Archive for category: Publications

Sunday of the Paralytic – May 19, 2019

Close to the Sheep’s Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep’s Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had.
It was there that the paralytic of today’s Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, “Wilt thou be made whole?” And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool.” The Lord said unto him, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.

Parish Council on Duty:

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

 Liturgical Guide

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.
Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

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

Epistle Reading ~ 

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42

In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel Reading ~

The reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.
Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me said to me, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk.’ “They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Memorial

Angeliki McCrae (1 yr) survived by daughter Christina Dean, son in law Alex, granddaughter Sydney, brother Nicholas Bulis, and sisters Stavroula Crowley and Georgia Bergados.

Trisagion

Chris Economou (4 yrs)

Stavros Pavlakis (25 yrs) survived by his daughter Stephanie.

Baby Blessing

We welcome Nicole and Alfredo Merino and big brother Elias
as they present Ari Grant Merino for the traditional 40 day blessing.

Announcements

This Saturday evening, BINGO/Feather Party.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  Over 50 gift prizes awarded at previous event.  Bring your family & friends for a fun evening!  Benefiting Feeding South Florida.  See you on May 18th!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pita Sunday In honor of AHEPA Sunday, the Daughters of Penelope are preparing lunch today.   Have a delicious Pita lunch prior to the General Assembly.  The cost is $10.

General Assembly The Spring General Assembly is today directly following the Divine Liturgy.  In order to participate and to vote, you must be a pledging member for year 2019.  As we do not automatically renew stewardship, you must have filled out a year 2019 pledge form.

Congratulations!  We congratulate Xenya Currie who will proceed to the national level of the Oratorical Festival representing not only our community of St. Demetrios but also the Metropolis of Atlanta.

2019 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award  Application forms for the THS awards of Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales are available in the Church office.  These scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of meritorious academic achievement for college bound seniors.  The academic guidelines for consideration include:  Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above; membership in the National Honor Society; a combined SAT Verbal and Math score of 1320 or greater (the combined scores must be from the same SAT exam i.e., scores cannot be combined from two separate SAT exams).  ACT substitution for the SAT examination is not allowed.  Additionally, the SAT exam can be taken only a maximum of two times.  Deadline for submission of application is June 15.

Calendar of Events for the Week

Sunday                    5/19 
9:00am/10:00am                  Orthros/Divine Liturgy
12:00pm                                  Pita Sunday
12:00pm                                  Spring General Assembly

Tuesday                   5/21
11:30am                                  Agape seniors-luncheon.
All are welcome

Sunday                      5/26
9:00am/10:00am                 Orthros/Divine Liturgy

Thomas Sunday – May 5, 2019

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, “Peace be unto you.” Then He showed them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ’s Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” After eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, “Peace be unto you”; then He said to Thomas, “Bring thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas, examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, “My Lord and my God.” Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures – human and divine – of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).This day is called Antipascha (meaning “in the stead of Pascha,” not “in opposition to Pascha”) because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.

Irene the Great Martyr

Saint Irene was the daughter of a princelet called Licinius; named Penelope by her parents, through a divine revelation she was brought to faith in Christ and at Baptism was renamed Irene. In her zeal for piety she broke in pieces all the idols of her father, who commanded that she be trampled underfoot by horses. But while she remained unharmed, one of the horses rose up and cast down her father, killing him. By her prayer she raised him to life again, and he believed and was baptized. Afterwards, in many journeyings, Saint Irene suffered torments and punishments for her faith, but was preserved by the power of God, while working dread miracles and converting many thousands of souls. At last she came to Ephesus, where she fell asleep in peace, in the first half of the fourth century. Two days after her death, her gravestone was found lifted off, and her grave empty. At least two churches were dedicated to Saint Irene in Constantinople, and she is also the patroness of the Aegean island of Thera, which is commonly called Santorin (or Santorini), a corruption of “Saint Irene.”

Parish Council on Duty:

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

 Liturgical Guide

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.
Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

Apolytikion for Sunday of Thomas in the Grave Mode
Ἐσφραγισμένου τοῦ μνήματος ἡ ζωὴ ἐκ τάφου ἀνέτειλας Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός…  
Whilst the tomb was sealed, Thou, O Life, didst shine forth from the grave, O Christ God; and whilst the doors were shut, Thou didst come unto Thy disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing through them an upright Spirit in us according to Thy great mercy.

