Saints Constantine and Helen G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h of Washington, DC 9th Sunday of Matthew August 2, 2015 Please join us on August 11th at 10:00am for The Raising of the Dome to our New Spiritual Home
THE MISSION OF THE STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF WASHINGTON DC in Silver Spring, Maryland is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian faith, to energize, cultivate and guide the life of the Church according to the Orthodox Christian faith and Sacred Tradition. The Church sanctifies the faithful through the Divine Worship, especially the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments, building the spiritual and ethical life of the faithful in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, Sacred Tradition, the doctrines and canons of the Ecumenical and local Synods, the canons of the Holy Apostles and Fathers of the Church and of all other Synods recognized by the Orthodox Church, as interpreted by the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople. The Church serves as a beacon, carrier and witness of the message of Christ to all persons, through Divine Worship, preaching, teaching and living the Orthodox Christian faith. 2
YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον /Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion/Mode pl 4. 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. Τοῦ Πρωτομάρτυρος/Ἠχος δʹ. Βασίλειον διάδημα, ἐστέφθη σὴ κορυφή, ἐξ ἄθλων ὧν ὑπέμεινας, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, μαρτύρων Πρωτόαθλε σὺ γὰρ τὴν Ἰουδαίων ἀπελέγξας μανίαν, εἶδές σου τὸν Σωτῆρα, τοῦ Πατρὸς δεξιόθεν. Αὐτὸν οὖν ἐκδυσώπει ἀεί, ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλήσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεύσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τὴ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣν περίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. For the Proto-martyr/Mode 4 O Stephen, a crown of royalty was laid on your head contests you courageously endured for Christ our God, as first among Martyr saints. You stood in accusation of the raging Judeans; and you saw your Savior at the right hand of the Father. We pray that you will ever entreat Him to save our souls. Apolytikion of Sts. Constantine & Helen Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Ανδρέα Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος, καὶ τοῦ Κορυφαίου αὐτάδελφος, τὸν Δεσπότην τῶν ὅλων Ἀνδρέα ἱκέτευε, εἰρήνην τὴ οἰκουμένη δωρήσασθαι, καὶ ταὶς ψυχαὶς ἡ μῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Apolytikion of St. Andrew 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. Κοντάκιον/Ἦχος βαρύς Ἐπὶ τοῦ ὄρους μετεμορφώθης, καὶ ὡς ἐχώρουν οἱ Μαθηταί σου τὴν δόξαν σου, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἐθεάσαντο, ἵνα ὅταν σε ἴδωσι σταυρούμενον, τὸ μὲν πάθος νοήσωσιν ἑκούσιον, τῷ δὲ κόσμῳ κηρύξωσιν, ὅτι σὺ ὑπάρχεις ἀληθῶς, τοῦ Πατρὸς τὸ ἀπαύγασμα. Kontakion/ Grave Mode 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. 3
Ο ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 6:8-15, 7:1-5, 47-60 Ο δε Στέφανος, γεμάτος πίστιν και δύναμιν Θεού, έκανε μεταξύ του λαού καταπληκτικά θαύματα και υπερφυσικά έργα, που μαρτυρούσαν την αλήθειαν της πίστεως. Μερικοί δε Εβραίοι από την συναγωγήν, που ελέγετο συναγωγή των Λιβερτίνων, των δούλων δηλαδή που είχαν απελευθερώσει οι Ρωμαίοι, και από την συναγωγήν των Κυρηναίων και Αλεξανδρέων καθώς και των Ιουδαίων της Κιλικίας και της Ασίας, εσηκώθηκαν με φανατισμόν και πείσμα και συζητούσαν με τον Στέφανον. Αλλά δεν ημπορούσαν να αντισταθούν εις την σοφίαν και στο πνεύμα, με το οποίον ωμιλούσε ο Στέφανος. Τοτε εδωροδόκησαν και έβαλαν μερικούς άνδρας, οι οποίοι και ήρχισαν να λέγουν ότι ημείς έχομεν ακούσει τον Στέφανον να λέγη βλάσφημα λόγια εναντίον του Μωϋσέως και του Θεού. Και έφεραν αναταραχήν και εξέγερσιν στον λαόν και τους πρεσβυτέρους και τους γραμματείς εναντίον του Στεφάνου, και όλοι μαζή ώρμησαν έξαφνα και ήρπασαν τον Στέφανον και τον έφεραν στο συνέδριον. Και παρουσίασαν ψευδομάρτυρας, οι οποίοι έλεγαν ο άνθρωπος αυτός δεν παύει να λέγη βλάσφημα λόγια εναντίον του αγίου τόπου, δηλαδή του ναού, και εναντίον του Νομου. Διότι ημείς με τα ίδια μας τα αυτιά τον έχομε ακούσει να λέγη ότι ο Ιησούς ο Ναζωραίος θα καταστρέψη αυτόν τον ιερόν τόπον και θα αλλάξη τα ιερά έθιμα, που μας έχει παραδώσει ο Μωϋσής με τον νόμον του. Και όταν όλοι οι δικασταί, που εκάθηντο στο συνέδριον, εγύρισαν τα βλέμματα προς τον Στέφανον, είδαν το πρόσωπόν του ν' ακτινοβολή ωσάν να ήτο πρόσωπον αγγέλου. Είπε δε ο αρχιερεύς πες μας, είναι τάχα αληθινά, όσα καταγγέλλουν οι μάρτυρες; Ο δε Στέφανος είπε άνδρες αδελφοί και πατέρες, ακούσατε. Ο Θεός της δόξης παρουσιάσθηκε στον πρόγονον μας, τον Αβραάμ, όταν ήτο εις την Μεσοποταμίαν, πριν ακόμη κατοικήση εις την Χαρράν. Και είπε εις αυτόν Αναχώρησε από τον τόπον σου και από τους συγγενείς σου και έλα εις περιοχήν, την οποίαν εγώ θα σου δείξω. Τοτε ο Αβραάμ ανεχώρησε από την χώραν των Χαλδαίων και εγκατεστάθη εις την Χαρράν. Από εκεί, μετά τον θάνατον του πατρός του, τον έβαλε ο Θεός να κατοικήση εις την γην αυτήν, εις την οποίαν και σεις τώρα κατοικείτε. Και εν τούτοις δεν του έδωκε εις την περιοχήν αυτήν ως κληρονομίαν ούτε ενός βήματος τόπον. Και όμως είχε υποσχεθη ο Θεός να δώση ως ιδιοκτησίαν την χώραν αυτήν, εις αυτόν τον ίδιον και ύστερα από αυτόν στους απογόνους του, καίτοι όταν υπέσχετο αυτά ο Θεός, δεν είχεν ο Αβραάμ τέκνον. Αλλά ο Σολομών έκτισε ναόν στον Θεόν. Ομως ο Υψιστος δεν κατοικεί εις χειροποιήτους ναούς, όπως άλλωστε και ο προφήτης λέγει Ο ουρανός είναι δι' εμέ θρόνος και η γη υποπόδιον των ποδών μου. Ποίον οίκον ημπορείτε