TODAY! Κυριακή Γ τῶν Νηστειών (τῆς Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως) - Sunday of the Holy Cross

Ελληνικός Ορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654 Reverend Fr. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Presbyter 727-967-2178 secretary1.stgeorge@gmail.com - Church Office: 727-868-5911 Alex Limberatos, Youth Director - youth@stgeorgetampabay.org or his cell phone 262-370-0586 Κυριακή Γ τῶν Νηστειών (τῆς Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως) - Sunday of the Holy Cross SUNDAY MARCH 11th 2018 NEW WEB PAGE: www.stgeorgenpr.org TODAY! SUNDAY MARCH 11TH, 2018 during coffee fellowship hour! Your good stewardship standing gives you the right to VOTE! Let s make a difference 1

EPISTLE The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 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." ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟ Κυριακή Γ των Νηστειών (της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως), Αποστ. Ανάγνωσμα: Εβρ. δ 14-16, ε 1-6 Ας κρατήσουμε, λοιπόν, σταθερά την πίστη που ομολογούμε. Γιατί έχουμε μέγαν αρχιερέα, που έφτασε ως το θρόνο του Θεού, τον Ιησού, τον Υιό του Θεού. Δεν έχουμε αρχιερέα που να μην μπορεί να συμμεριστεί τις αδυναμίες μας. Αντίθετα, έχει δοκιμαστεί σε όλα, επειδή έγινε άνθρωπος σαν κι εμάς, χωρίς όμως να αμαρτήσει. Ας πλησιάσουμε, λοιπόν, με θάρρος το θρόνο της χάριτος του Θεού, για να μας σπλαχνιστεί και να μας δωρίσει τη χάρη του, την ώρα που τη χρειαζόμαστε. Κάθε αρχιερέας που προέρχεται από ανθρώπους εγκαθίσταται για να υπηρετεί το Θεό για χάρη τους και για να προσφέρει δώρα και θυσίες για τις αμαρτίες τους. Είναι σε θέση να δείχνει ανοχή σ όσους ζουν στην άγνοια και στην πλάνη, αφού κι ο ίδιος έχει ανθρώπινες αδυναμίες. Εξαιτίας τους είναι υποχρεωμένος να προσφέρει, όπως για το λαό, έτσι και για τον εαυτό του, θυσίες για τη συγχώρηση των αμαρτιών. Επίσης, κανένας δεν παίρνει μόνος του αυτή την τιμή, αλλά όταν τον καλέσει ο Θεός, όπως ακριβώς τον Ααρών. Έτσι και ο Χριστός, δεν τίμησε ο ίδιος τον εαυτό του με το αξίωμα του αρχιερέα, αλλά του το έδωσε εκείνος που του είπε: Είσαι ο Υιός μου, εγώ σήμερα σε γέννησα. Σ ένα άλλο σημείο η Γραφή λέει: Εσύ είσαι ιερέας για πάντα όπως ο Μελχισεδέκ. GOSPEL Sunday of the Holy Cross The Gospel According to Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 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." ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Κυριακή Γ των Νηστειών (της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως), Ευαγγ. Ανάγνωσμα: Μαρκ. η 34 θ 1 Είπεν ο Κύριος «Όποιος θέλει να με ακολουθήσει, ας απαρνηθεί τον εαυτό του, ας σηκώσει το σταυρό του κι ας με ακολουθεί. Γιατί όποιος θέλει να σώσει τη ζωή του θα τη χάσει όποιος όμως χάσει τη ζωή του εξαιτίας μου και εξαιτίας του ευαγγελίου, αυτός θα τη σώσει. Γιατί τι θα ωφεληθεί ο άνθρωπος, αν κερδίσει ολόκληρο τον κόσμο αλλά χάσει τη ζωή του; Τι μπορεί να δώσει ο άνθρωπος σαν αντάλλαγμα για τη ζωή του; Όποιος ζώντας μέσα σ αυτή τη γενιά την άπιστη κι αμαρτωλή, ντραπεί για μένα και για τη διδασκαλία μου, θα ντραπεί γι αυτόν κι ο Υιός του Ανθρώπου, όταν έρθει με όλη τη λαμπρότητα του Πατέρα του, μαζί με τους αγίους αγγέλους». Και τους έλεγε ακόμη ο Ιησούς: «Σας βεβαιώνω πως υπάρχουν μερικοί ανάμεσα σ αυτούς που βρίσκονται εδώ, οι οποίοι δε θα γευτούν το θάνατο, πριν δουν να έρχεται δυναμικά η βασιλεία του Θεού». 2

Ύμνοι της Εβδομάδος Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιµον. 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. Ἀπολυτίκιον Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα. λυτίκιον Αγίου Ανδρέου Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος Καὶ τοῦ κορυφαίου αὐτάδελφος τῷ Δεσπότῃ τῶν ὅλων, Ἀνδρέα, ἱκέτευε, εἰρήνην τῇ Οἰκουμένη δωρήσασθαι καὶ ταῖς ψνχαῖς ἡμῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Ἀπολυτίκιο Άγίου Γεωργίου Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἐλευθερωτής, καὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστής, ἀσθενούντων ἰατρός, βασιλέων ὑπέρμαχος, Τροπαιοφόρε Μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Seasonal Kontakion Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. Hymns of the Week Resurrectional Apolytikion Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world. Apolytikion of Sun. of the Holy Cross Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross. St. Andrew Dismissal Hymn 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. St. George Dismissal Hymn Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick and a champion of kings. O trophy bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Seasonal Kontakion To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" Father Gregory will be available to hear confession on every Friday during Lent Open time for confession Friday from 3pm -5pm Για την εξομολόγηση σας ο Π. Γρηγόριος θα είναι διαθέσιμος κάθε Παρασκευή το απόγευμα από τις 3 μ.μ. - 5μ.μ. 3

