The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. V, No. 33– Sunday, August 6, 2006

Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church - Presentation of Christ at the Temple

The Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County, Florida–“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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

 Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org     

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST

   Today, Sunday, August 6, the Orthodox Church commemorates one of the most meaningful events in the life of Christ -the Transfiguration. It is described in three of the four Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36) and is talked about in 2   Peter 1:10-19.

   The Orthros Doxastikon hymn summarizes: "Christ took Peter, James and John to a high mountain alone. And he was transfigured before them, his countenance shining as the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with him, and a bright cloud covered them. Then behold, a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased -hear him.'"

   Reflecting on the Transfiguration, the Church has found many truths and lessons for us. For example, the radiance of the light of the Transfiguration points to the divinity of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. This is confirmed by the voice of the Father. The "bright cloud" reminds us of God's presence with us, pointing as well to the future kingdom in which "the Lord God will be their light" (Revelation 22:15). The presence of Moses and Elijah shows that both the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testament point to Christ. The Transfiguration, like the Baptism of Christ, also points to the nature of God as a Holy Trinity of persons. The transfiguring power of the Holy Spirit is perceived in the dazzling light of Mount Tabor, just as we refer to "the light of the Holy Spirit" in the Pentecost Vespers. The response to this declaration of divine glory by the three Disciples was to declare the place a holy place and a place where God was to be worshiped in three tabernacles.

   Christ's Transfiguration is a model for our own lives. One of the hymns of the feast calls: "Come, let us go up to the mount of the Lord . . . to behold the glory of his Transfiguration." Another of the hymns also prays "Let your everlasting light also enlighten us sinners."  Still another declares "You have been transfigured, O Savior, on Mount Tabor, indicating the transformation of humanity." The Transfiguration Dismissal Hymn prays "Let your everlasting light also enlighten us" pointing to our goal as Christians to be transformed so that we, too, become vessels of God's light. Thus St. Paul says: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12: 2). Elsewhere, he says to us, "Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8).

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

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD, GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn Following the Doxology sung by leaders: “Metemorfotheis en to Orei”

Second Antiphon: “Save us O Son of God, who was transfigured on Mount Tabor, we sing to you, Alleluia.”

Dismissal Hymn of the Feast

   (Sung in Greek before the Entrance by the leaders) ("Metemorfotheis en to Orei").

Priest’s Entrance Hymn: “With You, O Lord, is the fountain of life.

People sing: “Save us O Son of God, who was transfigured on Mount Tabor, we sing to you, Alleluia.” 

Dismissal Hymn of the Feast

(Read) You were transfigured on the Mountain, / O Christ God, / showing your disciples as much of your glory as they could hold. Let your eternal light shine also upon us sinners, / through the prayers of the Mother of God. / O giver of light, glory to you.

Kontakion for the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6)

   Sung in Greek by the leaders: “Epi tou Orous metemorfotheis.”

   (Read) On the Mountain You were transfigured, / O Christ our God, / and your Disciples saw / as much of your glory as they could hold, / so that when they should see you crucified, / they would know that You suffered willingly, / and would proclaim to the world / that You are truly the Splendor of the Father.

                        Return to p. 26 of the Hymnal, to sing “Holy God . . . .”

   EPISTLE – 2 Peter 1:10-19 (Transfiguration) Brethern, be more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to arouse you by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. And I will see to it that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

   GOSPEL – Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration) At that time, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led him up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead."

  Megalynarion – Transfiguration (In place of “Truly it is proper” Hymnal, 54) Sung by the leaders – “Neen ta anekousta ekousthe”)

  (Read) Now has been heard / that which had never been heard before. / For the Son, / who is from the Virgin without father, / has been testified to / in glory by the voice of the Father; for he himself / is God and man together / to the end of the ages.

  Communion Hymn (In place of “Praise the Lord” Hymnal, 66) Sung by the leaders – “En to foti tes doxes sou.”

  (Read) We shall walk, / O Lord, / in the light of your countenance forever. / Alleluia.

 (In place of “We have seen the light, Hymnal 70), the leaders sing the Dismissal Hymn of the Feast “Metemorfotheis en to orei.”

  (Read) (Read) You were transfigured on the Mountain, / O Christ God, / showing your disciples as much of your glory as they could hold. Let your eternal light shine also upon us sinners, / through the prayers of the Mother of God. / O giver of light, glory to you.

  THE TRADITIONAL BLESSING OF GRAPES for the Feast of the Transfiguration will take place at the end of today’s Divine Liturgy.

   SUPPLICATORY SERVICE (PARAKLESIS): An abbreviated form of the Supplicatory Service to the Theotokos will be sung today following the Divine Liturgy. Enclosed is a sheet for you to write the names of the living members of your family and others for whom we will pray for health and wellbeing. Fill them out and hand in or mail for commemoration.

  BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS for those celebrating during the month of August, will be offered today following the Divine Liturgy. “Many Years!”

   COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS for today is Harriet Pasisis. Many thanks! We are grateful for this stewardship. Sign up to sponsor the Coffee Hour.

    PROSFORON BAKERS: George Nikas 8/6 (Sunday, Holy Transfiguration); Connie Mourgides 8/13; Argiris & Carol Gynmaos 8/20; Fran Triantafilon 8/27; Helen Nicolelis 9/3; Gloria Vardakis  9/10; George Nikas 9/17. Venice Cosmadelis 9/24; Presbytera Emily Harakas 10/1;.George Nikas is Chair. For recipe and the seal, call George at 597-1375 

 THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS FAST  continues until until Monday, August 14. Come to the Salutations Service on Friday, August 11 at 5:00 p.m.