Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC 3rd Sunday of Matthew June 21, 2015 WELCOME to the Parish Council Mr. Efrem J. Maroules
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 βʹ HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion/Mode 2 Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾍδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι. When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You. 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. 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. Κοντάκιον/Ἦχος βʹ 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. Kontakion/ Mode 2 Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία, πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε, μὴ παρίδῃς, ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε. O Protection of Christians unshamable, mediation with the Creator immovable, we sinners beg you, do not despise the voices of our prayers, but anticipate, since you are good, and swiftly come unto our aid as we cry out to you with faith: Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who defend now and ever those who honor you. 3
Ο ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα Πρὸς Ρωμαίους 5:1-10 Αφού, λοιπόν, ελάβομεν την δικαίωσιν δια της πίστεως, έχομεν ειρήνην με τον Θεόν δια μέσου του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού. Αυτός δια της πίστεώς μας έχει φέρει εις την περιοχήν της χάριτος, εις την οποίαν έχομεν πλέον σταθή και εδραιωθή και καυχώμεθα με την βεβαίαν ελπίδα, ότι θα απολαύσωμεν την δόξαν του Θεού. Δεν καυχώμεθα δε μόνον δια την χάριν, που ελάβομεν και την δόξαν που θα απολαύσωμεν, αλλά και δια τας θλίψεις, επειδή γνωρίζομεν καλά, ότι η θλίψις εργάζεται σιγά-σιγά και φέρει ως πολύτιμον αγαθόν την υπομονήν, η δε υπομονήν έχει ως καρπόν της την δοκιμασμένην αρετήν, η δε δοκιμασμένη αρετή φέρει την σταθεράν ελπίδα προς τον Θεόν. Αυτή δε η ελπίς, διότι δεν διαψεύδεται ποτέ, δεν εντροπιάζει και δεν απογοητεύει αυτόν που την έχει. Δεν μας εντροπιάζει δε, διότι η αγάπη του Θεού έχει πλουσία χυθή και πλημμυρίσει τας καρδίας μας με το Αγιον Πνεύμα, το οποίον μας εδόθη ως προκαταβολή και ως απαρχή των υψίστων δωρεών, τας οποίας έχομεν βεβαίαν την ελπίδα, ότι θα λάβωμεν από τον Θεόν. Η άπειρος δε αυτή αγάπη και συγκατάβασις του Θεού προς ημάς εφάνη και εκ του υψίστου γεγονότος, ότι καθ' ον χρόνον ημείς ήμεθα ασθενείς πνευματικώς, αμαρτωλοί και ένοχοι, ο Χριστός στον κατάλληλον καιρόν, που είχεν ορίσει με την πρόγνωσίν του ο Θεός, απέθανεν επί του σταυρού, δια να σώση με την λυτρωτικήν του θυσίαν τους ασεβείς. Μεγίστη όντως η αγάπη του Θεού. Διότι μόλις και μετά δυσκολίας θα υπάρξη άνθρωπος να θυσιασθή δια κάποιον δίκαιον. Δια τον αγαθόν ίσως και να τολμήση κανείς να αποθάνη. Ο Θεός όμως δεικνύει και επιβεβαιώνει κατά ένα τρόπον αναντίρρητον την αγάπην του προς ημάς εκ του γεγονότος ότι, ενώ ημείς ήμεθα αμαρτωλοί, ο Χριστός εθυσιάσθη προς χάριν ημών. Πολύ περισσότερον, λοιπόν, τώρα που ελάβομεν την δικαίωσιν με το αίμα της θυσίας του, θα σωθώμεν ασφαλώς δι' αυτού από την μέλλουσαν οργήν Διότι εάν, ενώ ήμεθα εχθροί, εσυμφιλιώθημεν με τον Θεόν δια του σταυρικού θανάτου του Υιού του, πολύ περισσότερον τώρα, που έχομεν συμφιλιωθή, θα σωθώμεν δια μέσου του ζώντος αιωνίως πλησίον του Θεού Κυρίου, αρχιερέως και μεσίτου ημών Ιησού Χριστού. ΤΗΕ EPISTLE St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 5:1-10 BRETHREN, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 4
