The Orthodox Messenger
Vol. V, No. 6 – Sunday, February 5, 2006

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

13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL -  (352) 796-8482

Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org

Fr. Stanley S. Harakas,  Th.D. D.D., (352) 688-2382; Cell (352) 263-3005; Fax (352) 688-9846; Email: Rharakas@aol.com

                 St. Symeon Speaks . . .

   I’ve “invited” St. Symeon, the old priest at the Temple, to tell us his story in his own words what happened at the Presentation of Christ at the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Listen to him:

   “I am an old priest who lived on this good earth about two thousand years ago. I’ve come back to tell you my story. Perhaps you will want to make it sour own. My name is Symeon. I lived in Jerusalem where I was a priest in the Temple during the year of the Great Census. It was the year of that mysterious star that led some Wise Men from the East to a town just five miles southeast of Jerusalem. It was there, as you very well know, that a couple by the name of Mary and Joseph had gone to register for the census. While there Mary, gave birth to a son named Jesus.

   All along I, Symeon, was in Jerusalem, serving as a priest in the Temple. I am described as a “righteous and just man” — looking for the “consolation of Israel.” I had seen a vision — a dream you might call it — that I would not die until I would see and hold the Savior of the World. There was a custom among my people of Israel that forty days after the birth of a child, the mother would bring her child to the Temple for a blessing. I understand that you in your Orthodox Faith have kept that tradition. You mothers have brought your infants when forty days old to be blessed by your priest.

   One day such as the one you commemorate on February 2nd, forty days after His Birth, a young mother by the name of Mary brought her infant son to the Temple where 1 was the High Priest. I had received many such infants — it was one of my favorite services — blessing a mother and child. However, this time I felt something special was happening to me. The promise made to me in a dream, in a vision, was being fulfilled! That I would not die until I had seen the Savior of the world.

   Although I was holding a baby, I felt as if I could see him as a grown man, approaching the River Jordan to be baptized by his cousin John, preaching what were to become His words of everlasting life. I could almost hear His parables, see His miracles, signs of His divinity, listen to His claims, “I am the door, I am the Way, I am the Bread of Life, I am the Good Shepherd, I am the Light of the World.”

   As I held Him, I also foresaw a future when He would become a great subject among all of the people. Thus, I said to His Mother, “a sword shall pierce your heart.” It was as if I could see the Cross silhouetted against a darkened sky.

   Yes, indeed, I knew as I held this child that I was holding the Savior of the World, that my dream, my vision, was being fulfilled. It was at that moment I spoke the words which are chanted at every Vesper Service in your Church: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people, Israel.”

   Let me tell you what I truly meant with these words. “Now I’ve seen everything! Now I can die content.”

   I, Symeon, an old priest, had lived many years, had seen many things, but nothing satisfied me more than this! I personally needed that moment. The world in which I lived needed Him! Our times were not so different from yours. There was death, destruction, sickness, chaos and turmoil in my world. There are similar conditions in your world. We needed a Savior, just as you need a Savior today!

   You need to see and hold Jesus. You need to meet Him — to know Him personally as a Savior and especially in the Church which brings Him to you.

   I, Symeon, an old priest, saw Jesus. So can you. I held Him in my arms. So can you. Let me tell you how:

   You meet Him in prayer every time you whisper, “Our Father who art in Heaven...”

   You meet Him in the Liturgy every time you chant, “Save us, O Son of God...”

   You hold Him in your arms every time you read sacred Scripture, the lives of His saints, the prayers they bequeathed to us.

   You meet Him face to face in every needy person you meet, for He said, “I was hungry thirsty, naked... you gave me to eat, drink, clothed me... you have done it to me!”

   You hold Him in your very being just as His Mother, Mary did, when you approach the Cup of Salvation and receive His Precious Body and Blood in Holy Communion.

   When all of this happened, you can say with me, Symeon, the old priest at the Temple, “Lord, now I’ve seen everything. Now I can die content for I have held in my arms the Savior of the World!”  Excerpted and edited from An Article by Fr. Nicholas Vieron, in Voice of the Annunciation, Memphis, TN, January, 2005. Copies of this article in a Commemorative Brochure are located in church.

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

17th SUNDAY OF LUKE – THE CANAANITE WOMAN

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation

   Sung in Greek before the Entrance by the leaders: “Here kecharitomene"

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection – Plagal 4^th Tone

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("From on high did you descend"). Hymnal,  89.

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ (See paper in the pews)

Kontakion of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ

   Sung in Greek by the Leaders: “O metran partheniken . . .”

  (Read) O Christ our God / who through your birth / have sanctified the virginal womb / and have blessed the arms of Simeon. Today You have come to save us. / O Lord keep Your people in peace / when wars are raging / and strengthen our public authorities / in every good deed, / for You alone loves all people.

Turn to pp. 26-27 of the Hymnal, for “Holy God . . . .”

  EPISTLE – 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 (17^th Sunday) Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

  GOSPEL – Matthew 15:21-28 (17th Sunday- Canaanite Woman) At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.

