Weekly Sunday Bulletin – March 29th, 2020

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Based on the Archdiocese communication to all Greek Orthodox Churches, all services will be conducted by a priest and a chanter only.  The Faithful are asked not to assemble but participate virtually via the internet.  Please see https://www.goarch.org/live broadcasts for a list of churches that broadcast their services.

Did you know that The Archdiocese’s website has an online chapel where you can find the daily scripture reading?  If you scroll down and look at the right side of the page you will also find apps for your smartphone  https://www.goarch.org/chapel

 

Sunday of Saint John Climacus – March 29, 2020

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called “The Ladder of Divine Ascent.” The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age.

 

 

 

 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 for Sunday of St. John Climacus in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Ταίς τών δακρύων σου ροαίς…
With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert; and by thy sighings from the depths,thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O John our righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

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 Plagal Fourth Mode
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια …
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: “Hail, unwedded bride!”

Epistle Reading ~ The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise.”

Memorial

Neophytos Demetriou (40 days) survived by his children Andreas, Mary, Georgia and Victor and their families.

Trisagion

Robyn Pappas (3 yrs) survived by her husband Andrew and by her siblings Judith, Bobbie, Robert and Bill.

 

Weekly Sunday Bulletin – March 22nd, 2020

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Based on the Archdiocese communication to all Greek Orthodox Churches, all services will be conducted by a priest and a chanter only.  The Faithful are asked not to assemble but participate virtually via the internet.  Please see https://www.goarch.org/live broadcasts for a list of churches that broadcast their services.

 

Sunday of the Holy Cross – March 22, 2020

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

 

 

 

 

 Liturgical Guide

 

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον …
Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers’ lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου …
Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

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 Plagal Fourth Mode
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια …
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: “Hail, unwedded bride!”

Epistle Reading ~ The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; as he says also in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”

 

*UPDATE* Important Message regarding COVID-19

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Dear Parishioners,

Please read these new guidelines.

Important Message regarding COVID-19 – the Coronavirus.

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From: Very Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis <chancellor@atlmetropolis.org>
Date: Mon, Mar 16, 2020, 6:47 PM
Subject: Important Message from Metropolitan Alexios
My Dear Fathers, Archons, Parish Councils, Philoptochos Societies, and Faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta,

I greet you with love and joy in the name of the Lord! In times of uncertainty such as the one we are presently living in, it falls to us as monastics and clergy, not only to join with our faithful in prayer, but also to guide them as their spiritual shepherds. For this reason, I ask that you also distribute the following guidelines by whatever means available (website, email, print) in order to ensure that these directives are observed, for the health and safety of our Holy Metropolis.

I remain,

Paternally yours with love in the Lord

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

Weekly Sunday Bulletin – March 15th, 2020

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Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas – March 15, 2020

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359. His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

 

 

Parish Council on Duty:

 

George Georgakakis, Karyl Zitis, Lazarus Kirifides, Katherine Ziegler, Philip Vias

 

 

 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 Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ…
Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.
 
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 Plagal FourthMode
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια …
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: “Hail, unwedded bride!”

Epistle Reading ~The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

“In the beginning, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end.” But to what angel has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?” Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?
Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”-he said to the paralytic-“I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

 

 

Announcements

 

Archon Religious Freedom Banquet Every Spring, our Metropolis is blessed to celebrate the work of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with its own Archon Religious Freedom Banquet. The 2020 Banquet, which is open to all, will be held at the Atlanta Fish Market on March 21, 2020 at 6:30 in the evening. This year’s speaker, the Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, will bring his own perspective on his chosen topic of Orthodoxy: Confronting the World Today.  A native of Cyprus, Fr. Panayiotis is intimately acquainted with the importance of religious freedom, and will address not only his experiences as a witness to the destruction of Cyprus, but, as a former scientist turned theologian, he shall also consider the role of how Orthodoxy can spiritually address the many crises we see in our world today. To purchase tickets (at $75 apiece), please call 404-634-9345 (Ext 2)

The Greek School at St. Demetrios The teachers, students and parents of the Greek School at St. Demetrios cordially invite you and your family and friends to the Commemoration of the War for Greek Independence at 7:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2020. Lenten dinner will follow graciously prepared by Dr. George Georgakakis and his crew.

