Contents

 

 

The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. II, No. 31 – Sunday, August 10, 2003

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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

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

Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org

Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Protopresbyter – (352) 688-2382; Cell (352) 263-3005; Fax (352) 688-9846; Email: Rharakas@aol.com


REFLECTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS FOR AUGUST, 2003

   Our American society is comprised of persons from an exceedingly wide array of cultures, races, religions, and ethnicities--persons with whom we live side by side as neighbors.  This reality, a social phenomenon known as pluralism, is perhaps one of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of our nation.  Pluralism is more than just a social phenomenon, however; it is an entity that entirely surrounds us.  As such, pluralism presents us with particular challenges, in the most positive sense of the term.  These challenges come from the understanding that our Orthodox Christian voice is but one of many voices within an ever diverse and complex American society.    In the face of this reality, we are challenged as Greek Orthodox Christians living in the United States of America to consider courageously the question, "Where is the strength of  our Orthodox Christian  voice when it  is

but one of many voices in a diverse society?"
   In considering this question, we bring to mind the manifold diversity of Roman society during the days of the Apostles, who surely asked themselves the very same question.  Their voice, like that of our own, was the voice of a minority; yet its strength revealed itself in universal and unequivocal terms.  The Book of Acts gives us a sampling of the tremendous diversity of people who were present and who each heard the message of the Gospel in their own languages at the miracle of Pentecost: "Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappodocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians..." (Acts 2:9-11).  The significance of this miracle
rests in the knowledge that it is the Holy Spirit who alone imparts to us every strength and ability to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in universal terms, no matter how diverse the audience.
   The voice of the Gospel has not only encountered pluralism since Apostolic times; it has repeatedly demonstrated its inclination to thrive especially within pluralistic societies such as ours.  This was the case also with the Apostle Paul, who preached Christ's Gospel of love and salvation to people from all walks of life, "becoming all things to all people, that [he] might by all means save some" (1 Cor. 9:22).
   In living our Orthodox Christian faith in contemporary America, each of us is encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, to recast, with new eyes, our everyday encounters with pluralism as tremendous opportunities for preaching the Gospel through demonstrations of love and kindness for all persons--encounters which take place in even the most routine or leisurely of daily circumstances.
   As we continue to live in this incredibly diverse and beautiful land, and as we consider the true power of our voice amidst the many voices of our neighbors, let us not forget its tremendous relevance and proven ability to speak to all people.  Let us grow in the knowledge that the strength of our voice, which we proclaim every day through our love for others, rests not in its sheer volume or raw intensity, but in the gentleness and universal truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Lord.  May that truth embrace, guide, and liberate you; and may it impart unto all humanity an ultimate freedom and eternal salvation.   

 

+DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America

 

   

                                                                                                                              

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

Evening Services as Announced

  Saints: Laurence the Archdeacon (+258); Sixtus the Athenian, Bishop of Rome (+258); Hipplytos; Hero, the Philosopher; Gerontios, King of Devon; Blane, Bishop of Bute, Scotland; Laurence, the Fool for Christ.

8thTH Sunday of MATTHEW

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn - Grave Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Katelysas to Stavro").Hymnal, 88-89.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("O Lord by Your sacred Cross"). (Same)

Dismissal Hymn of the Transfiguration

    Sung by the leaders “Metemorfothes en to oroi”

   (Read) You were transfigured upon the mountain, / O Christ our God, / showing to Your disciples / Your glory as much as they could bear. / Do also in us, / sinners though we be; / shine Your everlasting light, / at the intercession of the Theotokos, / O Giver of Light. / Glory to You.

Dismissal Hymn of St. Nicholas

   (Sing in English) “An Example of the Faith” Hymnal 110-111.

   Kontakion of the Transfiguration of Christ (August 6) Epi tou orous metemorfothes.

      (Read) You were transfigured upon the mount, /O Christ our God, and Your disciples, / in so far as they could bear, / beheld Your glory. / Thus, when they see You crucified, / they may understand Your voluntary passion, / and proclaim to the world / that You are truly the radiance  of the Father.

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

 

   EPISTLE  – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 + Brethren, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

 

   GOSPEL –  Matthew 14:14-22 + At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

   FOR THE RECORD:  Sunday, August 3- Attendance was 44; Candles - $89; Offering Tray – $78; Hospitality - $35.  Thanks to all for your support!

