PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW OF CONSTANTINOPLE

 life, how can you die? How can you dwell in a tomb?" Brother concelebrants and pious, God-loving sons and daughters of the Church,   All of Nature, the choirs of angels, the multitudes of humankind: all are astonished and amazed.  The entire creation stands in fear and trembling in the presence of the great and unspeakable Mystery of the Holy Passion and the glorious Resurrection of Christ the Savior, and asks: "How is it possible that Life, true Life, Life itself, the source of Life, can die?  How can a grave become the dwelling place of Life, of our Lord Jesus Christ Who said of himself, "I am … the life" (John 14:6)?  The answers are revealed to us in the Resurrection.

   Many of the questions asked in days of old remain unanswered today. What happened then, once and for all, is repeated without ceasing.  The Mystery continues, as does our wonder. Christ remains for many in our own day "a sign that is spoken against" (Lk 2:34).  He is crucified, but He rises to life.  The Crucified One remains to some a stumbling block; to others, foolishness  (1 Cor 1:23).   Some scoff upon hearing of the Resurrected One (Acts 17:32); others slander Him (Matt 28: 11-15); but He reigns in the hearts of the faithful.

   We, the faithful, enjoy a foretaste of the Resurrection.  We live in the Resurrection, not fearing the physical death of the body because we believe in the Resurrection of Christ and human beings.  We experience it as a reality through our fellowship with the Saints who, although they died according to human understanding, in reality live on and communicate with us and help us in our lives.

   The shrill voice of fanaticism, however, which rang out then and which has been ringing out unceasingly ever since, continues to cry: "Crucify him, crucify him!"  The powerful ones of this world, who answered such cries with cowardice and denial of responsibility, continue to reply: "Take him yourselves and crucify him" (John, 19:6). +Life is risen! Christ is Risen!  And we bear witness to His Resurrection not only by offering rational arguments and proofs but rather by living our lives in accordance with the Resurrection. Only then does our witness become credible, when the Resurrected Christ lives within us, when our entire being radiates the joy, certainty and peace of the Resurrection.

   Certainly, our lives and the life of our natural environment remain threatened by death.  We do not mean here decay and deterioration in the biological sense, but rather those types of death and destruction brought about suddenly, in cruel and violent ways; ways that challenge our conscience, trivialize the human person, and mangle the beauty of nature.

   We mean, among other things, that death which puts an end to human life before it even has the chance to see the light of the sun.

   We mean those countless children, who lose their lives because of poverty, hunger, the lack of even the most basic medicine, the cruelty of those who have the power to do but who do not do what is necessary to save these children, the impudence of the exploiters and corrupters of children’s innocence.

   We mean the victims of daily acts of violence, of religious, nationalistic, and racial clashes, as well as the victims of fanaticism and war.  Such acts are callously and uncaringly carried out by those who turn deaf ears to humanity’s call for the end of hostilities and the establishment of peace throughout the world.

   Finally, we mean the plundering of the natural environment by human beings who, driven by greed and the lust for profit, violently and cunningly subordinate and exploit it.  Such conduct not only distorts the beauty of creation given by its Creator but also undermines the foundations and conditions necessary for the survival of future generations.

   We mean, in short, those types of life that bear signs of death, be they spiritual or moral, the consequences of disordered passions and errors, deprivation or greed, the trivialization and oppression of life. +Beloved brothers and children in the Lord, We worship once again this year the Holy Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ.   We know that the teaching about His death on the cross remains foolishness for those who remain unbelieving and who go the way of destruction. It is, however, the power of God for us who walk in faith the way of salvation (1 Cor 1:18) in the brilliant light of the Resurrection.

   In this power and joy of the Resurrection of Christ, we respect the life of our fellow human beings.  We call for an end to the killing of one another, and we denounce the violence and fanaticism that threatens life. The victory of the Resurrection must be experienced as a victory of life, of brotherhood, of the future, of hope. +"Christ is Risen, and life reigns. To Him be glory and dominion unto the ages of ages."

+ Bartholomew of Constantinople,

your fervent  intercessor of all before Risen Christ

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING LITURGY TODAY: LIGHT LUNCH & GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Please stay for a light lunch after today’s Divine Liturgy and attend the General Assembly of our Mission Parish being held today to address important concerns regarding the well-being and progress of our Christ the Savior Church. We are pleased that Attorney George Psetas, will be with us to moderate the discussion. This meeting is important!