Donations for items for Lent & Holy Week Donations towards flowers needed are greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Luncheon Please plan to attend and support the Lenten Luncheon on Sunday, March 22nd, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Your donations will benefit the Hellenic College  and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA.  $10/person, $5 for children under 12.
Sponsored by Philoptochos.

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 www.stdemetrios.org.  Information about St. Stephen’s Camp can be found on their website www.sststephenscamp.org.Scholarship applications are available at the St. Demetrios Church Office Monday – Thursday.  Deadlines for all applications are May 1, 2020.

Support Covenant House
Philoptochos is  hosting a Lenten gift card drive for Ft. Lauderdale Covenant House from March 15-April 5.  They need gift cards to Walmart and Target for proper fitting clothing, Uber/Lyft cards for rides to work, and appointments, and Burger King or McDonald’s cards.  $10 denominations are easiest,.  Drop off your cards or cash at the Philoptochos table in Kandaras Hall.
Covenant House provides shelter, meals, clothing and services to homeless children and youth.

Limbitless solutions The Daughters of Penelope will have their annual luncheon on March 21st at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. More information will be coming soon. Everyone is excited to have a chance to win a beautiful raffle basket with great prizes. We are looking for new or gently used items, gift cards or any other gift certificates that you would be willing to donate to help support our cause, “Limbitless solutions”, located at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Together with our donations and their research team we assist young and the young at heart that are in need of prosthetic limbs. Please contact Melissa Bakatselos 954-661-5707, Tara Bakatselos 954-650-1387 or email at dop.fashionshow@gmail.com for more information and drop off locations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calendar of Events for the Week

 

Sunday                3/15   
9:00am/10:00am                    Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                                 Sunday School
12:00pm                                 Hellenic Book Fair

Monday               3/16 
4:15pm-6:00pm                      Greek School Classes Α, Β, Γ & Adult Beginner Section 1
6:00pm-8:00pm                      Greek School Adult Beginner Section 2
6:00pm-8:00pm                      Greek School Advanced Class

Tuesday              3/17
10:30am                                 Visiting Angels
11:00am                                 Agape luncheon for seniors

Wednesday        3/18
7:00pm                                   Presanctified Liturgy

Friday                 3/20
7:00pm                                  Salutations to the Theotokos Service

Saturday            3/21
11:00am                                Limbitless Solutions benefit at Lighthouse Point Yacht Club
7:00pm                                  Commemoration of the War for Greek Independence
Followed by a Lenten dinner

Sunday               3/22           Sunday of the Holy Cross
9:00am/10:00am                   Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                                Sunday School
12:00pm                                Lenten Luncheon to benefit HC/HC

Weekly Sunday Bulletin – March 8th, 2020

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Sunday of Orthodoxy – March 8, 2020

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus’s death, his widow the Empress Theodora, together with the Patriarch Methodius, established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: “If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema.” Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God’s forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

 

 

Parish Council on Duty:

 

Harry Tangalakis,  Marion Koliniatis, Mark Zaden, Bill Ypsilantis, Paul Fountas, Peter Kokkinos

 

 

 Liturgical Guide

 

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι …
Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the Second Mode
Τὴν ἄχραντον Εἰκόνα σου προσκυνοῦμεν Ἀγαθέ…
We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.

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 Plagal FourthMode
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια …
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: “Hail, unwedded bride!”

Epistle Reading ~The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 .

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated — of whom the world was not worthy — wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.  And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”

 

 

Artoklasia

 

The Artoklasia is offered for the health of Spiridon & Catherine Paschalidis and their family.

 

 

Announcements

 

Donations for items for Lent & Holy Week Donations towards flowers needed are greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Glass Candles Effective immediately, the price of the red glass candles is $7 each.

Luncheon Please plan to attend and support the Lenten Luncheon on Sunday, March 22nd, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Your donations will benefit the Hellenic College  and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA.  $10/person, $5 for children under 12.
Sponsored by Philoptochos.

In our Bookstore: 
Raising children?  The church offers wisdom and help.  Read On the Upbringing of Children, Parenting Toward the Kingdom;  Raising Them Right, Making God Real in an Orthodox Home and Drug Proof  Your Kids.

