Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church

This Sunday commemorates the venerable Cross and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Cross as such takes on meaning and adoration because of the Crucifixion of Christ upon it. Therefore, whether it be in hymns or prayers, it is understood that the Cross without Christ has no meaning or place in Christianity.

The adoration of the Cross in the middle of Great Lent is to remind the faithful in advance of the Crucifixion of Christ. Therefore, the Passages from the Bible and the hymnology refer to the Passions, the sufferings, of Jesus Christ: The passages read this day repeat the calling of the Christian by Christ to dedicate his life, for "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Christ)" (v. 34-35). This verse clearly indicates the kind of dedication which is needed by the Christian in three steps:

2. To lift up his/her personal cross (the difficulties of life) with patience, faith and the full acceptance of the Will of God without complaint that the burden is too heavy; having denied himself and lifted up his cross leads him . . .

These three voluntary steps are three links which cannot be separated from each other, because the main power to accomplish them is the Grace of God, which the Christian always invokes. The Adoration of the Cross is expressed by the faithful through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and the forgiveness of the trespasses of others.

On this Sunday the Adoration of the Cross is commemorated with a special service following the Divine Liturgy in which the significance of the Cross is that it leads to the Resurrection of Christ. (Slightly Edited)

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Service hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am

SAINTS: Righteous Niketas, Confessor (+824); Joseph the Hymnographer (+886); Paul the Russian (+1681) and John, Neomartyrs; the Martyrs Elpidophoros, Dios, Bythonios, Galicos; the devout Father Illyricos; the Virgin Martyrs Theodosia and Irene.

(Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Soson Kyrie ton laon Sou").Hymnal 107.

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - 3rd Tone

(Sing in English after the Entrance) "Let all things rejoice" Hymnal 83-84.

Dismissal Hymn of the Feast - "Save O Lord, Your people". Hymnal 107.

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ - (Sing) From sheet in the pew.

(Read) To you as champion for the invincible victory, / your city offers thanksgiving to you / From our trials, O Theotokos, / have you redeemed us, / for you possess invincible might and power. / From all dangers, Theotokos, / deliver us, / as we cry to you, / Hail, O Bride, unwedded!

INSTEAD OF HOLY GOD “Ton Stavron Sou” / “Your Cross, O Lord” Hymnal 108

EPISTLE – Hebrews 4:14-5:6 (3rd Sunday of Lent) Brethren, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

GOSPEL - Mark 8:34-9:1: (3rd Sunday of Lent) The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

INSTEAD OF COMMUNION HYMN “Praise the Lord” (Sing) “Esemiothe ef’ emas”

INSTEAD OF “We have seen the true Light” (Sing) “Soson Kyrie” HYMNAL 107.

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, March 27: Attendance 48; Stewardship $222; Visitor's Offering $5; Candles $213 (includes 3/25 Liturgy $18 and 3/25 Salutations $16).

FUNERAL SERVICES were conducted on Wednesday, March 30 at the Chapel for the rest of the soul of the late John Haskedakes, father of Douglas Haskedakes, and Father-in-law of Marilyn Haskedakes. Officiating were Fr. Stanley Harakas and Fr. Gerasimos Murphy. John was 89 years old. May his memory be eternal!

THE FLOWERS FOR THE ADORATION OF THE CROSS service today were donated by Nikolai and Nanka Kastelan as “A Blessing For Our Children and Grandchildren.” We are grateful for this generous expression of love!

PROSFORON BAKERS: Fran Triantafilon 4/3 Helen Nicolelis 4/10; Presbytera Emily Harakas 4/17; George Nikas 4/22 (Presanctified Liturgy); Argyris & Carol Gymnaos 4/23 (Lazarus Saturday); Bette Ferriero 4/24; Gloria Vardakis 4/28 (Holy Thursday); Fran Mather 4/30 (Holy Saturday) Connie Mourgides 5/1 (Pascha Liturgy); George Nikas is the Coordinator. Call George if you would like to join the Prosforon Bakers. (597-1375).

FRIDAY FLOWERS: Flowers used to decorate the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary used for the April 1^st Friday Salutations were given this week by Feenie & Bette Ferriero for the health of their children and grandchildren. Many Years!

FAMILY & FRIENDS NOTICES can now be listed in the “Orthodox Messenger.” You can celebrate birthday, anniversary, good health, graduation and other congratulatory messages. For each notice, a voluntary donation in any amount can be made to our Church. Contact Fr. Harakas for your message. Send or give checks to Connie Mourgides, Treasurer.

---------------- FAMILY AND FRIENDS NOTICES ----------------

Fr. Stanley and Presbytera Emily express thanks to Fr. Gerasimos Murphy and Fr. William Mattis for their assistance during Fr. Stanley's recuperation.

TRISAGION: At the request of Tony Calligeros, a Trisagion Service on the Year Anniversary of his beloved wife Katy Calligeros will be conducted at today’s Divine Liturgy. Katy was also the sister of Connie Mourgides and Helen Nicolelis. May her memory be eternal!

PARISH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: Don’t miss the interesting presentations and discussions led by Fr. Gerasimos Murphy at our Friday Lenten P.E.P. Sessions from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Come learn and grow spiritually! You will be inspired!

3^rd SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS: This coming Friday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m. Followed by a very tasty Lenten Covered Dish Supper. Plan on attending!

ST. KATHERINE LADIES SOCIETY NEWS

After Church today, April 3, the women of the parish are invited to stay for an hour to prepare gifts for the women and children we support at the Dawn Center.

The final meeting of St. Katherine’s Ladies Society before Summer will be held following Church this coming Sunday, April 10. Planning decisions will be made.

HOLY CONFESSIONS will be heard on Saturdays during Great Lent by Fr. Harakas in the Chapel 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Come for the forgiveness of sins and spiritual guidance.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARY FOR APRIL: Birthdays – Stephanie Feola 4/4; Mike Triantafilon 4/5; Chris Katehis 4/5; Feenie Ferriero 4/11; Maria Angeliadis 4/11; Stephen Heuer 4/12; Maria Gymnaos 4/15; Jen Mauro 4/15; Emilia Angeliadis 4/16; Cathy Lemonedes 4/29; Connie Pappas 4/30. Anniversary – Fr. William and Presbytera Mary Mattis 4/23. Blessing prayers will be read next Sunday for all those celebrating during the month of April. Please come for your blessing!

THANKS TO ALL who have renewed their 2005 Stewardship Declarations. As of last Sunday 62 Stewards have made their declarations. We look for 100% renewal!

YOUR 2005

STEWARDSHIP

DECLARATION!

IF YOU HAVEN’T

SENT IT IN,

PLEASE DO IT

NOW!

THANKS TO YOU

IF YOU HAVE!

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Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta

Service hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am

Evening Services as Announced

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - 3rd Tone

Dismissal Hymn of the Feast - "Save O Lord, Your people". Hymnal 107.

BULLETIN SPONSOR: THE GYMNAOS FAMILY

FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF OUR FAMILY AND GRANDCHILDREN