The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VII, No. 11 – Sunday, February 24, 2008

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

GETTING READY FOR GREAT LENT

In just a few short weeks, we will begin observing the Great Lent. Last Sunday, February 16, began a process of preparation, by which the Church guides us to get ready for Great Lent. Last week we observed the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, which contrasts pride and humility, teaching us to be humble before the Lord. Today, February 24, we enter into the spirit of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, teaching us the importance of asking God for forgiveness of our sins. March 2 is Judgment Sunday, when good deeds to those in need are emphasized as a criterion for our eternal destiny. It is the last day that we are to eat meat-Meatfare. On Cheesefare Sunday, March 9 we are taught by Jesus about forgiving others, how to fast, and the way to store spiritual treasure in heaven. The next day, March 10 this year, Great Lent begins.

Here are some guidelines for your observance of Great Lent. They come from the  great St. John Chrysostom "the Golden-Mouthed preacher" (347-407).

Choosing to do right: "We are free and the masters of our fate. . ., we can grow evil from lack of effort or virtuous by striving." (On Divine Love, 3.)

The Strength of Faith: "Faith triumphs over the nature of events. . . . That is the reason why Jesus says on the one hand that the way is narrow, but on the other hand his yoke is sweet" (Matthew 7:14, 11:30). (On Virginity, 54.)

Peace of Heart: "So you want peace of heart? Then do not seek health, nor wealth, nor fame, nor power, nor luxury. Seek wisdom in God's sight, stick to the virtues, and nothing will be able to make you sad." (To the People of Antioch, I.)

Spiritual Negligence: "Do you see? Our nature predisposes us to virtue. It is the vices that are contrary to nature. If they win a victory, it is a fault of serious negligence on our part." (On Ephesians, 2.)

Forgiveness: "How can you raise your hands to heaven and move your lips to ask forgiveness for yourselves? God would be ready to forgive your sins, but you are preventing him by not forgiving your brothers and sisters their sins." (To the People of Antioch, 20.)

Concern for the Poor and Suffering: "It is folly, it is madness, to fill our wardrobes full of clothes and to regard with indifference a human being, 'a being made in the image and likeness of God,' who is naked, trembling with cold and almost unable to stand." (On 1 Corinthians 21.)

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

Today’s Saints: 1^st & 2^nd Finding of the Venerable Head of St. John the Baptist;

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TRIODION 2^nd SUNDAY  -17^TH LUKE – PRODIGAL SON

 GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn - 2nd  Plagal  Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Angelike dynameis").Hymnal,  86-87.

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

Dismissal Hymn of St. John the Baptist

   (Read)  The head of the Forerunner / arose from the earth like a star, / sending out 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 God.

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

Kontakion of The Finding  Sung in Greek by the Leader – “Tes Patroas doxes”

    (Read) O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Grace: / within the earth we have discovered your head, / a rose of great holiness / whence healing always comes to us. / As you did of old, / now also / do you preach repentance to the world.

   EPISTLE –  2 Corinthians 4:6-15 (St. John the Baptist) 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 believed, 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.

   GOSPEL – Luke 15:11-32 (17^th Luke) The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Return to p. 31 of the Hymnal

   PARISH COUNCIL CANDLE STAND ASSIGNMENTS 2/24 – Venice Cosmadelis & Helene Arvanitis;  3/2 George Maniates & Bill Pasisis; 3/9 Jennie Palmenteri & Venice Cosmadelis; 3/16 Curtis Thomas & Emily Thomas.

  COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: Harriet Pasisis & Nancy Kastelan 2/24; George Maniates & Presb. Emily Harakas 3/7; Gloria Zahka & Janice Jabour 3/9; Betty Frangos & Stacy Underwood Humbert 3/16; Skevy Larson & Emily Thomas 3/23; Maria, Stacy & Amelia Angeliadis. A Stewardship of Time/Talent! Many thanks!

   PROSFORON BAKERS: There will be a period when no new Offering Bread will need to be made, because we have a good supply on hand. In a few weeks, the baking of the Prosforon will resume. Watch the bulletin for new assignment dates. Thank you!

   FOR THE RECORD: Treasurer Curtis Thomas reporting.  Sunday Feb. 17- Candles $90; Visitors’ Donations  $122; Stewardship $695; Coffee Hour Free Will Donations  $22. Bulletin $25. Telephone Directory  $425; Diakonia Magazine $12; Attendance 54. Orthodox Study Bibles $120. Thank you for your support!

    HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill: Kyriaki Efstathiades, Stephen Binikos, Jiva Giuchici. We pray for a rapid recovery! Tell Fr. Stanley if a family member is hospitalized.

“We Are A Ch__ch – What’s Missing?” Come to Church on Sundays!

   BAPTISM: On Monday, February 18, David Larson was received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of adult Baptism. Sponsor was Denise (Dionysia) Spirou assisted by her husband Chris Spirou of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. We extend our congratulations to Dave, his family and the sponsors. Many Years!

    FR. STANLEY & PRESBYTERA EMILY will be out of town from Monday, March 3 through Thursday, March 6 for family reasons. In case of pastoral need, please contact our Parish Council President, William Pasisis at 688-7465

   PARISH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: There will be no Parish Educational Program this Friday, February 29, because of the Garage Sale. The next session will be on

March 7 on Psalm 118 (119). The session will be conducted by Fr. Jerry.

HELP SOLICIT ADS for the 2008-2009 Parish Telephone Directory!

Contact Co-Chairs: Achilles Thomas (684-6171) or Venice Cosmadelis (686-1199).

    Mark your calendar! GREEK PASTRY BAKE SALE! Saturday, March 22, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Sam’s Club on Route 50. Benefits the Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund. Chair, Venice Cosmadelis. A St. Katherine Ladies Society project. Stop by and purchase some Greek pastries.  

   $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE for High School Seniors and College Students. See Fr. Stanley about the Katina John Malta Scholarship.

   DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER with an Internet connection? You can receive the daily Bible readings of the Orthodox Church from our Archdiocese website by email. Go to www.goarch.org. Click on “Online Chapel.” Select “Saints and Daily Bible Readings” then click one of the readings for the day. At the bottom, you will see this: “Would you like to receive these daily readings via email? Sign up here.” Click on this link, fill in your information and you will receive every day the Orthodox Church’s Bible Reading. Easy!  If you would like to read the weekly Church Bulletin of our Atlanta Metropolis, just send an email to Karen Powers at the Metropolis, asking to be placed on the bulletin list. Write her at kpowers@atlmetropolis.org. Enrich you spiritual life via the Internet!

   THE HELLENIC LEGACY THROUGH THE AGES, a two day conference, will take place at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8. Featured speakers are the Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos (“Philanthropy in the Greek World”) and Prof. John P. Anton (“The Universal Values  of the Hellenic Tradition in the Age of Technology”), both of whom will also be honored at a reception at the Embassy Suites Hotel next to USF at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The program will include sessions on many interesting topics such as “The Impact of Hellenic Thought on the Formation of American Democracy,” and Hellenism and the Sciences.” See the flyer distributed in the Parish Hall for details of time and place.

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611