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 www.stdemetrios.org.  Information about St. Stephen’s Camp can be found on their website www.sststephenscamp.org.Scholarship applications are available at the St. Demetrios Church Office Monday – Thursday.  Deadlines for all applications are May 1, 2020.

Support Covenant House
Philoptochos is  hosting a Lenten gift card drive for Ft. Lauderdale Covenant House from March 15-April 5.  They need gift cards to Walmart and Target for proper fitting clothing, Uber/Lyft cards for rides to work, and appointments, and Burger King or McDonald’s cards.  $10 denominations are easiest,.  Drop off your cards or cash at the Philoptochos table in Kandaras Hall.
Covenant House provides shelter, meals, clothing and services to homeless children and youth.

Limbitless solutions The Daughters of Penelope will have their annual luncheon on March 21st at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. More information will be coming soon. Everyone is excited to have a chance to win a beautiful raffle basket with great prizes. We are looking for new or gently used items, gift cards or any other gift certificates that you would be willing to donate to help support our cause, “Limbitless solutions”, located at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Together with our donations and their research team we assist young and the young at heart that are in need of prosthetic limbs. Please contact Melissa Bakatselos 954-661-5707, Tara Bakatselos 954-650-1387 or email at dop.fashionshow@gmail.com for more information and drop off locations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calendar of Events for the Week

 

Sunday                  3/08         Sunday of Orthodoxy
9:00am/10:00am                    Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                                 Sunday School
5:00pm                                   Pan-Orthodox Vespers @ St. Catherine Church
110 Southern Blvd., WPB 33405
Followed by guest speaker, reception and youth icebreaker & discussion

Monday               3/09
4:15pm-6:00pm                      Greek School Classes Α, Β, Γ & Adult Beginner Section 1
6:00pm-8:00pm                      Greek School Adult Beginner Section 2
6:00pm-8:00pm                      Greek School Advanced Class

Wednesday        3/11
6:30pm                                   Daughters meeting

Thursday            3/12
11:00am                                 Philoptochos meeting

Friday                 3/13
7:00pm                                   Salutations to the Theotokos Service

Sunday               3/15            Sunday of the Holy Cross
9:00am/10:00am                    Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                                 Sunday School

Weekly Sunday Bulletin – March 1st, 2020

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Forgiveness Sunday – March 1, 2020

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam’s exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today’s Gospelto begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

 

 

Parish Council on Duty:

 

George Georgakakis, Karyl Zitis, Lazarus Kirifides, Katherine Ziegler, Philip Vias

 

 

 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 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 Plagal Second Mode
Τῆς σοφίας ὁδηγέ, φρονήσεως χορηγέ …
O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, “O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen.”

Epistle Reading ~The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21
The Lord said, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
“And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

 

 

Memorial

Joakim Joanides (40 days) survived by his wife Marigo, his daughter Joanna and his grandson Constantinos.

Trisagion

Peter James (1 yr) and Autumn James (5 yrs)  brother, and sister in law of Mitchel James and Sophia Thermis. Also survived by 5 generations of nieces and nephews.

Constantine Lycouris survived by his son Steve Lycouris and by his grandsons Alexander and Constantine.

 

 

Announcements

 

BINGO Party Night
This Saturday evening, BINGO Party Night.   Doors open at 5:30pm.  Many gift prizes, 50/50 raffle, plus refreshments.  Bring your family & friends for a fun evening!  Benefiting Feeding South Florida.  See you on February 29th!!!

Glass Candles Effective immediately, the price of the red glass candles is $7 each.

In our Bookstore: 
The Church offers wisdom and solace in our times of greatest need.  You might be interested in the following books:
Under the Laurel Tree: Grieving Infertility;  Facing Cancer Together; Lynette’s Hope; Time and Despondancy; For Those Who Hurt.

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 www.stdemetrios.org.  Information about St. Stephen’s Camp can be found on their website www.sststephenscamp.org.Scholarship applications are available at the St. Demetrios Church Office Monday – Thursday.  Deadlines for all applications are May 1, 2020.

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE will have an AHEPA FAMILY District Convention Organizational Meeting Wednesday March 4th 6:30 pm in the church hall.  Anyone that is able to volunteer to help please attend.  Convention Dates June 11th – 13th at Sheraton Suites Ft Lauderdale at Cypress Creek. Any questions please contact Judie Pappas, President 954 849-5859.