MEMORIAL SERVICE - +ΙΕΡΟ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΟ+ 3month memorial service for + Vasilios Truth Dukes given by his mother Maria and family +6 month memorial for + George Matheos given by his wife Eirini Matheos and family 1year memorial for + Eftixia Effie Sakellariadis given by her daughters and grandchildren Trisagion +Iraklis +Panoytula Fostines, +Sofia Moshopoulos May their Memory be Eternal! Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτών! In Memory of a Special Son It s sometimes hard to know Why some things happen as they do for so much joy and happiness was centered around you It seems so hard to comprehend that you re no longer here but all the happy memories will help to keep you near You re thought about with pride, Son with each mention of your name Death cannot change a single thing the love will still remain. Love you my Son Vasilios Truth (author unknown) Love & Loss Bereavement (Grief) Group Have you experienced the death of a loved one? YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN OUR BEREAVEMENT GROUP: EVERYONE IS WELCOME who has experienced a death. Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. 3/5 through 4/16 (off 4/2) An on-going group; free! You may join anytime. Location: Kontos Community Center, St. George Greek Orthodox Church 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey 34654 Questions: Leave message at: (352) 942-7424 This workshop is facilitated by Chaplain Laura Starre Emerson, M.S., Ed.S. in Counseling, an experienced Bereavement Group Facilitator, and Suicide and Crisis Counselor. She is Orthodox, and a new member of our parish. On-going Bereavement Groups will be offered in the future; call for dates. 4

Prayers at Church Prayer Upon Entering a Church I will come into Your house in the greatness of Your mercy: and in fear I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify You forever, One Divine Power worshiped in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer upon Leaving a Church Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. Prayer at the Icon of Christ We reverence Your spotless icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God. Because of Your own good will You ascended the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver those who You had created from the bondage of the enemy. We cry aloud unto You: You have filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for You came to save the world. Amen. PRAYER CORNER: If you wish your name to be placed on the St. George Prayer List, please contact our Church office. Do not call for others because some people do not want their names to be published. Prayer List for: Calliope Scumas, MaryAnne Kranidis, Elias Kranidis, Kaliope Potawsky, Daniel Scherr, Maria Stolis, Phil and Marie Sherman, Evelyn Leufen, Ferd Leufen, Stamatia Matia Vamvounakis, Maria Stolis, Charlie, Laurie Fleischer, Joann Myers, PRAYER PRAY EVERY Morning and Evening at a Minimum Remember to make your prayer life one that is a firm rule and not something that is done occasionally or sporadically. It must be done each day morning and evening at a minimum. You need to commit to follow your rule each and every day. Think about certain personal hygiene tasks such as brushing your teeth that you do each day out of habit. You don t forget to do them each day. Your prayer needs to become a habit as strong as these. Prayer must become a daily habit that you never forget. Prayer is essential for the health of our soul Just like the hygiene activities that we do for the health of our body. PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind and is a most merciful and compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servant(s) (names), for whom I humbly pray to You, and whom I commend to Your gracious care and protection. O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, so that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear, doing Your will in all things. Give them grace and mercy so that they may be patient, hard working, tireless, devout, and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption, and direct them in the way of salvation, through the goodness of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the prayers of His Holy Mother and the blessed Saints. Amen. 5

Κυριακή της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως σήμερα και η Εκκλησία μας προβάλλει το Σταυρό του Χριστού. Η προβολή αυτή του Σταυρού έχει διπλή έννοια και σκοπό. Αποτελεί, από τη μια, προετοιμασία για την υποδοχή σταυρικού πάθους του Χριστού, του οποίου θα γίνουμε μάρτυρες κατά τη Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα. Από την άλλη μας υπενθυμίζει την κλήση του Χριστού προς τους μαθητές του να σηκώσουν το δικό τους σταυρό για να αποδείξουν την ταυτότητά τους. Λίγες εβδομάδες πριν από το πάθος του o Κύριος κάλεσε τους μαθητές του και τα πλήθη του λαού για να τους πει λόγια βαρυσήμαντα για τη ζωή τους και τη ζωή όλων μας. Όποιος θέλει, είπε, να με ακολουθήσει και να γίνει μαθητής μου, ας απαρνηθεί τον εαυτό του και ας πάρει τη σταθερή απόφαση να υποστεί για μένα όχι μόνο κάθε θλίψη και δοκιμασία αλλά και θάνατο σταυρικό και τότε ας με ακολουθήσει. Τι σημαίνει όμως απαρνούμαι τον εαυτό μου; Ο απόστολος Παύλος το εκφράζει με την εικόνα της νέκρωσης του παλαιού ανθρώπου. Απαρνούμαι τον εαυτό μου σημαίνει ότι νεκρώνω τον παλαιό άνθρωπο, τον «κακό μου εαυτό». Παύω να υπάρχω γι αυτόν. Αρνούμαι δηλαδή και νεκρώνω τα θελήματα και τις επιθυμίες και τις ροπές του παλαιού ανθρώπου. Ακόμη και αν το δω να επαναστατεί, να αντιδρά, να επιζητεί με μανία και επιμονή καθετί αμαρτωλό, εγώ δεν υποκύπτω δεν του δίνω σημασία. Έχω αρνηθεί όχι μόνο κάτι από τον εαυτό μου αλλά όλο τον παλαιό εαυτό μου. Αρνούμαι τον παλαιό εαυτό μου σημαίνει υποτάσσομαι στο άγιο θέλημα του Θεού. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι ακολουθώ τον Κύριο όπου με οδηγεί. Καλούμαστε να θυσιάσουμε και να θάψουμε, κατά τον Απ. Παύλο, «τον παλαίον άνθρωπον», ώστε να αναγεννηθεί ο νέος «ο ανακαινούμενος κατ εικόνα του κτίσαντος αυτόν» (Κολ. 3,9-10). Καθότι «ει γαρ σύμφυτοι γεγόναμεν τω ομοιώματι του θανάτου αυτού, αλλά και της αναστάσεως εσόμεθα, τούτο γινώσκοντες ότι ο παλαιός ημών άνθρωπος συνεσταυρώθη ίνα καταργήθη το σώμα της αμαρτιας ει δε απεθάνομεν συν Χριστώ πιστεύομεν ότι και συζήσομεν αυτώ» (Ρωμ. 6,5-8). Γι αυτό και ο Σταυρός αποτελεί σύμβολο όχι μόνο θυσίας, αλλά και λύτρωσης. Όταν ο Χριστός μας καλεί να σηκώσουμε το δικό μας σταυρό αντιπαραβάλλει τη δική του σταυρική θυσία και το παράδειγμα του που έλαβε την πρωτοβουλία να σταυρωθεί για να μας λυτρώσει από την αμαρτία και το θάνατο. Όπως οι αρχές και εξουσίες του κόσμου απέρριψαν τον ίδιο τον Χριστό και το Ευαγγέλιό του και τον οδήγησαν στο σταυρό κατά τον ίδιο τρόπο και οι Μαθητές του διαχρονικά θα δεχθούν το δικό τους σταυρό γιατί πάντοτε θα υπάρχουν εκείνοι που αντιστρατεύονται τον Ιησού Χριστό, ως Υιό του Θεού, απορρίπτουν το σωτήριο έργο του και τη διδασκαλία του Ευαγγελίου του. Ο σταυρός που μας καλεί να σηκώσουμε είναι οι θλίψεις και τα βάσανα της ζωής και παράλληλα η άρνηση των αμαρτωλών επιθυμιών και το φθοροποιών παθών. Η άρση του σταυρού μας είναι απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση για τη μετοχή στη ζωή του Χριστού. Όμως, όπως διαβεβαιώνει ο Απ. Παύλος, «πιστός ο Θεός, ος ουκ εάσει υμάς πειρασθήναι υπέρ ο δύνασθε, αλλά ποιήσει συν τω πειρασμώ και την έκβασιν του δύνασθαι υμάς υπενεγκείν» (Α. Κορ. 10,13 ). Καμιά θλίψη και δοκιμασία δεν θα υπήρχε στη ζωή μας, αν ο ίδιος ο Θεός δεν θα μας έδινε την ίδια στιγμή τη δύναμη για να την αντέξουμε. Υποτασσόμαστε στο θέλημα του Θεού, υπομένοντας κάθε δοκιμασία, η οποία χαρακτηρίζεται από τον Κύριο ως Σταυρός. Αυτή η αγόγγυστη υποταγή οδηγεί τον άνθρωπο έμπρακτα στο «ακολουθείτω μοι». Ωστόσο ο Κύριος στη διδασκαλία του είπε ότι όποιος θέλει να σώσει την επίγεια ζωή του θα χάσει την αιώνια. Αντίθετα, τονίζει: «ος δ αν απολέση την εαυτού ψυχήν ένεκεν εμού και του ευαγγελίου, ούτος σώσει αυτήν». Διότι «Τι γαρ ωφελήσει άνθρωπον εάν κερδήση τον κόσμον όλον, και ζημιωθή την ψυχήν αυτού; ή τι δώσει άνθρωπος αντάλλαγμα της ψυχής αυτού;» Έτσι τονίζει πόσο μεγάλη αξία έχει η ψυχή μας. Δεν συγκρίνεται με όλα τα αγαθά του κόσμου. Έχει ασυγκρίτως ανώτερη αξία από όλα τα πλούτη, τις τιμές και τις απολαύσεις αυτής της ζωής. Γι αυτήν ο Θεός έγινε άνθρωπος και γι αυτήν έχυσε το αίμα του επάνω στο σταυρό. 6