ΤΟ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 6:22-33 Ο λύχνος, που φωτίζει και εξυπηρετεί το σώμα, είναι το μάτι (λύχνος δε που φωτίζει την ψυχήν είναι ο νους, το λογικόν που σας έχει δώσει ο Θεός). Εάν λοιπόν το μάτι είναι γερό και καθαρό, όλον το σώμα θα φωτίζεται, θα είναι φωτεινόν (έτσι θα φωτίζεται και η ψυχή σου, εάν ο νους και η καρδία σου δεν έχουν τυφλωθή από την προσκόλλησιν στους επιγείους θησαυρούς). Εάν όμως το μάτι σου είναι κατεστραμμένον και ανίκανον να ίδη το φως, όλο το σώμα σου θα είναι βυθισμένο στο σκοτάδι. Εάν λοιπόν το φως, που σου έδωκεν ο Θεός (ο νους δηλαδή και η συνείδησις, εξ αιτίας της προσκολλήσεως εις τα υλικά αγαθά), είναι σκοτάδι, τότε το ηθικόν σκοτάδι της ψυχής σου πόσον πυκνόν και αδιαπέραστον θα είναι; Κανείς δεν ημπορεί να υπηρετή συγχρόνως δύο κυρίους διότι η θα μισήση τον ένα και θα αγαπήση τον άλλον η θα προσκολληθή στον ένα και θα καταφρονήση τον άλλο. Και σεις δεν είναι δυνατόν να υπηρετήτε τον Θεόν και τον πλούτον η θα αγαπήσετε τον Θεόν και θα περιφρονήσετε τους επιγείους θησαυρούς η θα υποδουλωθήτε εις αυτούς και θα καταφρονήσετε τον Θεόν. Δια τούτο ακριβώς και σας λέγω, μη φροντίζετε με στενοχωρίαν και αγωνίαν δια την ζωήν σας, δηλαδή δια το τι θα φάγετε και το τι θα πίετε, ούτε και δια το σώμα σας με τι θα ενδυθήτε. Δεν αξίζει η ζωή περισσότερον από την τροφήν και το σώμα από το ένδυμα; (Ο Θεός, που σας έδωσε το πολυτιμότερον, δεν θα σας δώση και το κατώτερον;) Παρατηρήστε τα πτηνά του ουρανού και ίδετε ότι αυτά ούτε σπέρνουν ούτε θερίζουν ούτε συγκεντρώνουν τροφάς εις αποθήκας. Και όμως ο Πατήρ σας ο ουράνιος τα τρέφει. Σεις δεν έχετε ασυγκρίτως μεγαλυτέραν αξίαν από αυτά; Ποιός δε από σας, όσας πολλάς και μεγάλας φροντίδας και αν καταβάλη, ημπορεί να προσθέση στο ανάστημά του ένα πήχυν; Και περί του ενδύματος διατί φροντίζετε με τόσην ανησυχίαν και αγωνίαν; Παρατηρήστε με προσοχήν τα άνθη του αγρού, πως φυτρώνουν και πως αυξάνουν. Ούτε κοπιάζουν ούτε γνέθουν. Και όμως σας λέγω τούτο, ούτε και αυτός ο Σολομών με όλην του την βασιλικήν μεγαλοπρέπειαν και δόξαν δεν εφόρεσε ποτέ ένα τόσον περίλαμπρον ένδυμα ωσαν αυτό, με το οποίον περιβάλλεται ένα από τα ταπεινά αυτά άνθη. Εάν δε ο Θεός ενδύη με τόσην λαμπρότητα τα χορτάρια του αγρού, που σήμερα υπάρχουν και αύριον ρίπτονται στον φούρνον, δεν θα ενδύση πολύ περισσότερον σας, ολιγόπιστοι; Λοιπόν μη κυριευθήτε ποτέ από την ανήσυχον μέριμναν και μη λέγετε συνεχώς, τι θα φάγωμεν η τι θα πίωμεν η τι θα ενδυθώμεν; Διότι οι ειδωλολάτραι (που δεν γνωρίζουν τα αιώνια αγαθά και την στοργικήν πρόνοιαν του Θεού), επιζητούν αποκλεστικά και μόνον αυτά τα φθαρτά αγαθά. Σεις όμως μην κυριεύεσθε από τέτοιες μέριμνες, διότι ο Πατήρ σας ο ουράνιος γνωρίζει ότι έχετε ανάγκην από όλα αυτά, και σαν πανάγαθος, που είναι, θα σας τα δώση. Ζητείτε δε κατά πρώτον και κύριον λόγον την βασιλείαν του Θεού και την αρετήν που θέλει από σας ο Θεός, και όλα αυτά τα επίγεια αγαθά θα σας δοθούν μαζή με τα ανεκτίμητα αγαθά της βασιλείας των ουρανών. 5 ΤΗΕ GOSPEL The Gospel of Matthew 6:22-33 The Lord said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."
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 evil. 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 6
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! 7
SAINTS AND FEASTS Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist-June 24 He that was greater than all who are born of women, the Prophet who received God's testimony that he surpassed all the Prophets, was born of the aged and barren Elizabeth (Luke 1: 7) and filled all his kinsmen, and those that lived round about, with gladness and wonder. But even more wondrous was that which followed on the eighth day when he was circumcised, that is, the day on which a male child receives his name. Those present called him Zacharias, the name of his father. But the mother said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." Since the child's father was unable to speak, he was asked, by means of a sign, to indicate the child's name. He then asked for a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And immediately Zacharias' mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed from its silence of nine months, and filled with the Holy Spirit, he blessed the God of Israel, Who had fulfilled the promises made to their fathers, and had visited them that were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and had sent to them the light of salvation. Zacharias prophesied concerning the child also, saying that he would be a Prophet of the Most High and Forerunner of Jesus Christ. And the child John, who was filled with grace, grew and waxed strong in the Spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day of his showing to Israel (Luke 1:57-80). His name is a variation of the Hebrew "Johanan," which means "Yah is gracious." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ David the Righteous of Thessalonika-June 26 Saint David, who was from Thessalonica, lived a most holy and ascetical life. For some years, he took up his dwelling in the branches of an almond tree, exposed to all the elements and extremes of the weather. He reposed in peace during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great, in the sixth century. 8
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 and Maria. 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. ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FUTURE GOD PARENTS All Orthodox Christians planning to become a God Parent must be able to recite the Creed by memory. You may recite our Symbol of Faith in either English or Greek. 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. 9
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! Philoptochos News: LAST DAY!! Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund Ministry Fundraiser. Help us build our dream, by dining out June 13 to June 21, 2015. Dine out at the Greek Islands Grill, 15410 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20905. The Greek Islands Grill will donate 20% of your check to our Building Fund Ministry (Remember to tell your server that you are with Sts. Constantine & Helen Church)!! Bring your family and friends! The more you eat, the more money Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church will receive! The best part of this fundraiser is, Someone else cleans the dishes after the meal! All summer we will be collecting flip flops for the Rainbow Place Shelter for Women in Rockville. We would like to collect at least 50 pairs of flip flops! Any color, any size. Most dollar stores are carrying them now! Thank you for your continued support in our endeavors to reach out and help those in need. 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! The More You Know Visitation: Not everyone has e-mail. Not everyone has the ability to come to church on Sundays. The place of the priest is primarily in front of the altar then he should be in your home or business not sitting in his office. I am inviting myself to your home/apartment to share with you the good news of our parish. Please contact Father Michael at (301) 502-2850. 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. 10
STEWARDSHIP REPORT REVEREND FATHER MICHAEL J. EACCARINO My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, On behalf of the Parish Council and all who work so hard to make our parish the vibrant life giving fountain of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in the Washington, DC/ Maryland area, I thank you for your external manifestation of your internal disposition, LOVE, that you have for our God and therefore for our parish of Saints Constantine and Helen community. May God continue to bless you and your families. Stewardship is the answer to our financial wellness in our parish. Why Stewardship? Because it is Biblical and God tells us clearly that this is what He wants from us. He also tells us that He will open the floodgates of Heaven and shower down upon us blessings that we can t even imagine, IF, we trust in Him and respond to His request of tithing. He has blessed all of us greatly. The chart below indicates the amount of love contributed by each giving steward unit as of 6/21/15. Dollar Amount 11 Giving Units $1.00 - $100 8 $101 - $300 50 $301 - $500 37 $501 - $700 46 $701 - $900 26 $901 - $1000 37 $1001 - $3000 77 $3001 - $4000 1 $4001 - $6000 4 $6001 + 1
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT OF THE WEEK To find ourselves, we must offer ourselves. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania In the early part of the 20th century, a generous man by the name of Harold Kitchings grew wealthy from oil and gave large sums to Baylor University to construct buildings and educate young Christians. He gave a great deal of money to his church and even sent his pastor, Dr. George W. Truett, to Europe to preach to the soldier boys during the First World War. Then, in the stock market crash of 1929, the man lost his fortune. One day, a friend who saw how humbly he was living and remembered how wealthy he had once been asked, "When you think about all the money you gave away, do you ever wish you had it back?" He didn t hesitate. "Friend," he said. "The only thing I have left is what I gave away." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUOTE OF THE WEEK That we must always avoid being critical of others Part 3 of 3 When I speak about another person out of sympathy, not with the intention of criticizing, blaming, or humiliating him because of my inflated egotism, but due to a certain love and concern for him (for example, we say that so and so would have been a great asset, if he did not have this particular weakness when we express this with pain and also pray for him), this is not criticism. However, when we characterize him as evil, label him an egotist, and humiliate him in front of others, this is a sin and criticism. 12
GREEK LANGUAGE MINISTRY Our school year successfully ended on June 8 th. The ceremony of the Greek School was held at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. The students sang Greek traditional summer songs and recited Greek poems. In addition, our graduates Eleni Mantzouranis, Maria Petersen, Sophia Frankowski, Nikolaos Garbis, Amalia Maroules, Sophia Georgopoulos, Alexandros Docouto, Eleftheria McIlvaine, Sarantis Markaris, Eva Sakkou, Nikoletta Sideris, Maria Pizanias and Penelope Xeron read their speeches and got their diplomas as well as their graduation plaques from the director of the Greek school Mrs. Vivian Kambanis. Our most sincerest congratulations to all our graduates!! Also congrats to all our students for being so dedicated to their Greek school and studies despite all their many after school obligations. We wish you a fun and relaxing summer and we hope to see you all on September. NΕΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ Άλλη μια επιτυχημένη σχολική χρονιά τελείωσε στις 8 Iουνίου. Η τελετή λήξης της σχολικής χρονιάς πραγματοποιήθηκε στον Ουκρανικό Καθεδρικό Ναό του Αγίου Ανδρέα. Οι μαθητές τραγούδησαν παραδοσιακά ελληνικά καλοκαιρινά τραγούδια και απήγγειλαν ελληνικά ποιήματα. Επίσης, οι απόφοιτοι Ελένη Ματζουράνη, Μαρία Πήτερσεν, Σοφία Φρανκάουσκι, Νικόλαος Γαρμπής, Αμαλία Μαρούλη, Σοφία Γεωργοπούλου, Αλέξανδρος Ντοκούτο, Ελευθερία McIlvaine, Εύα Σάκκου, Νικολέττα Σιδέρη, Μαρία Πιζάνια και Πηνελόπη Ξέρον διάβασαν τις ομιλίες τους και πήραν το δίπλωμα και την αναμνηστική τους πλακέτα από τη διευθύντρια του σχολείου κ. Ιφιγένεια Καμπανή. Θερμά συγχαρητήρια σε όλους τους απόφοιτους. Επίσης συγχαρητήρια σε όλους τους μαθητές για τη συνέπεια τους στο ελληνικό σχολείο παρά το ιδιαιτέρως βεβαρυμένο πρόγραμμά τους. Σας ευχόμαστε ένα ευχάριστο και ξεκούραστο καλοκαίρι! 13
