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 Aug 5, 2018 Tenth Sunday of Matthew 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, Aug 5, 2018 Tenth Sunday of Matthew 9:00 a.m. Orthos 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Parish luncheon in the PLC provided by the Parish Council Welcome His Eminence ALEXIOS of Atlanta Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta Father Barnabas 8 th anniversary at Sts RNI. Thank you Father Barnabas for your love and guidance to this parish. Memorial for Constantine (Costa) Stavropoulos (father of Sophia and Richard Bethune) 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: Monday Friday; 10 a.m. 4:00 p.m. *Are you interested in being a part of the Orthodox Church? If so, the Journey to Fullness classes will resume in the Fall at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Please call the church office if you are interested in attending. Visit the Gift Shop at the PLC for Inspiration and Gifts 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. Parish Council Ushers For Today: Kosta Buzzto & Anne Trainor Coffee Hour: The Parish Council Welcome: Carolyn Bozzuto 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, Zackery Bethune, 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, Al, Ana S., Ashley, Ava, Austin Cohen, Bruce, Carrie, Elizabeth, Estelle S., Fred, Gus P., Jim, Katherine, Kim, Perry, A. Harris, John Havins; D. Jeffrey, Jo, Lockie G., Mariann, Maria, Marilyn, Mary M., Mr. Moss, Nicole, A. Papandreou, Shawn, Mary S., Victor, Patsy, Joanne, Walter, Vasilios and S. & K. Yalanzon. Dennis Sparks and Richard Bethune are recovering from the transplant surgery. Please keep them in your prayers. Mary Samaltanos is now in Long Term Care at Cumming Health and Rehab Center, 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone (770) 781-2300. Please take a moment to visit her or send her a card.
10 th Sunday of Matthew On this day we also commemorate: Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Transfiguration; Eusignius the Martyr of Antioch; and Our Righteous Father Eugene of Aitola. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom 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 rejoice 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. Singers and Chanters: Richard Bethune, Tabitha Bethune, Anthony Birozes, David Boyd, Lynne Lucher, and Jimmy Smith Apolytikion of the Forefeast in the Fourth Tone O Faithful, prepare for the Transfiguration of Christ, * and joyously celebrate as we observe on this day * the Forefeast, and cry aloud: * Coming is the day of the divine exultation. * The Master is ascending the holy mountain of Tabor, * in order to shine with the beauty of His divinity. Kontakion for the Departed in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone Remember, Lord, your servants; for you are good. Forgive them all within they have erred in this life; for there is none without sins except for you, who are able to grant rest to the departed. Apolytikion for St. Alexios in the Fourth Tone Though you budded forth from a renowned and noble root, * and though you blossomed from a city famed for her great imperial dignity, * yet you scorned all things as corruptible and fleeting, * striving to be joined to Christ your Master forever. * Entreat him, O Alexios most wise, fervently for our souls. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone On this day of Christ's divine Transfiguration * human nature in advance splendidly shines with light divine, * and with great joy we all cry aloud, "Christ is transfigured in glory and saves us all." Fimi of Metropolitan Alexios in the Second Tone Alexios, his Eminence and God-Chosen Metropolitan, of the most holy metropolis of Atlanta, our Father and Chief Shepherd, many years!
EPISTLE READING Prokeimenon. Mode 1. Psalm 32.22,1 Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16 Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. Προκείμενον. Ήχος α'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1 Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς. Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 4:9-16 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, ὁ θεὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ἐσχάτους ἀπέδειξεν ὡς ἐπιθανατίους ὅτι θέατρον ἐγενήθημεν τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις, καὶ ἀνθρώποις. Ἡμεῖς μωροὶ διὰ Χριστόν, ὑμεῖς δὲ φρόνιμοι ἐν Χριστῷ ἡμεῖς ἀσθενεῖς, ὑμεῖς δὲ ἰσχυροί ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι. Ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας καὶ πεινῶμεν, καὶ διψῶμεν, καὶ γυμνητεύομεν, καὶ κολαφιζόμεθα, καὶ ἀστατοῦμεν, καὶ κοπιῶμεν ἐργαζόμενοι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσίν λοιδορούμενοι εὐλογοῦμεν διωκόμενοι ἀνεχόμεθα βλασφημούμενοι παρακαλοῦμεν ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα ἕως ἄρτι. Οὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλʼ ὡς τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ νουθετῶ. Ἐὰν γὰρ μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς ἔχητε ἐν Χριστῷ, ἀλλʼ οὐ πολλοὺς πατέρας ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα. Παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε.
THE GOSPEL READING The Gospel According to Matthew 17:14-23 At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 17:14-23 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθόντων αὐτῶν πρὸς τὸν ὄχλον προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπος γονυπετῶν αὐτὸν καὶ λέγων Κύριε, ἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν, ὅτι σεληνιάζεται καὶ κακῶς πάσχει πολλάκις γὰρ πίπτει εἰς τὸ πῦρ καὶ πολλάκις εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ. καὶ προσήνεγκα αὐτὸν τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου, καὶ οὐκ ἠδυνήθησαν αὐτὸν θεραπεῦσαι. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς εἶπεν ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη! ἕως πότε ἔσομαι μεθ ὑμῶν; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετέ μοι αὐτὸν ὧδε. καὶ ἐπετίμησεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ιησοῦς, καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἀπ αὐτοῦ τὸ δαιμόνιον καὶ ἐθεραπεύθη ὁ παῖς ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης. Τότε προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ τῷ Ιησοῦ κατ ἰδίαν εἶπον διατί ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό; ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν ὑμῶν. ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, ἐρεῖτε τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ, μετάβηθι ἐντεῦθεν ἐκεῖ, καὶ μεταβήσεται, καὶ οὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει ὑμῖν. τοῦτο δὲ τὸ γένος οὐκ ἐκπορεύεται εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. Αναστρεφομένων δὲ αὐτῶν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ιησοῦς μέλλει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοσθαι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθήσεται. καὶ ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα.
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.
PARISH NEWS Parish Ministry Leader/Coordinator Needed: This person shall be an energetic individual whose focus shall be to provide support and continuity to existing ministry programs and facilitate the growth of future ministry programs. The Leader/Coordinator will work with the individual leaders of our parish ministries with a particular emphasis on youth related activities and shall connect parishioners with groups and ministries of interest to them. A Meal Train site has been organized by Anne Trainor for the families of Dennis Sparks and Richard Bethune. If you would like more information, please contact Anne Trainor at annetrainor@bellsouth.com. Here are the links to sign up: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/rn403l and https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/gl9zq8 Festival baking has started. There is a schedule for baking for the month of August on the table in the Narthex and in the Parish Life Center. September 5 th begins the Journey to Fullness classes with Father Barnabas. If you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith, please join us on Wednesday nights after service in the Parish Life Center. September 5th also begins the Book of Revelation Bible Study Class held in the PLC on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Please join Father Barnabas for this study. On September 29th 2018, the Metropolis of Atlanta will be blessed with a special event in our spiritual lives as we receive the miraculous Panagia Vimatarissa icon from the Monastery of Vatopaidi on Mount Athos. Beginning at 11:00 AM, this rare and joyous occasion will take the form of a procession with the icon of the Theotokos into our new Panagia Chapel, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, along with the Monks of Vatopaidi, the clergy of the Metropolis of Atlanta, and a parade group created especially for the event! Together, we will all have the opportunity to venerate the miraculous icon of our Lady, offer glory to our God and Creator, thanking those who made this day possible, and enjoying the fellowship of our Metropolis of Atlanta family. His Eminence hopes to see as many parishioners there as possible, and to that end, asks that you please RSVP with this link. You will not want to miss out on what will surely be a momentous and spiritually joyous event! For questions and additional information, please call Ethel Gjerde, 404-634-9345.