Ο σταυρός του Χριστού συνεχίζει διαχρονικά να αποτελεί την κρίση του κόσμου, γι αυτό και ο Χριστός καλεί τους μαθητές και οπαδούς του να συνεχίσουν ακατάπαυστα να σηκώνουν το δικό τους σταυρό που είναι ο σταυρός του Χριστού. «Όστις θέλει οπίσω μου ακολουθείν, απαρνησάσθω εαυτόν και αράτω τον σταυρόν αυτού, και ακολουθείτω μοι» Αυτό είναι το ύψιστο της αποστολής του Χριστιανισμού και της Εκκλησίας μέσα στο κόσμο. Να δίδει τη μαρτυρία του σταυρού του Χριστού για να ελευθερώνει τον άνθρωπο από τον άρχοντα του σκότους. Ο σταυρός του Χριστού ελευθερώνει και οδηγεί προς τη σωτηρία, τη ζωή και την ανάσταση. Ο σταυρός του Χριστού είναι η σφραγίδα της υιοθεσίας του ανθρώπου από τον Θεό. Είναι το σημείο της εύλαλης αγάπης του Θεού προς τον άνθρωπο. GREAT LENT! The Lenten fasting discipline commences after Forgiveness Vespers and concludes with the breaking of the fast at Pascha. In general, the fasting rules during Great Lent is as follows: WEEKDAYS (Monday Friday) are observed as Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and olive oil. WEEKENDS (Saturday and Sunday) are observed as Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit alcoholic beverages and olive oil. In addition, two special feast days that fall during this period Annunciation and Palm Sunday are kept as Fish, Wine, and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones, in addition to alcoholic beverages and olive oil. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so. Before you attempt to strictly follow the fasting guidelines, consult with Fr. Gregory. It is very easy to lose sight of the fact that fasting is merely a means to an end (that is, our salvation) and not an end in itself. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father. Prayer Before and after any Work BEFORE ANY WORK: O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, Thou hast said, Without me you can do nothing. In faith I embrace Thy words, O Lord, and bow before Thy goodness. Help me to complete the work I am about to begin for Thine own glory: in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. AFTER ANY WORK: Thou, O Christ, art Thyself the fulfillment of all good things! Fill my soul with joy and gladness, and save me, for Thou art all merciful. Memorials When planning your memorial service please make sure that you contact the office and give the names of the reposed so that Father Gregory has them in advance. In addition, if you would like KOLYVA we ask that you contact Katina Kollias 727-849-0544 or 1-352-277-6545 7

The Cross as the Way of Life Our lives make sense. This may not always seem to be true, but it is. For each of us, there are inner principles that guide our decisions and prioritize our actions. Life is not entirely random. Much of that inner sense of things is not conscious. The day becomes very busy, and we can t stop and analyze each action and think about its meaning and purpose. Sometimes, you just have to drive the kids to school, go to the store, the doctor, two other places, and do a dozen things at home and have dinner on the table. Our inner sense on many days is just survival. We are not particularly burdened by our hardships, not when compared to the stretch of history. But we often neglect the true principles of our lives. Necessity is a very empty principle for getting through the day. The central point of the Christian life is the Cross. It is more than a single event in history. It is The Event in history and continues as an eternal presence. The Cross of Christ is the revelation of God s true life in the world. The Cross is the proper shape of our existence. But what does that mean? Especially on a daily basis? For one, it means that our true lives are not centered in ourselves. We are not created to be self-fulfilling. Our lives, especially in difficulty, find their right shape as we give ourselves to others. The Other and not the Self is the way of the Cross. This is extremely counter to our culture. Of course, the fullness of the Other is God. St. Paul says that our true life is hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). We can only find ourselves outside of ourselves. There are very practical ways of applying this in our lives. Prayer is directing our hearts outside of ourselves and towards God. Pray. Kindness places the other ahead of ourselves. Be kind. Giving thanks acknowledges that our lives are not the products of our own efforts, but a gift from God. Give thanks always, for all things. Forgiveness accepts the fact that our actions have consequences and the lives of those around us. The refusal to forgive is a radical separation of ourselves from others. Forgive. Forgive everyone for everything. We do not exist to consume. We have our daily needs. Satisfying them is enough. If our true life is found outside of ourselves, then sharing what we have with others is the most natural thing to do with our possessions. Give stuff away. The more, the better. Lying is the ultimate act of selfishness. It is an attempt to create a false reality that exists only in our own perverse attempt to remake the world and avoid the truth. Do not lie. Do not participate in the lie. The Cross is the way of life. Learn to love the Cross. Make the sign of the Cross frequently. Indeed the Fathers say we should cross ourselves before beginning anything. And when we are done, we cross ourselves in thanksgiving. The Cross is the remembrance of God and the truth of our lives. Our lives are not our own. They belong to the Crucified God who invites His friends to join Him in the most pure act of love. Love God. Love His Cross. +Fr. Stephen Freeman 8

