Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC Sunday of the Holy Cross March 15, 2015 His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela will be joining us at the 4th Salutations to the Virgin Mary on March 20, 2015. Με μεγάλη χαρά υποδεχόμαστε τον Σεβαςμιώτατον Επίσκοπον Σεβαστιανός του Ζήλα στους 4ους Χαιρετισμούς της Παναγίας στις 20 Μαρτίου, 2015.
Are these services of Holy and Great Lent on your daily calendar? Have you made an appointment to be there? Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Evenings: Great Compline-6pm At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel Norwood Property Wednesday Evening: 9th Hour-5:30pm & Presanctified Liturgy-6:00 pm At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel Norwood Property Friday Morning: 9th Hour-8:30am & Presanctified Liturgy-9am At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel Norwood Property Friday Evening: Salutations to the Theotokos at 7:00pm At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Είναι αυτές οι Λειτουργίες της Μεγάλης Σαρακοστής στο ημερολόγιό σας? Έχετε σχεδιάσει να ήσαστε εκεί καθημερινώς? Δευτέρα, Τρίτη και Πέμπτη: Απόδειπνο το Μέγα-6:00μμ At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel Norwood Property Τέτάρτη: Ενάτη Ωρα-5:30μμ και Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία-6:00μμ At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel Norwood Property Παρασκευή: Ενάτη Ωρα-8:30πμ και Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία-9:00πμ At Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapel Norwood Property Παρασκευή: Χαιρετισμοί στην Θεοτόκο -7:00μμ At St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 2
YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ HYMNS OF THE DAY Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον / Ἦχος βαρύς Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Resurrectional Apolytikion/Grave Mode By means of Your Cross, O Lord, You abolished death. To the robber You opened Paradise. The lamentation of the myrrh-bearing women You transformed, and You gave Your Apostles the order to proclaim to all that You had risen, O Christ our God, and granted the world Your great mercy. Τῆς Ἑορτῆς. Ἦχος αʹ Σῶσον, Κύριε, τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοῖς βασιλεῦσι κατὰ βαρβάρων δωρούμενος, καὶ τὸ σὸν φυλάττων διὰ τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου πολίτευμα. For the Hierarch/Mode 4 Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. 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 πλ. δʹ Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ στρατηγῷ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοι ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε. Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων με κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοι Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. 3 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 pl. 4 O Champion General, I your City now ascribe to you triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude, being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos. In as much as you have power unassailable, from all kinds of perils free me so that unto you I may cry aloud: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.
ΠΡΟΣ ΕΒΡΑΙΟΥΣ 5 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα Αφού, λοιπόν, έχομεν Αρχιερέα μέγαν, που έχει διαβή τους ουρανούς και εκάθισεν εκ δεξιών του Θεού, τον Ιησούν, τον Υιόν του Θεού, ας κρατώμεν σφικτά την ομολογίαν της πίστεώς μας. Διότι δεν έχομεν Αρχιερέα, ο οποίος-λόγω αγνοίας εκείνων που συμβαίνουν εις ημάς-δεν ημπορεί να αισθανθή συμπάθειαν προς τας πνευματικάς και ηθικάς ημών ασθενείας και αδυναμίας. Τουναντίον έχομεν Αρχιερέα, ο οποίος έχει πειρασθή και δοκιμασθή εις όλα, όσα είναι δυνατόν να πειρασθή η ανθρωπίνη φύσις, ομοίως με ημάς, χωρίς όμως να παρασυρθή εις καμμίαν απολύτως αμαρτίαν. Λοιπόν ας προσευχώμεθα με θάρρος και ακλόνητος πεποίθησιν στον θρόνον της χάριτος, δια να λάβωμεν έλεον και συγχώρησιν των αμαρτιών μας και