The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. III, No. 11 – Sunday, March 14, 2004

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT – ADORATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

his, the Third Sunday of Great Lent, commemorates the venerable Cross and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Cross as such takes on meaning and adoration because of the Crucifixion of Christ upon it. Therefore, whether it be in hymns or prayers, it is understood that the Cross without Christ has no meaning or place in Christianity. The adoration of the Cross in the middle of Great Lent is to remind the faithful in advance of the Crucifixion of Christ. Therefore, the passages from the Bible and the hymnology refer to the Passion, that is, the sufferings, of Jesus Christ: The passages read this day repeat the calling of the Christian by Christ to dedicate his life, for "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Christ)" (v. 34-35). This verse clearly indicates the kind of dedication which is needed by the Christian in three steps:

1.      To renounce his arrogance and disobedience to God's Plan,

2.      To lift up his personal cross (the difficulties of life) with patience, faith and the full acceptance of the Will of God without complaint that the burden is too heavy; having denied himself and lifted up his cross leads him to the,

3.      Decision to follow Christ.

   These three voluntary steps are three links which cannot be separated from each other, because the main power to accomplish them is the Grace of God, which man always invokes. The Adoration of the Cross is expressed by the faithful through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and the forgiveness of the trespasses of others. On this Sunday the Adoration of the Cross is commemorated with a special service following the Divine Liturgy in which the significance of the Cross is that it leads to the Resurrection of Christ.

   This week’s observance, and those of Great and Holy Friday, give to us Orthodox Christians a true and proper understanding of Christ’s Passion. They do not focus on a gruesome, gory and horrific side of the Passion of the Christ. Their focus is on the redemptive and saving Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For both the Cross and the Empty Tomb are the means of our salvation and the renewal of our lives. Knowing the true meaning of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection, your life will be truly enriched by these services.

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

3rd SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT- ADORATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

               Gospel Entrance and Other Hymn Changes

Dismissal Hymn in English After Doxology: "Save O Lord,"  Hymnal, 107
Dismissal Hymns
   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance). Soson Kyrie,” 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) "Save O Lord,"  Hymnal, 107
Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ - (Sing) From the sheet in the pew.
Kontakion for Lent
   (Sing in Greek) “Te Ypermacho” (Hymnal, p. 98)
   (Read)  To you as champion for the invincible victory, / your city offers thanksgiving to you / From our trials, Theotokos, / have you redeemed us, / for as you possess invincible might and power. / From all dangers, Theotokos, / deliver us, / as we cry to you, / Hail, O Bride, unwedded!
In the place of “Holy God . . .” we sing in Greek and English “Ton Stavron Sou” –“ O Your Cross.”  Return to page 28. 

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

Brethren, 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  Sunday of Lent)

The 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."

the place of “Ainete / Praise the Lord
(Sing in Greek and English) “Esemiothe ef emas” / Upon us shines, Hymnal, 91.
In the place of “We have seen the true light,”
(Sing in Greek & English) “Soson Kyrie” and “Save O Lord,” Hymnal, 107.

    MISSION COUNCIL MEETING: The March meeting of the Christ the Savior Church Parish Council will take place on Wednesday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

   HOLY CONFESSIONS: Fr. Stanley will be hearing Confessions on the Saturdays of Great Lent, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at our Church. Confession is good for the soul!

   FOR THE RECORD: Friday Salutations, March 5: Attendance – 35; Candles - $45;  Sunday, March 7, 2004: Attendance - 65; Candles - $91; Offering - $142; Hospitality - $31; Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund - $20; Building Fund - $50. We appreciate your gifts!

   P.E.P CLASS: Friday, March 19, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. Part  Four of “Jesus of Nazareth.” A moving and authentic account of Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection. You are welcome!

   4th  SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS, Friday, March 19 at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Lenten Covered Dish Supper. Please come, and bring your favorite Lenten Dish!

   FLOWERS for the 3rd  Salutations, Friday, March 12 were contributed by Bill and Harriet Pasisis in memory of their daughter Panagiota (Pamela). May her memory be eternal!

   HOSPITALIZED: Let Fr. Stanley know when a family member is hospitalized!  

   PROSFORON BAKERS:  Fran Mather 3/14; Gloria Vardakis 3/21; Bette Ferriero 3/25 (Annunciation); Fran Triantafilon 3/28;  Presbytera Emily  4/3 (Saturday of Lazarus); George Nikas 4/4 (Palm Sunday); Patricia Lilore 4/8 (Holy Thursday); Eleni Nicolelis 4/9 (Holy Saturday); Connie Mourgides 4/11 (Pascha); Betty Roussos 4/18 (Thomas Sunday); Venice Cosmadelis (Myrrh Bearers Sunday) 4/25; Emily Thomas 5/2; George and Maria Angeliades 5/9, Argyris Gymnaos (New Prosforon Baker!) 5/16. George Nikas - Prosforon Coordinator.

   FOOD PANTRY: Please don’t forget to bring canned and boxed foods for our food pantry. Our delivery will take place on Thursday, April 1. Please help provide food for needy families and Easter candy and gifts for 52 children who otherwise will not be helped. Thank you!

   THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (OCF) STUDENTS ARE COMING! The University of Illinois students are coming! Eleven young people, with Fr. George Pyle are coming to our Mission to help repair and paint our buildings. They arrive this Saturday evening at TIA, March 20. They will be with us for a week. Fr. George will serve at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday 21, and preach. We welcome them in the spirit of Christian love!

   DO YOU HAVE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS? Please take the time to email Dorothy Triantafilon, Corresponding Sec. at doreyt@tampabay.rr.com, so that you can be included.

   A SPONSOR IS NEEDED for the April 11 Orthodox Messenger. Only $25. See Nick Kastelan, or call him at 686-0634. Thank you for making this service possible.

   MARK YOUR CALENDAR! PRE-HOLY WEEK GROUNDS CLEANUP: Saturday, March 27, starting at 9:00 a.m. Indoor and outdoor cleaning will be the order of the day.

   NEWSPAPER NOTICE: Regarding the article in the March 10, 2004 Hernando Today, the Anderson Snow Rd. property is being purchased privately (not by the church). A condition of its purchase was that a church could be built on it. The approval of the exception was issued to the buyer, not to the church. No commitment involving Christ the Savior Church has been made. We await the sale of our property for further developments. Pray that it happens!

   JUST ONE BULLETIN PER HOUSEHOLD, PLEASE: To save money, you are asked to take only one bulletin home per household. Leave the others in the pew. Thanks!

   DIAKONIA, the magazine of our Atlanta Metropolis for Spring 2004 has just been published. It is a stunningly beautiful and easy to read source of Lenten reading. Only 15 copies have been sent to us. The cost is $3 per copy. They will be available at the Coffee Hour.