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January 24, 2021 ~ 14th Sunday of Luke

 

 

Xenia, Deaconess of Rome
Commemorated on January 24

 

Our righteous Mother Xenia of Rome was of a distinguished family. While her parents were preparing to wed her, she stole away secretly, taking two handmaids with her, and departed for Mylasa of Karia in Asia Minor, and there she completed her life in asceticism. She was ordained deaconess by Paul, her spiritual father, who became Bishop of Mylasa. Although she was originally named Eusebia, to conceal her identity, she took the name Xenia – which means “stranger” in Greek – because of her estrangement from her country.

 

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Liturgical Guide

 

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος…
From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Demetrios in the Third Mode
Μέγαν εύρατο εv τοίς κιvδύvοις …
Greatness has been found in danger.  You are champion of the world.  A victor who could turn the nations back.  You boldly encouraged Nestor to defeat Lyaeus in the arena.  Therefore, holy great martyr Demetrios, intercede with Christ our God, to grant us His great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode 
Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου…
Your birth sanctified a Virgin’s womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.

 

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1. 
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

 

The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy 1:15-17.

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 

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Trisagion Prayer

 

Athina Sclavounos (4 years) survived by her daughters and their families.

Spiros Sclavounos (19 year) survived by his daughters and their families.

Antonios Bourlotos (23 years) survived by his wife Matina, daughters Christina (Michael) and Maria (Alex), and grandchildren John, Antonios and Christina.

 

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Baby Blessing

 

Parents Christina (Tina) and Shane Grabski and proud big brother Shane Ioannis present Mia Konstantina for the traditional 40 day blessing.

 

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Schedule of Church Services

• 1/24  Sunday:                                                         9am/10am          Orthros/Divine Liturgy

Also, we are live streaming our services.

Visit https://stdemetrios.org/ where a link to the broadcast will be found.

 

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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!

Please fill out a pledge form by either visiting https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/ or downloading this form.  You can make contributions towards your financial pledge by visiting https://stdemetrios.org/make-a-donation/ .

Thank you!

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Announcements

 

Sunday School News

• Oratorical Festival

The St. Demetrios Oratorical Festival is set for Sunday, March 21. The event will take place after liturgy in the church. To learn more, students and parents may contact James W. Carras at jameswcarras@gmail.com. Below are the topics. Visit https://www.goarch.org/en/oratorical for tips and resources on the topics, the rules, the various scholarship opportunities, and the Metropolis level and Archdiocese level dates.

Junior Division (Grades 7–9) Topics

1. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of watching a church service that is live streamed.
2. Prayer is called a “conversation with God.” Discuss the meaning of prayer in your life.
3. During the pandemic, people noticed that our natural environment became cleaner. What can this teach us about our care for the natural world?
4. Why is the Church still relevant, especially for young people, in our increasingly secular, post-COVID world?
5. Choose one parable from the Gospel of Luke chapters 15 or 16 that is particularly meaningful to you and explain what we can learn from it.

Senior Division (Grades 10–12) Topics

1. During the stay at home period of the pandemic, Orthodox Christians had to find ways to practice their faith without attending church in person or participating in parish activities. Discuss what you learned during those days.
2. In July 2020, a Turkish court gave permission for Hagia Sophia to be converted from a museum into a mosque. Discuss the significance of Hagia Sophia in the history of Christianity and the power of monuments like it to inspire religious identity.
3. We live in a highly polarized society – left vs. right, personal liberty vs. common good, and other issues where it seems everything is politicized. How are we as Orthodox Christians called to navigate this environment?
4. St. Peter writes, “Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16). What is freedom and how does it become a basis for being a servant?
5. In the Psalms we read, “If you, Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you.” (Psalm 130:3-4, NRSV). Discuss how an Orthodox Christian understands sin, forgiveness, mercy, and repentance.

