Hellenic Orthodox Mission

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

oday, Sunday, February 2, we experience a rare occurrence. The feast celebrating the presentation of Christ at the Temple by Mary and Joseph is commemorated. This event in the life of Jesus is based on the Old Testament laws that required that the first born son of a family be presented at the Temple in Jerusalem and that a sacrifice be made. This was a way of affirming the expectation of the coming of the Messiah. It was also a ritual that brought the mother out of the period following the birth of her child and reintroduced her into the normal routine of daily life. The Synaxarion (holy day description) for today, as presented on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website, describes the event as follows:

“When the most pure Mother and Ever-virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2.22-24; Exodus 13:2; Leviticus 12.6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now let Your servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would dose his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32).”

In a different way, the Orthodox Church continues the spirit of this tradition through the service of the “Churching” of all new-born children on or about the 40^th day of their birth. The Rite of Churching blesses both mother and child, and “introduces” the child into the life of the Church in a simple but striking service in which the words of St. Symeon are repeated for the child as he or she is lifted up to God. Following the service the mother receives the child in her arms, having taken the first step that will eventually lead to Baptism and membership on the Church. This is a major feast in the life of the Church.

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

Feast of the Presentation of Christ at the Temple

t is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

nd when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel." And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

Second Antiphon: “Save us o Son of God who was held in the arms of the righteous Symeon, we sing to you, Alleluia.”

(Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Angelikai Dynameis”). Hymnal, 86-87.

(Sing in English after the Entrance) (“The Angelic Powers”). (Same).

(Read) Hail Virgin Theotokos full of Grace, / for Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, / has dawned from you, / granting light to those in darkness. /And you, O Righteous Elder, rejoice, / taking in Your arms, the Deliverance of our souls, / who grants us Resurrection.

(Read) O Christ our God, / who through Your birth have sanctified the virginal womb / and have blessed the arms of Symeon, / You have come today to save us! / When wars prevail, / keep Your people in peace / and strengthen our public authorities / in every good deed. / For you alone are the one who loves humankind.

A WARM WELCOME TO FR. GERASIMOS MURPHY who will be con-celebrating the Divine Liturgy today and who will preach. “Fr. Jerry” resides in New Hampshire and is a guest of Ed and Gloria Zahka. He will be the main speaker at the Atlanta Diocese Clergy Retreat this week, February 3-5 in Switzerland, FL. Please welcome Fr. Jerry to our Mission.

Our Big Mardi Gras Apokreatiko Glendi

Date: Saturday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m.

At Our Chapel Grounds

You Will Soon Receive Your Tickets in the Mail!

Donation $10 – Ages 6-11 $5 - Children Ages 5 and under Free

($4 of adult ticket and $1 of children’s ticket is tax deductible)

Chairpersons: Dee Nikas and Bette Ferriero

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday 1-26-03: Attendance - 55; Candle Offerings - $98; Weekly Collection - $106; Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund Collection - $122; Hospitality -$43. Thank you for your support!

A VALENTINE FOR YOU! Mission Parish Fundraising Committee Chairperson Paul Cosmadelis announces that our next fund-raising event will be a Valentine’s Day Buffet on Sunday, February 16, 2003. Plan on coming and enjoying a delicious meal and good fellowship! Chairperson for the event is Dora Halvatzes. Mark your calendar!

SPECIAL THANKS! Tyke Nicolelis, President of the Olympic Village Foundation says: “You may have noticed that the roof over the Kitchen has been replaced by the officers of the Olympic Village Youth Camp. A dumpster for the job is on the grounds, allowing for the additional removal of trash and the debris not only from the Dining Hall roof, but also from the cleaning out of the camp cabins. Another dumpster will be ordered to continue this upgrading work. Special thanks are due to the work crew, but especially to Greg Levandis, who has offered his services in an exemplary way during this upgrading effort. Many thanks for your contribution to this important work, Greg!”

PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.): Come to the P.E.P. Sessions held on Fridays, at 2:00 p.m. This Friday, we will focus on Chapter 3:22-36 of the Gospel of John, which describes Jesus encounter with St. John the Baptist and the clear witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God! Join us this Friday, February 7.

PROSFORON BAKING: George Nikas 2/2 (Presentation of Christ at the Temple); Fran Triantafilon 2/9; Bette Ferriero 2/16; Helen Nicolelis 2/23. Presbytera Emily 3/2; Gloria Vardakis 3/9; Connie Mourgides 3/16; Venice Cosmadelis 3/23; Fran Mather 3/25 (Feast of the Annunciation). Remember to include family names, both living and deceased.

HOSPITALIZED Bayonet Point Regional Hospital and recuperating at home, is Fr. John Liadis. Hospitalized at Spring Hill Regional, George Roussos and Presbytera Emily Harakas. We pray for their rapid recovery. Please remember to call Fr. Harakas with the information regarding hospitalized parishioners so he can visit and pray for their health and well-being.

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: Please remember to bring boxed or canned foods to Church when you come. Our pantry needs filling up after being emptied by our Christmas donations.

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION: Our accountant recently met with the Mission-Parish Council and explained new Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding Church giving. Our Treasurer must issue a statement annually that your giving to the Church was only for spiritual benefit, and that you did not receive anything material for the donation. Also, in order to deduct cash donations to the church, you must keep a record of your cash donations on a calendar, in a log (listing date and amount), or in a datebook, as the donations are made. These records are acceptable by the IRS for deduction purposes. Year- end estimates of charitable cash donations are not. Keep records if you take tax deductions!

AT TODAY’S DIVINE LITURGY blessing prayers will be offered for Anniversaries and Birthdays for the month of February.

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS has established the Department of Parish Renewal, Outreach and Evangelism, with Fr. James Kordaris as the Director. We pray God’s blessing on this outreach effort. Fr. James has contacted our Mission already, to learn how we are functioning as we seek to do our work. We pray for success in this new ministry!

ENHANCED WEBSITE: The Archdiocese has made extensive additions to the “Interfaith Marriage” website of our Church Visit the site for guidance, ministry, questions and answers and numerous links: http://interfaith.goarch.org.

SPEAKING OF WEBSITES, on our Mission-Parish website you can find almost 50 outlines for our P.E.P. sessions, all of our Orthodox Messengers to date and many links. We have almost 2,400 “hits.” Go to http://worship.nu/hellenicorthodoxmission/index.htm.

ON MARRIAGE: “Those who are united in the flesh form one soul and purify their religion by their mutual love” St. Gregory the Theologian, First Poem, 2.

Evening Services as announced

Feast of the Presentation of Christ at the Temple

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

Our Big Mardi Gras Apokreatiko Glendi

Come to Church!