Weekly Sunday Bulletin – December 2nd, 2018
14th Sunday of Luke – December 2, 2018
Saint of the Day
Habakkuk the Prophet
This Prophet, whose name means “loving embrace,” is eighth in order of the minor Prophets. His homeland and tribe are not recorded in the Divine Scriptures; according to some, he was of the tribe of Symeon. He prophesied in the years of Joachim, who is also called Jechonias, before the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish People, which took place 599 years before Christ. When Nabuchodonosor came to take the Israelites captive, Habakkuk fled to Ostrakine, and after Jerusalem was destroyed and the Chaldeans departed, Habakkuk returned and cultivated his field. Once he made some pottage and was about to take it to the reapers in the field. An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and carried him with the pottage to Babylon to feed Daniel in the lions’ den, then brought him back to Judea (Bel and the Dragon, 33-39): His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters; the third chapter is also used as the Fourth Ode of the Psalter. His holy relics were found in Palestine during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great, through a revelation to Zebennus, Bishop of Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 29).
Parish Council on Duty:
Harry Tangalakis, Marion Koliniatis, Mark Zaden, Bill Ypsilantis,Paul Fountas, Peter Kokkinos, Larry Kirifides
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.
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 …
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 ~ The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 6:10-17.
Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Gospel Reading ~The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Memorial
Helen Georgoulakis (20 yrs) survived by her children Pauline and George and the Loupasakis and Chalvadakis families.
Trisagion
Nicholas Georgoulakis (30 yrs) and Michael Loupasakis (18 yrs) fathers of John and Pauline Loupasakis
Father Andrew’s FYI
I’d like to briefly discuss the Sacrament of Confession. AND what I will discuss may be contrary to what some other priests may tell you about the Sacrament of Confession or confession. But the bottom line is this, each pastor handles this sacrament as he understands it and feels is appropriate to those who are under his spiritual care.
Sin is that which separates us from God and our fellow Christians. Confession is the means by which we can acknowledge that our actions have caused this separation.
In our religious tradition, each of us has two ways to confess: in our private prayers and through the Sacrament of Confession. The Sacrament of Confession is admitting to God, in the presence of the priest, that we have done things that have caused this separation.
“Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I confess to You all the hidden and open sins of my heart and mind, which I have committed to this day.” It is also during this sincere exchange that we ask God for forgiveness and grace to NOT repeat the things that caused us to sin. “Therefore, I beg of You the merciful and righteous Judge, forgiveness and grace to sin no more.”
Then the priest announces God’s forgiveness. “May God forgive you in this world and the world to come and set you uncondemned before his awesome Judgement Seat. And now having no further care for what you have said, go in peace” and sin no more.
Whether you confess to God in your private prayers or in the presence of the priest, your sincere repentance is very important. You must make a “change of thinking” so as not to repeat your transgressions.
Although some priests may say differently, the Sacrament of Confession is not a prerequisite to approach the chalice for Holy Communion.
On Sunday we can discuss this a little more in detail and respond to any questions you may have.
Announcements
General Assembly· Today, Sunday, December 2, in the Hall, directly after the Divine Liturgy.
The Cancer Chapter invites you to join us in the war against cancer by participating in today’s fundraising event “Cancer Fighting Sunday”. The event includes a bake sale with delicious homemade items, a Christmas Boutique where you can purchase lovely holiday items and a raffle for a beautiful gift basket. Please joins us for any or all of these events. This year your contributions will go toward funding important research for melanoma at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine.
Christmas Poinsettias Donations towards the purchase of poinsettias would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Last Chance Sunday, December 2 is the last day for you to reserve tickets for the combined Philoptochos, Pap Corps, & Daughters of Penelope Christmas Party at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club. See Judie Pappas in the hall after Divine Liturgy to purchase your ticket. Everyone is invited! Don’t forget to bring to the party an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Bookstore News Now available at the bookstore, 2019 wall calendars featuring angels and angelic visitations. Also come and see the newest books in stock.
Home Care If anyone is looking for a bilingual home health aid, please call Father Andrew.
St. Demetrios Parish Family Christmas Celebration
Calendar of Events for the Week
Sunday 12/02
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am Sunday School
12:00pm Pap Corps bake sale and boutique
12:30pm General Assembly
12:30pm Greek dance
Monday 12/03
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’, B’, G’, D’ & Adult Beginner
6:00pm-8:00pm Advanced Greek class
Thursday 12/06 The Feast Day of St. Nicholas
10:00am Divine Liturgy
1:00pm Philoptochos meeting
Sunday 12/09
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am Sunday School
12:30pm Greek dance
