The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. III, No. 24 – Sunday, June 13, 2004

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

13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL -  (352) 796-8482

                                           Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org

A SON’S STORY

   On Saturday, Dad received a call from his good friend Fr. Nick Triantafilou who spoke with my dad, and told him the most wonderful thing, something to the effect of: "While you are sitting on the operating table, preparing for things, imagine the healing hands of Jesus Christ there, and Him by your side."  This meant so much to Dad, and to all of us.  Every time I visualize it, I tear up and begin to cry, because I know he is right about it. 

    So, we are in the hospital.  Dad gets checked in, and we are in his room, waiting to go into the pre-op room.  The surgeon's assistant comes in; telling us it is time to go.  He is wonderfully kind in telling Dad that he can keep his three icons with him on the operating table, one of Panayia, one of St. Nectarios, and a Crucifix-icon that was in my bedroom.

    As we all go out of the room, and Dad is being pushed down the hall, a lady in the room next to ours says: "You're in good hands.  You are in good hands."  First thing I think of is what Fr. Nick told Dad..."imagine the healing hands of Jesus on you while you are there."  I thought I was the only one in my family who heard her say it, but I wasn't.  Both Maria and Donna heard her as well.

    So, as I heard her say this, I turn back, trying to see what the lady looked like, to thank her for saying that, because it meant SO MUCH.  All I could see through the doorway were her feet.  The only way to actually see her was to walk into the room.  I didn't do that. I just thought it was so wonderful that this lady said that to us right at that time.

    The pre-op room was also emotional for all of us.  And then the doctor walked in.  He is an older Greek man (maybe mid 50's) with the name Papachristou.  First thing he did was go straight to my dad, as my dad told him that he wanted to kiss him (he told him this in Greek).  Then the doctor looked for about 45 seconds at the icons, while he and dad talked a bit, with the doctor really comforting him and all of us.

    I have, many times, asked God to speak to me for this or that..."God, just give me a sign" or something like that.  On Monday, I experienced it - God speaking to us through someone.  I'd not be surprised that the person in the room was an angel, or an angel was speaking through that lady, because after we returned to the waiting room, she wasn't there and I think she was checked out of her room. –Mike Palios (With Permission).

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

 2nd SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn - 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 - (Sing) From the sheet in the pew.

   (Text): “Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin full of Grace. Through you did arise the Sun of righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. And you made glad righteous Elder Simeon, receiving and embracing the liberation of our souls; also giving to us the resurrection.”

   Kontakion “Prostasia ton Christianon”(Sung in Greek by Leaders)

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

   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.

   FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, June 6: Attendance – 42; Candles - $55; Offering - $127; Hospitality - $17. Many thanks!

   PARISH PICNIC! We had a wonderful time on Saturday at our Parish Picnic at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill. Thanks to Betty Roussos and her team for organizing the fun! Many children were in attendance. We even had a Birthday Cake for Curt Thomas’ 43^rd Birthday, which we celebrated. Lot’s of food, games, popcorn, hotdogs, hamburgers and all the fixins’. The weather cooperated – the rain missed us and there was a cool breeze!

   YARD SALE: We are now collecting items, such as house wares, appliances, dishes, glassware, entertainment items, lamps, etc. for our October, 2004 Yard Sale. Bring your donations Sundays for storage. Speak to Connie Mourgides for details.

   PARISH DIRECTORY CORRECTIONS: Correct your 2004 Parish Directory: New the telephone number for Greg Levandis (cell) 1-352-585-7214. Thanks!

   PROSFORON BAKERS George Nikas 6/13; Patricia Lilore 6/20; Connie Mourgides 6/27; Argyris & Carol Gymnaos 6/29 (Sts. Peter & Paul). Presbytera Emily Harakas 7/4 (Independence Day); Fran Mather 7/11; Fran Triantafilon 718 We could use a few more persons to make prosforon during the Summer. Please see Prosforon Chairman George Nikas for the recipe or call him for a demonstration at 597-1375.

   SISTERHOOD / PHILOPTOHOS EXPLORATORY TEA: On Thursday, June 17 an exploratory meeting will be held at the home of Venice Cosmadelis, our hostess, at 10146 Laredo Street, Spring Hill, FL to begin exploring what needs to be done to prepare for a Fall meeting when decisions will be made about the establishment of a Sisterhood or a Philoptohos Chapter for our Mission Parish. All women of the Mission are invited to attend this event. Directions to the Cosmadelis home are as follows: Go north from Spring Hill Dr. on Deltona. Just before the Fox Chapel School on your right is Laredo Street. 10146 is on the right side of the road. Coming south on Deltona from Route 50, pass the Fox Chapel School on your right. Turn left onto Laredo Street.

   MARK YOUR CALENDAR! A WINE TASTING Fund Raiser for our Church at Yanni’s Restaurant, 4731 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL, will be held on Monday, July 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will include professionally presented Wine Tasting, Hors D;Oeuvres, Music, with Greek and American Dancing. The cost is only $10 per person. Call your neighbors and invite them! Plan on attending for a pleasant evening, and support our community at the same time! Mark it on your  calendar – Monday, July 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.!

   NEEDED! BULLETIN SPONSORS FOR JULY AND AUGUST! You can honor a loved one, remember a deceased relative, or thank God for a special blessing by becoming a bulletin sponsor. Only $25. Contact Connie Mourgides - 686-0589.

   AWARD TO OUR CHURCH! On May 26, 2004 at a special breakfast, Parish Council President, Paul Cosmadelis, received from the Pine Grove Elementary School an “Outstanding Partner in Education Award.” It was given in appreciation for the support our Christ the Savior Church has given to many of the school’s pupils in donating school supplies and providing holiday baskets and gifts to needy children. You can see the colorful award in the Fellowship Hall. We commend the Pine Grove Elementary School Staff and Faculty  for their excellent educational efforts!

   A THANK YOU NOTE was received: “To Father Harakas, the Parish Council and Stewards. Thank you for all your prayers and the beautiful flowers” (for the funeral of Steward Caty Calligeros). Signed: Anthony Calligeros.

   DON’T FORGET! Please remember to bring canned or boxed food for our Food Pantry, to help feed the hungry! The collection rack is located in the Fellowship Hall.

   PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Come to Church On Sunday!

CHRIST THE SAVIOR GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

“ PAVE IT!

    FUND DRIVE ”

Cost:                         $7,618

06/06/04 Donated:      $300

Still Needed:            $7,318

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             Today!

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