The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. V, No. 50 – Sunday, December 3, 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     

From the Brochure by Father Thomas FitzGerald, Dean, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

A Sense of Wonder

he story of Christ’s birth speaks to us about the mysterious ways of God. The Triune God acts in ways that we do not always expect! His ways are truly wonder-filled. For centuries, the ancient Israelites had expected the Messiah. The prophets, especially Isaiah and Jeremiah, called the people to readiness and openness to God’s actions. Their message provides the people with indications about the coming of the Messiah.

   Yet, when ‘the fullness of time had come’ (Gal. 4:4), the Messiah did not arrive as a conquering hero in a golden chariot with pomp and splendor. . . . When the Messiah came, he came as a baby. He was born to a young girl. The event occurred in the simple village of Bethlehem . . . There, in such simple circumstances “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). This is the mysterious way of God!

                                               Centering the Season on Christ

   The story of the birth of Christ and its true significance is often clouded by the commercialism of the season. There is a frenzied pace to these days which can so easily dampen the true joy of the season. The stores tempt us for weeks on end to buy. Some prefer to speak of the ‘Holiday Season’ rather than of Christmas. Many schools forbid the remembrance of Christ’s birth in the classroom. Yes, in our society, many fail to remember that the coming of Christ is the heart of our Christmas celebration.

   What can we do? Let us remember that the season celebrates the love of God revealed in the coming of Christ. For those with faith, the colored lights, the green trees, the wreaths, etc. are the symbols of the joy of Christmas. Let us celebrate the joy of Christ’s coming!

   Let us share the love of God with others. Christ has come to bear witness to the Father’s love for us. We too can share this love with others, especially with the poor and less fortunate among us. Let us be the ambassadors of God who share His care and philanthropy.

   Let us seek the Lord with an open heart as the shepherds and wise men did. This means that we find opportunities for prayer and meditation, for reading the Scriptures related to Christ’s coming. This means that we can make Christmas a special day by participating in the Divine Liturgy and receiving Holy Communion with reverence for God, with faith and with love. To Christ Our Lord be glory, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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

Evening Services as Announced

14th SUNDAY OF LUKE

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - Plagal 4th Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Ex ypsous katelthes"). Hymnal, 89.

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

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ (from sheet in the pew).

Pre-Nativity Kontakion “E Parthenos Semeron”  (Sung in Greek by Leader).

   (Read) Today the Virgin comes / to the cave to give birth / in an ineffable manner / to the Word before all ages. / Therefore, rejoice O universe,/ and when you hear this, / Glorify, with the Angels and the shepherds,/ Him who shall appear as a new Babe;/ and as God before the Ages.  

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

EPISTLE – Ephesians 4:1-7 (25th  Sunday)

rethren, I, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.    

GOSPEL – Luke 18:35-43 (14th Luke)

s he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.  

    FOR THE RECORD:  November 26 - Candles $62; Visitor’s Donations $50; Christmas Offerings - $520; Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund - $97; Stewardship $165. Attendance 51. We are grateful to all who support Christ the Savior Church!

    DECEMBER BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS TODAY following the Divine Liturgy. We pray for all those who celebrate “Many Years!”

    STEWARDSHIP: Many thanks to all who have returned their 2007 Stewardship Declarations. If you have not yet sent in your 2007 Stewardship Declaration Cards, please do so as soon as possible.

     NEW STEWARDS: We welcome so far, seven new Stewards to Christ the Savior Church for 2007. Here are their names and contact information. Please write this information in your copy of the Christ the Savior Church 2006-2007 Telephone Directory:

- Christos & Helene Arvanites, 8910 Schrader Blvd., Port Richey, FL 34668 -727-868-1436;     - John & Fay Demetriades, 5255 Colchester Avenue, Spring Hill, FL 34608 -200-8413;

- Frank Lazouras, 21253 Yontz Road #110, Brooksville, FL 34601 -796-9074;

- Phyllis Kirshey, 5347 Slater  Road , Spring Hill, 34608 -666-5663;

- Jennie Palmenteri, 8333 Maybelle Drive, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613 -352-597-5400;

- George and Alma Papageorgiou, 8535 Zane Lane, Port Richey, FL 34668- 727-868-8788;

- Gus & Ann Vergos, 11490 Chalk Farm Road, Spring Hill, FL 34609-9619 -352-666-0624.

   HOSPITALIZED: Spring Hill Regional: Nichole Knowlton, who gave birth on Tuesday, Nov. 28 to her second son Christian, who is welcomed by dad Jarrid and big brother Jarrid II. “Many Years!”  Spring Hill Health and Rehab-Metaxia Porter; Brooksville Healthcare -Blanche Vratsiotes. Pray for those who are ill.

  DECEMBER COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: 12/3 - John & Theoni Hatzi; 12/10 - Emily Thomas & Nancy Kastelan; 12/17 - Dora Halvatze; 12/24 There will be no Coffee Hour on the day before Christmas to allow for family gatherings. Thanks to all!

  CALENDAR MEDITATION TOPICS FOR THIS WEEK: Meditate this week on these “God-Pleasing Character Traits” - Sun. 12/3 - Persuasiveness; Mon. 12/4 - Poor in spirit (humility); Tues. 12/5 - Prudence; Wed. 12/6 - Punctuality; Thurs. 12/7 - Purity of Heart; Fri. 12/8 - Putting Away Sin; Sat. 12/9 - Rejoicing in Christ.

   ST. KATHERINE LADIES SOCIETY celebrated its feast day last Sunday with a delicious Lenten Pot Luck Supper. Thanks to all who provided the food for our enjoyment!

   ST. NICHOLAS DIVINE LITURGY: This Wednesday, December 6 – Orthros - 9:30 am; Divine Liturgy - 10:00 am. Come and honor the great Saint of our Church, St. Nicholas!

   THE FOOD PANTRY IS EMPTY! More canned and boxed foods are needed for the Christmas distribution. You can help. Bring foodstuffs for the pantry each Sunday. Thanks!

   COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD: Kara Hazivasilis, Chair of the Community Christmas Card project reminds you to please respond promptly with your names.

   PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM: Many thanks to Fr. Michael Shuster for an interesting presentation on Carpathian Orthodoxy on Nov. 17. This week’s topic Fri., Dec. 8 is “Passages from the Church Fathers-2, St. Basil the Great,” from 1-4 p.m. Refreshments!

  SAVE YOUR EMPTY INK CARTRIDGES! Support the work of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Home Missions Department. Deposit them in the box in the Parish Hall.

   WEAR OLD CLOTHES, STURDY SHOES, GOOD GLOVES AND BRING YOUR RAKES! THIS Saturday, December 9 - CHRISTMAS PROPERTY CLEAN-UP from 8-12. Let’s make our property shine for the holiday!

CHRISTMAS CAROLING! AT STERLING HOUSE NURSING HOME on Mariner Avenue near County Line Road- Thursday, December 14. Meet at the Parking Lot at 3:15 pm. Caroling from 3:30-4:30 pm. Join in the fun! To participate in the Christmas Caroling please call Ladies Society President Emily Thomas on her cell phone at 352-650-0307. 

  SPECIAL THANKS TO Argyri Gymnaos, assisted by John Tsausis for repairing the large refrigerator in the kitchen. The small refrigerator is no longer working, so this repair came just in time! Do you have a refrigerator to donate? See President Gloria Vardakis.

-----Bulletin Sponsors Needed! – See George Nikas-----

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

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