Hellenic Orthodox Mission

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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

Services Held 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 – Email:Rharakas@aol.com

HIS SUNDAY, two Sundays before Christmas, points us to the “Forefathers,” that is those who spiritually prepared the world for the coming of Christ. The Birth of Christ is the fulfillment of prophecies of the Old Testament that foresaw the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one of God. "Christos" in Greek is the translation of the Hebrew word "Messiah." Jesus is the anointed one of God, the Messiah, whose coming into the world was promised by the Prophets.

During the "Service of the Nativity Hours" conducted prior to the celebration of Christmas, many of these prophesies are read. They speak of God's plan for our salvation through Jesus Christ. During the Third Hour portion of the service we hear read, for example, a prophesy from the 5th chapter of the book of the Prophet Micah. "Thus says the Lord: But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall He come forth to me, who is to be the ruler of Israel."

In the Sixth Hour there is a reading from the Prophet Isaiah. "The Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel (in Hebrew, Emmanuel means "God with us"). In the Ninth Hour another prophecy from Isaiah tells of the coming Messiah (Christ). "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever."

The Kontakion hymn of the Feast announces: "Today the Virgin gives birth to Him who is above all being, and the earth offers a cave to Him whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and Magi journey with a star. For unto us is born a young Child, the pre-eternal God."

You and all Christians are called to welcome Jesus Christ not only into the world at large, but also into your heart and home. Plan to attend Church on Christmas Eve and welcome His coming to us!

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

Evening Services as announced.

Saints: The Forefathers of Christ; Martyr Eleftherios and his Mother, the Martyr Anthia (+120); the Martyr Coremon the Eparch; the Martyrs Sossane, Bacchus the New.

imothy, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day, and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesos.

he Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

(Sing in English after the Entrance) ("From on high did you descend"). (Same)

Dismissal Hymn of the Forefathers (Read) By faith You vindicated the Forefathers, / having through them betrothed to yourself the Church / that came out of the Nations. / The saints are boasting in glory; / for the glorious fruit, / the Virgin who is without seed gave birth to You, / is from their progeny. / At their entreaties, / O Christ our God, / save our souls.

Dismissal Hymn of St. Eleftherios (Read) Decorated with the vestments of priestly rank, / and still wet from the pouring out of your holy blood, / you ascended to Christ the Lord, / wise Eleftherios. / O blessed Martyr that you are / and destroyer of the Evil One, / never cease interceding / on behalf of those who honor your blessed martyrdom / with faith and love.

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

(Read) Today, the Virgin comes to the cave to bring forth the eternal Word, an unspeakable mystery. Rejoice, O universe, at the message. Glorify, with the angels and the shepherds. He was willing to be looked upon as a new-born child, the eternal Word.

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, December 8: Attendance - 51; Candle Offerings - $64; Offering - $92. Come to Church. Thank you!

ST. NICHOLAS OBSERVANCES: Services were conducted on Dec. 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas. On Sunday December 8 at the Divine Liturgy, all present were anointed with holy oil from the vigil light of the Chapel Altar Table. Fr. Stanley and Presbytera Emily offered a Bread Blessing Service for the health and well-being of our Mission members and friends. May St. Nicholas intercede for us before the throne of the Lord!

St. Nicholas Feast Day Spaghetti Luncheon: We enjoyed a wonderful Spaghetti Luncheon on Sunday, December 8. Many thanks to all who helped prepare, serve, solicit the prizes, and plan the event. Thanks especially, to Yanni and Jennie Kotsifakis, Michael, Kyranna and their Staff who prepared and the whole meal at “Yanni’s Restaurant” as their donation and delivered it to us for serving right on time. Next week we will acknowledge all who helped make this a successful event.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT: On Sunday, December 8, a preliminary report on the Stewardship Drive was made after Church by Treasurer Spiro Lemonedes. Twenty-seven members returned their Declarations for Time, Talent and Treasure. If you haven’t done it yet, please fill out both the Stewardship of Treasure Declaration for both Time & Talent, as well as for Treasure. Please mail it in as soon as possible. Your Declaration will provide needed support for our Mission.

GROUNDS AND BUILDING CLEANING: Thanks to all who helped clean the grounds and buildings on Saturday, November 30: Paul Cosmadelis; Venice Cosmadelis; Helen Nicolelis; Tyke Nicolelis; Bette Ferriero; Feenie Ferriero; John Halvatses, Theodora Halvatses; Costas Hronis; Spero Lemonedes; Fran Mather; Bill Pasisis, Harriet Pasisis; Anna Prestage; Henry Prestage; George Nikas. Thanks to all for beautifying our area!

BECOME A BULLETIN SPONSOR! Contribute $20 to place a message in an issue of The Orthodox Messenger. We are in need of Sponsors. See Connie Mourgides.

PROSFORON BAKING: George Nikas 12/15; Fran Triantafilon 12/22; Bette Ferriero 12/24 (Day before Christmas/Christmas); Helen Nicolelis 12/29; Presbytera Emily 1/1 (St. Basil and New Year); Gloria Vardakis 1/5 (Day Before Epiphany); Connie Mourgides 1/12. Venice Cosmadelis 1/19; Fran Mather 1/26. Remember to include family names (living and dead) for commemoration.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA PLANTS: Contact Helen Nicolelis (684-1219) to purchase a "poinsettia" plant for $10 in memory of a loved one for the church for the Christmas Holiday Season. You can take them home after Epiphany. This project decorates our chapel for the Christmas / Epiphany Season, and it is also a fund-raising project.

PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.): Friday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. Come and learn about the Gospel of John and about our Orthodox Christian Church.

“INTRODUCING THE ORTHODOX CHURCH” - SESSION 5: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:00 p.m. at the Club House at Wellington, Mariner Drive, Spring Hill.

THIS WEEK’S SPONSORS: Bill and ruby hazivasilis

In Memory of Bill’s Parents Demetrios and Pelagia