δια να εύρωμεν την θείαν χάριν, που θα μας βοηθή αποτελεσματικώς εις κάθε περίστασιν πειρασμών και κινδύνων. Διότι κάθε αρχιερεύς, που λαμβάνεται και ξεχωρίζεται από τους ανθρώπους, όπως συμβαίνει μεταξύ των Ιουδαίων, γίνεται και εγκαθίσταται αρχιερεύς υπέρ των ανθρώπων, δια να προσφέρη δώρα και θυσίας προς συγχώρησιν των αμαρτιών του λαού. Και ημπορεί αυτός να συμπαθή και να φέρεται με μετριοπάθειαν προς αυτούς, που παρασύρονται εις την αμαρτίαν από άγνοιαν και πλάνην, διότι και αυτός σαν άνθρωπος περιβάλλεται και διαποτίζεται και φέρει την ανθρωπίνην ασθένειαν. Ακριβώς δε εξ αιτίας αυτής της ασθενείας και ενόχης του ως ανθρώπου έχει καθήκον να προσφέρη θυσίας και δια τον εαυτόν του, δια την συγχώρησιν των αμαρτιών του, όπως προσφέρει υπέρ του λαού. Και κανείς δεν παίρνει μόνος του και αυθαιρέτως την μεγάλην τιμήν του αρχιερατικού αξιώματος, αλλά την λαμβάνει, όταν προσκαλήται από τον Θεόν, όπως είχε προσκληθή και ο Ααρών. Ετσι και ο Χριστός, ο μέγας Αρχιερεύς, δεν εδόξασε μόνος του τον εαυτόν του στον να γίνη Αρχιερεύς, δεν απέμεινε αυτός στον εαυτόν του το αξίωμα, αλλ' ο Θεός, ο οποίος ελάλησε προς αυτόν και του είπε συ είσαι Υιός μου, εγώ σε εγέννησα σήμερα, που σου έδωκα την ανθρωπίνην φύσιν. Καθώς και εις άλλο χωρίον της Γραφής λέγει συ είσαι ιερεύς στον αιώνα, έχεις αιωνίαν και ακατάλυτον την αρχιερωσύνην, σύμφωνα με τον τύπον, που προφητικώς εδόθη εν τω προσώπω του Μελχισεδέκ εις την Π. Διαθήκην. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 EPISTLE Our Epistle Reader today is: Miss Diana Kavadias BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek." 4
ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Στα Νεα Ελληνικα Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8.34-38, 9.1 Και αφού επροσκάλεσε τον λαόν μαζή με τους μαθητάς του, είπεν εις αυτούς όποιος θέλει να με ακολουθήση ως πιστός μαθητής μου, ας απαρνηθή τον αμαρτωλόν εαυτόν του με τας αδυναμίας, και τα πάθη του, ας πάρη την απόφασιν να υποστή προς χάριν μου ταλαιπωρίες και αυτόν ακόμη τον σταυρικόν θάνατον, και ας με ακολουθήση στον δρόμον, που εγώ εχάραξα. Διότι όποιος θέλει να σώση την επίγειον ζωή του, αυτός θα χάση την αιωνίαν και μακαρίαν ζωήν. Οποιος όμως αψηφήσει και θυσιάσει την ζωήν του προς χάριν εμού και του ευαγγελίου, αυτός θα σώση την ζωήν του εις την αιωνίαν μακαριότητα. Διότι τι θα ωφελήση τον άνθρωπον, εάν κερδήση ολόκληρον τον υλικόν κόσμον και χάσει την ψυχήν του; Η, τι θα δώση άνθρωπος ως αντάλλαγμα, δια να εξαγοράση την ψυχήν του από τον Αδην, αφού ούτε ο κόσμος όλος δεν ημπορεί να αντισταθμίση την αξίαν της ψυχής; Διότι εκείνος, ο οποίος δια λόγους ανθρωπαρεσκείας και δειλίας θα εντραπή και θα αρνηθή εμέ και τους λόγους μου εις την γενεάν αυτήν, την αποστατημένην και αμαρτωλήν, και ο Υιός του ανθρώπου θα εντραπή αυτόν και θα τον αποκηρύξη, όταν ως κριτής των ανθρώπων έλθη ολόλαμπρος με την δόξαν του Πατρός αυτού συνοδευόμενος από τους αγίους αγγέλους. Και έλεγεν εις αυτούς Σας διαβεβαιώνω, ότι υπάρχουν μερικοί από αυτούς που ευρίσκονται εδώ, οι οποίοι δεν θα γευθούν τον θάνατον, προτού ιδούν την βασιλείαν του Θεού, δηλαδή την Εκκλησίαν, να εγκαθίσταται και να θεμελιώνεται εις την γην με δύναμιν κατά την ημέραν της επιφοιτήσεως του Αγίου Πνεύματος. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Gospel of Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 GOSPEL The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." 5
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 Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos March 16 Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith. Alexis the Man of God March 17 Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglaïs, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose. The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria March 19 Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire. 8
PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the church office. Maria, Simeon, Nikitas, Andreas, Constantine, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Louis, Fr. Peter, Kathy, Kalliope, Maria, Chris, John, Georgia, Jennie, Dean, Chrisanthi, Aziz, Sohila, Wendy, Achilleas and Bill PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your onlybegotten 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. 9
