Sunday before Theophany

Sunday Bulletin January 04, 2015 Sunday before Theophany Synaxis of the 70 Apostles; Theoctistos the Righteous Transfiguration of our Lord Greek Orthodox Church 414 St. Stephen s School Road Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 329-6363 email - office@transfiguration.org website - www.transfiguration.org Sunday Service Schedule Orthros 8:45am; Divine Liturgy 10:00am Reverend Fr. Vasileios Flegas, Proistamenos 512-574-1972

Hymns for today Resurrection Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ. Eternal with the Father and the Spirit is the Word, Who of a Virgin was begotten for our salvation. As the faithful we both praise and worship Him, for in the flesh did He consent to ascend unto the Cross, and death did He endure and He raised unto life the dead through His all glorious resurrection. Hymn for the Forefeast of Theophany Be thou ready, Zabulon; prepare thyself, O Nephthalim. River Jordan, stay thy course and skip for gladness to receive the Sovereign Master, Who cometh now to be baptized. O Adam, be thou glad with our first mother, Eve; hide not as ye did of old in Paradise. Seeing you naked, He hath appeared now to clothe you in the first robe again. Christ hath appeared, for He truly willeth to renew all creation. Hymn for the Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Μετεμορθώθης εν τώ όρει Χριστέ ο Θεός, δείξας τοίς Μαθηταίς σου τήν δόξαν σου, καθώς ήδυναντο, Λάμψον καί ημίν τοίς αμαρτωλοίς, τό φώς σου τό αϊδιον, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, φωτοδότα δόξα σοι. When O Christ our God Thou wast Transfigured on the mountain Thou didst reveal Thy glory to Thy disciples in proportion as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light also enlighten us sinners. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Thou Bestower of light, glory to Thee. Kontakion Ἐν τοῖς ῥείθροις σήμερον τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, γεγονῶς ὁ Κύριος, τῶ Ἰωάννη ἐκβοᾷ. Μὴ δειλιάσης βαπτίσαι με, σῶσαι γὰρ ἥκω, Ἀδὰμ τὸν πρωτόπλαστον. In the running waters of the Jordan River, on this day the Lord of all crieth to John: Be not afraid and hesitate not to baptize Me, for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man.

Epistle - St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 4:5-8 TIMOTHY, my son, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, νῆφε ἐν πᾶσιν, κακοπάθησον, ἔργον ποίησον εὐαγγελιστοῦ, τὴν διακονίαν σου πληροφόρησον. Ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤδη σπένδομαι, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀναλύσεως ἐφέστηκεν. Τὸν ἀγῶνα τὸν καλὸν ἠγώνισμαι, τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα, τὴν πίστιν τετήρηκα λοιπόν, ἀπόκειταί μοι ὁ τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος, ὃν ἀποδώσει μοι ὁ κύριος ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, ὁ δίκαιος κριτής οὐ μόνον δὲ ἐμοί, ἀλλὰ καὶ πάσιν τοῖς ἠγαπηκόσιν τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ. Gospel Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Αρχὴ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ως γέγραπται ἐν τοῖς προφήταις, ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου, ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου, εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ,ἐγένετο Ιωάννης βαπτίζων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο πρὸς αὐτὸν πᾶσα ἡ Ιουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ Ιεροσολυμῖται, καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο πάντες ἐν τῷ Ιορδάνῃ ποταμῷ ὑπ αὐτοῦ ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν. Ἦν δὲ ὁ Ιωάννης ἐνδεδυμένος τρίχας καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐσθίων ἀκρίδας καὶ μέλι ἄγριον. Καὶ ἐκήρυσσε λέγων ἔρχεται ὁ ἰσχυρότερός μου ὀπίσω μου, οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς κύψας λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ ἐγὼ μὲν ἐβάπτισα ὑμᾶς ἐν ὕδατι, αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς ἐν Πνεύματι Αγίῳ.

Welcome Visitors! We welcome all new visitors who worshipped with us this morning. We are pleased to have you with us! Please join us next door after service for coffee and fellowship. There is material in the entrance of the church regarding ministries and events of Transfiguration. We hope that you will return often to worship with us and grow in Christ! Receiving Holy Communion The sacrament of Holy Communion is reserved for only baptized and/or Chrismated Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared by fasting, prayer and confession. The Orthodox Church is not in sacramental communion with any other church outside the Orthodox Christian Faith. If you are not Orthodox, you are invited with everyone to receive the Antidoron (blessed bread) at the end of service. If you would like information about the Orthodox Church, please see Fr. Vasileios after services. The Prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16) Prayers for Health JoGeo, Konstantinos, Shelly, Ruthie, Barbara, Samantha, Maria, Efstathia, Tony, Rouba, Sarah, Emily, Kynlee, Wesley, Afrodite, Nick, Nicholas Wyatt, Cameren, Helen, Chrissy, Nancy, MaryAnn, Marian, Tina, Salin, George-Panagiotis, Salin, Raphael, Marta, Guadalupe, Caroline, John, Lili, Archie, Kelsey, Eva, Virginia, Makena, Dolly, Afrodite, Alexandros, Lou, Thomas, Greg, Bill, Kathryn, John, Kathy, Nakis, Maggie, Rosemary, Mindy, Pat, Louella, Steve, Marie, Clifford, Tina, Timothy, Cynthia, Chad, Douglas, Mat. Sissy Yerger, Fr. Paul, Kyle, Katerina, Vasili, Harry, Angie, Francis, Petya, Thomas, Romeo, John, John, Brenda, Georgie, Dale, John, Dale, Anna, Brenda, Carol, Jan, Nick, Damon, Afrodite, Nick, Alex,, John Fr. Jason and family, Presv. Tiffany, Maria, David, Boyd, Chris, Jennifer, Jay, Dede, Michael, Jason, Ling, Josh, Chrissy, Bradley, Jim, Patricia he is always wrestling in prayer for you (Colossians 4:12) Prayers for those in our Armed Forces SGT Jennifer D. Atkinson, SSG John Atkinson, COL Dave Romine, CPT James Alfaro, SSG Deane Anderson, CPT William Willett, MAJ Timothy Ullman, MAJ Chris Chase, SPC Mindy Keys, SPC Andrew Bentzel, MAJ Scot Thornhill, CPT Christopher Gilbert, CPT. Alexander Stathos, 1st LT Angela Bahlatzis, MIDN 1/C Joseph Barone, SGT Walter Hurbert ( Nikolaos ) Willoughby IV, LCDR Thomas Uhl Arthur Christopher Anthony Pavlovsky

