Weekly Sunday Bulletin – October 7th, 2018
3rd Sunday of Luke – October 7, 2018
Saint of the Day
Sergius & Bacchus the Great Martyrs of Syria
These holy Martyrs were Romans of high rank in the service of the Emperor Maximian, to whom it was reported that they did not take part in the festivals of the idols. When he called them into his presence, they confessed their Faith in the one God. He had them arrayed in women’s clothes and paraded through the streets in mockery. They were afterwards scourged, from which Saint Bacchus died. This was about the year 296. Saint Sergius was then taken to Resapha in Syria, where he was tortured and beheaded. His tomb in Resapha became a very famous shrine, to which pilgrims came from as far away as Western Europe; Resapha was later renamed Sergiopolis in his honour.
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 for Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in the Fourth Mode
Οι Μάρτυρές σου, Κύριε…
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
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 ~ 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 ~ Luke 7:11-16
At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”
Fr. Andrew’s FYI
Just recently, within the last month or so, our Ecumenical Patriarchate (it’s Synod of Bishops) made a rather progressive decision that has been a long time coming. It was a decision that many clergy, including numerous bishops, thought was very important to the health of the Church and church. I will discuss this at the end of this article and expand upon it, albeit briefly, in church on Sunday.
We need to return to the year 692. It was the year that Justinian II, Emperor of Byzantium, decided there needed to be another “ecumenical” council to iron out some controversy in the Church and reinforce decisions made at the 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils. They were in 553 and 681: both were in Constantinople.
This Council met in Constantinople also, but it was not considered the 7th because the whole Church did not accept it as binding on them. It was called the Quinisext or Penthekti or Trullan Council.
It did ratify all the preceding Ecumenical Councils and the Apostolic Canons, the canons of local synods and the most important of the canons of the Fathers of the Church, thus empowering all of them with Ecumenical authority. (Dictionary of Greek Orthodoxy by Fr. Nicon Patrinakos)
However, many of the “disciplinary” canons of Quinisext were not accepted by the Pope, and even though most of them were not completely observed by the East, they contributed appreciably to the widening of differences between East and West.
Many of the canons formulated related to the marital status of the clergy and others regarding the age of ordination for deacons, priests and bishops. Others had to do with obstacles to marriage and the practice in the East by which marriage could not be entered into once you had been ordained to one of the three ranks of priesthood: deacon, priest and bishop. Rome’s practices were different and they didn’t want to change their practices based on the decisions of Quinisext.
There has been much discussion, controversy and change regarding the issue of ordination and marriage in the life of the Church from as early as 306 in the West. And some Popes vacillated. Most, since that time, were in agreement that clergy should be celibate (unmarried). There was a Pope in the 400’s that didn’t think that clergy should have to “dispose” of their wives to remain in the priesthood. But the final and current position of the Roman Church was enacted in 1917 forbade the ordination of a married man. Of course, that doesn’t hold true for married clergymen from other denominations who become Roman Catholic. (Another story for another day).
In the Eastern Church, marriage for clergy was limited to before ordination for deacons and priest. Bishops have, for a long time, been chosen only from the single (celibate or widowed) clergy. Also, married clergy (deacons and priests) could not, and have not been able, until most recently, to remarry, even if their wives had died or left them.
This policy had put many deacons and priests in a very difficult position, and created an unnecessary burden, especially if their spouse died young or if their spouse “flew the coup” and abandoned them. Many have been left with younger children to raise alone. A difficult task for a couple. An almost impossible task for a now single priest. This policy has forced many young men to leave the priesthood and pursue another career in order to raise their children. Please keep in mind that these men chose to be married clergy and were now forced to remain single and celibate to continue in the priesthood.
This is not to say that in other jurisdictions, Antiochian for example, the hierarchs may have allowed the remarriage of widowed or divorced clergy. They did, albeit rarely.
NOW to the piece de resistance.
Our Ecumenical Patriarchate has recently decided that widowed clergy and abandoned clergy may petition, through their local bishop (who in turns submits the request to the Patriarchate), to remarry. (Sure it kinda makes them jump thru hoops, but it IS a beginning.)
Interesting to note: Not everyone who is widowed or abandoned is interested in remarrying. Also, for those who are, they may not have met someone, at this point, whom they wish to marry. But to know that it is possible provides great solace and encouragement to those clergy who find themselves in this very difficult position.
POINT of INFORMATION
One primary concern by bishops was generated by the laypeople being scandalized at the thought that the priest might be dating. I, personally, think it’s time “y’all” get over that thinking.
“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.” (1st Corinthians 7:20)
Announcements
Church Music Sunday Today is the day parishes across our Archdiocese honor the gifts and stewardship of the church musicians of our parish-our clergy, the choir, our chanters, and those who teach the hymns of our Church to our youth. Their contributions enhance our worship and assure that the glorious treasury of our hymnography continues to edify us and future generations.
Thank you!
Thank you The St. Demetrios Sunday School, GOYA, Dance Groups, and Hellenic Dance Festival Competition Team would like to thank Lazarus Kirifides and the
St. Demetrios Book Store for the generous donations to our Youth Ministries. This kind gesture is greatly appreciated, and will benefit all of the children at St. Demetrios!
Dance There will be a mandatory meeting for the parents of all St. Demetrios dancers immediately following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 14th, in the church. Please make every effort to attend, as the EYCC and Dance Advisory Council will be addressing several topics pertaining to our dance program.
St. Demetrios Church Feast Day Dinner Dance Saturday, October 27th in the newly renovated hall. Tickets $45 per adult; $10 per child. Available for purchase every Sunday or by calling Marion Koliniatis @ (305) 632-1415.
DON’T MISS…. and plan to the attend the FEATHER PARTY on Saturday, October 13th, in the Kandaras Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets @ $7/person include 2 cards. Bring your family & friends for an evening of fun, food, & fellowship. Great prizes & refreshments. Proceeds benefit Feeding South Florida! BE SURE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!
Support our sister parish St. Nicholas Church, Fort Pierce Fall Gala at Gator Trace Golf and Country Club (772) 464-7442. Saturday, October 20 @ 6pm
Large Hall Renovation · The ceiling tiles have been installed, the dance floor installation is in process and the concrete slabs for the bathrooms have been poured.
Calendar of Events for the Week
Sunday 10/07
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am Sunday School
12:30pm Greek dance
Monday 10/08
4:15pm-6:00pm Greek Classes A’, B’, G’, D’ & Adult Beginner
6:00pm-8:00pm Advanced Greek class
Wednesday 10/10
7:00pm Daughters of Penelope meeting
Saturday 10/13
6:30pm Feather Party-proceeds benefit Feeding South Florida
Sunday 10/14
9:00am/10:00am Orthros/Divine Liturgy
11:15am Sunday School
12:30pm Greek dance