The Significance of the Cross Orthodoxphoto.com The Cross is the symbol of the triumph of good. By His sufferings on the Cross our Lord Jesus Christ washed away the sins of mankind, conquered the devil, abolished death and opened the way to eternal life for man. The Cross bears witness to God s infinite love for sinful mankind. But the Cross is much more than a symbol; it possesses spiritual power. All the sacraments and rites of the Church are performed with the sign of the Cross: the sanctification of the water at Baptism; the conferral of the grace of the Holy Spirit at Chrismation; the transubstantiation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ at the Eucharist, and so on. When a believer makes the sign of the Cross over himself, he draws down upon himself the life-giving power of the redemptive sufferings of the God-Man. The Cross of Christ sanctifies the air, the waters and all creation. The fallen spirits fear the Cross and flee from it as insects flee fire. Christian veneration of the Cross goes back to the first century. By the second and third centuries the veneration of the Cross had become so widespread among Christians that pagans called them "crossworshippers." We find representations of the Cross on ancient Christian monuments and in the catacombs. The Emperor Constantine the Great, while he was still a pagan, received a revelation from heaven. Following it, he had the sign of the Cross placed on the standards of his army, and thanks to this he defeated an enemy of Christians, the Emperor Maxentius, who went into battle with a much larger army. Taking a lesson from the miraculous help he had received in the battle against Maxentius, the Emperor Constantine the Great extended protection to Christians. As a result, the Christian faith, once persecuted, quickly gained strength in the various lands of the Roman Empire. From that time on churches were decorated with crosses both inside and out. At the Sacrament of Baptism, a cross is put around the neck of the newly-baptized person. This small cross is to be worn on the breast like a divine seal for protection from all evil. The holy Fathers of the Church wrote much about the great power of the Cross of the Lord. In their interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures they saw foreshadowing's of the Cross in many biblical events: the marking of the doorposts with the blood of the paschal lamb; the brass serpent which Moses set up in the desert; and the sealing of the righteous with a mystical sign upon their foreheads, as described in the book of the Prophet Ezekiel and in the Apocalypse (See Exod. 12:7-13; Num. 21: 8-9; Ezek. 9:4; Rev. 7:3, 9:4, 14:1). References to the veneration of the image of the holy Cross and the sign of the Cross by the early Christians may be found in the works of St Justin the Philosopher, Origen, St Cyprian of Carthage, Tertullian and later writers. To make the sign of the Cross properly the fingers of the right hand are brought together so that the ends of the first three fingers (the thumb, the index and middle fingers) are joined together, representing the Holy Trinity, while the remaining two fingers (the ring finger and the little finger) are folded into the palm of the hand, symbolizing the two natures, divine and human, of our Lord Jesus Christ. In making the sign of the Cross, we place the three joined fingers on the forehead, to sanctify the mind; on the belly, to sanctify our inmost feelings; and then on the right and left shoulders, to strengthen our spiritual and physical faculties. We should make the sign of the Cross during our prayers, when we enter a church and when we venerate icons and other sacred objects. We should also make the sign of the Cross at all important moments in our lives, in danger and in grief. We should remember that the sign of Cross draws down upon us divine power and at the same time drives away all the evil influences which come from the demons. AMEN! 9

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS TSOUREKI SALE Aγοράστε τα τσουρέκι σας από την φιλόπτωχο Tsoureki will be sold for $6.00 each. We will begin selling in the KONTOS Hall following Liturgy on Sunday, March 25th or at Friday night dinners March 23rd. PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY FISH LUNCHEON - Sunday April 1st (Immediately following church services) at Kontos Community Center Tickets will be sold on Sale Sundays March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Donation $8.00 EASTER DYED EGGS WILL BE SOLD ON A PRE-ORDER /PREPAID BASIS ONLY. ORDER ON MARCH 4TH, 11TH, 18TH AND 25TH. THEY CAN BE PICKED UP ONLY ON HOLY THURSDAY, HOLY FRIDAY AND HOLY SATURDDAY. Visitation committee is planning once again to prepare the Easter baskets for the nursing homes, shut ins and rehab centers. We ask that you please prepare Koulourakia, Melomacarona, Kourambethes or any other Easter goodies. Please have them by March 25th at the church office and Sofia or Stavroula will pick them up. Thank you for your love! THANK YOU! A moment to say Thank You! St. George would like to thank all those that memorialized their loved ones during the Saturdays of Souls. Donations in the amount of $1,351.00 were collected. All proceeds will go to help support the mission of St. George and the cleaning of the carpet of the Kontos community hall. A special thank you to Katina Kollias and Stavroula Letsos who once again continued this fundraiser this year and for their dedication of time, talent and love for our Patron St. George. 12

ITEMS NEEDED FOR GREAT LENT, HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2018 SALUTATIONS ICON Εικόνα της Παναγίας για τους Χαιρετισμούς FRIDAY 2/23 DONATED FRIDAY 3/2 DONATED FRIDAY 3/9 DONATED FRIDAY 3/16 RIDAY 3/23 ANNUNCIATION ICON Εικόνα του Ευαγγελισμού 3/25 DONATED ICON FOR THE SUNDAY OF VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Εικόνα Κυριακής της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως, (MARCH 11) $100.00 - DONATED 350 Γαρύφαλλα NEED 350 CARNATIONS $200.00 DONATED ICON OF LAZARUS SATURDAY (APRIL 1) Εικόνα του Αγίου Λαζάρου $100.00 ICON OF PALM SUNDAY (APRIL 8)- Εικόνα Κυριακής των Βαΐων, $100.00 DONATED ICON OF NYMPHIOU Εικόνα του Νυμφίου SUNDAY Holy Monday & Holy Tuesday evening (APRIL 2nd, 3rd ) $100.00 each DONATED ICON OF THE LAST SUPPER - Ακολουθία του Αγίου Ευχελαίου HOLY WEDNESDAY (APRIL 4th ) $100.00 HOLY THURSDAY - Μεγάλη Πέμπτη (APRIL 5th ) Price will be announced FLOWERS NEEDED TO DECORATE THE LARGE CROSS OF CHRIST (STAVROSIS) LARGE WREATH FOR CROSS 2 SMALL WREATH ICON OF THE CRUCIFIXION - White Sheet for the Body of Christ - DONATED HOLY FRIDAY (APRIL 6th) Μεγάλη Παρασκευή λουλούδια Επιταφίου FLOWERS NEEDED TO DECORATE THE TOMB OF CHRIST PRICE: $2,000.00 ICON OF THE RESURRECTION Εικόνα της Αναστάσεως HOLY SATURDAY, (APRIL 7th) - DONATED RESURRECTION BANNER WREATH Στεφάνη/Λάβαρο της Αναστάσεως HOLY SATURDAY (APRIL 7th) $150.00 40 EASTER LILLIES SATURDAY, (APRIL 7th) PRICE: $25.00 each 4 ICONS OF ST. GEORGE (APRIL 22nd, APRIL 23rd) Εικόνα Αγίου Γεωργίου $100.00 Icon that we will Venerate: DONATED 1st Icon - Front Solea 2nd Icon - Chapel 3rd Icon - Narthex DONATED PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU WANT TO DONATE ANY OF THE ITEMS NEEDED FOR GREAT LENT & HOLY WEEK 727-868-5911. Σας παρακαλούμε να επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας εάν θέλετε να δωρίσετε τον στολισμό μίας εικόνας ή του Επιταφίου 727-868-5911. 14

