October 8, 2017 3rd Sunday of Luke Pelagia the Righteous Pelagia the Virgin-martyr of Antioch Taisia the Harlot of Egypt ENTRANCE HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion - Tou Lithou Sfrayisthentos ( The Stone Had Been Sealed ) The Jews had sealed the stone that was set before Your Tomb and around Your Grave soldiers guarded Your Pure and Sacred Body, yet Savior You arose the third day and granted to the world Your gift of Life. For this do the powers of Heaven acclaim You the Life bestower. Glory to Your Resurrection and glory to Your Kingdom. Glory to Your dispensation, O only Friend of man. Apolytikion for Righteous Pelagia En si, miter, akrivos In you, O Mother, is preserved undistorted what was made in the image of God; for taking up the cross, you followed Christ and by example taught, that we should overlook the flesh, since it passes away, and instead look after the soul, since it is immortal. And therefore, O devout Pelagia, your spirit rejoices with the angels. Apolytikion of St. Sophia/Ss. Faith, Hope & Agape Greek Oς ελαία κατά καρπος ανεβλάστησας, έν ταίς ανλαίς του Κυρίου, Σοφία μάρτυς σεμνή, καί προσήγαγες Χριστώ καρπόν η δύτατον, τούς τής νηδύος σου βλαστούς, δί α γώνων εύαγων, Αγάπην τε καί `Ελπίδα σύν τη θεόφρονι Πίστει, μεθων δυσώπει υπέρ πάντων ήμων. English Phonetics for Greek Os elea kata karpos anevlastisas, en tes avles tu Kyriou Sofia martys semni, ke prosigages Christo karpon idytaton, tus tis nidyos su vlastus, di agonon evagon, Agapin te ke Elpida, syn ti theofroni Pisti; meth on dysopi yper pandon imon. English As an olive tree laden with fruit you sprouted forth, in the courtyards of the Lord, Sophia martyr dignified, and you brought to Christ a fruit most sweet, Namely your womb s own sprouts, brought up by instructive deeds: your daughters Love and Hope, along with God-minded Faith; together intercede with God for us all. Seasonal Kontakion Prostasia ton Christianon ( O unfailing protection of Christians ) O unfailing protection of Christians, and our faithful advocate before the Creator: though we are sinners, do not ignore our entreaty; but in your goodness, grant your timely help to us who appeal to you in faith. Quickly make intercession; on our behalf make speedy supplication, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.
EPISTLE READING The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11 Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. Ἀνάγνωσις ἐπιστολῆς Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 9:6-11 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς. Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἀδελφοί, ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις, ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει. Ἕκαστος καθὼς προαιρεῖται τῇ καρδίᾳ μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός. Δυνατὸς δὲ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν καθὼς γέγραπται, Ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπέρμα τῷ σπείροντι, καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσαι, καὶ πληθύναι τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν, καὶ αὐξήσαι τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν ἐν παντὶ πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα, ἥτις κατεργάζεται διʼ ἡμῶν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ θεῷ.
GOSPEL READING The Gospel According to Luke 7:11-16 At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!" ΕVΑΓΓÉΛΙΟΝ Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 7:11-16 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐπορεύετο εἰς πόλιν καλουμένην Ναΐν καὶ συνεπορεύοντο αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἱκανοὶ καὶ ὄχλος πολύς. ὡς δὲ ἤγγισε τῇ πύλῃ τῆς πόλεως, καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς υἱὸς μονογενὴς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὕτη ἦν χήρα, καὶ ὄχλος τῆς πόλεως ἱκανὸς ἦν σὺν αὐτῇ. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὴν ὁ Κύριος ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ αὐτῇ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ μὴ κλαῖε καὶ προσελθὼν ἥψατο τῆς σοροῦ, οἱ δὲ βαστάζοντες ἔστησαν, καὶ εἶπε νεανίσκε, σοὶ λέγω, ἐγέρθητι. καὶ ἀνεκάθισεν ὁ νεκρὸς καὶ ἤρξατο λαλεῖν, καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ. ἔλαβε δὲ φόβος πάντας καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν Θεόν, λέγοντες ὅτι προφήτης μέγας ἐγήγερται ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ. καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ὁ λόγος οὗτος ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Ιουδαίᾳ περὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν πάσῃ τῇ περιχώρῳ.
