The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, November 28th, 2021
November 28, 2021
13thSunday of Luke
Saints and Feasts Commemorated
Stephen the New
The righteous Stephen was born in Constantinople in 715 to pious parents named John and Anna. His mother had prayed often to the most holy Theotokos in her church at Blachernae to be granted a son, and one day received a revelation from our Lady that she would conceive the son she desired. When Anna had conceived, she asked the newly-elected Patriarch Germanus (see May 12) to bless the babe in her womb. He said, “May God bless him through the prayers of the holy First Martyr Stephen.” At that moment Anna saw a flame of fire issue from the mouth of the holy Patriarch. When the child was born, she named him Stephen, according to the prophecy of Saint Germanus.
Stephen struggled in asceticism from his youth in Bithynia at the Monastery of Saint Auxentius, which was located at a lofty place called Mount Auxentius (see Feb. 14). Because of his extreme labours and great goodness, he was chosen by the hermits of Mount Auxentius to be their leader. The fame of his spiritual struggles reached the ears of all, and the fragrance of his virtue drew many to himself.
During the reign of Constantine V (741-775), Stephen showed his love of Orthodoxy in contending for the Faith. This Constantine was called Copronymus, that is, “namesake of dung,” because while being baptized he had soiled the waters of regeneration, giving a fitting token of what manner of impiety he would later embrace. Besides being a fierce Iconoclast, Constantine raised up a ruthless persecution of monasticism. He held a council in 754 that anathematized the holy icons. Because Saint Stephen rejected this council, the Emperor framed false accusations against him and exiled him. But while in exile Saint Stephen performed healings with holy icons and turned many away from Iconoclasm. When he was brought before the Emperor again, he showed him a coin and asked whose image the coin bore. “Mine,” said the tyrant. “If any man trample upon thine image, is he liable to punishment?” asked the Saint. When they that stood by answered yes, the Saint groaned because of their blindness, and said if they thought dishonouring the image of a corruptible king worthy of punishment, what torment would they receive who trampled upon the image of the Master Christ and of the Mother of God? Then he threw the coin to the ground and trampled on it. He was condemned to eleven months in bonds and imprisonment. Later, he was dragged over the earth and was stoned, like Stephen the First Martyr; wherefore he is called Stephen the New. Finally, he was struck with a wooden club on the temple and his head was shattered, and thus he gave up his spirit in the year 767.
Liturgical Guide
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου…
Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Stephen the New in the Fourth Mode
Ασκητικώς προγυμνασθείς εν τώ όρει
Trained on the mountain in ascetical labours, with the whole armour of the Cross thou didst vanquish the spiritual arrays of unseen enemies; and when thou hadst stripped thyself with great courage for contest, thou didst slay Copronymus with the sword of the true Faith. For both these things hast thou been crowned by God, O righteous Martyr, blest Stephen of great renown.
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 Third Mode
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν Προαιώνιον Λόγον…
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
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 Ephesians 2:4-10
Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Luke 18:18-27
At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” And he said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Baby Blessings
Spiro and Rocio Mehallis and big brother Lazaro present “Phoenix Rose” for the traditional 40 day mother and baby blessing.
Theo and Vasiliki Poulopoulos and big sister Nikoleta Valentina present “Katerina Marionna” for the traditional 40 day mother and baby blessing.
Stewardship
With Christmas almost upon us, we at are truly thankful for you and your family here in our Church. You are a vital part of our Church Community.
Please take a few minutes to review your 2021 Stewardship Commitment in support of our Parish Ministries. If your financial commitment has not been fulfilled, please do so as soon as you are able and ensure the success of the programs undertaken for the spiritual needs of the families entrusted to our care. Remember that your Stewardship provides the foundation for our Parish Ministries and our efforts in meeting the challenge of spreading Christ’s Word and our Orthodox Faith.
Stewardship is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values, to express our thankfulness, to give of ourselves and to grow in grace. It allows us to participate in the work of God. Giving is not a substitute for commitment – it is an expression of our commitment.
May the grace of our Lord bless you and your loved ones to experience the joy of Christ’s Birth through the joy of giving.
Orthodox Christian Stewardship 2022
Our Church ~ Our Spiritual Home ~ Our Family
Fall General Assembly
The Fall General Assembly is on December 5th. In order to participate and to vote, you must be a pledging steward and current for year 2021.
GOOD NEWS!!
For those who missed the bake sale or just want more of the delicious homemade sweets, the bake sale has been extended. Please come by after church, pick up something to have with your coffee or to take home and share with family and friends. Thank you for your continued support.
Decorating for Christmas
GOYANS and their families will be decorating the church for Christmas on Saturday, November 27th at 10am. Please join us. All parishioners are welcome! The more the merrier.
Yearly Christmas Pageant and Church Family Event
The Sunday School Christmas Pageant Rehearsal will take place Saturday, December 11th from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. The The pageant family event is Friday, December 17th at 7:00pm.
Calling all Young Adults!!
(ages 18 – 30)
Join us for an evening of fun on Thursday, December 2 at 6:30pm, where we will launch our evening at the popular Tin Roof on Atlantic Ave. in Delray for food and drinks. We will then walk our way to the Silverball Pinball Museum around 8pm where we can enjoy retro games and great times. For more information and to RSVP, contact Faith Becker at faith.makris1@gmail.com. Looking forward to a fantastic night together!
Daughters of Penelope News
The Daughters of Penelope Narcissus Chapter #289 cordially invites everyone to join us on Tuesday, December 7th at the beautiful Oceanic Restaurant at the Pompano Pier. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a delicious dinner with an open-air beach view! Greek and American music featuring DJ Jimmy D Entertainment!
It’s going to be a lovely night celebrating our Christmas spirit amongst family and friends! Tickets are $65 per person and Cash Bar. Valet parking $10 and Garage parking is available. We are supporting Kids in Distress for our philanthropy this year. We are collecting backpacks, toiletries, blankets, pajamas, stuffed animals to cuddle, and new clothes. All ages Birth – Teenagers. You may pay in the church hall or via our website https:/daughters-of-penelope-narcissus-289.squaresite. For more information please contact Stephanie Balasakas at (954) 415-0488 or email Faith Makris Becker at faith.makris1@gmail.com.
Calendar
Saturday, November 27
Decorating the Church for Christmas 9:00AM-1:00PM
everyone is welcome
Sunday, November 28
Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00AM/10:00AM
Philoptochos Bake Sale After Divine Liturgy
Bible Study 1:00PM – 2:00PM
No Sunday School
No Dance
No HDF
Monday, November 29
Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’ & Adult Beginner @ church 4:15PM-6:00PM
Intermediate Modern Greek -Zoom 6:30PM-7:30PM
Tuesday, November 30
Advanced Modern Greek-Zoom 7:00PM
Thursday, December 2
Young Adult Event (offsite) 6:30PM
Advanced Modern Greek-Zoom 7:00PM
Sunday, December 5
Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00AM/10:00AM
Sunday School After Holy Communion
GOYA Meeting 12:30PM
General Assembly After the Divine Liturgy
Pap Corps Boutique and Lunch After the Divine Liturgy
Book Fair After the Divine Liturgy
Bible Study 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Jr. Palazakia K-2nd grade 12:45PM-1:30PM
Upstairs classrooms
Palazakia 3rd-5th grade 12:45PM-1:45PM
Upstairs classrooms
Sr. Palazakia 6th-8th grade 1:00PM – 2:00PM
@ ArtServe
Kamaria 9th-12th grade 1:00PM-2:00PM
@ ArtServe
HDF 2:30PM – 3:30PM
in the church hall