The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, August 8th 2021
August 8, 2021
7th Sunday of Matthew
Saints and Feasts Commemorated
Gregory of Sinai and Mount Athos
Saint Gregory of Sinai was born around the year 1268 in the seacoast village of Clazomenia near the city of Smyrna (Asia Minor), of rich parents. In about the year 1290, he was taken into captivity by the Hagarenes and sent off to Laodicea.
After gaining his freedom, the saint arrived on the island of Cyprus, where he was tonsured a monk. He set off afterwards to Mount Sinai and there assumed the great schema. Having fulfilled his obediences of cook and baker, and then as copyist, he surpassed all in reading and knowledge of Scriptural and patristic books.
The strictness of his life (fasting, vigil, psalmody, standing at prayer) brought some to astonishment and others to envy. Departing the monastery, the monk visited Jerusalem. For some time he lived on the island of Crete, and afterwards he visited Mt. Athos with its monasteries and ascetics. In this way, he acquired the experience of many centuries of the monastic life from the ancient monasteries. Only after this did Saint Gregory the Sinaite settle himself in a solitary place for “hesychia” [stillness doing the Jesus Prayer], a cell for silence and the unhindered pursuit of mental prayer, combined with hard work.
The precious legacy of Saint Gregory is in his teaching about the inner life, 15 texts “On Stillness,” and 137 texts “On Commandments and Doctrines,” where he says that “trying to comprehend the commandments through study and reading without fulfilling them, is like mistaking a shadow of something for its reality” (“On Commandments and Doctrines,” section 22).
He is renowned also as a remarkable hymnographer (“It is Truly Meet” is ascribed to him), and a canon to the Most Holy Trinity read at Sunday Vigil, and a canon to the Holy Cross. In a book of canons (from the year 1407) of Saint Cyril of White Lake (June 9) is found the “Canon of Supplication to the Lord Jesus Christ, the work of Gregory the Sinaite.”
Because of his concern for the spreading of monasticism, the saint founded several cells on Athos, and also four monasteries in Thrace. Saint Gregory the Sinaite died in the year 1310 (some historians suggest the year 1346) at his so-called “Concealed” (“Parariseia”) monastery, founded on Mt. Paroria on the west coast of the Black Sea for the strict followers of his life.
Saint Gregory is also commemorated on November 27 (his repose), February 11, and April 6.
Our Holy Father Myron the Wonderworker, Bishop of Crete
Saint Myron, Bishop of Crete, a wonderworker, in his youth was a family man, and worked as a farmer. He was known for his goodness, and he assisted everyone who turned to him for help. Once, thieves burst in upon his threshing floor, and Saint Myron himself helped them lift a sack of grain upon their shoulders. By his generosity the saint so shamed the thieves, that in future they began to lead honorable lives.
Out of profound respect for the saint, the Cretan people urged him to accept ordination to the priesthood in his native city of Raucia, and afterwards they chose him Bishop of Crete.
Wisely ruling his flock, Saint Myron received from the Lord the gift of wonderworking. At the time of a flood on the River Triton, the saint stopped its flow and went upon it as upon dry land, and then he sent a man back to the river with his staff to command the river to resume its course. Saint Myron fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 100, around the year 350.
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.
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday in the Second Mode
Ὁ εὐσχήμων Ἰωσήφ…
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday in the Second Mode
Ταῖς Μυροφόροις Γυναιξί…
Unto the myrrh-bearing women did the Angel cry out as he stood by the grave: Myrrh oils are meet for the dead, but Christ hath proved to be a stranger to corruption. But cry out: The Lord is risen, granting great mercy to the world.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.
The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7
In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Gospel Reading
Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8
At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Memorial Prayer
Evangelos Iliakis (40 days) survived by his wife Cleopatra and by children Michael, Elizabeth, and Harriet.
Fotini Stathakis (40 days) wife of Panagiotis Stathakis, mother of Dimitrios Stathakis and Maria Stathakis, grandmother of Panagiotis and William, and Maria Paliogianni.
Mary Varvarigos (40 days) survived by her daughter, by her dear friend Loretta Vulcano, and by the St. Demetrios Visiting Angels.
Basil Pagones (1 year) Beloved husband of Carol, father of Anastasia (Selim), and Tim (Lisa), grandfather of Alex and Alara, and friend to many at St. Demetrios.
Irene Zaravinos (1 yr) beloved wife of Dr. Theodore Zaravinos and mother of Dr. John Zaravinos, and Katherine Zaravinos.
Dena Kontos (10 yrs) and George Kontos (41 yrs) survived by their children Bessie (Nick) Manos, Andrew (Debbie), and Gus (Robin).
Teddy Filosofos (12 yrs) Missed by his children, Argerous, Denise and Mike and grandchildren Mike, Sevaste & Theo.
