Hellenic Orthodox Mission

“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

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

            My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
       On July 4th, we gather as families and communities to celebrate the independence of our nation. We affirm on this important day the values of freedom and liberty that have characterized our national spirit for over two centuries. As we celebrate this national holiday, we are granted the occasion to consider that freedom and liberty are not only treasured values, but are essential and universal conditions for cultivating loving relationships with God and with others.
   Our cultural and religious legacy as Greek Orthodox Christians reminds us of our sacred responsibility to ensure that all people have access to the same fruits and blessings that we enjoy as citizens and residents of a free nation. In our communities and parishes, we meet this responsibility through upholding our commitments to philanthropy, through cultivating openness in our hearts toward strangers in our midst, through our unconditional love for our neighbors, and through our true worship of God,

Seen in this light, our July 4th celebrations are opportunities to consider freedom and liberty not only as inalienable rights of all men and women, but as treasured gifts which God has lovingly given to all persons. Our festivities are also opportunities to grasp the meaning of freedom in its ultimate sense, a sentiment expressed by St. Paul that where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). More than attributes of a political independence, freedom and liberty are conditions of the human soul, fruits that blossom as our hearts struggle to be liberated from the passions of this world and as we grow in our recognition of the presence of God within one another. This is the essence of our Orthodox Christian heritage and witness, an indispensable element of the fabric of our American nation.
On this Day of Independence, I pray that God may deepen our understanding of freedom and liberty in all their dimensions, that our love for Him and for one another may be also intensified. May His peace

and abundant blessings abide in your hearts forever.
                                                                                     With paternal love in Christ,
                                                                                            † DEMETRIOS
                                                                                        Archbishop of America

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

Saints: Sisoes the Great (=429); Archippos, Philemon and Onesimos of the 70 Apostles; Lucia, Virginmartyr (+301); Martyrs Epimachos and Alexandrion; Martyrs Cyril and Apollonios

Today, In The Absence of Our Priest, A “Readers’ Service” Will Be Conducted

EPISTLE – Romans 5:1-10 +BRETHREN, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation.

GOSPEL – Matthew 6:22-33 +The Lord said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday June 29, Attendance - 32; Candles - $76; Offering Tray – $99; Adamis Philanthropic Fund - $96; Hospitality - $33. Thanks to all!

SPONSOR AN ISSUE OF THE ORTHODOX MESSENGER: You can help! We are only one ahead. See Connie Mourgides today, or call her at 686-0589. Only $20. Thank you!

TO APPLY TO BECOME A PARISH our Mission needs four or more Stewards. You can become a Steward by declaring your intention to support the Church with Time, Talent & Treasure. For more information, call President, Connie Mourgides at 686-0589. Thanks!

THE PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.) will resume this coming Friday, July 11 with the second half of the video “The Ten Commandments.” We will discuss the meaning of the movie for our Orthodox Christian beliefs and practices. Refreshments will be served.

PROSFORON BAKERS: George Nikas 7/13 Fran Triantafilon 7/20; Presbytera Emily Harakas 7/20; Connie Mourgides 7/27; Venice Cosmadelis 8/3; Fran Mather 8/6 (Feast of the Transfiguration). Stewards and friends of our Mission are encouraged to volunteer to make Prosforon for our Divine Liturgies. The recipe is simple and easy. Contact George Nikas, our Prosforon Chairperson (597-1375). He will help you get started. Thanks to all who provide this important service.

THE ATLANTA METROPOLIS CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY in Charlotte, NC is concluding today, July 6. Fr. Stanley and Presbytera Emily Harakas are attending the Assembly as observers. A report will be prepared for the members of our Mission.

JULY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES blessing prayers will be offered next Sunday, July 13, following the Divine Liturgy. Plan on attending.

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 13 COOKOUT AFTER CHURCH!

Hot Dogs-Hamburgers-Corn on the Cob-Cole Slaw-Coffee-Soda-Dessert

Adults - $7; Children 6-11 - $3; Wee Ones – Free
Call 686-1199 to help us plan! A Mission Fund-Raiser!