να μου οικοδομήσετε, λέγει ο Κυριος, η ποίος θα είναι ο τόπος της μονίμου παραμονής και αναπαύσεώς μου; Ολα αυτά, που ημπορείτε σεις οι άνθρωποι να μου τα προσφέρετε, δεν τα έχει κάμει το παντοδύναμον χέρι μου; Σκληροτράχηλοι, που δεν θέλετε να σκύψετε το κεφάλι σας ενώπιον του Θεού και που έχετε περικόψει από την καρδίαν σας τας κακίας, έχετε βαρειά τ' αυτιά σας, ώστε να μη ακούετε το θέλημα του Θεού σεις πάντοτε αντιπράττετε και ανθίστασθε στο Πνεύμα το Αγιον, όπως και οι πατέρες σας. Ποίον από τους προφήτας δεν κατεδίωξαν οι πατέρες σας; Αυτοί και εφόνευσαν εκείνους, που προανήγγειλαν, δια την έλευσιν του δικαίου, του οποίου τώρα σεις έχετε γίνει προδόται και φονείς. Σεις οι οποίοι ελάβατε τον νόμον με εντολάς, που ο Θεός σας έδωσε δια μέσου των αγγέλων, και δεν τον εφυλάξατε. Ενώ δε ήκουαν αυτά ησθάνοντο τας καρδίας των να σχίζωνται από άγριον θυμόν και έτριζαν τα δόντια των εναντίων του Στεφάνου. Αυτός δε, γεμάτος Πνεύμα Αγιον, έστρεψε και προσήλωσε το βλέμμα του στον ουρανόν, είδε την δόξαν και λαμπρότητα του ουρανού και τον Ιησούν να στέκεται εις τα δεξιά του Θεού και είπε ιδού, βλέπω ανοιγμένους τους ουρανούς και τον υιόν του ανθρώπου να στέκεται εκ δεξιών του Θεού. Οι σύνεδροι και οι άλλοι Ιουδαίοι, αφού εκραύγασαν με μεγάλην φωνήν, εβούλλωσαν τ' αυτιά των, δια να μη ακούουν τα βλάσφημα τάχα αυτά λόγια του Στεφάνου και ώρμησαν με μια γνώμη όλοι μαζή εναντίον του. Και αφού τον έβγαλαν έξω από την πόλιν, τον λιθοβολούσαν. Και μάρτυρες της κατηγορίας, οι οποίοι, σύμφωνα με τον νόμον, πρώτοι έπρεπε να ρίψουν λίθον εναντίον του καταδίκου, έβγαλαν και αφήκαν προς φύλαξιν τα ρούχα των κοντά εις τα πόδια ενός νέου, που ελέγετο Σαύλος, και ελιθοβολούσαν τον Στέφανον, καθ' ον χρόνον εκείνος επεκαλείτο τον Κυριον και έλεγε Κυριε Ιησού, δέξου το πνεύμα μου. Αφού δε εγονάτισε, εφώναξε με μεγάλην φωνήν Κυριε, μη καταλογίσης εις αυτούς αυτήν την αμαρτίαν. Και αφού είπε την προσευχήν αυτήν της συγγνώμης, εκοιμήθηκε εν Κυρίω. Ο δε Σαύλος επεδοκίμαζε την θανατικήν εκτέλεσιν του Στεφάνου. 4
ΤΗΕ EPISTLE Acts of the Apostles 6:8-15; 7:1-5, 47-60 IN THOSE DAYS, Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated men, who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us." And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel. And the high priest said, "Is this so?" And Stephen said: "Brethren and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, 'Depart from your land and from your kindred and go into the land which I will show you.' Then he departed from the land of the Chaldeans, and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living; yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him in possession and to his posterity after him, though he had no child. "But it was Solomon who built a house for him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands; as the prophet says, 'Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. What house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?' "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it." Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth against him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 5
ΤΟ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα ΤΗΕ GOSPEL Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 14:22-34 Και αμέσως ο Ιησούς ηνάγκασε τους μαθητάς να εισέλθουν στο πλοίον και να πάνε προ αυτού στο απέναντι μέρος, μέχρις ότου αυτός απολύση τα πλήθη του λαού. (Τούτο δε το έκαμε δια να μη παρασυρθούν και οι μαθηταί από τον άκριτον ενθουσιασμόν των ανθρώπων αυτών, που ήθελαν να τον ανακηρύξουν βασιλέα). Αφού δε διέλυσε τα πλήθη, ανέβη στο όρος, δια να προσευχηθή μόνος και απερίσπαστος. Οταν δε άρχισε να νυκτώνη, ήτο μόνος. Το δε πλοίον ευρίσκετο στο μέσον της θαλάσσης και εταλαιπωρείτο πολύ από τα κύματα, διότι ήτο αντίθετος ο άνεμος. Κατά δε τα χαράματα, το τέταρτον τρίωρον της νυκτός, κατά τον χρόνον που η τετάρτη βάρδια των φρουρών ανελάμβανε υπηρεσίαν, ήλθεν ο Ιησούς προς τους μαθητάς περιπατών επάνω εις την θάλασσαν. Οταν δε τον είδαν οι μαθηταί να περιπατή επάνω εις την θάλασσαν, εταράχθησαν και έλεγαν ότι είναι φάντασμα και από τον φόβον έκραξαν. Αμέσως όμως ωμίλησεν ο Ιησούς προς αυτούς και τους είπε θάρρος, εγώ είμαι μη φοβείσθε. Απεκρίθη δε εις αυτόν ο Πετρος και είπε Κυριε, εάν είσαι συ, διάταξέ με να έλθω προς σε περιπατών επάνω εις τα νερά. Ο δε Κυριος του είπε έλα. Κατέβηκε ο Πετρος από το πλοίον και επεριπάτησε επάνω εις τα νερά, δια να έλθη στον Ιησούν. Οταν όμως είδε τον άνεμον ισχυρόν, εφοβήθη, εκλονίσθη η πίστις του, ήρχισε να βυθίζεται και εφώναξε δυνατά λέγων Κυριε σώσε με. Αμεσως δε ο Ιησούς άπλωσε το χέρι του, τον έπιασε και του είπε ολιγόπιστε διατί εκλονίσθης εις την πίστιν και εδειλίασες; Οταν δε ανέβησαν στο πλοίον, έπαυσε ο άνεμος. Οι μαθηταί, που ήσαν στο πλοίον, ήλθαν, εγονάτισαν με σεβασμόν προς αυτόν και είπαν αληθινά συ είσαι Υιός του Θεού. Και αφού διέσχισαν την θάλασσαν, ήλθαν εις την χώραν της Γεννησαρέτ. The Gospel of Matthew 14:22-34 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. 6
