The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, April 20th, 2025
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Sunday, April 20, 2025
Great and Holy Pascha
Mary Magdalene, and the other women who were present at the burial of our Saviour on Friday evening, returned from Golgotha to the city and prepared fragrant spices and myrrh, so that they might anoint the body of Jesus. On the morrow, because of the law which forbids work on the day of the Sabbath, they rested for the whole day. But at early dawn on the Sunday that followed, almost thirty-six hours since the death of the Life-giving Redeemer, they came to the sepulchre with the spices to anoint His body. While they were considering the difficulty of rolling away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, there was a fearful earthquake; and an Angel, whose countenance shone like lightning and whose garment was white as snow, rolled away the stone and sat upon it. The guards that were there became as dead from fear and took to flight. The women, however, went into the sepulchre, but did not find the Lord’s body. Instead, they saw two other Angels in the form of youths clothed in white, who told them that the Saviour was risen, and they sent forth the women, who ran to proclaim to the disciples these gladsome tidings. Then Peter and John arrived, having learned from Mary Magdalene what had come to pass, and when they entered the tomb, they found only the winding sheets. Therefore, they returned again to the city with joy, as heralds now of the supernatural Resurrection of Christ, Who in truth was seen alive by the disciples on this day on five occasions.
Our Lord, then, was crucified, died, and was buried on Friday, before the setting of the sun, which was the first of His “three days” in the grave; observing the mystical Sabbath, that “seventh day” in which it is said that the Lord “rested from all His works” (Gen. 2:2-3), He passed all of Saturday in the grave; and He arose “while it was yet dark, very early in the morning” on Sunday, the third day, which, according to the Hebrew reckoning, began after sunset on Saturday.
As we celebrate today this joyous Resurrection, we greet and embrace one another in Christ, thereby demonstrating our Saviour’s victory over death and corruption, and the destruction of our ancient enmity with God, and His reconciliation toward us, and our inheritance of life everlasting. The feast itself is called Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew word which means “passover”; because Christ, Who suffered and arose, has made us to pass over from the curse of Adam and slavery to the devil and death unto our primal freedom and blessedness. In addition, this day of this particular week, which is the first of all the rest, is dedicated to the honour of the Lord; in honour and remembrance of the Resurrection, the Apostles transferred to this day the rest from labour that was formerly assigned to the Sabbath of the ancient Law.
Liturgical Guide
Apolytikion for Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.
Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Hypakoe of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fourth Mode
Προλαβοῦσαι τὸν ὄρθρον αἱ περὶ Μαριάμ…
When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man, Him Who abideth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death. For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of men.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε…
Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades’ power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, “Hail!” and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Narthex Press
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.24,29.
This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Verse: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy endures for ever.
The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8
In the first book, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of lsrael?” He said to them, “it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”
Gospel Reading
John 1:1-17
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'”) And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Announcements
Storage Building Campaign
Our community embarked on an epic rebuilding journey 12 years ago. It started with the Kandaras hall and kitchen renovation. In 2018 we completed the large hall renovation followed in 2021 by the Sunday School renovation, the repair and painting of the church building in 2022 and most recently the fence project completed just months ago. Now, as we approach the finish line, our sights are set on the last big piece of the puzzle. A storage building.
Stewardship
We remind everyone to pledge for year 2025. Please send in the stewardship form you received in the mail or pledge here https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/
Thank you!
Flowers for Holy Week and Pascha
Any donations towards the $1,800 cost of flowers wou
Prosforo
Anyone able to bake Prosforo please do so.
Altar Help Wanted
Father Peter needs help in the altar on Sundays and with Sacraments. Compensation is available subject to ability and time provided. If interested and for more information, please speak with Fr. Peter or a Parish Council member.
BINGO…
SATURDAY, APRIL 26, AT 12 NOON. Doors open at 11:30am. Join us for the EASTER BINGO Games.
Get 2 BINGO cards at the door for $7.00. Many gift prizes, 50/50 raffle, plus refreshments. Supporting Covenant House and other local charities. Invite your neighbors and friends. Join us for a relaxing afternoon of fun, family, friends, & food!! Sponsored by Philoptochos.
See you on Saturday, APRIL 26TH, at 11:30am.
“FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY”
— A comprehensive look at Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Mark your calendar now for Thursday evening, May 15, 2025. Details to follow. Kandaras Hall, Sponsored by Philoptochos. See Athena or Juanita.
Get Involved – Join the Dance Advisory Committee
Do you have a child or grandchild actively participating in our dance program? Are you passionate about supporting and shaping the future of our dance community? If so, we invite you to join the Dance Advisory Committee (DAC). The DAC plays a vital role in enhancing our dance program by providing guidance and support to our instructors and dancers. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved, connect with other dance families, and help create a positive and enriching experience for our young dancers. We meet once a month or as needed if we have an event to prepare for. If you have any questions, you can most certainly reach out to Christa Fitzgerald, 954-699-4892 or Danielle Smith, 954-478-3860. If you are interested in joining the DAC, please submit your name, dancer(s) name and contact information (cell phone # and email address) to Kiki in the church office, kiki@stdemetrios.org. This post will be open from 4/1 through 4/30.
SCHOLARSHIP NEWS – APPLICATIONS OPEN
The Scholarship Committee manages the application, selection and award process for young people who are part of the St. Demetrios Church congregation. Funding for scholarships come from fundraising events, donations and estate endowments:
· Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Endowed Scholarship – for students enrolled in higher education. Must meet requirements established by estate.
· Three Hierarchs Scholarship – established by Drs. Anthony & Joyce Kales for graduating high school seniors enrolled in higher education and in the 10% of their class ranking. Must meet requirements established for this scholarship.
· St. Demetrios Award of Excellence – monetary awards to students enrolled in higher education as funding permits.
· Mary Kandaras Scholarship – supports tuition for 2 students to attend St. Stephen’s Summer Camp.
· Philoptochos Scholarship – The Saint Elpis Chapter of the Ladies Philoptochos supports tuition for 1 student to attend St. Stephen’s summer Camp.
.Applications for the Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship, as well as applications for St. Stephen’s Summer Camp are available on St. Demetrios website http://www.stdemetrios.org under the heading of “Ministries”. Information about St. Stephen’s Camp can be found on their website St. Stephen’s Summer Camp – Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta – Atlanta, GA (atlmetropolis.org). Applications for St. Stephen’s Camp open on March 20th.
Applications for the Three Hierarchs Scholarship will be available online. Presently, hard copies of the application are available at the Church Office 954-467-1515 Monday – Thursday. Or, download the application below.
Previous award recipients may reapply, however new applicants will be given preference.
Deadlines for all applications are May 15, 2025.
St. Demetrios Church Youth Ministries 2024-2025 School Year
Calendar
Thursday 4/17 Holy Thursday
9:00am Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil
10:30am Easter Egg Decorating
6:30pm Procession of the Cross and 12 Gospels
Friday 4/18 Holy and Great Friday
9:00am Royal Hours
3:00pm Apokathelosis
7:00pm Lamentations
Saturday 4/19 Holy Saturday
9:00am Vesperal Liturgy of St.Basil
11:00pm Service of the Canon and Resurrection Service followed by the Divine Liturgy
Sunday 4/20 Great and Holy Pascha
12:00noon Agape Vespers
Monday 4/21 Bright Monday
Tuesday 4/22
11:30am Loving Stitches
Wednesday 4/23
3:00pm PapCorps Meeting
Saturday 4/26
12:00noon Bingo
3:00pm AHEPA Backgammon Tournament
Sunday 4/27
8:45am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