CHURCH OFFICE FURNITURE was purchased used for a cost $300 for the Desk, Credenza and Client Chair. A gift of $100 has already been received. If you would like to contribute toward the cost of this furniture please contact Connie Mourgides, Mission Council President, 686-0589.

THE DAWN CENTER: Mission Chairperson for our Social Outreach project, Betty Ferriero recently received a letter from Stephanie Walley, Executive Director, thanking our Mission for our support. The Dawn Center helps battered women and their families. “You donation of clothes, toys, toiletries, bedding, cell phone, and other miscellaneous items has meant so much to them . . . It is my hope that you will know how very special you are to us and we can never repay your kindness.” We thank the Dawn Center for the privilege of helping those in need!

MANY THANKS TO Mrs. Rose Snell, who donated an almost new lawn mower to our Mission, valued at $300. Thanks also to Bill Elisavites and Fran Mather who solicited the gift.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Sunday, August 31 – “Cold-Cut Sandwiches Luncheon”; Sunday, September 21 – “Surprise Luncheon”; Sunday, October 26 (St. Demetrios Day) – “Country Ribs Barbeque”; November 16 “Shrimp Festival” (alternative menu available); December 7 – “Spaghetti Luncheon.” Also, the Mission will hold its General Assembly on Sunday, October 5, following Church Services and a light lunch.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED: 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 either Connie Mourgides, President (686-0589), or Paul Cosmadelis, Vice President (686-1199), if you can help.

SPECIAL THANKS to the Men’s Breakfast Club for the yard and garden work on the property done on Thursdays, following their Breakfast meetings. If you would like to join the Men’s Breakfast Club for fellowship, call Bill Pasisis at 688-7465 for further information.

OFFICE HOURS: Our Mission Office will be open normally on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 5 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).

