Hellenic Orthodox Mission

The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. I, No. 26 – Sunday, July 14, 2002

Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County
“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”
Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta
Services Held at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL - (352) 796-8482
The Hellenic Orthodox Mission Website: http://worship.nu/hellenicorthodoxmission/index.htm
FR. STANLEY S. HARAKAS, PROTOPRESBYTER - (352) 688-2382 (Afternoons and Evenings)

THE CLERGY LAITY CONGRESS
From June 30 to July 5, 2002 the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America held its 36^th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Los Angeles, CA. Fr. Stanley & Presbytera Emily Harakas attended the meetings and participated in many of the events, in the category of retired Clergy and Presbyteres. They participated in all events freely, but did not have a vote in committee and plenary sessions.
Fr. Stanley attended different sessions, among which were educational programs on the computerizing of parish records and Presbytera Emily participated fully in the sessions of the Presbyteres. Software and hardware computer topics discussed have provided our mission parish with valuable information.
One of the most important topics was the recommendations of the Congress to the Patriarchate regarding the new Archdiocesan Charter. Since the Charter is granted to our Archdiocese by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Congress made a number of recommendations. Below is an Associated Press article on this issue.

Greek Orthodox Church Backs Charter
Wed Jul 3, 2002, 10:17 PM ET - By SANDRA MARQUEZ, Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Delegates of the U.S. Greek Orthodox Church approved a controversial new charter Wednesday that would grant it greater autonomy from its leadership abroad. The delegates said the move signaled a yearning for an independent church that would remain linked to the mother church, headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, but not completely controlled by it. The new charter must still be accepted by the Istanbul patriarchate. Under the proposed changes, Greek Orthodox clergy in the United States would submit three nominees for future archbishops to the patriarchate. The American church would elect bishops on its own.
Church leaders in Istanbul now appoint both bishops and archbishops. Although they routinely honor the recommendations of the American church, they are not bound by them, said Deacon Nektarios Morrow, director of communication for the archdiocese in New York. In earlier negotiations, Istanbul rejected a request from U.S. Greek Orthodox church members for a greater role in
the selection of bishops and archbishops.
Some 750 delegates attending this week's Greek Orthodox Clergy-Laity Congress approved the new charter during a voice vote. Nektarios estimated that about 70 percent of the delegates supported the change. The 1.5-million member U.S. Greek Orthodox Church is the largest and most prominent of the country's Eastern Orthodox churches.
Service Hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Evening Services as announced.
3^rd Sunday of Matthew – The Fathers of the 4^th Ecumenical Council
Saints: The 630 Holy Fathers of the 4^th Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon (+451); Akylas of the 70 Apostles; Holy Father Joseph, Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica; Peter, Bishop of Crete; Justus, Martyr (8^th c.); Righteous Onesimos; Neomartyr Michael of Athens (+1771); Nikodemos, the Athonite (+1809);