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Philoptochos News

• Thanking Healthcare Workers

See the details below. If you would like to help us reach out, visit https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/

• St. Basil’s Academy

St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, New York, has been a mission of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese since 1944, caring for orphans and children whose parents are ill or who can’t care for them.  Every year Philoptochos offers the Vasilopita on behalf of those children.  This year there will be a special basket in church.  If you cannot come to church, please consider supporting St. Basil’s with a check to Philoptochos, 820 NE 14th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33304, or online at https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/

 

• Membership          

Dear Ladies of St. Demetrios,
This has been a year like none other.  Many of us and our loved ones have faced illness, unemployment, and loneliness.  And yet the women of St. Demetrios have reached out to fill our spiritual, material, and emotional needs. It was women, through the Ladies Philoptochos, St. Elpis (Hope) chapter, who called to check on parishioners, got food and money to families who were suddenly unemployed, called and sent cards to the sick, reached out to our young people, and donated to the needs of greater Ft. Lauderdale. But our patron St. Elpis wasn’t alone.  She was the daughter of Sophia (Wisdom) and the sister of Pistis (Faith) and Agape (Love).  To continue its work, Philoptochos needs ALL the wisdom, hope, faith, and love of ALL the women of St. Demetrios.
Please use the form below to join or renew for 2021.

 

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Daughters of Penelope News

 

• Membership Drive

We would love to have you join our wonderful Chapter!!  Our next initiation will be in January 2021.  Please contact Erin Ryan at 954 683-6452 or eryan75@gmail.com.

 

• Valentines Bingo

 

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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.

 

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Dear St. Demetrios Family,

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Ft. Lauderdale is open to the faithful.  We are complying with all CDC, State, Local and Archdiocese guidelines.  Here is the list of things that will be taking place on Sundays.

1)  Everyone must wear a mask in order to enter the church.
2)  Before entering the church, the temperature of each person will be taken by a designated person. If the person’s temperature is above 100.4 F he or she will be kindly asked to return to their home, both for their safety and the safety of others.
3) Parish Council will direct each parishioner to the designated X in the pews for each person or household to sit starting in the front of the church and working their way to back.
4) A place to accept offerings will be provided in the Narthex upon entering or leaving.
5) Parishioners are not to move around the church during the services to light candles or venerate icons.
6) Names and phone numbers of each attendee at every service will be taken in the event that a subsequent infection requires tracing.
7) If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell), you must NOT attend church, and immediately seek medical attention for yourself and your household.
8) Parishioners who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 as defined by civil authorities are given dispensation not to attend services and will be asked to refrain from attending.
9) In terms of preventing the spread of this virus, we ask parishioners to follow CDC directives, which currently include: washing of hands thoroughly and frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoiding sharing personal items, wearing a mask, and maintaining a social distance of six feet.
10) Honor is to be shown to Holy Icons and the Holy Cross by only doing your cross and bowing, keeping in mind not to kiss or to touch the Holy Icons and the Holy Cross.
11) No one is to enter the Holy Altar except the clergy and assigned adult helpers.
12) For Memorials, please write the names of your deceased for the clergy to pray for their souls (without Koliva).
13) Artoclasias will be celebrated as normal.
14) No service books will be left out for common use. This includes papers of any kind (bulletins etc.). Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own service books.
15) During Holy Communion – Communicants must line up row by row (with help from Parish Council) and remain six feet apart using the designated social distancing X’s that have been placed in the church.  Communicants may remove their masks only momentarily to receive Holy Communion.
16)  For the continued safety of those attending church services in person, parishioners should immediately leave when the service is finished. For the sake of others, please do not socialize in the Narthex or other areas of the church or its surrounding buildings or parking lots. Additionally, Sunday Coffee Fellowship hours will be suspended until further notice.

Yours In Christ,
Fr. Peter Zougras

 

 

 

 

 

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January 10, 2021 ~ Sunday after Theophany

 

 

Dometian, Bishop of Melitene
Commemorated on January 10

 

Saint Dometian lived in the years of the Emperor Justin II, who reigned from 565 to 578, and the Emperor Maurice, who reigned from 582 to 602. Born of pious parents named Theodore and Eudocia, he received a thorough education in both secular and sacred knowledge. After he had lived in lawful wedlock a short time, his wife died, and he, for his virtue was made Bishop of Melitene in Armenia at the age of thirty. As a kinsman and trusted friend of the Emperor Maurice, he received from him great largesse, which he spent on the building of churches and the help of the poor; he was entrusted with the dealings of Byzantium with Persia. While in Constantinople, he reposed in peace in the year 602.

