The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VI, No. 1– Sunday, January 7, 2007

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

 Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org     

 St. JOHN THE BAPTIST -IS IT YOUR NAME DAY?

   Today, January 7, the Church remembers St. John the Baptist who baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, which we celebrated on the day before, January 6, Epiphany, with the bless-ing of the waters. Today is referred to as the “Synaxis of St. John the Baptist.”

   We remember St. John the Baptist today because of his special role in the Baptism of Christ. John had been preaching a “baptism of repentance.” The Bible tells us that “Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him” (Matthew 3:13). John recognized Jesus as the “Promised One,” the “Messiah,” the “Anointed of God,” that is, “The Christ.” He did not want to baptize Jesus, because he felt unworthy. He said “I baptize you (the people) with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”(v. 11). Of St. John the Baptist, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). 

   It is an honor to be named after such a great Saint. Orthodox Christians who bear the name John may commemorate their name day, in honor of the saint for whom they’ve been named. This doesn't mean that if you are named John or Joanna  or Joan this is your name day. This is so because there are several saints on the Church's calendar with the name "John." Among them, for example, are St. John the Evangelist, and St. John the Russian. Further, in the calendar of the Church there are several feast days for St. John the Baptist.

   Most of us celebrate our birthdays, but the distinctively Orthodox Christian practice is to observe our name day on the feast of the saint after whom we have been named at our Baptism or Chrismation. The observance of birthdays continues, but it is much more Christian to observe your name day.

   How can you do that? First, find out when it is if you don't know. Then, as the day approaches learn about your patron saint's life and what it was about the life of that saint that evoked the honor of sainthood. You should make an effort to prepare for Holy Communion on or near your saint's day. Your patron saint should also be an example for you, inspiring your Christian life. Then, if you like, you can invite some of your family and friends to your house with a modest celebration of your name day!

   Is St. John the Baptist your patron saint? Then, today may be your name day! If so, we pray for you: “May you have many healthy, holy and blessed years!”

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

Evening Services as Announced

A BLESSED AND HOLY NEW YEAR 2007 TO ALL!

May the New Year Bring Progress, Unity, Love and Spiritual Growth to our Church

SUNDAY AFTER THE HOLY EPIPHANY (BAPTISM) OF CHRIST

SYNAXIS OF THE FORERUNNER OF CHRIST JOHN THE BAPTIST

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of Epiphany

   (Sung in Greek by the leader before the Entrance) ("En Iordani baptizomenou sou").

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection -  1st  Plagal Tone

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) "The Eternal Word Hymnal, 85-86."

Dismissal Hymn of St. John the Baptist

  (Read) The memory of the just / is mentioned with praise. / As for you, / O Forerunner, / the Lord’s witness is enough. / Indeed, you were greater than the prophets / since you were found worthy / to baptize in the waters / the One they could but announce. / You fought for the sake of truth / and proclaimed to those in Hades / the God who appeared in the flesh, / Who has taken away the sins of the world / and bestowed His great mercy upon us.

Dismissal Hymn of Epiphany

  (Read) At Your Baptism in the Jordan, O Lord, / the worship of the Trinity was revealed. / For the Father’s voice bore witness to You / by calling You His Beloved Son, / and the Spirit in the form of a dove / confirmed the truth of these words. / O Christ God who have appeared to us / and enlightened the world, / glory to You.

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ (Sing from sheet in the pew).  

Kontakion of Epiphany

   (Sung in Greek by the leaders) “Epephaneis semeroni”

   (Read) Today You have appeared, O Lord, / to the universe, and your light, / O Christ our God, / has been impressed upon us / who sing to You with full knowledge: / You came and appeared, / O inaccessible Light.

   In the Place of “Holy God . . .” (Hymnal 26-28) we sing in Greek “Osoi eis Christon Evaptisthete . . .” and in English “Those who have been baptized” Hymnal 109-110.

                        Return to p. 28 of the Hymnal, for the Epistle Reading

   EPISTLE – Acts 19:1-8 (St. John the Baptist) + In those days, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve of them in all. And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God.

   GOSPEL – John 1:29-34 (St. John the Baptist) + At that time, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

   In the place of  “Truly it is proper”- “ [Axion ejstiv” the leaders sing in Greek “Megalynon psyche mou . . . O ton eeper noun.”