Bulletin Sponsors: Betty & George Roussos

In Loving Memory of Our Parents, Georgia Spiropoulos, and Helen & George Roussos



Contents		The Orthodox Messenger Vol. II, No. 26 – Sunday, July 6, 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 The Hellenic Orthodox Mission Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Protopresbyter – (352) 688-2382; Cell (352) 263-3005; Fax (352) 688-9846; Email: Rharakas@aol.com ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS’ ENCYLICAL ON INDEPENDENCE DAY To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On July 4th, we gather as families and communities to celebrate the independence of our nation. We affirm on this important day the values of freedom and liberty that have characterized our national spirit for over two centuries. As we celebrate this national holiday, we are granted the occasion to consider that freedom and liberty are not only treasured values, but are essential and universal conditions for cultivating loving relationships with God and with others. Our cultural and religious legacy as Greek Orthodox Christians reminds us of our sacred responsibility to ensure that all people have access to the same fruits and blessings that we enjoy as citizens and residents of a free nation. In our communities and parishes, we meet this responsibility through upholding our commitments to philanthropy, through cultivating openness in our hearts toward strangers in our midst, through our unconditional love for our neighbors, and through our true worship of God, Who created all human beings in His perfect image and likeness. Seen in this light, our July 4th celebrations are opportunities to consider freedom and liberty not only as inalienable rights of all men and women, but as treasured gifts which God has lovingly given to all persons. Our festivities are also opportunities to grasp the meaning of freedom in its ultimate sense, a sentiment expressed by St. Paul that where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). More than attributes of a political independence, freedom and liberty are conditions of the human soul, fruits that blossom as our hearts struggle to be liberated from the passions of this world and as we grow in our recognition of the presence of God within one another. This is the essence of our Orthodox Christian heritage and witness, an indispensable element of the fabric of our American nation. On this Day of Independence, I pray that God may deepen our understanding of freedom and liberty in all their dimensions, that our love for Him and for one another may be also intensified. May His peace and abundant blessings abide in your hearts forever. With paternal love in Christ, † DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America Service Hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 am.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Evening Services as Announced Saints: Sisoes the Great (=429); Archippos, Philemon and Onesimos of the 70 Apostles; Lucia, Virginmartyr (+301); Martyrs Epimachos and Alexandrion; Martyrs Cyril and Apollonios The 3rd Sunday of matthew Today, In The Absence of Our Priest, A “Readers’ Service” Will Be Conducted Leaders: Nikolai Kastelan and John Hatzi EPISTLE – Romans 5:1-10 +BRETHREN, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation. GOSPEL – Matthew 6:22-33 +The Lord said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well." FOR THE RECORD: Sunday June 29, Attendance - 32; Candles - $76; Offering Tray – $99; Adamis Philanthropic Fund - $96; Hospitality - $33. Thanks to all! SPONSOR AN ISSUE OF THE ORTHODOX MESSENGER: You can help! We are only one ahead. See Connie Mourgides today, or call her at 686-0589. Only $20. Thank you! TO APPLY TO BECOME A PARISH our Mission needs four or more Stewards. You can become a Steward by declaring your intention to support the Church with Time, Talent & Treasure. For more information, call President, Connie Mourgides at 686-0589. Thanks! THE PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.E.P.) will resume this coming Friday, July 11 with the second half of the video “The Ten Commandments.” We will discuss the meaning of the movie for our Orthodox Christian beliefs and practices. Refreshments will be served. PROSFORON BAKERS: George Nikas 7/13 Fran Triantafilon 7/20; Presbytera Emily Harakas 7/20; Connie Mourgides 7/27; Venice Cosmadelis 8/3; Fran Mather 8/6 (Feast of the Transfiguration). Stewards and friends of our Mission are encouraged to volunteer to make Prosforon for our Divine Liturgies. The recipe is simple and easy. Contact George Nikas, our Prosforon Chairperson (597-1375). He will help you get started. Thanks to all who provide this important service. THE ATLANTA METROPOLIS CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY in Charlotte, NC is concluding today, July 6. Fr. Stanley and Presbytera Emily Harakas are attending the Assembly as observers. A report will be prepared for the members of our Mission. JULY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES blessing prayers will be offered next Sunday, July 13, following the Divine Liturgy. Plan on attending. NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 13 COOKOUT AFTER CHURCH! Hot Dogs-Hamburgers-Corn on the Cob-Cole Slaw-Coffee-Soda-Dessert Adults - $7; Children 6-11 - $3; Wee Ones – Free Call 686-1199 to help us plan! A Mission Fund-Raiser! CHURCH OFFICE FURNITURE was purchased used for a cost $300 for the Desk, Credenza and Client Chair. A gift of $100 has already been received. If you would like to contribute toward the cost of this furniture please contact Connie Mourgides, Mission Council President, 686-0589. THE DAWN CENTER: Mission Chairperson for our Social Outreach project, Betty Ferriero recently received a letter from Stephanie Walley, Executive Director, thanking our Mission for our support. The Dawn Center helps battered women and their families. “You donation of clothes, toys, toiletries, bedding, cell phone, and other miscellaneous items has meant so much to them . . . It is my hope that you will know how very special you are to us and we can never repay your kindness.” We thank the Dawn Center for the privilege of helping those in need! MANY THANKS TO Mrs. Rose Snell, who donated an almost new lawn mower to our Mission, valued at $300. Thanks also to Bill Elisavites and Fran Mather who solicited the gift. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Sunday, August 31 – “Cold-Cut Sandwiches Luncheon”; Sunday, September 21 – “Surprise Luncheon”; Sunday, October 26 (St. Demetrios Day) – “Country Ribs Barbeque”; November 16 “Shrimp Festival” (alternative menu available); December 7 – “Spaghetti Luncheon.” Also, the Mission will hold its General Assembly on Sunday, October 5, following Church Services and a light lunch. VOLUNTEER NEEDED: 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 either Connie Mourgides, President (686-0589), or Paul Cosmadelis, Vice President (686-1199), if you can help. SPECIAL THANKS to the Men’s Breakfast Club for the yard and garden work on the property done on Thursdays, following their Breakfast meetings. If you would like to join the Men’s Breakfast Club for fellowship, call Bill Pasisis at 688-7465 for further information. OFFICE HOURS: Our Mission Office will be open normally on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 5 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). Bulletin Sponsors: Betty & George Roussos *In Loving Memory of Our Parents, Georgia Spiropoulos, and Helen & George Roussos* *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” Come to Church As a Family!
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