The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
We are live streaming our services.
Visit https://stdemetrios.org/ where a link to the broadcast can be found.
We wish all of you a blessed Christmas.
Services for the Nativity will take place on Christmas Eve.
Orthros at 4:30pm followed by the Divine Liturgy at 5:30pm
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Sunday before the Nativity
Anastasia the Great Martyr
This Saint, who was from Rome, was a most comely, wealthy, and virtuous maiden, the daughter of Praepextatus and Fausta. It was her mother who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. The Saint was joined to a man named Publius Patricius, who was prodigal in life and impious in disposition, but she was widowed after a short time. Henceforth, she went about secretly to the dwellings of the poor and the prisons where the Martyrs of Christ were, and brought them whatever was needed for their daily subsistence. She washed their wounds and loosed them from their fetters, and consoled them in their anguish. Also, because the Saint, through her intercessions, has healed many from the ill effects of spells, potions, poisons, and other harmful substances, she has received the name “Deliverer from Potions.” Since the fame of her deeds had spread about, she was arrested by Diocletian’s minions, and after enduring many torments she was put to death by fire in the year 290
Liturgical Guide
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων…
Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Nativity in the Fourth Mode
Ετοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ, ήνοικται πάσιν η Εδέμ…
Be thou ready, Bethlehem, Eden hath opened unto all. Ephratha, prepare thyself, for now, behold, the Tree of life hath blossomed forth in the cave from the Holy Virgin. Her womb hath proved a true spiritual Paradise, wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, and as we eat thereof we shall all live, and shall not die as did Adam. For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen aforetime.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Sunday before Nativity in the Second Mode
Μεγάλα τὰ τῆς πίστεως κατορθώματα!
Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the Three Holy Children rejoiced. And the Prophet Daniel proved a shepherd of lions as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
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. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.
The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 11:9-10; 32-40
BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God.And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated – of whom the world was not worthy – wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 1:1-25
The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
Trisagion Prayer
Zacharias Haralambis (19 years) survived by his wife Clara Haralambis and by their children and grandchildren.
Nikolas, Maria, George, George, Mariafather and mother, brother, nephew, and friend of Clara Haralambis.
Baby Blessing
Stephanie and Marcelo Vila present baby Dean for the forty day blessing.
Elena Haralambis and Nicholas Murch present Avery for the forty day blessing.
Announcements
Election to the Parish Council
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, stewards in good standing are asked to please vote.
There are 6 nominated candidates for 5 positions on the Parish Council.
These are the nominees:
- George Georgakakis– My name is George Georgakakis. I have served on the Parish Council for 17 years. I served as PC President for 7 years. I have attended Saint Demetrios since January 1972. I was involved with both GOYA, the Kamaria dance group and the Sons of Pericles in the 1980’s. I am a board certified otolaryngologist practicing in Fort Lauderdale for the past 23 years. My favorite ice cream flavor is butter pecan. I also like puppies.
- Ted Krekoukis – Ted Krekoukis and his family learned the importance of giving back to their community through the example of their parents and grandparents. Ted graduated as Salutatorian from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. During his youth, he was actively involved in GOYA and the Boy Scouts of America. Ted pursued a career in technology, where his love of education & technology merged, leading the product team that created the Barnes & Noble NOOK e-Reading devices. After relocating to Florida, Ted and his family became proud members of the vibrant St. Demetrios parish. Since then, he has served on the Stewardship Committee and as a GOYA youth advisor. Additionally, Ted is a key member of the small team that organizes the district youth Olympics, which brings together hundreds of South Florida youth for a weekend of sports and ministry at St. Demetrios.
- Alex Papastamatis – Alex Papastamatis was born in New Jersey and moved to South Florida in 1979 with his parents and his brother, where they quickly became parishioners of St. Demetrios Church. His father served on the Parish Council and is a recipient of the Archangel Michael Award. This is Alex’s 2nd time on the Parish Council and he also leads the newly-formed Stewardship Committee and is a GOYA advisor. He has a strong background in marketing, communication, and events and has worked for some exciting Fortune 500 companies including Coca-Cola, NBC Universal, Comcast Advertising, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Alex is married to Maria, a registered nurse, and they have a 17-year-old daughter, Christina – both who are also very involved in the Church. Alex enjoys travelling and photography and he looks forward to further serving the St. Demetrios community.
- Stavros Pavlides – My name is Stavros Pavlides. I was born and raised in Cyprus and moved to South Florida for work in 2011. Since then I have been a parishioner of St. Demetrios church. I am married to Talia and together we are blessed with two children, Leonidas and Athena. I am a board-certified veterinarian specializing in Emergency and Critical Care.
