Contents

The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. II, No. 6 – Sunday, February 9, 2003

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

The Hellenic Orthodox Mission Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org/

                      LIVING IDOLATROUSLY

he second of the Ten Commandments is summarized in Orthodox prayer books this way: "Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven image." This was a revolutionary and radical commandment in that early age, since idols (that is what is meant by "graven image") were almost universally used in religious practices at the time of the giving of the Ten Commandments by God to Moses.

            What was wrong with worshipping idols? First, idols attracted attention to imaginary false gods, and that drew the Hebrew people away from the Covenant between God and His chosen people. Secondly, the making of idol-gods turned things up-side down. The crafter of idols was the creator of the god, while the truth is that the only one and true God was the creator of the craftsman.

   Thirdly, and most importantly, by focusing on the graven statue, the worshipper was drawn away from devotion and relationship with the one true God.

   Because the Hebrews had been chosen by God to be His people in a special way to prepare the world for salvation in the person of the heavenly Father's Son, it was absolutely necessary for them to remain committed and faithful to the true God. Idolatry was not only disloyalty; it was abandonment of the special and unique relationship of a people chosen to serve God's purposes in the history of the salvation of the world.

   As Orthodox Christians, we have the same kind of calling. It is calling that demands commitment and loyalty to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The commandment to avoid "graven images" deals with our ultimate loyalties, allegiances and commitments. Some charge us with violating this commandment because we venerate icons. Nothing could be further from the truth. All veneration of icons is directed Godward, or toward the friends of the true God, the saints. Our potential violation of this Commandment doesn't have anything to do with icons (unless, of course, we use them idolatrously).

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

Leave-Taking of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ at the Temple

17th Sunday of Matthew

EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1

hat agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we 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

t 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.

 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.”

Dismissal Hymn – Plagal 4th Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Ex ipsous katelthes”). Hymnal,  89.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) (“From on high You did descend”). (Same).

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation

   The Leaders sing “Hehre kekaritomene”  

   (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.

 Dismissal Hymn of St. Nicholas

   (Sing in English) “An Example of the Faith” Hymnal 110-111.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ at the Temple

      The leaders sing “O metran partheniken. . .”

   (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.

  FOR THE RECORD: Sunday 2-9-03: Attendance - 41; Candle Offerings - $89; Weekly Collection - $99;  Hospitality - $40. Thank you for your support!

   PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.): Come to the P.E.P. Sessions held on Fridays, at 2:00 p.m. This Friday, February 14, we will continue our introduction to the Holy Bible. You will find it informative and interesting. You are welcome!

   PROSFORON BAKING: 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); George Nikas 3/29. Remember to include family names, both living and deceased.  

   HOSPITALIZED Spring Hill Regional, Presbytera Emily Harakas. Bayonet Point Hospital, Sal Fico. We pray for their rapid recovery. Call Fr. Harakas with the information regarding hospitalized parishioners.

   GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING Sunday, February 23 following the Divine Liturgy. This is an important meeting for our Mission Parish. We will be discussing the Budget and the relationship of the Mission Parish with the Olympic Village Foundation and the future of both. A free luncheon will be provided for all in attendance following the Divine Liturgy . All Steward Members have the right to speak and to vote on the issues.

   WHEN WILL WE BECOME A PARISH? Our Mission is expected to develop into a Parish of our Atlanta Metropolis and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. In order to do this, we need to increase our Stewardship Members. You become a Steward Member by filling our your “Good Faith Stewardship Intention Card” and submitting it. This card indicates your Time and Talent offering and your intention for 2003 financial support of our Mission. It is NOT a legal contract. You are free to reduce it or increase it as you see fit. But, WE NEED at least 17 more Stewards to reach the point where we can apply for Parish Status. You can help make Parish Status possible. If you are not yet a Steward Member, call Membership Chairperson Helen Nicolelis at 684-1219 for your Stewardship material.

   ON EVIL: “The ideal would be to have no contact with evil. But there is another possibility: to distance yourself from evil, to run away from it as if from a poisonous snake, once you have experienced it.” St. Basil the Great, Commentary on Psalm 1, I, 6.

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HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION

OF HERNANDO COUNTY

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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