΑΣ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ! Acolytes - (Altar Boys) The Acolytes are a group of dedicated males who desire to serve their church in special way by assisting the priest during the Divine Liturgy. Any young man is eligible to join. If you are interested in learning more or would like to join the Acolytes, please contact Alex Limberatos or Vasili Major 727-868-5911 13

Ο Ιησούς Xριστός κατά το σημερινό ευαγγελικό ανάγνωσμα πορεύεται προς την αρχαία και ιστορική πόλη της Ιεριχούς. Η πόλη αυτή θυμίζει στους Ιουδαίους τον κόσμο των ειδώλων και τις ιστορικές περιπέτειες της φυλής τους, όταν πορεύονταν προς την αγία γη της Ιουδαίας, τη γη της επαγγελίας του Θεού. Η Ιεριχώ είχε αντισταθεί σταθερά στη πορεία των Εβραίων και αποτέλεσε τον μέγιστο κίνδυνο της ιστορικής τους επιβίωσης. Η Ιεριχώ συμβόλιζε τον αντίθετο κόσμο των εθνικών, ενώ η Ιερουσαλήμ συμβόλιζε τον τόπο της εκπλήρωσης των υποσχέσεων του Θεού. Ωστόσο, όταν ο Ιησούς Χριστός έφτασε στην Ιεριχώ πλήθος κόσμου από όλα τα κοινωνικοοικονομικά στρώματα μαζεύτηκε για να τον δει. Έτσι και ο Ζακχαίος θέλησε να συναντήσει τον Ιησού, αφού άλλωστε φλεγόταν από την εσωτερική του επιθυμία, για να Τον δει ιδίοις όμμασι. Λόγω όμως της κοσμοσυρροής και του ότι ο Ζακχαίος ήταν μικρόσωμος δεν μπορούσε να έχει οπτική επαφή με τον Ιησού. Χωρίς, λοιπόν, να σκεφτεί την κοινωνική του θέση και την προσωπική του αξιοπρέπεια σκαρφάλωσε μεμιάς σε μια συκομοριά, λες και ήταν μικρό παιδί. Αγνόησε αφενός κατ αυτό τον τρόπο τα πικρά σχόλια και τα πειράγματα των υπολοίπων και αφετέρου αξιώθηκε να δει τον Κύριο, αλλά και να αποκτήσει κάτι πολύ αξιότερο, την προσωπική επαφή. «Ζακχαίε, σπεύσας κατάβηθι. Σήμερον γαρ εν τω οίκω σου δει με μείναι», οπόταν όχι μόνο ο Κύριος απευθύνθηκε ονομαστικά στο Ζακχαίο, αλλά του είπε ότι θα πάει και στο σπίτι του για να δειπνήσει μαζί του. Όπως ήταν φυσικό, αυτό προκάλεσε την άμεση αντίδραση όλων όσων ήταν με τον Ιησού και τον κατέκριναν ότι «παρά αμαρτωλώ ανδρί εισήλθε καταλύσαι». Ας μην ξεχνάμε ότι οι θρησκευτικοί άρχοντες του Ισραήλ ασφαλώς αποστρέφονταν το Ζακχαίο, διότι τον θεωρούσαν άδικο, μολυσμένο και αμαρτωλό, αφού ήταν αρχιτελώνης. Οι τελώνες νοικίαζαν τους φόρους μιας περιοχής και προκειμένου να πάρουν πίσω όσα τους οφείλουν, έφτανα στο σημείο να πωλήσουν όλα τα υπάρχοντα αυτού που τους χρωστούσε. Η λέξη «τελώνης» στη συνείδηση των Ιουδαίων, ήταν συνώνυμη της λέξης «αμαρτωλός». Ο Χριστός όμως διαφοροποιείται από αυτούς, αφού τον κέρδισε η ένθερμη επιθυμία που είχε ο Ζακχαίος. Ο Ζακχαίος ήθελε τόσο πολύ να δει τον Χριστό, ώστε Του τράβηξε αμέσως την προσοχή. Η επιθυμία άλλωστε είναι η αρχή του παντός. Όπως λέει το ευαγγέλιο «όπου γαρ εστίν ο θησαυρός υμών, εκεί έσται και η καρδία υμών»(ματθ. 6,21). Τα πάντα στη ζωή μας αρχίζουν με κάποια επιθυμία, επειδή ό,τι επιθυμούμε είναι και αυτό που αγαπούμε και αυτό στο οποίο τελικά παραδινόμαστε. Γνωρίζουμε πως ο Ζακχαίος αγαπούσε το χρήμα και κατά τη δική του ομολογία γνωρίζουμε πως για να το αποκτήσει δεν είχε κανένα ενδοιασμό να κλέβει τους άλλους. Ο Ζακχαίος, λοιπόν, ήταν πλούσιος και αγαπούσε τον πλούτο, αλλά μέσα του ανακάλυψε μια άλλη επιθυμία, ουσιαστικότερη, και αυτή η επιθυμία έγινε το κομβικό σημείο της ζωής του. Ο Ιησούς Χριστός σε καμία περίπτωση δεν κρίνει τους ανθρώπους σύμφωνα με την καταγωγή τους ή την πορεία της ζωής τους και εν γένει της συμπεριφοράς τους, όπως έκαναν οι Γραμματείς και οι Φαρισαίοι. Ο Κύριος βλέπει βαθύτερα στην ψυχή των ανθρώπων, γι αυτό δεν έκρινε το Ζακχαίο σύμφωνα με τις αδικίες που είχε διαπράξει, αλλά του έδωσε την ευκαιρία να μετανοήσει. Αν άλλωστε ο Κύριος συμπεριφερόταν προς το Ζακχαίο όπως του συμπεριφέρονταν οι υπόλοιποι, δε θα είχε την ευκαιρία να επανορθώσει. Άλλωστε αξιοσημείωτο αποτελεί το γεγονός ότι ο Ζακχαίος δεν μοίρασε την περιουσία του όταν τον κατέκριναν οι άλλοι, αλλά όταν ο Ιησούς, πλησιάζοντάς τον, του είπε ότι θα πάει στο σπίτι του. O Ζακχαίος μετανοεί έμπρακτα: «ιδού τα ημίση των υπαρχόντων μου, Κύριε, δίδωμι τοις πτωχοίς, και ει τινός τι εσυκοφάντησα, αποδίδωμι τετραπλούν». Δίνει τα μισά του υπάρχοντα στους φτωχούς και όποιον αδίκησε, του το ανταποδίδει στο τετραπλό. Μεγάλη η μετάνοια του Ζακχαίου! Με την πράξη του αυτή ο Ζακχαίος δικαιώνεται από τον Κύριο: «σήμερον σωτηρία τω οίκω τούτω 14

