Saints RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS, & IRENE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos 3074 Bethelview Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-5250 www.stsrni.org officeadmin@stsrni.org facebook.com/sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Read our daily devotionals at www.faithencouraged.org July 29, 2018 Ninth Sunday of Matthew Current Sts Raphael Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church Cumming, Georgia Today is Fast Free No fasting restrictions.
Welcome to all visitors who are worshiping with us this morning. Please join us for Coffee Hour afterwards in the Parish Life Center ( PLC ). Reminder: If there is ever a luncheon prepared for donations to the church and you wish not to participate, the coffee and treats table is always available to everyone without a donation. Fellowship is the main focus of this time together! Visitors Meet & Greet with Father Barnabas TODAY, July 29, 2018 Ninth Sunday of Matthew 9:00 a.m. Orthos 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Appointments with Father Barnabas: Fr. Barnabas will be hearing confessions every Saturday from 4-5 pm before Great Vespers. He will also hear confessions by appointment. Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment. Administrative Office Hours: Monday Friday; 10 a.m. 4:00 p.m. *Are you interested in being a part of the Orthodox Church? If so, the Journey to Fullness classes will resume in the Fall at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Please call the church office if you are interested in attending. Visit the Gift Shop at the PLC for Inspiration and Gifts Friendly Reminder: The Orthodox Church practices closed communion. This means only Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared to receive the Eucharist should approach the Chalice at communion. If you have any questions, please see Fr. Barnabas after service. Parish Council Ushers For Today: Sandy Athenson & Len Vanerstrom Coffee Hour: The Ralston Family Parish Council of 2018: Kosta Bozzuto, President; Rusty Waldron, Vice President; Len Vanerstrom, Secretary; David Chapman, Treasurer; Sandy Athenson, David Boyd, John Donkar, Tasso Kefalas, Helen McCart, Greg Pappas, Anne Trainor, and Plutarch Vamvakias Acolytes: Jacob and Jimmy Atkinson, Zackery Bethune, David Druffner, Spiro Kefalas, Christos Kaloudis, Thomas Miller, Mike Trainor, Aristotle & Alexander Theofilis, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos, Christos Zourzoukis, Senior Acolytes: Johnny Melts Please say a special prayer for the following Individuals: Ruth, Al, Ana S., Ashley, Ava, Austin Cohen, Bruce, Carrie, Elizabeth, Estelle S., Fred, Gus P., Jim, Katherine, Kim, Perry, A. Harris, John Havins; D. Jeffrey, Jo, Lockie G., Mariann, Maria, Marilyn, Mary M., Mr. Moss, Nicole, A. Papandreou, Shawn, Mary S., Victor, Patsy, Joanne, Walter, Vasilios and S. & K. Yalanzon. Dennis Sparks and Richard Bethune are recovering from the transplant surgery. Please keep them in your prayers. Mary Samaltanos is now in Long Term Care at Cumming Health and Rehab Center, 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone (770) 781-2300. Please take a moment to visit her or send her a card.
9 th Sunday of Matthew On this day we also commemorate: The Holy Martyr Callinicus, Theodota the Martyr and her Children, Holy Virgin Martyr Theodota. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the Fourth Tone Because of the finding of your holy relics, wise one, * the Island of Lesvos has been filled fully with the grace, * which God richly gave to you. * You, O devout martyr Raphael, paradoxically * appeared to many people, and you grant cures and healings. * And therefore we the faithful re-joice in all your miracles. Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the First Tone To the offspring of Ithaca, the pride and joy of Lesvos, * monastic martyrs glory, let us offer to Raphael our songs of praise; * for lately he appeared, and pours out cures and healings to us all. * Inexplicably he appears to believers, both in dreams and awake, who cry: * Glory to Christ who gave you His might. * Glory to Him who gave you miracles. * Glory to Him who through you fulfills our prayerful requests. Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Singers and Chanters: Richard Bethune, Tabitha Bethune, Anthony Birozes, David Boyd, Lynne Lucher, and Jimmy Smith Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You. Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Tone Upon the mountain were You transfigured, and Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they were able, O Christ our God; so that when they would see You crucified they might understand that Your Passion was deliberate, and declare to the world that in truth You are the Father's radiance. Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed ones; wherefore we honor you, O Godbearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors with the Lord.
EPISTLE READING Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 4. Psalm 75.11,1 Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them. Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel. The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17 Brethren, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are. Προκείμενον. Ήχος πλ. δ'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1 Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 3:9-17 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, Θεοῦ γάρ ἐσμεν συνεργοί θεοῦ γεώργιον, θεοῦ οἰκοδομή ἐστε. Κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι, ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον τέθεικα, ἄλλος δὲ ἐποικοδομεῖ. Ἕκαστος δὲ βλεπέτω πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ. Θεμέλιον γὰρ ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι παρὰ τὸν κείμενον, ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. Εἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον τοῦτον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην, ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει, ὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον ὁποῖόν ἐστιν τὸ πῦρ δοκιμάσει. Εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον μένει ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν, μισθὸν λήψεται. Εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται, ζημιωθήσεται αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται, οὕτως δὲ ὡς διὰ πυρός. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς θεοῦ ἐστε, καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν; Εἴ τις τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ φθείρει, φθερεῖ τοῦτον ὁ θεός ὁ γὰρ ναὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἅγιός ἐστιν, οἵτινές ἐστε ὑμεῖς.
The Gospel According to Matthew 14:22-34 THE GOSPEL READING At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 14:22-34 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠνάγκασεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς μαθητὰς ἐμβῆναι εἰς τὸ πλοῖον καὶ προάγειν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ πέραν, ἕως οὗ ἀπολύσῃ τοὺς ὄχλους. Καὶ ἀπολύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος κατ ἰδίαν προσεύξασθαι. ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης μόνος ἦν ἐκεῖ. Τὸ δὲ πλοῖον ἤδη σταδίους πολλοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἀπεῖχεν, βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων, ἦν γὰρ ἐναντίος ὁ ἄνεμος. Τετάρτῃ δὲ φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς ἦλθεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς περιπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν. Οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης περιπατοῦντα ἐταράχθησαν λέγοντες ὅτι Φάντασμά ἐστιν, καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ φόβου ἔκραξαν. Εὐθὺς δὲ ἐλάλησεν [ὁ Ιησοῦς] αὐτοῖς λέγων, Θαρσεῖτε, ἐγώ εἰμι μὴ φοβεῖσθε. Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν, Κύριε, εἰ σὺ εἶ, κέλευσόν με ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σὲ ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, Ελθέ. καὶ καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ πλοίου ὁ Πέτρος περιεπάτησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα καὶ ἦλθεν πρὸς τὸν Ιησοῦν. Βλέπων δὲ τὸν ἄνεμον ἐφοβήθη, καὶ ἀρξάμενος καταποντίζεσθαι ἔκραξεν λέγων, Κύριε, σῶσόν με. Εὐθέως δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα ἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ, Ολιγόπιστε, εἰς τί ἐδίστασας; καὶ ἀναβάντων αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ἐκόπασεν ὁ ἄνεμος. Οἱ δὲ ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ λέγοντες, Αληθῶς Θεοῦ υἱὸς εἶ. Καὶ διαπεράσαντες ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν εἰς Γεννησαρέτ.
PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I should dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my vesture will condemn me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me, as You are the one Who loves mankind. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul, and save me. Master Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom.