 

 

Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Basil the Great & Gregory of Nyssa
Commemorated on January 10

 

Saint Theosebia the Deaconess was the sister of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter, Bishop of Sebaste. She served the Holy Church as a deaconess, caring for the sick, distributing food to vagrants, raising orphans and preparing women for holy Baptism. When her brother, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, was in exile for three years, Saint Theosebia was with him and she shared in all the tribulations of a life of wandering. Saint Theosebia died in 385, and Saint Gregory the Theologian praised her in a eulogy.

Saint Gregory, the younger brother of Basil the Great, illustrious in speech and a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, was born in 331. His brother Basil was encouraged by their elder sister Macrina to prefer the service of God to a secular career (see July 19); Saint Gregory was moved in a similar way by his godly mother Emily, who, when Gregory was still a young man, implored him to attend a service in honor of the holy Forty Martyrs at her retreat at Annesi on the River Iris. Saint Gregory came at his mother’s bidding, but being wearied with the journey, and feeling little zeal, he fell asleep during the service. The Forty Martyrs then appeared to him in a dream, threatening him and reproaching him for his slothfulness. After this he repented and became very diligent in the service of God.  Gregory became bishop in 372, and because of his Orthodoxy he was exiled in 374 by Valens, who was of one mind with the Arians. After the death of Valens in 378, Gregory was recalled to his throne by the Emperor Gratian. He attended the Local Council of Antioch, which sent him to visit the churches of Arabia and Palestine, which had been defiled and ravaged by Arianism. He attended the Second Ecumenical Council, which was assembled in Constantinople in 381. Having lived some sixty years and left behind many remarkable writings, he reposed about the year 395. The acts of the Seventh Ecumenical Council call him ‘Father of Fathers.”  Saint Gregory is commemorated on January 10.

 

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Liturgical Guide

 

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου…
Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Theophany Afterfeast in the First Mode
Ἐν Ἰορδάνῃ βαπτιζομένου σου Κύριε…
When Thou wast baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Demetrios in the Third Mode
Μέγαν εύρατο εv τοίς κιvδύvοις …
Greatness has been found in danger.  You are champion of the world.  A victor who could turn the nations back.  You boldly encouraged Nestor to defeat Lyaeus in the arena.  Therefore, holy great martyr Demetrios, intercede with Christ our God, to grant us His great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode 
Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον τὴ οἰκουμένη…
You appeared to the world today, and Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us. With fuller understanding we sing to You: “You came, You were made manifest, the unapproachable light.”

 

Prokeimenon. First Mode. 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 Letter to the Ephesians 4:7-13.

BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (in saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
The Reading is from Matthew 4:12-17

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

 

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Memorial Prayer

 

Mitchel James Thermis (7 days) survived by his wife Loretta, son Albert, sister Sophia Thermis, and 5 generations of nieces and nephews.

Katherine Hampares (6 months) survived by long time friend Dr. Nelly Santos and son Alex.

 

Trisagion Prayer

 

Paul Bisbikos (7 years) beloved choir member of St. Demetrios Church.  Survived by his daughter Paula Michelle Bisbikos Dodge and by his grandsons.

Orlando Haralambos Perez (7 years) survived by wife Evelyn, daughter Nicole, and stepson Michael.

Constantine Anastasiou (17 years) survived by wife Toni, sons Jason and Fr Savvas, grandchildren Fotini, Antonios and Isabella.

 

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Schedule of Church Services

• 1/10 Sunday:                                                          9am/10am          Orthros/Divine Liturgy

Also, we are live streaming our services.

Visit https://stdemetrios.org/ where a link to the broadcast will be found.

 

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Announcements

 

GOYA

Help is needed! Everyone in the family is invited to join.  *Masks are mandatory.

 

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Clean Up Day

Come for a cleanup day at church on Saturday, January 23 at 9:00am.  We will clean up the landscaping and we will organize the area behind the kitchen.  Bring your tools and gloves!

