The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, September 11, 2022
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September 11, 2022
Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross
Euphrosynos the Cook
Euphrosynos was a very, very uneducated man, quite rustic, a very common man. He found his way eventually into a monastery where many of the brethren didn’t think too much of him. Conversation with him perhaps was just not that enlightening. It was obvious that he didn’t know a lot. So he was assigned to kitchen and garden duties. That’s where he spent most of his time. But even with that, the Lord, who chose fishermen, after all, and made them most wise, was also able to glorify Euphrosynos in his own way.
There was a priest in that monastery, a very devout and pious priest, who was always seeking the good things of God, and one night before the matins service began, he fell asleep in his cell and was trying to contemplate the good things of God. In fact, he was asking the Lord to show him the things that would await those who attained righteousness in the kingdom of heaven. So he fell into an ecstasy, and when he did this he beheld a beautiful, just gorgeous, radiant garden, someplace very, very pleasant, very peaceful, a wonderful place to be. And in it he saw the cook! So he asked the cook, “What are you doing here? What are you doing in this garden?”
Euphrosynos answered him, “I am here beholding the good things of God, because the Lord has allowed me to be here.” The priest continued to question him about various aspects of life there, and Euphrosynos answered him as best he could, always referring back to the glorious things that God has given and the wonderful things that await all of us who get to the kingdom of heaven.
The priest finally, upon hearing all of this, heard the semantron that was being struck for matins, and he awoke suddenly. Then he realized that, in his dream, Euphrosynos had given him a gift; he had given him some apples from the garden. The priest was very grateful for this, and he was thinking about this as he woke up, but then as he stood up, what did he notice, but sitting in the folds of his cassock were the very apples that he had dreamt about, and they smelled just wonderful, an intoxicating smell. So he got up and he went to the matins service, and he beheld Euphrosynos there.
After the service was ended, he grabbed him and said, “What is going on here? Tell me what is happening. Did I not just behold you in a dream? Where were you?” And he said, “Well, I’ve been nowhere until I came for matins just like you.” The priest wouldn’t give up. He kept asking him again and again, “Tell me more. There’s something different going on here.” And finally Euphrosynos, out of humility, admitted that he indeed was the one that had appeared to the priest in the dream, and the priest said, “You gave me a gift. What was it?” And St. Euphrosynos said, “The apples that you discovered in your cassock which are back in your cell.”
The priest, upon hearing this, told all the members of the monastery about what had happened, and they all came to admire and respect the holy cook, yet the holy cook could not endure such praise after living a life that had been spent, well, definitely in the shadows. So he left the monastery that night, after all the talking had been done and all of the accolades had been heaped on him, and he was never seen again. We do not know the date of his repose or where he went to, but we do know one thing: that these wonderful apples that he had given to the priest in the dream and which became a reality healed many and cured many, of diseases and illnesses, who were able to partake of them afterward.
St. Euphrosynos is an example to all of us who find ourselves engaged in many what we would call perhaps mundane or usual activities, the activities of providing for a family, of keeping a home clean, all of these sorts of things that we tend to think of as not very exalted, certainly not very religiously oriented. But we could not be more wrong, for as he has shown us, even these seemingly lowly and insignificant things all have great worth in the eyes of God when they are done with an eye towards the Lord who created all. Next time we go into a kitchen, let’s certainly keep that in mind.
Liturgical Guide
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode
Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα…
Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode
Η γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε…
Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath procliamed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.
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 Fourth Mode
Ιωακείμ καί Άννα όνειδισμού ατεκνίας...
In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: “The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life.”
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 Galatians 6:11-18
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel Reading
The reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”
Memorial Prayer
Elizabeth Athanasakos (40 days) survived by her sister Antonia Hyland and by her brother Van Athanasakos, nieces Rena Shahan, Elizabeth Hyland, Lesa Ramage, nephew Nicholas Atahanasakos, grand niece Katherine Shahan and grand nephews Dr. Brian Shahan and Dr. Andrew Shahan.
Trisagion Prayer
Linda Taxis Hemphill (40 days) of Alexandria, Virginia survived by her sister Barbara Yatrousis (Steve)
Adamos Ioannou (90 days) survived by his wife Aphrodite, his children Andreas and Alexandra, his grandchildren and great granddaughter.
All victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks (21 years)
Announcements
Weekday Services
Join us on Wednesday, September 14 to celebrate the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Orthros will be at 9:00am followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00am
Basil
On Wednesday September 14, we celebrate the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. It is tradition to adorn the cross with basil. We ask parishioners to bring in basil on Sunday, September 11, so that we can use it during the Liturgy on the 14th. Thank you!
AGAPE Seniors
Greetings from the elders of our St. Demetrios Community!!!
Please join us on Tuesday 9/20/22 for a delectable lunch of stuffed tomatoes and peppers to be graciously prepared by Chef Manos (Mr. Nicholas Manos). Dessert and ice cream will follow. It is a time of camaraderie, mutual support, song and laughter. President Ms. Gloria Linda Stokes will welcome you. Entrance $8,00. The fun begins at 11:30 AM.
Celebrating Youth
St. Demetrios is celebrating youth in August and September. Our own youth programs, Sunday School, Dance, GOYA, HOPE, JOY and Greek School, will begin, and our students head back to their academic schools.