Συμβολον Της Πίστεως Πιστεύω εἰς ἕνα Θεόν, Πατέρα, Παντοκράτορα, ποιητὴν οὐρανοῦ καὶ γῆς, ὁρατῶν τε πάντων καὶ ἀοράτων. Καὶ εἰς ἕνα Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ, τὸν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντα πρὸ πάντων τῶν αἰώνων φῶς ἐκ φωτός, Θεὸν ἀληθινὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἀληθινοῦ, γεννηθέντα οὐ ποιηθέντα, ὁμοούσιον τῷ Πατρί, δι' οὗ τὰ πάντα ἐγένετο. Τὸν δι' ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους καὶ διὰ τὴν ἡμετέραν σωτηρίαν κατελθόντα ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ σαρκωθέντα ἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου καὶ Μαρίας τῆς Παρθένου καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα. Σταυρωθέντα τε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου, καὶ παθόντα καὶ ταφέντα. Καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρα κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς. Καὶ ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανοὺς καὶ καθεζόμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Πατρός. Καὶ πάλιν ἐρχόμενον μετὰ δόξης κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς, οὗ τῆς βασιλείας οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. Καὶ εἰς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸ Κύριον, τὸ ζωοποιόν, τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐκπορευόμενον, τὸ σὺν Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ συμπροσκυνούμενον καὶ συνδοξαζόμενον, τὸ λαλῆσαν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν. Εἰς μίαν, Ἁγίαν, Καθολικὴν καὶ Ἀποστολικὴν Ἐκκλησίαν. Ὁμολογῶ ἓν βάπτισμα εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. Προσδοκῶ ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν. Καὶ ζωὴν τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος. Ἀμήν. The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen. Κυριακή Προσευχή Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου. Ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου. Γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον. Καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν. Καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ρῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ. The Lord s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ΕΥΧΕΣ ΠΡΟ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΙΑΣ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ Πιστεύω, Κύριε, και ομολογώ ότι συ ει αληθώς ο Χριστός, ο Υιός του Θεού του ζώντος, ο ελθών εις τον κόσμον αμαρτωλούς σώσαι, ων πρώτος ειμί εγώ. Έτι πιστεύω, ότι τούτο αυτό εστί το αχράντον Σώμα σου και τούτο αυτό εστί το τίμιον Αίμα σου. Δέομαι ουν σου, ελέησόν με και συγχώρησον μοι τα παραπτώματά μου, τα εκούσια και τα ακούσια, τα εν λόγω, τα εν έργω, τα εν γνώσει και αγνοία, και αξίωσόν με ακατακρίτως μετασχείν των αχράντων σου μυστηρίων, εις άφεσιν αμαρτιών, και εις ζωήν αιώνιον. Αμήν. Ιδού βαδίζω προς Θείαν Κοινωνίαν, Πλαστουργέ, μη φλέξης με τη μετουσία, Πυρ γαρ υπάρχεις τους αναξίους φλέγον. Αλλ ουν κάθαρον εκ πάσης με κηλίδος. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το 7
μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. Θεουργόν Αίμα φρίξον, άνθρωπε βλέπων, Άνθραξ γαρ εστί τους αναξίους φλέγων, Θεού το Σώμα, και θεοί με, και τρέφει, Θεοί το πνεύμα, τον δε νουν τρέφει ξένως. Έθελξας πόθω με Χριστέ, και ηλλοίωσας τω θείω έρωτι, αλλά κατάφλεξον πυρί αϋλω τας αμαρτίας μου, και εμπλησθήναι της εν σοι τρυφής καταξίωσον, ίνα τας δύο σκιρτών μεγαλύνω, Αγαθέ, παρουσίας σου. Εν ταις λαμπρότησι των αγίων σου, πως εισελεύσομαι ο ανάξιος; Εάν γαρ τολμήσω συνεισελθείν εις τον νυμφώνα, ο χιτών με ελέγχει. Ότι ουκ έστι του γάμου, και δέσμιος εκβαλούμαι υπό των Αγγέλων, καθάρισον, Κύριε, τον ρύπον της ψυχής μου, και σώσον με, ως φιλάνθρωπος. Δέσποτα φιλάνθρωπε, Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ, ο Θεός μου, μη εις κρίμα μοι γένοιτο τα Άγια ταύτα, δια το ανάξιον είναι με, αλλ εις κάθαρσιν και αγιασμόν ψυχής τε και σώματος, και εις αρραβώνα μελλούσης ζωής και βασιλείας. Εμοί δε το προσκολλάσθαι τω Θεώ αγαθόν εστί, τίθεσθαι εν τω Κυρίω την ελπίδα της σωτηρίας μου. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe, Lord, and I confess, 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. Moreover, I believe that this is Your immaculate Body, and that this is Your precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray to You: have mercy on me, and forgive me my transgressions, those voluntary and involuntary, those in word, those in deed, those in knowledge and those in ignorance; and make me worthy to partake of Your immaculate Mysteries without condemnation, for the remission of sins and life everlasting. Amen. Behold, I approach for divine Communion; Creator, burn me not as I partake; For You are Fire, which burns the unworthy. But, rather, cleanse me from every impurity. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; 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 You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Be awe-stricken, O man, beholding the deifying Blood; For it is a lighted Coal that burns the unworthy. The divine Body both deifies and nourishes me; It deifies the spirit, and wondrously nourishes the mind. You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and by Your divine zeal You have changed me; but burn away my sins with immaterial Fire, and make me worthy to be filled with delight in You; that, leaping for joy, O good One, I may magnify Your two comings. Into the brilliant company of Your saints, how shall I the unworthy enter? For if I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my garment betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels; Lord, cleanse my soul of pollution, and save me, for You love mankind. Master, Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ my God, do not let these Holy Things be to me for judgment because of my unworthiness, but rather may they be for the purification and sanctification of soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave to God, to put my hope of salvation in the Lord. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; 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 You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Master, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Holy One, when You come into Your Kingdom! 8
