The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VI, No. 19 – Sunday, May 13, 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     

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BUT IS IT TRUE?

   We get ourselves to Church. We try to pray and worship. We received Holy Communion. But is it all true? We believe in God. We try to live honest lives. When we die, we hope to have a place in God’s glorious presence. But is the whole thing true?

   What is the whole thing? It is the gospel: the good news that Jesus Christ reveals the mystery of the living God. That is the greatest issue of the universe. Jesus claimed, “I am the light of the world: he who follows me, will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). St . Paul wrote “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19). If the gospel is true, then everything else we believe is true – the Church, sacraments, faith, love, forgiveness, mercy, moral integrity, hope. But how can we know that the gospel is true?

   There are two answers. The first is that we have plenty of historical grounding. Jesus lived, healed and taught as a messenger of God. No serious historian doubts the impact of His ministry. Christ was wholly devoted to God. He had an authority beyond any prophet, sage or saint that ever lived. In Him, people experienced the immediacy of the presence and power of God. But was He also the incarnation of the living God Himself?

  The second answer is Jesus’ resurrection – that he appeared alive and in radiant divine glory to eyewitnesses. Not one or two persons, but hundreds of them. St. Paul mentions specific names and amazingly refers to a group of 500 eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). These events were self-authenticating experiences, matters of personal faith, leading to transformed lives and unshakeable convictions. For a deeper answer to the question, therefore – yes, all of it is true – we rely on the testimony of the apostles and saints who together express the faith of the Church. We are invited to trust their testimony that indeed Christ is our divine Lord and Savior, the light and life of the world.

   Is it all true? Yes, the whole thing is true. To hear the music of the new life in Christ, you need to turn on the switch to full power – your faith joined to the faith of the Church. Put Christ at the center of your life. Believe in Christ, seek Christ, follow Christ, serve Christ, love nothing on earth more than Christ. He alone as the risen and living Lord can seal the assurance of your faith by the witness of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Remember His promises: “I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in” (Revelation 3:20); He who loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:24). (By Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, Hellenic Voice, February 14, 2007 [edited]).

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

Saints: The Man Born Blind; Glykeria, Martyr (+141); Sergios the Confessor; Euthymios the Younger, translator of the Holy Bible (+1028); Pausicas, Bp. of Synados (6^th c.); the Martyr Laodicius the prison guard; Alexander Bp. of Tiberiani, Martyr; Gabriel of Iberia.

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6th SUNDAY AFTER PASCHA – THE MIRACLE OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn for Pascha Sung in Greek before the Entrance ("Christos Aneste…").

Priest’s Entrance Hymn: In the congregations bless God, the Lord who springs out of Israel.

Priest & People: Save us O Son of God who did rise from the dead, we sing to You, Alleluia.

Dismissal Hymn – Plagal 1^st Tone

  (Sing in English before the Entrance) "The Eternal Word" Hymnal, 85-86.

Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ (Sing) From the sheet in the pew.

Kontakion for Pascha sung in Greek by the leaders “Ei ke en tafo.”

   (Read) Even though You descended into the grave, / O immortal One, / You destroyed the power of Hades; / and You arose as victor, / O Christ our God, / saying to the myrrh-bearing women, / “Hail!” / and to Your Apostles granting peace; / You also grant resurrection to the fallen. 

           Return to page 26 for “Holy God” and for the Epistle and Gospel Readings

   EPISTLE – Acts 16:16-34 (Man Born Blind) +In those days, as we apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by soothsaying. She followed Paul and us, crying, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said, “These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, “Men, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God.

   GOSPEL – John 9:1-38 (Man Born Blind) + At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he”; others said, “No, but he is like him.” He said, “I am the man.” They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.” So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?” And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe”: and he worshiped him.

   In the Place of “Truly it is proper ” leaders sing in Greek “O Angelos eboa, Fotizou”

   (Read) The Angel cried out to the one full of Grace: / Hail! Holy Virgin, and again I say, Hail! / Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day. / Shine, shine, / the New Jerusalem! / For the glory of the Lord has dawned upon You. / Rejoice now and be glad, O Zion; / and You, O all-pure Theotokos, / delight in the Resurrection of Him, / to Whom you gave birth.

In the place of the Communion Hymn (Praise Him)

   (Sing) “Soma Christou” – “Body of Christ” Hymnal, p. 104

In the place of “We have seen the light” (Sing) “Christos Anesti,”  Christ is Risen . . .

  FOR THE RECORD: May 6 – Attendance 90; Candles $77; Visitor’s Donations $104. Stewardship for 4/29 and 5/6 $1650. Thank you for your support!

  PROSFORON BAKERS: Venice Cosmadelis 5/13;  Presbytera Emily Harakas 5/20. George Nikas 5/27; Fran Triantafilon 6/3 Argyri & Carol Gymnaos 6/10; You can make Prosforon! Call George Nikas, Prosforon Chair, for a recipe and instructions-597-1375!

  ASCENSION DAY, THIS THURSDAY, MAY 17-Orthros 9:30am; D. Liturgy 10am

  COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: 5/13 Emily & Curtis Thomas; 5/20 (Parish Assembly) Venice Cosmadelis, Presb. Emily Harakas, Nancy Kastelan, Harriet Pasisis; 5/27 Nancy Kastelan & Venice Cosmadelis. Sign up for June!

  NO PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM THIS FRIDAY, MAY 18-Fr. Stanley Away

  CHILDRENS’ PLAY AREA: Many thanks to Carol Gymnaos and Niko Maroulis for setting up the beautiful play area for the children in the Parish Hall! We are most grateful. However, the play area cannot be used by pupils during Sunday School sessions! Parents, please teach your children not to go to the play area during Sunday School! Thanks!

  DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA: The Gazebo, not the entrance to the Church Hall!

GREET EACH OTHER: -“CHRIST IS RISEN”! - RESPONDING “TRULY HE IS RISEN!”

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church, Hernando County, FL

MAY 20, 2007 PARISH ASSEMBLY INFORMATION SHEET

The Parish Council of Christ the Savior Church has determined the following regarding participation of Stewards at the Parish Assembly to be held on May 20, 2007

1.            Q.  Who can speak or vote at this Parish Assembly?

A.  Orthodox Christians who were 2006 Stewards and became 2007 Stewards of Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church:

    a) who have signed a 2007  “Declaration of Intention Stewardship of Treasure” card and have contributed funds toward it on or before April 20, 2007; or

    b) who have not submitted a “Declaration of Intention Stewardship of Treasure” card but have contributed with checks marked “Stewardship” on or before April 20, 2007; or

    c) who are new 2007 Stewards of Treasure, and who became new Stewards three months before the date of the Parish Assembly, that is on February 20, 2007 or before.

   These Stewards can speak or vote at this Parish Assembly.

2.            Q.  Who cannot speak or vote at this Parish Assembly?

A.    Non-Stewards may not speak or vote at this Assembly. Also:

a) New 2007 Stewards, who became Stewards less than three months before the date of the Parish Assembly (that is, after February 20, 2007), may not speak or vote at this Parish Assembly.   

b) Also, 2006 Stewards who did not renew their 2007 Stewardship 30 days before the Assembly, that is, by April 20, 2007, either with a Stewardship of Treasure Declaration card, or by a check marked “Stewardship” may not speak or vote at this Parish Assembly.       

c) The Priest of Christ the Savior Mission, Fr. Harakas, may speak, but may not vote.

If you have questions regarding your voting status, please contact Council President Gloria Vardakis (688-2270); Stewardship Chair, Bill Pasisis (688-7465); or Stewardship Secretary Cathy Lemonedes (684-4082)

           MAY NAME DAYS! Charles Aftosmes 5/21; Helen Aftosmes 5/21; Helen Arvanites 5/21; Charles Chronopoulos 5/21; Christopher Feola 5/9; Konstantino Gymnaos 5/21; Eleni Gymnaos; Costa Hronas 5/21; Janice Jabbour 5/8; Eleni Katehis 5/21; Helen Keriakis 5/21; Achilleas Koulovaris 5/15; Helen Lappas 5/21; Gus Nick Marty 5/21; Charlie Mattis 5/21; Helen Nicolelis 5/21;  Patricia Panopoulos 5/19; Eleni Roussos 5/21 Dino Moshonisiotis 5/21; Kosta Natsis 5/21; Eleni Natsis 5/21; Eliana Nomikos; Constantina Salamaj 5/21; Helene Stevens 5/21; Achilles Thomas 5/15; Emily Thomas 5/18; Elaine Underwood 5/21; Helen Vangel 5/21; Gloria Helen Vardakis 5/21; Gus Vergos 5/21; Eleonora Yotis 5/21. If you have a name day in May, but are not listed above, please contact Fr. Stanley. This is a project in the making! Persons whose Name Days are in May will be honored this coming Sunday, May 20, 2007. Please come and be recognized!

  NEW STEWARDS: Parish Council Stewardship Chairman Bill Pasisis announces that Charles & Vera Mattis and Carl (Gerasimos) & Mire (Vicky) Eghinis (11520 Stoneville Court, Spring Hill, FL 34609, 683-7608) have become our 66^th and 67^th 2007 Christ the Savior Stewards. Welcome to Stewardship in Christ the Savior Church! Please include listed contact information in your Christ the Savior Telephone Directory!

  AGAPE CANISTER CHAIRPERSON NEEDED: Parishioners of Christ the Savior Church will remember that the late Fred Underwood served his Stewardship of Time and Talent as Chairperson of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center “Agape Canister Program.” Our parish is registered as “P1264 Agape Canister Partner.” Fred had placed several canisters in local businesses and he regularly visited the businesses and collected the funds which he turned over to the Treasurer of our Church, who forwarded the money to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center in St. Augustine, FL. With Fred’s passing, we are now looking for someone to assume this work which helps provide assistance of many kinds to people across the world. Please consider this Stewardship of Time and Talent for yourself. Call Fr. Stanley (796-2377) to learn more details and get the contact information.

   OCALA MISSION “GREEK ORTHODOX HERITAGE CRUISE 2008:” Our neighboring Ocala Mission invites you to their 7 night 2^nd Annual Cruise in the Caribbean with Greek and Orthodox themes, February 23-March 1, 2008. Early booking discounts until October 1, 2007. For information call TravelGroup International toll-free 1-866-447-0750 or email opacruise@travelgroupint.com.

   PARISH COUNCIL MEETING for May, will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Make every effort to attend. With some “snowbird members” away, everyone should make every effort to attend this important meeting!

   YOU CAN BE A MISSIONARY! Short term (2-4 weeks) teams are being formed by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center located nearby in St. Augustine. Teaching teams: Alaska, Ghana, South Africa. Construction team: Camarron; Healthcare Team: Ethiopia; Youth Camp teams: Romania and Guatemala. For more information or to apply, contact Andrew Lekos at 1-877-463-3784 or e-mail teams@ocmc.org or visit www.ocmc.org/teams.

   LECANTO’S ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH INVITES YOU to their Annual 2007 Spring Greek Festival, Fri. & Sat. 5/18-19, 11am-8pm; Sun., 5/20, 11am-6pm. At the Church grounds 4705 W. Gulf to Lake Blvd. (SR 44), Lecanto. www.stmichaelgoc.org for details.