The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VI, No. 23– Sunday, June 10, 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?

 1.WHY is the Church named “Christ the Savior”? Is this right? Yes! A short time ago archeologists uncovered “the earliest church in Israel” from the late 200s that had been dedicated to “The God Jesus Christ.” In Greek, our name is “Tou` Swth`ro~ Cristou`” (“too Soteros Christou”). Our feast is February 2, the Presentation of Christ at the Temple.”

  2. WHY do you sing during the services? Shouldn’t choirs and cantors do that? We do what the first Christians did in worship. The earliest service books say that the hymns and responses should be sung “by the People.” We have revived that ancient tradition.

 3. WHY do you use mostly English in the services?  In the early Church, the worship was in the language of the people. We do the same so that we worship “with understanding” as St. Paul says. But we also include a little bit of Greek, Slavonic, Romanian, Arabic and Albanian, to remind us of our various backgrounds in our “Pan-Orthodox” mission parish.

 4. WHY does the Priest read some of the “secret” prayers aloud? Because they were originally written for the people to hear and say “Amen” to them. Only many centuries later were they said silently in order to conserve time. We sing faster, so we save the time.

 5. WHY do you shake hands with each other in the Liturgy? The early Christians gave each other the “kiss of peace” in the Divine Liturgy. We shake hands as a form of this greeting.

 6. Why do you say the consecration prayers aloud? Because in the early Church they were said that way, so that all the people could affirm the prayers with their own “Amen.”

 7. WHY do the people declare a Stewardship of Time and Talents? In the Liturgy we say, “Let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.” We do that by serving the Lord with the talents and gifts God has given each of us. That way we serve the Lord and His Church with our whole life.

 8. WHY do you declare a Stewardship of Treasure to support the church? St. Paul teaches us that we should give freely, and without constraint to support the Lord’s work Each household gives to the church as much as they are able to do the Lord’s work.

 9. WHY does the parish have a Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund? When we first started in January of 2002, a homeless Greek man from New York was killed riding his bicycle on Rt. 19. We arranged for his burial with donated funds. This was the start of the Dino Adamis Fund which helps the poor. It is run by the St. Katherine’s Ladies Society.

10. WHY are the members of Christ the Savior Church of different national backgrounds? Our members reflect the truth that Orthodoxy includes persons of all ethnic & cultural heritages, since we are part of the “One, Holy, Catholic (Universal) and Apostolic Church.”

Beginning next week each bulletin will have a message about one of these ten questions.

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

Evening Services as Announced

2^nd SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - 1st  Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Tou lithou sfragisthenos").Hymnal,  80-81.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("The stone was sealed"). (Same)

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 2:10-16 (2^nd  Matthew) + Brethren, glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

   GOSPEL – Matthew 4:18-23 (2^nd Matthew) + At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

   WEDDING ANNIVERSARY & BIRTHAY BLESSINGS will be offered today following the Divine Liturgy. If your name should have been included and wasn’t, please let Fr. Stanley know so that you can be included in the prayers. “Many Years!”

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Argyri & Carol Gymnaos 6/10; Venice Cosmadelis 6/17; Presbytera Emily Harakas 6/24; George Nikas 7/1 Fran Triantafilon 7/8. You can make Prosforon! Call George Nikas, Prosforon Chair, for a recipe -597-1375!  

   SUMMER COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: June 10: Venice Cosmadelis; June 17: Father’s Day, Gloria Vardakis and Harriet Pasisis; June 24: Curt & Emily Thomas. 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 July! Thanks!

   PARISH COUNCIL GREETERS: Greeter for today is Parish Council Member Demetri Hazivasilis; and the Greeter for June 17 is Parish Council Member Bill Hazivasilis. Thanks to Niko Maroulis for serving as Greeter last Sunday, June 3.

   NEEDED! “Agape Canister Chairperson. See or call Fr. Stanley. A Stewardship of Time and Talent that helps the Mission work of our Orthodox Church.

   DONATION OPPORTUNITY: You can donate one or more Liturgy Books at $10 each. Send your check for as many copies as you wish to CSGOC, P.O. Box 5566, Spring Hill, FL 34611, or bring it to church. Mark your check memo line “Liturgy Book(s).” You can give books in memory of loved ones or for the health of a family member or to honor some one. Just mark it clearly on a separate sheet of paper and include with your check. Thanks!

  NAMEDAY BLESSINGS NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 17: Robert Borden-All Saints Sunday (=ASts); Paula Borden-6/29; Electra Butcher-ASts;  Paul Cosmadelis-6/29; Venice Cosmadelis-ASts; Peter Hatzi-6/29; Phyllis Kirshy-ASts; Robert Kirshy-ASts;  Virginia Kirshy-ASts; Paul Maniates-6/29; Ralph Martinez-ASts; Ioanna Martinez-6/27; Connie Mourgides-ASts; Elizabeth Narverud-6/24; Fifika Stilian-ASts; Dorothy Triantafilon-6/5; Richard Urling-ASts; Richard Urling II-ASts;    This is a project in the making. If your name is missing from this list please contact Fr. Stanley to add your name to the list. Thank you!

 THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL FEAST AND HONORS will once again be held at the Atlanta Metropolis in November. With the help of the Parish Council members, the Ladies Society officers and others, the following were selected as Honorees for this year: Youth-Demetri Hazivasilis; Adult-Nanka Kastelan. Congratulations and best wishes!

 PINE GROVE ELEMENTARY HONORS BREAKFAST was held May 31. Receiving the certificate of appreciation for our Church were Carol and Argyri Gymnaos. We are all honored to help the children through the St. Katherine’s Ladies Society!

  PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: The Parish Council met on Tuesday, May 22, President Gloria Vardakis presiding. The meeting began with a discussion of the actions taken at the May 20, 2007 Parish Assembly, including the next steps following the approval of the Anonymous Benefactor’s offer of a donation of $300,000 upon the sale of the camp property for a discounted price of $400,000. Though the new Building Committee is now responsible to the Parish Assembly, it will continue to work closely with the Parish Council and keep the members informed of all developments. Since the Parish Assembly voted that 25% of the members qualified to vote will form a quorum at future Parish Assemblies, the By-Laws will have to be corrected. A Committee was formed to review and clarify our policy regarding which Stewards have the right to speak and vote at  Parish Assemblies and include it in the By-Laws, consisting of Gloria Vardakis, Curtis Thomas and Niko Maroulis.  It was announced that a contract for $1,600 was signed to correct all electric code violations. It was also announced the County has rescinded its requirement that all doors on our property opening to the outside be replaced. This has saved us over $6,000. A Youth Committee has been formed by the Parish Council upon the recommendation of the Parish Assembly. Carol Gymnaos will report to the Parish Council on its plans and activities. We are awaiting the corrected deed to our property from our Attorney, George Angeliadis. The county has prohibited the use of our sprinkling system until the electricity is upgraded. With the arrival of young persons as Altar Boys, it was decided to look into the making of new Altar Boy Robes. Curt Thomas presented the first quarter Treasurer’s Report, showing a income of $20,020.44 and expenses of $8,630.61. It was felt that the $11,389.83 surplus should be able to carry us over to the Fall during the Summer period when income normally falls short of expenses. Gloria Vardakis read the correspondence, including a report from the County Water Dept. that our water passed inspection. Bill Pasisis reported on the April 22 publication of the “Stewardship Honor Roll” and that so far this year we have 11 new Stewards, though about eight others have not renewed their 2006 Stewardship as yet. Nick Maroulis reported on the work of the Facilities Committee. Bill Pasisis spoke of upcoming Fund Raising events planned for the Fall. Recommendation Sheets for the Archangel Michael Award were passed out by Fr. Stanley. He spoke about the need for all to work for parish unity and proposed a motto for the Mission, as well as a “Greeters” program at each Sunday Divine Liturgy. Next Parish Council Meeting is June 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

   NEW STEWARSHIP SECRETARY: The Parish Council has appointed Treasurer Curtis Thomas to serve concurrently as “Stewardship Secretary” for our parish effective immediately. We are grateful to Curtis for accepting this responsible position.                  

               HONOR GOD DURING THE SUMMER! COME TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

       CHRIST THE SAVIOR ORTHODOX CHURCH

Kids  Camp!         

 

 

All Children of Christ the Savior Church

are invited to a one day

Fantastic Adventure in Faith & Fun

Parents Welcome! Free to all!

Games! Crafts! Fun Events!

Children’s Prayer Service!

Religious Lesson and Story Time!

Snacks & Lunch! Bowling for Older Kids!

Free Christ the Savior Tee Shirts

For All Participating Children!

Adults May Purchase a Tee Shirt

 

WHEN?

Monday, June 18, 2007

From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

WHERE?

ANDERSON SNOW RECREATIONAL CENTER

   Go West on Spring Hill Drive to Barclay-Anderson Snow Rd. Intersection

(Publix-Walgreens) and turn right – Go 1.3 miles, turn left into park

 

Register for “Kids Camp” Today or Call Emily Thomas at 352-650-0307

(OVER)

-SPONSORED BY THE ST. KATHERINE’S LADIES SOCIETY-

CHRIST THE SAVIOR CHURCH

“KIDS CAMP” REGISTRATION

FAMILY NAME _______________________________________________________

RESPONSIBLE PARENT/GUARDIAN ____________________________________

CHILDREN(S)’ NAME(S) AND AGE(S)

NAME ____________________________________________ AGE __________________

NAME ____________________________________________ AGE __________________

NAME ____________________________________________ AGE __________________

NAME ____________________________________________ AGE __________________

NAME ____________________________________________ AGE __________________

I/We assume all responsibility for my/our child(ren) and hold Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church and Anderson Snow Recreational Center of Hernando County free of liability during the course of activities related to the Christ the Savior “Kids Camp” activities held on June 18, 2007 at Anderson Snow Recreational Center and the selected Bowling facility.

                 Parent/Guardian

                     Sign ____________________________________________________

                     Date ___________________

Please complete, sign and return to:

Emily Thomas

Fayetteville Drive

Spring Hill, Fl 34606

Phone: 352-650-0307

   JUNE ANNIVERSARY & BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS: Next Sunday, June 10! Anniversaries: 6/14-Edward and Gloria Zahka; 6/20-John & Jennie Kotsifakis; 6/22-Argyris & Carol Gymnaos.  Birthdays: 6/1-Presbytera Mary Mattis; 6/2-Sam Jabbour; 6/3-Charlotte Rodriguez; 6/5-Curtis Thomas; 6/5-Presbytera Mary Liadis; 6/7-Spiro Lemonedes;6/13-Ralph Martinez; 6/13-Aphrodite Nikas; 6/13-Thalia Spata; 6/15-Costa Hronis; 6/15- Virginia Kirshy; 6/17-Barbara Chigas; 6/18-Paula Borden; 6/21-Mark Flood; 6/24-Thomas Frangos; 6/25-Dorothy Triantafilon. “Many  Thanks!”