PARISH NEWS A Meal Train site is being organized by Anne Trainor for the families of Dennis Sparks and Richard Bethune. If you would like more information, please contact Anne Trainor at annetrainor@bellsouth.com. Festival baking starts with cooking Koulourakia on Wednesday, August 2 from 10 am to 2 pm. A flyer will be available on Sunday with the remainder of the August schedule. On Sunday, August 5, His Eminence ALEXIOS of Atlanta Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta will be visiting our church. Bring your family and friends for this wonderful occasion. On September 29th 2018, the Metropolis of Atlanta will be blessed with a special event in our spiritual lives as we receive the miraculous Panagia Vimatarissa icon from the Monastery of Vatopaidi on Mount Athos. Beginning at 11:00 AM, this rare and joyous occasion will take the form of a procession with the icon of the Theotokos into our new Panagia Chapel, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, along with the Monks of Vatopaidi, the clergy of the Metropolis of Atlanta, and a parade group created especially for the event! Together, we will all have the opportunity to venerate the miraculous icon of our Lady, offer glory to our God and Creator, thanking those who made this day possible, and enjoying the fellowship of our Metropolis of Atlanta family. His Eminence hopes to see as many parishioners there as possible, and to that end, asks that you please RSVP with this link. You will not want to miss out on what will surely be a momentous and spiritually joyous event! For questions and additional information, please call Ethel Gjerde, 404-634-9345.
Opportunities to further Serve our Family Promise ministry. August 26 Our next scheduled Family Promise attendees at the church will be August 26. Please mark your calendars. Volunteers will be needed. A link will be provided soon in order to sign up for this group of families. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4ea4a623a57-august August 17 &18- Mega Garage Sale- all host churches will put this event on at Cumming First UMC. Contact Anthony Birozes at Anthony.Birozes@ejgallo.com for more information. Take items to Cumming First UMC on Aug 12, 13, and 14
GAME NIGHT AT STS RNI. August 4, Saturday night after Vespers (approx.. 6:30 p.m.) in the PLC. Enjoy your community while enjoying the air conditioning. All you need is yourself, family, and friends to enjoy playing games. Bring what you prefer to drink and a side dish (not required). The main dinner will be provided. You Are Invited To A Game Night Saturday, August 4, after Vespers (approx. 6:30 p.m.) Sts RNI Parish Life Center Dominoes, Charades, Pictionary. Bring it on! Winners will never let you forget. until they lose! Bring Your Own Board Game to Share if you Dare! Kids Welcome We ll Have Games For Them, Too!
Financial Review: For the week of 7/10/2018 to 7/17/2018 OPERATING ACCOUNT Income = $ 5,898.00 Expenses = $ 5,519.90 Income last 4 weeks = $ 18,064.56 Expenses last 4 weeks = $ 21,941.30 MORTGAGE ACCOUNT Months of mortgage payments on deposit = 1 Save These Dates Sunday School begins Blessing of the Waters and Meet and Greet will begin our new year. Come see the new rooms and meet the teachers on August 12. Regular classes begin on August 19. Sts RNI Greek Festival October 19-21
CALENDAR for July - August 2018 *All classes or meetings are held in the Parish Life Center (PLC) unless otherwise noted* Date Time Event July 29 Sun 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 9 th Sunday of Matthew Orthos Liturgy July 30 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting (PLC) July 31 - Tues 7:00 p.m. Parish Council Meeting (PLC) Aug 1 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Aug 2 Thu 7:00 p.m. Depression/Bipolar Support Meeting Aug 4 - Sat Aug 5- Sun 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Great Vespers Game Night at the PLC 10 th Sunday of Matthew Welcome His Eminence ALEXIOS of Atlanta Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta Orthos Liturgy Memorial for Constantine (Costa) Stavropoulos (father of Sophia and Richard Bethune) Aug 6 Mon 7:00 p.m. Holy Transfiguration Boy Scouts Meeting - PLC Aug 8 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Aug 11 - Sat Aug 12 - Sun 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Prosforo Baking Great Vespers 11 th Sunday of Matthew Orthos Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live Program on Ancient Faith Radio Aug 13 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting - PLC Aug 14 - Tues 6:30 p.m. Great Vespers Aug 15 - Wed Dormition of the Theotokos 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service
