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May 9, 2021

Happy Mother’s Day!

Saints and Feasts Commemorated

 

 

Thomas Sunday

 

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, “Peace be unto you.”  Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection.  But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ’s Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.”  Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly.  Standing in their midst, He said, “Peace be unto you”; then He said to Thomas, “Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, “My Lord and my God.”  Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures – human and divine – of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).

This day is called Antipascha (meaning “in the stead of Pascha,” not  “in opposition to Pascha”) because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.

 

 

The Holy Prophet Esaias (Isaiah)

 

The Prophet Esaias, the son of Amos, was descended from a royal tribe. He prophesied in the days of Ozias (who is also called Azarias), Joatham, Ahaz, and Hezekias, Kings of Judah. About 681 B.C, in the reign of Manasses, the son and successor of the most pious Hezekias, when this Prophet was censuring Manasses’ impiety and lawlessness, he was sawn asunder with a wooden saw, and thus received a martyr’s end.

Of all the Prophets, he is called the most eloquent because of the beauty and loftiness of his words. His book of prophecy, divided into sixty-six chapters, is ranked first among the greater Prophets. The Fifth Ode of the Psalter, “Out of the night my spirit waketh at dawn unto Thee, O God . . .” is taken from his book. It was this holy Prophet who foretold that a Virgin would conceive in the womb (7:14); that not an ambassador, nor an angel, but the Lord Himself would save fallen man (63:9); that the Messiah would suffer, bearing our sins (ch. 53). His name means “Yah is helper.”

 

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Liturgical Guide

 

Apolytikion for Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.
Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Apolytikion for Thomas Sunday in the Grave Mode
Ἐσφραγισμένου τοῦ μνήματος ἡ ζωὴ ἐκ τάφου ἀνέτειλας Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός
Whilst the tomb was sealed, Thou, O Life, didst shine forth from the grave, O Christ God; and whilst the doors were shut, Thou didst come unto Thy disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing through them an upright Spirit in us according to Thy great mercy.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε,
Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades’ power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, “Hail!” and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 146.5; 134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

Gospel Reading

John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: “Peace be with you.”  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.  Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him: “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them.  The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: “Peace be with you.”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.”  Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

 

 

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Our Journey through Lent, Holy Week and Pascha

Thank you to everyone for their time, talent and treasure!

Participating in the Liturgical services, chanting, singing in the choir, reading, serving in the Altar, serving as Myrofores, welcoming our visitors, folding palms, donating flowers, decorating the church, cooking, and countless other acts of service and kindness. Enjoy the following pictures of our journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Stewardship

 

“…The Greatest Of These Is Love” 1 Cor 13:13

 

We ask you to support the worship, service and activities of St. Demetrios Church. Giving to His Church is a way to thank God for His grace, His generosity and His many blessings. Let’s Step Up our gifts of Time Talent and Treasure!

Thank you!

Please fill out a pledge form by either downloading the form below or by visiting https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/ 

You can make contributions towards your financial pledge by visiting https://stdemetrios.org/make-a-donation/ .

 

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Announcements

 

Flowers

• The flowers at the Altar are donated by Zoi DeTuro in loving memory of her mother Katina Maounis.
• The flowers for the mothers of our parish are donated by George Papastamatis in loving memory of his wife Maria.

 

Sunday School 

Thank you to all of our families who participated in our virtual Sunday School during the pandemic. We truly appreciate our teachers and volunteers who helped put this together. Virtual Sunday School will conclude this week. We look forward to a new beginning in our renovated classrooms next school year. Thank you!

Scholarship News

• 2021 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award Award Application forms for the THS awards of Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales are available in the Church office. These scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of meritorious academic achievement for college-bound seniors. The academic guidelines for consideration include: Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above; membership in the National Honor Society; a combined SAT Verbal and Math score of 1320 or greater (the combined scores must be from the same SAT exam i.e., scores cannot be combined from two separate SAT exams). ACT substitution for the SAT examination is not allowed. Deadline for submission of application is June 15.  The awardees who are completing their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd college year can renew their award by sending via email an unofficial transcript record to St. Demetrios Church c/o Kiki Sergiou (kiki@stdemetrios.org) verifying attainment of a 3.5 or greater cumulative GPA, or yearly GPA.  Thus, a new application is not necessary; only verification of a 3.5 or greater GPA, by June 15.
• FAITH Scholarships for Academic Excellence  Applicants must be graduating a public, private, or parochial high school in the United States and embarking to study in an undergraduate degree program in the fall of 2021 at a 4-year accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must be of Greek Orthodox faith and member of a parish. For questions, please call (212) 803-9363 or email info@thefaithendowment.org. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated.  Visit http://www.thefaithendowment.org/scholarships/

 

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Philoptochos News

 

• Save the Date! 