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 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 Τι of σημαίνει Saint Basil Academy, το carried «Αιωνία out by the directors, staff, η trustees μνήμη»; 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 (απομαγνητοφωνημένο those in need. Everything απόσπασμα that is offered από ομιλία) 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, Το and λέμε in worship, αυτό the για students τον νεκρό. encounter Αλλά Christ πού and να His είναι, abundant όμως, and «αιωνία comforting η love. μνήμη» του νεκρού; Αυτό είναι Saint Basil ταυτόσημο, Academy προσέξτε: is also a place όταν where λέμε the lives «αιωνία of the children η μνήμη» and youth θα πει are guided «κάποιος in Christ. να σε On θυμάται the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and πάντοτε». Αυτός ο «κάποιος» που θα θυμάται πάντοτε είναι ο Θεός. Ποιον θα θυμάται; love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His Αυτόν τον promises. άνθρωπον They για see τον the hope, οποίον joy, του and ευχόμεθα power in a life θα of είναι faith and αιωνία a lifelong του η relationship μνήμη. Δηλαδή, with Him. ο Θεός, This sacred λέγει work η Αγία was also Γραφή, the focus θυμάται of the εκείνους, patron saint οι of οποίοι the Academy, έχουν Saint σωθεί. Basil. Δεν For θυμάται the sick, εκείνους, orphans, οι οποίοι travelers, δεν and έχουν many others σωθεί. in need, Προσέξτε, he offered είναι an encounter ανθρωποπαθής with Christ έκφρασις, by taking His ανθρωποπαθής. love to them. For Τι others θα πει αυτό; he guided Το them λέει in ο truth ίδιος and ο love Θεός, through η ίδια teaching η Γραφή: and preaching, γι αυτούς, as a faithful λέει, and «ου caring μη μνησθώ», pastor, to their σε Savior πολλά and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies σημεία στην Αγία Γραφή και Παλαιά και Καινή Διαθήκη, «ου μη μνησθώ», δηλαδή «δεν θα Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the τους cutting θυμηθώ». of the Vasilopeta. Τι θα πει We «δεν are also θα led τους by Christ θυμηθώ»; and by Όχι the example ότι ο Θεός of Saint ξεχνάει. Basil to Δεν fulfill τους the λογαριάζει, command of όπως our Lord όταν and γυρίζει let the children την πλάτη come to Του me. σημαίνει. In your ministry Όχι ότι in the δεν parish τους and βλέπει. in your Ο daily Θεός life in δεν Christ, έχει you πλάτη, are αλλά called ότι to offer δεν Him είναι and κάτω guide από others την to εύνοια an encounter τη δική with Του. the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. Συνεπώς On this day όταν may λέμε we offer «αιωνία our prayers η μνήμη» and generous αυτό support είναι ταυτόσημο for Saint Basil με Academy. τη σωτηρία. May Ότι, we strengthen είθε να this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have σωθείς, συ, ο κεκοιμημένος αδελφός, είθε να σωθείς για να σε ενθυμείται ο Θεός πάντοτε. established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich Αυτό blessings θα of πει our «αιωνία Lord at the σου beginning η μνήμη». of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! π. Αθανάσιος Μυτιληναίος With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America 10
Philoptochos News: The Philoptochos Palm Sunday Luncheon will be held on April 5, 2015. Please stop by our table in the Church Hall after the Divine Liturgy to purchase your tickets! AHEPA: Attention High School Seniors! Student applications are now available for the Washington Metropolitan Area 45th AHEPA Scholarship Program. Students eligible for an award will be honored at this year's Awards Program on May 17, 2015 held at the Hilton Washington, DC/Rockville Hotel in Rockville, MD. This program has honored 1,533 students and awarded $838,175 in scholarships. Applications are available in the church office or by contacting Ted Sakkos 202-438- 6584 tedsakkos@yahoo.com Completed applications and materials must be submitted by