Hellenic Orthodox Mission

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

Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Th.D, D.D., (352) 688-2382; Cell (352) 263-3005; Fax (352) 688-9846;

t has to be done! There is no alternative. Our parish needs the financial support of its members and friends to do its work. We pay bills, just as everyone does. It costs money to provide for everything needed to do our parish work for the glory of God, here in Hernando County, Florida.

We can’t function without money. Our church members work hard to raise funds, sponsoring all kinds of events such as dinners, bake sales and garage sales. But what we earn through these projects can’t meet our modest budget.

The main source of income is the Stewardship of Treasure. This church does not believe in the dues system. That is, we believe that a “head tax” is not the best way to financially support the church, either financially or spiritually. Instead, the Stewardship system asks each family to give to the church, on the basis of two plain and simple ideas.

Giving is an expression of gratitude to God for His blessings to us. The whole idea, is that our giving is not forced or coerced, but is a willing and ungrudging expression of support for our church as an expression of our gratitude to God for what we have financially.

Based on this, we are expected to give proportionally. Some of us have barely enough to meet our expenses, but like the widow of the Gospel, we give something as an expression of our love for God and His Church. Most of us, though not wealthy, do have discretionary funds beyond meeting our needs. Persons in this category give from their surplus, in accordance with their resources and faith. Some have been blessed with enough material resources so that faith and gratitude are expressed with significant giving. Jesus taught us, “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required” (Luke 12:48). Give as you are able.

It is there on your table! The Stewardship letter sent to you last month. To date, only one third of our 2003 Stewards have returned their Declaration of Intention cards. If you are not one of these Stewards, it is now time to act!

Many praise our church for its special character. Your support is necessary to keep and expand this kind of church. Please fill out your cards and send them in today!

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

Saints: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (+397); Athenodoros the Martyr; Gregory the Hesychast (+1406); Gerasimos, Ascetic of Euboia (4th c.); Father Paul, the Obedient; John of Kronstadt; Philothea of Thrace, Protectress of Romania; Gregory, founder of Gregoriou Monastery of

Mt. Athos; Boethius, Bishop of Scotland

10th SUNDAY OF LUKE

Gospel Entrance and Other Hymn Changes

(Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Ex ipsous katelthes”). Hymnal, 89.

(Sing in English after the Entrance) (“From on high You did descend”). (Same).

(Read) O father and bishop Ambrose, / the holiness of your life / was set before your flock / as a rule of faith, / an example of meekness / and a teaching of temperance; / wherefore you acquired greatness / through humility / and spiritual wealth through poverty. Pray to Christ God / that He may save our souls.

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.”

(Read) Today the Virgin is on her way / to the cave / where she will give birth / to the Eternal Word of God / in an indescribable manner. / Rejoice therefore, O Universe / when you hear this news, / and glorify with the angels and the shepherds, / Him who shall appear as a new Child / being God from all eternity.

EPISTLE – Ephesians 4:1-7 (25th Sunday) Brethren, 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 13:10-17 (10th Luke) At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, November 30, 2003: Attendance - 33; Candles - $43; Offering - $61; Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund -$100; Hospitality - $24.Thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS to Evangelia and Achilles Thomas, whose wedding was conducted Saturday, November 29 at the Archangel Michael Church in Lecanto, Fr. Nicholas Samaras and Fr. Stanley Harakas officiated. We pray for a long life of happiness and love.

TRISAGION: A Trisagion Service will be offered today by Chrysokaty Georgacopulos and her family, in memory of Chrysokaty’s late husband George. May his memory be eternal!

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY BLESSING PRAYERS will be offered following the Divine Liturgy today. We pray for God’s blessings, and “Many Years!”

TODAY! THE ANNUAL ST. NICHOLAS FEAST DAY LUNCHEON will be held immediately after Church services in the Dining Hall. You are invited to attend and enjoy a full spaghetti meal with all the fixings and participate in the Drawing of gifts and certificates from local merchants. Only $9 for adults; $3 for young people 6-17; and free for children under 6. Come and enjoy a nice meal, prize drawings, and Greek dance music

PROSFORON BAKERS: George Nikas 12/6 (St. Nicholas) & 12/7; Eleni Nicolelis 12/14; Betty Roussos (Sunday Before Christmas) 12/21; Venice Cosmadelis (Christmas Eve Liturgy) 12/24; Emily Thomas 12/28; George and Maria Angeliades (New Prosforon Bakers! Welcome!) (St. Basil)1/1/04. Fran Mather 1/4/2004; Gloria Vardakis (Day Before Epiphany)1/5; Connie Mourgides 1/11; Bette Ferriero 1/18; Presbytera Emily 1/25; Patricia Lilore 2/25.

NOTICE!! Spero Lemonedes, our treasurer says please continue to make checks payable to Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County (HOMHC) until further notice.

HOSPITALIZED: Bayonet Point: Paul Cosmadelis, now recuperating at home. Brooksville Hospice: Theresa Ofalo. Our prayers are with them.

P.E.P CLASS: The Parish Education Program (P.E.P.) class resumes this coming Friday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m. We will continue our study of the Gospel of John. Refreshments!

THANKS TO COSTA HRONIS who has been taking photographs and videos of our events since the beginning. Costa has put together a video program with many scenes from our 2002-2003 activities. We hope to show it soon to our members. Thank you, Costa!

DID YOU? Did you send in your Stewardship cards? If you did, thank you very much. If you haven’t sent your Stewardship cards in as yet, please do as soon as you can!

BULLETIN SPONSORS NEEDED! One more sponsor needed for December for $20. Starting in January 2004, the contribution for sponsoring the Bulletin will be $25 per issue.

CLEANING UP: Would you be willing to help clean our facilities at a time and day convenient for you? To volunteer please see or call George Nikas at 352-597-1375.

NO MORTGAGE: Our parishioners are reminded that the motion passed at the recent General Assembly calls for the sale of this property, and the building or purchase of a church facility with no mortgage. If this is not possible then we will stay here.

FOOD FOR THE NEEDY: On Tuesday, Nov.25, the Thanksgiving food distribution for the needy took place. Twelve families one with ten children, received food baskets. Each received two large boxes of food, including the turkey and fixings. Included were goods donated by our church members, and supplies purchased through the Adamis Fund, which your monthly donation helps support. The co-chairs were George Nikas and Paul Cosmadelis, assisted by Bill Pasisis, Spero Lemonedes, Nick Kastelan, Feenie Ferriero, Alex George, and Mike Triantafilon. As the homes were visited, the need was apparent. To look into the eyes of the children, see their smiles, and hear their squeals of delight, made it all worthwhile.

Today’s bulletin sponsors: DR. MARIOS & MS. OURANIA STEPHANIDES

FOR THE HEALTH AND CONTINUED SUCCESS OF “THE CHRIST THE SAVIOR” COMMUNITY

10th SUNDAY OF LUKE

Gospel Entrance and Other Hymn Changes

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH