Hellenic Orthodox Mission

The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. 1, No. 50 – Sunday, December 29, 2002

“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

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

FR. STANLEY S. HARAKAS, PROTOPRESBYTER - (352) 688-2382 – Email:Rharakas@aol.com

MESSAGE OF ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS FOR THE NEW YEAR

My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

By the infinite mercy and grace of God, we welcome the beginning of another year of worship and ministry in His loving presence. Each year, people from many cultures, religions, and nations mark the arrival of this day with a renewed spirit of optimism, comforted in the light of the dawn of the New Year and encouraged with hope to take further steps along the path of peace and reconciliation. As Orthodox Christians, our own efforts to promote loving relations within our world and within our immediate communities are vital, as we strive to follow the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Mt. 5:9) and the apostolic exhortation “love one another fervently from the heart” (I Peter 1:22).

Following these extraordinary teachings, our Church commemorates today one of her most distinguished ecumenical teachers and hierarchs, Saint Basil the Great. Revered for his astonishing acts of goodwill to the infirm and underprivileged, the legacy of Saint Basil imparts to us enduring examples of charity that aimed to promote loving and peaceful relations between the poor and the wealthy, the sick and the healthy, the downtrodden and the privileged. Today, these examples live on in the work of countless charitable institutions and agencies throughout the world that strive to advance the universal ideals of peace, love, and philanthropy.
In tribute to this beloved Saint, our Holy Archdiocese has endeavored to promote healing, care and peace within our own society through the ministry offered by the diligent staff and directors of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York. For over fifty years, Saint Basil Academy has provided a home to children and young people from across America who are in need of a place of serenity, a place where they can know the peace and the love of our Lord. Today, the Academy continues to meet this crucial need, by providing a nurturing and supportive environment that

offers strength and hope to some of the neediest among us.
Each year on this day, we are led by our National Ladies Philoptochos Society and the many local Philoptochos chapters in collecting funds for this vital ministry of love. This effort continues to be a tremendous source of support for the Academy. Thus, as we begin the New Year, and as we distribute pieces of the traditional Vasilopeta in honor of Saint Basil to the members of our communities and homes, let us especially remember the truly outstanding service of care, healing and peace at Saint Basil Academy. Through your prayers, your generosity, and your acts of love, you will truly be the sons and daughters of God bringing spiritual and physical peace to those in need.
I pray that the light of God’s perfect love and peace shine upon all of you, upon our beloved children especially, and, indeed, upon all children of all nations of the earth as we enter a blessed New Year marked by His exceeding benevolence and great love for humankind.

With Paternal love in Christ.
+DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

St. Basil Divine Liturgy – Wednesday, January 1, 2003 – Orthros 9:30 a.m. Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

EPISTLE –Galatians 1:11-19 + For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.

GOSPEL – Matthew 2:13-23 +When the wise men departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaos reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

(Read) Your nativity, O Christ our God, \ has caused the light of knowledge \ to rise upon the world. \ For therein the worshippers of the stars \ were by a star instructed \ to worship You, \ the very Sun of Righteousness, \ and to know You as the Star from on high. \ Glory to You, O Lord.

(Read) O Joseph proclaim to David the ancestor of Christ / the great miracles you have witnessed: / You have seen the Virgin with child, / given praise with the shepherds / and adored with the Wise Men, / and the angel of the Lord has appeared to you. / Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

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

(Sung in Greek by the leaders) “E parthenos semeron ton yperousion tiktei”

(Read) On this day the Virgin gives birth / to the Super-essential One. / To the Unapproachable, / earth is providing the grotto. / Angels sing and with the shepherds offer up glory. / Following a star the Magi are still proceeding. / He was born for our salvation, / a newborn Child, / the pre-eternal God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, December 22: Attendance - 42; Candle Offerings - $80; Offering - $104; Hospitality - $13. Christmas Attendance – 45.

NOT TOO LATE! Thanks to all who have returned their Stewardship Declarations. If you haven’t sent yours in yet, please do so. We need your response to help plan for 2003.

PROSFORON BAKING: Helen Nicolelis 12/29; Presbytera Emily 1/1 (St. Basil and New Year); Gloria Vardakis 1/5 (Sunday Before Epiphany); Connie Mourgides 1/12. Venice Cosmadelis 1/19; Fran Mather 1/26; George Nikas 2/2 (Presentation of Christ at theTemple); Fran Triantafilon 2/9; Bette Ferriero 2/16. Remember to include family names, both living and deceased.

THIS IS THE LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH: There will be two collections: one to support our Mission and the second for the Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA PLANTS: Many thanks to all who donated Poinsettia plants to decorate the St. Nicholas Chapel for Christmas and New Years. Helen Nicolelis, chair, reports that this project earned $148 for the work of our mission. Donors make take them home on Sunday, January 5, 2003. Thank you!

