The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, April 28th, 2024
We are live streaming our services.
Visit https://stdemetrios.org/ where a link to the broadcast can be found.
Sunday, April 28th, 2024
Palm Sunday
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.
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode
Τῷ θρόνῳ ἐν οὐρανῷ…
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.”
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.
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
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.
Announcements
Pickup your Bake Sale Orders
Orders of Pascha goodies placed through Philoptochos, are available for pickup Saturday, April 27 after Divine Liturgy and Sunday, April 28 after Divine Liturgy.
Also, Philoptochos has additional sourekia, koulourakia, and melomakarona available for purchase this Saturday and Sunday after the Divine Liturgy.
Prosforo Baking
We invite anyone who knows how to make prosforo to please do so. Thank you for your offering.
Sunday School and Joy & Hope News
- For a letter excusing you from school Holy Friday, please see Fr. Peter.
- Please be at church at 1:30pm on Holy Friday, May 3rd, to adorn with flowers the Children’s’ kouvouklion.
Choir Practice
Choir will rehearse the Lamentations for Holy Friday and the special hymns for the Resurrection Service on Holy Saturday/midnight. Sunday, April 21 after Liturgy & Wednesday, May 1 at 11am. Questions to Athena or Alex.
Donation Opportunities
Even partial donations towards the following items would be greatly appreciated! Please note the intention of your donation on your check’s memo line. Thank you! If you have any questions, please call the office (954)467-1515.
Flowers for Sunday of the Holy Cross
$120
For Palm Sunday
2 vases spring flowers $100 of $175 remaining
Palm Sunday evening, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday
Flowers for the Icon of the Bridegroom $75 each
For Holy Friday
Flowers for the kouvouklion $1,600 of $1,700 remaining (approximate number)
Rose petals for the myrofores $100
For Holy Saturday
1 gallon bucket Bay Leaves $20
For the Resurrection Service
2 vases white roses $175
SAVE THE DATE: BINGO SATURDAY, MAY 18TH. DOORS OPEN @11:30AM..KANDARAS HALL. SPONSORED BY PHILOPTOCHOS.
Stewardship Year 2024
We are more than a quarter through the calendar year.
If you have filled out a pledge form for year 2024 but have not yet made a donation toward your pledge of treasure, please do so.
To make payments on your pledge, use https://stdemetrios.org/make-a-donation/ and at the drop down menu choose “Stewardship” . If paying by check, please note “Pledge 2024” on the memo line.
We thank our parishioners who have pledged their gifts of time, talent and treasure for year 2024.
If you have not, please fill out a form. You can download a form, pick up a form at church, or use https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/.
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 St. Stephen’s Summer Camp – Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta – Atlanta, GA (atlmetropolis.org)
It’s important to note that applications for St. Stephen’s Camp open on March 28th.
Scholarship applications are available online at the St. Demetrios website under the heading of “Ministries” or call the Church Office 954-467-1515 Monday – Thursday. Deadlines for all applications are May 15, 2024.
AHEPA Scholarship
Dance Advisory Committee Election-Change of Date
Dance Advisory Committee elections: On May 19, 2024 , the committee will hold elections for two seats. The term for the position is two years. You need to have a child/grandchild enrolled in the dance program, to be eligible to join the committee. Parishioners who meet the eligibility requirements and would like to join the committee, please contact Kiki in the church office by no later than April 22nd. You are more than welcome to speak with any of the current committee members, Christina Tsekeris, Danielle Smith, Christa Fitzgerald, Joy Catsicas, Maria Papastamatis, Ana Visvardis, and Eva Galouzis, if you would like more information about what the DAC does.
Join the Scholar Choir of the Archimedean School for a special performance of the Oratorio “Ελεύθεροι Πολιορκημένοι» (Elefteroi -Free besieged) and other songs.
The oratorio by composer Petros Hatjopoulos is based on the homonymous epic poem by Greek National Poet Dionisios Solomos. The poem describes the heroic fight of the citizens of Messologi during the third Siege (April 15, 1825 to April 10, 1826) and the tragic sortie in which 8,000 citizens were slaughtered including women and children. Commemorating 198 years from the siege and the tragic exodus.
Kathy Ziegler and her dedicated team of volunteers: Marion Koliniatis, Suzanne Andrews, Teddy Ypsilantis, Liz Gatsonis, Mary Ann Boudouris, Sara Nunez, and Jessica Heifets are recognized for their remarkable efforts in crafting a truly special space for Yia Yia’s Treasures within a few days preparation! Their creativity and philoxenia transformed the outdoor space into a showcase of an eclectic array of vases, lamps, art pieces, and home items welcoming guests to explore and purchase for their own home! Outstanding!
Much appreciation extends to Arienne Bertucelli and her exceptional team of ladies – Stavroula Christodoulou, Kathy Pereira, Miriam Eliopoulos, Rita Mancini, Cindy Zitis, and Quinn Bertucelli – for their unwavering dedication in carrying forward the cherished legacy of Loving Stitches. In honoring the memory of Xenia Tangalakis, they’ve not only preserved her vision but also infused it with their own passion for creativity. Thank you for your continued devotion to this beautiful endeavor!
We acknowledge all the talented young performers who tirelessly uphold and enrich our cultural heritage through dance and the Dance Advisory Committee (DAC), led by President Christina Tsekeris, VP Danielle Smith, Treasurer Christa Barlow, Secretary Joy Catsicas, and esteemed board members Anna Visvardis, Maria Papastamatis, and Eva Gazis who are instrumental in fostering the intricate art of Greek culture through dance among our youth. Special appreciation extends to our Junior Palazakia teachers Melissa Manos, Victor & Dena Manos; Palazakia teacher Vasiliki Papadimitriou assisted by Georgia Duarte and Nikita Legakis; Senior Palazakia teacher Malvina Currie assisted by Amalia Papadimitriou Siegle; and Kamaria teacher Stephanie Balaskas for their invaluable contributions. Equally cherished are the dance families who generously donate their time to ensure the success of our events, assisting with security and preparing their children for performances. Your collective efforts enrich our community immeasurably. Thank you!
A heartfelt thank you to Michael Haralambis for his imaginative portrayal as Spartan Man, adding a vibrant touch of Greek heritage to our event year after year. Joined by Chris Smith, whose portrayal of Achilles in full armor brought joy to guests throughout the weekend, their creativity and dedication enhanced the experience for all.
Calendar
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Liturgy Breakfast, Palm Folding, Lazarakia Baking
Sunday 4/28 Palm Sunday
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Liturgy Palm Sunday Luncheon
7:00pm Bridegroom Service
7:00pm Bridegroom Service
Wednesday 5/1 Holy Wednesday
11:00am Choir Practice
5:00pm Sacrament of Holy Unction
Thursday 5/2 Holy Thursday
9:00am Vesperal Liturgy
11:30am Dyeing of eggs
7:00pm Passion Service (12 Gospels)
Friday 5/3 Holy Friday
9:00am Royal Hours
3:00pm Apokathelosis Service
7:00pm Lamentations
Saturday 5/4 Holy Saturday
10:00am Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
11:00pm Resurrection Service followed by the Paschal Divine Liturgy
Sunday 5/5 Sunday of Pascha
12:00 noon Agape Vespers
Monday 5/6 Bright Monday
