The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, December 10th, 2023
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December 10th, 2023
10th Sunday of Luke
Menas, Hermogenes, & Eugraphos, Martyrs of Alexandria
Saint Menas, according to the Synaxaristes, had Athens as his homeland. He was a military officer, an educated man and skilled in speech, wherefore he was surnamed Kallikelados (“most eloquent”); Eugraphus was his scribe. Both had Christian parents. The Emperor Maximinus (he was the successor of Alexander Severus, and reigned from 235 to 238) sent Saint Menas to Alexandria to employ his eloquence to end a certain strife among the citizens. Saint Menas, having accomplished this, also employed his eloquence to strengthen the Christians in their faith, which when Maximinus heard, he sent Hermogenes, who was an eparch born to unbelievers to turn Menas away from Christ. But Hermogenes rather came to the Faith of Christ because of the miracles wrought by Saint Menas. Saints Menas, Eugraphus, and Hermogenes received the crown of martyrdom in the year 235.
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Δι ἐγκρατείας, τῶν παθῶν τὰς πυριφλέκτους…
Since they had slain through their abstinence and struggles the fiery ragings and fierce motions of the passions, the staunch Martyrs of Christ God laid hold on the graces to drive off the pains and illnesses of the sick and work wonders both while living and after death. Strange indeed is the miracle! That these bare bones should pour forth such overflowing streams of cures. Glory be to our only God.
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 Third Mode
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον…
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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 St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 6:10-17
Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Gospel Reading
Luke 13:10-17
At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” As He said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him.
Baby Blessings
Alexis and Jared Donato present Gia for the 40 day blessing.
Alexander and Dianez Lycouris present Eliana for the 40 day blessing.
Shopping for Jesus: Nothing Wrong with Re-gifting!
While many ‘celebrate’ Christmas, is Christ Himself at the forefront of the festivities? Is His coming into the world—with all of its magnificent consequences—pondered, bringing joy into the hearts of those who confess Him as Lord? The period can easily devolve into an annual excuse for lavish get-togethers and opulent gift exchanges—basically, celebrations of hollow excess. When we confess, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” (John 3:16) we understand that any gift-giving during the season should be in the spirit of God’s never-ending philanthropy. Anything we ‘give’ was first given to us from God. Therefore, we are simply re-gifting the blessings we’ve received! Like the Magi, we are also to offer gifts to the Savior in ways particular to our capabilities—remembering the family member, the friend, the stranger, and—especially—the least of our brethren through loving gestures of prayer, goodwill, and material generosity. Christ tells us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” (Acts 20:35) and in reflecting His love at Christmas, we give back to His Church, His people, and His creation, offering ourselves as loyal subjects of Him—the newborn King! At the Vesperal Hymns of Christmas, we hear:
What shall we offer you, O Christ?
Who for our sake appeared on earth as a human?
Every creature made by you offers you thanksgiving,
The angels offer you a hymn,
The heavens, a star,
The magi, gifts,
The shepherds, their wonder,
The earth, its cave,
The wilderness, a manger,
And we offer to you a Virgin Mother.
Together, make a list of all the things that God has blessed your family with. Consider how you can use these gifts to give back to Him this Christmas season. This can involve using your time, talents, and treasures as loving, humble offerings on behalf of Christ the Lord. So what will you give?
From https://www.goarch.org/-/celebrating-the-nativity-as-a-family
Announcements
Candle Prices
As of Sunday, December 3rd, the cost of the 7-day glass candle increased to $10. The cost of the 15″ tall beeswax candle increased to $5.00.
Feast Day of St. Spyridon the Wonderworker
Tuesday, December 12. Orthros 9:am; Divine Liturgy 10:00am.
Philoptochos Baked Goods Preorders
Vasilopitas that were Preordered will be available for pick up on Sundays, December 10th and 17th after church in the Kandaras Hall. Others will be sold on the 10th and 17th or until the supply is exhausted.
St. Demetrios Christmas Pageant and Party
Saturday, December 9th.
Holiday Orders
As the holidays are fast approaching now is the time to put in your order for Vasilopita and Finikia/Melomakarona. Order your Holiday Goodies today.
GOYA Fundraiser
Saint Demetrios Fence Project- Fall 2023
The time has finally come to fence in our property.
Our plan at this time is to close off our property with a 6-foot-high steel fence. There will be four entry gates some or all of which will ultimately be motorized for ease of use.
As part of this project, we will have to redo the festival outdoor electrical system. The motorized fence will have to tap into this system for power. The current electrical infrastructure is approximately 20 years old and has critical salt corrosion problems. Our concern is that it may experience a critical failure during a festival that could lead to a complete festival loss.
The price tag for all this will be $350,000. Our community has already collected $227,000 for the fence. These funds have primarily come from the William and Bridget Eaton Partalis Charitable Remainder Unitrust and The Dina Hatzikostantis Estate. The Parish Council also intends to use the 2023 Partalis Family Lead Trust gift of approximately $27,000 for the fence project.
This leaves our community responsible for raising the remaining $100,000.
Please help us as we continue our endeavor to rebuild our parish. Your gift will help Saint Demetrios continue its mission of offering liturgical services, sacraments and programs that cultivate spiritual growth, strengthen families, and transform lives.
FESTIVAL Volunteers 2024…WELCOME BACK to one of ST DEMETRIOS’ BEST FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES & FUNDRAISER!
Volunteer Today in the South Narthex…Food Prep * Setting up & Decorating * Cashiers * Bakery * Greek Coffee
Volunteer Table * Parking & Golf Carts Drivers * Food Line Server * GYRO * Loukoumades * Greek Grocery * Admissions
Bar * Greek Grill Saganaki Loukaniko * Kitchen Team *
There’s Great Joy getting to know your church family during festival time!
Festival 2024 Sponsorship Opportunities
St. Demetrios 2024 Walking Saints Pilgrimage
For information, contact:
aleka@insiderstours.com
Book here https://bookme.name/InsidersToursInc/lite/st-demetrios-2024-walking-saints-pilgrimage-deposit
Stewardship Form
Please fill out a year 2023 pledge form by clicking here https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/ Or download this form, fill out both sides completely and return it to the office. Thank you!
Calendar
Saturday 12/9
6:30pm Christmas Pageant and Party
Sunday 12/10
8:30am/9:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Holy Communion Sunday School followed by Dance
1:15pm Bible Study
Monday 12/11
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’ & Adult Beginner in person
7:00pm Intermediate Modern Greek over Google Meet
Tuesday 12/12 Feast Day of St. Spyridon the Wonderworker
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
Thursday 12/14
10:30am Philoptochos meeting
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
Sunday 12/17
8:30am/9:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Holy Communion Sunday School followed by Dance
After Liturgy Parish Council election
1:15pm Bible Study