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

Epistle Reading ~ 

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

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

Gospel Reading ~

The reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Announcements

A Sincere Apology The Philoptochos Ladies Society asked Stavroula Christodoulou to organize the dyeing of the Paschal eggs. The color was beautiful but some of the eggs were not cooked thoroughly because a different technique was used, the braiser instead of a pot with boiling water on the stove. Stavroula assumes complete responsibility for this unfortunate mishap and apologizes for any inconvenience that this may have caused you and your family. Χριστός Ανέστη!”

End of 2018-2019 school year Youth Celebration On Sunday, May 12.The EYCC will recognize our youth’s achievements. Sunday School, Greek School, Altar, Choir, Dance, Oratorical Festival, GOYA will participate.

End of Year Dinner The Philoptochos, Paps Corps and Daughters of Penelope end of year dinner is on Wednesday, May 15 @ 6:30pm @ the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club.  All parishioners are welcome.  The cost is $55 per person.  For more information, contact Stella Androutsopoulos @ (516) 587-4129.

Bingo/Feather Party (sponsored by Philoptochos) will be held in the Church Hall on Saturday, May 18th.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  Tickets @ $7/person include 2 cards.  Bring your family & friends for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.  Great prizes and refreshments.  Proceeds benefit Feeding South Florida.  Be sure to buy your tickets today and support this worthy cause.

2019 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award  Application forms for the THS awards of Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales are available in the Church office.  These scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of meritorious academic achievement for college bound seniors.  The academic guidelines for consideration include:  Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above; membership in the National Honor Society; a combined SAT Verbal and Math score of 1320 or greater (the combined scores must be from the same SAT exam i.e., scores cannot be combined from two separate SAT exams).  ACT substitution for the SAT examination is not allowed.  Additionally, the SAT exam can be taken only a maximum of two times.  Deadline for submission of application is June 15.

Calendar of Events for the Week

Sunday                    5/5    
9:00am/10:00am                Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am                                   Sunday School

Monday                   5/6   
4:15pm-6:00pm                    Greek Classes A’, B’, G’, D’ & Adult Beginner
6:00pm-8:00pm                   Advanced Greek class

Wednesday               5/8
6:30pm                                     DOP meeting

Thursday                   5/9
1:00pm                                      Philoptochos meeting

Sunday                      5/12     Mother’s Day
9:00am/10:00am                    Orthros/Divine Liturgy
12:00pm                                    End of year Youth Celebration
 

Lazarus Saturday  is this Saturday, April 20 join us for Orthros at 9:00am and Divine Liturgy at 10:00am.  Stay with us for a Lenten Breakfast and Palm folding.

Palm Sunday Luncheon this Sunday April 21 Join us for a Palm Sunday Luncheon immediately after the Divine Liturgy.  A delicious meal will be served at $10 per adult and $6 per child 12 and younger.

Palm Sunday – April 21, 2019

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: “Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel” (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ’s victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means “Save, I pray,” or “Save, now.” The foal of an ass, and Jesus’ sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

Parish Council on Duty:

Harry Tangalakis,  Marion Koliniatis, Mark Zaden, Bill Ypsilantis, Paul Fountas, Peter Kokkinos, George Georgakakis, Karyl Zitis, Katherine Ziegler, Basil Economou, Philip Vias

 Liturgical Guide

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the First Mode
Τὴν κοινὴν Ἀνάστασιν πρὸ τοῦ σοῦ Πάθους πιστούμενος …
In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the Fourth Mode
Συνταφέντες σοι διὰ τοῦ Βαπτίσματος …  
As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode
Τῷ θρόνῳ ἐν οὐρανῷ, τῷ πώλῳ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς…
In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, “Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam.”
Epistle Reading ~ 

The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel Reading ~

The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

Last Saturday, four of our students participated at the St John Chrysostom Oratorical festival at the district level. The festival was held at Saint Katherine’s church in West Palm Beach.

Teddy Ipsilantis and Anastasia Cusmano participated at the Junior level. Theophilos Cockrell and Xenya Currie participated at the Senior level. Xenya was one of the two finalists at the Senior level. The finalists will go on to New Orleans in May (Metropolis).