- Garry Paxinos – I have been a lifelong member of St. Demetrios Church, where I have been blessed to serve in various capacities throughout the years. It has been an honor to serve on the parish council several times, and I am grateful for the opportunity to currently serve as its President. Additionally, I have the privilege of serving as a Liturgical Assistant, a role that deepens my connection to our faith and the spiritual life of our community. I am committed to supporting the growth and vitality of St. Demetrios and fostering a welcoming environment for all parishioners. Professionally, my background is in technology, with expertise spanning hardware and software design, as well as system architecture. Over the years, I have contributed to diverse fields, including medical imaging, nuclear power plant control systems, television technology, and military/aerospace systems. My current work focuses on innovative solutions for cruise lines and for our military. I bring this broad experience to my role in the parish, offering technical and organizational insights to support the continued development and success of our church community.
- Katherine Ziegler – Kathy Ziegler is a long-time parishioner of St. Demetrios Church where she has served on the Parish Council for several years. She has been indispensable as Chairperson of our annual Silent Auction. Kathy has served as a teacher in our Sunday School program. She was an educator for many years and is a proud mother and grandmother.
Philoptochos Christmas Orders
If you have ordered melomakarona or vasilopita please pick up your order on Sundays in the church hall. If you have not ordered we have plenty to sell. You can purchase what you need on Sundays.
Stewardship
We thank those who have pledged to St. Demetrios Church for year 2024!
Please take a look to see if you have paid or are paying installments on your financial commitment.
You can make payments on your existing pledge here https://stdemetrios.org/make-a-donation/ by choosing “Stewardship” from the dropdown menu.
If you have not pledged for year 2024, you can still do so here https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/
Thank you!
Prosforo
Anyone who is able to bake prosforo please do so. Don’t forget to also bring the names of your living and deceased for the proskomidi prayer.
Grief and the Holiday Blues
Please join us in our annual workshop where we gather to find mutual support in coping with the sadness of missing loved ones who are no longer with us to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. So many of us experience grief in the midst of the joy of this special season. Come find the encouragement to express these feelings in a safe environment.
When: Sunday, December 22 at 1:00pm
Where: The Sanctuary
The workshop will be facilitated by Isabella Christodoulou, LCSW
FORT LAUDERDALE GREEK FESTIVAL 2025
How about the great new festival logo! Alex Papastamatis, Kathe Vezos Milner and their marketing team made this possible. You’re also seeing Erin Ryan’s festival posts on social media and a greater presence with digital marketing at the hand of volunteer, Michael Karavolos. These folks continue to contribution through festival weekend as well. Alex volunteers with Tony Planakis in Gyro or he’ll be serving at the Bar with John Simitses. You may catch Michael volunteering there as well.. Erin jumps in and volunteers where needed! Where will you jump in and volunteer during THE FOUR DAYS OF FESTIVAL?
Recently you read about Dorothy. She expressed her gratitude to our church family for the heartfelt joy she experienced at our festival and made a generous donation to our community. You also read about Karyl, our Loukoumades Queen, Paula, with church tours and Melissa, our festival decorator and her volunteering at Gyro with her entire family! You may be inspired to signup with any of the teams spotlighted here or perhaps you’ll signup for more than one to include the Bakery or the Greek Grocery Store.
Sign up for the Bakery and you’ll volunteer with Lisa Marie Pedonomou, and her team of the most delightful ladies of our community. Lisa shares, “I do this because I feel that St. Demetrios is like my family. And as family we work together to contribute something meaningful to our community and show our gratitude to God.” If you choose to signup for the Greek Grocery, you will encounter the amusing energy of a very qualified Mona Kapakos and her dedicated team. Mona says, “St. Demetrios is our home away from home and our extended family in Christ. Giving of oneself is the most rewarding thing in life, whether we are qualified or not for the task at hand. But that’s because I am crazy, I like taking on jobs that I’m totally unqualified.”
HOW ABOUT YOU? SIGN UP TODAY AND CREATE YOUR UNIQUE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE.
Jan 30 to Feb 2, 2025, St Demetrios will host The Ft. Lauderdale GREEK FESTIVAL. Take a few minutes before you exit the church this morning, and sign up in real time and in real life. Meet in person, face to face, more of the very people who are in this church family with you. Be the first to welcome guests and guide them through our VIP Parking Lot, Support the behind the scenes with the Set Up of each area . Welcome guests and process them through Admissions. Sign Up to be a part of the Guest Services/Volunteer table where guests upon entering the big tent are introduced to a beautiful display of Orthodox icons, incense and items significant to Orthodoxy; and you greet and meet volunteers as you support them through the process of getting started in their area each day. Loads of great interaction. Cashiers (Cashless) get to experience different areas and work with a variety of great people. There’s also more behind the scenes volunteering in the well run Kitchen or out front serving in any of the food areas. VOLUNTEER TODAY and connect. Experience how your contribution makes this a better place for everyone, and for you.
Festival Sponsorship Opportunities
Stewardship Year 2024
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/.
Calendar
Sunday 12/22
8:45am/9:45am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Holy Communion Sunday School
After Liturgy Parish Council Election
After Liturgy Grief Session
After Sunday School Dance Practice
Tuesday 12/24
4:30pm/5:30pm Orthros and Divine Liturgy of the Nativity
Wednesday 12/25 Holy Nativity
Sunday 12/29
8:45am/9:45am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