June 19 for afternoon Bingo in the church hall.  Games, prizes, pizza.  Fun for all.

 

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Daughters of Penelope News

 

• Are you interested in becoming a member?

Are you interested in becoming a Daughter?  Our next Initiation is Thursday May 13th 6:30 pm in the church hall!! We would love to have you join us and be a part of a fantastic Chapter!! We have so many plans now that we are able to be together (social distancing of course).  Please contact Erin Ryan at 954 683-6452 for an application!

• End of Year Luncheon Meeting

The Daughters of Penelope, Narcissus Chapter 289 invite you to join us for the  2021 – 2022 Installation of Officers with St. Demetrios Philoptochos and The Pap Corps End of  Year Luncheon Meeting  Saturday May 22, 2021 at 11:30 am.  For details, please see flyer.

 

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AHEPA News

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Mental Health Resources

 

Late last year, the Assembly of Bishops assembled a Mental Health Task Force to assist our Churches in this very important ministry to the faithful. I am therefore very pleased to announce that, as the result of the work of the Task Force, a National Directory of Orthodox Mental Health providers has been created. Visit  https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/mental-health/ .
I join my fellow Hierarchs in thanking the Steering Committee of the Mental Health Task Force, and all those Orthodox Professionals who participated in the creation of this directory, so that it might help the greatest number of individuals.

Praying for the continued health of all, both in body and soul, I remain,

Paternally yours with love in Christ,

+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

 

 

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May 2, 2021~ Great and Holy Pascha

 

 

 

Mary Magdalene, and the other women who were present at the burial of our Saviour on Friday evening, returned from Golgotha to the city and prepared fragrant spices and myrrh, so that they might anoint the body of Jesus. On the morrow, because of the law which forbids work on the day of the Sabbath, they rested for the whole day. But at early dawn on the Sunday that followed, almost thirty-six hours since the death of the Life-giving Redeemer, they came to the sepulchre with the spices to anoint His body. While they were considering the difficulty of rolling away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, there was a fearful earthquake; and an Angel, whose countenance shone like lightning and whose garment was white as snow, rolled away the stone and sat upon it. The guards that were there became as dead from fear and took to flight. The women, however, went into the sepulchre, but did not find the Lord’s body. Instead, they saw two other Angels in the form of youths clothed in white, who told them that the Saviour was risen, and they sent forth the women, who ran to proclaim to the disciples these gladsome tidings. Then Peter and John arrived, having learned from Mary Magdalene what had come to pass, and when they entered the tomb, they found only the winding sheets. Therefore, they returned again to the city with joy, as heralds now of the supernatural Resurrection of Christ, Who in truth was seen alive by the disciples on this day on five occasions.

Our Lord, then, was crucified, died, and was buried on Friday, before the setting of the sun, which was the first of His “three days” in the grave; observing the mystical Sabbath, that “seventh day” in which it is said that the Lord “rested from all His works” (Gen. 2:2-3), He passed all of Saturday in the grave; and He arose “while it was yet dark, very early in the morning” on Sunday, the third day, which, according to the Hebrew reckoning, began after sunset on Saturday.

As we celebrate today this joyous Resurrection, we greet and embrace one another in Christ, thereby demonstrating our Saviour’s victory over death and corruption, and the destruction of our ancient enmity with God, and His reconciliation toward us, and our inheritance of life everlasting. The feast itself is called Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew word which means “passover”; because Christ, Who suffered and arose, has made us to pass over from the curse of Adam and slavery to the devil and death unto our primal freedom and blessedness. In addition, this day of this particular week, which is the first of all the rest, is dedicated to the honour of the Lord; in honour and remembrance of the Resurrection, the Apostles transferred to this day the rest from labour that was formerly assigned to the Sabbath of the ancient Law.

