The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VII, No. 16 – Sunday, March 30, 2008

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

 

OBITUARY – JESUS OF NAZARETH (“The Jerusalem News” -33 A.D.)

Jerusalem. Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, died this past Friday at Golgotha, the place of the skull outside Jerusalem. He was crucified by order of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate after being judged innocent of charges pressed against him by the Sanhedrin. The crucifixion caused extreme pain and loss of blood, leading to death.

Jesus Christ was a descendant of Abraham and was a member of the House of David. Though he was raised by Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and his mother Mary, he claimed, in fact, that He was the Son of God. He was born in a stable during the Roman census 33 years ago, in Bethlehem of Judea, but he grew up in Nazareth after a short trip with Joseph and Mary to Egypt.

At age 30 he began preaching to all in the Palestine region announcing the coming Kingdom of God. It is reported that he healed many people suffering from a variety of illnesses. Some claim that on several occasions he raised the dead. Witnesses from the city of Nain report that he returned to life the son of a widow when the boy was being carried in a funeral procession.

Jesus appeared to be self-educated, displaying deep knowledge of the Law and the Prophets, which he taught with great wisdom, sometimes in cities, sometimes on the plains. His sermon on the mount is widely recalled as providing a new interpretation of the Laws of Moses, especially the Ten Commandments. Many followed him and called him “Teacher” - among those were twelve disciples. Some say that he was the awaited Messiah, foretold by the Prophets. Others call him “the Savior of the World.”

Shortly after his entombment in the Garden of Gethsemane, in a new tomb owned by Sanhedren member Nicodemus, some are preaching that he rose from the dead. Witnesses have even reported that they have seen him alive. The authorities, both the Sanhedrin and the office of Governor Pilate, dispute the claim, but his followers say they are eyewitnesses of these post-resurrection appearances and that truly He is Risen!.

 It is expected that his followers will continue to proclaim his resurrection to anyone who will listen, since they expect that he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

                                       (adapted - Thanks to John and Patricia Tsausis for the idea.).

 

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

3RD  SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT  - ADORATION OF THE 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 of the Resurrection - 3rd  Tone

   (Sing in English after the Entrance)"Let all things rejoice"). Hymnal,  83-84.

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 English “To you Theotokos, Champion. . .”  Hymnal, 98

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

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 (3^rd 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