Help Philoptochos and Daughters of Penelope support Bennett Elementary, a Title 1 school just 1 mile away and run by Principal Danielle Smith, who is also St. Demetrios Sunday School Principal. Donate the following items to the box in the narthex Composition books, Primary composition books, Tissues, Headphones ,Ziploc bags, Expo markers. Or, make checks payable to either organization, or donate at https://ladies-philoptochos-of-st-demetrios.square.site/
Programs Registration
Program Registration for Sunday School, Hope, Joy, GOYA, Greek School, and Greek Dance is still open. To register, pick up a form by the candle stand . Remember that you must be a Steward of St. Demetrios and current in your year 2022 financial commitment. Click here https://stdemetrios.org/our-parish/stewardship/stewardship-form/ to submit your year 2022 stewardship form.
Youth Programs Volunteers
If you would like to join in the work done by our wonderful youth program volunteers, fill out the application found at the link below or pick up a form found in the narthex by the candles.
https://stdemetrios.org/ministries/eycc-volunteer-application/
Dance Advisory Committee (DAC)As per DAC By-Laws, the election of new DAC Members will take place on Sunday, September 18th immediately following the church service. If any parents or grandparents are interested in joining the DAC Board, please contact Erin Ryan at eryan75@gmail.com by Friday September 9th to have your name added to the ballot.
Elections will take place no later than the third (3rd) Sunday of October of each year and shall be supervised by the Education Youth and Culture Committee. The electorate shall consist of all parents or guardians, and/or grandparents of children presently registered in the Dance Program. There shall be one (1) vote per family in good standing of the St. Demetrios Parish
Little Lambs
For ages 2-4. For details, see the flyer. To sign up, fill out a registration form found by the candle stands.
BINGO, SATURDAY AFTERNOON, SEPTEMBER 17th AT 12:00 NOON. Doors open at 11:30am. Many gift prizes, 50/50 raffle, plus refreshments. Join us for an afternoon of fun, family, friends, and food. Get 2 Bingo cards for $7.00 at the door. Supporting Feeding South Florida. Sponsored by Philoptochos! Invite your neighbors and friends. See you on the 17th, at 11:30am!!
Backgammon Tournament
Ahepa 394 invites everyone in our community to attend this event; no admission fee.
Learn to play Backgammon class for Kids and Adults also no fee.
So come and enjoy a fun filled afternoon of competition & fellowship and cheer on your favorite participant to win the tournament.
HOPE/JOY Beach Clean Up
Saturday,September 17 from 7:00am-11:30am at Pompano Beach. See the flyer for details.
Hellenic Cultural Society to present “Smyrna, my beloved”.
To commemorate the 100 years from the destruction of Smyrna, the Hellenic Cultural Society is presenting one South Florida screening of the acclaimed historical drama “SMYRNA, MY BELOVED” “ΣΜΥΡΝΗ ΜΟΥ, ΑΓΑΠΗΜΕΝΗ”. The film will be shown on Saturday, September 24, @ 3:20pm at Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th street in Ft Lauderdale. Reception immediately after the screening at the Cinema’s outdoors garden.
“This moving historical saga follows a prominent Greek family forced to endure the burning of the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Smyrna in 1922 by the Turks and the killing of its Greek and Armenian populations”. Veteran actress Mimi Denissi is the creative force behind SMYRNA, MY BELOVED. The film is based on her play, which ran in Athens for an unprecedented three seasons and was seen by more than one million viewers. The film, the largest ever Greek movie production was a major Greek box office and international film festivals success. The film was directed by Grigoris Karantinakis. It has earned a total of 12 Hellenic Film Academy award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie is in Greek and English with English subtitles. Tickets can be purchased at the Hall. Not suitable for young audiences.
“The burning of Smyrna was a seminal event in modern Greek history, seared into the consciousness of Greeks, many of whom emigrated to the US as a result of that atrocity”. Jimmy DeMetro, President of the Hellenic Film Society USA.
Oral History Project
The Hellenic Cultural Society (HCS) of South Florida is undertaking an Oral History Project which aims at creating an archive of the emigration and immigration experience of Greek Americans.
> All humans in the Americas, including Native Americans, immigrated from other continents. Greeks have been emigrating from their ancestral villages, hamlets and cities since the ancient times. As a result, they established what became the cities of Alexandria, Nice, Napoli, Messina, Odessa and Byzantium, to name but a few. In more recent times, Greeks immigrated to the United States of America. Some of them are our ancestors. The experience of these ancestors is an integral part of American History and must be recorded.
> The HCS invites you to include in the proposed archive the emigration and immigration history of your family. This may be accomplished through a live interview or by submitting written answers to a set of questions. All this primary data will be uploaded on a website and will become available to scholars embarking on a variety of topics regarding Greek Americans. In addition to the narrative you may wish to include copies of photographs and documents such as certificates of birth, baptism, marriage, divorce and death, passports etc.
> For more information please contact Malvina Protogerou Currie at malvinacurrie@gmail.com or Stavroula Christodoulou at isapaul@aol.com or at SimplyGreekSF@gmail.com
Stewardship
Please fill out a year 2022 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
Saturday 9/10
4:00pm Backgammon class
5:00pm Backgammon Tournament
Sunday 9/11
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
After Communion Sunday School
After Liturgy Pastitsio Luncheon
12:30pm Dance
1:00pm GOYA meeting
Monday 9/12
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’,B’, Γ’, Δ’ & Adult Beginner in person
6:30pm-7:30pm Intermediate Modern Greek – Google Meet
Wednesday 9/14 Elevation of the Holy Cross
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
6:15pm DOP Meeting
Saturday 9/17
7:30am-11:30am JOY/HOPE Beach Cleanup and Fun in the Sun
11:30am BINGO
Sunday 9/18
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