April 3, 2015. GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL: Τhe Greek Independence Day program will take place on Wednesday March 25th at St Andrew Ukrainian church. You are all invited to come and enjoy our students as they perform Greek traditional songs. Το πρόγραμμα του ελληνικού σχολείου των Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης για την επέτειο της 25ης Μαρτίου 1821 θα πραγματοποιηθεί την Τετάρτη 25 Μαρτίου στην Ουκρανική εκκλησία του Αγίου Αντρέα. Ελάτε να απολαύσετε τους μικρούς και τους μεγαλύτερους μαθητές του σχολείου που θα τραγουδήσουν ελληνικά παραδοσιακά τραγούδια και θα χορέψουν παραδοσιακούς χορούς. 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. Communion Wine: If you are interested in purchasing Commandaria wine 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. 11
STEWARDS STEWARDSHIP AS OF MARCH 15, 2015 The following names are of families who love their God and have renewed their Commitment to the Church Ministries of Sts. Constantine & Helen: Mr. & Mrs. George Georgiou Miss Angeleke Kaldis Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Kaldis Mrs. Ernest A. Mantzouris Mr. & Mrs. Cleon Marlas Mr. Louis Mikedes Mr. & Mrs. Robert Perry Mr. Michael Pittas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Pittas Ms. Sophia Severino Miss Maria Stamos Ms. Panagiota G. Strats Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Thornberg Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Tsipianitis Mr. Panayioti Tsipianitis Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Vithoulkas Mr. David Wooten Stewardship pamphlets are available in the Narthex of the Church, or you may contact the Church office, and we will gladly send one to you by mail! 12
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 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 13
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237 Ποια είναι η διαφορά μεταξύ Ορθοδόξων και αιρετικών 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 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 Νομίζω achieve. την βασική διαφορά μπορούμε να την κατανοήσωμε, αν πάρωμε για παράδειγμα την Ιατρική This vital επιστήμη. mission of Saint Εκεί Basil έχομε Academy, τους γιατρούς carried out που by the ανήκουν directors, στον staff, Ιατρικό trustees and Σύλλογο. benefactors, Αν δεν is in είναι κάποιος keeping with γιατρός our Lord s μέλος command του Ιατρικού to let the Συλλόγου, children come δεν to me. μπορεί This να is accomplished εξασκήση through το επάγγελμα this ministry του γιατρού. by bringing Για the love να of είναι Christ ένας to those γιατρός in need. νόμιμος, Everything πρέπει that is offered όχι for μόνο the children να είναι and απόφοιτος youth at Saint μιας Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, ανεγνωρισμένης Ιατρικής Σχολής, αλλά και μέλος του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου. Τα ίδια ισχύουν and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. και Saint για Basil τους Academy δικηγόρους. is also a place Στις where επιστήμες the lives αυτές of the children υπάρχει and μία youth συνεχής are guided δοκιμασία in Christ. On διότι, the αν παρεκτραπή beautiful campus, κάποιος, in a nurturing ως προς environment την ορθή of prayer εξάσκηση and grace, του they επαγγέλματός are led in the του, path of τότε truth δικάζεται and από το love. αρμόδιο They are όργανο shown the του blessings επαγγελματικού of the life in Christ, Συλλόγου how to στον follow οποίο His will ανήκει and to find και strength αποβάλλεται and assurance in His promises. Σώματος.