Epistle - Titus 3:8-15 (for the sunday of the fathers)
Brethren, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Gospel - Matthew 5:14-19 (f0r the sunday of the fathers)
The Lord said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS
Dismissal Hymn – 2^nd Tone
(Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Ote Katelthes”). Hymnal, 81-82.
(Sing in English after the Entrance)“When you descended from the realm”). Hymnal 81-82
Dismissal Hymn for the Holy Fathers
(Read) You, O Christ, / are our God of exceeding praise, / who established our holy Fathers / as luminous stars upon the earth, / and through them, / guided us to the true Faith, / O most merciful One, / glory to You.
Dismissal Hymn of St. Nicholas
(Sing in English) “An Example of the Faith” Hymnal 110-111
Kontakion “Prostasia ton Christianon”(Sung in Greek by Leaders)
Translation: O never-failing protectress of Christians / and their ever-present intercessor before the Creator: do not be heedless to the prayerful voices of us sinners, but in your goodness extend your help to us who call upon you with confidence. Hasten, O Mother of God, to intercede for us. You have always protected those who honor you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM: Every Friday at 2:00 p.m., our Mission Parish offers a class to help members understand more about the Orthodox Church. During the summer, we are studying “Fourteen of the Most Beautiful Passages of the New Testament.” These readings come from the Sacrament of Holy Unction. Attendees participate in the class actively and Fr. Stanley Harakas does the teaching. We finish with coffee and socializing until 3:30 p.m. Why not come and join us in the study of the Bible? Mark your calendar! The next session is Friday, July 19.
STEWARDS OF PROSFORON BAKING: Prosforon Bakers: Connie Mourgides 7/21; Helen Nicolelis 7/28; George Nikas 8/4; Fran Triantafilon 8/6 (Transfiguration of the Lord); Cathy Lemonedes 8/11. Venice Cosmadelis 8/15 (Dormition of the Theotokos); Fran Mather 8/18. You too, can be a Prosforon Baker. George Nikas, our Prosforon Coordinator, will be glad to show you how! Try it, you’ll like it! See George today.
PROSFORON BAKERS! Don’t forget to include a list of the persons you want to be commemorated with your Prosforon. Mark one side of a folded paper with a cross at the top (for the deceased) and write their first names for commemoration during the Service of Preparation. On the other side of the fold, write “For Health” at the top and list the names of the living for whom you want the Priest to pray in the Preparation Services.
THE FAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS: The two week fast for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God begins on Thursday, August 1 and ends with the Feast of the Dormition (“Falling Asleep”) on the 15^th of August. Plan to fast for these two weeks, beginning in just a few weeks. Salutation Services will be announced.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! A Divine Liturgy will be conducted on Tuesday, August 6 for the feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. On August 15, Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, a Divine Liturgy will be offered. Plan on attending both these Liturgies.
DONATION OPPORTUNITY! We are sorry to report that the photocopier no longer functions. The service company will not renew the contract. We need a new photocopier. We’ve found a photocopier with the necessary features for the publishing of “The Orthodox Messenger” and our other Mission Parish copying needs. It is valued at $600, but we were able to purchase it with a $100 discount, a closeout price of $500. We need a generous donor to donate this essential equipment. To donate this photocopier, please contact Connie Mourgides, Council President, or Fr. Stanley Harakas.
PASCHAL CANDLES: Many thanks to Paul and Venice Cosmadelis and to Tyke and Helen Nicolelis who donated the large decorated Paschal Candles for use by the clergy during the Resurrection Service and the subsequent Paschal Season. We are grateful!
SPONSOR “THE ORTHODOX MESSENGER”! You can sponsor an issue by donating $20. See Parish Council President Connie Mourgides. Your donation supports our Mission Parish’s outreach program, since the bulletin is mailed to those who are away.
EASTER LILIES: Thanks to the following who donated Easter Lilies this year for Pascha: John & Theona Hatzi; Fr. & Presb. Harakas; George & Dee Nikas; Feeney & Bette Ferriero; Tyke & Helen Nicolelis; Mary & Louis Mavrogian; John and Dora Halvatzes; Steve & Connie Mourgides; Bill Elisavitis; Spiro and Cathy Leomonedes; Venice Cosmadelis and Harriet Pasisis; Mike and Fran Triantafilon. Many thanks.
THANKS ALSO to Paul Maniates for having the newspaper articles about the Dino Adamis Funeral laminated as a permanent keepsake for our Mission Parish. The laminated articles are posted in the Fellowship Hall.
FROM THE FATHERS: “Christ is the Savior of both soul and body, and the person who follows in His footsteps is freed from evil.” St. Thalassios the Libyan.

HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION
OF HERNANDO COUNTY
P.O. BOX 5566
SPRING HILL, FL 34611
“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”



