Contents

The Orthodox Messenger

The Weekly Newsletter of the Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County

Vol. I, No. 12– Sunday, April 7, 2002

Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County

“A Pan-Orthodox Community”

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

Meeting at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL -  (352) 796-8482

The Hellenic Orthodox Mission Website: http://worship.nu/hellenicorthodoxmission/index.htm

FR. STANLEY S. HARAKAS, PROTOPRESBYTER - (352) 688-2382 (Afternoons and Evenings)

WHY THE CROSS?

   This Sunday, April 7, is the Third Sunday of the Lent. Coming as it does in the middle of the Fast, the Church observes the "Adoration of the Holy Cross" for a special reason. The Orthros service tells us that it is to strengthen us in our Lenten journey to Pascha: "Our compassionate mother, the Holy Church of Christ, thought fit to reveal to us the Holy Cross as the joy of the world, power of the faithful, bulwark of the pious, hope of sinners, a sure foundation, and a secure help."

   During the services on this Third Sunday of Great Lent there will be a procession from the Altar area, and around the church to a table set in front of the Altar area. The priest will hold a tray in which flowers, in the center of which is the Holy Cross. He will lift the tray high, and at the end, priest will reverence the Holy Cross as he sings, "Your Cross, O  Master, we adore, and Your Holy Resurrection we glorify."

   Then, you will come forward to reverence the Holy Cross in a spirit of devotion and love for the salvation worked on the Cross by our Savior Jesus Christ. The hymn appointed to be sung at this time ends with these words, which we each should make our own as we reverence the Holy Cross: "As we Christians reverently greet you, the Holy Cross, we glorify God nailed upon you, saying, O Lord who was crucified thereon, have mercy on us, since You are good and the Lover of humankind."

   So also, today’s Epistle says, "let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

   In the weeks to come, we should remember Cross of Christ, so as to deepen our preparation to meet the Risen Christ at Pascha.

Service Hours:

Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. -

Evening Services as announced.

3rd  Sunday of Lent: Veneration of Holy Cross  – 3rd  Tone – Liturgy of St. Basil

Saints: Martyrs Kalliopios and Acylina (+304); Righteous George, Bishop of Mytilene

EPISTLE – Hebrews 4:14-5
   Since then we have a great 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
  And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would 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 of 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 that the kingdom of God has come with power." 

Dismissal Hymn – Veneration of Holy Cross, Divine Liturgy Hymnal, p. 107.

(Sing in Greek) (“Soson Kyrie ton laon”) before and after the Gospel Entrance.

 (Sing in English) Hymn of St. Nicholas - Divine Liturgy Hymnal, pp. 110-111

"An example of the Faith and a life of humility. . ."

The Kontakion of the Sunday of Orthodoxy - Divine Liturgy Hymnal, pp. 98-99

(Sing in Greek) (“Tee Eepermacho . . .)

IN THE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL: Instead of “Holy God . . .” Sing in Greek “Ton Stavron Sou” Divine Liturgy Hymnal, p. 108-109. - Megalynorion:“Epi si haire” – Liturgy of St. Basil Supplement - Instead of the Communion Hymn (Praise Him/Aineite. . .) sing in Greek “Esemiothe ef emas” Divine Liturgy Hymnal, p. 91 – Instead of “We have seen the true light” sing “Soson Kyrie ton laon” Divine Liturgy Hymnal, p. 107.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

      THANKS TO NANCY KASTELAN who donated and arranged the flowers for the procession today. We appreciate the Kastelans’ generosity and reverence.

   APRIL BIRTHDAYS are: 4/2-Vera Pasvantis; 4/5-Mike Triantafilon; 4/7-Stephanie Pasvantis;  4/11-Feenie Ferriero & Nancy Cologtna; 4/17-Kay Gregerson; 4/29-Catherine Lemonedes; 4/30-Connie Pappas.

   STEWARDS OF PROSFORON BAKING: Venice Cosmadelis – Apr. 7; Bette Ferriero – Apr. 14; Fran Mather – Apr. 21; Connie Mourgides Apr. 28 (Palm Sunday); Helen Nicolelis – May 2 (Holy Thursday); George Nikas – May 4 (Holy Saturday); Fran Triantafilon – May 5 (Pascha). Gloria Vardakis – May 12; Prosforon Coordinator is George Nikas (597-1375).

   PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.): “Understanding Holy Week” Next Friday, April 12. Join Us! Starts at 2:30 p.m. Coffee and . . . .

   THE 4th SERVICE OF THE SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS will be conducted this Friday, April 12 at 4:00 p.m. Please prepare a “Lenten Covered Dish,” for our evening meal following the service.

   THE 2002 MISSION TELEPHONE  DIRECTORY  has been published and is being distributed. It includes the names, addresses and telephone numbers of members and friends of our mission. It is also a fund-raiser that helped raise $1,200. Please patronize our advertisers. Thanks especially to Helen and Tyke Nicolelis and Dorothy Triantafilon for their hard work. Congratulations for this successful project!

   A NEW ADDRESS FOR OUR WEBSITE: http://worship.nu/hellenicorthodoxmission/index.htm .

   FLOWERS FOR SALUTATIONS ICON: Many thanks to William and Harriet Pasisis for donating the wreath for the icon of the Theotokos at the Salutations this past week, April 5.

   PALM SUNDAY FISH DINNER: Our annual FISH DINNER will be held immediately following Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 28. The price will be $6. Bring friends and relatives. Let Venice Cosmadelis (686-1199) know the numbers so proper arrangements can be made. Mark your calendar.

   COOKBOOKS: Information about cookbooks was passed out at the GeneralAssembly by the Parish Council Fundraising / Sales Committee. Please return your order forms with your check to Cathy Lemonedes.  For more forms call Cathy at 684-4082.

   HOSPITALIZED at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater this past week was Alice Bolio. We pray for her rapid recovery. Inform Fr. Harakas of hospitalizations.

   CLEAN-UP DAY: Many thanks to all those who helped in the parish “Clean-up Day” this past Saturday.

   HOLY CONFESSION: Saturday, April 13, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

  YOUR STEWARDSHIP in service to our Mission and your financial support are very important. If you have made a pledge, please contribute regularly on it. If you haven’t, fill out a pledge form to help us plan our work. Contact Spero Lemonedes (684-4082).

HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION

OF HERNANDO COUNTY

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Community”

• Bulletins
• Contact
• Directions
• Education
• Events
• Fr. Harakas
• Links
• Newspaper
• Photos