SAINTS AND FEASTS Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ- August 6 Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5). Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross. 9
40-DAYS BABY BLESSING For your convenience we are letting you know that you can make an appointment to church your baby on the 40th day after its birth, no matter what day that might be. There is no reason that you have to inconvenience the mom and the baby, waiting in the back of the Narthex until the priest is available on a Sunday ONLY. Make an appointment to come to church when it is convenient for you at a time that will not disrupt the baby's routine. ANY day you would like. 9am through 6pm by appointment. Bring the entire family or come just with your husband and the baby. Whatever you want. No waiting no inconvenience. More private time with the priest to talk about the future baptism if you wish. Call the office for an appointment. PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the church office. Constantine, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Louis, Fr. Peter, Kathy, Kalliope, Chris, John, Georgia, Dean, Bill, Sylvia, Zenon, Danielle, Delores, Demetrios, Maria and Harry. PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal me Your servant from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray that You heal me as Your servant and grant me the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. FUTURE MEMORIALS Mr. George Valiotis August 16, 2015 40 Day Memorial 10
Greek Language Ministry: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Greek Language Ministry A unique model for educating our children providing high quality Hellenic education affordable for all families! As stewards of our Church, we have a responsibility to inspire in our children the spiritual and cultural values of our Greek Orthodox heritage so that they can be model members of our Greek Orthodox Church. That is a right for all our children, not a privilege. Our program is open to all families tuition fees are the same regardless of church affiliation. Come see what the excitement is all about and be part of something no other Greek Orthodox Church offers it s children. The first day of classes is Monday August 31! Festival Volunteers: Calling on all ladies and gentlemen of our beloved community of Saints Constantine and Helen! This year's fall festival is fast approaching and your baking skills are needed! Yes guys, you too! The fall festival committee is calling on all bakers and non bakers to get ready to bake! Don't know what to bake?? No problem. Please reach out to Mrs. Harriet Maroules at 301.916.4724 and or Mrs. Nina Alexiou at 301.871.7395. They are experts at baking and will be able to help you to help the church!" Save The Date: Taverna Night -"Nikos Nite" on Sunday, October 18, 2015. More information to follow. Please mark your calendars! Communion Wine: If you are interested in purchasing Commandaria Wine only for the church, please contact the church office at (240) 389-1366 for more information. To keep things consistent we use Commandaria wine for Holy Communion. We appreciate your expression of love for Him in providing us with this particular wine. May God continue to bless you always! Confession: Father Michael is available for confession at your convenience. Please call on his cell phone at (301) 502-2850 or email fm@papouli.net for an appointment. Philoptochos News: There is a collection box in the back of the hall for The Montgomery County Family Center. We are collecting non-perishable items. Please place your donations in the box in the back of the church hall. Thank you for your support for those in need!!! 11
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237 Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s command to let the children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for the children and youth at Saint Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ and by the example of Saint Basil to fulfill the command of our Lord and let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 12
The More You Know Visitation Fr. Michael invites himself to visit with you in the comfort and convenience of your own home, To have you share your journey of the past here in our community, To have Father Michael share with your entire family the Nea Zoe/New Life Building Ministry to date and to understand the path that has brought us to where we are, To share opportunities of decorating God s Holy Temple with Iconography and artifacts, To offer opportunities for your family to help further the completion of this holy calling from God. My dearest brothers and sisters, I was told that many of you are asking about pricing. First of all these are not products that we buy. These are opportunities to externally and physically manifest your love for God and to honor/memorialize a loved one. I do not want to reduce such a holy, personal and precious moment in your life by advertising prices for these HOLY things as they do in the marketplace for common goods. The iconography, artifacts and Building Components are all adorning God's Holy Temple. If you are interested in donating an icon, church furniture or part of our building, please call Fr. Michael for a private appointment to discuss and explore the many possibilities of expressing your love. Fr. Michael on his cell phone 301-502-2850 or E-mail Fr. Michael: fm@papouli.net to set-up a home visit. May God continue to bless you and His church community of Saints Constantine and Helen of Washington, DC 13
