Saints RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS, & IRENE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos 3074 Bethelview Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-5250 www.stsrni.org officeadmin@stsrni.org facebook.com/sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Read our daily devotionals at www.faithencouraged.org February 7, 2016 Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsacus Saint Parthenius was born in Melitopolis on the Hellespont, the son of a deacon named Christopher. Because of the miracles that he wrought even as a young man, he was ordained a priest and then Bishop of Lampsacus in the days of Saint Constantine the Great, from whom he received great gifts and authority both to overturn the altars of the idols and to raise up a church to the glory of Christ. Working many miracles throughout his life, he reposed in peace an old man and full of days.
GOD PARENTS SUNDAY Honoring the Role of Godparent In Your Parish With a Godparent Sunday celebration By Eleni Kallaur Those who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Alleluia. The role of the Godparent in the Orthodox Church is an important one. Along with the parents, the Godparent is charged with the responsibility of assisting in the spiritual development of the child. In some cultures the Godparent is addressed by a special name (an example is nouno/nouna in Greek.) Whether a blood relative or not, the Godparent is now embraced as part of the spiritual family of that child. Although great care and many prayers are put forth by the parents in choosing the Godparent for their child, sometimes after the baptism the relationship does not grow. Other than the occasional birthday and Christmas gifts, some Godchildren and Godparents rarely see or talk to each other. As with any relationship, this spiritual one needs to be fostered and cared for in order for it to develop. The best way for this relationship to grow is through prayer. Pray for your Godchild and his or her parents, and the parents should encourage their child to pray for the Godparents. By doing this you are encouraging a relationship and giving it the spiritual basis on which to mature. Other practical ideas for maintaining a relationship with your Godchild are to celebrate the anniversary of the baptism with a card or a telephone call. Along with learning about the child s patron saint, learn about the saint whose feast day is celebrated on the date of his or her baptism and share the story of that saint s life with your Godchild. Model your faith through your actions. Understand the sacraments as well as the teachings of the church so that you will be able to answer questions that your Godchild may have. Encourage the faith life through the types of gifts that you give your Godchild. Some examples of gifts are a bible, prayer book, books on the lives of saints, prayer rope, etc. By doing this you are giving tools to help your Godchild grow in the faith, and are helping him/her to start a personal library of Orthodox teachings. If you live in close proximity to your Godchild make yourself available to spend time with him or her. Find out when school activities and sports events are scheduled and try to go to a few. Plan a special time, whether for lunch or a trip to the zoo, to be with your Godchild. These times together will only help to make your relationship closer. If you live far away, call, write, or email your Godchild. Send a letter at the beginning of a church season (Advent, Lent, etc.) to let him or her know that you will be praying for him. If possible, plan visits to see your Godchild. It is the customary practice in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to celebrate Godparent Sunday on the Sunday after the Feast of the Presentation of Christ. Serving as a godparent is a great blessing and spiritual responsibility. And if we allow Him to, God nurtures special spiritual relationships between godchildren and godparents and with their families as well.
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE On This day, we also Commemorate: Luke of Mount Stirion, Theopemptos the Martyr & his Companions George the New Martyr of Crete Afterfeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the First Tone To the offspring of Ithaca, the pride and joy of Lesvos, * monastic martyrs glory, let us offer to Raphael our songs of praise; * for lately he appeared, and pours out cures and healings to us all. * Inexplicably he appears to believers, both in dreams and awake, who cry: * Glory to Christ who gave you His might. * Glory to Him who gave you miracles. * Glory to Him who through you fulfills our prayerful requests. Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the Fourth Tone Because of the finding of your holy relics, wise one, * the Island of Lesvos has been filled fully with the grace, * which God richly gave to you. * You, O devout martyr Raphael, paradoxically * appeared to many people, and you grant cures and healings. * And therefore we the faithful re-joice in all your miracles. Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed ones; wherefore we honor you, O Godbearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors with the Lord. Singers and Chanters: Anthony Birozes, David Boyd, Marie Chapman, Maria Hagen, Lynn Lucher, Jimmy Smith, Todd Stewart Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. He trampled death under foot by means of death; and He became the firstborn from the dead. From the maw of Hades He delivered us; and He granted the world His great mercy. Apolytikion of the Feast in the First Tone Lady full of grace, rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, for Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness has risen from you and He illumined those in darkness. And you, righteous Elder, be glad in heart, receiving in your embraces the One who liberates our souls and bestows on us the Resurrection. Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone You sanctified the virginal womb by Your birth, O Lord, and blessed the hands of Symeon fittingly, O Christ God; and even now You came and saved us. Now, give peace to our Nation in time of war, and empower our Leaders, so loved by You, the only one who loves humanity.
EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10 Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1 The Lord will give strength to his people. Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory. BRETHREN, working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. Ἀδελφοί, συνεργοῦντες δὲ καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς - λέγει γάρ, Καιρῷ δεκτῷ ἐπήκουσά σου, καὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σωτηρίας ἐβοήθησά σοι ἰδού, νῦν καιρὸς εὐπρόσδεκτος, ἰδού, νῦν ἡμέρα σωτηρίας - μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν, ἵνα μὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ συνιστῶντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς θεοῦ διάκονοι, ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ, ἐν θλίψεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν στενοχωρίαις, ἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις, ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις, ἐν ἁγνότητι, ἐν γνώσει, ἐν μακροθυμίᾳ, ἐν χρηστότητι, ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ, ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει θεοῦ, διὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν, διὰ δόξης καὶ ἀτιμίας, διὰ δυσφημίας καὶ εὐφημίας ὡς πλάνοι καὶ ἀληθεῖς ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι, καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι ὡς ἀποθνῄσκοντες, καὶ ἰδού, ζῶμεν ὡς παιδευόμενοι, καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι ὡς λυπούμενοι, ἀεὶ δὲ χαίροντες ὡς πτωχοί, πολλοὺς δὲ πλουτίζοντες ὡς μηδὲν ἔχοντες, καὶ πάντα κατέχοντες.
GOSPEL READING The Gospel according to Matthew 25:14-30 The Lord said this parable: "A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." As he said these things he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην Ἄνθρωπος ἀποδημῶν ἐκάλεσε τοὺς ἰδίους δούλους καὶ παρέδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ᾧ μὲν ἔδωκε πέντε τάλαντα, ᾧ δὲ δύο, ᾧ δὲ ἕν, ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀπεδήμησεν εὐθέως. πορευθεὶς δὲ ὁ τὰ πέντε τάλαντα λαβὼν εἰργάσατο ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐποίησεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα. ὡσαύτως καὶ ὁ τὰ δύο ἐκέρδησε καὶ αὐτὸς ἄλλα δύο. ὁ δὲ τὸ ἓν λαβὼν ἀπελθὼν ὤρυξεν ἐν τῇ γῇ καὶ ἀπέκρυψε τὸ ἀργύριον τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ. μετὰ δὲ χρόνον πολὺν ἔρχεται ὁ κύριος τῶν δούλων ἐκείνων καὶ συναίρει μετ αὐτῶν λόγον. καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ τὰ πέντε τάλαντα λαβὼν προσήνεγκεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα λέγων κύριε, πέντε τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας ἴδε ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα ἐπ αὐτοῖς. ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ! ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου. προσελθὼν δὲ καὶ ὁ τὰ δύο τάλαντα λαβὼν εἶπε κύριε, δύο τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας ἴδε ἄλλα δύο τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα ἐπ αὐτοῖς. ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ! ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου. προσελθὼν δὲ καὶ ὁ τὸ ἓν τάλαντον εἰληφὼς εἶπε κύριε ἔγνων σε ὅτι σκληρὸς εἶ ἄνθρωπος, θερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας καὶ φοβηθεὶς ἀπελθὼν ἔκρυψα τὸ τάλαντόν σου ἐν τῇ γῇ ἴδε ἔχεις τὸ σόν. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ εἶπεν αὐτῷ πονηρὲ δοῦλε καὶ ὀκνηρέ! ᾔδεις ὅτι θερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα! ἔδει οὖν σε βαλεῖν τὸ ἀργύριόν μου τοῖς τραπεζίταις, καὶ ἐλθὼν ἐγὼ ἐκομισάμην ἂν τὸ ἐμὸν σὺν τόκῳ. ἄρατε οὖν ἀπ αὐτοῦ τὸ τάλαντον καὶ δότε τῷ ἔχοντι τὰ δέκα τάλαντα. τῷ γὰρ ἔχοντι παντὶ δοθήσεται καὶ περισσευθήσεται, ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ αὐτοῦ. καὶ τὸν ἀχρεῖον δοῦλον ἐκβάλετε εἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων.
PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe and confess, Lord, 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. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me. Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
Welcome to all visitors who are worshiping with us this morning. Please join us for Fellowship Hour afterwards in the Parish Life Center ( PLC ). Father Barnabas is available to hear confession every Wednesday either before or after Vespers and by appointment. Please call or email the church office to request a time to meet with Father and avail yourself to this healing divine mystery of the Church. Please call the Church office for more information: (770) 781-5250. TODAY, February 7 16 th Sunday of Luke God Parents Sunday 8:45 a.m. Orthos Divine Liturgy Sunday School Classes begin after communion 2016 Ecclesiastical Calendars are in the Narthex. Please take one home with you. Visit the Gift Shop for Inspiration and Gifts For Today: Ushers: David Chapman/Helen McCart Welcoming Ministry: Trissie Quay Fellowship Hosted by Diane Walters Parish Council of 2015: John Patrick, President; Harald Hagen, Vice President; David Chapman, Secretary; Chris Foxhall, Treasurer; Anthony Birozes, Kosta Bozzuto, Marie Chapman, Helen McCart, Johnny Melts, Greg Pappas, Plutarch Vamvakias, Len Vanerstrom Acolytes: Jacob and Jimmy Atkinson, David Druffner, Evan Eifert, Spiro Kefalas, Christos Kaloudis, Thomas Miller, Jacob Sparks, Mike Trainor, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos, Christos Zourzoukis, Senior Acolytes: Johnny Melts Please say a special prayer for the following Individuals: J. Andropoulos, Athenson Family, Bill, C. Birozes, J. Havins, A. Henning, V. Jones, D. Lucher, Maryann, M. Samaltanos; D. Sarandis, S. Thompson, E. Sofikitis and S. and K. Yalanzon Tues., Feb. 9 6:30 p.m. 9 th Hr. & Divine Liturgy Haralamos the Hieromartyr Wed., Feb. 10 Bible Study Book of Genesis (Library) 6:30 p.m. - Vespers Sat. Feb 13 Cancelled- Vespers Wedding performed in the Sanctuary *Are you interested in being a part of the Orthodox Church? If so, classes will be forming. Please call Admin Office or see Deborah Bowen to communicate your interest.* Dina Sarandis and Estelle Sofikitis who live at Oaks Senior Center on Post Road would love to have cards and visits from our parish. Friendly Reminder: The Orthodox Church practices close communion. This means only Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared to receive the Eucharist should approach the Chalice at communion. If you have any questions, please see Fr. Barnabas after service.