Το They see the hope, ίδιο joy, όμως and power συμβαίνει in a life of και faith στην and a lifelong Εκκλησία. relationship Η αντίστοιχη with Him. του επαγγελματικού This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, διαδικασία μέσα στο Σώμα της Εκκλησίας, η αποβολή δηλαδή ή αποκοπή κάποιου μέλους travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others Της, he guided ονομάζεται them in truth αφορισμός and love through προκειμένου teaching and δε preaching, περί εκκλησιαστικού as a faithful and caring αξιώματος, pastor, to their καθαίρεσις. Savior Έτσι and Redeemer. οι αιρετικοί This αφορίζονται is also our calling από today. το Σώμα In our της support Εκκλησίας. for Saint Basil Όπως Academy, στον ιατρικό we are led χώρο by our σε Ladies έναν κομπογιαννίτη Philoptochos Society (ψευτογιατρό) and our local Philoptochos δεν είναι δυνατόν chapters in να collecting του επιτραπή an offering να and θεραπεύη, in the celebration έτσι και of the στην Εκκλησία cutting of the δεν Vasilopeta. είναι δυνατόν We are also να led επιτραπή by Christ and σε by έναν the example αιρετικό of Saint να Basil θεραπεύη to fulfill τις the command ψυχές των 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 ανθρώπων. Διότι, επειδή είναι αιρετικός δεν γνωρίζει, δεν μπορεί να θεραπεύη. Οπότε, όπως called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. δεν On this είναι day δυνατόν may we offer να γίνη our prayers ποτέ ένωση and generous μεταξύ support κάποιου for Saint Συλλόγου Basil Academy. κομπογιαννιτών May we strengthen γιατρών this και του vital Ιατρικού work to children Συλλόγου, and youth έτσι in fulfilling δεν είναι the ποτέ request δυνατόν of our Lord να and γίνη in ένωσις honoring μεταξύ the legacy των of all Ορθοδόξων who have και established των αιρετικών. and supported Ένας this ministry πραγματικός in the past γιατρός seventy δεν years. είναι May εκείνος you also που receive απλώς the abundant διαβάζει and rich πολλά 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 ARTICLE OF THE WEEK ιατρικά βιβλία, αλλά εκείνος που έχει μεν αποφοιτήσει από την Ιατρική Σχολή ενός Πανεπιστημίου, συγχρόνως όμως έχει μαθητεύσει για ένα σημαντικό διάστημα κοντά σε έναν πεπειραμένο καθηγητή αποδεδειγμένης ικανότητος να θεραπεύη αρρώστους. Πρωτοπρ. Ιωάννου Σ. Ρωμανίδου, Καθηγητού Πανεπιστημίου από το βιβλίο «Πατερική Θεολογία» 14
Stewardship 15
STEWARDSHIP 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 Is This Happening Feast of Saint Basil In and Our New Year Parish??? Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples on To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and earth Members will of be the blessed Parish through Councils you. of the Genesis Greek Orthodox 12:2-3 Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the In Hellenic today s Organizations, Scripture, we and read the entire that God Greek makes Orthodox an astounding Family America statement to the patriarch Abraham. God lays upon Abraham an incredible blessing. Yet, with the blessing also came a tremendous responsibility. Beloved Perhaps Brothers we ve and been Sisters trained Christ, to see the word blessing and automatically think of it as being directed On this toward blessed our Feast personal of Saint being. Basil and God the blesses beginning and of the we New receive Year, the our blessing. honored tradition Yet, is if to we offer look prayers more closely and support at what for the God sacred says ministry to Abraham, of our beloved it quickly Saint becomes Basil Academy. apparent For that seventy blessings years this are institution always something our Holy to be Archdiocese given away. has We offered have the not love been of Christ, blessed the in comfort order of to His enjoy presence, them for and ourselves, the healing as power if we of were faith of to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint hoarding the last piece of birthday cake long after the party is over. No, in fact we have been blessed Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and in order to be a blessing. achieve. Take This vital a quick mission look of at Saint Genesis Basil 12:2-3 Academy, once carried again. out Notice by the that directors, only once staff, trustees does God and tell benefactors, Abraham is that in He will keeping bless with him, our while Lord s three command times to God let tells the children Abraham come that to others me. This will is be accomplished blessed through through him. this God ministry does not by bringing bless us the in love order of for Christ us to those feel good in