 

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Liturgical Guide

 

Apolytikion for Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.
Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Hypakoe of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fourth Mode
Προλαβοῦσαι τὸν ὄρθρον αἱ περὶ Μαριάμ,
When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man, Him Who abideth in everlasting light?  Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death.  For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of men.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε,
Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades’ power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, “Hail!” and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press

 

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.24,29.
This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Verse: Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

 

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8

In the first book, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of lsrael?” He said to them, “it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

Gospel Reading

John 1:1-17

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'”) And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

 

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Schedule of Church Services

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Stewardship

 

“…The Greatest Of These Is Love” 1 Cor 13:13

 

We ask you to support the worship, service and activities of St. Demetrios Church. Giving to His Church is a way to thank God for His grace, His generosity and His many blessings. Let’s Step Up our gifts of Time Talent and Treasure!

Thank you!

Please fill out a pledge form by either downloading the form below or by visiting https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/ 

You can make contributions towards your financial pledge by visiting https://stdemetrios.org/make-a-donation/ .

 

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Announcements

 

Myrofores

Girls in 1st through 5th grade are invited to serve as Myrofores during the Holy Friday evening service of Lamentations.  We ask their parents to contact Effie Vasil at (954) 773-5455.
Scholarship News

 

• Applications for the Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship  for students enrolled in higher education as well as applications for St. Stephen’s Summer Camp are open.  More information about the Dr. Tzitsikas Scholarship can be found on the St. Demetrios website https://stdemetrios.org/helene-tzitsikas-scholarship-fund/.  Information about St. Stephen’s Camp can be found on their website St. Stephen’s Summer Camp – Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta – Atlanta, GA (atlmetropolis.org)Scholarship applications are available on line at the St. Demetrios website or call the Church Office 954-467-1515 Monday – Thursday.  Deadlines for all applications are May 1, 2021.
• 2021 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award Award Application forms for the THS awards of Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales are available in the Church office. These scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of meritorious academic achievement for college-bound seniors. The academic guidelines for consideration include: Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above; membership in the National Honor Society; a combined SAT Verbal and Math score of 1320 or greater (the combined scores must be from the same SAT exam i.e., scores cannot be combined from two separate SAT exams). ACT substitution for the SAT examination is not allowed. Deadline for submission of application is June 15.

 

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Sunday School Renovation

Work on the Sunday School Renovation has begun.  Light fixtures have been removed in preparation for replacement of ceiling grid.
General contractor to be selected later this week after review of bids.
Anticipated completion date September 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Philoptochos News

 

• Save the Date! 

June 19 for afternoon Bingo in the church hall.  Games, prizes, pizza.  Fun for all.

 

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Daughters of Penelope News

 

• New Member Initiation

The Initiation of New Members will be held on Thursday May 6th at 6:30 pm in the church hall. Anyone interested in becoming a member please contact Erin Ryan at 954 683-6452.  We would love to have you join us!

• End of Year Dinner Meeting

Our end of the year dinner meeting will be held at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club, 2701 N E 42nd St, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 with the Installation of New Officers of Narcissus Chapter 289 for 2021-2022 on Saturday, May 22nd, 11:30 am more details to come.

 

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AHEPA News

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Mental Health Resources

 

Late last year, the Assembly of Bishops assembled a Mental Health Task Force to assist our Churches in this very important ministry to the faithful. I am therefore very pleased to announce that, as the result of the work of the Task Force, a National Directory of Orthodox Mental Health providers has been created. Visit  https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/mental-health/ .
I join my fellow Hierarchs in thanking the Steering Committee of the Mental Health Task Force, and all those Orthodox Professionals who participated in the creation of this directory, so that it might help the greatest number of individuals.

Praying for the continued health of all, both in body and soul, I remain,

Paternally yours with love in Christ,

+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

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Light a Candle & Say a Prayer at Saint Demetrios

 

“It is impossible to imagine an Orthodox church in which candles are not lit.”
(Blessed Simeon of Thessalonica, 15th Century) 

“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) 

We know that at this time it can be difficult to pray from home and not physically be in the church. One of the first things most people do upon entering an Orthodox Church is to light their candle and offer prayers for one’s personal needs or that of a family member or friend, we also light candles to pray for protection and safety so that we may live this life without fear.

If you wish to light a candle, visit https://saintdemetrios.square.site After you select the candle(s) that you would like us to light and before pressing the “Place Order” button, please submit the names of your loved ones, those who are alive and/or those who have departed this life. During these times we would be happy to light the candle for you and read the names that have been submitted during the Divine Liturgy.