THE ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 11 th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW The Holy Apostle Thaddeus The Holy Martyr Vassa and her children Our Father among the Saints, Athanasius of Pantelarus, Patriarch of Constantinople The Holy New-martyrs Manuel and John August 21, 2016 Rev. Fr. Mark Emroll, Proistamenos Altar Boys: All Available Ushers on Duty: Team 5 Epistle Reading I Corinthians 3: 9 17 Gospel Reading Matthew 14: 22 34 Today s Divine Liturgy Hymns and Scripture Readings 2 nd Antiphon (Resurrectional) Save us, O Son of God, Who is risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia. Σόσον ημάς Υιέ Θεού, Ο αναστάς εκ νεκρών. Ψάλλοντάς σοι, Αλληλούϊα HYMN AT THE ENTRANCE WITH THE GOSPEL BOOK: DISMISSAL HYMN OF THE DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD In giving birth you retained your virginity, and in dormition you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You were translated unto life, being the Mother of Life. And thus by virtue of your intercessions you deliver our souls from death. Ἐν τῇ Γεννήσει τὴν παρθενίαν ἐφύλαξας, ἐν τῇ Κοιμήσει τὸν κόσμον οὐ κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε. Μετέστης πρὸς τὴν ζωήν, μήτηρ ὑπάρχουσα τῆς ζωῆς, καὶ ταῖς πρεσβείαις ταῖς σαῖς λυτρουμένη, ἐκ θανάτου τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. ENTRANCE HYMN Come let us worship and bow down to Christ. Save us O Son of God, Who is risen from the dead. We sing to you, Alleluia. Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν Χριστῷ. Σῶσον ἡμᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ νεκρῶν, ψάλλοντάς σοι, Ἀλληλούϊα. RESURRECTIONAL DISMISSAL HYMN (Tone 8) You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You. Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Following this hymn, we sing again the Dismissal Hymn of the Dormition of the Mother of God. DISMISSAL HYMN OF THE ANNUNCIATION Today is the crown of our salvation and the revelation of the Mystery that is from all eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces this grace. Let us join Him and cry out to the Theotokos: Hail, you who are full of grace, the Lord is with you. Σήμερον της σωτηρίας ημών το κεφάλαιον και του απ αιώνας μυστηρίου η φανέρωσις, Ο Υιός του Θεού, Υιός της Παρθένου γίνεται, και Γαβριήλ την χάριν ευαγγελίζεται. Διό και ημείς συν αυτώ τη Θεοτόκω βοήσωμεν. Χαιρε, κεχαριτωμένη, ο Κύριος μετά σου.
KONTAKION The Theotokos, unsleeping in intercession and the immovable hope of protection, could not be retained by any tomb or death. For being Life's own Mother, she was transferred to life by Him who dwelt in the ever-virgin womb. Τὴν ἐν πρεσβείαις ἀκοίμητον Θεοτόκον, καὶ προστασίαις ἀμετάθετον ἐλπίδα, τάφος καὶ νέκρωσις οὐκ ἐκράτησεν ὡς γὰρ ζωῆς Μητέρα, πρὸς τὴν ζωὴν μετέστησεν, ὁ μήτραν οἰκήσας ἀειπάρθενον. TRISAGION HYMN Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Αγιος Ο Θεός, Αγιος Ισχυρός, Αγιος Αθάνατος, ελἐησον ημάς. EPISTLE READING (I Corinthians 3: 9 17) SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE DIVINE LITURGY Brethren, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder. I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are. GOSPEL READING (Matthew 14: 22 34) At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. HYMN FOLLOWING THE CONSECRATION OF THE GIFTS It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos. Ἄξιόν ἐστιν ὡς ἀληθῶς μακαρίζειν σε τὴν Θεοτόκον, τὴν ἀειμακάριστον καὶ παναμώμητον καὶ μητέρα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. Τὴν τιμιωτέραν τῶν Χερουβεὶμ καὶ ἐνδοξοτέραν ἀσυγκρίτως τῶν Σεραφείμ, τὴν ἀδιαφθόρως Θεὸν Λόγον τεκοῦσαν, τὴν ὄντως Θεοτόκον, σὲ μεγαλύνομεν. COMMUNION HYMN Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. Alleluia. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν αἰνεῖτε αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις. Ἀλληλούϊα. Following the administration of Holy Communion, we sing the following We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for this has saved us. Εἴδομεν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινόν, ἐλάβομεν Πνεῦμα ἐπουράνιον, εὓρομεν πίστιν ἀληθῆ, ἀδιαίρετον Τριάδα προσκυνοῦντες αὕτη γὰρ ἡμᾶς ἔσωσεν.
SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016 MATINS AND DIVINE LITURGY FELLOWSHIP COFFEE HOUR is sponsored by Philoptochos. 8:15 AM EXTEND, O LORD, YOUR MERCY AND PROTECTION UPON YOUR SERVANTS Please pray for the health and salvation of your brothers and sisters in Christ during today s Divine Liturgy and throughout the week: Nick Kirbabis, Konstantinos Haritos, Mary Saloom, Mike Mokas, Katherine Xidas, Magdeline Tisinger, Lucy Fasules, Peter Mihalislis, John Gregory, Elli Bambakidis, Dimitroula Hill, Stephanie Michaelson, Mary Leakas, Pete Davis, Barbara Moraites, Christopher Clarke and Gigi Tsocaris MEETING AND EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 22 ND Date Event Time Location Mon. 22 nd Koulouria 9:00am Kitchen Tue. 23 rd Koulouria 9:00am Kitchen Wed. 24 th Koulouria 9:00am Kitchen Evzonakia & Levendopeda 5:30pm Community Ctr. Nisiotes 6:30pm Community Ctr. Ellas 7:00pm Community Ctr. Thur. 25 th Koulouria 9:00am Kitchen Philoptochos 6:00pm Library JOY COURTYARD AND MEMORIAL GARDEN Fundraising for the Joy Courtyard & Memorial Garden is underway! Please pick up a brochure in the church office, or see any of the garden renovation committee members to discuss how you and your family can participate in this exciting new project. Please contact Deb Pulos for further information and how to donate! CATECHISM SCHOOL AND GREEK SCHOOL REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE! The 2016 2017 Catechism School and Greek School classes begin soon! The first day of Catechism School is Sunday, September 18 th, while the Greek School begins on Monday, September 26 th. Registration forms for Catechism School are in the monthly True Vine and available at church. Greek School registration is online at our parish website daytonannunciation@donet.com. Holy Martyrs Vassa and Her Three Sons Theognios, Agapios, and Pistos Vassa was born in Edessa and flourished during the years when Emperor Maximian reigned (286-305). She married a man named Valerian, who was a priest of idols, and gave birth to three sons, Theognios, Agapios and Pistos. Being a Christian, she raised her children in godly piety. Due to her Christian faith, Vassa suffered much at the hands of her pagan husband, who hauled her and her three sons before the Proconsul Vicarius. After she confessed that she was a Christian, he cast her and her two eldest sons into prison. Theognios, the eldest, was suspended aloft and his flesh was cruelly lacerated in his chest. They also tore out his nails, but he suffered everything bravely and boldly called upon God. His mother Vassa encouraged him to endure to the end.
After torturing Theognios, they scourged the second son, Agapios. The pagans flayed his flesh from his head to his chest, stripping his skin. Christ's athlete endured the pain with the encouragement of his mother and by repeating the words: "Nothing is more gratifying than suffering for Christ." Later they also brought forward the youngest son, Pistos, who also confessed Christ and endured torments. Astonishing all by his confession, the pagans broke his bones and joints. Then they beheaded him with his two brothers. Thus, the children Vassa nurtured with her milk and her faith attained full Christian stature, receiving triumphant ends. Meanwhile, Vassa remained in prison, where she was nourished by an angel. When Vicarius went to Macedonia he ordered Vassa be taken with him. She was compelled to sacrifice to the idols there. Refusing to do so, they tried to drown her and burn her and stone her, but she endured all these things and remained uninjured. Then she was taken to the pagan temple by Vicarius, where she smashed to pieces the idol of Zeus. Maddened by this, Vicarius cast her to the animals as prey, but she was preserved unharmed. Whereupon, the pagans flung her into the sea about 3 1/2 miles from land to drown her. But the holy woman was borne aloft by three radiant men (probably her three sons) who deposited her upon a ship. Within eight days Vassa appeared on the island of Alonos which lies below the Hellespont. There was a certain man named Philip who informed Vicarius in Macedonia of the whereabouts of Vassa. In turn, Vicarius wrote the consul of Kyzikos in the Hellespont to arrest Vassa. Having investigated and arrested her, he also tried to persuade Vassa to sacrifice to the idols, but failed, so he had her hands tied behind her back and her limbs crushed and bruised. She was then beheaded, surrendering her soul and receiving the everlasting crown of martyrdom like her three sons. DISMISSAL HYMN OF ST. VASSA AND HER CHILDREN Thou wast a mother of fair children, O trophy-bearer Vassa; thou didst bring to the Trinity the fruits of thy womb. At thy word Theognios, Pistos and Agapios bravely contested and with thee partake of glory. Save those who cry to thee: Glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who has glorified thee; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all. WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS! If you are visiting our Parish, please fill out the "Visitor Information Card," located in the Narthex, and hand it to one of the Welcome Committee greeters. You are welcome to come forward to receive a piece of antidoron (blessed bread) at the conclusion of the service and join us in the Memorial Center for our Fellowship Hour following the Divine Liturgy. If you are a newcomer to our Parish, please introduce yourself to our priest. He would be most happy to schedule a time to meet with you and discuss the ministries and fellowship opportunities available within our Parish. For Orthodox Christians GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION When preparing to receive Holy Communion, please remain quietly in your pews until an Usher/ Parish Council Member directs you to approach from the center aisle. Your prayerful attention helps sustain the solemnity of the Divine Liturgy for those praying the "Prayers of Preparation and following Holy Communion the "Prayers of Thanksgiving. You will find these prayers in the burgundy Divine Liturgy book located in the pew backs. The Prayers of Preparation begin on page 29 and the Prayers of Thanksgiving begin on page 40.
Please allow the acolyte to place the Holy Communion Cloth beneath your chin. This ensures that no particle of the Eucharist falls from your lips. Recite your baptismal name aloud; open your mouth wide; and close your mouth as the Communion Spoon enters your mouth. After receiving Holy Communion, blot your lips on the cloth and return to your pew by the side aisles. You will find an acolyte offering you a bowl of antidoron from which you should take a single piece to ensure you consume all traces of Holy Communion. For Non-Orthodox Christians We welcome to our worship those Christians not fully united with us (canonically). It is a consequence of the sad divisions of Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Orthodox Christians believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community signifying a oneness in faith, life, and worship. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist and for which we must all pray.