Limbitless solutions The Daughters of Penelope will have their annual luncheon on March 21st at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. More information will be coming soon. Everyone is excited to have a chance to win a beautiful raffle basket with great prizes. We are looking for new or gently used items, gift cards or any other gift certificates that you would be willing to donate to help support our cause, “Limbitless solutions”, located at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Together with our donations and their research team we assist young and the young at heart that are in need of prosthetic limbs. Please contact Melissa Bakatselos 954-661-5707, Tara Bakatselos 954-650-1387 or email at dop.fashionshow@gmail.com for more information and drop off locations.

Women’s Retreat
Our Metropolis Philoptochos is offering its 14th Annual Spiritual Retreat for women, March 20-22 at the Diakonia Retreat Center.  The registration deadline is March 1.  Cost is $175 which includes 2 nights lodging and 5 meals. Go to https://atlmetropolis.org/14th-annual-spiritual-retreat1 to see the flyer and download registration materials.

 

 

 

 

Calendar of Events for the Week

 

Saturday               2/29
6:00pm                            BINGO Party Night (doors open @5:30pm)

Sunday                  3/01
9:00am/10:00am             Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                          Sunday School
12:00pm                          GOYA meeting

Monday                  3/02    Clean Monday; Great Lent begins
10:30am                            Philoptochos Board meeting
4:15pm-6:00pm                 Greek School Classes Α, Β, Γ & Adult Beginner Section 1
6:00pm-8:00pm                 Greek School Adult Beginner Section 2
6:00pm-8:00pm                 Greek School Advanced Class

Wednesday           3/04
6:30pm                              Daughters meeting

Friday                    3/06
6:15pm                              COCO and Koliva
7:00pm                              Salutations to the Theotokos Service

Saturday                3/07
9:30am                              Saturday of Souls service
11:30am                            Coffee hour offered by Philoptochos

Sunday                  3/08
9:00am/10:00am               Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                            Sunday School
5:00pm                              Pan-Orthodox Vespers @ St. Catherine Church
110 Southern Blvd., WPB 33405
Followed by guest speaker, reception and youth icebreaker & discussion

Weekly Sunday Bulletin – February 23rd, 2020

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Judgement Sunday – February 23, 2020

Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna

This apostolic and prophetic man, was a disciple of John the Evangelist, successor of Bucolus, and teacher of Irenaeus. He was an old man when the fifth persecution was raised against the Christians under Marcus Aurelius. When his pursuers, sent by the ruler, found Polycarp, he commanded that they be given something to eat and drink, then asked them to give him an hour to pray; he stood and prayed, for two hours, so that his captors repented that they had come against so venerable a man. He was brought by the Proconsul of Smyrna into the stadium and was commanded, “Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, ‘Away with the atheists.'” By atheists, the Proconsul meant the Christians. But Polycarp, gazing at the heathen in the stadium, waved his hand towards them and said, “Away with the atheists.” When the Proconsul urged him to blaspheme against Christ, he said: “I have been serving Christ for 86 years, and He has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King Who has saved me?” But the tyrant became enraged at these words and commanded that he be cast into the fire, and thus he gloriously expired about the year 163. As Eusebius says, “Polycarp everywhere taught what he had also learned from the Apostles, which also the Church has handed down; and this alone is true” (Eccl. Hist., Book IV, ch. 14,15).

 

 

 

Parish Council on Duty:

 

Harry Tangalakis,  Marion Koliniatis, Mark Zaden, Bill Ypsilantis, Paul Fountas, Peter Kokkinos

 

 

 Liturgical Guide

 

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια …
Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

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
Ὅταν ἔλθῃς ὁ Θεός, ἐπὶ γῆς μετὰ δόξης …
O God, when You come upon the earth in glory, the whole world will tremble. A river of fire will bring all before Your Judgment Seat and the books will be opened, and everything in secret will become public. At that time, deliver me from the fire which never dies, and enable me to stand by Your right hand, O Judge most just.

Epistle Reading ~The reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2.

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

 

 

Trisagion

Neophytos Demetriou (9 days) survived by  Andreas Demetriou, Mary Pieri, Georgia Maiorana, Victor Demetriou, and their families.

