The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VI, No. 10 – Sunday, March 11, 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     

                                  Do Not Worry!

 Priest had been on a long flight. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten your seat belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, “We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened.”

    As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, “We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us.”

    Then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

    He shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, “As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed.” The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

    Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every thing within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid.” The Priest could hardly believe his eyes.

    It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, the Priest lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

    Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied, “Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home.”
   There are many kinds of storms that buffet us: physical; mental; financial; domestic. And many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our lives into apparently uncontrollable disarray. We have all known such times. But don’t forget:

       Our Father in Heaven is our Pilot. He is in control and the Lord is taking us home.

                                                             So don't worry . . .

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

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

Evening Services as Announced

3rd SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT: ADORATION OF HOLY CROSS

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS-DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL

Dismissal Hymn After the Doxology

   (Sing in Greek “Soson Kyrie ton laon Sou” Hymnal, 107 

Dismissal Hymn – Of the Feast

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Soson Kyrie ton laon Sou").Hymnal,  107.

Dismissal Hymn - 2nd  Plagal  Tone

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("The Angelic Powers "). Hymnal, 86-87.

Dismissal Hymn – Of the Feast

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("Save, O Lord Your people"). Hymnal, 107.

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

Kontakion of Lent: Sing in Greek and English “Tee Ypermacho. . .”  Hymnal, 98

In the Place of “Holy God” Sing in Greek and English “Ton Stavron Sou . . .” – “O Your Cross . . .” Hymnal 108.

Turn to pp. 26-27 of the Hymnal, for “Holy God . . . .”

EPISTLE – Hebrews 4:14-5:6 (3rd Lent - Veneration of Cross)

rethren, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

GOSPEL – Mark 8:34-9:1 (3rd Lent - Veneration of Cross)

he Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

   FOR THE RECORD:  March 4 – Candles $146 and Visitors’ Donations $77. Stewardship $920. Attendance - 44. Thanks!

    MARCH COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: March 11 – Emily Thomas and Presbytera Emily Harakas; March 18 – Nancy Kastelan and Venice Cosmadelis; March 25 – Bette Ferriero, Harriet Pasisis and Frances Porter. Please sign up for the month of April!  

    HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill: Helen Vangel, Mary Vasilopoulos. Brooksville Regional: Presbytera Mary Liadis, now at HealthSouth Rehab. We pray for rapid recovery.

   + FRED UNDERWOOD: Steward Fred Underwood passed away this past Monday, March 5th at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville after complications following heart surgery. His funeral was held from Christ the Savior Church on Friday, March 9. Our Christ the Savior Church community extends deepest sympathy to Elaine Underwood and the Underwood family on their loss. May his memory be eternal!

   + PAT LILORE: Pat Lilore passed away this past Wednesday, March 7, after a many year's long battle with cancer. Pat had converted to the Orthodox Faith several years ago, and some may remember her attending Church, but her illness prevented her from coming more frequently. Cards may be sent to her husband Alfred Lilore, 10924 Rossiter Avenue, Hudson, FL 34667. Phone 727-861-1391.May her memory be eternal!

     THE ST. NICHOLAS MEN’S FELLOWSHIP of Christ the Savior Church was launched last Sunday at a meeting following Church Services. It was agreed by the men present to meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Monday at the Church for fellowship and do work around the property to help maintain it, followed by lunch together at noon at some local restaurant. The first regular meeting will be tomorrow, Monday, March 12. All men of the Christ the Savior Church are invited to attend. Tomorrow!

   PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM: Last week’s PEP program was cancelled because of the funeral of Fred Underwood and rescheduled to this coming Friday, March. 16, at 2:00 p.m. – Guest Speaker – Fr. Jerry “Bioethics and the Orthodox Church.”  Followed by Lenten Pot Luck Supper after the Salutations service. The original topic for that date has been cancelled. We return to the published schedule for March 23.

   NEEDED NOW! The Pantry needs stocking with food donations! Distribution will be after next Sunday, March 18, so your donation is needed now! Bring baked beans, corn, string beans, small macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, cake & frosting and/or juices. Thanks! Think of this as a Lenten ministry for the help of those in need.

   DON’T FORGET to mail in your contribution for the Lenten and Holy Week Flowers. Use the envelope included in your 2007 Lenten Program. Thank you!

  SALUTATIONS FLOWERS: Friday, March 9 – Taki and Lucille Katsaros in memory of Nick and Alice Mitchell.

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Venice Cosmadelis 3/11; Presbytera Emily Harakas 3/18; George Nikas 3/25 (Annunciation Day); Argyris & Carol Gymnaos 3/30 (Pre-Sanctified Liturgy);  Fran Triantafilon 4/1 (Palm Sunday); Gloria Vardakis  4/5 (Holy Thursday); Bette Ferriero 4/7 (Holy Saturday). We are short on Prosfora Breads. Please be sure to prepare the bread on time. George Nikas is Prosforon Chair.

   CONFESSIONS HEARD this Saturday, March 17 in the Chapel. 2:00-3:00 p.m.

  4th  Salutations to the Theotokos – Friday, March 16, will begin at  4 PM in the Church followed by Lenten Covered Dish Supper. Bring your favorite Lenten dish to share with others and enjoy each others’ fellowship in a spirit of Christian love.

Bulletin Sponsors Needed! – See or Call Gloria Vardakis or Curtis Thomas

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

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