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237 Web: http://www.goarch.org - Email: communications@goarch.org Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) 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

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sunday, January 4, 2015 GOLF Our next study will be on Tues., January 13, at 10am. We are currently studying the book Everyday Saints and Other Stories Please contact Krystal Cawood to be added to our email list: townsendrafts@gmail.com Men s Group Book Study Explore and Discuss Start at 6:30 pm Shared Snack 7:00 8:15 pm Group Study Book available at the bookstore Tuesday, January 13,2015 YAL Book Study Explore and Discuss Start at 6:30 pm Shared Snack 7:00 8:15 pm Group Study Book available at the bookstore Thursday, January 15, 2015 Annual Vasilopita Auction TODAY during Coffee Hour! Join us for coffee and get ready to bid on some of the yummiest vasilopites and other traditional cakes. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to St. Basil's Academy in Garrison, NY. Saint Basil Academy is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese home for children in need. The academy provides a loving Christian environment where resident children are nurtured to adulthood. Here's a link to find out more about St.Basil's Academy and the vasilopita tradition: http://www.stbasil.goarch.org/about_us/ vasilopita Please plan to attend and support our fundraiser.

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sunday, January 4, 2015 Blessing of the Waters and Diving for the Cross (weather permitting) On Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 at 3106 Edgewater Drive, Austin, TX 78733 Bring you bathing suit and dive for the Cross! House Blessings Father Vasileios will begin our house blessings after the Feast of Theophany on January 6, 2015. This year again, we will do a progressive house blessing in your neighborhood. Please get together with your neighbors and arrange for a day that Father Vasileios can come and bless the houses in your neighborhood. For the house blessing you will need an icon, some fresh basil, incense and charcoal, a candle and a bowl of water. You will also need a list of names of all the living people in your household as well as all the living people you would like Father to pray for. To set an appointment please return the form below to the office. Thank you! EPIPHANY HOUSE BLESSING FORM To schedule a progressive house blessing, please return this form to the Church Office as soon as possible. Please indicate your preferred days of the week and time of day: Name of families: Addresses: Phone Numbers: If you have any questions please call the Church Office at 512-329-6363.

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday, January 4, 2015 Services for this Week: Monday, January 5 - The Proeortia (Forefeast) of the Theophany of Christ 9am Orthros 10am Imperial Hours 5pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy & Lesser Blessing of the Waters Tuesday, January 6 - The Holy Theophany of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great followed by the Service of the Greater Blessing of Waters Wednesday, January 7 - The Synaxis Feast of St. John the Baptist 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Saturday, January 10 - Great Vespers 5pm Our deepest condolences to the Ackerman family on the loss of Dennis mother Frances Ackerman. Frances Eileen Ackerman/Cavanaugh passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. She was 86 years old and she was preceded in death by her husband Leon Ackerman and her sons Michael and Richard. May her memory be eternal! The memorial service today is for: Lucille and Bennie Angelo survived by their son Jacob Angelo and family Mike and Annie Angelo, Jacob and Emma Botary - survived by their grandson Jacob Angelo and family Harold Ridgeway - (the infant brother of Jacob) survived by Jacob Angelo and family Elias Ferris - survived by his granddaughter Diana Angelo and family Ramon Ferris - survived by his Goddaughter Diana Angelo and family Vasiliki Grivas (6 months)- survived by her brother Dr. Vaios, his wife Magda Anthanasiou and family, her niece Presvytera Stella, her husband Fr. Vasileios Flegas and family. Frances Ackerman ( 3 days) - Survived by her son Steven Ackerman, his wife Dalia, and family; her son Dennis Ackerman, his wife Eleni, and family; her son Jerry Ackerman, his wife Nancy, and family and her grandchildren Alexander, Jason, Chris, Amber, Sean, and Sandy; Eva and Alexandra; Justin, Jennifer, and Jessica. Thank you to last week s Coffee Hour Sponsors: Stathos, Streetman, Suehs, Suehs, Terzi, Tindle Thank you to this week s Coffee Hour Sponsors Tracey, Tsihlas, Werner, Willmann, Willoughby, Burke Next week s Luncheon Sponsors: GOYA Thank you to last week s ushers: Tom Gouris (PCM) Maria Miller, Anita Jones, Kevin Korioth Thank you to today's ushers: Dr. Lou Apostolakis (PCM) Dan Appling, Gigi Appling, Nyda Glaros Next week s ushers are: Maria Burke (PCM) Paul Petrogeorge, Argiro Justice, Maria Justice