Hellenic Orthodox Mission

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

Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Protopresbyter – (352) 688-2382; Cell (352) 263-3005; Fax (352) 688-9846;
Email: Rharakas@aol.com

Elias, also known as Elijah, was from Tisbe, a town beyond the Jordan. He was of priestly lineage, a man of a solitary character, clothed in sheep skin, and girded with a leather belt. His zeal for the glory of God was compared to fire, and his speech for teaching and rebuke was compared to a burning lamp. Aflame with such zeal, he sternly reproved the impiety and lawlessness of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel.

Elias the Prophet prayed, and it did not rain for three years and six months. Ravens brought him food when, at God's command, he was hiding by the torrent of Horrath. He multiplied the little flour and oil of the poor widow of Sarephtha of Sidon, who had given him hospitality in her home, and when her son died, he restored him to life. The great Prophet Elias brought down fire from Heaven upon Mount Carmel, and it burned up the sacrifice offered to God before all the people of Israel, that they might know the truth. Elias beheld God on Mount Horeb, as far as this is possible for human nature. He foretold the destruction of the house of Ahab, and the death of his son.

While speaking with his disciple Elisha, Elias was suddenly snatched away by a fiery chariot in the year 895 B.C., and he ascended as though into heaven. But from then also, after seven years, by means of an epistle through his disciple Elisha, he reproached King Joram, the son of Josaphat, because he had not followed the ways of God, but had rather become another faithless and evil King as was Ahab.

“And a letter came to him from Elias (Elijah) the prophet, saying, "Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father, `Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, but have . . . led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem into unfaithfulness, as the house of Ahab led Israel into unfaithfulness . . . behold, the Lord will bring a great plague on your people . . . and all your possessions, and you yourself will have a severe sickness.” The message for us: Let us keep faithfulness with God.

We honor today, in our Orthodox Church, the memory of this great saint of the Old Testament, saying in his Kontakion, “O Prophet and foreseer of the great works of God, O greatly renowned Elias, who by your word held back the clouds of rain, intercede for us to the only Loving One.”

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

Saints: Prophet Elias the Thesbite (8^th c. B.C.); Righteous Elias, Patriarch of Jerusalem

(+518); Flavius, Patriarch of Antionch (+518); Abramius for Galich; Arilda, Virgin

Martyr of Gloucester, England.

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn – 4th Tone

(Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“To faidron tes Anastaseos”).Hymnal, 84-85

(Sing in English after the Entrance) “When the tidings . . . ”). (Same).

(Read) The incarnate Angel, / the Cornerstone of the Prophets, / the second Forerunner of the Coming of Christ, / the glorious Elias, who from above, / sent down to Elisha the grace to dispel sickness and cleanse lepers, / abounds therefore in healing / for those who honor him.

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!

Return to a page 26 for “Holy God”and for the Epistle and Gospel Readings

EPISTLE (For the Feast) – James 5:10-20 + Brethren, take as an example of suffering and patience the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation. Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

GOSPEL (5^th Matthew) – Matthew 8:28-9:1 + At that time, when Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, July 13, attendance was 29; Candles - $81; Offering Tray – $70; Building Fund - $33; Luncheon - $189. Thanks to all for your support!

A TRISAGION PRAYER SERVICE will be conducted today for the rest of the soul of Spero (Sam) Harakas –father and father-in-law of Fr. Stanley and Presbytera Emily Harakas, on the 22^nd anniversary of his passing. May his memory be eternal!

SPONSOR AN ISSUE OF THE ORTHODOX MESSENGER: Only $20 covers the cost which allows you to honor the memory of a relative, express congratulations for family achievements, promote a business. We have no sponsor for next week! Will you be next week’s sponsor? You can help! See Spiros Lemonedes today, or call him at 684-4082.

Our Mission needs four or more Stewards to apply to become a Parish. We now have 51 Steward Members! You can become a Steward by declaring your intention to support the Church with Time, Talent & Treasure. Enclosed in this week’s Orthodox Messenger is a blank “Good Faith Declaration of Intention” for you to fill out and return in order to become a Steward Member of our Mission. Help us become a Parish! Send it today!

AN ENJOYABLE TIME WAS EXPERIENCED last Sunday, July 13 at the Hot Dog and Hamburger Lunch. We thank Yanni and Jennie Kotsifakis for donating all the food so that the total income went to support our Mission. Especially delicious were the BIG all beef hot dogs! Everyone was raving about them. Thanks to Paul and Venice Cosmadelis who organized the event, assisted by Bill and Harriet Pasisis and our premier charcoal griller Spiro Lemonedes, assisted by Kathy Lemonedes. Thanks, too, to George and Dee Nikas who provided a delicious cake celebrating their 55^th Anniversary.