 

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Philoptochos News

 

• St. Basil’s Academy

St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, New York, has been a mission of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese since 1944, caring for orphans and children whose parents are ill or who can’t care for them.  Every year Philoptochos offers the Vasilopita on behalf of those children.  This year there will be a special basket in church.  If you cannot come to church, please consider supporting St. Basil’s with a check to Philoptochos, 820 NE 14th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33304, or online at https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/

 

Here are some photos of last Sunday’s cutting of the Vasilopita:

 

 

• Membership          

Dear Ladies of St. Demetrios,
This has been a year like none other.  Many of us and our loved ones have faced illness, unemployment, and loneliness.  And yet the women of St. Demetrios have reached out to fill our spiritual, material, and emotional needs. It was women, through the Ladies Philoptochos, St. Elpis (Hope) chapter, who called to check on parishioners, got food and money to families who were suddenly unemployed, called and sent cards to the sick, reached out to our young people, and donated to the needs of greater Ft. Lauderdale.
But our patron St. Elpis wasn’t alone.  She was the daughter of Sophia (Wisdom) and the sister of Pistis (Faith) and Agape (Love).  To continue its work, Philoptochos needs ALL the wisdom, hope, faith, and love of ALL the women of St. Demetrios.
Please use the form below to join or renew for 2021.

 

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Daughters of Penelope News

 

• Meeting

Daughters of Penelope will hold their virtual meeting via Zoom on Wednesday January 13th at 7:30 pm.

 

• Membership Drive

We would love to have you join our wonderful Chapter!!  Our next initiation will be in January 2021.  Please contact Erin Ryan at 954 683-6452 or eryan75@gmail.com.

 

• Valentines Bingo

 

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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.

 

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Dear St. Demetrios Family,

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Ft. Lauderdale is open to the faithful.  We are complying with all CDC, State, Local and Archdiocese guidelines.  Here is the list of things that will be taking place on Sundays.

1)  Everyone must wear a mask in order to enter the church.
2)  Before entering the church, the temperature of each person will be taken by a designated person. If the person’s temperature is above 100.4 F he or she will be kindly asked to return to their home, both for their safety and the safety of others.
3) Parish Council will direct each parishioner to the designated X in the pews for each person or household to sit starting in the front of the church and working their way to back.
4) A place to accept offerings will be provided in the Narthex upon entering or leaving.
5) Parishioners are not to move around the church during the services to light candles or venerate icons.
6) Names and phone numbers of each attendee at every service will be taken in the event that a subsequent infection requires tracing.
7) If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell), you must NOT attend church, and immediately seek medical attention for yourself and your household.
8) Parishioners who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 as defined by civil authorities are given dispensation not to attend services and will be asked to refrain from attending.
9) In terms of preventing the spread of this virus, we ask parishioners to follow CDC directives, which currently include: washing of hands thoroughly and frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoiding sharing personal items, wearing a mask, and maintaining a social distance of six feet.
10) Honor is to be shown to Holy Icons and the Holy Cross by only doing your cross and bowing, keeping in mind not to kiss or to touch the Holy Icons and the Holy Cross.
11) No one is to enter the Holy Altar except the clergy and assigned adult helpers.
12) For Memorials, please write the names of your deceased for the clergy to pray for their souls (without Koliva).
13) Artoclasias will be celebrated as normal.
14) No service books will be left out for common use. This includes papers of any kind (bulletins etc.). Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own service books.
15) During Holy Communion – Communicants must line up row by row (with help from Parish Council) and remain six feet apart using the designated social distancing X’s that have been placed in the church.  Communicants may remove their masks only momentarily to receive Holy Communion.
16)  For the continued safety of those attending church services in person, parishioners should immediately leave when the service is finished. For the sake of others, please do not socialize in the Narthex or other areas of the church or its surrounding buildings or parking lots. Additionally, Sunday Coffee Fellowship hours will be suspended until further notice.

Yours In Christ,
Fr. Peter Zougras

 

 

 

 

 

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The Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great on the Eve of the Nativity of Christ

6:00pm

at

Saint Demetrios Church and live streaming
https://stdemetrios.org/

We wish all of you a Blessed Christmas.