THERE WILL BE TWO TRAYS TODAY: 1- FOR STEWARDSHIP OR FOR VISITORS’ OFFERING; 2- CHRIST THE SAVIOR BUILDING FUND

  FOR THE RECORD: January 29 – Attendance 59; Stewardship $2037; Offering Tray  $72; Candles $72;  thanks to all for your support!

  ST. KATHERINE LADIES SOCIETY meeting was held last Sunday. The meeting’s agenda consisted of reviewing the Christmas Food Distribution, and planning for the forth coming year’s projects. More details to follow.

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Helen Nicolelis 2/5; Gloria Vardakis 2/12; Bette Ferriero 2/19; George Nikas 2/26; Presbytera Emily Harakas 3/4 (Saturday of Souls); Connie Mourgides 3/5; Fran Mather 3:12;. Argiris & Carol Gymnaos 3/19; Fran Triantafilon 3/25 (Annunciation).George Nikas, Prosforon Chairman -597-1375.

   IMAX FILM BUS TRANSPORTATION: The bus has been filled! It is very important that you come if your have reserved your place. We will be able take a few more persons interested in the March 2 showing of “Greece: Secrets of the Past” at MOSI.  For details, contact IMAX Movie/AFGLC Meeting Chairman Connie Pappas at 596-5004. 

   THE PARISH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (P.E.P.) for Friday, March 10 will be a study of the Gospel of John, chapter 19. We start at 2:00 p.m. and refreshments are served. Plan to come and learn about our spiritual life in our Orthodox Christian Faith.

   IT IS TIME! It is time to begin preparing the 2006-2007 Christ the Savior Parish Telephone Directory. The Parish Council is asking members to volunteer for the project. Needed are two co-chairs and committee members. To volunteer, please call Connie Mourgides, President of the Parish Council at 686-0589.

   A CARD OF THANKS was received from

  TWO YOUTH CONFERENCES: Our Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries has announced two parallel youth conferences one for Altar Boys and one for Girls and Young Women ages 12-18. The conferences will be held concurrently at Hellenic College / Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA during the weekend of April 6-9, 2006. Workshops, talks, and dialogue on their roles within the Christian faith and learning about resources for the future in addition to recreation opportunities are included. For more information check the “Let us be radiant” poster in the Parish Hall, call 646-519-6180 or visit www.youth.goarch.org. Parents! Think about it!

  GEORGE & DEE NIKAS ask the members of Christ the Savior Church to pray for their son-in-law Dennis Ressel, who has just come out of a five by-pass surgery at Bayonet Point Hospital, that his recovery may be complete and without complications. We all pray for a rapid recovery and for Denise and their sons.

   HELP YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CONNECT WITH THEIR ROOTS! For thirty years our Archdiocese has conducted a program for 7^th to 9^th grade children and a program for 10^th to 12^th grade high school students at the Ionian Village facility in Greece. “Ionian Village” is an experience. Teens and young adults that participate in Ionian Village travel across Greece, venerate the relics of saints, walk in the footsteps of the Apostles, and visit significant sites of Greek history and culture. Ionian Village is a unique summer camping program located at an Archdiocese owned and operated resort facility on the northwest coast of the Peoloponnese, 45 miles west of Patras. To learn more about this travel opportunity for your children and grandchildren, call 646-519-6190, or visit www.ionianvillage.org for registration material or speak to Fr. Stanley. Check out the poster and brochure in the Parish Hall.

   FR. STANLEY HARAKAS’ 50^TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY falls on February 1, the day of Christ the Savior Church’s Feast Day Vespers for the Presentation of Christ at the Temple. Presbytera Emily will be offering the Bread Blessing loaves in honor of Fr. Stanley’s Anniversary, together with the celebration of our parish Feast Day. Look in your mail for the gift book coming to your house that is being given to you to honor Fr. Stanley’s 50 years as a Priest. Your Parish Council thanks you, if you decide to contribute toward our church’s Building Fund on this special occasion.

   HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill: Kosti Yoanidis. Bayonet Point: Dennis Ressel. We pray for a rapid recovery. Fr. Stanley visits Oak Hill Hospital and Brooksville Regional twice each week. If a member of your family is hospitalized at another hospital, please let him know.

   DATES: Great Lent Begins – March 6.  Sunday of Orthodoxy – March 12. Palm Sunday – April 16. Western Easter – April 16. Orthodox Pascha – April 23. Mark your calendar!  

Good Greek & American Food!

Dancing to Greek & American Music!

Pre-Lenten Fun and Fellowship!

Costumes Encouraged But Optional!

               MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27^TH     5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Yanni’s Restaurant, 4731 S. Suncoast Blvd. (Rt. 19N)  Homosassa, Florida

                   Benefits Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church of Hernando County, Florida

Adult Ticket $ 20  -  Child Ticket $10

For Tickets call Cathy (352-684-4082) or Dee (352-597-1375)

Harriet Pasisis, Chair  -   Gloria Zahka, Co-Chair

                             MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND GET READY TO DANCE!  

FIND STRENGTH, INSPIRATION AND GUIDANCE FOR YOUR LIFE IN CHURCH ON SUNDAYS!

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