need. about Everything ourselves that or is offered merely for because the children He wants and youth us to at enjoy Saint His blessings Basil s is offered for ourselves. in the name This and misses presence the of point Christ. completely. In daily care, God in blesses counseling us and so that teaching, we in in turn recreation, can bless others. and in worship, In other the words, students to encounter live generously Christ and is His to fully abundant live and in tune comforting with the love. heart of God. Receive, so that Saint you Basil can Academy give. Live is also generously, a place where because the lives this of is the the children way God and lives. youth are Apparently, guided in Christ. living On generously the has beautiful a far campus, greater impact in a nurturing than we environment might ever of know. prayer and When grace, we they choose are led to live in the generously path of truth and giving, loving, love. blessing, They are encouraging, shown the blessings lending, of the and life mending Christ, that how which to follow is His broken will and to we find leave strength a legacy and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. for the next generation. When we model generosity, we instill in the next generation that generosity is a value This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, to be embraced. As we are a blessing to others, our children see this value and will more readily embrace he guided it as them their in own. truth We and love ensure through that the teaching cycle and of preaching, blessing continues. as a faithful In and a caring society pastor, that far to their too often Savior is travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others absorbed, and Redeemer. in self-advancement, This is also our calling self-promotion, today. In our even support self-blessing for Saint Basil what Academy, kind we of are legacy led by are our we Ladies leaving Philoptochos for the next Society generation? and our local Is it Philoptochos one that is saturated chapters in collecting self, or is an it offering one that and sees in the celebration blessing of of others as cutting central of the to the Vasilopeta. message We of God? are also You led by have Christ been and blessed. by the example Now it s of your Saint turn. 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 GOING called to offer DEEPER: Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. 1. On What this day would may it we look offer like our for prayers us to and live generously? support What for Saint would Basil we Academy. value? How May might we strengthen that change this the vital way work we to live? 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 2. What are some ways in which you can live generously this week? blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! FURTHER With paternal READING: love in Christ, Psalm 37:25-26, 112:5-9; Matthew 6:19-24, 25:31-46; Luke 21:1-4 DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America 16
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT OF THE WEEK 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 To be a member of the Church is not the same as being a member of a club or Feast of Saint Basil and New Year civic Let the group. children come The to Church me, and do is not the hinder Body them; for of to Christ such belongs (1 the Corinthians kingdom of heaven. 12). Therefore, (Matthew to be a member of the Church is to be a part of the living body of Christ. Just as every member has a different function in the human body, so do we each have a specific function or calling in His Church. God did not create each of us to do 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 the Hellenic same Organizations, thing. and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America If a member of the human body is missing or not functioning, the entire body 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 does and support not reach for the sacred its full ministry potential. of our beloved In the Saint same Basil