Through the Prayers of Our Holy Fathers Fr. Stephen Freeman It is a phrase that is heard frequently in Orthodox services: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, have mercy on us and save us! The meaning of that phrase is enlarged and enlightened in the writings of the Elder Sophrony. The following excerpt is from his book, St. Silouan the Athonite. Prayer for the whole world, for all Adam, in many instances distracts the monk from putting himself at the service of individuals. One may question whether this withdrawing from individual service means refusal of the concrete for the sake of the abstract? Not at all, for the whole Adam is not an abstraction but the most concrete fullness of the human being. The ontological unity of humanity is such that every separate individual overcoming evil in himself inflicts such a defeat on cosmic evil that its consequences have a beneficial effect on the destinies of the whole world. On the other hand, the nature of cosmic evil is such that, vanquished in certain human hypostases [persons] it suffers a defeat the significance and extent of which are quite disproportionate to the number of individuals concerned. A single saint is an extraordinarily precious phenomenon for all mankind. By the mere fact of their existence unknown, maybe, to the world but known to God the saints draw down on the world, on all humanity, a great benediction from God. The Staretz [St. Silouan] writes: Because of these people, I believe the Lord preserves the world, for they are precious in His sight, and God always listens to His humble servants and we are all of us all right because of their prayers. Prayer keeps the world alive and when prayer fails, the world will perish Nowadays, perhaps you will say, there are no more monks like that to pray for the whole world. But I tell you that when there are no more men of prayer on earth, the world will come to an end and great disasters will befall. They have already started. The saints live by the love of Christ. This love is Divine strength, which created, and now upholds, the world, and this is why their prayer is so pregnant with meaning. St. Barsanuphius, for instance, records that in his time the prayers of three men preserved mankind from catastrophe. Thanks to these saints whom the world does not know of the course of historical, even of cosmic events, is changed. So then, every saint is a phenomenon of cosmic character, whose significance passes beyond the bounds of earthly history into the sphere of eternity. The saints are the salt of the earth, its raison d etre. They are the fruit that preserve the earth. But when the earth ceases to produce saints, the strength that safeguards it from catastrophe will fail. Tonight, before you go to bed, pray: O Lord, through the prayers of our holy fathers, have mercy on us and save us! And be grateful. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Τί είναι η "πρόοδος" του Τιμίου Σταυρού και γιατί εορτάζεται κατά την 1η Αυγούστου Πρόκειται για εορτή που συμπίπτει με την πρώτη ημέρα της νηστείας της εορτής της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου και θεσπίστηκε σε ανάμνηση της απαλλαγής των Βυζαντινών, με τη βοήθεια του Τιμίου Σταυρού, από την επιδρομή των Σαρακηνών επί της εποχής του αυτοκράτορα Μανουήλ Κομνηνού. Στην Κωνσταντινούπολη κατά την εορτή αυτή γινόταν λιτάνευση (πρόοδος) του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Ο Σ. Ευστρατιάδης για το γεγονός αυτό γράφει τα έξης: «Κατά την ημέραν ταύτην εξήγετο εκ του σκευοφυλακίου της μεγάλης εκκλησίας ο τίμιος σταυρός, περιήγετο ανά την πόλιν και εξετίθετο εις διαφόρους ναούς προς προσκύνησιν και αγιασμόν των πιστών και πάλιν απετίθετο εις το σκευοφυλάκιον». Με την ευκαιρία αναφέρουμε επιγραμματικά και τις υπόλοιπες εορτές αφιερωμένες στον Τίμιο Σταυρό: α) Εορτή της Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρου (14 Σεπτεμβρίου) β) Εορτή της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως (Κυριακή Γ Νηστειών). γ) Μνήμη του εν ουρανώ φανέντος σημείου του Τιμίου Σταυρού (7 Μαΐου) την εποχή του Κωνστάντιου (337-361),γιου του Μ. Κωνσταντίνου. δ) Τέλος αφιερωμένες στον Τίμιο Σταυρό, (όλο το έτος), είναι δύο ημέρες της εβδομάδας, η Τετάρτη και η Παρασκευή. 14
August: the Month of the Panagia - the Summer Pascha It's been said and written thousands of times that the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is called the "Pascha of the Summer" or "Summer Pascha". But why? Are there in fact similarities between this feast and what we celebrated a few months ago? Pascha means (as we know) "to pass over". That is, it is a feast with an opportunity to renew our spiritual powers, in order to escape from the miserable and vile and resort to the joyful and optimistic, without this bringing social loafing, abandonment, fatalism and frustration. We are not the silly of society, but the hope-bearers of the Church. What are the similarities between the two passages? Both have similar fasting as a means of abstinence, and never as torture and an excuse to make Christians hungry. The measure we have with food is an occasion to put a measure, until annihilation, on our failures, our weaknesses, among which could be food as either quantity or quality. Further, like Great Lent, there is a rich hymnography. The Supplication Canons, the Great and the Small, are not simply wonderful melodies with rich meaning, but a heartfelt and fully-fortified prayer of Christians, particularly for those who have been beaten mercilessly and painfully by the waves of life. The culmination of the period which commences on August 1st is August 15th. It is at that time when we will sing the Lamentations, like another Good Friday. It is the funeral lamentation to the Theotokos, by Her children, because it seems as if we are