The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, March 12, 2023
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March 12, 2023
Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas
This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.
His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.
Liturgical Guide
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου…
Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ
Light of Orthodoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.
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
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια...
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: “Hail, unwedded bride!”
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3
IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end.” But to what angel has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?” Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Mark 2:1-12
At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”-he said to the paralytic-“I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Memorial Prayer
Barbara Karayeanes Westlake (3 years) survived by her sister Mary Ciuffo.
Trisagion Prayer
Ludmila Petrovna Lukina (2 years) survived by her daughters Olga Christodoulou (Paul), Anastasia Kazuc (Sergei), Yekaterina Lukina, and her grandchildren Eddie, Janice, Andrew, Lev, and Eva.
Constantine Lycouris survived by son Stephen and grandsons Alexander and Constantine.
Announcements
Thank You!
Thank you to all who donated flowers to have the icon of the Theotokos decorated for the Salutations and for the feast of the Annunciation.
Flowers for Sunday of the Holy Cross
Sunday, March 19 is the Sunday of the Holy Cross. The cost of the flowers is $175. Any donations towards that cost would be greatly appreciated.
Lenten Supper
Philoptochos will offer a Lenten supper after Saluations on Friday, March 10. Please join us.
Church Grounds Cleanup
Join us at 8:30am on Saturday, March 11th. We’re asking that anyone who can come and help come and lend us a hand as we prepare the church for Pascha.
Oratorical Festival (grades 7-12)
Date: Sunday, March 12th following liturgy in the church. All children should be prepared to read their essays. Parents are welcome to watch. Parent volunteers are needed to assist with preparing snacks/light lunch for the children prior to the event. If you can assist, please email Danielle Smith at Dani.n.smith10@gmail.com or text me at 954-478-3860.
Topics and guideline have been shared in Sunday School. Further information can be found on website It is https://www.goarch.org/-/oratorical-festival-2023. Bibles and resources are also available for check out if needed.
Winners will move forward to the district festival which will take place on April 1.
Upcoming Liturgical Services
Salutations Service at 7:00pm on March 10, March 17 and March 31
For the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos
Friday, March 24 Vespers at 7:00pm and Saturday, March 25 Orthros at 9:00am/Divine Liturgy at 10:00am
March 25th Celebration
March 25 is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence of 1821. Come join us Saturday, March 25, at 7:00pm to celebrate this joyful day.
A dinner of shrimp with sherry cream sauce over rice will be served as DJ Mike Haralambis plays Greek Tunes. Thanks to our anonymous donor, there is no admission fee.
Keep the Fast/ Share the Food
Help Philoptochos feed the hungry by bringing a bag of canned goods to church. Pick up a bag and list on your way out of church. Or donate online at https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/ Feeding South Florida provides 9 meals to people in our community for every $1 we donate.
“While fasting with the body, o brethren, let us also fast in spirit; let us loosen every connection with injustice… Let us give bread to the hungry and introduce into our house the poor who have no roof to cover them, that we may receive from Christ our God the great mercy.” From the first Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified gifts of Lent.
Philoptochos is selling tsourecki, koulourakia and melomakarona until April 2. Please support our ministries by buying your Pascha baked goods from us. We are taking orders online and in the hall, so order yours now. https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/
St. Demetrios Church Pilgrimage to Greece June 16-26
Save The Date – April 22 & Walk with Us for the Cure
Choir
JOIN US IF YOU CAN SING 🎶
We are looking for new members in the St. Demetrios Choir. We’d love to have you join us! Please see Chanters Alex or Athena for more information. Thank you!
Stewardship
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
Friday 3/10
7:00pm Salutations to the Theotokos
8:00pm Lenten Supper prepared by Philoptochos
Saturday 3/11
8:30am Church Grounds Cleanup
Sunday 3/12
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School and Little Lambs
After Liturgy Oratorical Festival
1:15pm Bible Study
Monday 3/13
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’ & Adult Beginner in person
6:30pm-7:30pm Intermediate Modern Greek – Google Meet
Tuesday 3/14
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
Thursday 3/16
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
Friday 3/17
7:00pm Salutations to the Theotokos
Saturday 3/18
9:00am DOP Meeting
11:30am BINGO
Sunday 3/19 Sunday of the Holy Cross
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School and Little Lambs
1:15pm Bible Study
