Weekly Sunday Bulletin – March 17th, 2019
Sunday of Orthodoxy – March 17, 2019
For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus’s death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: “If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema.” Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God’s forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.
Parish Council on Duty:
George Georgakakis, Karyl Zitis, Katherine Ziegler, Basil Economou
Liturgical Guide
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων ...
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.
Apolytikion in the Second Mode
Τὴν ἄχραντον Εἰκόνα σου προσκυνοῦμεν Ἀγαθέ…
We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.
Apolytikion for 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 Fourth Mode
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 11:24-26, 32-40.
Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated — of whom the world was not worthy — wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Gospel Reading ~The Reading is from John 1:43-51
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
Announcements
Philoptochos News Saturday, March 16 6:30pm Feather Party. Sunday, March 17. Following church services today, Philoptochos once again offers PITA SUNDAY in the Kandaras Hall. A piece of Spanakopita and Tiropita, plus salad…all for $10. Please support this very worthy cause. SAVE THE DATE!! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! There will be baking of koulourakia for selling for Easter on Thursday, April 11th at 9:00 am. Please consider coming and helping out on that day. Many hands make light work! Any questions, you can contact Suzanne Zorbas 647-549-0820.
Annual Celebration of the War for Greek Independence * The teachers and students of the Greek School at St. Demetrios cordially invite you to the Celebration of the War for Greek Independence 1821-28. The event will be in the Hall of St. Demetrios at 7:00 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Dr. Christina Zarcadoolas, a sociolinguist, will speak on the importance of political/territorial freedom for the viability and perpetuation of the Greek Language. The students will recite poetry and will sing. Dr. George Georgakakis and his able crew will prepare a delectable Lenten dinner for All. Θερμές ευχές για μια Καλή Σαρακοστή γεμάτη από νηστεία, προσευχή και αγάπη για τον πλησίον μας.
Thank You Thank you for your generous donations to St. Demetrios Church. Please remember to note the intention of your donation on the memo line of your check; for example, “Pledge 2019”, “Sunday Tray”, “Candles”, Air Conditioner, etc.
Flowers for the Icon of the Theotokos We welcome donations towards flowers for the icon of the Theotokos which is adorned for the Salutations Service, March 15, 22, 29, April 5 and April 12.
Air Conditioner Replacement Project
Fashion Show Luncheon Come join the Daughters of Penelope for a wonderful afternoon with family and friends at our annual luncheon at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club on Saturday, March 23rd at 11:00am. We hope you will join us for a ladies fashion show by Dressbarn (Roz and Ali), entertainment and wonderful raffle baskets that will be auctioned. We are excited to support our cause, Limbitless Solutions, located at the campus of the University of Central Florida this year and provide financial assistance to their research team that assists young children that are in need of prosthetic limbs. Tickets are available for $55. Please see the attached invite for more information or if you would like to be involved. Judie at 954-849-5859 or dop.fashionshow@gmail.com
Calendar of Events for the Week
Sunday 3/17
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am Sunday School students participate in procession
12:00pm Pita Sunday
Monday 3/18
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’, B’, G’, D’ & Adult Beginner
6:00pm-8:00pm Advanced Greek class
Tuesday 3/19
11:00am Agape-luncheon for seniors
Wednesday 3/20
7:00pm Presanctified Liturgy
Friday 3/22
7:00pm Salutations to the Theotokos
Saturday 3/23
7:00pm Celebration of the War for Greek Independence
Sunday 3/24
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am Sunday School