losing Her. The Lord will prove everyone wrong, and at the same time bring great joy. He will receive Her soul and Her body will be assumed into heaven - according to Church teaching and writings. She is alive and intercedes for all of us. In addition, the feast has an apodosis (leave-taking) - though it ends only after nine days. It is a day which is equal to the primary feast day, just as it occurs for the Resurrection of the Lord after 39 days. There is also a contrast between the two feasts, the Pascha of the Spring and the Pascha of the Summer. In the first case there is a Marian feast which puts a break on the solemn period, the Annunciation to the Theotokos, while in the Pascha of the coming days there is the Despotic feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, as a break for commemoration to show that the ultimate goal and purpose of life is the transfiguration of all, from the good to the better, and finally to the excellent, which is His Kingdom. She is not our savior, for only Jesus saves. Indeed, She is the one who intercedes with prayers for our salvation. In the rich hymns of these days She has an important seat, which is proved by Her miracles which are another proof that She lives. Others will be found to worship Mary, misrepresenting Her to the point of Her being rejected. She is not the end to our lives, but She practically helps us pass over to our desired salvation. She influences us with Her prayers to our Lord, in order for us to be forgiven and redeemed. With Her Dormition She reminds us that when it appears an end awaits us, essentially we are experiencing a beginning, joyful and eternal. A good August 15th to all! 15
Stewards as of July 31, 2015 ( 294 Steward Cards) The following names are of families who love their God and have renewed their Commitment to the Church Ministries of Sts. Constantine & Helen. Stewardship pamphlets are available in the Narthex of the Church, or you may contact the Church office, and we will gladly send one by mail! Mr. & Mrs. Harry Adams Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Aggelis Miss Marina Aiken Mr. & Mrs. John Alexiou Ms. Janis Anderson Mrs. Pauline Andrakakos Anonymous Mr. Marinos Apostolopoulos Mrs. Hazel Iris Aravanis Mr. & Mrs. Haralambos Athanasakis Mr. Emmanuel Atsalinos Mr. Achilles Basiliko Ms. Marie Bedard Mr. & Mrs. George Bergeris Mr. Nicholas Bergeris Mrs. Pauline Bergeris Mrs. Bessie Bezantakos Mr. & Mrs. John Binford Miss Victoria Binford Mr. & Mrs. Lambros Bizbikis Mr. & Mrs. John Bokas Mrs. Anna Bouboulis Mrs. Efstathia Bourdosis Mr. & Mrs. George Bourzikos Mr. Stelios Callas Mrs. Helen Calles Mr. Anthony J. Calomeris Ms. Maria Calomeris Mrs. Pauline Calomiris Mr. Thomas Calomiris Mr. & Mrs. James R. Campbell Ms. Kathy Campoli Mr. & Mrs. George A. Caperones Mr. & Mrs. George W. Caperones Mr. Nick Caviris Mr. & Mrs. George Chahalis Mrs. Helen Chanakas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Chapin Ms. Sofia Chatos Mr. & Mrs. James P. Cheakalos Mr. & Mrs. John T. Cheakalos Mrs. John W. Cheakalos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cheakalos Miss Alexia Christian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Christian Mrs. Katherine Chronopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Charles Clifton Mr. & Mrs. Spero Courtis Mr. & Mrs. Pete Dakoulas Mr. & Mrs. Jim Deligianis Miss Georgia Dialektakos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Dialektakos Mr. George D. Dimopoulos Mr. Kostas Dionisopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Dizelos Ms. Agapi Doulaveris Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Doulaveris Father & Mrs. Michael Eaccarino Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Eisenacher Ms. Georgia Ferentinos Mr. & Mrs. Max Ferentinos Mr. & Mrs. Metaxas K. Ferentinos Mrs. Sophia Ferentinos Mrs. Geneva Foster Mr. Christo Foundas Mrs. Barbara Frangou Mr. & Mrs. George Galiachatos Mr. & Mrs. David Gamzon Mr. & Mrs. Christos Georgakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Pete Georgallas Ms. Anna Georgallas Mr. & Mrs. George Georgiou Ms. Demetra Georgopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Georgopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Sarantos Georgopoulos Miss Anastasia Gerohristodoulos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Gerohristodoulos Mr. George Gerohristodoulos 16 Miss Sophia Gerohristodoulos Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Glekas Ms. Xenia Hajicosti Mr. & Mrs. George Haramis Mr. George Haris Mr. & Mrs. Michael Harrison Mrs. Paraskevoula Hays Mrs. Esther Heras Mr. & Mrs. Gus Ioakim Ms. Patricia E. Jenkins Mrs. Maria Kafarakis Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Kafarakis Mr. Bill Kalamoutsos Mrs. Eleni Kalamoutsos Mr. & Mrs. George Kalargyros Mrs. Coula Kaleyias Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Kaldis Miss Angeleke Kaldis Mr. Spiros A. Kaldis Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Kaldis Miss Anna Karadimas Mr. Athanasios Karadimas Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Karadimas Mr. & Mrs. John Karagiannis Mr. & Mrs. Erman Karakaya Mr. & Mrs. George Katsafanas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kavadias Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Kavadias Mrs. Vaso Kavadias Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Kavadias Ms. Theodora Kavadias Mrs. Kalliopi Kavoures Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Keith Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kontos Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kontos Mrs. Maria Koskinas Ms. Olympia Koskinas Mr. & Mrs. Demetre Koutras Mr. & Mrs. Demetre Koutras. Jr.