PRAYER LIST FOR OUR TROOPS ZOE LEKAKIS, MARINES NICHOLAS ARTZNER, USARMY LEONIDAS STEFOPOULOS, USARMY ELIAS A. KOSTAKIS, USARMY COSTADINO BAETEN, NAVY CONSTANTINOS VLAHOCHRISTOS, NAVY If you have a loved one serving in the USA Military please submit their names by calling the Church Office so that we can pray for them. May God Bless you and keep you all safe! The church will be collecting toiletry items for military care packages for our troops. Items such as shavers, shaving cream, wipes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, foot powder ect.. Also stationery items and stamps. You may drop off your donated items to the Church office 2018 Spring GOYA Lenten Retreat Attendees and Clergy standing on the steps of the Panagia Chapel. Diakonia Center THE CHURCH IS LOW and needs Olive Oil for the Kandeli(a) in the altar and the church. If you would like to donate oil please do so and bring it with you on Sunday or to the Church office. ****************************** VISITING ANGELS MINISTRY The visiting angels ministry needs volunteers! This ministry visits the nursing homes, shut-ins and hospitals. If you would like to be involved in this Philanthropic mission please contact Sofia Bouzios Tel. 727-207-1335 Stavroula Grivas Tel. 727-857-0071 15

Η ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ Η Θεία Κοινωνιά προσφε ρεται στην Ορθο δοξη Εκκλησιά μο νο στα α τομα που βαφτι στηκαν στην Ορθο δοξη Πι στη. Για να συμμετα σχεις στην Θειά Κοινωνιά, πρε πει να ει σαι σε καλη κατα σταση με την Εκκλησιά πνευματικα (για παρα δειγμα, οι παντρεμε νοι α νθρωποι πρέπει να ε χει ευλογηθει ο γα μος τους στην Εκκλησιά και ο λοι πρε πει να ει ναι χωρι ς σοβαρη αμαρτιά στις καρδιε ς τους). Για ο λους τους Ορθο δοξους Χριστιανου ς πρε πει να τηρει ται η σωστη προετοιμασιά για τη Θειά Κοινωνιά: δηλαδη, εξε ταση της συνει δησης, εξομολο γηση, ανα γνωση των προσευχω ν για ιερη Κοινωνιά και σωστη νηστειά. Αν ε χετε περαιτε ρω αποριές σχετικα με αυτο, παρακαλείται να μιλη σετε με τον Ιερέα. Οι γυναι κες πρε πει να αφαιρε σουν ο λο το κραγιο ν ο ταν πλησια ζουν για τη Θειά Κοινωνιά. Παρακαλείται να αφη σετε τους γονει ς με τα μωρα τους και τους ηλικιωμε νους να προσεγγι σουν πρω τα. Σας ευχαριστούμε! GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION Holy Communion is offered in the Orthodox Church only to those individuals baptized and Chrismated (confirmed) in the Orthodox Faith. To participate in Holy Communion one must be in good standing with the Church spiritually (for example, married people must have had their marriage blessed in the Church and all must be without grave sin on their hearts). For all Orthodox Christians, the proper preparation for Holy Communion must be observed: examination of conscience, confession, reading the prayers for Holy Communion, and the proper fasting. If you have any further questions about this, please speak with the clergy. Women should remove all lipstick when approaching for Holy Communion. Please let parents with their babies and the elderly approach first. We Thank you Father Gregory Edwards contact information is Cell: 727-967-2178 Office: 727-868-5911 Email address: frgregory.stgeorge@gmail.com If you would like to schedule a meeting, an appointments or confession please contact the church office and speak with Antonia or you may contact Fr. Gregory at 727-967-2178. Church is open daily for your spiritual needs from 9:00am - 4:00pm and on Sundays 8:15am-1:00pm Αγαπητοί μου εκ Κυρίω αδελφοί, είμαστε στην ευχάριστη θέση να σας ανακοινώσουμε ότι ο Ελληνορθόδοξος Ιερός Ναός του Αγίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος και Θαυματουργού Γεωργίου θα είναι ανοικτός καθημερινά από 9:00πμ έως και τις 4:00μμ και Κυριακές από 8:15πμ έως 1:00μμ για τις Λατρευτικές σας ανάγκες. Για την εξομολόγησή σας ή για οποιαδήποτε άλλη Λατρευτική ανάγκη παρακαλούμε να τηλεφωνήσετε το γραφείο του Αγίου Γεωργίου 727-868-5911 η τον +π. Γρηγόριος στο 727-967-2178 17

