Weekly Sunday Bulletin – March 15th, 2020
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas – March 15, 2020
This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, 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.
Parish Council on Duty:
George Georgakakis, Karyl Zitis, Lazarus Kirifides, Katherine Ziegler, Philip Vias
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.
Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ…
Light of Orthdoxy, 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.
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 FourthMode
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!”
Epistle Reading ~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 ~ The Reading is from 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!”
Announcements
Archon Religious Freedom Banquet Every Spring, our Metropolis is blessed to celebrate the work of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with its own Archon Religious Freedom Banquet. The 2020 Banquet, which is open to all, will be held at the Atlanta Fish Market on March 21, 2020 at 6:30 in the evening. This year’s speaker, the Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, will bring his own perspective on his chosen topic of Orthodoxy: Confronting the World Today. A native of Cyprus, Fr. Panayiotis is intimately acquainted with the importance of religious freedom, and will address not only his experiences as a witness to the destruction of Cyprus, but, as a former scientist turned theologian, he shall also consider the role of how Orthodoxy can spiritually address the many crises we see in our world today. To purchase tickets (at $75 apiece), please call 404-634-9345 (Ext 2)
The Greek School at St. Demetrios The teachers, students and parents of the Greek School at St. Demetrios cordially invite you and your family and friends to the Commemoration of the War for Greek Independence at 7:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2020. Lenten dinner will follow graciously prepared by Dr. George Georgakakis and his crew.
Donations for items for Lent & Holy Week Donations towards flowers needed are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Luncheon Please plan to attend and support the Lenten Luncheon on Sunday, March 22nd, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Your donations will benefit the Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA. $10/person, $5 for children under 12.
Sponsored by Philoptochos.
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 www.sststephenscamp.org.Scholarship applications are available at the St. Demetrios Church Office Monday – Thursday. Deadlines for all applications are May 1, 2020.
Support Covenant House
Philoptochos is hosting a Lenten gift card drive for Ft. Lauderdale Covenant House from March 15-April 5. They need gift cards to Walmart and Target for proper fitting clothing, Uber/Lyft cards for rides to work, and appointments, and Burger King or McDonald’s cards. $10 denominations are easiest,. Drop off your cards or cash at the Philoptochos table in Kandaras Hall.
Covenant House provides shelter, meals, clothing and services to homeless children and youth.
Limbitless solutions The Daughters of Penelope will have their annual luncheon on March 21st at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. More information will be coming soon. Everyone is excited to have a chance to win a beautiful raffle basket with great prizes. We are looking for new or gently used items, gift cards or any other gift certificates that you would be willing to donate to help support our cause, “Limbitless solutions”, located at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Together with our donations and their research team we assist young and the young at heart that are in need of prosthetic limbs. Please contact Melissa Bakatselos 954-661-5707, Tara Bakatselos 954-650-1387 or email at dop.fashionshow@gmail.com for more information and drop off locations.
Calendar of Events for the Week
Sunday 3/15
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am Sunday School
12:00pm Hellenic Book Fair
Monday 3/16
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek School Classes Α, Β, Γ & Adult Beginner Section 1
6:00pm-8:00pm Greek School Adult Beginner Section 2
6:00pm-8:00pm Greek School Advanced Class
Tuesday 3/17
10:30am Visiting Angels
11:00am Agape luncheon for seniors
Wednesday 3/18
7:00pm Presanctified Liturgy
Friday 3/20
7:00pm Salutations to the Theotokos Service
Saturday 3/21
11:00am Limbitless Solutions benefit at Lighthouse Point Yacht Club
7:00pm Commemoration of the War for Greek Independence
Followed by a Lenten dinner
Sunday 3/22 Sunday of the Holy Cross
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am Sunday School
12:00pm Lenten Luncheon to benefit HC/HC
