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The Orthodox Messenger
The Weekly Newsletter of the Eastern Orthodox Church of Hernando County
Vol. 1, No. 6 – Sunday, February 24, 2002

Eastern Orthodox Church of Hernando County
Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta
Meeting at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL -  (352) 796-8482
 
FR. STANLEY S. HARAKAS, PROTOPRESBYTER - (352) 688-2382 (Afternoons and Evenings)

 
SEVEN UPS
 
1.      Wake Up!!  Decide to have a good day!! "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24. 
2.      Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7. 
 3.      Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3. "Gossip betrays confidence. Avoid men who talk too much." Proverbs 20:19 "Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20. 
4.      Stand Up! . . . For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10. 
5.      Look Up!! . . . To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. 
6.      Reach Up!! . . . For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6. 
7.      Lift Up!! . . .Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6.
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Service Hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
Evening Services as announced.
 
16th Sunday of Luke – The Publican and the Pharisee – 3rd Tone
Saints: First and Second finding of the Venerable Head of the Holy Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist (+452)
 
EPISTLE - 2 Corinthians 4:6-15
BRETHREN, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
 
GOSPELLuke 18:10-14
THE LORD told the Parable: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
 
GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS
Dismissal Hymn – Plagal 1st Tone in the Divine Liturgy Hymnal, p. 85-86
(Sing in Greek) (“Ton synanarchon logon”) before the Gospel Entrance and in English after the Entrance (“Eternal with the Father and the Spirit . . .” )
Hymn of St. John the Baptist
(Read) The head of the Forerunner / arose from the earth like a star, / sending our rays of healing and immortality. / In Heaven, / it gathers together the choirs of Angels, / while on earth it assembles the human race / in a single voice to sing / the glory of Christ our God.
(Sing in English) Hymn of St. Nicholas - Divine Liturgy Hymnal, p. 110-111
"An example of the Faith and a life of humility. . ."
(Read) Hymn for the Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican
Brothers and sisters, / let us not pray like the Pharisee, / for he who exalts himself / shall be humbled. / Let us, therefore, humble ourselves before God / expressing ourselves through fasting / and crying out with the Publican’s voice: / “O God, forgive us sinners!”
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OUR MISSION OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED! Our Mission received a letter from His Grace, Bishop Alexios of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Atlanta, officially recognizing our Mission and naming the officers of the Board. They are: Connie Mourgides, President; John Hatzi, V. President; Helen Nicolelis, Secretary; Spiro Lemonedes, Treasurer; Members – Paul Cosmadelis, Bette Ferriero, Dora Halvatzes, George Nikas, and Helen Vangel.
    FROM BISHOP ALEXIOS’ LETTER: His Grace added, “I fervently pray that these individuals will serve your Mission Family and Holy Church faithfully, and with a spirit of harmony, in order to enjoy a peaceful and spirit-filled Ecclesiastical life. May the Lord grant abundant joy in fellowship and strength in service as you continue to work in the hope and vision of His Glory!”  According to procedure, we will continue as a mission for two years. Our status will be reviewed at that time. If all goes well, we will be recognized as an official Parish by the Archdiocese at that time.
 
    HOW TO CONTACT FR. STANLEY: Church Office phone - (352) 796-8482. Leave a message if there is no answer. Fr. Stanley's home phone is (352) 688-2382. Call in the afternoons and evenings (Emergencies - anytime). Or, e-mail: Rharakas@aol.com.
    AS YOU SEE, OUR WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN is now named “The Orthodox Messenger.” The co-winners of the prize, Bishop Kallistos Ware’s book, The Orthodox Way, are Tyke and Helen Nicolelis and George and Dee Nikas.  Congratulations!
    STEWARDS OF PROSFORON BAKING! Many thanks to the new Prosforon Stewards of our Mission! They’ve already accepted the following dates to make the Offering Bread. They are: Bette Ferriero – Feb. 24; Fran Mather – Mar 3; Connie Mour-gides – Mar. 10; Helen Nikolelis – Mar. 17; George Nikas – Mar. 24; Fran Triantafion – Mar. 25 (Annunciation); Gloria Vardakis – March 31; Venice Cosmadelis – Apr. 7. See or call (597-1375) George Nikas, Prosforon Coordinator, in regard to becoming a Prosforon Steward.
    HOSPITALIZATIONS: Hospitals do not notify the clergy. Inform Fr. Stanley when a family member is hospitalized or is ill at home.
    FREE COURSE ON THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE taught by Rev. Dr. Demitrios J. Constantelos, renowned professor and Onassis Distinguished University Lecturer. At the University of South Florida, March 18 (Mon.), 20 (Wed.), 25 (Mon.) and 27 (Wed.) - 6:00 – 8:50 p.m. To register and for additional information and directions call the Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies at USF -813-974-3129 or email Dr. William Murray, Director, at wmurray@chuma1.cas.usf.edu. Fr. Harakas will be attending these lectures. Perhaps we can drive together to USF. Call Father at 688-2382.
 
BIRTHDAYS: Additional birthdays for February: Electra Butcher – Feb. 23; John Levandis – Feb. 12.
PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.): “Question Session” Next Friday, Mar. 1. Come and have your questions answered! Plus! A surprise presentation.  Join Us!
THIS WEEK – NO FASTING in anticipation of the Great Fast.
REMEMBER TO RECYCLE: Save your newspapers, and bring them to Church. Place in the dumpster. Our mission benefits financially and we help protect nature.
HOLY COMMUNION: “The wine and bread having received the Word of God, become the Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of Christ.” St. Irenaeus (+195) “Against Heresies,” V, ii, 3.
 
EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH
OF HERNANDO COUNTY
P.O. BOX 5566
SPRING HILL, FL 34611
 
 

 

 

 


Meeting at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville. Florida
Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta
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