MESSAGE FROM HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS Let everything take second place to our care of our children, our bringing them up to the discipline and instruction of the Lord. St. John Chrysostom Today, we have the opportunity to celebrate Father s Day, to recognize and honor the fathers in our lives, giving thanks for our own godly and loving fathers, whether they are with us or have gone before us. We know that studies have shown that children without fathers, whether boys or girls, are at much greater risk for violence and criminal behavior, drug and alcohol abuse, and to drop out of school. Indeed the majority of men in our prisons today had little to no relationship with their fathers. Of course, based on our faith and our family experiences, we don t need studies to tell us that a father's involvement with his children's upbringing is vitally important and can have a significant impact on their lives. A father's example is the most powerful influence to help children learn about work, cooperation and responsibility. The role of a Christian father is even more important, since his role is to be the spiritual leader, the example for his family. When a father takes responsibility for his own life and spirituality by being active and involved in the ecclesiastical and liturgical life of our Church, and the everyday practices of prayer, worship, fasting and the study of Holy Scripture, he receives the respect of his family. As he grows in his own spiritual life, he is able to be an example of Christian leadership and love as a father. Of course this is a difficult and challenging responsibility. In fact, it may seem impossible for anyone accomplish by themselves; however we know that with God s help, we can do all things. The most important gift that a father can give his children is to lay a loving foundation of faith for them. The most important lesson that he can teach them is to love the Lord, and place God at the center of their lives. If we are not sharing the love of God with our children, if we are not praying with them and blessing them, if we are not growing in our own faith, if we are not bringing them to the Divine Liturgy, then we are failing as not only as fathers and but also as followers of Christ. In conclusion, I wish a most blessed and joyous Father s Day to all fathers everywhere on this special day! +ALEXIOS Metropolitan of Atlanta 14
A Sad Man is a Man with the Lights Turned Off So let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Based on father Arsenie Boca, Colossians 4:6 In this photo a friendly and spiritual chat between a monk from Vatopaidi and an engineer. Don t Neglect Your Prayers Just as the body becomes weak when it s deprived of food, so the soul, when it s deprived of prayer, weakens and draws near to the death of the intellect. If the mind is free of the things of this world, it turns in on itself and from itself soars to God. Based on St. Gennadius of Constantinople, St. Basile the Great How To Manage Anger Being made in God s image, we can be corrected and guided much better through love, patience and understanding than through anger, contention and hate. The first victory against anger is to remain silent when you re angry. After the wave of anger passes and the eye of the mind is once again clear, you ll see properly again and then can give explanations. And you ll see that in vast majority of cases there is no need of any explanations because the things will have sorted themselves out on their own. Based on Elder Joseph the Hesychast. In this photo two brothers share a spiritual moment together during a short rest. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEW WEBSITE!! The Ascetic Experience Please subscribe! Step 1: Launch a browser and type: www.asceticexperience.com Step 2: Tap on Subscribe Welcome to the Ascetic Experience from Holy Mount Athos where we share all our everyday spiritual needs. Our problems in life are many and often times overwhelming; you are not alone. Take your time, relax, and dig deeper with us. This site is a start to a new life, a trusted guide to lean on, to learn something about your future, about your eternity and how to make your life better. Encounter: unique photos from the Holy Mountain, spiritual counsel and advice of the Holy Fathers and Mothers wisdom from ancient and contemporary sages answers to all your everyday problems. How to look at the site: Spiritual Gift of the Day a daily treasury of life, Body passions and virtues, Mind cleaning & purifying our unruly thoughts, Heart connecting with your Creator. We are here for you and we d love to know your thoughts and ideas. and come again. Every day there is something new on the site for you. 15
