The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, December 3rd, 2023
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December 3rd, 2023
14th Sunday of Luke
The Prophet Zephaniah (Sophonias) was a contemporary of the Prophet Jeremiah and the Prophetess Oldama. He was from the tribe of Simeon, and was the ninth of the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. The prophet lived at the royal court, where he preached repentance and helped King Josiah eliminate idol-worship.
He prophesied about the calamities that were to come for the people of Judea and the surrounding regions: Gaza, Ascalon, Crete, and against the Moabites, the Ammonites and the Ninevites.
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 of America
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. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 5:8-19
Brethren, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
Gospel Reading
Luke 18:35-43
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Memorial Prayer
Perry Stamm (40 days) survived by his children Andrew, Ashley and Amanda, his grandson Leo, his mother Pauline, and his siblings Anthony and Pamela.
Trisagion Prayer
Malama “Molly” Clidas (8 years) and John Clidas (20 years) survived by their children John, Michael, and Mary and by 4 grandchildren.
Baby Blessing
Parents Amelia and Michael Yianilos and big sister Sophia Beatrice present Marina Thalia for the 40 day blessing.
Announcements
Coffee Hour
In loving memory of Perry Stamm, the Stamm family has sponsored the coffee hour.
Candle Prices
As of Sunday, December 3rd, the cost of the 7-day glass candle will increase to $10. The cost of the 15″ tall beeswax candle will increase to $5.00.
General Assembly
The Parish Council invites you to participate in the decision making process of our church community by taking part in the discussion, on Sunday, December 3rd, during the General Assembly.
According to the By-Laws of the Archdiocese, in order to participate you must be in good standing.
Definition of Good Standing: A parishioner in good standing practices all the religious and moral duties of the Orthodox Faith is eighteen years of age or over and is current in his or her stewardship and other financial obligations to the Parish. New parishioners may participate if they have been parishioners in good standing for at least three months.
Vespers for the Feast of St. Nicholas
Join Fr. Peter at Hierarchal Vespers on Tuesday, January 5th at 6:00pm at:
St. Nicholas Church
2525 South 25th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
Bishop Sebastianos will preside
Philoptochos News
THANK YOU!
Philoptochos would like to sincerely thank all those who, in one way or another, supported the Thanksgiving bake sale.
We would also like to acknowledge the generous donations from Greek Pastries & Deli, Lester’s Diner and Peter Pan Diner.
With everyone’s help we had a record breaking sale making over twice as much as last year.
Thank you again and may God bless you and your loved ones with an abundance of health, happiness and success in all your endeavors.
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
Sunday 12/3
8:30am/9:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Holy Communion Sunday School followed by Dance
After Liturgy General Assembly
PapCorps Cancer Fighting Sunday
1:15pm Bible Study
Monday 12/4
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’ & Adult Beginner in person
7:00pm Intermediate Modern Greek over Google Meet
Tuesday 12/5
6:00pm Hierarchal Vespers at St. Nicholas, Ft. Pierce
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
7:00pm AHEPA meeting
Wednesday 12/6
6:30pm DOP meeting
Thursday 12/7
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
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
