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 25, 2018 Sunday of Orthodoxy Future Sts Raphael Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church Cumming, Georgia Fast Day (Wine and Oil Allowed) Wine and oil are allowed. Refrain from meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Welcome to all visitors who are worshiping with us this morning. Please join us for Coffee Hour afterwards in the Parish Life Center ( PLC ). Reminder: If there is ever a luncheon prepared for donations to the church and you wish not to participate, the coffee and treats table is always available to everyone without a donation. Fellowship is the main focus of this time together! Visitors Meet & Greet with Father Barnabas TODAY, February 25 Sunday of Orthodoxy 9:00 a.m. Orthos Divine Liturgy Procession of the Icons by the Sunday School students Appointments with Father Barnabas: Fr. Barnabas will be hearing confessions every Saturday from 4-5 PM before Great Vespers. He will also hear confessions by appointment. Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment. Administrative Office Hours: Tuesday Friday; 10 a.m. 3:00 p.m. *Are you interested in being a part of the Orthodox Church? If so, the Journey to Fullness classes are at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Visit the Gift Shop for Inspiration and Gifts For Today: Ushers: Greg Pappas and Rusty Waldron Coffee Hour hosted by: PapakadisFamily Parish Council of 2018: Kosta Bozzuto, President; Rusty Waldron, Vice President; Len Vanerstrom, Secretary; David Chapman, Treasurer; Sandy Athenson, David Boyd, John Donkar, Tasso Kefalas, Helen McCart, Greg Pappas, Anne Trainor, and Plutarch Vamvakias Acolytes: Jacob and Jimmy Atkinson, David Druffner, Spiro Kefalas, Christos Kaloudis, Thomas Miller, Mike Trainor, Aristotle & Alexander Theofilis, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos, Christos Zourzoukis, Senior Acolytes: Johnny Melts Please say a special prayer for the following Individuals: Ruth, Ana S., Ashley, Ava, Austin Cohen, Carrie, Estelle S., Fred, Gus P., Jim, Perry, A. Harris, D. Jeffrey, Jo, Lockie G., Mariann, Maria, Mary M., Mr. Moss, Nicole, A. Papandreou, Mary S., Victor, Patsy, Joanne, Walter, Vasilios and S. & K. Yalanzon. Mary Samaltanos is now in Long Term Care at Cumming Health and Rehab Center, 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30041 Friendly Reminder: The Orthodox Church practices closed 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.
Sunday of Orthodoxy On this Day We Also Commemorate: Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople; Reginos, Bishop of Skopelos; and Holy Martyr Alexander of Thrace 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 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 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. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Singers and Chanters: Richard Bethune, Tabitha Bethune, Geoff & Elise Brueggen, Anthony Birozes, David Boyd, Lynne Lucher, and Jimmy Smith Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection. Apolytikion of the Feast in the Second Tone We venerate Your immaculate icon, O good Lord, and entreat You to forgive our offences, O Christ our God. By Your own choice you were pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, to deliver us, whom You created, from our slavery to the foe. Therefore we cry to You with gratitude: You have filled all things with joy, O our Savior, by coming to save the world. Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone To you, the champion leader, we your flock dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, as ones rescued out of suff rings, O Theotokos; but as you are one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be deliver us, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ στρατηγῷ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοι ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε. Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων με κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοι Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
EPISTLE READING Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Daniel 3.26,27 Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers. Verse: For you are just in all you have done. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Προκείμενον. Ήχος δ'. Δανιήλ 3.26-27 Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:24-26, 32-40 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, πίστει Μωϋσῆς μέγας γενόμενος ἠρνήσατο λέγεσθαι υἱὸς θυγατρὸς Φαραώ, μᾶλλον ἑλόμενος συγκακουχεῖσθαι τῷ λαῷ τοῦ θεοῦ ἢ πρόσκαιρον ἔχειν ἁμαρτίας ἀπόλαυσιν μείζονα πλοῦτον ἡγησάμενος τῶν Αἰγύπτου θησαυρῶν τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀπέβλεπεν γὰρ εἰς τὴν μισθαποδοσίαν. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; Ἐπιλείψει γὰρ με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ τε καὶ Σαμψών καὶ Ἰεφθάε, Δαυίδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων. Ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι - ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος - ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσιν καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες, μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν.
THE GOSPEL READING The Gospel According to John 1:43-51 At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:44-52 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠθέλησεν ὁ Ιησοῦς ἐξελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν καὶ εὑρίσκει Φίλιππον καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ἀκολούθει μοι. ἦν δὲ ὁ Φίλιππος ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδά, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως Ανδρέου καὶ Πέτρου. εὑρίσκει Φίλιππος τὸν Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ὃν ἔγραψε Μωϋσῆς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ καὶ οἱ προφῆται, εὑρήκαμεν, Ιησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἀπὸ Ναζαρέτ. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ ἐκ Ναζαρὲτ δύναταί τι ἀγαθὸν εἶναι; λέγει αὐτῷ Φίλιππος ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε. εἶδεν ὁ Ιησοῦς τὸν Ναθαναὴλ ἐρχόμενον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει περὶ αὐτοῦ ἴδε ἀληθῶς Ισραηλίτης, ἐν ᾧ δόλος οὐκ ἔστι. λέγει αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ πόθεν με γινώσκεις; ἀπεκρίθη Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ πρὸ τοῦ σε Φίλιππον φωνῆσαι, ὄντα ὑπὸ τὴν συκῆν εἶδόν σε. ἀπεκρίθη Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ῥαββί, σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, σὺ εἶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ισραήλ. ἀπεκρίθη Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὅτι εἶπόν σοι, εἶδόν σε ὑποκάτω τῆς συκῆς, πιστεύεις; μείζω τούτων ὄψει. καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγότα, καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀναβαίνοντας καὶ καταβαίνοντας ἐπὶ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.
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, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I should dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my vesture will condemn me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me, as You are the one Who loves mankind. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul, and save me. Master Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom.
Prayers at the End of each Service sung by the Congregation You have probably noticed that toward the end of the service the priest says prayers in front of the Altar and the Chanters will also sing halfway through the Prayers. It almost sounds like they are competing with the priest. They are actually saying a short prayer for our priest asking the Lord to answer our prayers for the priest who also prays for us. It is short and pretty and we are asking the parishioners to join in the prayer. We will take our cue from the Chanters whether Greek or English. This is prayed at pages 68/69 of the new Liturgy book. English: Lord, protect for many years the one who blesses and sanctifies us. Greek: Τὸν εὐλογοῦντα καὶ ἁγιάζοντα ἡμᾶς, Κύριε, φύλαττε εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη. Phonetic for the Greek: Ton ev-lo-goun -ta ke a-gi-a -zon-ta i-m-as, Ki -ri-e fi-la-te, ei-s po-la eti. The a is a short a pronounced as in ma; The e is a short e and pronounced as both e s in ever; The i is a short i and is pronounced as in his; The o is a long o as in omega; The ei is a diphthong and is pronounced as a long e as in equal.
PARISH NEWS Feasibility Study: Your parish leadership has begun to proceed with the first steps of exploring a vision for the parish over the next three to five years in order to provide for the continued spiritual growth of our children and future generations of Greek Orthodox faithful in the parish community-at-large. Before any decisions are made however, we would like to ensure our community s input is included in the final plan. In order to gather your thoughts on the plan and the fund raising program, we have engaged Jerry Minetos from the Orthodox Parish Development to conduct a series of confidential interviews with our parishioners whose opinions and advice we deem essential. Below is the schedule for appointments with Jerry. If you have any questions, you can email Rusty Waldron at rustywaldron@hotmail.com. Please call the church office and let us know what time you would like to schedule. February 27: 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. February 28: 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 March 1: 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m. March 15: March 16: March 17: March 18: 5:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:15 p.m. 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. 12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m. Readers Needed during the Agape Vespers on Pascha Sunday - we read from the Gospel of John (20:19-25) in as many languages as possible. This expresses the fact that the Church is open to everyone, and that we are to make disciples of all nations. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Lynne Lucher (lalucher@gmail.com) and indicate the language which you can read. Our Gospel book includes Greek, English, Russian, German, French and Spanish. If you can read in a language not listed here, and you don t already have the text of the Gospel passage in that language, we will help you search for a source. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1 Are you happy to be in church this morning? Do you enjoy seeing our church family every week? If so, the Welcome Ministry needs you. If you can say Good morning with a smile, you re qualified. One of our veterans will work your first Sunday with you to show you the ropes. We need 4-8 parishioners to join our group. Please let Sharon Tyre know if you would like to know more or to volunteer. sharontyre@yahoo.com 2018 Sts RNI Treasurer update: Remember to update your personal and family profiles on the website. Instructions are in the packet you received with your 2017 financial statements. Deborah Bowen will begin to take pictures of families and individuals today in the PLC. This will be an ongoing ministry for our church directory.