THE PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.) will feature the movie “The Robe” this coming Friday, July 25. You are invited to come and enjoy the show!. Refreshments served. Fellowship and discussion of the movie. A fun and learning event!

ON AUGUST 18, about a month from now, we will be sending in the list of Stewards of our Mission to the Orthodox Observer, the newspaper of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, so that they can begin sending it to all of our Stewards. Become a Steward and receive it!

FEAST-DAY LUNCHEONS: Plan on attending! Mark your calendar! Sunday, August 31 (Apostle Titus -25th) –“Cold-Cut Sand-wiches Luncheon”; Sunday, September 21 (Holy Cross Leave-taking) –“Surprise Luncheon”; Sunday, October 26 (St. Demetrios) –“Country Ribs Barbeque”; November 16 “Shrimp Festival” (with alternative menu); December 7 (St. Nicholas) –“Spaghetti Luncheon.”

VOLUNTEER NEEDED: This is really important! The Mission Council needs a volunteer to serve as a Recording Secretary at its monthly meetings on July 31, August 21, and September 18, to take notes and prepare the minutes. Meetings are held at 2:00 p.m. Please contact Paul Cosmadelis, Vice President (686-1199), if you can help.

OFFICE HOURS: Our Mission Office will be open normally on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 4 p.m. However, because conflicts and emergencies may take Fr. Harakas away from the office, please call before coming. Use either 688-2382 (home) or 796-8482 (office).

“The Divine Christ became man that we might become Divine; and He revealed Himself through a body that we might receive an idea of His invisible Father.” St. Athanasios the Great

Bulletin SponsorS: FR. STANLEY & PRESBYTERA EMILY HARAKAS

In Loving Memory of Spero (Sam) Harakas - May His Memory Be Eternal!



