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The Orthodox Messenger Vol. III, No. 26 – Sunday, June 27, 2004 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 13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL - (352) 796-8482 Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org Fr. Stanley S. Harakas, Th.D, D.D., (352) 688-2382; Cell (352) 263-3005; Fax (352) 688-9846; Email: Rharakas@aol.com.
SCOBA
STATEMENT ON MORAL CRISIS IN OUR NATION As members of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), representing more than 5 million Orthodox Christians in the United States, Canada and Mexico, we are deeply concerned about recent developments regarding “same sex unions.” The Orthodox Christian teaching on marriage and sexuality, firmly grounded in Holy Scrip-ture, 2000 years of church tradition, and canon law, holds that marriage consists in the conjugal union of a man and a woman, and that authentic marriage is blessed by God as a sacrament of the Church. Neither Scripture nor Holy Tradition blesses or sanctions such a union between persons of the same sex. Holy Scripture attests that God creates man and woman in His own image and likeness (Gen-esis 1:27-31), that those called to do so might enjoy a conjugal union that ideally leads to pro-creation. While not every marriage is blessed with the birth of children, every such union exists to create of a man and a woman a new reality of “one flesh.” This can only involve a relationship based on gender complementarity. “God made them male and female… So they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mark 10:6-8).
The union between a man and a woman in the Sacrament of
Marriage reflects the union be-tween Christ and His Church
(Ephesians 5:21-33). As such, marriage is necessarily
monogamous and heterosexual. Within this union, sexual
relations between a husband and wife are to be cherished and
protected as a sacred expression of their love that has been
blessed by God. Such was God’s plan for His human creatures
from the very beginning. Today, however, this divine purpose
is increasingly questioned, challenged or denied, even
within some faith communities, as social and political
pressures work to normalize, legalize and even sanctify
same-sex unions. As heads of the Orthodox Churches in America and members of SCOBA, we speak with one voice in expressing our deep concern over recent developments. And we pray fervently that the traditional form of marriage, as an enduring and committed union only between a man and a woman, will be honored. Service hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Evening Services as Announced Saints: Samson the Innkeeper and Physician (+598); Mary & Ioanna, the Myrrh-Bearers, Equal to the Apostles; Anectus; Serapion of Koze Lake; George of Mt. Athos (1065). 4th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNSDismissal Hymn - 3rd Tone (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Efrainestho ta Ourania"). Hymnal, 83-84. (Sing in English after the Entrance)"Let all things rejoice"). (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 6:18-23 (4th Matthew) + Brethren, having been set free from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once yielded your members to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your members to righteousness for sanctification. When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. GOSPEL – Matthew 8:-5-13 (4th Matthew) + Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; be it done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment. FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, June 20: Attendance – 31; Candles - $30; Offering - $95; Hospitality - $28. I Say PAVE IT! Fund Drive $822. Many thanks! THE ROAD IS PAVED! Please send your generous gift to help pay for the paving. Make your check out to CSGOC and write I Say “Pave It!” on the memo line. Thanks! YARD SALE: Bring your donations Sundays for storage. Leave items in front of, or in the Dining Hall. Speak to Connie Mourgides for details. PROSFORON BAKERS Connie Mourgides 6/27; Argyris & Carol Gymnaos 6/29 (Sts. Peter & Paul). Presbytera Emily Harakas 7/4; Fran Mather 7/11; Fran Triantafilon 718; George Nikas 7/25; Patricia Lilore 8/1. NEXT SUNDAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY! To celebrate the 4th of July, a Doxology will be sung following the Divine Liturgy. Afterwards we will sing the National Anthem at the flagpole and then enjoy an Independence Day Pizza Party in the Fellowship Hall. Celebrate the 4th of July at church next Sunday. HOSPTALIZED: Oak Hill: Dia Eleftherion. We pray for a rapid recovery! REPORT FROM JUNE 16, 2004 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Paul Cosmadelis, Parish Council President, led the meeting. Connie Mourgides, Treasurer, reported that as of May 31, 2004 the total in the checking and savings accounts was $31,660.18; of $23,811 Stewardship of Treasure for 2004, $13,905 has been given.. Bill Pasisis, Membership Chair, reported one new Steward Family. We are approaching 70 Stewards! George Nikas reported on Facilities and Grounds. It was voted to proceed with the roof repair of the “High Rent District” cabins. $200 was approved to install a walk-way from the Church to the Dining Hall. Betty Roussos reported on Fund Raising. The first Parish Picnic was successful with about 35 in attendance. The sale of tickets for the Wine Tasting is in process, chaired by Dee Nikas. Plans are being made for a September Ribs and Barbeque event to be chaired by Spero Lemonedes and Bill Pasisis. A Parish Dinner Cruise is being planned for August 28. Spero Lemonedes reported for Community Outreach that School Supplies will be purchased and distributed with funds from the Adamis Philanthropic Fund. Paul Cosmadelis reported that we finally have a date for the County Commissioners Hearing on our request to place signs to our Church on Sunshine Grove Road – Tuesday, August 17. Parishioners will be informed of the time. A soaking system will be used for the irrigation of the area near the Dining Hall. SIGN A PETITION SUPPORTING THE CHURCH’S VIEW ON MARRIAGE: You can sign a petition to our elected U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative asking them to support the upcoming vote on the Marriage Amendment. If you are on the internet, you can do so by accessing the national effort sponsored by the National Alliance for Mar-riage, which wrote it at http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?PID=6630817&NID=1. Or, enclosed you will find a petition you can mail. Just cut out the three petitions and then copy the names and addresses to three envelopes, and mail your signed petition. JULY ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS: Anniversaries: Costa & Helen Natsis 7/1; Costa & Theresa Hronis 7/9; George and Dee Nikas 7/11; Nikolai and Nanka Kastelan 7/22. Birthdays: Helen Allison 7/2; John Kelo 7/3; Marco Feola 7/10; Demetra Flood 7/11; Paul Maniate 7/11; Amy Brunsfield 7/16; Steve Reado 7/16; Alex George 7/17; Carol Gymnaos 7/20; Jennie Kotsifakis 7/21; Ruby Hazivasilis 7/21; Gerry Levandis 7/22; Helen Keriakes 7/27; Gregory Angeliades 7/29; John Hatzi 7/29. Blessing Prayers will be offered next Sunday after Church. Come and receive your blessing!A WINE TASTING Fund Raiser! At Yanni’s Restaurant, 4731 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL Monday, July 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Hors D’Oeuvres, Music, with Greek and American Dancing. The cost is only $10 per person. Please call your neighbors and invite them! To Order Tickets Call Dee Nikas – 597-1375
Today’s Bulletin Sponsors: Lindsay & David Cardo In Loving Memory of their Yiayia Alice Marty - May Her Memory Be Eternal! Come to Church On Sunday During the Summer!
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