Church of Greece Makes Official Pronouncement on Yoga (Greek Reporter) - Ahead of International Day of Yoga, as designated by the United Nations, the Greek Orthodox Church in Greece has lashed out at the popular relaxation and exercise. The Holy Synod, the Greek Orthodox Church s governing body in Athens, denounced yoga, saying it is incompatible with the Christian faith. According to a statement issued by the synod, yoga is a fundamental part of the Hindu religion and is by no standards a form of exercise. For this reason, yoga is totally incompatible with our Christian Orthodox faith and it has no place in the life of Christians, the statement said. International Day of Yoga was introduced last year by the United Nations on a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SUMMER DINNER THEATRE 2015 Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland PRESENTS: LEGALLY BLONDE-The Musical Join the Philoptochos of Sts. Constantine & Helen,WDC Sunday, July 26 Matinee & Show Doors open 12:30PM & show begins 2PM Tickets for Show & Buffet $49.99 ADULT $41.99 12 & UNDER Rsvp to Helen Thornberg 301-949-1788 or by email: bwt602r@aol.com R.S.V.P. NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JUNE 22 ND to guarantee seats together 16
St. Kosmas Aitolos Bookstore BOOKSTORE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 10am-4pm VOLUNTEERS NEEDED If interested, please email Melinda Kuhn at bookkeeper @schgocdc.org or call the church office at (240) 389-1366 The Orthodox Study Bible: Ancient Christianity Speaks to Todays World $49.99 The Orthodox Study Bible presents the Bible of the early church and the church of the early Bible. Orthodox Christianity is the face of ancient Christianity to the modern world and embraces the second largest body of Christians in the world. In this first-of-its-kind study Bible, the Bible is presented with commentary from the ancient Christian perspective that speaks to those Christians who seek a deeper experience of the roots of their faith. From I-ville to Youville $27.00 I-ville a Kingdom where pride and selfishness dwell, and where people live by the motto Me first! You-ville a Kingdom where humility and kindness have their home, and where people put the good of others before their own. This is a story of a young boy named Stubborn, as he strives to become the first person of I-ville to make the difficult journey to the beautiful, joy-filled Kingdom of Youville, and to become a citizen there. Drawn from the teachings of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, Greece (1924 1994), these lessons can be of tremendous spiritual benefit for young and old alike. The journey of young Stubborn is one that all of us must take, and which all of us can accomplish if only we shrink our I and put You first! 17
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 STEWARDSHIP Sotirios Nasios snasios@yahoo.com CHOIR Dr. Theodore Papaloizos 301-681-5648 ted@greek123.com YOUTH MINISTRY Elias Mavromatis eblackeye@hotmail.com CATECHETICAL MINISTRY Tara Kavadias 240-476-6715 tarakavadias@yahoo.com Assisted By: Voula Vithoulkas voulavithoulkas@gmail.com YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAL) Viktoria Taroudaki Victoria.taroudaki@gmail.com GREEK LANGUAGE MINISTRY Ifigenia Kambanis agkambanis@msn.com & Erini Iatrou eirini.iatrou@gmail.com JR. HIGH MINISTRY (Jr. GOYA) SR. HIGH MINSTRY (Sr. GOYA) GREEK DANCE MINISTRY Elaine Romas eromas@verizon.net Kristina Maria Paspalis kmpaspalis@gmail.com YOUNG AT HEART Helen Thornberg 301-949-1788 bwt602r@aol.com & Christina Clifton 301-530-5478 Christina.Clifton@verizon.net 18 PHILOPTOCHOS Paraskevoula Hays 301-530-0209 voulaphilo@landmark.org HOPE & JOY Athanasia Raptis (301) 774-6065 & Maria Poulakis maria.poulakis7@gmail.com
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 19
PARISH LIFE - Dates to Remember Monday Δευτέρα 6/22/15 Fish Allowed Tuesday Τρίτη 6/23/15 Fish Allowed Wednesday Τετάρτη 6/24/15 Fish Allowed Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist Γενέθλιον τοῦ Ιωάννου Προδρόμου 8:30am-Orthros -Ορθρος 9:30am-Divine Liturgy-Θεία Λειτουργία At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 6:00pm Paraklesis to the Theotokos-Παράκληση At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property Thursday Πέμτη 06/25/15 Fish Allowed Friday Παρασκευή 6/26/15 Strict Fast Saturday Σάββατον 6/27/15 Fish Allowed Sunday Κυριακή 6/28/15 Fish Allowed 6:00pm-Great Vespers - Μέγας Εσπερινός At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property 4th Sunday of Matthew/Δ Ματθαῖου 7:00am-Orthros - Oρθρος 8:15-Divine Liturgy-Θ. Λειτουργία At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 6:00pm-Great Vespers - Μέγας Εσπερινός for Holy Apostles Peter and Paul At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel - Norwood Property 20