The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, February 1st, 2026
We are live streaming our services.
Visit https://stdemetrios.org/ where a link to the broadcast can be found.
Parking for Liturgy Sunday, February 1st
Please park at Holiday Park in the areas designated for the Festival.
A complimentary shuttle will start running at 9:30am
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they “did all their works to be seen of men” (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre’s sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.
Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.
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: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Meeting of the Lord in the First Mode
Ουράνιος χορός, ουρανίων αψίδων…
The Heavens’ choir looked down from the vaults of the Heavens, and gazing on the earth, they beheld with amazement the First-born of all creation brought forth as a suckling babe to the Temple by a pure and virginal mother; and with us, they now do sing a hymn for the Forefeast, astonished and full of awe.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Apolytikion for Martyr Trypho in the Fourth Mode
Ο Μάρτυς σου Κύριε, έν τή αθλήσει αυτού…
Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
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 Fourth Mode
῾Ως ἀγκάλας σήμερον, πιστοὶ καρδίας…
With our hearts instead of arms * today, believers, * with most pure and righteous thoughts * let us receive in our embrace * the Lord and Master who comes to us, * and let us offer our fore-festal hymns of praise.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 15.3,8.
Among the saints who are in his land, the Lord has been wondrous.
Verse: I see the Lord before me continually.
The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans 8:28-39
Brethren, we know that everything works for good with those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, “For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel Reading
Luke 18:10-14
The Lord said this parable, “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Announcements
Sunday School
There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on February 1st.
Oratorical Festival
The Oratorical Festival is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 22nd, following the church service.
The Sunday School currently seeking volunteers to assist with this event. Specifically, we are looking for individuals who have previously served as judges or participants, a timekeeper, and a sponsor to provide lunch for the attendees.If you are interested in assisting or would like further information, please contact Christina Cusmano at christinazumbacusmano@gmail.com.
Thank you for your consideration.
SAVE-THE-DATE: BINGO resumes on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 @ 11:30am
See you in the church hall!
As of December 2025 St. Demetrios Church will offer to prepare and serve a Traditional Mercy Luncheon (Makaria) in the church hall for family members who request it. For detailed information please call Diane Paxinos 954-304-5913, or Kiki Sergiou in the Church Office 954-467-1515.
Applications close February 14, 2026
WHEN: March 18-22, 2026
WHERE: Home 2 Suites Pompano Beach Pier (200 N. Ocean Blvd.)
COST: $299 (double occupancy) $499 (single occupancy) – travel expenses are NOT included
APPLICATION LINK: https://form.jotform.com/251764692259166
MORE INFO: https://crossroadinstitute.org/crossroad-2-0/
🇬🇷 FT. LAUDERDALE GREEK FESTIVAL Jan 29 – Feb 1, 2026
One of St. Demetrios’ best fellowship ministries & fundraisers —and YOU make it a success!
💙Where Tradition & Celebration Live 🇬🇷 Be Part of the Tradition – VOLUNTEER & CELEBRATE! 🇬🇷
Online Sign-Up is LIVE https://tinyurl.com/GREEKFESTIVALVOLUNTEER Festival Volunteers are in the Narthex and will assist you with the online sign up⛪
👩🍳 Volunteer Areas Include: Food Prep 🍲 • Festival Setup 🎪 • Cashiers 💵 • Yia Yia’s Greek Bakery 🍰 • Gyro Booth 🌯 • Greek Market 🛍️ • Loukoumades & Café ☕ • Greek Grill 🍢 • Hot Food Line 🍽️ • Admissions 🎟️ …and more! Let’s make this year’s Fort Lauderdale Greek Festival unforgettable!✨ Sign up – Be part of the fun! 🇬🇷 Meet friends, make new ones, and share our beautiful Greek Orthodox faith & culture ⛪
Calendar
5:00pm-10:00pm Festival
Friday 1/30
12:00noon-11:00pm Festival
Saturday 1/31
12:00noon-11:00pm Festival
Sunday 2/1
8:45am/9:45am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
After Liturgy -7:00pm Festival