way, Academy. without For seventy all the years members this institution of of the Church our Holy Archdiocese participating has offered and the working love of Christ, together, the comfort our of ministries His presence, do and the not healing reach power their of faith full to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint potential. Basil Academy Each continues of to us provide is called a caring to and offer spiritual our environment gifts as where we they have are able been to grow, blessed learn, and and serve achieve. according to the task that God has placed before us in service to His Church. 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 Stewardship by bringing the love Ministries of Christ to those - Greek in need. Orthodox Everything Archdiocese that is offered for of the America 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 EVALUATE of the life in Christ, YOUR how to follow LIFE 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, Are travelers, you and a many contributing others in need, member he offered of an encounter the body with of Christ? by taking Are His you love actively to them. For serving others God he guided and them sharing truth Him and love with through others? teaching Are and preaching, you contributing as a faithful and to caring peace pastor, and to unity their Savior within Philoptochos His body? Society Do and you our local worship Philoptochos regularly? chapters Take in collecting a moment an offering to and evaluate in the celebration your life of the in and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies light cutting of these Vasilopeta. principles. We are also We led are by called Christ and to by apply the example our of gifts, Saint training, Basil to fulfill abilities, the command education of our Lord let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to and offer Him skills and to guide the others tasks to an that encounter God with places the Lord before that will us. lead If to we abundant do this and humbly eternal life. and prayerfully, On this day may the we offer body our of prayers Christ and generous will function support for to Saint its full Basil potential. 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 17
ΑΡΧΙΜ. ΑΡΣΕΝΙΟΣ ΚΑΤΕΡΕΛΟΣ ΠΡΟΣΕΥΧΗ - ΕΧΘΡΟΤΗΣ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΛΛΟΥΣ - ΔΙΑΠΡΟΣΩΠΙΚΕΣ ΣΧΕΣΕΙΣ Γιά νά εἶναι θεάρεστη ἡ προσευχή μας, ἐκτός τῶν ἄλλων, δέν πρέπει νά ὑπάρχη ἐχθρότητα μέ τόν ὁποιονδήποτε συνάνθρωπό μας. Αὐτό ἐκφράζεται διάχυτα στό ''Πάτερ ἡμῶν'', καί ὄχι μόνον ἐκεῖ. Γιά νά μᾶς συγχωρήση ὁ Κύριος καί νά ''πετάξη'' ἡ προσευχή μας στόν οὐρανό, ἀνεξαρτήτως τοῦ τί μᾶς ἔκαναν οἱ ἄλλοι, ἐμεῖς πρέπει νά τούς συγχωροῦμε ἀπό τήν καρδιά μας. Βέβαια, αὐτό δέν σημαίνει ὅτι ὑποχρεούμεθα νά ἔχωμε σχέσι μέ ὅλους. Ἄλλωστε, αὐτό καί πρακτικῶς δέν εἶναι δυνατόν καί δέν ἔχει καμμιά ἔννοια καί πολλές φορές εἶναι καί βλαβερό. Ἐπίσης, δέν εἶναι δυνατόν νά ταιριάζωμε ὅλοι μέ ὅλους. Εἶναι θέμα ἰδιοσυγκρασίας καί ὑπεισέρχονται καί πολλοί ἄλλοι παράγοντες. ''Δικαίωμά τους - ἄς μιλήσωμε μέ μιά σύγχρονη λέξι -, καί δικαίωμά μας''. Ὅμως, ἐκεῖνο πού δέν δικαιούμαστε, μέ τήν πνευματική ἔννοια, εἶναι νά ραδιουργοῦμε, νά κατακρίνωμε, νά περιφρονοῦμε, κλπ., μέ ὅσους δέν ταιριάζομε ἤ δέν ἀναπαυόμαστε. Μέ ὅποιον ταιριάζομε, νά εἴμαστε ἀγαπημένοι ἀπό κοντά. Καί μέ ὅποιον δέν ταιριάζομε, νά εἴμαστε ἀγαπημένοι ἀπό μακρυά, ἀπό μιά δηλαδή κάποια ἀπόστασι ἀσφαλείας, ἀρκούντως ἱκανή, οὕτως ὥστε νά μήν ἔχωμε πλεῖστες ὅσες διαταραχές ποικίλου περιεχομένου... Μᾶς ἔλεγε σχετικά ὁ Ὅσιος Παΐσιος ὁ Ἁγιορείτης: «Ὅταν θέλης νά ἑνώσης δύο ξύλα μεταξύ τους, ἐάν αὐτά τά ξύλα δέν εἶναι καλά ἐναρμονισμένα, πλανισμένα, τότε ὅσο τά ἑνώνεις μέ βίδα καί παξιμάδι καί σφίγγεις τήν βίδα, ἐπειδή ἀκριβῶς δέν εἶναι καλά πλανισμένα, ἐναρμονισμένα μεταξύ τους, ὅσο πιό πολύ τά σφίγγεις καί δέν τά ἔχεις λάσκα, τόσο πιό πολύ πετσικάρουν, κλωτσᾶνε. Ἐνῷ ἐάν ταιριάζουν, εἶναι ἐναρμονισμένα μέ τό πλάνισμα, λίγη κόλλα νά βάλης, ἑνώνονται θαυμάσια».τά συμπεράσματα ἀπό τά σοφά λόγια τοῦ Ὁσίου Γέροντος γιά τό θέμα μας εἶναι προφανῆ. 18