Aug 15 - Thu 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Orthros Liturgy Depression/Bipolar Support Group Meeting Aug 18 - Sat 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers Aug 19 - Sun 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12 th Sunday of Matthew Orthos Divine Liturgy Aug 20 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting - PLC Aug 21 - Tue 6:30 p.m. Philoptochos Board Meeting Aug 22 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Strict Fast Aug 23 - Thur 7:00 p.m. Scout Troop 805 Adult only Meeting Aug 25 - Sat 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers Aug 26 - Sun 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. 13 th Sunday of Matthew Orthos Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live Program Family Promise families arrive Aug 27 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting PLC Family Promise Families Aug 28 - Tues 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Beheading of John the Baptist 9 th Hour Prayers Liturgy Strict Fast Family Promise Families Aug 29 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Family Promise Families
Stewardship Commitment for 2018 (111 as of 7/17/18) Go to StsRNI.org website under Giving and fill out your Stewardship Card online Apesos, Thomas Athenson, Sandy & Julie Avery, Tori Barnard, Stephen & Deane Lytle Bauer, Ken ( Ted ) & Kim Bethune, Richard & Sophia Birozes, Anthony Birozes, Mabel Birozes, Renee Bowen, Deborah Bozzuto, Konstantinos & Carolyn Boyd, David & Michelle Brown, Dan & Sophia Brueggen, Geoff & Elise Buzyna, George & Helen Catapano, Athena Chapman, David & Marie Chason, Russell & Chyrisse Christy, Rick & Jan Condos, Connie Crosio, Russell & Stephanie Dimitrakakis, John & Alexis Donkar, George & Alexis Donkar, John & Athena Foxhall, Chris & Liz Galway, Cameron & Peggy Gaspar, Bill & Margaret Gilbert, Rob & Carey Guano, Robert & Jennifer Hagen, Harald & Stamatia Harrell, Justin & Christina Hauge, Michael Hayes, Ann Costakis Henning, Robert (Paul) & Ana Hutka, Steven & Linda Jackson, Reed & Stephanie Johnson, Brent & Nichole Johnson, Jennie Kaloudis, Vasilis & Maria Varthis Kanellas, James Kazozakis Theodore & Soula Levendakis Kefalas, Spiros Kefalas, Tasso & Laura Kefalas, Thalia Kelly, Terry & Tammy Klock, Jacqueline Koulouris, Maria Koulouris, Stanley & Suzanne Ladies Philoptochos Society of Sts RNI Levantis, Alex & Melpo Lopez, Frances Lucher, David & Lynne Lucido, Michael & Aristea Lytle, Archie and Florence Maheras, Tina Maniatis, Dimitris & Vasiliki Manolakis, Yianna Marianes, Bill & Audrey Martin, John & Valerie Marvos, R. Todd & E. Ann McCart, Al & Helen Melts, Johnny & Becky Milam, Bill & Mary Miller, Matthew & Anthanasia Moissiadis, Nikolaos & Argentina Olszowy, Steve & Noreen Oster, Scott & Maria Panos, Nicholas & Theodora Pantazopoulos Constantinos & Evelyn Papadakis, Evan & Nicki Pappas, Gus Pappas, Gregory & Mary Kizer Pappas, Thomas & Lillian Patrick, John & Evon Perry, Michele Midge Ponton, Larry & Marilyn Popa, Mihai & Heidi Powell, Fr. Barnabas & Pres. Connie Powers, Pam Pryles, Vic & Suzi Ralston, Luke & Liz Ridjaneck, Melissa & Nick Smith Ryan, Chad & Joanne Sarmir, W. Jay & Carol Singleton, Kurt & Jen Sofikitis, George & Anna Sofikitis, Estelle Sparks, Dennis & Laura Sparks II, Dennis Sparks, Jacob
Sts. RNI Goya Tadros, Koko & Carol Tanis, Jack & Georgi Taylor, Patrick & Holli Theofolis, Gary & Barbara Thompson, Steve & Thalia Thompson, Craig & Michelle Trainor, Edward & Anne Trainor, Michael Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer Tyre, James & Sharon Tzevelekos, Greg & Evie Vamvakias, Plutarch & Augustina Vanerstrom, Len & Marina Voutas, Chrisoula Waldron, Rusty & Christine Walters, Diane Wilson, Jake & Katherine Yalanzon, Sam & Katherine Zazanis, George & Thalia Bruno Zourzoukis, John & Mildred