All students presented their speeches inside the beautiful church. Not only they conquered their fear of public speaking, they also spoke eloquently about our faith. All who attended were very proud of their accomplishment. As parents we are thankful to James Carras for his hard work and support. 

Stewardship

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…”  (Colossians 3:23)

Thank you to all those parishioners who have made their commitment to St. Demetrios Church for year 2019! Because of you, we are able to offer liturgical services, sacraments and programs that cultivate spiritual growth, strengthen families and transform lives.  If you have yet to do so, please fill out a pledge form that you can find at the visitor desk.

Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity!

Stewardship Goal 2019: $295,000
Total Stewardship Pledged 2019:         $209,718
Total Stewardship Received 2019: $130,389
Total Number Pledged Stewards 2019: 224

Total Number Stewards 2018: 306
Total Stewardship Pledged 2018: $289,888
Total Stewardship Received 2018: $288,291
Average Pledge 2018: $947

Year 2019 Stewards pledged as of April 18

Announcements

Palm Sunday Luncheon Join us for a Palm Sunday Luncheon immediately after the Divine Liturgy.  A delicious meal will be served at $10 per adult and $6 per child 12 and younger.

Holy Thursday all night vigil  Anyone who is able is welcome to stay overnight on Holy Thursday Evening to Holy Friday morning.

Decorating the kouvouklion  All are welcome to help decorate the kouvouklion on Holy Friday morning after the 9:00am Royal Hours service.

Holy Friday Myrofores If your daughter is in second through seventh grade and would like to participate as a myrofora during the Lamentations Service, please call Effie Vasil at (954) 773-5455 or Irene Tsingelis at (954) 632-1402.

Philoptochos News Philoptochos will be accepting Pascha Orders for Tsourekia, Koulourakia and Easter Eggs on April 7, 14, and 21.   Tsourekia: round w/red egg, braided w/red egg, and braided no egg @ $10/loaf.  Koulourakia: one dozen @ $10/bag.   Dyed red eggs: one dozen @ $8/doz.  (Dyed eggs must be picked up on Thursday, April 25th between 1:00-3:00pm.)   Please be prepared to place your orders with payment on those days.   Checks payable to:  Philoptochos Ladies Society.  See Athena Loucas or Marion Koliniatis.

SAVE THE DATE:  BINGO/Feather Party (sponsored by Philoptochos) is scheduled for Saturday, May 18th in the Church Hall.  Doors open at 6:30 pm and games start at 7:00 pm.  Over 50 gift prizes were awarded at the previous event.  Bring your family and friends to this fun and relaxing evening.  More info will follow!

Scholarships Available Students, parents and grandparents: Scholarships are available for St. Stephen’s Summer Camp.  Attendance at the camp is not only fun and educational but provides our young Orthodox Christians with an environment to develop their spiritual growth. Complete information about St. Stephen’s Sumer Camp can be found on the Metropolis of Atlanta website: atlmetropolis.org/st-stephens-summer-camp  Applications are also open for the Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship Fund which will be awarded to a college student from our parish. Details about the requirements for this scholarship can be found on the St. Demetrios website. The deadline for all scholarship applications is May 1st. Applications for all scholarships can be found on the table in the narthex near the office. Scholarship applications should be returned to the church office by the May 1st deadline.

2019 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award  Application forms for the THS awards of Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales are available in the Church office.  These scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of meritorious academic achievement for college bound seniors.  The academic guidelines for consideration include:  Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above; membership in the National Honor Society; a combined SAT Verbal and Math score of 1320 or greater (the combined scores must be from the same SAT exam i.e., scores cannot be combined from two separate SAT exams).  ACT substitution for the SAT examination is not allowed.  Additionally, the SAT exam can be taken only a maximum of two times.  Deadline for submission of application is June 15.2019 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award

Calendar of Events for the Week

Sunday of St. John Climacus – April 7, 2019

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God’s, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, “Glory to Thee, O God!” Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Parish Council on Duty:

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

 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 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 for 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 ~

Gospel Reading ~Sunday of St. John Climacus 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

* Peter James (40 days) brother of Mitchell James Thermis and Sophia Thermis and uncle of many nieces and nephews of 5 generations.