Service Hours: Sundays and Feast Days: Orthros at 9:30 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am

2nd SUNDAY OF PASCHA – THOMAS SUNDAY

                                     Gospel Entrance and Other Hymn Changes

Dismissal Hymn after the Doxology: Sung in Greek by the Leaders – Esfraghizmenou to Mnematos (For Translation, see below).

Dismissal Hymn  for Pascha

   Sung in Greek before the Entrance ("Christos Aneste…").

   Priest’s Entrance Hymn: In the congregations bless God, the Lord who springs out of Israel. Priest and People: Save us o Son of God who did rise from the dead, we sing to You, Alleluia. Sung in English after the Entrance – “Christ is risen. . .”

Dismissal Hymn For St. Thomas Sunday - (Read)While the tomb was sealed, / You, O Life, / did shine forth from the grave, / O Christ God; / and while the doors were shut, / You came to Your disciples, / O Resurrection of all, / renewing through them / an upright Spirit in us / according to Your great mercy.

Kontakion for Pascha (Read) Even though You descended into the grave, / O immortal One, / You destroyed the power of Hades; / and You arose as victor, / O Christ our God, / saying to the myrrh-bearing women, / “Hail!” / and to Your Apostles granting peace; / You also grant resurrection to the fallen.

Return to page 26 for “Holy God” and for the Epistle and Gospel Readings

EPISTLE: Acts 5:12-20

n those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him0, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."

GOSPEL: John 20:19-31

n the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

   In the Place of “Axion Esti” -  The Leaders sing: Se ten Faeinen lampada”

(Read) O you shining lamp, / O Mother of God, / you of most manifest glory, / who are more exalted than all creation, / you we magnify with hymns.

   In the Place of the Communion Hymn “Praise the Lord,” – The Leaders sing Epainei Ierousalem (Read)  Praise the Lord, / O Jerusalem; / praise your God, / O Zion. / Alleluia

   In the Place of “We have seen the true light,” (Hymnal, 70),  Sing “Christos Anesti, Christ is risen.”  

   PALM CROSS MAKERS: Many thanks to the following persons who helped, after the Saturday of Lazarus Divine Liturgy, make the Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday: Venice Cosmadelis, Presb. Emily Harakas, Nancy Kastelan, Nikolai Kastelan, Presb. Mary Liadis, George Nikas, Dee Nikas, Aki Manolis, Fran Mather, Bill Pasisis, Harriet Pasisis, Christine Thomas, Emily Thomas, Curt Thomas & Gloria Vardakis. Many thanks!

   FISH DINNER REPORT: Chairpersons Gloria Vardakis & Helen Vangel express our parish's thanks to all who contributed to the success of our Palm Sunday Fish Dinner following Church. We are grateful for the $394 given for our Church. Thanks to all who helped make it a success: Dora & John Halvatzes, Nanka Kastelan, Presbytera Emily Harakas, Fran Mather and Dee Nikas. A delicious meal!

  MAY ANNIVERSARIES & BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS: Next Sunday, May 7 – Anniversaries – Thomas & Betty Frangos 5/3; Bill & Ruby Hazivasilis 5/19; Spiro & Cathy Lemonedes 5/19; Fr. Michael & Pani Karen Miklos 5/9; Mike & Mareda Zoumberos 5/10. Birthdays – James Roussos 5/2; Achilles Thomas 5/4; Myra Moshonisiotis 5/5; Vera Mae Fondulas 5/7; Betty Roussos 5/7; Nicholas Hazivasilis 5/8; Patricia Lilore 5/8; Mike Zoumberos 5/11; Eva Thomas 5/11; Delcie Kelo 5/16;  Helen Natsis 5/18; Dino Moshonisiotis 5/22; Mike Panopolis 5/25; Connie Mourgides 5/26; Fran Mather 5/31. Congratulations!

    BULLETIN SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED! The cost is only $25. To reserve your date please contact Gloria Vardakis and give her the information (688-2270).

   SUNDAY, MAY 14 – MOTHER’S DAY: Following the Divine Liturgy the Men’s Club of the parish will serve breakfast to all Mothers in attendance as well as all in attendance at Christ the Savior Church. The menu will consist of Scrambled Eggs or Egg Beaters, Bacon, Sausage, Toast, Coffee, Danish and Donuts. So that we can plan, please call the following to let us know that you are coming: Paul Cosmadelis Nikolai Kastelan, Spiro Lemonedes(684-4082), George Nikas (597-1375), or Bill Pasisis (688-7465), Chair. Mothers Free!  All others, free will donation!

   THE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY: Co-chair Feenie Ferriero is laying out the book, but it is not too late for regular ads or for Boosters (just $25) for our 2006-2007 Telephone Directory. As of last Sunday, we have collected $2725 gross amount. You can still help. Call Cathy Lemonedes at 684-4082 to include your Ad or Booster contribution.

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Connie Mourgides 4/20 (Holy Thursday); Fran Mather 4/22 (Holy Saturday); Argiris & Carol Gynmaos 4/23 (PASCHA); Fran Triantafilon 4/30; Helen Nicolelis 5/7. Gloria Vardakis 5/14 (Mothers Day); Bette Ferriero 5/21; Venice Cosmadelis 5/28; Presbytera Emily Harakas 6/4; George Nikas 6/11 (Pentecost / Fathers Day). George Nikas is Prosforon Chairman -597-1375.

  BAKE SALE REPORT: Many thanks to all who helped make our Walmart Bake Sale, April 14 and 15, 2006, a great success. Chairperson Venice Cosmadelis thanks the following who assisted: Presbytera Emily Harakas, Presbytera Mary, Paul Cosmadelis, Dora Halvatzes, Bill Hazivasilis, Demetri Hazivasilis, Ruby Hazivasilis, Cathy Lemonedes, Aki Manolis, Fran Mather, Bill Pasisis,  Harriet Pasisis, Bobby Thomas, Emily Thomas, Curtis Thomas, Helen Vangel, Gloria Vardakis. Thanks to Angie and Paul Maniates for donating the delicious Spanakopita. Thanks, also to Cathy Lemonedes for baking 2 trays of Kourabiethes. The net income from the Bake Sale was $799.60, which will be matched by Walmart for a total of  $1,599.20. To this, Venice reports, $73.00 is to be added from the pastries sold at Church, April 16. That makes a grand total of $1,672.20. Congratulations for a job well done!   

   WELCOME TO NEW STEWARDS Michael and Charlotte Mayew. We pray God's blessings on you and invite you to share in the worship, learning and social life of Christ the Savior Church! The "Honor Roll of 2006 Stewards" will be published shortly!

   HOLY WEEK FLOWERS: Many thanks to Nanka Kastelan for chairing the Lenten and Holy Week Flower Committee again this year. I think all agree that the flowers were a beautiful contribution to the beauty of our services. Many thanks to Fr. John & Presbytera Mary for the Holy Thursday Crown of Roses for the Crucified Christ, given for the health and blessings of George and Katina Steffen and sons.

   Thanks also to the following for the donation of the Easter Lillies: Venice Cosmadelis, Bette Ferriero, Carol Gymnaos, Dora Halvatzes, Presbytera Emily Harakas, Ruby Hazivasilis, Theona Hatzi, Patricia Heuer, Janice Jabbour, Nancy Kastelan, Kathy Lemonedes, Connie Mourgides, Dee Nikas, Harriet Pasisis, Emily Thomas, Patricia Tsausis, Helen Vangel, Elaine Underwood, Gloria Vardakis, Gloria Zahka.

  Special Thanks to Venice Cosmadelis, who decorated the icon of the Theotokos for the Salutations Services and the Akathist Hymn. Venice also oversaw the decoration, for the first time, of the Epitaphion which was made for us by Sam Jabbour and for the beautiful white bouquets at the pew-ends -beautiful additions to our services.

COME TO OUR FREE PARISH PICNIC

THIS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2006 – 10:00 AM TO 2 PM

DELTA WOODS PARK PAVILION (DELTONA AVE., SPRING HILL)

FUN, FOOD, GAMES, SUN & SHADE FOR ADULTS & KIDS

AND . . . SO WE CAN PLAN . . .

CALL AND LET US KNOW THAT YOU ARE COMING

Spero Lemonedes (684-4082), George Nikas (597-1375), Bill Pasisis (688-7465)

Come and enjoy a pleasant day of fellowship and relaxation!

            WORSHIP THE LORD ON SUNDAYS DURING THE SUMMER

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

WE GREET EACH OTHER DURING THIS SACRED SEASON, SAYING

“Christ is Risen!”
and responding
“Truly, he is Risen!”

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