The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. III, No. 34 – Sunday, August 29, 2004

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

13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL -  (352) 796-8482

Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org

HOLY COMMUNION: CHRIST’S BODY & BLOOD

    The Bible, the Holy Fathers, and our own spiritual experience testify that when we receive Holy Communion, we receive the very Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Jesus Himself taught that the Bread and Wine of the sacrament are His very Body and Blood.  In chapter 6 of the Gospel of John, He says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life...For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.  He who eats my flesh abides in me, and I in him...He who eats me will live because of me.”

   That it is not just a symbol is seen also in St. Paul's teaching in the 12th Chapter of 1 Corinthians according to which whoever “eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” (v. 27). Not only does St. Paul call the bread and wine “the body and blood” of Christ, but he says that improperly receiving them has serious consequences

   An early writer of the Church, St. Cyril of Jerusalem  (315-386), says: “Wherefore with full assurance let us partake of the Body and Blood of Christ; for in the form of bread is given to you His Body, and in the form of the wine His Blood; that you by partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, may be made of the same body and the same blood with Him.  For thus we come to bear Christ in us, because His Body and Blood are distributed through our members; thus it is that, according to the blessed Peter, we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)” (Catecheses 22:3).

    Another writer of the Church, Hilary, the Bishop of Portiers (315-367) tells us “this is indeed flesh and blood. . . . He Himself, therefore, is in us through His flesh, and we are in Him, while that which we are with Him is in God” (On the Trinity 3:4).

    In the last analysis, the most important thing about Holy Communion is the transfiguring power of the Body and Blood of Christ in us. The gift of His Body and His Blood is one of the most concrete expressions of God's love for you and me. The fact that communing the Body and Blood of Christ has saving and transfiguring effects on us, is why Holy Communion is significant for our lives.

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

THE FEAST OF THE BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection – 4^th Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“To faidron tes Anastaseos”).Hymnal,  84-85

   (Sing in English after the Entrance)“When the tidings . . . ”). (Same).

Dismissal Hymn of St. John the Baptist

    (Read) The memory of the just / is mentioned with praise. / As for you, / O Fore- runner, the Lord’s witness is enough:/ indeed, you were greater than the prophets / since you were found worthy / to baptize in the waters / the One they could but announce. / You have fought for the sake of truth / and proclaimed to those in Hades / that God who appeared in the flesh / has taken away the sins of the world / and bestowed His great mercy on us.

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

   (Text): “Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin full of Grace. Through you did arise the Sun of righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. And you made glad righteous Elder Simeon, receiving and embracing the liberation of our souls; also giving to us the resurrection.”

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos

   (Read) By your holy birth-giving, O pure one, / Joachim and Anne were delivered / from the reproach of barrenness; / and Adam and Eve were delivered / from the corruption of death; / Your people do celebrate it, / have been saved from the stain of iniquity, / crying to you, / The barren gives birth to the Theotokos, / who nourishes our life.

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

   EPISTLE – Acts 13:25-32(St. John the Baptist) +  In those days, as John was finishing his course, he said, "What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie." Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning him. Though they could charge him with nothing deserving death, yet they asked Pilate to have him killed. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus.

 

   GOSPEL – Mark 6:14-30 (St. John the Baptist) +  At that time, King Herod heard that Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." But others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." But when Herod heard of it he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.

   In the place of “Praise the Lord” the Leaders sing “Eis mnemosynon.”

Translation: “The just shall be in everlasting remembrance. Allelouia.”

  

Council President Paul Cosmadelis Reports . . . .

Preparing A Church For Our Future!

  As announced last week, we are converting the present fellowship hall to serve the larger congregation expected in the coming months. Pre-paring for the conversion of the Fellowship Hall as our future Church Building was begun Thursday, 8/26, and Saturday, 8/28.

  Eleven stewards helped on Thursday and nine on Saturday. Thursday was mostly spent moving food, paper goods, to the Dining Hall, Books and book cases to the temporary library, and garage sale items to the dedicated cabins.

   On Saturday heavy items were moved, such as large book cases, tables, chairs, TV & stand, refrigerator, and freezer. Thursday the main transport was the Mourgides van, and Saturday the Thomas's van and Demetri Hazivasilis' trailer were indispensible.