Stewards as of July 31, 2015 ( 294 Steward Cards) The following names are of families who love their God and have renewed their Commitment to the Church Ministries of Sts. Constantine & Helen. Stewardship pamphlets are available in the Narthex of the Church, or you may contact the Church office, and we will gladly send one by mail! Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Koutras Mr. & Mrs. George A. Koutras Mr. & Mrs. John Koutsouli Ms. Anastasia Kyritsopoulos Ms. Catherine Kyritsopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Ladany, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas Lalekos Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Lappas Mr. Dimitrios Lappas Miss Maria Lappas Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Levantis Ms. Georgia Lindroth Ms. Anna Magoulas Ms. Paula Magoulas Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Mantzouranis Mr. Constantine G. Mantzouranis Mr. George A. Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. George C. Mantzouranis Mr. George J. Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. James M. Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. John A. Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. John G. Mantzouranis Mrs. Theano Mantzouranis Mrs. Ernest A. Mantzouris Ms. Sophie Manus Ms. Stella Manus Mr. Christos Marafatsos Mr. Dimitrios P. Marafatsos Mr. & Mrs. George Marafatsos Mr. & Mrs. Petros Marafatsos Mr. & Mrs. Petros G. Marafatsos Mr. Georgios Marinos Mr. Alex & Dr. Despina Markogiannakis Mr. & Mrs. George Markopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Markos Mr. & Mrs. Cleon Marlas Mr. & Mrs. Efrem Maroules Mrs. John S. Maroules Mrs. Aspasia P. Martinis Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Mathis Mrs. Terpsie Matrakas Mr. & Mrs. Theodore G. Matrakas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Matthews Mr. & Mrs. Josif Mavridis Miss Cassiane Mavromatis Miss Cornelia Mavromatis Mr. Elias Mavromatis Mr. Jacob Mavromatis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Mavromatis Miss Eleni Mayes Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Mayes, III Mr. Joseph C. Mayes, IV Ms. Marianthy Mendez Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mercado Ms. Alexandra Michaels Ms. Sylvia Michael Mr. Constaninos J. Mihailidis Mr. & Mrs. John Mihailidis Miss Vasilki Mihailidis Mr. Louis Mikedes Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Morton Mr. George Moshogianis Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Moshogianis Mr. & Mrs. James Moshovitis Mr. Efstratios Mourtzanakis Ms. Maria Nasios Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios Nasios Ms. Zoe Nasios Mr. & Mrs. Costas Nathenas Ms. Pelagia Nathenas Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Nixon Mr. & Mrs. Michael O Donnell Mr. Patrick O Donnell Mr. & Mrs. Demetri Paidas Ms. Anastasia Panos Mr. Dimitrios Papaloizos Mr. & Mrs. Stavros Papaloizos Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Papaloizos Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Papanastasiou Mrs. Konstadina Papoulias Mr. & Mrs. James Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas P. Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Charles Papuchis Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Paschalidis Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Paspalis Mr. & Mrs. John Passas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Perrus Mr. & Mrs. James Perrus Mr. & Mrs. Robert Perry Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Petropoulos Mr. Michael Pittas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Pittas Mrs. Barbara Pollos Ms. Stella Marafatsos-Prokopic Mr. & Mrs. Charilaos Psallidas Ms. Angela Rakis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Rakis Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Raptis Mr. Anastasios Recachinas Mr. & Mrs. Andrew A. Recachinas Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Recachinas Mr. & Mrs. George Recachinas Miss Eleni Retzos Mrs. Helen Retzos Miss Christina Romas Mr. & Mrs. George Romas Miss Maria Romas Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Rozakis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Sakkos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Sakkos Mrs. Demetra Santorios Mr. & Mrs. Max Schindler Mrs. Litsa Sekas Ms. Sophia Severino Mrs. Angeliki Sideris Mr. & Mrs. George Sideris Miss Georgia Sideris 17
Miss Theodora Sideris Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Siegel Mr. George Siozios Mr. Paulos T. Siskos Mr. & Mrs.Vasilis Skaltsas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Solomos Mr. & Mrs. George Sourvinos Mr. & Mrs. Pete T. Spiropoulos Miss Maria Stamos Mr. & Mrs. William Stamos Mr. Sokratis Stassinos Mr. & Mrs. John P. Stathes Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Stathes Mr. & Mrs. Paul Stathes Mrs. Athena Strates Ms. Panagiota Strats Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Straub Miss Viktoria Taradouki Mr. & Mrs. Peter Themistokleous Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Themistos Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Thornberg Mr. & Mrs. Charles Tiches, II Mrs. Louis J. Tiches Mr. Louis J. Tiches, II Mr. & Mrs. Stamatios Tiches Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Tompros Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Triantis Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Trischuk Mr. & Mrs. Peter Tsahalis Miss Maria Tsigas Mrs. Helen D. Tsintolas Mr. & Mrs. George Tsioros Mr. Stelios Tsioros Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios P. Tsipianitis Mr. Panayioti Tsipianitis Mr. Konstantinos Tsonis Mr. & Mrs. Bill Tzamaras Mr. & Mrs. Avgerinos Vakalopoulos Mr. Xenofon Vakalopoulos Stewards as of as of July 31, 2015 (294 Steward Cards) The following names are of families who love their God and have renewed their Commitment to the Church Ministries of Sts. Constantine & Helen. Stewardship pamphlets are available in the Narthex of the Church, or you may contact the Church office, and we will gladly send one by mail! Mrs. Jo Ann Valiotis Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Vithoulkas Mr. Spiros Vithoulkas Miss Alexandra Ward Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Ward Mr. & Mrs. Anton Wasef Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Wells Mr. David Wooten Mr. George Xeron Mr. Peter E. Yakas Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Yeonas Mr. & Mrs. George Yfantis Mr. Chirs Yfantis Ms. Vasso Yfantis Mrs. Soula Zavras Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Zayas Mr. & Mrs. Petros Zervas Mrs. Anastasia Zibragos Mr. & Mrs. Constantine N. Zuras Ms. Matina N. Zuras Mrs. Voula N. Zuras 18