Financial Review: For the week of 2/14/2018 to 2/20/2018 OPERATING ACCOUNT Income = $3,638.00 Expenses = $3,425.00 Income last 4 weeks = $18,803.67 Expenses last 4 weeks = $21,989.79 MORTGAGE ACCOUNT Months of mortgage payments on deposit = 4 (5 months transferred from Greek Festival) Save These Dates 2018 Oratorical Festival, April 15 (Sunday) Parish Chairperson Sharon Tyre. Please contact her at sharontyre@yahoo.com. Share Your Faith by exploring a deeper knowledge of your Orthodox faith; think critically about current issues and speak to a gentle and loving audience. Junior Division for Grades 7-9. Senior Division for Grades 10-12. Saturday, April 21 Philoptochos Membership Tea in the PLC. 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Greek Festival October 19-21 Sunday School Ministry March 31: April 1: April 8: May 20: June 11-15: Saturday of Lazarus Pancake breakfast after service and making of the Palm Crosses Palm Sunday Pascha (no classes) Graduation Vacation Church Camp MINISTRY NEWS Education Ministry Bible Study Classes are on Wednesday morning, at We are studying the book of Genesis. These classes will run through March 28 and then restart on April 18 May 30. After summer break, the classes will resume on September 12. The educational classes are after Vespers on Wednesday night, where we will be studying the Journey to Fullness series by Father Barnabas. All classes are held in the Parish Life Center and will be finishing on January 31. After the Greek Festival, the class will begin again. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
Flower Ministry Thank you to all who have donated generously for flowers for decorating the Feast Days Icons. The Feast Days when Icons are decorated are listed below. We have received donations for each of the listed Feast Days. Opportunities to donate for Pascha are still available. Sharon Tyre is the chairperson for this ministry. If you would like to make a donation and/or help with the decorating, please contact her at sharontyre@yahoo.com. January 6 February 2 March 25 April 8 May 17 May 27 The Feast of Epiphany Deborah Bowen The Presentation of Christ Barbara Theofolis Annunciation of the Theotokos Athena Miller and Anonymous Great and Holy Pascha Please refer to list on bulletin board at church office August 6 August 15 September 8 September 14 The Apodosis of the Feast of the Holy Ascension November 21 Helen and Al McCart Holy Pentecost Anonymous donation December 25 The Transfiguration of Christ The Tubbs Family The Dormition of the Theotokos Jennie Johnson The Nativity of the Theotokos Carolyn Tuthill The Exaltation of the Cross Russell & Stephanie Crosio and Anonymous donation The Entrance Into the Temple of the Theotokos Deborah Bowen The Nativity of Christ Carolyn Tuthill and Anonymous Donation Food Ministry Coffee Hour Sponsorship (please sign up at the PLC) Those sponsoring coffee hour: please bring light refreshments, paper plates and coffee and drinking cups; coffee is sponsored by church. Thank you to all the families and friends who offer their assistance with this ministry. It has proven to be a much loved time to gather after Sunday service. 2018 Feb. 25: Papadakis family Mar 4: Pappas Family Mar 11: Mar 18: Martin Family Mar 25: Lopez/Spinthourakas Family April 1: Parish Council April 8: April 15: Brent & Nicole Johnson April 22: Ann Costakis Hayes April 29: May 6: May 13: May 20: May 27:
For individual memorials, the large tray of Koliva can be made for $30. Contact Helen McCart for those orders (helenmccart49@gmail.com). Saturday of Souls Koliva For the Saturday of Souls services, Helen McCart will be making small individual trays for Koliva for $10.00. Please contact her at helenmccart@gmail.com Gift Shop Ministry Please stop by Sts RNI Gift Shop for any special needs for a chrismation, baptism, birthday, or anniversary. If we don t have it, we can special order the item. GOYA Youth Ministry If you would like more information on GOYA or would like to join (Grades 6-12), please contact Laura Kefalas at laurakefalas@gmail.com. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE for 2018-19 Academic Year The AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter No. 1 Educational Fund invites high school seniors, college and graduate students to apply for the Johnny N. Economy Scholarship by submitting the on-line application with an essay on Hellenism. Scholarships are also available for students currently enrolled or planning to attend Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Scholarships will range from $1000 to $3500. Application deadline: March 1. Apply on-line at www.ahepaatlscholarship.org. February in conjunction with the first quarter Game night. We are continuing to raise funds to send our GOYANS to Greece for Summer 2018! Please let Laura Kefalas know if you can chair this event along with the Parish Council. The GOYANS need a parent volunteer to drive the dinner/fundraiser/drive-thru event for January or The Oratorical Festival is open to students in 4 th through 12 th grade. The 4 th and 5 th graders will participate only in our parish festival. The 6 th through 12 th graders have the opportunity to advance to the District Festival and continue advancing from there. Students who are not comfortable with public speaking may write an essay or poetry to submit for judging, instead of making a speech. Contact Sharon with any questions or to volunteer to help. sharontyre@yahoo.com Help Your Parish Community When You Shop There are 2 very easy ways that our parishioners can support Sts RNI with donations from 2 vendors: Amazon and Kroger. With the proper accounts, anyone who shops with either of these vendors can sign up Sts RNI to receive a periodic donation from the vendor, based on purchase amounts. Sts RNI is already in the list of recognized charities for both vendors. Our 501(3)c name is Eastern Orthodox Community of Northern Georgia, Inc. Here is a link that explains the Amazon program: https://smile.amazon.com/ref=smi_se_dshb_bk_smi
Here is a link to sign up with the Kroger program: www.krogercommunityrewards.com or email at kcr11@kroger.com If you have a moment, please sign up with these vendors. If you have questions, please don t hesitate to contact me. Thanks. Hope and Joy Ministry Contact Jennie Johnson at jenniepsi@yahoo.com for more information on the Hope and Joy Ministry. Men s Book Study Ministry Starting February 21, there will be a Men s Book Study meeting on Wednesday nights after service in the PLC. The book Everywhere Present by Father Stephen Freeman will be the topic of discussion. Please contact Dennis Sparks at 22sdad@comcast.net for more information. Outreach Ministries Family Promise Family Promise Community Meeting with Claas Ehlers on Sunday, February 25, 2 pm 3:30 pm at The Vine. Discussions will be regarding the State of te Program and he Straategic Plan. Family Promise Volunteers signup for the week of April 22. Here is the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4eaba92eaaf49-stsrni It very easy and self-explanatory. The Family Promise families will be at Sts RNI on April 22, July 8, and August 26. Contact Anthony Birozes Anthony.Birozes@ejgallo.com if you have any questions! Depression/Bipolar Support Group Ministry will be meeting in the PLC on the first and third Thursdays from 7:00 9:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Gasper or Bill Gasper at mmgasper@comcast.net for more information.