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: Birthdays +Theona Hatzi – 1/6; John Halvatzes – 1/10; George Nikas – 1/12; Fr. Stanley Harakas – 1/13; Tony Vardakis – 1/13; William Pasisis – 1/15; Helen Vangel – 1/20; Beverly Hall – 1/31. Anniversary +Paul and Angie Maniates – 1/4. Blessing prayers will be offered next Sunday, Jan. 5.

CHRISTMAS ELVES! On Saturday, Dec. 21 nine Elves from the Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County distributed Christmas gifts including bags of food and Christmas presents to twelve families and gifts to 50 children. The Elves are: Alex George, Paul Cosmadelis, Spero Lemonedes, Steve Mourgides, Helen Nicolelis, Tyke Nicolelis, George Nikas, William Pasisis, Michael Triantafilon. The Elves express a big THANK YOU to the Parishioners that contributed and helped make this all happen.

AS A RESULT, the food cupboard is bare! Plan to bring boxed and canned food each time you come to Church! Place on the food table at the back of the Fellowship Hall.

OUR DIOCESE NOW A METROPOLIS! We were informed last week that our Atlanta Diocese has been named a Metropolis. Henceforth we refer to the head of our Metropolis of Atlanta as Metropolitan Alexios. When commemorated in services only he is referred to as Archbishop Alexios. Congratulations! Many Years!