 

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December 27, 2020 ~ Sunday after the Nativity

 

 

Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr
Commemorated on December 27

 

Saint Stephen was a Jew, by race, and, as some say, a disciple of Gamaliel, the teacher of the Law mentioned in Acts 5:34 and 22:3. He was the first of the seven deacons whom the Apostles established in Jerusalem to care for the poor, and to distribute alms to them. Being a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, he performed great signs and wonders among the people. While disputing with the Jews concerning Jesus, and wisely refuting their every contradiction, so that no one was able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit whereby he spake, he was slandered as a blasphemer and was dragged off to the Sanhedrin of the elders. There with boldness he proved from the divine Scriptures the coming of the Just One (Jesus), of Whom they had become the betrayers and murderers, and he reproved their faithless and hardheartedness. And finally, gazing into Heaven and beholding the divine glory, he said: “Lo, I see the Heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” But when they heard this, they stopped up their ears, and with anger cast him out of the city and stoned him, while he was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then, imitating the long-suffering of the Master, he bent his knees and prayed in a loud voice for them that were stoning him, and he said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge,” And saying this, he fell asleep (Acts 6, 7), thus becoming the first among the Martyrs of the Church of Christ.

 

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Liturgical Guide

 

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode
Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα…
Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for the Sunday after the Nativity in the Second Mode
Εὐαγγελίζου Ἰωσήφ…
O Joseph, proclaim the wonders to David, the ancestor of God. Thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; thou hast given glory with the shepherds; thou hast worshipped with the Magi; and thou hast been instructed through an Angel. Entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Apolytikion for Protomartyr Stephen in the Fourth Mode
Βασίλειον διάδημα, εστέφθη σή κορυφή…
The crown of the Kingdom hath adorned the brow of thy head because of the contests that thou hast endured for Christ God, thou first of the martyred Saints; for when thou hadst censured the Jews’ madness, thou sawest Christ thy Saviour standing at the right hand of the Father. O Stephen, ever pray Him for us, that He would save our souls.

Apolytikion of St. Demetrios in the Third Mode
Μέγαν εύρατο εv τοίς κιvδύvοις …
Greatness has been found in danger.  You are champion of the world.  A victor who could turn the nations back.  You boldly encouraged Nestor to defeat Lyaeus in the arena.  Therefore, holy great martyr Demetrios, intercede with Christ our God, to grant us His great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode 
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν Προαιώνιον Λόγον…
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 18.4,1. 
Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

 

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 6:8-15; 7:1-5, 47-60.

In those days, Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated men, who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

And the high priest said, “Is this so?” And Stephen said: “Brethren and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Depart from your land and from your kindred and go into the land which I will show you.’ Then he departed from the land of the Chaldeans, and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living; yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him in possession and to his posterity after him, though he had no child.

“But it was Solomon who built a house for him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands; as the prophet says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. What house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?’

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth against him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

The Reading is from Matthew 2:13-23

When the wise men departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaos reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

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Memorial Prayer

 

Mary Kumaras (1 year) survived by her daughters Dee Petinakis (Peter) and Marika Bougdanos, by her son James, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter.

Trisagion Prayer

 

Stella Vlahos (25 years) mother of Mantha Mehallis, grandmother of Spero (Rocio) Mehallis, great grandmother of Lazaro Mehallis.

 

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Schedule of Church Services

 

• 12/24 Thursday:  6pm             Vesperal Liturgy on the Eve of the Nativity
• 12/27 Sunday: 9am/10am      Orthros/Divine Liturgy

Also, we are live streaming our services.
Visit https://stdemetrios.org/ where a link to the broadcast will be found.

 

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Announcements

 

Introducing the Metropolis of Atlanta’s 12 Days of Christmas

Who: Every Who Down in Whoville
What: Daily Videos and Family Friendly Activities
Where: Why the North Pole of Course!
When: December 24 – January 6*
Why: So we can celebrate Christmas as a Metropolis Family!
How: Daily Emails Sent Directly to your Inbox**

 

*We added 2 Bonus Days for Fun!
**If you do not already receive Emails from the Metropolis of Atlanta Youth, Education and Hellenic Culture Department
click this link to sign up:   

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/ZdXZwkb?source_id=a718ebc3-269d-4631-9d19-507803ef9d6c&source_type=em&c=a7QSYJzVVJA4ua3JHctCEKdm0oy7YMTSBA75bNZKEhUdEwEjbCPFRg==

 

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Philoptochos News

 

• Membership          

Dear Ladies of St. Demetrios,
This has been a year like none other.  Many of us and our loved ones have faced illness, unemployment, and loneliness.  And yet the women of St. Demetrios have reached out to fill our spiritual, material, and emotional needs. It was women, through the Ladies Philoptochos, St. Elpis (Hope) chapter, who called to check on parishioners, got food and money to families who were suddenly unemployed, called and sent cards to the sick, reached out to our young people, and donated to the needs of greater Ft. Lauderdale.
But our patron St. Elpis wasn’t alone.  She was the daughter of Sophia (Wisdom) and the sister of Pistis (Faith) and Agape (Love).  To continue its work, Philoptochos needs ALL the wisdom, hope, faith, and love of ALL the women of St. Demetrios.
Please use the form below to join or renew for 2021.

 

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Daughters of Penelope News

 

• Membership Drive

 

We would love to have you join our wonderful Chapter!!  Our next initiation will be in January 2021.  Please contact Erin Ryan at 954 683-6452 or eryan75@gmail.com.

 

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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.

 

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Dear St. Demetrios Family,

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Ft. Lauderdale is open to the faithful.  We are complying with all CDC, State, Local and Archdiocese guidelines.  Here is the list of things that will be taking place on Sundays.

1)  Everyone must wear a mask in order to enter the church.
2)  Before entering the church, the temperature of each person will be taken by a designated person. If the person’s temperature is above 100.4 F he or she will be kindly asked to return to their home, both for their safety and the safety of others.
3) Parish Council will direct each parishioner to the designated X in the pews for each person or household to sit starting in the front of the church and working their way to back.
4) A place to accept offerings will be provided in the Narthex upon entering or leaving.
5) Parishioners are not to move around the church during the services to light candles or venerate icons.
6) Names and phone numbers of each attendee at every service will be taken in the event that a subsequent infection requires tracing.
7) If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell), you must NOT attend church, and immediately seek medical attention for yourself and your household.
8) Parishioners who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 as defined by civil authorities are given dispensation not to attend services and will be asked to refrain from attending.
9) In terms of preventing the spread of this virus, we ask parishioners to follow CDC directives, which currently include: washing of hands thoroughly and frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoiding sharing personal items, wearing a mask, and maintaining a social distance of six feet.
10) Honor is to be shown to Holy Icons and the Holy Cross by only doing your cross and bowing, keeping in mind not to kiss or to touch the Holy Icons and the Holy Cross.
11) No one is to enter the Holy Altar except the clergy and assigned adult helpers.
12) For Memorials, please write the names of your deceased for the clergy to pray for their souls (without Koliva).
13) Artoclasias will be celebrated as normal.
14) No service books will be left out for common use. This includes papers of any kind (bulletins etc.). Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own service books.
15) During Holy Communion – Communicants must line up row by row (with help from Parish Council) and remain six feet apart using the designated social distancing X’s that have been placed in the church.  Communicants may remove their masks only momentarily to receive Holy Communion.
16)  For the continued safety of those attending church services in person, parishioners should immediately leave when the service is finished. For the sake of others, please do not socialize in the Narthex or other areas of the church or its surrounding buildings or parking lots. Additionally, Sunday Coffee Fellowship hours will be suspended until further notice.

Yours In Christ,
Fr. Peter Zougras

 

 

 

 

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December 13, 2020~ 11th Sunday of Luke

 

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ’s forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.  Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, “I will give this land to thy seed” (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the “Promised Land,” which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God’s law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

 

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Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska & First Saint of America
Commemorated on December 13

Saint Herman (his name is a variant of Germanus) was born near Moscow in 1756. In his youth he became a monk, first at the Saint Sergius Hermitage near Saint Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland; while he dwelt there, the most holy Mother of God appeared to him, healing him of a grave malady. Afterwards he entered Valaam Monastery on Valiant Island in Lake Ladoga; he often withdrew into the wilderness to pray for days at a time. In 1794, answering a call for missionaries to preach the Gospel to the Aleuts, he came to the New World with the first Orthodox mission to Alaska. He settled on Spruce Island, which he called New Valaam, and here he persevered, even in the face of many grievous afflictions mostly at the hands of his own countrymen in the loving service of God and of his neighbour. Besides his many toils for the sake of the Aleuts, he subdued his flesh with great asceticism, wearing chains, sleeping little, fasting and praying much. He brought many people to Christ by the example of his life, his teaching, and his kindness and sanctity, and was granted the grace of working miracles and of prophetic insight. Since he was not a priest, Angels descended at Theophany to bless the waters in the bay; Saint Herman used this holy water to heal the sick. Because of his unwearying missionary labours, which were crowned by God with the salvation of countless souls, he is called the Enlightener of the Aleuts, and has likewise been renowned as a wonderworker since his repose in 1837.

 

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Liturgical Guide

 

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode
Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον…
When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Mode
Ἐν πίστει τοὺς Προπάτορας ἐδικαίωσας…
By faith didst Thou justify the Forefathers, when through them Thou didst betroth Thyself aforetime to the Church from among the nations. The Saints boast in glory that from their seed there is a glorious fruit, even she that bare Thee seedlessly. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Apolytikion of St. Demetrios in the Third Mode
Μέγαν εύρατο εv τοίς κιvδύvοις …
Greatness has been found in danger.  You are champion of the world.  A victor who could turn the nations back.  You boldly encouraged Nestor to defeat Lyaeus in the arena.  Therefore, holy great martyr Demetrios, intercede with Christ our God, to grant us His great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode 
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν Προαιώνιον Λόγον…
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

Prokeimenon.  Fourth Mode. 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 Colossians 3:4-11.

Brethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'”

Memorial Prayer

 

Irini Gikas Chionis (6 months) survived by her husband Theologos, and children Maria (Yanni), Christos, and Nick (Patti).

Gene Rivero (2 years) husband of Dawne Richards.

Kathryn Solos (8 years) Survived by children Stephen and Emily, Granddaughter Nicole, (Alfredo Merino), great grandchildren Elias and Aristede.

Ioannis Manolakos (19 years) survived by children and grandchildren.

Petros Dilberakis (30 years) survived by his wife Helen and their daughters Sophia and Anastasia.

Peter Kareotes I (70 years) brother of Peter Kareotes II and Greg Kareotes.

Artoklasia

Today’s Artoklasia is offered for the health of the Demetriou and Pieri families.  

 

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Schedule of Church Services

 

• 12/13 Sunday:  9am/10am         Orthros/Divine Liturgy
• 12/20 Sunday: 9am/10am         Orthros/Divine Liturgy
• 12/24 Thursday:  6pm                Christmas Eve Liturgy

Also, we are live streaming our services.
Visit https://stdemetrios.org/ where a link to the broadcast will be found.

 

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Stewardship

“…The greatest of these is love”
1 Cor. 13:13

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Demetrios Church

This year has been challenging and yet the community of St. Demetrios Church has continued to express it’s love through Stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure.  Streaming of services is set up, calls to fellow parishioners are being made, money is being donated in support of those hard hit by the pandemic, meals have been cooked and delivered, and Sunday School, GOYA and Greek School are meeting virtually. In the coming year we expect to continue our ministries regardless of any challenges.

With year 2020 coming to a close, we look forward to year 2021. We thank everyone for their commitment in 2020 and invite everyone to think about how their gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure can honor and give thanks to God in the coming year. The pledge year runs from January 1st through December 31st.

To pledge visit https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/ and choose “Stewardship” from the drop down menu.

Or, download this form:

If you wish to make a donation towards your pledge visit https://stdemetrios.org/make-a-donation/

 

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Announcements

 

General Assembly
The General Assembly will be held in the Sanctuary on Sunday, December 13, immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

Join via Zoom using the following link/information.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88143673942

Meeting ID: 881 4367 3942
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Meeting ID: 881 4367 3942
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k6ymPdZiS

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An Important Message from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios

December 8, 2020

To The Clergy of the Metropolis of Atlanta:

My Beloved Brothers in Christ,

I greet you with love in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we journey toward the cavern in Bethlehem!