   (Read) O my soul, magnify the ever-virgin Maid / who from the curse has redeemed us. / . . . O all spotless Bride, / surpassing comprehension are the wonders of your childbirth, / blessed Mother! / Through you obtaining comprehensive salvation, / we bring you a gift / in offering up this worthy hymn of gratitude / to you our Benefactress.

   In the place of the Communion Hymn (Praise the Lord), we Sing in Greek Eis Mnemosynon and English In Eternal Memory.  Hymnal 92.

Instead of “We have seen the light . . .” we sing in Greek "En Iordane vaptizomenou sou")

(Read)  (Read) At Your Baptism in the Jordan, O Lord, / the worship of the Trinity was revealed. / For the Father’s voice bore witness to You / by calling You His Beloved Son, / and the Spirit in the form of a dove / confirmed the truth of these words. / O Christ God who have appeared to us / and enlightened the world, / glory to You.

    FOR THE RECORD:   December 31 -Candles $43; Visitor’s Donations $ 47; Xmas gift $70; Stewardship $3740; Attendance 40. Thank you! to all who support our Church.

   THE OATH OF OFFICE will be administered today to the newly elected Parish Council Members, Carol Gymnaos, William Hazivasilis, & Curtis Thomas. Helen Vangel will be absent and the oath will be administered to her at a later date. Immediately following the Liturgy there will be an organizational meeting of the Parish Council.

   ANNIVERSARY AND BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS will be offered today. Inadvertently the names of Olga Eugenides (January 5) and of Fr. Jerry Murphy (January 29), were left off the list last week. Our apologies! Many years to all who celebrate!

   HAPPY NAME DAY! January 1- St. Basil:; William Eugenides; Bette Ferriero; Betty Frangos; Thomas Frangos;  William Haritas; Bill Hazivasilis; William Demetri Hazivasilis; Vasilia Lampadarios; Fr. William Mattis; Jennie Palmenteri; William Planes; Bill Pasisis; Betty Roussos; William Yotis. January 6 – Epiphany: Fotini Mylonakis; Fay Demetriades; Frances Porter; Frances Triantafilon. January 7- St. John the Baptist: John Demetriades Yanni Gymnaos; John Halvatzes; John Kelo; John Pappas; John Saittis, John Tsausis. We wish all “Many Years!” Listing based on the “Family Name Day Reports.” In case of errors or omission of names, please contact Fr. Stanley.

   GARAGE SALE: Bring useful items on Sundays and leave them at the Parish Hall. We are storing garage-sale items in one of the cabins. No clothing and shoes, but all else is welcome. Co-chairs are Harriet Pasisis, Helen Vangel and Gloria Vardakis. Thank you!

  MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The feast day of our Parish, the Presentation of Christ at the Temple: Vespers-Thursday, Feb. 1 at 4:00 p.m. Liturgy- Friday, February 2, 10 am.

  SYMPATHY to John & Theona Hatzi on the recent death of John’s brother-in-law Nicholas in St. Petersburg. Also, we express sympathy to Feenie and Bette Feenie at the recent death of Feeenie’s sister, Julia Filacio. May their memories be eternal!

  GAZEBO:  Many thanks to Argyri Gymnaos and Nick Gymnaos who have replaced the railings and benches of the Gazebo with pressure treated lumber. Argyri and Nick were joined by Andy Selamaj in contributing the costs of the lumber. We are most grateful!

  CONGRATULATIONS to Nickolas and Katina Skaroulis who were married Saturday, December 31 at St. George’s Church in New Port Richey! Sponsor was Phil Skaroulis, all Stewards of Christ the Savior Church. Fr. Stanley Harakas officiated. Many Years!

   MORE STEWARD RENEWALS have brought the total renewals and new Stewards to 50 by the end of 2006. Renew your Stewardship for 2007. Please do it now!

-----Bulletin Sponsors Needed! – See George Nikas-----

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

January 12 -  2:00 p.m. Parish Educational Program "A Conversation with Bishop Kallistos"
January 14 - Vasilopita (Benefits St. Basil Academy)

Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church – Hernando County, Florida
TENTATIVE NAME DAY LISTING OF STEWARDS AND FRIENDS

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Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta