The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, March 24th, 2024
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Sunday, March 24th, 2024
Sunday of Orthodoxy
For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus’s death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: “If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema.” Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God’s forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.
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 Sunday of Orthodoxy in the Second Mode
Τὴν ἄχραντον Εἰκόνα σου προσκυνοῦμεν Ἀγαθέ…
We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.
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. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.
The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40
Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward.And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated — of whom the world was not worthy — wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Gospel Reading
John 1:43-51
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
Announcements
Holy Cross Hellenic College
On March 31st, after liturgy, Philoptochos will be accepting Lenten contributions for Holy Cross Hellenic College. HCHC is the intellectual, educational and spiritual formation center of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. They provide ordained and lay vocations for service to Church and society, based on faith. Your donation will assist future priests to reach their holy mission.
Feeding South Florida
Philoptochos will be dispensing paper bags for the annual collection for Feeding South Florida. We will be collecting donations of nonperishable food that will help provide food for the needy in Broward County. The collection dates will run from April through April 21st. Donated food can be left in a container located in the hall or with any Philoptochos member. Thank you for contributing to this wonderful foundation and our neighbors in need.
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.
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 by no later than March 31st. 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.
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.
FESTIVAL 2024 SUCCESS THANKS TO EACH OF YOU!
The festival spotlight shines on a few key volunteers this week. We are grateful for our exceptional social media and marketing team led by Kathe Vezos Milner. Kathe’s leadership and coordination with various media outlets, including the Sun Sentinel and local radio stations featuring Father Peter’s voice in commercials, have played a pivotal role in promoting our festival. Her efforts in organizing logos and artwork with Marissa Tatakis have warmly welcomed guests to spend a memorable weekend at St. Demetrios. We also commend the talents and dedication of Jim Carras, Arlene Touris, Erin Ryan, Emmy Louvaris, Alex Papastamatis, and others who have contributed their expertise to our digital presence. Jim’s longstanding dedication to festival marketing, particularly in social media, has reached over 7000 accounts, while Arlene’s efforts in soliciting community photos and engaging with our audience on various platforms have enriched our storytelling. Additionally, Victor Demetriou’s sponsorship of yard signs and coordination of large business signs around town have significantly bolstered our visibility. Special recognition goes to our youth for the remarkable impact of the video they crafted, which achieved record-breaking views and captured the essence of our festival with unparalleled enthusiasm.
The festival spotlight shifts to the ladies who are directly involved with the public promoting our festival, Lea Planakis, Kalliope Georgakakis Vlamis, and Alexandra Zaden. Lea’s dedication and expertise in managing Groupon Campaigns and orchestrating festival logistics are truly commendable. Her versatile role in coordinating vendors, securing essential items, and even contributing hands-on during the festival, exemplifies her commitment to ensuring its success. Her extensive experience and role in the planning and execution have undoubtedly been instrumental in their smooth operation year after year. Kalliope and Alexandra have been instrumental in various capacities, both during the festival and throughout the year. Raising over $30,000 in program book sales is no small feat and demonstrates their dedication and effectiveness in supporting the festival’s goals.
It’s truly a testament to the collective efforts of these individuals that the festival continues to thrive year after year. They deserve every bit of recognition and celebration for their contributions. Please take the time to thank them and all of our volunteers.
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.
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
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
Tuesday 3/26
11:00am Loving Stitches
Thursday 3/21
7:00pm – 9:00pm Advanced Greek-zoom
Friday 3/29
7:00pm Salutations Service
Saturday 3/30
8:30am Church grounds cleanup
12:00 noon Bingo
3:30pm Book signing
