The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VI, No. 27– Sunday, July 8, 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     

Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Th.D., D.D. (352) 796-2377; Cell (352) 263-3005; Email:Rharakas@aol.com

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What’s Special About Christ the Savior Orthodox Church?-4

WHY Does the Priest Read Some of the “Secret” Prayers Aloud?

   When attending Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, you may notice that some, but not all of the so-called “Secret Prayers” are actually said aloud. You may also notice that most of these prayers are not so secret because they are printed in the Hymnal Book. So, even today, these prayers are not really “secret,” but in most Orthodox churches, they are said silently.

    Why then, at Christ the Savior Church are some of these prayers (especially in the last half of the Divine Liturgy) said aloud so that all the people can hear them?

    There are several reasons for this.

    First, historically, most of these prayers were originally and for many centuries actually said aloud, so that the people could hear them and pray along with the priest. However, as more and more hymns were added to the Divine Liturgy, this began to make the service longer. In parish churches it was felt that something should be done about it. The answer was to have the priest say the prayers under his breath while hymns were sung. So the practice developed of the “silent” or “secret prayers” in the Liturgy. One way we overcome this issue at Christ the Savior church, is to shorten the musical rendition of the hymns and for the Priest to intone his parts more quickly. That is why we can say everything required and add these prayers without lengthening the service.

    Second, those prayers said as “Silent” prayers make sense of words that are always said aloud. If the prayers are not said aloud some of the things that are always said aloud don’t make much sense and are disconnected. We see this very clearly with the prayer said following the singing of “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of angelic hosts . . .” on page 49 of the Hymnal Book. On the next page the Priest recites a prayer that introduces the words Jesus said when He established the Eucharistic Sacrament: “He . . .took bread . . . gave thanks, blessed, sanctified, broke, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying. . . .” This is immediately continued by the words of the institution of the Sacrament: “Take eat; this is my Body . . . .” Why some silent and some aloud? They are actually parts of the very same prayer! We need to hear the prayers to fully participate in the Divine Liturgy!

   Third, these prayers are spiritually uplifting and beautiful expressions of faith and worship which in themselves, should not be kept from the people. Whenever, for example, we conduct the Liturgy of Saint Basil, we say aloud for all to pray, the prayer of the church for those who are ill, for the suffering, for families, for all the peoples and races of the earth.

   So not only is it right that these prayers should be said aloud for all to hear, but to do so enriches and deepens our participation in worship.

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

Evening Services as Announced

6th 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 St. Prokopios

(Read) O Lord our God, / Your Holy Martyr has deserved the crown of immortality/ on of account of his good fight. / Armed with your strengthe, he has vanquished his persecutors / and crushed Satan’s evil might. / Through his supplications, / O Christ God, / save our souls.

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ (See paper in the pews)

Kontakion of the Theotokos

(Sing)  A protection of Christians unshamable, / intercessor to our Holy Maker unwavering, / please reject not / the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. / Instead, come to us, for you are good; / your loving help bring unto us, / who are crying in faith to you. / Hasten to intercede for us, / and speed now to supplicate to Him, / as a protection for all time, / Theotokos, / for those who honor you.

                        Return to p. 26 of the Hymnal, to sing “Holy God . . . .”

   EPISTLE – Romans 12:6-24 (6^th Sunday of 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.

   JULY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS will be offered today following the Divine Liturgy. We pray God’s blessings on all those celebrating their Birthdays or Wedding Anniversaries in July! “Many Years!”

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Fran Triantafilon 7/8; Argyri & Carol Gymnaos 7/15; Venice Cosmadelis 7/22, Presbytera Emily Harakas 6/26. We are in need of more persons to make the Offering Bread for the Divine Liturgy. If you can bake a simple recipe, please call Fr. Stanley to get a recipe and the seal. It is easy and spiritually satisfying. 796-2377.

   FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, July 1, 2007- Attendance 38; Candles $45; Visitors Donations $135; Coffee Hour Free Will Basket $18; Stewardship $820. Many thanks!

   SUMMER COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: 7/8 Helene Arvanitis; 7/15 Presbytera Emily; 7/22 Denise Zotto; 7/29 Nancy Kastelan & Venice Cosmadelis. A free will offering is requested to cover costs. Give what you like, but do remember that it costs about $1 for a pastry and a cup of coffee. Please sign up for August!

   PARISH COUNCIL GREETERS: Greeter for today is Parish Council Member Dorothy Triantafilon. Greeter for next week, July 22, is Parish Council Member Helen Vangel.

   THE AUDIT COMMITTEE-TREASURER REPORT to the Metropolis regarding our Financial Condition for 2005 and 2006 was prepared at a special meeting on June 27, with Audit Committee Members Harriet Pasisis, Helen Vangel, Treasurer Curtis Thomas, and Fr. Stanley Harakas in attendance. The report was prepared and sent before the deadline.

    “TRIBUTE TO AMERICA” gifts were prepared after Church last Sunday. Many thanks to all who helped! On Friday morning, July 6^th some of our parishioners met at the Evergreen Woods Retirement home and sang patriotic songs with about 35 guests of the home. This event was sponsored and planned by the St. Katherine Ladies Society, Emily Thomas, President.

PRAY FOR THE HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill Hospital: Myra Moshonisiotis, now recuperating at home. We pray for her rapid recovery. Also, please include Archbishop Christodoulos, of Athens, Greece, who is hospitalized with liver cancer. Rapid recovery!

   THE PARISH COUNCIL announces the completion of repairs in the restrooms of our property: sinks and fixtures have been replaced and leaks repaired. Thanks to President Gloria Vardakis and Facilities Chairman Niko Maroulis for their fine work.

   DONATION OPPORTUNITY: Liturgy Books at $10 each. Books donated since our last announcement: Curtis Thomas in memory of James R. Thomas; Emily Thomas, for “The good health of our children and grandchildren”; William Eugenides, “In memory of Auguni and Apostolos Eugenides”; Nikolai Kastelan and Nanka Kastelan “To the Future of Christ the Savior Church” each; Elaine Underwood (4 books); Jennie Palmenteri (2 books) “In Memory of Stella Georgopoulos;” Thoula Dapsis, “In Memory of Angelo Dapsis.” Only six left for donation! Mark your check memo line “Liturgy Book(s).” Send your check ($10 each book) to CSGOC, P.O. Box 5566, Spring Hill, FL 34611, or give to Curtis Thomas on Sunday.

  BY-LAWS COMMITTEE members, Parish Council President Gloria Vardakis, Niko Maroulis, Curtis Thomas and  Fr. Stanley, met on Thursday, July 5, 2007 to finalize the text of our new Parish By-Laws. They will be submitted to the next Parish Assembly for approval.

  DO YOU HAVE A NAME DAY IN JULY? Next Sunday, we will be observing the name days of the following persons in our parish: Beverly Hall 7/12 (Beronivkh); Kalianna Kotsifakis 7/25 (  {Anna); Louis Markovitch  7/20 ( jHliva~);;; Louis Palmenteri 7/20      Christina Thomas 7/24. This is a project in the making. Let Fr. Stanley know if you have a nameday in July not mentioned above. Come to Church Sunday, July 15 for your blessing!

  BUILDING COMMITTEE NEWS: The Christ the Savior Church Building Committee met this past Friday, July 6, to prepare for the signing of the documents regarding the sale of our property and the construction of our new church and hall.

HONOR GOD DURING THE SUMMER! COME TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

              NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!

BULLETIN SPONSOR FOR NEXT SUNDAY!