Trisagion Prayer
George Jimokas (2 yrs) survived by his wife Judith Jimokas, his sister Anna (George) Velonis, several nieces and nephews.
Sophia Papadopoulou (2 yrs) survived by her children Maria (Costas), Sophia (Pan0s), and grandchildren Sophia, Dimitris and Manos.
Betty Kapakos (4 yrs) survived by children Chris & Mona Kapakos, Constantinos & Shelby Kapakos, Vola & Nick Ferrarese, Effie & Ted Stout, and by grandchildren James Stout and Sara Stout.
George John Simitses (5 yrs) survived by his wife Nena, children John, William (Vicki), and Alexandra (Mark), 8 grandchildren, and his sister Marina.
Maria Konstantinidis (9 yrs) survived by her husband Dimitrios, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and her sister.
Katina Maounis (11 yrs) survived by her husband Chris, daughter Zoi (Vito) DeTuro, and grandson Michael.
Gerasimos Solos (25 yrs). Father to Stephen Solos and Emily Solos. Grandfather to Nicole Solos.
Baby Blessing
Samantha Lingeman and Richard Jaimes present Jackson Nicholas Jaimes for the traditional 40 day blessing.
Stewardship
“…The Greatest Of These Is Love” 1 Cor 13:13
We ask you to support the worship, service and activities of St. Demetrios Church. Giving to His Church is a way to thank God for His grace, His generosity and His many blessings. Let’s Step Up our gifts of Time Talent and Treasure!
Thank you!
Please fill out a pledge form by either downloading the form below or by visiting https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/
You can make contributions towards your financial pledge by visiting https://stdemetrios.org/make-a-donation/ .
Announcements
Flowers
- The flowers at the Altar are in loving memory of Maria Konstantinidis.
Coffee Hour
- In memory of his beloved wife Irene, Dr. Theodore Zaravinos has sponsored today’s coffee hour.
Youth Celebration
Join us in congratulating Fotini Anastasiou, Theo Cockrell, Xander Economou, Benjamin Martin, and George Planakis on their high school graduation. We wish them all the best!
Spring General Assembly
- The Spring General Assembly will take place in the hall on Sunday, May 23, after Divine Liturgy.
Scholarship News
- 2021 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award 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. Deadline for submission of application is June 15.
- FAITH Scholarships for Academic Excellence Applicants must be graduating a public, private, or parochial high school in the United States and embarking to study in an undergraduate degree program in the fall of 2021 at a 4-year accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must be of Greek Orthodox faith and member of a parish. For questions, please call (212) 803-9363 or email info@thefaithendowment.org. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated. Visit http://www.thefaithendowment.org/scholarships/
Philoptochos News
- Thank you!
Χριστός Ανέστη! Αληθώς ό Κύριος.
The Ladies of Philoptochos would like to sincerely thank all those who were able to donate to the Covenant House fundraiser. Through your generosity we were able to deliver $745 worth of gift cards!
God bless you all.
- Save the Date!
SAVE THE DATE: Afternoon BINGO PARTY is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 in the Church Hall. (Social distancing will be observed.) Doors open at 11:30am and games begin at 12:00 noon. Pizza and beverages will be for sale. Bring family and friends to this fun event with prizes and 50/50 raffle. Sponsored by Philoptochos.
- Philoptochos St. Nicholas donations
The Philoptochos of the Metropolis of Atlanta and His Eminence Alexios have asked us to help them fulfill our Metropolis commitment to the rebuilding of the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York City. This is the church which was destroyed during the 9/11 attacks. They have asked that families donate $20 or whatever they are able. Donations may be made online at https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/ or by check made out to St. Demetrios Ladies Philoptochos. Please put “St. Nicholas” in the memo section.
Daughters of Penelope News
- End of Year Luncheon Meeting
The Daughters of Penelope, Narcissus Chapter 289 invite you to join us for the 2021 – 2022 Installation of Officers with St. Demetrios Philoptochos and The Pap Corps End of Year Luncheon Meeting Saturday May 22, 2021 at 11:30 am. For details, please see flyer.
Mental Health Resources
Late last year, the Assembly of Bishops assembled a Mental Health Task Force to assist our Churches in this very important ministry to the faithful. I am therefore very pleased to announce that, as the result of the work of the Task Force, a National Directory of Orthodox Mental Health providers has been created. Visit https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/mental-health/ .
I join my fellow Hierarchs in thanking the Steering Committee of the Mental Health Task Force, and all those Orthodox Professionals who participated in the creation of this directory, so that it might help the greatest number of individuals.
Praying for the continued health of all, both in body and soul, I remain,
Paternally yours with love in Christ,
+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta
