The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, March 17th, 2024
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Sunday, March 17th, 2024
Forgiveness Sunday
he Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam’s exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today’s Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.
Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland
Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, “After I came to Ireland – every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed – the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm.” After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, “my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord – so many thousands of people,” he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much “weariness and painfulness,” long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.
Liturgical Guide
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος…
From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.
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 Second Mode
Τῆς σοφίας ὁδηγέ…
O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, “O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen.”
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.
The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4
Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 6:14-21
The Lord said, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Memorial Prayer
Mary Pieri (1 year) survived by her husband Costa, her children Chrisoulla, Coulla and Tony, her siblings Georgia, Andreas and Victor, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Trisagion Prayer
Robyn Pappas (7 years) survived by her husband Andy.
Baby Blessing
John and Charlotte Xanthos, together with big sisters Athena and Kalliope, present Ariadne for her 40 day blessing.
Announcements
Coffee Hour
In her memory, the family of Mary Pieri has sponsored the coffee hour.
Agape Luncheon
You are cordially invited to the Agape luncheon on March 19, 2024. Doors will open at 11:30 AM. Entrance $10.00. Snacks, wine, soda and water will start the event. Chef Nick Manos, sous chef Bessie Manos and their able crew will prepare a sumptuous Lenten repast of fish, baked potatoes à la grec, etc. Dessert and ice-cream will follow. Please come and bring a friend.
PapCorps
Wednesday March 20th – Pap Corps Chapter meeting 3PM
Scholarship News
Applications for the Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship for students enrolled in higher education as well as applications for St. Stephen’s Summer Camp are open. More information about the Dr. Tzitsikas Scholarship can be found on the St. Demetrios website www.stdemetrios.org. 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)
It’s important to note that applications for St. Stephen’s Camp open on March 28th.
Scholarship applications are available online at the St. Demetrios website under the heading of “Ministries” or call the Church Office 954-467-1515 Monday – Thursday. Deadlines for all applications are May 15, 2024.
St. Demetrios Parish Oratorical Festival
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Event held on February 25, 2024
Dance Advisory Committee Election
Dance Advisory Committee elections: On April 7, 2024 , the committee will hold elections for two seats. The term for the position is two years. You need to have a child/grandchild enrolled in the dance program, to be eligible to join the committee. Parishioners who meet the eligibility requirements and would like to join the committee, please contact Kiki in the church office. You are more than welcome to speak with any of the current committee members, Christina Tsekeris, Danielle Smith, Christa Fitzgerald, Joy Catsicas, Maria Papastamatis, Ana Visvardis, and Eva Galouzis, if you would like more information about what the DAC does.
Sunday of Orthodoxy Service
You’re invited to sing with the St. Demetrios Choir on Sunday, March 24 for the Sunday of Orthodoxy Service. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday, March 17 immediately following liturgy and also on Wednesday, March 20 at 11 AM in the choir loft. Please join us! For more information contact Athena Loucas at 203-962-2992.
Church Grounds Cleanup
Join us on Saturday, March 30 at 8:30am to help beautify our church grounds in anticipation of our celebration of Pascha. Many hands make light work!
BINGO
Saturday, March 30, at 12:00 noon. Doors open at11:30am. Many gift prizes, 50/50 raffle, plus refreshments. Join us for a relaxing afternoon of fun, family, friends, & food. Get 2 BINGO cards for $7.00 at the door. Supporting Feeding South Florida and Covenant House. Invite your neighbors and friends. Sponsored by Philoptochos.
See you on Saturday, March 30, at 11:30am.
Book Signing
Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida cordially invites you to a book signing afternoon featuring author Theodore Pitsios and his latest book “Walking in the light”. The book “a man’s Odyssey to redefine home” has been highly praised by the press.
On March 30th @3:30pm join us, enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, delectable bites and lively conversation with Theodore. Free event. Books will be available for sale. Funds raised will support Philoptohos’ and the Society’s programs.
Prosfora Baking
We invite anyone who knows how to make prosforo to please do so. Thank you for your offering.
FESTIVAL 2024 SUCCESS THANKS TO EACH OF YOU!
We are shining the FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT on some of the heroes behind the scenes: Stacy Vezos, Jimmy Tsekeris, Emmy Louvaris, and Kalli Vlamis along with their dedicated staff of volunteers. Their extraordinary efforts ensured that guests were treated to a culinary experience surpassing even the highest standards of the best restaurants.
Emmy’s adept management skills kept the kitchen operations running smoothly, working closely with Chef Jimmy to orchestrate a seamless flow of delicious meals letting Chef Jimmy circulate the event to ensure every dish was up to par. Stacy is extraordinary! Under the most strenuous challenges, this woman remained committed to her responsibilities to ensure every part she had a hand in was executed to perfection! Stacy utilized her masterful negotiation skills, honed over years of professional experience and service to St. Demetrios, to handle the intricate ordering and with Emmy & Jimmy, the trio and months of meticulous planning, negotiating, and menu crafting, lay the groundwork for this festival masterpiece. From ordering to diligent preparation and cooking, every step was executed with precision! The kitchen staff, including Anne Nicholas, Eva Planakis, Sue & Andy Carmona, Tracey Hogan, Tara Bakatselos, John, Pauline & Peter Loupasakis, Paul Vrotsos, Don Swift, Dimitrios Tsekeris, Chris Siegel, Peter Synoyiannis, John Bertakis, Nick Manos, and George Brokalakis, worked long days, handled hot treys, manned the ovens, cut, diced, sautéed and stirred tirelessly to ensure that each morsel represented the artistry of Greek cuisine. This is great crew returns year after year to cook and celebrate the festival together with their kitchen traditions that may involve a round or two of tsikoudia or tequila shots!
As for Kalli Vlamis, well this talented woman wears many hats during festival season enhancing any lane she steps into. The Kalli focus today, however is on her masterful scheduling of all of the festival exhibitions and tours, in addition to personally curating the Cooking exhibition. Kalli arranged for a Ravani & Koulourakia demo prepared expertly by our very own Stacy Simitses. She also involved Bessi Manos and her delicate diples crating skill leaving guests intrigued by the artistry and flavors. Finally, Kalli arranged for Emmy to pop out of the kitchen to demo delicious Galaktobouriko, amazing baklava, Melamakarona and baklava with talented daughter Elenie Louvaris offering guests a delicious Greek pastry experience.
The efforts of Kalli, Stacy, Jimmy, Emmy and their amazing teams extend beyond the behind the scenes activities of the kitchen. Their collective dedication and passion for our cultural heritage infused every dish with the spirit of the festival, creating an unforgettable experience for all. Let these wonderful volunteers know how much you appreciate their ongoing contribution to the success of Saint Demetrios.
Hellenic Cultural Society News
- The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago and the Hellenic Cultural Society will collaborate on the Society’s South Florida Oral History Project. The goal of the project is to record and preserve the stories of Greek American immigrants (or their descendants). The recordings will be preserved at the National Hellenic Museum’s Collections and Archives Center.
For more info please contact Stavroula Christodoulou isapaul@aol.com or Malvina Currie malvina@hcssfl.org.
Educational Seminar
The whole community is invited to attend.
Stewardship Year 2024
Please fill out a year 2024 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
Thursday 3/14
6:00pm Philoptochos meeting
7:00pm – 9:00pm Advanced Greek-zoom
Saturday 3/16 Saturday of Souls
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
Sunday 3/17
8:30am/9:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy followed by Forgiveness prayer
After Communion Sunday School
After Liturgy Choir practice
Monday 3/18 Clean Monday-Lent begins
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’
& Adult Beginner
7:00pm Intermediate Greek -Google Meet
Tuesday 3/19
11:30am Agape Luncheon
Wednesday 3/20
11:00am Choir practice
3:00pm Pap Corps meeting
Thursday 3/21
7:00pm – 9:00pm Advanced Greek-zoom
Friday 3/22
7:00pm Salutations Service
8:00pm Light Lenten dinner
9:00pm GOYA Lock-in
Saturday 3/23 Saturday of Souls
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
Sunday 3/24
8:30am/9:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
After Liturgy Annunciation and Greek Independence Day Celebration
Monday 3/25 The Feast of the Annunciation
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’
& Adult Beginner
7:00pm Intermediate Greek -Google Meet
