Weekly Sunday Bulletin – April 21st, 2019
Lazarus Saturday is this Saturday, April 20 join us for Orthros at 9:00am and Divine Liturgy at 10:00am. Stay with us for a Lenten Breakfast and Palm folding.
Palm Sunday Luncheon this Sunday April 21 Join us for a Palm Sunday Luncheon immediately after the Divine Liturgy. A delicious meal will be served at $10 per adult and $6 per child 12 and younger.
Palm Sunday – April 21, 2019
On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: “Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel” (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.
The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ’s victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means “Save, I pray,” or “Save, now.” The foal of an ass, and Jesus’ sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.
Parish Council on Duty:
Harry Tangalakis, Marion Koliniatis, Mark Zaden, Bill Ypsilantis, Paul Fountas, Peter Kokkinos, George Georgakakis, Karyl Zitis, Katherine Ziegler, Basil Economou, Philip Vias
Liturgical Guide
Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the First Mode
Τὴν κοινὴν Ἀνάστασιν πρὸ τοῦ σοῦ Πάθους πιστούμενος …
In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the Fourth Mode
Συνταφέντες σοι διὰ τοῦ Βαπτίσματος …
As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode
Τῷ θρόνῳ ἐν οὐρανῷ, τῷ πώλῳ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς…
In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, “Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam.”
Epistle Reading ~
The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9
BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
Gospel Reading ~
The Reading is from John 12:1-18
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Last Saturday, four of our students participated at the St John Chrysostom Oratorical festival at the district level. The festival was held at Saint Katherine’s church in West Palm Beach.
Teddy Ipsilantis and Anastasia Cusmano participated at the Junior level. Theophilos Cockrell and Xenya Currie participated at the Senior level. Xenya was one of the two finalists at the Senior level. The finalists will go on to New Orleans in May (Metropolis).
All students presented their speeches inside the beautiful church. Not only they conquered their fear of public speaking, they also spoke eloquently about our faith. All who attended were very proud of their accomplishment. As parents we are thankful to James Carras for his hard work and support.
Stewardship
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…” (Colossians 3:23)
Thank you to all those parishioners who have made their commitment to St. Demetrios Church for year 2019! Because of you, we are able to offer liturgical services, sacraments and programs that cultivate spiritual growth, strengthen families and transform lives. If you have yet to do so, please fill out a pledge form that you can find at the visitor desk.
Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity!
Stewardship Goal 2019: $295,000
Total Stewardship Pledged 2019: $209,718
Total Stewardship Received 2019: $130,389
Total Number Pledged Stewards 2019: 224
Total Number Stewards 2018: 306
Total Stewardship Pledged 2018: $289,888
Total Stewardship Received 2018: $288,291
Average Pledge 2018: $947
Year 2019 Stewards pledged as of April 18
Announcements
Palm Sunday Luncheon Join us for a Palm Sunday Luncheon immediately after the Divine Liturgy. A delicious meal will be served at $10 per adult and $6 per child 12 and younger.
Holy Thursday all night vigil Anyone who is able is welcome to stay overnight on Holy Thursday Evening to Holy Friday morning.
Decorating the kouvouklion All are welcome to help decorate the kouvouklion on Holy Friday morning after the 9:00am Royal Hours service.
Holy Friday Myrofores If your daughter is in second through seventh grade and would like to participate as a myrofora during the Lamentations Service, please call Effie Vasil at (954) 773-5455 or Irene Tsingelis at (954) 632-1402.
Philoptochos News Philoptochos will be accepting Pascha Orders for Tsourekia, Koulourakia and Easter Eggs on April 7, 14, and 21. Tsourekia: round w/red egg, braided w/red egg, and braided no egg @ $10/loaf. Koulourakia: one dozen @ $10/bag. Dyed red eggs: one dozen @ $8/doz. (Dyed eggs must be picked up on Thursday, April 25th between 1:00-3:00pm.) Please be prepared to place your orders with payment on those days. Checks payable to: Philoptochos Ladies Society. See Athena Loucas or Marion Koliniatis.
SAVE THE DATE: BINGO/Feather Party (sponsored by Philoptochos) is scheduled for Saturday, May 18th in the Church Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm and games start at 7:00 pm. Over 50 gift prizes were awarded at the previous event. Bring your family and friends to this fun and relaxing evening. More info will follow!
Scholarships Available Students, parents and grandparents: Scholarships are available for St. Stephen’s Summer Camp. Attendance at the camp is not only fun and educational but provides our young Orthodox Christians with an environment to develop their spiritual growth. Complete information about St. Stephen’s Sumer Camp can be found on the Metropolis of Atlanta website: atlmetropolis.org/st-stephens-summer-camp Applications are also open for the Dr. Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship Fund which will be awarded to a college student from our parish. Details about the requirements for this scholarship can be found on the St. Demetrios website. The deadline for all scholarship applications is May 1st. Applications for all scholarships can be found on the table in the narthex near the office. Scholarship applications should be returned to the church office by the May 1st deadline.
2019 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award Application forms for the THS awards of Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales are available in the Church office. These scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of meritorious academic achievement for college bound seniors. The academic guidelines for consideration include: Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above; membership in the National Honor Society; a combined SAT Verbal and Math score of 1320 or greater (the combined scores must be from the same SAT exam i.e., scores cannot be combined from two separate SAT exams). ACT substitution for the SAT examination is not allowed. Additionally, the SAT exam can be taken only a maximum of two times. Deadline for submission of application is June 15.2019 Three Hierarchs Scholarship (THS) Award
Calendar of Events for the Week