** PLC means Parish Life Center CALENDAR for February, 2016 dated 2/7/2016 Date Time Event Feb 7 - Sun Feb 9 - Tues Feb 10 - Wed 8:45 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 16 th Sunday of Luke Orthos Divine Liturgy GODPARENT SUNDAY bring your Godparents to Sts RNI Prosforo Baking (PLC) 9th hr & Divine Liturgy - Haralamos the Hieromartyr Bible Study - Book of Genesis THE PLACE - Philoptochos Serving Lunch Vespers Feb 11 - Thurs 7:00 p.m. Philoptochos Bd. Meeting (PLC) Feb 12 - Fri 6:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal at Sts RNI es Cancelled Feb 13 - Sat Feb 14 - Sun Wedding at Sts RNI es Cancelled Vespers Cancelled Sunday of the Canaanite. Happy Valentine s Day 8:45 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Orthos Divine Liturgy Faith Encouraged LIVE Program www.ancientradio.org Feb 16 - Tues 6:00 p.m. Ladies Fellowship at Mary Milam s home All ladies are welcomed: contact Tina Maheras at tdmaheras@comcast.net or Mary Milam at dmarymilam@bellsouth.net Feb 17 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Bible Study - Book of Genesis (Library) Vespers Feb 18 - Thurs 7:00 p.m. Philoptochos General Meeting (PLC) Feb 19 - Fri Feb 20 - Sat Feb 21 - Sun 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 8:45 a.m. Philoptochos Brunch (PLC) Vespers Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee Triodion Begins Orthos Divine Liturgy
Feb 24 - Wed Feb 26 - Fri Feb 27 - Sat Feb 28 - Sun 6:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 8:45 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Father Barnabas Out of Town Feb. 23-27 Cancelled - Bible Study - Book of Genesis (Library) Cancelled - Vespers Cancelled - Vespers Sunday of the Prodigal Son Orthos Divine Liturgy Faith Encouraged LIVE program Feb 29 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts meeting (PLC) For more information contact Harald Hagen at mrhhagen@yahoo.com or see bulletin board Notes and Thank Yous The ongoing Sts RNI Bake Sale - You can order anytime and receive fresh pastries or baked goods. See bulletin board for more information. Forms are in the PLC. Saturday of Souls Helen McCart will be offering trays of Koliva for $10 for the Saturday of Souls commemoration which is March 5, 12, and 19. Email Helen at helenmccart49@gmail.com to order. Mark your calendars for the Philoptochos Brunch at the PLC on February 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the PLC Please call Administrative Office to schedule your House Blessing with Father Barnabas. We have a parishioner who is looking for an apartment in this area and someone looking for child care in the Canton area. Please call the office if you have any information we can pass along. GREAT NEWS: New Boy Scout Troop chartered by STS RNI -- JOIN TODAY! The Troop meets weekly and does one weekend activity per month. Activities include camping, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, shooting sports, archery, rappelling, geocaching, bicycling, service projects, sailing, cooking, career exploration, caving, skiing, personal growth and development, public speaking, project management, and much more. Boys aged 11-18. Monday evenings from 7:00 pm until 8:30 p.m. at the new Parish Life Center. Contact Harald Hagen. Website http://troop805.trooptrack.com For more information see bulletin board or contact the administrative offices at 770-781-5250.
Stewardship Commitment for 2016 59 as of 2/7/2016 Apesos, Matthew & Addy Athenson, Sandy & Julie Birozes, Anthony Birozes, Renee Bowen, Deborah Boyd, David & Michelle Bozzuto, Kosta & Carolyn Chapman, David & Marie Chason, Russell & Chyrisse Christy, Rick & Jan Consos, John Donkar, John & Athena Eifert, April & David Farr, Quay & Trissie Foxhall, Chris & Liz Gasper, Bill & Margaret Gilbert, Rob & Carey Guano, Robert & Jennifer Hatzispiros, Tasia & Fontasa Henning, Robert & Ana Hutka, Steven & Linda Johnson, Jennie Kaloudis, Vasilis & Mary Kefalas, Tasso & Laura Kefalas, Thalia Klock, Jacqueline Levantis, Alex & Melpo Lopez, Leon & Frances Lucher, David & Lynne Maheras, Tina Manos, Emanuel Manos, William & Margaret Marvos, Todd & Ann McCart, Al & Helen Melts, Johnny & Becky Milam, Bill & Mary Moissiadis, Nik & Argentina Panos, Nicholas & Teddie Pantazopoulos, Constantinos & Evelyn Pappas, Greg Pappas, Gus Patrick, John & Evon Perry, Michele Powell, Father Barnabas & Presvytera Connie Powers, Pam Ralston, Luke & Liz Sparks II, Dennis Sparks, Dennis & Laura Sparks, Jacob Stewart, Todd Trainor, Edward & Anne Tyre, James & Sharon Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer Vamvakias, Eleanor Vamvakias, Plutarch & Tina Vanerstrom, Len & Marina Waldron, Rusty & Christine Walters, Tim & Diane Zourzoukis, John & Mildred We are an Intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia