The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, March 27th, 2022
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen.
March 27, 2022
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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 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.”
Baby Blessing
We welcome Angela Karachristos and Loverly Espinal as they present Stefanos for the traditional 40 day mother and baby blessing.
Nurturing your Marriage
Announcements
Bookstore News
New in the Bookstore: This year, fill the children’s Easter baskets with more than just candy. See our new children’s books The Resurrection of Christ and 101 Orthodox Saints, in addition to our selection of favorites.
Greek School News
Save the Date! Presentation and Complimentary Dinner
On Friday, March 25, 2022 at 7:00 PM we will be commemorating the War for Greek Independence with a presentation by our children and a complimentary dinner prepared by Dr. George Georgakakis and his talented sous-chefs. Πολλά τα έτη σας γιατρέ!!! Kudos to our teachers Mmes. Ioanna Andriotakis Lambiris, Christina Katopodis and Afroditi Petropoulou for supervising the children’s efforts. Και εις ανώτερα Κυρίες Δασκάλες!!!
On Sunday, March 27
The young students of the Greek School will celebrate the Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821 which occurred at the monastery of Agia Lavra. This event will take place in the sanctuary immediately following the Divine Liturgy.
Church and Church Grounds Cleanup
We are having a clean up day for our Church grounds and facilities on Saturday April 9 starting at 8am. Please join us .
Drinks and food will be available.
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)
Scholarship applications are available on line at the St. Demetrios website or call the Church Office 954-467-1515 Monday – Thursday. Deadlines for all applications are May 15, 2022.
Oratorical Festival
Students, if you are interested in presenting a topic please contact Danielle Smith, our Sunday School Director, for information. Email: dani.n.smith10@gmail.com
The date for our students to participate is April 9th in Fort Pierce.
Topics, Tips, Resources, and Guidelines: https://www.goarch.org/documents/32058/5077519/sjcof_2020_participant_packet.pdf/
Presentation Friday, April 1 – “The Eucharist: What, How and Why”
Join us April 1st after the 7:00pm Salutations Service. Presented by Dr. Dean Vafiadis.
Family Day
Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida
“The Greek Jews – a 2300 year journey” will be the subject of an in-person event hosted by the Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida. Dr. Annette Fromm, author of “We Are Few”, on the Jewish Community of Ioannina, Greece will be our speaker.
The historically accurate feature-length film, “Ouzeri Tsitsanis” (also known as Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki – Cloudy Sunday) will accompany the event. Tsitsanis, one of the leading composers/songwriters and extraordinary bouzouki player is considered one of the fathers of Laiko music and Rebetika. Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki is one of the beloved trademark songs of Greek music.
Saturday April 2, 2022 at 815 N.E. 15th Avenue, Ft Lauderdale 33304 (Kandaras Hall, St Demetrios Church). Coffee and dessert will be offered. Doors open at 7:00pm. Lecture starts at 7:30pm.
Memorial Luminary Lighting Ceremony
4/22/22 (Great Friday) – Honor your passed loved one by purchasing a luminary that will be lit on Holy Friday around our church. Luminaries are $10.00/each, and please only one luminary per loved one who has passed. Daughters of Penelope, Narcissus Chapter #289 will be selling luminaries in the church hall each Sunday, beginning February 27th. You may also purchase by contacting Effie Kirkiles @ 727-534-7474 or egp07@msn.com, or by contacting Diane Paxinos @ 954-304-5913 or dgpaxinos@gmail.com.
Ukraine Relief Fund
March 3, 2022
To the Reverend Clergy, the Ladies Philoptochos Societies and all the faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta:
My beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
I greet you with love in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we prepare to greet the beginning of the Springtime Fast, I am mindful of the terrible conflict that has befallen the citizens of Ukraine, Orthodox and non-Orthodox, because of the Russian invasion.
Even as we enter a period of repentance, and shall pray more fervently for peace and goodwill to be restored, I am proud to write to you that our Archdiocese has established the GOARCH Ukraine Relief Fund. This Fund (which shall receive beneficial advice from International Orthodox Christian Charities) “…aims to raise $1 million for both immediate and long-term support of the Ukrainian people”. I am also pleased to announce that yesterday afternoon His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America donated $100,000 to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on behalf of our Archdiocese, to support the efforts of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
This easy to use page available by clicking here https://www.goarch.org/donate/ukraine allows for an individual to select their donation amount, and then to specify their Metropolis and their home parish. In this way we all–individual persons, families & parish communities–can do our part to uplift the Ukranian nation through prayer and monetary assistance.
To quote His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros’ coming encyclical, “We join our spirit to the spirit of His All-Holiness and exhort all our Faithful: offer prayers and tangible support for all the Ukrainian People, those of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and those of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, those of the Ukrainian Catholic and Jewish communities, and all who find themselves in the dire circumstances of war.”
Standing with the people of Ukraine, and praying for a quick and peaceful resolution, I remain,
Paternally yours with love and blessings,
+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta
https://www.goarch.org/donate/ukraine
Philoptochos News
Lenten Outreach
Again this year our Lenten Outreach is for the Ft. Lauderdale Covenant House. We are collecting gift cards that they can use for clothes and toiletries, rides to work and school, and dinner between work and school. Please put cards or cash in the box in the narthex or donate online at https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/
Covenant House serves homeless teen-agers by giving them a safe place to live while they continue at their home schools and jobs. They provide job training, education, mental health counseling, and assist with jobs and housing after their clients graduate from high school, so they can develop as independent adults.
Pascha Bake Sale
We can still take orders for your Pascha tsourekia and koulourakia. Place your order now at the table in the hall, or send a check and order form to the church, or go online. Your support of our fundraisers allows us to assist those in need.
2nd Annual Drawing Contest – St. Photios National Shrine
Stewardship
Our Church. Our Spiritual Home. Our Family
Our St. Demetrios Church is our spiritual home. It is a place of prayer, comfort, spiritual healing, and celebration. You may have been brought here on your 40th day, or it may have been the destination of your spiritual journey. For both, St. Demetrios Church is a spiritual home to which we may always return. We are brothers and sisters in Christ – a family.
We ask you to support the worship, service and activities of our vibrant community. Giving to His Church is a way to thank God for His grace, His generosity and His many blessings.
Thank you very much for your 2021 stewardship pledge. Your gift truly makes a difference by enabling us to serve those who come to seek Jesus Christ in His Church. Please consider increasing your pledge for 2022. Even a small increase will help us do that much more to strengthen and advance our parish. Please fill out a year 2022 pledge form. Fill out both sides completely so that we can update our database. Thank you!
Calander
Friday 3/25 Annunciation of the Theotokos
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
7:00pm Lenten dinner and commemoration of Greek Independence day
Sunday 3/27 Sunday of the Holy Cross
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
12:00pm Loukoumades Sunday
Monday 3/28
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’ & Adult Beginner @ church
6:30pm-7:30pm Intermediate Modern Greek -Zoom
Tuesday 3/29
7:00pm Adv. Modern Greek-Zoom
Wednesday 3/30
9:00am/10:00am Presanctified Liturgy
6:30pm DOP Board Meeting
Thursday 3/31
7:00pm Adv. Modern Greek-Zoom
Friday 4/1
7:00pm Salutations Service
followed by “The Eucharist: What, How and Why” presented by Dr. Dean Vafiadis.
Saturday 4/2
10:00am-2:00pm Joy/Hope Family Day
7:30pm Hellenic Cultural Society Presentation and movie
Sunday 4/3
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
1:00pm Bible Study