 

 

Announcements

 

In our Bookstore: 
*What does Orthodoxy believe about our relationship with the Earth?  How are we to be stewards of God’s creation?   Check out It’s Easy Being Green and Beyond the Shattered Image.
*Get started today on your journey to Pascha.  The Road Back to Christ by Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis offers daily wisdom from the Sunday of the Publican through Lent and Pascha.

Festival after sales: Metaxa 5 Star $30; Premium Wines:  Lafkioti Nemea Red $15, Lafkioti Moschofilero (white) $15

Support our sister parish
St Sophia Greek Festival ~ February 21, 22 & 23 at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
2401 SW 3rd Ave (Coral Way & 24th Road) Two blocks west of I-95, Exit #1A
(305) 854-2922www.stsophiamiamifest.org

Limbitless solutions The Daughters of Penelope will have their annual luncheon on March 21st at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. More information will be coming soon. Everyone is excited to have a chance to win a beautiful raffle basket with great prizes. We are looking for new or gently used items, gift cards or any other gift certificates that you would be willing to donate to help support our cause, “Limbitless solutions”, located at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Together with our donations and their research team we assist young and the young at heart that are in need of prosthetic limbs. Please contact Melissa Bakatselos 954-661-5707, Tara Bakatselos 954-650-1387 or email at dop.fashionshow@gmail.com for more information and drop off locations.

A LEAP YEAR DAY EVENT…. Don’t miss and plan to attend the BINGO/Feather Party on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH in the Church Hall.  Bring family and friends to this fun evening with great prizes, 50/50 raffle, and refreshments.  Doors open at 5:30pm and games begin at 6:00pm (new times).  Tickets @$7/person include 2 Bingo cards. Ticket proceeds benefit Feeding South Florida.  BE SURE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS ON FEBRUARY 23rd.  See Athena Loucas at Coffee Hour.  Sponsored by Ladies Philoptochos Society.

National Philoptochos Telephone Caregiver Support Group for Orthodox Christians
Seven consecutive Thursday evenings ~ February 27th to April 9th ~ 7:00pm-8:00pm Pre-registration Required. Call in phone number will be provided upon registration.  For information and to pre-register, email supportgroup@philoptochos.org

Women’s Retreat
Our Metropolis Philoptochos is offering its 14th Annual Spiritual Retreat for women, March 20-22 at the Diakonia Retreat Center.  The registration deadline is March 1.  Cost is $175 which includes 2 nights lodging and 5 meals. Go to https://atlmetropolis.org/14th-annual-spiritual-retreat1 to see the flyer and download registration materials.

 

 

 

 

Calendar of Events for the Week

 

Sunday                  2/23   
9:00am/10:00am                Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                             Sunday School
12:00pm                             AHEPA presentation and luncheon

Monday                 2/24
4:15pm-6:00pm                 Greek School Classes Α, Β, Γ & Adult Beginner Section 1
6:00pm-8:00pm                 Greek School Adult Beginner Section 2
6:00pm-8:00pm                 Greek School Advanced Class

Tuesday               2/25
11:30am                             Loving Stitches

Thursday             2/27
6:00pm                               Cancer Chapter meeting

Saturday              2/29
9:30am                              Saturday of Souls service
7:45am                              GOYA volunteers @ Soup Kitchen @ Christ Community Church
5:30pm/6:00pm                 Bingo/Feather Party

Sunday                3/01
9:00am/10:00am              Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                           Sunday School
12:00pm                           GOYA meeting

Weekly Sunday Bulletin – February 16th, 2020

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Sunday of the Prodigal Son – February 16, 2020

Through the parable of today’s Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God’s compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition — inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries — we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast.Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God’s compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin — no matter how great it may be — that can overcome at any time His love for man.

 

 

 

Parish Council on Duty:

 

Harry Tangalakis,  Marion Koliniatis, Mark Zaden, Bill Ypsilantis, Paul Fountas, Peter Kokkinos

 

 

 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 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
Τῆς πατρῴας, δόξης σου, ἀποσκιρτήσας ἀφρόνως …
O Father, foolishly I ran away from Your glory, and in sin, squandered the riches You gave me. Wherefore, I cry out to You with the voice of the Prodigal, “I have sinned before You Compassionate Father. Receive me in repentance and take me as one of Your hired servants.”

Epistle Reading ~The reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 6:12-20.

Brethren, “all things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food” — and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.” But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.

Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from Luke 15:11-32

The Lord said this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'”

 

 

Memorial

Mary Kumaras (40 days) Survived by her children Dee Petinakis and her husband Peter, Marika Bougdanos and her husband Theodosios and James Kumaras and his wife Kathi, 4 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

Trisagion

Lambros & Chrysanthi Pappas, Gus & Anna Janulis, Theodore, Helen, James, Jennie, Paul, Anastasia, John, Alice (Janulis) survived by Helen Pappas.

Chris Zahartzis (6 yrs) survived by his daughters Anna and Kristina.

 

 

Baby Blessing

Today we welcome Dina Alyateem and Muhannad Al Twal as they present Katrina for the traditional 40 day blessing.

 

Announcements

Coffee Hour In memory of her husband Mark Hatzikostantis (his 40 day memorial was chanted on February 9) Dina Hatzikostantis has sponsored today’s coffee hour.

· Thanks to the volunteers, dancers, sponsors, and patrons for making the 2020 Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Church a successful one.

· In the Bookstore: Triodion has begun.  The Road Back to Christ by Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis offers daily wisdom from the Sunday of the Publican through Lent and Pascha. Get started today on your journey to Pascha.

·Philoptochos 2020 Memberships Become a new member or renew your membership @$50 for 2020 as you support the national, metropolis and local organizations of the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America.  See Paula Kirifides or Denise Filosofos today.

· Women’s Retreat: Our Metropolis Philoptochos is offering its 14th Annual Spiritual Retreat for women, March 20-22 at the Diakonia Retreat Center.  The registration deadline is March 1.  Cost is $175 which includes 2 nights lodging and 5 meals. Go to https://atlmetropolis.org/14th-annual-spiritual-retreat1 to see the flyer and download registration materials.

· Limbitless solutions The Daughters of Penelope will have their annual luncheon on March 21st at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. More information will be coming soon. Everyone is excited to have a chance to win a beautiful raffle basket with great prizes. We are looking for new or gently used items, gift cards or any other gift certificates that you would be willing to donate to help support our cause, “Limbitless solutions”, located at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Together with our donations and their research team we assist young and the young at heart that are in need of prosthetic limbs. Please contact Melissa Bakatselos 954-661-5707, Tara Bakatselos 954-650-1387 or email at dop.fashionshow@gmail.com for more information and drop off locations.

· A LEAP YEAR DAY EVENT…. Don’t miss and plan to attend the BINGO/Feather Party on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH in the Church Hall.  Bring family and friends to this fun evening with great prizes, 50/50 raffle, and refreshments.  Doors open at 5:30pm and games begin at 6:00pm (new times).  Tickets @$7/person include 2 Bingo cards. Ticket proceeds benefit Feeding South Florida.  BE SURE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS ON FEBRUARY 23rd.  See Athena Loucas at Coffee Hour.  Sponsored by Ladies Philoptochos Society.

 

 

To the Reverend Clergy and the Esteemed Philoptochos Chapter Presidents of the Metropolis of Atlanta:

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I greet you with love and joy in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, praying that you and your families receive His blessings of health, peace, and joy, as we have begun the Triodion!

For those parishes who have already collected the proceeds of a second tray to benefit those affected by the Australian wildfires, I commend your speedy follow-up. Our Archdiocese has informed us that donations, once collected, should be submitted to the National Philoptochos, who has been authorized to distribute the funds to our brothers and sisters in Australia.

For those parishes who were unable to pass a second tray yesterday, our sister Archdiocese would certainly appreciate the assistance.

As we continue through this pre-Lenten period, may our continued intercessions to our Creator help to bring a spirit of healing and peace to those individuals and communities affected. I remain,

Paternally yours, with much love in the Lord,

+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

Calendar of Events for the Week

 

Sunday                  2/16
9:00am/10:00am                    Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                                 Sunday School

Monday                 2/17
4:15pm-6:00pm                     Greek School Classes Α, Β, Γ & Adult Beginner Section 1
6:00pm-8:00pm                     Greek School Adult Beginner Section 2
6:00pm-8:00pm                     Greek School Advanced Class

Tuesday               2/18
10:30am                                Visiting Angels meeting
11:00am                                Agape luncheon for seniors

Sunday                 2/23
9:00am/10:00am                   Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am                                Sunday School