I offer, with great enthusiasm, the following “1st Digital Fellowship with Elder Ephraim, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi Mount Athos and the Orthodox Christian Network OCN”. This “e-Synaxis”, created by Pemptousia and the OCN will be held on Friday Dec 11, 2020 at 1:00pm EST (8:00 PM Athens time). According to the email I received, “Elder Ephraim will talk in Greek and we will offer real time English Interpretation for the entire session, including the homily as well as the questions & answers. “

To register in advance, click on the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsfuyhqDkiGtRDAN1fj8DENu7ftkHVXtcP (After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting, and by participating in the e-Meetings with Elder Ephraim you agree to the terms of use and our privacy policy which you can find here: https://www.pemptousia.gr/ori-chrisis-pemptousia-gr)

I encourage not only your participation as clergymen, but ask that you send this invitation to all your parishioners, so they might experience the wisdom of this venerable monastic. I remain,

Yours with paternal love and blessings in Christ,

+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

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Philoptochos News

 

• Membership          

Dear Ladies of St. Demetrios,
This has been a year like none other.  Many of us and our loved ones have faced illness, unemployment, and loneliness.  And yet the women of St. Demetrios have reached out to fill our spiritual, material, and emotional needs. It was women, through the Ladies Philoptochos, St. Elpis (Hope) chapter, who called to check on parishioners, got food and money to families who were suddenly unemployed, called and sent cards to the sick, reached out to our young people, and donated to the needs of greater Ft. Lauderdale.
But our patron St. Elpis wasn’t alone.  She was the daughter of Sophia (Wisdom) and the sister of Pistis (Faith) and Agape (Love).  To continue its work, Philoptochos needs ALL the wisdom, hope, faith, and love of ALL the women of St. Demetrios.
Please use the form below to join or renew for 2021.

 

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Daughters of Penelope News

 

• Membership Drive

We would love to have you join our wonderful Chapter!!  Anyone who joins and is initiated in December, their membership is paid for the entire year of 2021.  If you have been a member and would like to be reinstated, reinstatement fee is waived for the month of November.
Please contact Erin Ryan at 954 683-6452 or eryan75@gmail.com.

• Toy Drive

We are collecting toys for Christmas for Children. There will be a box in the Narthex.

• Virtual Bingo

The Daughters of Penelope are hosting a Christmas Virtual Bingo Game on Friday, December 11th at 7:30 pm.
Please join us!!    You don’t have to be a member to play!!  Open to Everyone!! All proceeds are donated to St. Demetrios.

 

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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.

 

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Dear St. Demetrios Family,

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Ft. Lauderdale is open to the faithful.  We are complying with all CDC, State, Local and Archdiocese guidelines.  Here is the list of things that will be taking place on Sundays.

1)  Everyone must wear a mask in order to enter the church.
2)  Before entering the church, the temperature of each person will be taken by a designated person. If the person’s temperature is above 100.4 F he or she will be kindly asked to return to their home, both for their safety and the safety of others.
3) Parish Council will direct each parishioner to the designated X in the pews for each person or household to sit starting in the front of the church and working their way to back.
4) A place to accept offerings will be provided in the Narthex upon entering or leaving.
5) Parishioners are not to move around the church during the services to light candles or venerate icons.
6) Names and phone numbers of each attendee at every service will be taken in the event that a subsequent infection requires tracing.
7) If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell), you must NOT attend church, and immediately seek medical attention for yourself and your household.
8) Parishioners who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 as defined by civil authorities are given dispensation not to attend services and will be asked to refrain from attending.
9) In terms of preventing the spread of this virus, we ask parishioners to follow CDC directives, which currently include: washing of hands thoroughly and frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoiding sharing personal items, wearing a mask, and maintaining a social distance of six feet.
10) Honor is to be shown to Holy Icons and the Holy Cross by only doing your cross and bowing, keeping in mind not to kiss or to touch the Holy Icons and the Holy Cross.
11) No one is to enter the Holy Altar except the clergy and assigned adult helpers.
12) For Memorials, please write the names of your deceased for the clergy to pray for their souls (without Koliva).
13) Artoclasias will be celebrated as normal.
14) No service books will be left out for common use. This includes papers of any kind (bulletins etc.). Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own service books.
15) During Holy Communion – Communicants must line up row by row (with help from Parish Council) and remain six feet apart using the designated social distancing X’s that have been placed in the church.  Communicants may remove their masks only momentarily to receive Holy Communion.
16)  For the continued safety of those attending church services in person, parishioners should immediately leave when the service is finished. For the sake of others, please do not socialize in the Narthex or other areas of the church or its surrounding buildings or parking lots. Additionally, Sunday Coffee Fellowship hours will be suspended until further notice.

Yours In Christ,
Fr. Peter Zougras