October 8, 2017 3rd Sunday of Luke Pelagia the Righteous Pelagia the Virgin-martyr of Antioch Taisia the Harlot of Egypt St. Nicholas Shrine Vigil Candle: Thank you to Tom and Demetra Patukas for sponsoring today s vigil candle for St. Nicholas Shrine for the health of their son Konstantinos and their granddaughter Christina and in memory of their son George. Anyone wishing to sponsor a vigil candle should sign up at the Pangari. (Each vigil candle lasts one week). Each week a new vigil candle will be placed next to the icon of St. Nicholas until the construction of St. Nicholas Shrine has been completed. The asking donation is $10. REDNER S Register Tapes: We are now collecting Redner s Market register tapes. Remember to use your Pump Perks card when making purchases. The drop off box is located in the lobby of the Cultural Center. Pastoral Visits - A Request to All Parishioners: If you desire a pastoral visit in case of a hospitalization, or for someone who is homebound, in a nursing facility, or in prison, please have an immediate family member notify the Parish office at 610-650-8960 so that a visit can be arranged. In Case of Emergency: If you are having an extreme medical emergency ONLY and are in need of an Orthodox priest, please call the Parish office at 610-650-8960. Memorial Service: This morning s memorial is being chanted for the soul of George Sarianos (1 year), beloved father of Petros (Dina) and Kostas (Kelly). He left behind four grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. May his memory be eternal. PTO Meeting Today: There will be a PTO meeting in the Flex Room today after the Divine Liturgy. AHEPA Meeting Today: There will be an AHEPA meeting in the High School classroom today after the Divine Liturgy. Fall Festival/Craft Fair Meeting Today: There will be a fall festival wrap-up meeting today after the Divine Liturgy. The purpose of this meeting is for individuals to make suggestions as to what improvements we can make to our event and to see what items did not work during the Fall Festival. Please join us during this time and we will talk a bit about our upcoming Craft Fair/Food Festival as well. New Iconography: As you can see by the new iconography on the walls of our church, the beautification of our church is complete. There are many new opportunities to sponsor an icon. If you are interested in sponsoring any of these, please see either Dr. Peter Patukas or Fr. Peter Thornberg for more details. Senior Citizen Ministry: St. Sophia s Senior Parea is open to all senior citizens of the community. The next meeting of the Senior Parea is on Thursday, October 12 th from 10 am to 12 noon. Register Tapes: Don t forget to save your Shop-Rite register tapes. We can only use receipts from any of the ten Brown s stores located in: Bensalem PA, East Norriton, PA, Fairless Hills PA, Cheltenham, PA and in Philadelphia, PA, on Island Ave., Oregon Ave., 52 nd & Parkside, Haverford Ave., and Ridge Ave. in the Roxborough section. They also have one store in Brooklawn, NJ. The drop off box is located in the lobby of the Cultural Center. Please submit receipts timely, only tapes from within 4 months of the transaction date are accepted.
` PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS OCTOBER 2017 Philoptochos Board As we begin our new ecclesiastical year, we would like to announce our newly elected Philoptochos Officers and Board Members for 2017-19. Alexis Witt President Lucy Pappas Kline 1st Vice President Athanasia Papachristou 2nd Vice President Maria Tsipras Recording Secretary Cathy Zarcone Corresponding Secretary Flora Poloway Treasurer Katherine Tsipras Advisor Eliana Bellos Angeliki Lathiris Yiayia s Attic We had a fabulous four day sale during the fall festival. Proceeds from this event were donated to the National Philoptochos Children s Medical Fund. Unsold items are being donated to the Liberty Thrift Stores and other local charities. We thank you for your generous donations which benefitted these non-profit organizations. COMMITMENTS & PROGRAMS Our chapter supports established National and Metropolis commitments and programs through fundraising activities. With your support, we continue to meet our obligations and support those in need. APRIL - SEPTEMBER DONATIONS Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) $200 Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) $250 Hellenic College and Holy Cross $150 Sisterhood of Saint Basil Academy $200 International Orhtodox Christian Charities (IOCC) $250 75th Anniversary Founders Fund $100 Aid to Greece & Cyprus $200 Metropolis Camp Good Shepherd Sponsorship Fund $450 Metropolis Office Fund $500 Metropolis Social Services $240 Metropolis Project Hope $100 Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund $300 Retired Clergy & Widowed Presvyteres Benevolent Fund $300 Children s Medical Fund $500 KOLIVA FOR MEMORIALS UPCOMING EVENTS Children s Medical Fund Luncheon The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos of the Metropolis of New Jersey is honored to host the 16th National Children s Medical Fund Luncheon on Saturday, November 11. Please see the church bulletin for event and sponsorship details. Yiayia s Bakery The Yiayia s Bakery table at the Fall Craft Fair last year was a great success. The community loved your homemade baked cakes, pies and breads. Please deliver your goodies by Friday morning, November 10th. Vasilopita Sale Would you love a fresh baked Vasilopita to share with your family for the New Year, but there just isn t enough time to bake? Make it easier for yourself by ordering Vasilopita (New Year s Bread) from us! Order forms are located in the Pangari. The order deadline is December 10th. THANK YOU Thank you to all the volunteers that assisted with the preparations for the St. Sophia Vesper Reception. Please join us at our next Philoptochos meeting on Tuesday, October 10 at 7pm. The Philoptochos encourages memorial special services by offering to make Koliva for those having a memorial service. Please contact Lucy Kline at lucyluwho@verizon.net (215-206-8180) for more information or to order your Koliva. All requests should be made (2) weeks in advance to allow time for proper preparation. To sponsor koliva only, the fee is $100.00. Please make checks payable to the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Please remember to call the Parish Office first at 610-650-8960 if you are planning a memorial service.