This is an announcement and a directive from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta The Sacrament of Holy Unction All Parishioners should attempt to attend the service and be anointed with the blessed oil of Holy Unction. As the Priest anoints the forehead, checks, chin, palm and back of the hands, we should ask God s forgiveness. Therefore, family members will no longer be permitted to take Holy Unction home. However, the Priest may anoint those unable to attend the service of Holy Unction on another day. For those who are shut-ins, homebound, or infirm, please contact your priest for a visitation and the offering of healing prayers and the Holy Sacraments. Εγκύκλειο από την Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Μητρόπολη της Ατλάντα Το Μυστήριο του Ιερού Ευχελαίου Όλοι οι πιστόι οφείλουμε να παρακολουθήσουμε το Μυστήριο του Ιερού Ευχελαίου. Όπως Ο Ιερέας αλείφει με το ευλογημένο λάδι του Ευχελαίου το μέτωπο, τα μάγουλα, πηγούνι, παλάμη και πίσω μέρος των χεριών, θα πρέπει να ζητήσουμε τη συγχώρεση του Θεού. Ως εκ τούτου, οι πιστοί ΔΕΝ θα επιτρέπονται πλέον να πάρουν το Ιερό Ευχέλαιο για το σπίτι τους. Ωστόσο, όσοι δεν μπορούν να παρευρεθούν στο Ιερό Ευχέλαιο, μπορουν να χριεθούν μία άλλη μέρα. Για εκείνους που δεν μπορουν να έρθουν στην εκκλησία, ή άτομα με αναπηρίες, παρακαλείστε να επικοινωνήσετε με τον γραφείο της ενορίας για να σας επισκεφθεί ο Ιερέας για νας σας προσφέρει προσευχές και τα Ιερά Μυστήρια. Watch all our Church Services LIVE from your Computer, laptop or your smartphone! Go to www.stgeorgenpr.org click Watch Live at top of page! Τώρα μπορείτε να βλέπετε ζωντανά τις Ιερές ακολουθείες από τον υπολογιστή σας ή το τηλέφωνό σας!!! 18

On Patience: For the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross Dear brethren, today is already the Third Sunday of Holy Lent, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Life-Giving Cross. The priest decorates the Holy Cross with flowers and places it out for veneration by the faithful. Respect and reverence for the Cross is as old as Christianity itself. St John Chrysostom writes: In the middle of the Holy Fast, the Church takes the Holy and Life-Giving Cross and presents it to the people for veneration. Today is the day of veneration of the Holy Cross. Another Father, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, writes: While the Fast weakens the body and makes it useless for sin, the pure and spiritual veneration of the Holy Cross lifts up our minds to the Kingdom which is above us. The veneration of the Cross always reminds us of our Lord, and of the hope of the Resurrection. The Cross, concerning which our Lord spoke to His disciples so descriptively just prior to His Passion, is for us the symbol of Christian duty. It shows us how to act. Our duty is a cross, and each cross of the Lord is an additional duty for us. Our duty is to follow the exact teaching of our Lord. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. People in our day are not willing to bear burdens and crosses. Yet they are more than willing when it comes to rights and demands. In the United Nations, for example, with high-sounding expressions and empty words, men speak about the rights of the people men who never respected any human right! But Christianity involves duty. Christ said: Even as the Son of Man came not to be served unto, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. To one who was considering becoming one of the Lord s followers, Christ said, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest His head on. While we can and should sacrifice our rights and privileges, we must never shirk our duties. How often is the opposite the case. Men so easily forget their duties, while remaining so adamantly imperative and demanding concerning their rights. A good example of the case in point is our own children. They inform us, You must send me to college, I must go away for a vacation, I need a car, I must have money. But let a parent ask something of his child, and the response is almost sure to be, This is my life; it is none of your business. The word responsibility does not exist in the vocabulary of the child. But life is a duty, a cross, the Cross of the Lord. He set us an example to follow. The Lord ascended His Cross first, writes St. John Chrysostom, leaving us an example, a pattern for all who would follow. And here is the curious thing about man. While he thinks that the Cross of Christ is so heavy, the road so steep, that he invents many excuses as to why he cannot accept the Cross of Christ, and finally rejects it; yet the same man is so eager to accept such secular crosses as smoking, drunkenness, gambling, and immorality, which totally and catastrophically destroy him. Christ assures us that His Cross is light, that it elevates all who lift it, all who will accept it. Christ calls all who are weary of their secular crosses to take up His light yoke: Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Men do not heed the Lord; they listen to the words of the world, which lead them to believe that our Lord s Cross is so heavy that it is unbearable, that the Lord s commands are too strict, that man loses his freedom in service to Christ. He can no longer enjoy himself. Thus, many deceived people reject the Cross of the Saviour and bear burdens that are heavy indeed. 22

We do not say that it is easy to be a Christian; the way of the Cross has difficulties. Yet the way of the Cross leads to the Resurrection, while the way of the world leads to destruction. At first secular crosses offer pleasure, but in the dregs of enjoyment is hidden poison, deceit and pain. Also, we must remember that we are not called upon to travel the way of the Cross alone; our Lord Himself is with us every step of the way. Just as Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus with His Cross, even so does the Lord, so the Lord helps all who sincerely wish to carry His Cross. Those who bear secular crosses, however, are without help, without grace; they are alone, deserted, with the heavens as brass and the earth as iron. Dear brethren, the Cross is such an immeasurably precious message, my pen and my language are much too poor to give it. I can only assure you, if you bear the Lord s cross you have nothing to fear; He Himself will walk beside you every step of the way. Saint Anthony was suffering much from temptation; when it finally passed, he prayed, Lord, where were You in my hour of temptation? And the Lord answered, Anthony, I was closer to you at that time than ever before. We read in the Acts of the Apostles that when persecution broke out in Jerusalem, and the Christians were scattered all over the Mediterranean world, the hand of the Lord was with them. Saint Peter adds, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Dear brothers and sisters, if you are struggling to bear some sort of worldly cross, throw it from you quickly; sooner or later it is bound to lead you to catastrophe. Do not be deceived- your end is certain destruction. Venerate with humility and piety the honorable wood of the Cross, asking its protection in all circumstances. He who ascended that Cross will give you the perseverance to bear His cross with joy, and will free you from the cross under which you have been laboring. Learn with St. John Chrysostom the meaning of the Holy Cross. He writes, Through the Cross, redemption and regeneration for all things. We adore Thy Cross O Christ, and Thy Holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. Amen. Protopresbyter George Dimopoulos 23

