Weekly Sunday Bulletin – October 27th, 2019
7th Sunday of Luke – October 27, 2019
Nestor the Martyr of Thessaloniki
The holy Martyr Nestor was very young in age, handsome in appearance, and he was known to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios (October 26), for he had instructed Nestor in the faith. The Emperor was visiting Thessaloniki, and he built a high platform in the midst of the city so that a gigantic barbarian named Lyaios could wrestle there and be seen by everyone. Beneath the platform many spears and other sharp weapons were placed pointing upward. When Lyaios defeated his opponents, he threw them down onto the spears and they died. Many Christians were forced to fight Lyaios, and were killed. When Nestor saw how Emperor Maximian rejoiced over the victories of his champion, he disdained his pride. Seeing the miracles of Saint Demetrios, however, he took courage and went to the prison where the holy Martyr was confined, and fell at his feet. “Pray for me, O Servant of God Demetrios,” he said, “that by your prayers, God may help me to beat Lyaios, and put an end to him who brings reproach upon the Christians.” The Saint, after sealing Nestor with the Sign of the Cross, told him that he would prevail over Lyaios, and then suffer for Christ. Nestor mounted the platform without fear and exclaimed: “Help me, O God of Demetrios.” After he defeated Lyaios, he hurled him down onto the spears, where he gave up his wretched soul.
Maximian became enraged and ordered that both Nestor and Demetrios should be put to death. Saint Demetrios was stabbed with spears, and Saint Nestor was beheaded. Thus, by his example Saint Nestor teaches us that in every human challenge we must say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.” (Psalm 117/118:6, Hebrews 13:6).
Parish Council on Duty:
George Georgakakis, Karyl Zitis, Lazarus Kirifides, Katherine Ziegler, Basil Economou, Philip Vias
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 Second Mode
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε…
O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
Epistle Reading ~The reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9
Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands. I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise –whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows — and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Gospel Reading ~ The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56
At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, “Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!” But Jesus said, “Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Trisagion Prayer
Sophia Papadopoulos (6 mos) survived by her children Spyros, Maria (Costas), Sophia (Panagiotes) and grandchildren Sophia, Demetrios and Emmanuel.
Announcements
Thank you
To Larry Kirifides, Paula Kirifides and Juanita Antley for polishing all of the silver items in the Altar.
Care Packages
Our parish is preparing to mail care packages to all of our college students. Please help us in reaching as many of our young people as possible. If you know of any college students that are connected to our parish, please send us their names, their address, email and name of their College. You may email the information to kiki@stdemetrios.org
May God bless them and all of our young people!
Brown Bag Food Drive
The Daughters of Penelope are collecting for the Brown Bag Food Drive to feed Needy Families for Thanksgiving. Bags are available in the Narthex or in the Church Hall. We will be collecting until November 10th. Please donate non perishable items. Thank you!
The Daughters of Penelope are collecting pop tops off of cans to send to the Shriners Hospital, the hospital sells them and the proceeds help pay for the custom built wheelchairs for the children. We will have a collection jar in the church hall. Thank you!
New at St. Demetrios The St. Demetrios Information Center. Where? In the hall next to the bookstore. What? All the programs that St. Demetrios has to offer.
Bookstore 2020 wall calendars featuring various icons of Christ, plus some new titles have arrived.
Upcoming Lectures
On November 6th, a lecture on “Existential Threats Confronting the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Why Americans Should Care” will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Clearwater Florida. On January 18th, 2020 talks on “Prospects for a United Orthodoxy in America” and “Understanding this “Present Evil Age” in the Persecution of Christians” will be held at Saint Katherine Church in Naples sponsored by the Christian Rights and Freedom Institute as well as the Archons of “all ‘ Florida.
Calendar of Events for the Week
Sunday 10/27
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am Sunday School
11:30am OXI Day celebration presentation by the Greek School
12:30pm Dance
Monday 10/28
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek School Classes Α, Β, Γ and Adult Beginner Section 1
6:00pm-7:00pm Greek School Adult Beginner Section 2
6:00pm-8:00pm Greek School Advanced Class
Sunday 11/3
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:00am Sunday School
12:00pm GOYA meeting
12:30pm Dance