Contents		The Orthodox Messenger Vol. I, No. 26 – Sunday, July 14, 2002 Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County “A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community” Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta Services Held at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL - (352) 796-8482 The Hellenic Orthodox Mission Website: http://worship.nu/hellenicorthodoxmission/index.htm FR. STANLEY S. HARAKAS, PROTOPRESBYTER - (352) 688-2382 (Afternoons and Evenings) THE CLERGY LAITY CONGRESS From June 30 to July 5, 2002 the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America held its 36^th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Los Angeles, CA. Fr. Stanley & Presbytera Emily Harakas attended the meetings and participated in many of the events, in the category of retired Clergy and Presbyteres. They participated in all events freely, but did not have a vote in committee and plenary sessions. Fr. Stanley attended different sessions, among which were educational programs on the computerizing of parish records and Presbytera Emily participated fully in the sessions of the Presbyteres. Software and hardware computer topics discussed have provided our mission parish with valuable information. One of the most important topics was the recommendations of the Congress to the Patriarchate regarding the new Archdiocesan Charter. Since the Charter is granted to our Archdiocese by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Congress made a number of recommendations. Below is an Associated Press article on this issue. Greek Orthodox Church Backs Charter Wed Jul 3, 2002, 10:17 PM ET - By SANDRA MARQUEZ, Associated Press Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) - Delegates of the U.S. Greek Orthodox Church approved a controversial new charter Wednesday that would grant it greater autonomy from its leadership abroad. The delegates said the move signaled a yearning for an independent church that would remain linked to the mother church, headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, but not completely controlled by it. The new charter must still be accepted by the Istanbul patriarchate. Under the proposed changes, Greek Orthodox clergy in the United States would submit three nominees for future archbishops to the patriarchate. The American church would elect bishops on its own. Church leaders in Istanbul now appoint both bishops and archbishops. Although they routinely honor the recommendations of the American church, they are not bound by them, said Deacon Nektarios Morrow, director of communication for the archdiocese in New York. In earlier negotiations, Istanbul rejected a request from U.S. Greek Orthodox church members for a greater role in the selection of bishops and archbishops. Some 750 delegates attending this week's Greek Orthodox Clergy-Laity Congress approved the new charter during a voice vote. Nektarios estimated that about 70 percent of the delegates supported the change. The 1.5-million member U.S. Greek Orthodox Church is the largest and most prominent of the country's Eastern Orthodox churches. Service Hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Evening Services as announced. 3^rd Sunday of Matthew – The Fathers of the 4^th Ecumenical Council Saints: The 630 Holy Fathers of the 4^th Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon (+451); Akylas of the 70 Apostles; Holy Father Joseph, Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica; Peter, Bishop of Crete; Justus, Martyr (8^th c.); Righteous Onesimos; Neomartyr Michael of Athens (+1771); Nikodemos, the Athonite (+1809); Epistle - Titus 3:8-15 (for the sunday of the fathers) Brethren, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Gospel - Matthew 5:14-19 (f0r the sunday of the fathers) The Lord said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS Dismissal Hymn – 2^nd Tone (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Ote Katelthes”). Hymnal, 81-82. (Sing in English after the Entrance)“When you descended from the realm”). Hymnal 81-82 Dismissal Hymn for the Holy Fathers (Read) You, O Christ, / are our God of exceeding praise, / who established our holy Fathers / as luminous stars upon the earth, / and through them, / guided us to the true Faith, / O most merciful One, / glory to You. Dismissal Hymn of St. Nicholas (Sing in English) “An Example of the Faith” Hymnal 110-111 Kontakion “Prostasia ton Christianon”(Sung in Greek by Leaders) Translation: O never-failing protectress of Christians / and their ever-present intercessor before the Creator: do not be heedless to the prayerful voices of us sinners, but in your goodness extend your help to us who call upon you with confidence. Hasten, O Mother of God, to intercede for us. You have always protected those who honor you! ANNOUNCEMENTS PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM: Every Friday at 2:00 p.m., our Mission Parish offers a class to help members understand more about the Orthodox Church. During the summer, we are studying “Fourteen of the Most Beautiful Passages of the New Testament.” These readings come from the Sacrament of Holy Unction. Attendees participate in the class actively and Fr. Stanley Harakas does the teaching. We finish with coffee and socializing until 3:30 p.m. Why not come and join us in the study of the Bible? Mark your calendar! The next session is Friday, July 19. STEWARDS OF PROSFORON BAKING: Prosforon Bakers: Connie Mourgides 7/21; Helen Nicolelis 7/28; George Nikas 8/4; Fran Triantafilon 8/6 (Transfiguration of the Lord); Cathy Lemonedes 8/11. Venice Cosmadelis 8/15 (Dormition of the Theotokos); Fran Mather 8/18. You too, can be a Prosforon Baker. George Nikas, our Prosforon Coordinator, will be glad to show you how! Try it, you’ll like it! See George today. PROSFORON BAKERS! Don’t forget to include a list of the persons you want to be commemorated with your Prosforon. Mark one side of a folded paper with a cross at the top (for the deceased) and write their first names for commemoration during the Service of Preparation. On the other side of the fold, write “For Health” at the top and list the names of the living for whom you want the Priest to pray in the Preparation Services. THE FAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS: The two week fast for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God begins on Thursday, August 1 and ends with the Feast of the Dormition (“Falling Asleep”) on the 15^th of August. Plan to fast for these two weeks, beginning in just a few weeks. Salutation Services will be announced. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! A Divine Liturgy will be conducted on Tuesday, August 6 for the feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. On August 15, Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, a Divine Liturgy will be offered. Plan on attending both these Liturgies. DONATION OPPORTUNITY! We are sorry to report that the photocopier no longer functions. The service company will not renew the contract. We need a new photocopier. We’ve found a photocopier with the necessary features for the publishing of “The Orthodox Messenger” and our other Mission Parish copying needs. It is valued at $600, but we were able to purchase it with a $100 discount, a closeout price of $500. We need a generous donor to donate this essential equipment. To donate this photocopier, please contact Connie Mourgides, Council President, or Fr. Stanley Harakas. PASCHAL CANDLES: Many thanks to Paul and Venice Cosmadelis and to Tyke and Helen Nicolelis who donated the large decorated Paschal Candles for use by the clergy during the Resurrection Service and the subsequent Paschal Season. We are grateful! SPONSOR “THE ORTHODOX MESSENGER”! You can sponsor an issue by donating $20. See Parish Council President Connie Mourgides. Your donation supports our Mission Parish’s outreach program, since the bulletin is mailed to those who are away. EASTER LILIES: Thanks to the following who donated Easter Lilies this year for Pascha: John & Theona Hatzi; Fr. & Presb. Harakas; George & Dee Nikas; Feeney & Bette Ferriero; Tyke & Helen Nicolelis; Mary & Louis Mavrogian; John and Dora Halvatzes; Steve & Connie Mourgides; Bill Elisavitis; Spiro and Cathy Leomonedes; Venice Cosmadelis and Harriet Pasisis; Mike and Fran Triantafilon. Many thanks. THANKS ALSO to Paul Maniates for having the newspaper articles about the Dino Adamis Funeral laminated as a permanent keepsake for our Mission Parish. The laminated articles are posted in the Fellowship Hall. FROM THE FATHERS: “Christ is the Savior of both soul and body, and the person who follows in His footsteps is freed from evil.” St. Thalassios the Libyan. THIS WEEK’S SPONSORS: John & Patricia Tsausis In memory of their parents Antonios & Helen Tsausis and William & KAtherine Fitzgerald HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION OF HERNANDO COUNTY P.O. BOX 5566 SPRING HILL, FL 34611 “A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”
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	Meeting at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville. Florida Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta HOME