The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, March 31st, 2024
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Sunday, March 31st, 2024
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 Second Mode
Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον…
When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.
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 Orthodoxy, 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. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.
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
Evangelos Iliakis (3 years) survived by his wife Cleopatra, and his children Michael, Elizabeth and Harriet.
Trisagion Prayer
Nikitas Legakis (12 years) survived by his wife Georgia Legakis, two children, and four grandchildren.
Philip, Elisabeth, Michael, Harikleia, Aristidis, Ioannis, Ioannis, George, Konstandinos, Kalliopi, Eirini survived by the Iliakis family.
Announcements
Coffee Hour
In memory of his wife Robyn, Andy Pappas has sponsored the coffee hour.
Donation Opportunities
Flowers for the icon of the Panagia
Salutations service 3/29, 4/5, 4/12 and Akathist Service 4/19.
$75 each. If interested, call the office (954)467-1515. Thank you!
Ladies of Philoptochos
If you are available this coming Wednesday April 3rd at 5pm we will be filling the College Care Boxes. If you are interested in helping please feel free to join us.
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!
St Demetrios had some of the best volunteers as the first to engage festival guests starting with Pablo Chong, our VIP parking sentinel all weekend. Andy Carmona jumped in at parking and chauffeured with the golf cart all day every day along with John Steber, and Willy Cook. Also lending their warm hospitality shuttling guests or at parking were Ted Krekoukis, Nikolaos Anagnostopoulos, Teddy Ypsilantis, George Palaidis, Peter Drivas, Randall Soy, Andrew Constantinides, Joe Hinkley, and Michael Delakas. Michael happily shuttled our nightly late night crew and he, with this team, assisted in other areas of the festival all weekend long. Faith Makris Becker skillfully scheduled this great group, and Lea Planakis used her negotiating skills to secure all of the remote parking.
Many guests experienced an inviting first encounter with Stephanie Pavlakis and the keen admissions team. Stephanie is one of our most reliable and seasoned chairpersons consistently leading a team of model hosts who encounter pretty much every single guest in attendance. Imagine keeping a joyful welcoming disposition all weekend long, and to top it off, many of this team stayed on longer to assist other areas. Each day entering from the East you were greeted by a true admissions veteran, Georgia Maiorana and her daughter Vanessa Dragutinovic, and Debbie Kommatas. Also greeting guests from both entrances were veteran volunteers, Alexandra Papadimitriou, Emily Solos, Mary Steve, and Marigo Joanides. The West Gate was packed with another team of veteran volunteers and a few new ones: Sophia Steber, Vio Neagu, Jeanette Espinoza, Fabio Gutwaks, Kathy Boillot, Paul Crossette, Leslie Cook, Anja Niksic, George Kavgic, Tom McGuirk, Joan Hudson, Dimitri Iakovas, and Triphon Kollitides.
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 3/29
7:00pm Salutations Service
Saturday 3/30
8:30am Church grounds cleanup
12:00 noon Bingo
3:30pm Book signing
Sunday 3/31
8:30am/9:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
Monday 4/1
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’
& Adult Beginner
7:00pm Intermediate Greek -Google Meet
Tuesday 4/2
7:00pm AHEPA meeting
Thursday 4/4
7:00pm – 9:00pm Advanced Greek-zoom
Friday 4/5
