The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, March 16th, 2025
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Sunday, March 16, 2025
Sunday of St. 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 First Mode
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι…
Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.
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 Orthdoxy, 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 First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
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
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
Vasiliki Koutroulakis (3 months) Survived by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Mary Pieri (2 years) Survived by her husband Costa, her children, grandchildren, and siblings.
Trisagion Prayer
Robyn Pappas (8 years) Survived by her husband Andy and her nieces and nephews.
Baby Blessing
Panayiotis Kouzoukas and Kaili de Seixas present Yianni for the 40 day blessing.
Announcements
Coffee Hour
- In loving memory of Robyn Pappas, her husband Andy has co-sponsored the coffee hour.
- In loving memory of Mary Pieri, her husband Costa and family have co-sponsored the coffee hour.
GOYA News
3/16: GOYA Bake Sale Today.
Salutations Services At 7:00pm on Fridays, March 14th, March 21st, March 28th, and the Akathist Hymn on April 4th.
Agape Luncheon
You are cordially invited to the Agape luncheon at 11:30 AM on Tuesday 3/18/25. Chef Manos, sous chef Bessie Manos, salad specialist Eva Planakis and their able crew will prepare a tasty Lenten meal. Entrance fee $10.00 includes snacks, soda, coffee and dessert. Please come and invite a friend.
Καλη Σαρακωστή και Καλό Πάσχα
Church clean up
Church clean up day March 29, 2024 at 8:30am
Commemoration of March 25, 1821
The Greek School at St. Demetrios will commemorate this important historical event on Sunday 3/23/25 on the Solea following the Divine liturgy.
Altar Help Wanted
Father Peter needs help in the altar on Sundays and with Sacraments. Compensation is available subject to ability and time provided. If interested and for more information, please speak with Fr. Peter or a Parish Council member.
SCHOLARSHIP NEWS – APPLICATIONS OPEN
The Scholarship Committee manages the application, selection and award process for young people who are part of the St. Demetrios Church congregation. Funding for scholarships come from fundraising events, donations and estate endowments:
· Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Endowed Scholarship – for students enrolled in higher education. Must meet requirements established by estate.
· Three Hierarchs Scholarship – established by Drs. Anthony & Joyce Kales for graduating high school seniors enrolled in higher education and in the 10% of their class ranking. Must meet requirements established for this scholarship.
· St. Demetrios Award of Excellence – monetary awards to students enrolled in higher education as funding permits.
· Mary Kandaras Scholarship – supports tuition for 2 students to attend St. Stephen’s Summer Camp.
· Philoptochos Scholarship – The Saint Elpis Chapter of the Ladies Philoptochos supports tuition for 1 student to attend St. Stephen’s summer Camp.
.Applications for the Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship, as well as applications for St. Stephen’s Summer Camp are available on St. Demetrios website http://www.stdemetrios.org under the heading of “Ministries”. Information about St. Stephen’s Camp can be found on their website St. Stephen’s Summer Camp – Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta – Atlanta, GA (atlmetropolis.org). Applications for St. Stephen’s Camp open on March 20th.
Applications for the Three Hierarchs Scholarship will be available online. Presently, hard copies of the application are available at the Church Office 954-467-1515 Monday – Thursday. Or, download the application below.
Previous award recipients may reapply, however new applicants will be given preference.
Deadlines for all applications are May 15, 2025.
Stewardship
We remind everyone to pledge for year 2025. Please send in the stewardship form you received in the mail or pledge here https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/
Thank you!
KEEP THE FAST AND SHARE THE FOOD
Again this year, we will be collecting non- perishable foods for Feeding South Florida. Shopping bags will be made available for your donations on March 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. Donations may be dropped off in the South Narthex or Kandaris hall. If you prefer you can donate cash as every dollar donated means 9 meals can be provided to those in need. Donations can also be made online at https://ladies-philoptochos-of st-demetrios.square.site/
Food item needed are:Cereal, Oatmeal, all canned meats, fruit & veggies. Peanut butter & jellies. Rice, pasta, pasta sauces and any shelf stable canned or bottled foods.
Philoptochos News
General Meeting Due to unexpected circumstances, the Philoptochos General Meeting for March is being rescheduled to Wednesday March 19th at 6pm. The doors will open at 5:30 and the meeting will start promptlyy at 6pm. Thank you to Daylight Savings Time we will still enjoy some daylight by the time the meeting is finished. Light Lenten refreshments will be served. Hope to see many of your smiling faces there. Any questions call Juanita at 954-257-7843 if no answer please leave a message and I will respond as soon as possible.
SAVE-THE-DATE: Thursday evening, May 15th. Learn more about Alzheimer and Dementia! Details to follow. Kandaras Hall, Sponsored by Philoptochos. See Athena or Juanita.
Sunday March 23rd is the Sunday of the Holy Cross. As part of our Philanthropic Mission, Philoptochos will be accepting donations for Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology Lenten Event Fund. As you know this College prepares your sons, grandsons and nephews to be educated as priests and teachers. We invite you to contribute to this most important mission.
BINGO…SATURDAY, MARCH 15, AT 12 NOON. Doors open at 11:30am. Join us for the WINTER BINGO Games.
Get 2 BINGO cards at the door for $7.00. Many gift prizes, 50/50 raffle, plus refreshments. Supporting Covenant House and other local charities. Invite your neighbors and friends. Join us for a relaxing afternoon of fun, family, friends, & food!! Sponsored by Philoptochos. See you on Saturday, MARCH 15TH, at 11:30am.
St. Demetrios Church Youth Ministries 2024-2025 School Year
Calendar
Friday 3/14
7:00pm Salutations
8:30pm Light Lenten Dinner
Saturday 3/15
11:30am BINGO
Sunday 3/16
8:45am/9:45am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
After Liturgy GOYA Bake Sale
Monday 3/17
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek School
7:00pm Intermediate Greek-Online
Tuesday 3/18
11:30am Agape Luncheon
Wednesday 3/19
6:00pm Philoptochos Meeting
Thursday 3/20
7:00pm-9:00pm Advanced Greek-Online
Friday 3/21
7:00pm Salutations
8:45am/9:45am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
After Liturgy March 25, 1821 Commemoration
