The Orthodox Messenger
Vol. V, No. 31 – Sunday, July 23, 2006

Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church - Presentation of Christ at the Temple

The Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County, F lorida–“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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

 Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org     

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT JESUS CHRIST?

   Who is Jesus Christ? Where do we find the answer? It comes only from the revelation of God, which we find in the Bible and the teaching of the Church. There are two kinds of witnesses in the Bible that tell us about Jesus Christ. The first are the statements that come from those close to Him. St. Peter said on behalf of the Apostles, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). He was calling Jesus the anointed one of God, the Messiah, but also, the Son of the Father.
   The Apostle John speaks of Jesus Christ calling Him “the Word,” the “Logos” of God: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2). . .  and “all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made” (v. 3). John proclaims the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ: “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father” (v. 14).
   St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians says of Him: “He is the image of the invisible God” (1:15)  . . . “all things were created through him and for him” (1:16) . . .  in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (1:19). Even God the Father proclaims "This is my beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17).
   The other witness is Jesus Christ Himself, who said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst” John.6:35) . . . "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John.8:12) . . . “I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved” (John 10:8-9) . . .  “I am the Son of God” (John 10:36) . . . . “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (John.14:6).
   Who is Jesus Christ? St. Paul tells us: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. . . . Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11).  That’s why the Fathers of the 4^th Ecumenical Council proclaimed, Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human in one divine/human Person.

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

Today’s Saints: Holymartyr Phokas (+404); Holymartyrs Apollonios & Vitalius Bps of Ravenna (1^st c.); The Seven Martyrs of Carthage; Ezekiel the Prophet (+587 B.C.; Anna of Macedonia; The Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, saving the Dormition Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks.

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THE 6^TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW - GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

 Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection -  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 the Holymartyr Phokas
   (Read) Sharer in the Apostles’ way of life / and successor on their thrones, / inspired by God, you found ascetical effort / as the means to contemplation. / And so, dispensing rightly the word of truth, / you fought for the faith / unto the shedding of your blood. / O Holymartyr Phocas, / intercede with Christ God / for the salvation of our souls.
  Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ (See paper in the pews)
 Kontakion sung by leaders in Greek “Prostasia ton Christianon. . .”
   (Read)  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 p. 26 of the Hymnal, to sing “Holy God . . . .”

   EPISTLE – Romans 12:6-14 (6^th Matthew) Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

   GOSPEL – Matthew 9:1-8 (6^th Matthew) At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

   FOR THE RECORD: July 9:  Attendance 39; Candles  $61; Visitors’ Offerings $15; Building Fund  $89; Stewardship$1085; July 16:  Attendance $54; Candles  $67; Visitors’ Offerings $102; Building Fund $5; Stewardship $397. Many thanks for your support!

Two Trays Today 1) For Stewardship & Visitors’ Donations &
2) The Dino Adamis Phlianthropic Fund

+KAY ATHENS 1 YEAR MEMORIAL SERVICE: A 1 Year Memorial Service with Kolyva was offered last week, July 16, for the rest of the soul of the late Kay Athan. We pray for the rest of her soul and “Eternal Memory!”   
+GEORGE KIRSHY 40 DAY MEMORIAL: Today Phyllis Kirshy, accompanied by members of her family, is offering a 40 day Memorial with Boiled Wheat (Kolyva) on behalf of the rest of the soul of her late husband George Kirshy. Christ the Savior Church welcomes the Kirshy family members as they worship with us today. May George’s memory be eternal, and may the Lord grant comfort to all who loved him.
COFFEE HOUR SPONSOR Today, July 23, Patricia Heuer. Many thanks! Sponsors are needed for August. Please sign up for this much appreciated Stewardship of Time and Talent. Instructions are posted. Everyone is invited to the Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

  HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill- Angelo Dapsis, Elaine Sarnoff.  Please pray for Ed Zahka who is ill in Massachusetts. We pray for a rapid recovery for all!
  DIAKONIA MAGAZINE: Now available in the Parish Hall is the beautiful new issue of the Metropolis of Atlanta quarterly magazine Diakonia. Just leave your $3 donation in the glass next to the magazines. YOUR COPY is waiting for you to pick up! Support our Metropolis, which generously supports our Mission!

   THE TWO WEEK FAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS begins on Tuesday, August 1 and lasts until Sunday, August 14. We avoid meat products at the least during this fast period. This is a time of mid-summer spiritual discipline. A time for more prayer, worship and efforts to increase in love and devotion to Christ and His blessed mother, the Theotokos. Focus on some moral or spiritual goal to achieve this fast!
   PROSFORON BAKERS:); “Venice Cosmadelis 7/23; Presbytera Emily Harakas 7/30; George Nikas 8/6 (Sunday, Holy Transfiguration); Connie Mourgides 8/13; Metaxia Porter 8/15; Argiris & Carol Gynmaos 8/20; Fran Triantafilon 8/27; Helen Nicolelis 9/3: Gloria Vardakis  9/10; George Nikas 9/17. George Nikas is Chair.