Contents		The Orthodox Messenger Vol. II, No. 28 – Sunday, July 20, 2003 “A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community” 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 Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Protopresbyter – (352) 688-2382; Cell (352) 263-3005; Fax (352) 688-9846; Email: Rharakas@aol.com ELIAS – DYNAMIC PROPHET OF GOD Elias, also known as Elijah, was from Tisbe, a town beyond the Jordan. He was of priestly lineage, a man of a solitary character, clothed in sheep skin, and girded with a leather belt. His zeal for the glory of God was compared to fire, and his speech for teaching and rebuke was compared to a burning lamp. Aflame with such zeal, he sternly reproved the impiety and lawlessness of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Elias the Prophet prayed, and it did not rain for three years and six months. Ravens brought him food when, at God's command, he was hiding by the torrent of Horrath. He multiplied the little flour and oil of the poor widow of Sarephtha of Sidon, who had given him hospitality in her home, and when her son died, he restored him to life. The great Prophet Elias brought down fire from Heaven upon Mount Carmel, and it burned up the sacrifice offered to God before all the people of Israel, that they might know the truth. Elias beheld God on Mount Horeb, as far as this is possible for human nature. He foretold the destruction of the house of Ahab, and the death of his son. While speaking with his disciple Elisha, Elias was suddenly snatched away by a fiery chariot in the year 895 B.C., and he ascended as though into heaven. But from then also, after seven years, by means of an epistle through his disciple Elisha, he reproached King Joram, the son of Josaphat, because he had not followed the ways of God, but had rather become another faithless and evil King as was Ahab. In the 21^st Chapter of 2 Chronicles of the Old Testament, we read: “And a letter came to him from Elias (Elijah) the prophet, saying, "Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father, `Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, but have . . . led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem into unfaithfulness, as the house of Ahab led Israel into unfaithfulness . . . behold, the Lord will bring a great plague on your people . . . and all your possessions, and you yourself will have a severe sickness.” The message for us: Let us keep faithfulness with God. We honor today, in our Orthodox Church, the memory of this great saint of the Old Testament, saying in his Kontakion, “O Prophet and foreseer of the great works of God, O greatly renowned Elias, who by your word held back the clouds of rain, intercede for us to the only Loving One.” -Adapted from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Website Service Hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 am.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Evening Services as Announced Saints: Prophet Elias the Thesbite (8^th c. B.C.); Righteous Elias, Patriarch of Jerusalem (+518); Flavius, Patriarch of Antionch (+518); Abramius for Galich; Arilda, Virgin Martyr of Gloucester, England. FEAST OF ELIAS THE PROPHET AND 5^TH Sunday of MATTHEW GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS Dismissal Hymn – 4th Tone (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“To faidron tes Anastaseos”).Hymnal, 84-85 (Sing in English after the Entrance) “When the tidings . . . ”). (Same). Dismissal Hymn of the Prophet Elias (Read) The incarnate Angel, / the Cornerstone of the Prophets, / the second Forerunner of the Coming of Christ, / the glorious Elias, who from above, / sent down to Elisha the grace to dispel sickness and cleanse lepers, / abounds therefore in healing / for those who honor him. 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! Return to a page 26 for “Holy God”and for the Epistle and Gospel Readings EPISTLE (For the Feast) – James 5:10-20 + Brethren, take as an example of suffering and patience the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation. Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. GOSPEL (5^th Matthew) – Matthew 8:28-9:1 + At that time, when Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, July 13, attendance was 29; Candles - $81; Offering Tray – $70; Building Fund - $33; Luncheon - $189. Thanks to all for your support! A TRISAGION PRAYER SERVICE will be conducted today for the rest of the soul of Spero (Sam) Harakas –father and father-in-law of Fr. Stanley and Presbytera Emily Harakas, on the 22^nd anniversary of his passing. May his memory be eternal! SPONSOR AN ISSUE OF THE ORTHODOX MESSENGER: Only $20 covers the cost which allows you to honor the memory of a relative, express congratulations for family achievements, promote a business. *We have no sponsor for next week!* Will you be next week’s sponsor? You can help! See Spiros Lemonedes today, or call him at 684-4082. Our Mission needs four or more Stewards to apply to become a Parish. We now have 51 Steward Members! You can become a Steward by declaring your intention to support the Church with Time, Talent & Treasure. *Enclosed in this week’s Orthodox Messenger* is a blank “Good Faith Declaration of Intention” for you to fill out and return in order to become a Steward Member of our Mission. Help us become a Parish! Send it today! AN ENJOYABLE TIME WAS EXPERIENCED last Sunday, July 13 at the Hot Dog and Hamburger Lunch. We thank Yanni and Jennie Kotsifakis for donating all the food so that the total income went to support our Mission. Especially delicious were the BIG all beef hot dogs! Everyone was raving about them. Thanks to Paul and Venice Cosmadelis who organized the event, assisted by Bill and Harriet Pasisis and our premier charcoal griller Spiro Lemonedes, assisted by Kathy Lemonedes. Thanks, too, to George and Dee Nikas who provided a delicious cake celebrating their 55^th Anniversary. THE PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.) will feature the movie “The Robe” this coming Friday, July 25. You are invited to come and enjoy the show!. Refreshments served. Fellowship and discussion of the movie. A fun and learning event! ON AUGUST 18*, about a month from now, we will be sending in the list of Stewards of our Mission to the Orthodox Observer, the newspaper of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, so that they can begin sending it to all of our Stewards. Become a Steward and receive it!* FEAST-DAY LUNCHEONS: Plan on attending! Mark your calendar! Sunday, August 31 (Apostle Titus -25th) –“Cold-Cut Sand-wiches Luncheon”; Sunday, September 21 (Holy Cross Leave-taking) –“Surprise Luncheon”; Sunday, October 26 (St. Demetrios) –“Country Ribs Barbeque”; November 16 “Shrimp Festival” (with alternative menu); December 7 (St. Nicholas) –“Spaghetti Luncheon.” VOLUNTEER NEEDED: This is really important! The Mission Council needs a volunteer to serve as a Recording Secretary at its monthly meetings on July 31, August 21, and September 18, to take notes and prepare the minutes. Meetings are held at 2:00 p.m. Please contact Paul Cosmadelis, Vice President (686-1199), if you can help. OFFICE HOURS: Our Mission Office will be open normally on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 4 p.m. However, because conflicts and emergencies may take Fr. Harakas away from the office, please call before coming. Use either 688-2382 (home) or 796-8482 (office). *“The Divine Christ became man that we might become Divine; and He revealed Himself through a body that we might receive an idea of His invisible Father.”* St. Athanasios the Great Bulletin SponsorS: FR. STANLEY & PRESBYTERA EMILY HARAKAS In Loving Memory of Spero (Sam) Harakas - May His Memory Be Eternal! *Come To Church During the Summer!* HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION OF HERNANDO COUNTY P.O. BOX 5566 SPRING HILL, FL 34611 “A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community” The Great Prophet Elias
Bulletins Contact Directions Education Events Fr. Harakas Links Newspaper Photos
	Meeting at St. Nicholas Chapel, 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville. Florida Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta HOME

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn – 4th Tone

OF HERNANDO COUNTY