εγένετο, καθότι και αυτός υιός Αβραάμ εστίν. Ήλθε γαρ ο υιός του ανθρώπου ζητήσαι και σώσαι το απολωλός». Η αμοιβή του ήταν το ίδιο άμεση με την απόφασή του να επανορθώσει για τις αδικίες που έκανε. Όπως ο τελώνης χωρίς αναβολή για το αύριο, μοίρασε αμέσως το μισό της περιουσίας του και αποκατέστησε τις φορολογικές του αδικίες στο τετραπλάσιο, το ίδιο και ο Ιησούς Χριστός τον βεβαιώνει ότι του παρέχεται η χάρη της σωτηρίας. Επίσης με αυτό το λόγο ο Κύριος ήθελε να γίνει κατανοητό σε όλους ότι δεν ήρθε στη γη, για να εγκαταστήσει μια τάξη ευνοούμενων, αλλά για να αναζητήσει και να σώσει τους αμαρτωλούς. Παράλληλα η Εκκλησία μας καλεί να θυμηθούμε την ύπαρξη του εσωτερικού ανθρώπου και να θορυβηθούμε από τον δίχως νόημα καταναλωτικό παραλογισμό μέσα στον οποίο βρισκόμαστε. Όταν αρχίσουμε να φιλοξενούμε το Θεό μέσα μας, τότε θα συμφιλιωθούμε και με τους άλλους ανθρώπους. Το ίδιο έπραξε και ο Ζακχαίος. Την αγάπη που του χάρισε απλόχερα ο Χριστός, την προσφέρει τώρα αφειδώλευτα στους άλλους ανθρώπους. Αυτή η αγάπη χάρισε στο Ζακχαίο τη σωτηρία του. Τώρα ο Ζακχαίος με την πίστη, την αγάπη και τη μετάνοια μεταμορφώθηκε από αμαρτωλός και έγινε το υπόδειγμα του σωσμένου ανθρώπου για τον υπόλοιπο κόσμο. Ο Ζαχκαίος γίνεται κοινωνός του Χριστού, μέλος της Εκκλησίας και πολίτης της Βασιλείας του Θεού. Την ισχυρή αυτοπεποίθηση του πλούτου αντικαθιστά η ταπείνωση, η παιδική απλότητα και η επιθυμία να δει τον Χριστό. Αναμφίβολα, μέσα στην καταναλωτική φρενίτιδα που διανύουμε, οι πλείστοι των ανθρώπων προσπαθούν εναγωνίως να αυξήσουν τα αγαθά τους και να βελτιώσουν το βιοτικό τους επίπεδο με όλες τις τελευταίες εξελίξεις. Μέσα σε όλο το τρέξιμο για το γέμισμα του απύθμενου πιθαριού τους έχουν λησμονήσει την πνευματική τους καλλιέργεια. Ευτυχώς όμως ο Ιησούς Χριστός είναι συνέχεια εκεί και περιμένει να φιλοξενηθεί στις καρδιές όλων των ανθρώπων, όπως φιλοξενήθηκε στο σπίτι του Ζακχαίου. Όσα λάθη και όσα αμαρτήματα έχουμε διαπράξει ο Κύριος μπορεί να μας προσφέρει το μεγάλο θησαυρό της πίστεως και της σωτηρίας, αρκεί να δεχτούμε την πρόσκληση να τον φιλοξενήσουμε, όπως ο Ζακχαίος, στο ναό της καρδιάς μας. Η περικοπή αυτή είναι ακόμη ένα κάλεσμα σε μετάνοια. 15