Sponsor a Day at St. George s! This year, 2017, it will cost over $480,000 to run St. George s. That means that it costs about $1320 a day to keep the doors of our church open. Following other successful parishes, we have decided to challenge our parishioners to sponsor a day at St. George s. With about 300 families, that means we could come close to sponsoring the whole year if every family would take a single day. Each week in the bulletin, we will acknowledge and thank those families who have stepped up to the challenge. Thank you to: Constantine and Angela Bougas (In memory of Nick and Mary Michael our parents ) Mr. Jack Balahtsis, The Edwards Family, The Tout Family, The Chilimigras Family, The Psetas Family, The St. George Baking Angels, Koulla Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Saravanos, (2) Anonymous, Mr.& Mrs. Peter Pappas, Mancini Family, Anonymous Parish Council Member, Joseph Sima and Dr. Alexandra Penn-Sima OFFICE UPDATE : Thank you for your patience! The church office is underway with a project to improve the phone system so that it will help cut costs. For emergency (only) you may reach Father Gregory at 727-967-2178 for the office please contact 727-868-5911 and leave a message so that the office may return your call. For those watching us on U-Stream we apologize for the inconvenience. U-stream is currently offline. We are currently repairing this issue and should be fixed shortly. Thank You! * The office is looking for someone to donate a computer for the office! Anyone wishing to donate please contact the office 727-868-5911 Today s Divine Liturgy offerings are donated by an anonymous donor for her good health and of her children. Please contact the Church office and speak with Antonia at 727-868-5911 if you would like to donate the items for Divine Liturgy The offerings include: 10 prosfora, the communion wine, the oil, the incense and charcoal. All items used during the prothesis in preparation for the Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion. Ένα μεγάλο ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ σε όλους τους εθελοντές και Δωροθέτες μας του Αγίου Γεωργίου! Ο Θεός να σας έχει πάντοτε καλά! A big THANK YOU to all our Volunteers and Donors! May our God bless you and your Families always! 24

Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen. Scholarship for College Students The American Foundation for Greek Language & Culture (AFGLC) Scholarship opportunities are now available. The AFGLC Dr. Demetrios Halkias is open for College students to apply. The deadline to apply and submit all necessary official documents and paperwork is March 30, 2018. Pick up your application and rules and requirements at the Church office. The Scholarships will be awarded at the annual AFGLC conference on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs Campus. The theme this year for the conference is "All That's Greek on Stage and Screen". For questions contact Kalliope at 813-789-4134 or khalkias@afglc.org. Festival chairman Nicholas Cusimano is requesting that anyone interested in volunteering for the 2018 November festival to please complete a volunteer request form. If anyone is interested in running pastries, the kitchen, taverna, bar parking, garbage or cleaning please specify and your request will be reviewed. Thank you Nicholas Cusimano 727-858-4602 Thank you for your donations of olive oil for the altar Kandelia The Church always needs oil so please continue to bring your donations. 25

Thank you to our bulletin sponsors for your continued support with advertising your business in our weekly bulletins. 26

Monday 03/12 Tuesday 03/13 St. George Weekly Church Services & Church Ministries Schedule The Church & the Church Office are open daily from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Feel free to come to Pray and light a candle at the Church Goya and Dance practice 6:30pm Love and Loss Group Kontos community center Tuesdays from 7-8 Greek Dance (younger kids) Wednesday 03/14 Great Lent, Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:00-7:30 PM. Δ Τετάρτη της Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής. Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία, 6.00-7.30μμ. NO Adult Bible Study/Catechism during all of lent Thursday 03/15 Friday 03/16 10:30am Women s bible study Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 9:00-10:45 AM. EVENING: Fourth Salutation to the Holy Virgin Mary-Theotokos, 6:00-7.30PM. 6:30pm Choir practice in the church Παρασκευή. Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία, 9.00-10.45μμ. ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑ: Δ Χαιρετισμοί εις την Υπεραγία Θεοτόκο, 6.00-7.30μμ. 3:00pm 5:00pmOpen confession with Father Gregory 3:00pm 6:30pm Friday Night Saturday 03/17 Sunday 03/18 8:30 AM Matins/Orthros & 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Feast Day of St. Alexios, Name Day of Metropolitan Alexios -- EVENING: 6:00-6:45 PM Great Vespers Fourth Sunday of Great Lent St. John the Climacus 8:15AM Matins/Orthros 9:30AM Divine Liturgy. Sunday School 8.30πμ Όρθρος & 9.30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία\ Αγίου Αλεξίου ανθρώπου του Θεού. Ονομαστική Εορτή του Μητροπολίτου μας Αλεξίου. Εις πολλά έτη Δέσποτα! ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑ: 6.00-6.45μμ Μ. Εσπερινός Δ Κυριακή της Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής, Αγίου Ιωάννη της Κλίμακος, 8.15πμ Όρθρος 9:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία. There will be No Bible study Wednesday evening. From February 21st thru all of Lent Join us for the church service instead 27