CELEBRATIONS, BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES Niko Stamos has made this Yiayia, Pauline Bergeris, very proud. He graduated from James Madison University this spring and landed an assistant director job at Montgomery College directing Legally Blonde. His talents will now take him to Titusville Florida to work as an Assistant Director at the Titusville Playhouse. Congratulations Niko! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUOTE OF THE WEEK Who Is My Neighbor? - from Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey "Love your neighbor as yourself" the Gospel says (Matthew 22:38). But who is my neighbor? We often respond to that question by saying: "My neighbors are all the people I am living with on this earth, especially the sick, the hungry, the dying, and all who are in need." But this is not what Jesus says. When Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan (see Luke 10:29-37) to answer the question "Who is my neighbor?" he ends by asking: "Which... do you think, proved himself a neighbor to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?" The neighbor, Jesus makes clear, is not the poor man laying on the side of the street, stripped, beaten, and half dead, but the Samaritan who crossed the road, "bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them... lifted him onto his own mount and took him to an inn and looked after him." My neighbor is the one who crosses the road for me! For further reflection "A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him..." - Luke 10: 31-34a (NIV) 19
St. Kosmas Aitolos Bookstore BOOKSTORE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 10am-4pm Jesus: Fallen? The Human Nature of Christ Examined from an Eastern Orthodox Perspective $49.50 By: Emmanuel Hatzidakis Was Jesus Christ a fallen human being, like us? Was His human nature corrupt and sinful, inherently and necessarily subject to suffering and death? Did He inherit a fallen humanity? Did He have human ignorance? In Jesus: Fallen?, Emmanuel Hatzidakis, a Greek Orthodox priest, addresses these and other controversial questions pertaining to the human nature of Christ, which are debated in many Christian denominations, and in his own Church. The theology advanced in the book is the traditional theology of the historic Church. In all the modern confusion of multiple Christs, here we have the perennial image of the incarnate God, the Theanthropos Christ. The book should appeal to every serious Christian and student of theology, history of dogma and Church History who is comfortable neither with liberalism nor fundamentalism, but who is searching for the authentically true teachings of Christianity. Hatzidakis draws richly from the patristic inheritance of East and West in an original, refreshing, and accessible way. He refutes opinions formed by many eminent post lapsarian theologians. This pivotal study is the first to address this topic from an Eastern Orthodox perspective and in this regard it constitutes an important contribution to Christology. A well-researched study it sheds light from an Eastern Orthodox perspective on this intriguing and crucial topic. It maintains that the subject of Christ's humanity and its understanding is neither a theologoumenon nor an abstract intellectual cogitation, but a matter of profound soteriological and anthropological import. Sacred Catechism of the Orthodox Church $11.00 By: Demetrios N. Vernardakis A clear and concise exposition of the main tenents of the Orthodox Faith as found in the Symbol of Faith, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, Liturgy and Mysteries of the Church. 20
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OLI MAZI! Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC Temporary Church Address: St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 15100 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20905 Office Address: 701 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905 Phone: (240) 389-1366 Email: office@schgocdc.org Website: www.schgoc.org Reverend Father Michael J. Eaccarino, Presiding Priest Cell Phone: (301) 502-2850 & Email: fm@papouli.net We welcome all visitors among us always! We hope you find our worship true and reverent and our people here friendly and cordial. If you are seeking a spiritual home, we would be honored by your presence in our family. We are glad you chose to worship with us today. ALTAR BOYS Paul R. Zayas 240-863-4160 roberto.zayas81 @gmail.com CHOIR Dr. Theodore Papaloizos 301-681-5648 ted@greek123.com CATECHETICAL MINISTRY Tara Kavadias Director 240-476-6715 tarakavadias @yahoo.com & Voula Vithoulkas Director 240-432-3146 Voulavithoulkas @gmail.com STEWARDSHIP Sotirios Nasios snasios@yahoo.com YOUTH MINISTRY Elias Mavromatis eblackeye @hotmail.com HOPE & JOY Athanasia Raptis (301) 774-6065 agapi329 @hotmal.com & Maria Poulakis (301) 221-2124 maria.poulakis7 @gmail.com GREEK LANGUAGE MINISTRY Ifigenia Kambanis Agkambanis @msn.com & Erini Iatrou eirini.iatrou @gmail.com GREEK DANCE MINISTRY Elaine Romas eromas@verizon.net & Kristina Maria Paspalis Kmpaspalis @gmail.com PHILOPTOCHOS Paraskevoula Hays 301-530-0209 Voulaphilo @landmark.org YOUNG AT HEART Helen Thornberg 301-949-1788 bwt602r @aol.com & Christina Clifton 301-530-5478 Christina.Clifton @verizon.net 22
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237 YOUR PRIEST IS AVAILABLE TO YOU Protocol Number 24/7! 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) Please call or text FM s cell phone (301-502-2850) or e-mail (fm@papouli.net) for anything you might need, including To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, appointments, the Day, Afternoon, questions and Church Schools, or any the Philoptochos special Sisterhoods, events. the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Fr. Michael: (301) 502-2850 Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, Ο ΙΕΡΕΥΣ youth, and families ΣΑΣ in need. ΕΙΝΑΙ Serving Orthodox ΣΤΗ children ΔΙΑΘΕΣΗ from throughout ΣΑΣ the United 24/7. States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. Παρακαλώ να τον καλείτε στο κινητό τηλέφωνο για οτι This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s command θελετε. to let the Σας children ευχαριστούμε! come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for the children and youth at Saint Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ and by the example of Saint Basil to fulfill the command of our Lord and let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 23