The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, March 19, 2023
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March 19, 2023
Sunday of the Holy Cross
With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.
Liturgical Guide
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον…
Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers’ lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Sunday of the Holy Cross in the First Mode
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου…
Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.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 4:14-16; 5:1-6
BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; as he says also in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
Gospel Reading
The reading is from St. Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
The Lord said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”
Announcements
Thank You!
Thanks to our generous parishioners, the flowers to decorate the icon of the Theotokos for the Salutations and for the feast of the Annunciation and the flowers for Sunday of the Holy Cross are donated.
Palm Sunday Palms
Any donations towards the $452 cost of palms would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Pap Corps Chapter Meeting
March 22 – 3PM
Oratorical Festival (grades 7-12)
Our parish Oratorical Festival took place on Sunday, March 12th following liturgy.
Congratulations to all the children who prepared and presented their speaches.
Marian Zaden and Anastasia Cusmano will represent St. Demetrios at the district level festival on April 1.
Upcoming Liturgical Services
Salutations Service at 7:00pm on 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 donors, there is no admission fee.
St. Stephen’ s Camp
For Camper registration, Staff Applications, and donation opportunities
visit https://atlmetropolis.org/summer-2023. Application opens March 29.
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 3/17
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
Monday 3/20
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’ & Adult Beginner in person
6:30pm-7:30pm Intermediate Modern Greek – Google Meet
Tuesday 3/21
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
Wednesday 3/22
3:00pm Pap Corps meeting
Thursday 3/23
7:00pm Advanced Modern Greek-zoom
Friday 3/24
7:00pm Vespers
Saturday 3/25 Annunciation of the Theotokos
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
7:00pm March 25 Celebration
Sunday 3/26
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School and Little Lambs
1:15pm Bible Study
4:00pm-6:00pm Hope/Joy family activity day at Dottie Mancini Park