St. Sophia SS. Faith, Hope & Agape Greek Orthodox Church of Valley Forge 900 South Trooper Road, Jeffersonville, PA, 19403 Tel.: (610) 650-8960 Fax: (610) 650-8961 Web: www.saintsophiachurch.org E-mail: stsophia@verizon.net Rev. Economos Peter J. Thornberg, Proistamenos DATE: September 30, 2017 TO: All Stewards in Good Standing RE: General Assembly Meeting & Elections Dear Fellow Stewards: Parish General Assembly Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2017 Following Divine Liturgy The Fall General Assembly meeting will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2017, following Divine Liturgy. Enclosed you will find a meeting notice and summary agenda. A more detailed agenda will be provided that afternoon. We will make every effort to make the meeting as time efficient as possible, while still providing an opportunity for everyone to hear about what is going on and to ask questions and provide feedback. Please make every effort to attend this important General Assembly Meeting. Notice of Elections for Parish Council Elections for Parish Council will be held on December 3, 2017, for two year terms commencing in January, 2018. Nominations will be entertained at the General Assembly meeting and until November 3, 2017. In addition, more information regarding elections, including written nomination forms, will be forthcoming under separate cover. There is much to do. Please consider being a part of the leadership of our wonderful community. Sincerely, Fr. Peter Thornberg Proistamenos Alexander A. Nikas Parish Council President Uniform Parish Regulations, Part Three, Chapter II, Article 18 Section 1: Every person who is baptized and chrismated according to the rites of the Orthodox Church is a parishioner. The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to his/her life and to: adhere to and live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith; faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services; participate regularly in the holy sacraments; respect all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of the Church; be obedient in matters of the Faith, practice and ecclesiastical order; contribute towards the progress of the Church's sacred mission; and be an effective witness and example of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions to all people. A parishioner in good standing practices all the religious and moral duties as described in this Section 1. At a minimum, a parishioner in good standing must: be eighteen years of age or over; be current in his or her stewardship and other financial obligations to the Parish, abide by all the regulations herein stated and the Parish Bylaws; and cooperate in every way towards the welfare and well being of the Parish.
St. Sophia SS. Faith, Hope & Agape Greek Orthodox Church of Valley Forge 900 South Trooper Road, Jeffersonville, PA, 19403 Tel.: (610) 650-8960 Fax: (610) 650-8961 Web: www.saintsophiachurch.org E-mail: stsophia@verizon.net Rev. Economos Peter J. Thornberg, Proistamenos **NOTICE OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY** (Quorum: 25 Stewards in good standing) Sunday, October 22, 2017 Following Divine Liturgy You are cordially invited and encouraged to attend our Fall General Assembly Meeting for the purpose of discussing the current situation and future of our parish. Below is a summary agenda. A more detailed agenda will be provided on that day. Every effort will be made to make the meeting both productive and efficient. REMINDER: You must be a Steward in good standing to participate in the General Assembly Meeting. AGENDA TOPICS (Other business may be addressed) Opening Prayer Election of Chairman of General Assembly Appointment of Secretary of General Assembly Minutes of the Previous General Assembly Meeting Pastor s Report President s Report Cultural Center Roof Finance and Budget Report (Including 2018 Proposed Budget) Election of Board of Auditors Election of the Board of Elections Nominations for Candidates Parish Council for the 2018-2019 term Parish Council Members with expiring terms: Dean Laskaris John Pogas Athanasia Papachristou George Prieston Peter Patukas Catherine Zarcone Any other business Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We look forward to seeing you on October 22 nd! Uniform Parish Regulations, Part Three, Chapter III, Article 31, Section 3: A Parish Assembly consists of parishioners in good standing of the Parish who have met their stewardship obligations to the Parish in accordance with the Parish Bylaws. A person whose name appears on the Stewardship rolls but who is in arrears in the payment of his/her stewardship obligations may take part in the Parish Assembly by meeting such stewardship obligations on or before the date of the meeting. If a Parishioner is delinquent for more than the current calendar year, he or she may vote at the Parish Assembly only after that parishioner has met the unfulfilled stewardship financial obligations at least thirty (30) days before the Parish Assembly. New parishioners may exercise their vote at Parish Assemblies if they have been parishioners in good standing for at least three months.