ST. GEORGE PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS 17

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 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. 18

*************************************************************************************** For tickets and information contact Roula 727-967-9584 or on Sunday after coffee hour in the Kontos hall. First time in America Giorgos Veros LIVE! Tickets $35 under 18 years $20 Για εισιτήρια και πληροφορίες επικοινωνήστε με τη Ρούλα 727-967-9584 ή την Κυριακή μετά από ώρα καφέ στην αίθουσα Kontos. Πρώτη φορά στην Αμερική Γιώργος Βέρος LIVE! Εισιτήρια $ 35 κάτω των 18 ετών $ 20 19

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: 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 20

BULLETIN SPONSOR FORM If you would like to sponsor an issue of the St. George Weekly Bulletin Please contact the Church Office and speak with Antonia 727-868-5911 from 9am -4pm Monday thru Friday Requests will need to be made by Tuesday 2 weeks prior the Bulletin issue The Bulletin donation is $50.00 payable to St. George Greek Orthodox Church Stewardship 2018 Forms are available at the church office or the pangari Stewardship committee waiting to assist you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you! John 20:21 Be a Part of the St. George Team!!! Stewardship is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values, to express our thankfulness for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us, and to grow in grace. Complete your 2018 Commitment Card today! 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 Watch all our Church Services LIVE from your Computer, laptop or your smartphone! www.stgeorgetampabay.org Τώρα μπορείτε να βλέπετε ζωντανά τις Ιερές ακολουθείες από τον υπολογιστή σας ή το τηλέφωνό σας!!! Bible Verse: A Rich Man is not one who has much but one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever. +St. John Chrysostom 21

St. George offers 3 bible study sessions under the direction of +Fr. Gregory *********************************************************** Adult Bible Study/Catechism Wednesday evening at 7pm Kontos Community Hall Join us on Wednesday evenings as we learn more about the Orthodox faith. We are currently reading a book that studies the similarities and differences between Orthodoxy and other Christian confessions and faiths. There is always room for Q&A. This group is aimed at both those who are interested in joining the Orthodox Church, as well as Orthodox who want to learn more about their faith. Everything is in English. The study is proceeded by prayer from 6:00-7:00 PM in the chapel. ****************************************************************************** Greek Bible Study Meets every Wednesday afternoon, 1:00-2:30 PM with a potluck lunch. Join us on Wednesdays for a potluck lunch as we read through a Greek spiritual text. We are currently in a study of the Divine Liturgy. The book and conversation are in Modern Greek Κύκλος μελέτης στα ελληνικά Kάθε Τετάρτη από τις 1.00pm-2.30pm Ελάτε! **************************************************************************** Women s Bible study Thursday morning at 10:30am Discussion about faith, religion and family life. Focus on Family Life! +Father Gregory Welcomes you ALL Thank you to all those that attend weekly! 22

PRAYER LIST FOR OUR TROOPS ZOE LEKAKIS, MARINES ALEXI LAKE, MARINES 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! The church will be collecting toiletry items for military care packages for our troops. Items such as shavers, shaving cream, wipes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, foot powder ect.. Also stationery items and stamps. You may drop off your donated items to the Church office If you wish to donate towards the gifts for our next Divine Liturgy please contact the Church office and speak with Antonia at 727-868-5911 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. 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. 727-207-1335 Stavroula Grivas Tel. 727-857-0071 You may also log onto the website www.stgeorgenpr.org 23

Thank you to our bulletin sponsors for your continued support with advertising your business in our weekly bulletins. 25

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 Monday 01/22 Tuesday 01/23 Goya and Dance practice Tuesdays from 7-8 Greek Dance (younger kids) Wednesday 01/24 1:00PM GREEK BIBLE STUDY 6:00PM GREEK SCHOOL Vespers with Artoklasia, 6:00-7:00 PM. St. Gregory the Theologian, 7:00pm 8:30pm Adult Bible Study/Catechism 6.00-7:00μμ. Αγ. Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου, Εσπερινός μετ Αρτοκλασίας Thursday 01/25 Matins 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. St. Gregory the Theologian, Women s bible study Kontos Hall following Divine liturgy Όρθρος 8.30πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30πμ. Αγ. Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου, 6:30pm Choir practice in the church Friday 01/26 3:00pm 6:30pm Friday Night Saturday 01/27 Sunday 01/28 6:00-6:45 PM. Great Vespers 6.00-6:45μμ. Μ. Εσπερινός, Matins 8:15 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. Sunday School Όρθρος 8.15 πμ και Θεία Λειτουργία 9.30 πμ. LOVE AND LOSS GROUP On going Bereavement (Grief) Support Group. All are welcome who have experienced a death, recent or past. You may join at any time. FREE! MONDAYS, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. A series of on-going (six weeks on, two weeks off). Next dates: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12 3/5, 3/12, 3/19,4/9, 4/16 (NO GROUP 4/2). Kontos Community Center at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. For more information call (352) 942-7424 27