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The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. II, No. 4 – Sunday, January 26, 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

A “BUILDING FUND” FOR OUR MISSION!  

At the January meeting of the Mission-Parish Council, it was decided to implement a decision taken last year regarding the raising of funds for a “Building Fund” for the future of our Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County.

   Last year, a separate account was created by the General Assembly to receive donations and gifts for the Building Fund. Some people made donations as a hopeful act. As of the end of 2002, the fund consisted of $6,613. It was decided to give the opportunity to the membership to make free-will donations toward increasing this fund in 2003.

              So therefore, the Mission-Parish Council voted that on the second Sunday of each month, there will be a second tray for these free-will offerings, beginning in February.

   Though this is a modest beginning, it is a sign that our Mission-Parish is thinking about the future, and setting things in motion for our development and growth. There is no obligation to give toward the Building Fund, but giving to it is a sign of our willingness to think about the future of our Church in Hernando County.

                          We hope you agree that this is a positive step, and that it will be a sign of our hopes and dreams for the future, when we will have a church building in an accessible part of Hernando County, which should encourage more people to attend and worship with us and allow more full and active programs, both in the day and in the evenings.

EPISTLE: 1 Timothy 1:15-17

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL: Luke 18:35-43

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."  And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for

you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God.

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn – 2nd  Plagal Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Angelikai Dynameis”). Hymnal,  86-87.

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

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: February 2

      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 1-19-03: Attendance - 50; Candle Offerings - $84; Offering - $120; St. Anthony Pot Luck Luncheon Free Will Donations - $93. Thank you for your support!

   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.

   A THREE MONTH MEMORIAL will be offered today by George and Dee Nikas for the rest of the soul of Ann Apostol. May her memory be eternal!

   THE ST. ANTHONY POT LUCK LUNCHEON this past Sunday was a great success. Nearly all the people in Church stayed to enjoy the heavily laden buffet table. Slavic, Arabic, Mexican, American, Greek and other foods were prepared and donated by our parishioners. A whole table of desserts was also available to complete the meal. An enjoyable time was had by all in attendance.

   A VALENTINE FOR YOU! Mission Parish Fundraising Committee Chairperson Paul Cosmadelis announces that our next fund-raising event will be a Valentine’s Day Buffet on Sunday, February 16, 2003. Plan on coming and enjoying a delicious meal and good fellowship! Chairperson for the event is Dora Halvatzes. Mark your calendar!

   THE DINO ADAMIS PHILANTHROPIC FUND last Sunday of the month collection will take place today, January 26. Your donations support the charitable work of our Mission-Parish to help feed the hungry and provide clothing for children and adults. Thanks!

   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 focus on the Holy Bible –What it is; How it came to be; Understanding how it is put together; Learning how to navigate through it; and How to read it for understanding and spiritual enlightenment. Join us this Friday, January 31.

   PROSFORON BAKING:; 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; Venice Cosmadelis 2/23. Remember to include family names, both living and deceased.

  HOSPITALIZATION: Oak Hill Hospital – Fr. John Liadis. We pray for a speedy recovery. 

   FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: Please remember to bring boxed or canned foods to Church when you come. Our pantry needs filling up after being emptied by our Christmas donations.

   GOOD NEWS! The 2003 Church calendars have arrived! We thank the Pinecrest Funeral Chapels for donating them to our Mission-Parish. The Mission-Parish Council will be sending the calendars soon, accompanied by a copy of our “Welcome Brochure,” and a pamphlet about the meaning of Stewardship. Look for it!

   OUR TREASURER Spiros Lemonedes reminds you that when you write a check for our Mission, to do two things: 1) Make it out to “The Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County” (H.O.M.H.C., for short) and 2) ALWAYS mark on the check’s notation line for what the check is written. That way Spiro and Kathy can keep track of all your gifts and at year’s end, give you a complete form for your Income Tax reporting. More about this in next week’s Orthodox Messenger.

   WELCOME to the new Deputy Commissioner of Hernando County, George Roussos. This past Sunday, he attended the Divine Liturgy at our Mission Church. He is a cantor, familiar with English singing. He joined Connie Pappas in reading the Orthros, and assisted the Singing Leaders during the Liturgy. We extend a warm welcome!

   ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY: This coming Sunday, February 2, blessing prayers will be offered. Anniversaries: Mike & Fran Triantafilon – 2/8; Steve and Connie Mourgides -2/20. Birthdays:  Presbytera Emily Harakas -2/5; Dora Halvatzes – 2/8;  Bette Ferriero – 2/14; George Vardakis – 2/19; Nikolai Kastelan – 2/20; Electra Butcher – 2/23; Angie Maniates – 2/25; John Levandis – 2/12. Congratulations! Come for the blessing!

    THE DAWN CENTER, which assists survivors of domestic violence, is our Mission-Church’s outreach support agency. Recently, a collection of useful supplies was delivered to the Dawn Center. Last week, we received a letter from the Executive Director, Stephanie Walley, thanking us for the donation. Our new Chair for the Dawn Center is Bette Ferriero.

   FROM ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM: “Sweat and toil would be no use at all if there were not a Hand on high ready to help and to cause everything to ripen.” On Genesis 5,4.

Come to Church!

Hellenic Orthodox Mission

of Hernando County

P.O. Box 5566

Spring Hill, FL 34611

‘A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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