Contents

The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. II, No. 3 – Sunday, January 19, 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

 HOW MANY GODS DO YOU HAVE?

     “What a strange question,” you say. Yet it is not strange at all, if you think about what is meant by the word “god.” One of the most important instructions that the early Christians received was to avoid “idolatry.” Literally, they were told not to worship the false gods represented by idols of paganism.

                        St. Paul put it succinctly: “we know that ‘an idol has no real existence,’ and that ‘there is no God but one’” (1 Corinthians 8:4). This says that there is only one “Ultimate Reality” and only one source of every other value and good in existence. There is only one God.

               But St. Paul also knew that people gave ultimate meaning to many things in life. In his day they were often idols, false gods. That’s why he continued: “For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth -- as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’ -- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6).

               Our times have seen a renewal of paganism, new age cultism, and many self-centered idolatries. But even things of small value that are turned into the center of people’s existence, can function as false gods and idols. Maybe you have seen the advertisement on TV that asks people “What do you live for?” People answer that they live for their car, the stock market, rock and roll music, golf, football or other sports, food, ego, and so on. When you live for such things they become false gods, and your commitment to them becomes idolatry.

            That’s why St. Paul said in his letter to the Colossians, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you . . . (including) covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:6). The dictionary defines covetousness as an “inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another’s possessions.” Its synonyms are greed, acquisitiveness and avariciousness. A covetous person lives for money. Money is his idol. Money is his god.

               So, you see, the question is not so foolish. “How many gods do you have?” If you have things in your life that consume you to the point that the real God, the source of all existence doesn’t have first place in your life, then those things function as false gods. That is idolatry.   All this is based on the Commandment given by God “I am the Lord your God. . . . You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20: 2-3). Ask yourself, “How many false gods, do I have?”

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

12th Sunday of Luke

 EPISTLE: Colossians 3:4-11

hen Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

 GOSPEL: Luke 17:12-19

t that time, as Jesus entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn –1st  Plagal Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Ton synanarchon logon”). Hymnal, 85-86.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) (“The Eternal Word”). (Same).

Dismissal Hymn of Saint Makarios

   (Read) As a citizen of the desert and an angel incarnate / and a wonder-worker you shone forth, / O God-bearing Father Macarios. / Since you received the spiritual gifts / by fasting and by vigil and by prayer, / you can cure those who are ailing and heal the souls / of those who run to you with faith. / Glory to Him who gave His might to you. / Glory to Him who placed a crown on you. / Glory to Him who operates through you, providing cures to all.

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.

 Turn to page 26 in the Hymnal: Sing “HOLY GOD. . .”  

   FOR THE RECORD: Sunday 1-12-03: Attendance - 46; Candle Offerings - $103; Offering - $62. Thank you for your support!

   MANY THANKS to Nikolai and Nanka Kastelan for the icons of the Theotokos Blessing Washington, DC, written by their daughter Nadine. A few extra icons are available on the table in the entrance of the Church. If you don’t have one, please take one home with you.

   HOME BLESSINGS: Fr. Harakas will be pleased to visit your home for a blessing of the home during this Epiphany season. Please call him at 688-2382 to arrange a time.

   PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.): Come to the P.E.P. Sessions held on Fridays, at 2:00 p.m. This Friday, we will study John 3:1-21, Jesus encounter with Nicodemus and the teaching on “Water and the Spirit.” Learning, Fellowship and Refreshments!  

   ST. BASIL’S SWEETBREAD (VASILOPITA) donations were $90 and will be sent to the St. Basil’s School and Childcare Center in Garrison, NY. St. Basil’s is an institution of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Thanks to Venice Cosmadelis and Bette Ferriero for baking the Sweetbreads and congratulations to Nikolai Kastelan and George Nikas who got the blessed coins. It was George’s birthday, also. We sang the “Kalanda” in both Greek & English.

   PROSFORON BAKING: Venice Cosmadelis 1/19; Fran Mather 1/26; George Nikas 2/2 (Presentation of Christ at the Temple); Fran Triantafilon 2/9; Bette Ferriero 2/16; Helen Nicolelis 2/23. Presbytera Emily 3/2; Gloria Vardakis 3/9: Connie Mourgides 3/16. Remember to include family names, both living and deceased. Special thanks to Gloria Vardakis who made the Prosforon for the Feast of Saint Anthony, last week.

   HOSPITAL: Spring Hill Regional-John Levandis. We pray for a rapid recovery.

   FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: Please remember to bring boxed or canned foods to Church when you come. Our pantry is empty as a result of our Christmas donations.

   “INTRODUCING THE ORTHODOX CHURCH,” a seven part series, concluded this past Tuesday. We are grateful to Mary and George Hanson who made possible the use of the Club House at Wellington at Seven Hills in Spring Hill. We also thank Ms Carol Stefany, Clubhouse Supervisor, at Wellington at Seven Hills for providing the room where the classes were held. Special thanks to Venice Cosmadelis and Harriet Pasisis, who organized the refreshments. Thanks to Venice and Harriet, also for donating refreshments, in addition to Mary Hanson, Cathy Leomonedes, Fran Mather, Connie Mourgides, Helen Nicolelis, and Dee Nikas.

   ON JANUARY 9, THE FUND RAISING AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, under the Parish Council Chairmanship of Paul Cosmadelis met to plan the year’s program. Nine Committees were established. Over the next few weeks we will report on the Committees, their members and the initial plans. In the meantime, write these dates on your calendar: February 16, Valentines Day, Greek Salad Luncheon; March 1, Mardi Gras – “Apokreatiko Glendi” Pre-Lenten Celebration; April 20, Palm Sunday Fish Dinner; May 1, Paschal Lamb Roast / Mothers’ Day Feast Day Dinner; June 15, Pentecost / Fathers’ Day Submarine Sandwich Feast Day Luncheon; July 13, The Holy Fathers Feast Day Luncheon Cookout.

   MARK IT! February 16 – Valentine’s Day Greek Salad Luncheon.

  THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE met under the chairmanship of Parish Council Membership Chair on Saturday, Jan. 11. Next week, a report on the meeting!

Come to Church!

HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION

OF HERNANDO CO NTY

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 3 611

‘A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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