Philoptochos Ministry 2017-18 Philoptochos Board: President: Jennifer Tubbs; 1st Vice President: Helen McCart 2nd Vice President: Evie Atkinson; Treasurer: Ann Hayes Assistant Treasurer: Midge Perry; Correspondence Secretary: Athena Miller Recording Secretary: Marilyn Ponton; Advisor: Marie Chapman Save the date for Philoptochos Membership Tea, Saturday, April 21 in the PLC from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Food Items needed for The Place: Canned Soups, Canned Beans, Canned Vegetables (not green beans please), Tuna Helper, Dry Pasta, Boxed Cereal, Canned Pasta (Spaghettios, Chef Boy R Dee) please place items in food bin in the hallway by the freezer! Meeting dates and times for 2018 (in the PLC unless otherwise stated): Board Meeting Jan 16th 7:00-8:30 PM; General Meeting Feb 27th 7:00-8:30 PM; Board Meeting Mar 20th 7:00-8:30 PM; General Meeting Apr 17th 7:00-8:30 PM; Board Meeting May 15th 7:00-8:30 PM; General Meeting June 19th 7:00-8:30 PM; Board Meeting July 17th 7:00-8:30 PM; General Meeting Aug 21st 7:00-8:30 PM; Board Meeting Sept 18th 7:00-8:30 PM; General Meeting Oct 16th 7:00-8:30 PM; Board Meeting Nov 20th 7:00-8:30 PM; General Meeting Dec 18th 7:00-8:30 PM Readers and Choir Ministry I will sacrifice a sacrifice of praise unto You, and I will call upon the Name of the Lord. (Ps. 115:17, Septuagint) Lord, I have loved the beauty of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. (Ps. 25:8, Septuagint) Come, all you people, let us all sing to Christ God, Who divided the sea, and made a way for the people which He had brought up out of the bondage of Egypt; for He is glorified. (Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion, Ode One Heirmos) God s people are called to praise Him and sing to Him in gratitude for all He has done for our salvation. We do this in every service of the Church. The Readers assist in this work of the people by reading the Psalms, Old Testament Prophecies, Epistles, and other prayers during the services. The Choir assists the people by leading them in singing to God, and helping to beautify our worship to His glory. If you are interested in becoming a Lay Reader and/or a member of the Choir, please contact Lynne Lucher at lalucher@gmail.com for more information. Currently we have Choir rehearsal each Sunday at12:30 p.m., for about a half hour.
Lenten Boxes given to Sunday School Students Sunday School Ministry Here is a picture of the Mission Coin Boxes that we are handing out this Sunday to the students. They have the entire Lent season to collect coins and bills. Also, adults can see Elise Brueggen after the service if they would like to have one for themselves. We will collect them at the end of Lent. All the money that we collect will be used to help Orthodox Christians who serve as missionaries, volunteer for Mission Teams and support the mission ministries of the Church to take the Gospel to people around the world.
Philoptochos Ladies Society of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church Beloved Church Family, Greetings as we approach the Glorious Paschal Season! This year the Philoptochos Ladies Society of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church is sponsoring a Pascha card. Philoptochos invites you to join the other families of Sts. RNI in extending Easter greetings to one another. The cards will be mailed to our Church families. If you would like to have your name printed on the card, please complete the form below with your love offering of $10 (or more, if you so desire). You can mail it to the Church, drop it off at Church on Sunday, or sign up at the table in the PLC on Sunday, February18 th or 25 th. This is a fund-raising effort, and your generous donation can make a difference to those in need. This Easter let us glorify Christ and share the Light with everyone! DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018 Please print your name as you would like it to appear on the Easter Card. Please make check payable to Philoptochos of Sts. RNI Wishing you and your family the blessings of our Lord this Paschal Season and always! Your Sisters in Christ