Trisagion

* Katerina Karpouzis Pagones (1 year) survived by her husband Paul Pagones and her children Sofia and Luke.
* Jacqueline Filosofos (4 yrs) remembered by her children, Argerous, Denise and Michael Filosofos and families.
* Autumn James (4 yrs) sister in law of Sophia Thermis
* Zaharenia Dikegoros Kutsukos (5 yrs) survived by her husband Harry Kutsukos, son John, daughter- in- law Lori and grandchildren John, Christina, Peter and Jack.
* Anastasia Kutsukos Karas (6 yrs) survived by her father Harry Kutsukos, her husband Nick Karas and her sons John and Peter.
* Nikitas Legakis (7 yrs) survived by wife Georgia, children Emmanuel and Maria & 4 grandchildren.

Announcements

Flowers
The flowers on the Altar are donated by Carol and Bill Pagones in memory of beloved niece Katerina Karpouzis Pagones.  May her memory be eternal.
The flowers on the Solea are donated by Harry Kutsukos in memory of beloved wife Zaharenia and  beloved daughter Anastasia.  May their memories be eternal.

Sunday, April 7th: Loukoumathes for the Cure!
Please support cancer research with the purchase of a delicious treat! All funds go to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Giving Opportunities for Great Lent, Holy Week & Pascha. Please call the office for a list of items remaining to be donated. As always, thank you for your generosity!

Thank you
We would like to thank Minas Halkias for organizing and preparing the meal for the luncheon on Sunday, March 31

Philoptochos News LAST OPPORTUNITY TO DONATE!  
Today is the final day that Philoptochos will be collecting donations for the Clergy Education Fund (The Papouli Fund).  This fund assists theology students of the Metropolis of Atlanta with scholarships and opportunities for continuing education.  For those of you who have made your donations, Philoptochos sincerely thanks you.  If you have not made your donation yet, please see Denise Filosofos or Athena Loucas in the Kandaras Hall following today’s church service.

Philoptochos will be accepting Pascha Orders for Tsourekia, Koulourakia and Easter Eggs
on April 7, 14, and 21.   Tsourekia: round w/red egg, braided w/red egg, and braided no egg @ $10/loaf.  Koulourakia: one dozen @ $10/bag.   Dyed red eggs: one dozen @ $8/doz.  (Dyed eggs must be picked up on Thursday, April 25th between 1:00-3:00pm.)   Please be prepared to place your orders with payment on those days.   Checks payable to:  Philoptochos Ladies Society.  See Athena Loucas or Marion Koliniatis.

Scholarships Available Students, parents and grandparents: Scholarships are available for St. Stephen’s Summer Camp.  Attendance at the camp is not only fun and educational but provides our young Orthodox Christians with an environment to develop their spiritual growth. Complete information about St. Stephen’s Sumer Camp can be found on the Metropolis of Atlanta website: atlmetropolis.org/st-stephens-summer-camp  Applications are also open for the Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship Fund which will be awarded to a college student from our parish. Details about the requirements for this scholarship can be found on the St. Demetrios website. The deadline for all scholarship applications is May 1st. Applications for all scholarships can be found on the table in the narthex near the office. Scholarship applications should be returned to the church office by the May 1st deadline.

2019 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award Application forms for the THS awards of Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales are available in the Church office.  These scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of meritorious academic achievement for college bound seniors.  The academic guidelines for consideration include:  Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above; membership in the National Honor Society; a combined SAT Verbal and Math score of 1320 or greater (the combined scores must be from the same SAT exam i.e., scores cannot be combined from two separate SAT exams).  ACT substitution for the SAT examination is not allowed.  Additionally, the SAT exam can be taken only a maximum of two times.  Deadline for submission of application is June 15.

Calendar of Events for the Week

Sunday                   4/7                 
9:00am/10:00am      Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am                         Sunday School
12:00noon                    Loukoumathes for the Cure

Monday              4/8   

4:15pm-6:00pm       Greek Classes A’, B’, G’, D’ & Adult Beginner
6:00pm-8:00pm      Advanced Greek class

Wednesday        4/10
7:00pm                       Presanctified Liturgy

Friday                 4/12
7:00pm                        Akathist Hymn
8:00pm                        Lenten Dinner & speaker Dr. Dean C. Vafiadis

Saturday            4/13
6:30pm                        Lenten Comedy Special with Basile
For tickets call Chris@954-709-9651 or ckapakosahepa@gmail.com

Sunday              4/14
9:00am/10:00am     Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am                        Sunday School