Contents		The Orthodox Messenger Vol. 1, No. 50 – Sunday, December 29, 2002 “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 The Hellenic Orthodox Mission Website: http://worship.nu/hellenicorthodoxmission/index.htm FR. STANLEY S. HARAKAS, PROTOPRESBYTER - (352) 688-2382 – Email:Rharakas@aol.com MESSAGE OF ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS FOR THE NEW YEAR My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, By the infinite mercy and grace of God, we welcome the beginning of another year of worship and ministry in His loving presence. Each year, people from many cultures, religions, and nations mark the arrival of this day with a renewed spirit of optimism, comforted in the light of the dawn of the New Year and encouraged with hope to take further steps along the path of peace and reconciliation. As Orthodox Christians, our own efforts to promote loving relations within our world and within our immediate communities are vital, as we strive to follow the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Mt. 5:9) and the apostolic exhortation “love one another fervently from the heart” (I Peter 1:22). Following these extraordinary teachings, our Church commemorates today one of her most distinguished ecumenical teachers and hierarchs, Saint Basil the Great. Revered for his astonishing acts of goodwill to the infirm and underprivileged, the legacy of Saint Basil imparts to us enduring examples of charity that aimed to promote loving and peaceful relations between the poor and the wealthy, the sick and the healthy, the downtrodden and the privileged. Today, these examples live on in the work of countless charitable institutions and agencies throughout the world that strive to advance the universal ideals of peace, love, and philanthropy. In tribute to this beloved Saint, our Holy Archdiocese has endeavored to promote healing, care and peace within our own society through the ministry offered by the diligent staff and directors of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York. For over fifty years, Saint Basil Academy has provided a home to children and young people from across America who are in need of a place of serenity, a place where they can know the peace and the love of our Lord. Today, the Academy continues to meet this crucial need, by providing a nurturing and supportive environment that offers strength and hope to some of the neediest among us. Each year on this day, we are led by our National Ladies Philoptochos Society and the many local Philoptochos chapters in collecting funds for this vital ministry of love. This effort continues to be a tremendous source of support for the Academy. Thus, as we begin the New Year, and as we distribute pieces of the traditional Vasilopeta in honor of Saint Basil to the members of our communities and homes, let us especially remember the truly outstanding service of care, healing and peace at Saint Basil Academy. Through your prayers, your generosity, and your acts of love, you will truly be the sons and daughters of God bringing spiritual and physical peace to those in need. I pray that the light of God’s perfect love and peace shine upon all of you, upon our beloved children especially, and, indeed, upon all children of all nations of the earth as we enter a blessed New Year marked by His exceeding benevolence and great love for humankind. With Paternal love in Christ. +DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America St. Basil Divine Liturgy – Wednesday, January 1, 2003 – Orthros 9:30 a.m. Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Service Hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Evening Services as announced. Post-Nativity of Our Lord Saints: St. Joseph the Betrothed; David the Prophet; Iakovos (James), Brother of Our Lord; the Holy 14,000 Martyred Children killed by Herod; Righeous Markellos (+486); Bishop George the Hymnographer, Thaddeus the Confessor, the Mark, Theophilos and John of Kiev EPISTLE –Galatians 1:11-19 + For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. GOSPEL – Matthew 2:13-23 +When the wise men departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaos reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene." GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS Dismissal Hymn - 2nd Tone (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Ote katelthes").Hymnal 81-82. (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("When you descended"). (Same) Dismissal Hymn of the Nativity of Christ (Sing in Greek) “E Gennesis Sou Christe.” Hymnal 105-106 (Read) Your nativity, O Christ our God, \ has caused the light of knowledge \ to rise upon the world. \ For therein the worshippers of the stars \ were by a star instructed \ to worship You, \ the very Sun of Righteousness, \ and to know You as the Star from on high. \ Glory to You, O Lord. Dismissal Hymn of the Saints Joseph and David (Read) O Joseph proclaim to David the ancestor of Christ / the great miracles you have witnessed: / You have seen the Virgin with child, / given praise with the shepherds / and adored with the Wise Men, / and the angel of the Lord has appeared to you. / Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls. Hymn of St. Nicholas (Sing in English) “An Example of the Faith” Hymnal 110-111. Kontakion of Christmas (Sung in Greek by the leaders) “E parthenos semeron ton yperousion tiktei” (Read) On this day the Virgin gives birth / to the Super-essential One. / To the Unapproachable, / earth is providing the grotto. / Angels sing and with the shepherds offer up glory. / Following a star the Magi are still proceeding. / He was born for our salvation, / a newborn Child, / the pre-eternal God. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, December 22: Attendance - 42; Candle Offerings - $80; Offering - $104; Hospitality - $13. Christmas Attendance – 45. NOT TOO LATE! Thanks to all who have returned their Stewardship Declarations. If you haven’t sent yours in yet, please do so. We need your response to help plan for 2003. PROSFORON BAKING: Helen Nicolelis 12/29; Presbytera Emily 1/1 (St. Basil and New Year); Gloria Vardakis 1/5 (Sunday Before Epiphany); Connie Mourgides 1/12. Venice Cosmadelis 1/19; Fran Mather 1/26; George Nikas 2/2 (Presentation of Christ at theTemple); Fran Triantafilon 2/9; Bette Ferriero 2/16. Remember to include family names, both living and deceased. THIS IS THE LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH: There will be two collections: one to support our Mission and the second for the Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund. CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA PLANTS: Many thanks to all who donated Poinsettia plants to decorate the St. Nicholas Chapel for Christmas and New Years. Helen Nicolelis, chair, reports that this project earned $148 for the work of our mission. Donors make take them home on Sunday, January 5, 2003. Thank you! PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.):Resumes January 3. Plan on attending. “INTRODUCING THE ORTHODOX CHURCH”: Next -Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7:00 p.m. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: Birthdays +Theona Hatzi – 1/6; John Halvatzes – 1/10; George Nikas – 1/12; Fr. Stanley Harakas – 1/13; Tony Vardakis – 1/13; William Pasisis – 1/15; Helen Vangel – 1/20; Beverly Hall – 1/31. Anniversary +Paul and Angie Maniates – 1/4. Blessing prayers will be offered next Sunday, Jan. 5. CHRISTMAS ELVES! On Saturday, Dec. 21 nine Elves from the Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County distributed Christmas gifts including bags of food and Christmas presents to twelve families and gifts to 50 children. The Elves are: Alex George, Paul Cosmadelis, Spero Lemonedes, Steve Mourgides, Helen Nicolelis, Tyke Nicolelis, George Nikas, William Pasisis, Michael Triantafilon. The Elves express a big THANK YOU to the Parishioners that contributed and helped make this all happen. AS A RESULT, the food cupboard is bare! Plan to bring boxed and canned food each time you come to Church! Place on the food table at the back of the Fellowship Hall. MANY THANKS to Costa and Eleni Natsis for the donation of communion wine. OUR DIOCESE NOW A METROPOLIS! We were informed last week that our Atlanta Diocese has been named a Metropolis. Henceforth we refer to the head of our Metropolis of Atlanta as Metropolitan Alexios. When commemorated in services only he is referred to as Archbishop Alexios. Congratulations! Many Years! THIS WEEK’S SPONSOR: bette & feenie ferriero Happy Nameday to our Son William Ferriero & Nephew William Nicholson (Jan. 1, St. Vasileios) And in Memory of Bette’s Father, William Nicholson COME TO CHURCH! HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION OF HERNANDO COUNTY P.O. BOX 5566 SPRING HILL, FL 34611 “A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community” Epiphany Services – Sunday, January 5 In Tarpon Springs – Monday. January 6
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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 HOME

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, December 22: Attendance - 42; Candle Offerings - $80; Offering - $104; Hospitality - $13. Christmas Attendance – 45.

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”