Pascha Needs for 2018 Please let Sharon Tyre at sharontyre@yahoo.com or the church office at officeadmin@stsrni.org know if you can help meet our church's needs for Great Lent and Holy Week by providing any of the items below or by monetary donations toward them. Checks may be made out to: Sts. RNI Greek Orthodox Church with "Pascha Needs" in the memo line. PLEASE BRING IN YOUR CHECKS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU. Needs for Great and Holy Lent and Great and Holy Pascha Date To be Decorated Needed Donor Day Suggested Donation 2-Mar Icon of Panagia Purple or dark red roses or carnations Salutations & Akathist $50 9-Mar Icon of Panagia Purple or dark red roses or carnations Salutations & Akathist $50 11-Mar Tray with cross Daffodils are ordered Crosio Family Veneration of Holy Cross 16-Mar Icon of Panagia Purple or dark red roses or carnations Salutations & Akathist $50 23-Mar Icon of Panagia Purple or dark red roses or carnations Mabel Birozes Salutations & Akathist $50 30-Mar Icon of Panagia Purple or dark red roses or carnations Salutations & Akathist $50 31-Mar Palms and Palm crosses Palms are ordered Crosio Family Lazarus Saturday 31-Mar Icon of Raising of Lazarus White roses or light colors Lazarus Saturday $50 1-Apr Icon of Christ's Triumphant Entrance White roses or light colors Palm Sunday $50 1-Apr Icon of Bridegroom mixed colors of flowers Helen & Al McCart Bridegroom Services 4-Apr Niptir Icon dark red or purple flowers Kefalas Family Holy Wednesday/Holy Unction Service 4-Apr Icon of Extreme Humility dark red or purple flowers Pam Powers Holy Wednesday/Holy Unction Service $50
4-Apr supplies Holy Wednesday/Holy Unction Service $50 5-Apr Icon of Last Supper on Solea Kefalas Family Holy Thursday 5-Apr Icon of Crucifixion of Our Lord purple or dark red flowers Kefalas Family Holy Thursday 5-Apr Cross Wreath of white and red roses or carnations for cross Thalia Kefalas Holy Thursday 5-Apr Base of cross Flowers for base of cross Holy Thursday $20 6-Apr Icon of Removal from Cross purple or dark red flowers Holy Friday $50 6-Apr Icon of Burial purple or dark red flowers Holy Friday $50 6-Apr 0-Jan White, twin, flat sheet Holy Friday $20 6-Apr 0-Jan Rose petals for baskets Holy Friday $20 6-Apr Kouvouklion Thompson Family Holy Friday Icon of Empty 7-Apr Tomb or Christ's Descent into Hades white flowers Holy Saturday $50 7-Apr Bay leaves Holy Saturday $50 7-Apr Resurrection Icon Ann Costakis Hayes Holy Saturday $50 7-Apr Easter Lilies Holy Saturday $150 7-Apr Priest's Resurrection Candle - ordered Holy Saturday $100
CALENDAR for March 2018 *All classes or meetings are held in the Parish Life Center unless otherwise noted* Date Time Event Feb 25 - Sun 9:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Sunday of Orthodoxy Orthos Divine Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live Ancient Faith Radio Feb 26 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting Feb 27 - Tues 6:30 p.m. Philoptochos Meeting Feb 28 Wed 6:10 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Class 9 th Hour Prayers Presanctified Liturgy Men s Book Study Group (after service) Mar 1 Thur 7:00 p.m. Depression/Bipolar Support Group Meeting Mar 2 Fri 6:30 p.m. Akathist Hymn 2 nd Part Mar 3 Sat 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers Mar 4 Sun 9:00 a.m. Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas Orthos Divine Liturgy Mar 5- Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Meeting Mar 6 Tues 7:00 p.m. Parish Council Meeting Mar 7 Wed Mar 8-12 6:10 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Class 9 th Hr. Prayer Presanctified Liturgy Men s Book Study after services Father Barnabas Out of Town Mar 9 Fri 6:30 p.m. Akathist Hymn 3 rd Part Mar 10 Sat Mar 11 Sun 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Prosforo Baking No service tonight Sunday of the Holy Cross Orthos Divine Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live Ancient Faith Radio Mar 12 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting
Mar 14 Wed Mar 15-19 6:10 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Class 9 th Hour Prayer Presanctified Liturgy Men s Book Study after services Father Barnabas Out of Town Mar 15- Thur 7:00 p.m. Depression/Bipolar Support Group Meeting Mar 16 Fri 6:30 p.m. Akathist Hymn 4 th Part Mar 17 Sat Mar 18 Sun 9:00 a.m. No Service Tonight Sunday of St. John Climacus Orthos Divine Liturgy Mar 19 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting Mar 20 - Tues 7:00 p.m. Philoptochos Board Meeting Mar 21 Wed Mar 22 Thur 6:10 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Class 9 th Hour Prayers Presanctified Liturgy Men s Book Study (after services) Scout Troop 805 Adults Only Meeting Mar 23- Fri 6:30 p.m. Akathist Hymn Complete Mar 24 - Sat 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers at the Cathedral Mar 25 Sun 9:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Annunciation of the Theotokos (Greek Independence Day) Orthos Divine Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live Ancient Faith Radio Mar 26 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting Mar 28 Wed Mar 30 Fri 6:10 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:10 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Class 9 th Hour Prayer Presanctified Liturgy Men s Book Study (after services) 9 th Hour Prayer Presanctified Liturgy
Mar 31 - Sat Apr 1 - Sun 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. Lazarus Saturday Orthos Liturgy Pancake Breakfast and Making of the Palms (after service in the PLC) Great Vespers Palm Sunday Orthos Divine Liturgy Bridegroom Service
Stewardship Commitment for 2018 (91 as of 2/21/18) Go to StsRNI.org website under Giving and fill out your Stewardship Card online Apesos, Thomas Athenson, Sandy & Julie Avery, Tori Barnard, Stephen & Deane Bauer, Ken ( Ted ) & Kim Bethune, Richard & Sophia Birozes, Anthony Birozes, Mabel Birozes, Renee Bowen, Deborah Bozzuto, Konstantinos & Carolyn Boyd, David & Michelle Brown, Dan & Sophia Brueggen, Geoff & Elise Buzyna, George & Helen Catapano, Athena Chapman, David & Marie Chason, Russell & Chyrisse Christy, Rick & Jan Condos, Connie Costakis Hayes, Ann Crosio, Russell & Stephanie Dimitrakakis, John & Alexis Donkar, George & Alexis Donkar, John & Athena Foxhall, Chris & Liz Gaspar, Bill & Margaret Gilbert, Rob & Carey Guano, Robert & Jennifer Hagen, Harald & Stamatia Hauge, Michael Hutka, Steven & Linda Johnson, Brent & Nichole Johnson, Jennie Kanellas, James Kazozakis Theodore & Soula Levendakis Kefalas, Spiros Kefalas, Tasso & Laura Kefalas, Thalia Thompson, Steven & Thalia Thompson, Craig & Michelle Ladies Philoptochos Society of Sts RNI Levantis, Alex & Melpo Lopez, Frances Lucher, David & Lynne Lytle, Archie and Florence Maheras, Tina Maniatis, Dimitris & Vasiliki Manolakis, Yianna Marianess, Bill & Audrey Martin, John & Valerie Marvos, R. Todd & E. Ann McCart, Al & Helen Melts, Johnny & Becky Milam, Bill & Mary Miller, Matthew & Anthanasia Moissiadis, Nikolaos & Argentina Olszowy, Steve & Noreen Panos, Nicholas & Theodora Pantazopoulos Constantinos & Evelyn Papadakis, Evan & Nicki Papas, Gus Pappas, Gregory Pappas, Thomas & Lillian Patrick, John & Evon Perry, Michele Midge Ponton, Larry & Marilyn Popa, Mihai & Heidi Powell, Fr. Barnabas & Pres. Connie Powers, Pam Ralston, Luke & Liz Ridjaneck, Melissa Ryan, Chad & Joanne Sarmir, W. Jay & Carol Singleton, Kurt & Jen Sofikitis, Estelle Sparks, Dennis & Laura Sparks II, Dennis Sparks, Jacob Tadros, Koko & Carol Tanis, Jack & Georgi Theofilis, Gary & Barbara
Trainor, Edward & Anne Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer Tyre, James & Sharon Vamvakias, Plutarch & Augustina Vanerstrom, Len & Marina Waldron, Rusty & Christine Wilson, Jake & Katherine Yalanzon, Sam & Katherine Zourzoukis, John & Mildred