The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VI, No. 7 – Sunday, February 18, 2007

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 ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS’ LETTER FOR GREAT LENT

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Once again the most inspiring season of Great and Holy Lent is upon us, a time in which we anticipate remarkable opportunities to grow spiritually in Christ. The opportunities afforded to us by the Lenten season as a time for spiritual growth in Christ are replete with multiple elements. The first of these is the spiritual discipline of fasting. The discipline of fasting throughout the period of Lent is accorded special prominence. By focusing on the disposition of our souls, and by exercising control over our bodily desires, we can come closer to a real communion with Christ. This is what is expressed by a Lenten hymn: "Come, let us enter the inner chamber of our soul offering prayers to the Lord."

    Another element is the opportunity to enlighten our minds with the divine mysteries and saving truths of our Orthodox Christian faith. During Lent, we consider the unprecedented significance of the person of Jesus Christ as Lord and God living among us. We ponder the reality of His continued presence today in our midst, the truly life-altering things that He has done for us, the challenge of living a life of authentic faith in Him, and the obligation each and all of us have as Orthodox Christians to glorify His name by our acts of love and philanthropy to others, which is also a central element of this Lenten period.

   The period of Lent is also a precious time for us to strengthen our prayer life, through the additional services of worship in our Church including the Lenten service of the Salutations to the Theotokos that we chant on each Friday of Lent. Additionally, the occasion for increased Bible study is replete throughout the Lenten season as the services themselves include longer passages from the Old and the New Testaments.

   The culmination of the period of Lent finds its expression in the very special time of the Holy Week. During Holy Week, we observe within us a developing spiritual intensity culminating in the saving Passion of Jesus Christ and in the ultimate explosion of joy, namely His Resurrection from the dead. Worship is spiritual activity that distinguishes human beings from all the other creatures that God has created. Great Lent, culminating in Holy Week, is the most appropriate time to appreciate the tremendous privilege of being human, which means to be a God worshipping being.

   May His infinite love and protection sustain all of you throughout this very holy season, and may your Lenten journey be one filled with opportunities for coming closer and closer to an everlasting communion with Christ our Lord.  With paternal love in Christ,

                                                                             + DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America                                                                     

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

Evening Services as Announced

4th  SUNDAY OF THE TRIODION: CHEESEFARE SUNDAY

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve From Paradise

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - 3rd  Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Efrainestho ta Ourania"). Hymnal, 83-84.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) "Let all things rejoice"). (Same).

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

Kontakion of Cheesefare Sunday

    Sung in Greek by the Leader – “Tes sophias odeghe . . .”

    (Read) O guide of wisdom, / provider of prudence, / disciplinarian of fools, / and defender of the poor, / fortify and discipline my heart, O Master; You, / give me a word, / O Word of the Father. / For behold, / I will not hinder my lips / from crying to you:/O merciful Lord, / have mercy on me / who has fallen.

Return to p. 28 of the Hymnal, for the Epistle Reading

EPISTLE –  Romans 13:11-14:4 (Cheesefare Sunday)

rethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

GOSPEL – Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheesefare Sunday)

he Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

   FOR THE RECORD:  February 11 -Candles $95; Visitor’s Donations $33; Building Fund $122. Attendance-55. Stewardship $875.00. Thank you!

    FEBRUARY COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: February 18 – Helen Vangel, Sophie George; February 25 – Helene Arvantes, Ruby Hazivasilis. Many thanks for this Stewardship of Time and Talent! Please sign up for the month of March!

    HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill: Fred Underwood; Diana Poll. Bayonet Point: George Nikas. Please keep those who are ill in your prayers. Rapid Recovery!

    MEN OF THE PARISH! Today, following the Divine Liturgy and during the Coffee Hour we will discuss organizing a Men’s Fellowship for Christ the Savior Church. Please  stay and share your ideas. We look forward to your participation

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Argyris and Carol Gymnaos 2/18;. Fran Triantafilon 2/18; Gloria Vardakis 2/25 (Sunday of Orthodoxy); Bette Ferriero 3/4; Venice Cosmadelis 3/11; Presbytera Emily Harakas 3/18; George Nikas 3/25 (Annunciation Day);. George Nikas is Prosforon Chair.

   DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA: Smokers are kindly asked to use the Gazebo as their smoking area from now on. Please do not smoke in front of the Parish Hall Entrance. Thank you for your cooperation!

  CONGRATULATIONS to Christina Thomas and Aki (Harisis) Manolis who were formally engaged yesterday, Saturday, Feb. 17. We pray blessings upon them!

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING THIS TUESDAY, FEB. 20 AT 7:00 PM

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY: Next Sunday. Parents, bring your children so that they can participate in the Icon Procession following the Divine Liturgy. 

  NAME DAY: Next Sunday, Feb.25, Theresa Chronis (Tarasia) nameday! “Many Years!”

  LENT BEGINS TOMORROW, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2007 – Clean Monday, a day of strict fasting, prayer and meditation. Begin Lent the right way!

  PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM: Friday, Feb. 23, 2:00 p.m. –Video-4: The Fourth Wise Man. Refreshments. Followed by 1st Salutations Service to the Theotokos. Come, Learn, Enjoy Fellowship and Worship all in one afternoon.

 1st Salutations to the Theotokos – Friday, Feb. 23; 4 PM - in the Church followed by Lenten Covered Dish Supper. Bring your favorite Lenten dish to share!

  CONFESSIONS HEARD this Saturday, Feb. 24 in the Chapel. 2:00-3:00 p.m.

  BY-LAW REVISION SUB-COMMITTEE: Meets Tuesday. February 27 at 2:00 pm in the Church Hall. By-Law revisions are required by the Metropolis. It is expected that at the next General Assembly, the new By-Laws will be submitted for approval.

  HAVE YOU made your 2007 Stewardship Commitment? Your support is needed now! Make sure you are included when we publish the 2007 Stewardship Honor Role.

. . . Bulletin Sponsors Needed! – See or Call Gloria Vardakis or Curtis Thomas . . .

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