The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. IX, No. 03 – Sunday, January 17, 2010

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

Church Location: 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL 34614 + 352-796-8482

Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org

THE PRE-LENTEN SUNDAYS – PREPARE US FOR GREAT LENT

his year, 2010, Pascha (Orthodox Easter) will be celebrated on April 4, along with Christians of other Christian Churches. Great Lent will begin on “Clean Monday,” February 15. The five Sundays prior to the beginning of Great Lent prepare us for living the Lenten period. Let us look at these

Today, February 17, we begin our spiritual journey with the story of the Tax-collector Zachaeus, who “wished to see Jesus” and who climbed up a sycamore tree as Jesus passed by. Jesus called this “sinner” to come down. He repented for his sins and offered restoration to any taxpayer he had cheated. Jesus pronounced him blessed for his repentance and went to his home for a meal. The lessons for us? Seek Jesus, and be blessed.

The actual Triodion (Pre-Lent) period begins next Sunday with the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, where the proud and boastful Pharisee is condemned and the humble and remorseful Publican is promised a place in the Kingdom, teaching you the need to overcome self-centeredness and to learn to stand before God and man in humility.

Next Sunday, January 31, you will hear the remarkable story of the Prodigal Son who leaves his father’s house, taking his inheritance which he wastes in “riotous living.” Suffering the consequences of his sinful life, he repents and returns to his father’s house. His father receives him with compassion, love and joy. You are taught that like the Prodigal Son, you need to repent from sinful actions and thoughts, and return to the Church, our Father’s house, with resolve to begin anew living according to the Lord.

The following Sunday, February 7, is Judgment Sunday, when the teaching regarding the General Judgment at the end of the world reminds you that your deeds and attitudes in this life have consequences in eternity. You will be judged at the end time. You should reflect on your way of life, thanking God when you do good, and changing the things that are wrong. It is the last day we eat meat if we fast strictly.

The last Sunday before Great Lent begins, February 14, is known as Cheesefare Sunday and Forgiveness Sunday, teaches you the virtues needed for your Lenten journey: forgiveness, fasting, and accumulating spiritual treasure. Thus, you are spiritually prepared for Great Lent!

The next day, February 15, Great Lent begins. We should fast as much as we can.

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

15TH SUNDAY OF LUKE - Gospel Entrance & Other Hymns

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - Grave Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Katelysas to Stavro"). Hymnal, 88-89.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("O Lord by Your sacred Cross"). (Same)

Dismissal Hymn of St. Anthony the Great

   (Read) Father Anthony, / you equaled Elias in his zeal / and followed John the Baptist / in his holy way of life. / You peopled the wilderness / and established the world / on the firm foundations of your prayer. / Intercede with Christ God / that He may save our souls.

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation – See sheet in the pews                                             

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ at the Temple: Sung in Greek by the leaders: “O metran parthenikeen”

   (Read)    "O Christ our God / who through your / birth have sanctified the virginal womb / and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, / today You have come to save us. O Lord, / when wars prevail, keep your people in peace / and strengthen our Public Authorities / in every good deed, / for You alone are the Lover of humankind."

 Return to p. 26 of the Hymnal, to sing “Holy God . . . .”

EPISTLE – Ephesians 13:17-21 (St. Anthony)

rethren, obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL – Luke 19:1-10 (15th Sunday - Zaccheus)

t that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."