   Our help on Thursday in alphabetical order included Paul & Venice Cosmadelis, Steve & Connie Mourgides, Spiro Lemonedes, George Nikas, Bill & Harriet Pasisis, Emily Thomas, Helen Vangel & Gloria Vardakis.

   On Saturday the help consisted of Paul Cosmadelis, Demetri
Hazivasilis, Spiros Lemonedes, Bill Pasisis, Stephen Heuer, George Nikas, Betty Roussos, and Curtis & Emily Thomas. It was the young muscle that really helped.

   Betty Roussos has donated 100 paving squares[18"x18"]. Individuals are needed to pick them up from her house and deliver them to the Church. People are also needed to prepare the path and lay the pavers. If willing, in either case, call Betty at 683-2135 in the evening.

THE TWO ORTHODOX CHURCHES OF HERNANDO COUNTY JOIN TO SPONSOR A BIBLE STUDY CLASS

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and Christ the Savior Orthodox Church

Will Hold

A Bible Study Based on the Book Of Life and Salvation

Coordinated by Fr. Michael Shuster and Fr. Stanley Harakas

 

We will read and reflect on the

14 Bible Readings of the

Sacrament of Holy Unction

Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Leader

All Attending Will Receive a Free Copy of the Book

 

THURSDAY NIGHTS 7:00 – 8:30 PM

STARTING SEPT. 16

SESSIONS TO BE HELD AT

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX CHURCH

 

Holy Trinity Church is located at 11200 Elgin Blvd., Spring Hill, FL, between Mariner and Deltona Blvds. It is about 1.5 miles from Deltona on the right. It is 1.1 miles from Mariner on the left.  

Please let Father Stanley know that you plan to attend.
 

FOR THE RECORD: :  August 22, 2004: Attendance-41; Offering-$74; Candles-$58; Hospitality-$42; Pave It!-$25; Special Collection for Hurricane Charley Victims - $608. Thank you! The Mission Council has voted to double that collection before sending it to the Hurricane Charley Fund of the Metropolis of Atlanta for distribution to those in need.

   MARRIAGE BLESSING: Stephen and Patricia Heuer, who were Chrismated last week along with their daughter Susanne received their first Holy Communion this past Sunday, after Stephen and Patricia’s marriage was blessed on Thursday, August 19 at Christ the Savior Church. Bill and Harriet Pasisis were Sponsors. “Many Years!” 

   A COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING on our petition to erect two new signs for our Church on Sunshine Grove at the Olympic Village Lane intersection was postponed and tentatively scheduled to be held on Tuesday September 14. We will inform you as soon as we can regarding the details.

   BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER: Blessing prayers will be offered next Sunday, Sept. 5 after Liturgy. Anniversaries- Fred & Elaine Underwood 9/03; John & Dora Halvatzes 9/7; Harriet & Bill Pasisis 9/20; John & Gerry Levandis 9/27. Birthdays- Louis Mavrogian 9/7; Nick Gymnaos 9/15; Katina Reado 9/15; Emily Thomas 9/15;  John Haskedakis 9/18; Richard Urling, Jr.; 9/20; Karyn Underwood 9/22; Yanni Kotsifakis 9/23. Please come and receive your blessing!

   HOSPTALIZED: Oak Hill: George Younes. We pray for a rapid Recovery!

   THE PAVE IT! DRIVE HONOR ROLE will be published on September 19, 2004 in The Orthodox Messenger, listing all of those who contributed to the drive.

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Fran Mather 8/29; Fran Triantafilon 9/5; George Nikas 9/12; Connie Mourgides 9/14 (Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross). Gloria Vardakis 9/19; Presbytera Emily Harakas 9/26; Argyris & Carol Gymnaos 10/5; Patricia Lilore 10/12;. Many thanks to all for this special ministry of service. You, too, can become a Prosforon baker! Call Prosforon Coordinator George Nikas at 597-1375.

Come to Church On Sunday!
 

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

 

         

           I Say  “ PAVE IT!”

        FUND DRIVE

 

    Cost:                         $7,618

     08/22/04 Donated:   $4,752

     Still Needed:  $2,866

                       
Send Your Contribution Today!

 

 

   

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