Opportunities to further Serve our Family Promise ministry. August 26 Our next scheduled Family Promise attendees at the church will be August 26. Please mark your calendars. Volunteers will be needed. A link will be provided soon in order to sign up for this group of families. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4ea4a623a57-august August 17 &18- Mega Garage Sale- all host churches will put this event on at Cumming First UMC. Contact Anthony Birozes at Anthony.Birozes@ejgallo.com for more information. Take items to Cumming First UMC on Aug 12, 13, and 14
Financial Review: For the week of 7/24/2018 to 7/31/2018 OPERATING ACCOUNT Income = $4,393.25 Expenses = $6,417.84 Income last 4 weeks = $18,419.81 Expenses last 4 weeks = $21,476.91 MORTGAGE ACCOUNT Months of mortgage payments on deposit = 1 Save These Dates Sunday School begins Blessing of the Waters and Meet and Greet will begin our new year. Come see the new rooms and meet the teachers on August 12. Regular classes begin on August 19. Beginning September 5 th Study of Revelations at 10 a.m. in the Parish Life Center Beginning September 5 th Journey to Fullness classes after service on Wednesday nights Sts RNI Greek Festival October 19-21
CALENDAR for August 2018 *All classes or meetings are held in the Parish Life Center (PLC) unless otherwise noted* Date Time Event Aug 5- Sun 10 th Sunday of Matthew Welcome His Eminence ALEXIOS of Atlanta Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Orthos Liturgy Aug 6 Mon 7:00 p.m. Memorial for Constantine (Costa) Stavropoulos (father of Sophia and Richard Bethune) Father Barnabas 8 th year anniversary with Sts RNI Holy Transfiguration Boy Scouts Meeting - PLC Aug 8 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Aug 11 - Sat Aug 12 - Sun 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Prosforo Baking Great Vespers 11 th Sunday of Matthew Orthos Liturgy Blessing of the Waters Faith Encouraged Live Program on Ancient Faith Radio Aug 13 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting - PLC Aug 14 - Tues 6:30 p.m. Great Vespers Aug 15 - Wed Dormition of the Theotokos Aug 15 - Thu 6:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Orthros Liturgy Depression/Bipolar Support Group Meeting Aug 18 - Sat 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers Aug 19 - Sun 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12 th Sunday of Matthew Orthos Divine Liturgy
Aug 20 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting - PLC Aug 21 - Tue 6:30 p.m. Philoptochos Board Meeting Aug 22 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Strict Fast Aug 23 - Thur 7:00 p.m. Scout Troop 805 Adult only Meeting Aug 25 - Sat Aug 26 - Sun Noon 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Baptism Great Vespers 13 th Sunday of Matthew Orthos Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live Program Family Promise families arrive Aug 27 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting PLC Family Promise Families Aug 28 - Tues 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Beheading of John the Baptist 9 th Hour Prayers Liturgy Strict Fast Family Promise Families Aug 29 - Wed 6:30 p.m. Small Paraklesis Service Family Promise Families
Stewardship Commitment for 2018 (113 as of 7/31/18) Go to StsRNI.org website under Giving and fill out your Stewardship Card online Apesos, Thomas Athenson, Sandy & Julie Avery, Tori Baglivo, Valerie Barnard, Stephen & Deane Lytle 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 Crosio, Russell & Stephanie Dimitrakakis, John & Alexis Donkar, George & Alexis Donkar, John & Athena Foxhall, Chris & Liz Galway, Cameron & Peggy Gaspar, Bill & Margaret Gilbert, Rob & Carey Guano, Robert & Jennifer Hagen, Harald & Stamatia Harrell, Justin & Christina Hauge, Michael Hayes, Ann Costakis Henning, Robert (Paul) & Ana Hutka, Steven & Linda Jackson, Reed & Stephanie Johnson, Brent & Nichole Johnson, Jennie Kaloudis, Vasilis & Maria Varthis Kanellas, James Kazozakis Theodore & Soula Levendakis Kefalas, Spiros Kefalas, Tasso & Laura Kefalas, Thalia Kelly, Terry & Tammy (Olga) Klock, Jacqueline Koulouris, Maria Koulouris, Stanley & Suzanne Ladies Philoptochos Society of Sts RNI Levantis, Alex & Melpo Lopez, Frances Lucher, David & Lynne Lucido, Michael & Aristea Lytle, Archie and Florence Maheras, Tina Maniatis, Dimitris & Vasiliki Manolakis, Yianna Marianes, 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 Oster, Scott & Maria Panos, Nicholas & Theodora Pantazopoulos Constantinos & Evelyn Papadakis, Evan & Nicki Pappas, Gus Pappas, Gregory & Mary Kizer Pappas, Thomas & Lillian Patrick, John & Evon Perry, Michele Midge Ponton, Larry & Marilyn Popa, Mihai & Heidi Powell, Fr. Barnabas & Pres. Connie Powers, Pam Pryles, Vic & Suzi Ralston, Luke & Liz Ridjaneck, Melissa & Nick Smith Robinson, Paula Ryan, Chad & Joanne Sarmir, W. Jay & Carol Singleton, Kurt & Jen Sofikitis, George & Anna Sofikitis, Estelle
Sparks, Dennis & Laura Sparks II, Dennis Sparks, Jacob Sts. RNI Goya Tadros, Koko & Carol Tanis, Jack & Georgi Taylor, Patrick & Holli Theofolis, Gary & Barbara Thompson, Steve & Thalia Thompson, Craig & Michelle Trainor, Edward & Anne Trainor, Michael Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer Tyre, James & Sharon Tzevelekos, Greg & Evie Vamvakias, Plutarch & Augustina Vanerstrom, Len & Marina Voutas, Chrisoula Waldron, Rusty & Christine Walters, Diane Wilson, Jake & Katherine Yalanzon, Sam & Katherine Zazanis, George & Thalia Bruno Zourzoukis, John & Mildred