   THE SUPPLICATORY SERVICE (PARAKLESIS) will be conducted today following the Divine Liturgy. If you have not already listed the names of your living family members, please fill out a form at the Candle Offering Counter, and give the completed form to the Usher.

   HOLY CONFESSIONS: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. Call in advance: Home 688-2382 or, Chapel Office 769-8482.

   FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS (Koimesis tis Theotokou): Friday, August 15, Orthros at 9:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Plan to attend.

   THE PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.) will feature the first part of “The Robe,”  this coming Friday, August 15. You are invited to come, enjoy and learn!

  CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE, now fully updated at http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org.

YOU CAN SPONSOR AN ISSUE OF THE ORTHODOX MESSENGER: With a $20 donation, you can honor the memory of a relative, express congratulations for family achievements, or promote a business. You can help! See Connie Mourgides today (686-0589).

 

  WILL IT BE YOU? Our Mission needs three or more Stewards to apply to become a Parish. We now have 52 Steward Members! You can become a Steward by declaring your intention to support the Mission with Time, Talent & Treasure. Help us become a Parish!

  

WE WERE SADDENED to learn that Alice Bolio’s grandson and Barbara Chigo’s son John recently lost his home to a fire which completely destroyed it. We were told that the only thing that escaped the flames was an icon of the Last Supper. We pray for the whole family!

   ON AUGUST 18, we will be sending in the list of Stewards of our Mission to the Orthodox Observer, the newspaper of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Become a Steward to receive it!

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Fran Mather 8/6 (Feast of the Transfiguration); George Nikas 8/10 Fran Triantafilon 8/15 (Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos); Presbytera Emily Harakas 8/17; Connie Mourgides 8/24; Venice Cosmadelis 8/31. Contact George Nikas, our Prosforon Chairperson (597-1375) to join the Prosforon Bakers.

    HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill Hospital – Fr. John Liadis, now recuperating at home. Please remember Fr. John in your prayers. Always inform the Priest when a family member is hospitalized. Most hospitals no longer keep lists of church members who are in the hospital.

    CONGRATULATIONS to Nikolai Kastelan, who was selected by the Mission Council, to be honored at the Atlanta Metropolis Archangel Michael Honors and Awards Dinner on Nov. 7 and 8. He will receive the Award Medallion from Metropolitan Alexios. “Axios!”

   PARISH NAME SELECTION: Please return your recommendations for the name of our parish. All forms received by August 21 will be considered, so get them in soon! After the names are reviewed by the Council and reduced to three, they will be published in the bulletin. The Name Selection Service will be held following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 26.

    “A FUTURE OF THE PARISH WORKSHOP” will be held on Sunday, October 26 after services. All alternatives for the future of our parish will be presented, including the costs. Plan to stay for the Feast Day Luncheon and this most informative meeting.

   FEAST-DAY LUNCHEONS: Sunday, August 31 (Apostle Titus -25th) –“Cold-Cut Sand-wiches Luncheon”; Sunday, September 21 (Holy Cross Leave-taking) –“Surprise Luncheon”; Sunday, October 26 (St. Demetrios) –“Country Ribs Barbeque”; November 16 “Shrimp Festival” (with alternative menu); December 7 (St. Nicholas) –“Spaghetti Luncheon. Plan On It!

   BILL PASISIS has accepted to Chair the “2004 Stewardship Campaign.” Bill is forming and Committee to make plans for the Stewardship program.

   ST. MICHAEL ARCHANGEL CHURCH in Lecanto will holding a “Mortgage Burning Celebration Dinner Dance” on Saturday, Sept. 27. Lamb, Greek Style Chicken Buffet $25 per person. For Tickets call Alice at 1-352-746-5469 or Diane at 1-352-746-4234. Plan to attend!

Bulletin Sponsors: CHARLES AND VERA MATTIS

Celebrating our 51st Wedding Anniversary

& For the Health of our Children and Grand-Children

Come To Church During the Summer!

 

 

HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION

OF HERNANDO COUNTY

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

      

The Dormition of the Theotokos

          August 15, 2003

        Come to Church!

 

 

 

NAMES OF THE LIVING FOR COMMEMORATION

AT THE SUPPLICATORY SERVICES

OF THE 2003 DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS FAST

 

 

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Meeting at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville. Florida
Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta
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