The Orthodox Messenger
Vol. IV, No. 44 – Sunday, November 13, 2005

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

HOW TO LIVE A “STEWARDSHIP LIFE”

ur time on earth and our energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts from God that he has entrusted to our care and management. We are stewards of whatever God gives us. This concept of stewardship begins with the recognition that God is the owner of everything and everyone on earth. The Bible says, "The world and all that is in it belong to the LORD; the earth and all who live on it are his." (Psalm 24:1)

    We never really own anything during our brief stay on earth. God just loans the earth to us while we're here. It was God's property before you arrived, and God will loan it to someone else after you die. You just get to enjoy it for a while.

   The first job God gave humans was to manage and take care of God's "stuff'" on earth. This role has never been rescinded. It is a part of our purpose today. Everything we enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in our hands. The Bible says, "What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?" (I Corinthians 4:2)

   Once a man said: “Years ago, a couple let my wife and me use their beautiful, beach-front home in Hawaii for a vacation. It was an experience we could never have afforded, and we enjoyed it immensely. We were told, "Use it just like it's yours," so we did! We swam in the pool, ate the food in the refrigerator, used the bath towels and dishes, and even jumped on the beds in fun! But we knew all along that it wasn't really ours, so we took special care of everything. We enjoyed the benefits of using the home without owning it.”

   Most people fail to realize that our time, talent and treasure are both a test and a trust from God. God uses them to teach us to trust him, to do His will. For many people, money is the greatest test of all. God watches how we use money to test how trustworthy we are. The Bible says, "If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" (Luke 16:11).

   That’s why in 2006 you are called to “bear fruit in witness and service.” In a few weeks you will be asked to make your “Declaration of Intention of Time, Talent and Treasure” for the Lord’s work at Christ the Savior Church. Remember, you are Stewards of what God has given to you. Care for it, by supporting His work at Christ the Savior Church in 2006.

  STEWARDSHIP 2006 - “BEARING FRUIT: WITNESS AND SERVICE”

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

Evening Services as Announced

8th SUNDAY OF LUKE

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection – 4th Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“To faidron tes Anastaseos”). Hymnal,  84-85

   (Sing in English after the Entrance)“When the tidings . . . ”). (Same).

Dismissal Hymn of St. John Chrysostom

   (Read) The grace that showed forth from your mouth / like a torch / illumined the universe. / Treasures from the absence of avarice / it deposited in the world. / It showed us the height that is attained / by humility. / Now instruct us by your words, / Father John Chrysostom. / Intercede with Christ God, / the Word himself, / entreating that our souls be saved.

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 of the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos in Temple “O katharotatos naos”  (Sung in Greek by Leaders)

   (Read) The most pure Temple of the Savior, / His most precious bridal chamber, /  the Virgin, / sacred treasury of God’s glory, / enters today into the house of the Lord, / bring with her the grace of the divine Spirit. / Wherefore the angels of God / are singing: / ‘Behold the heavenly tabernacle!’

                        Return to p. 26 of the Hymnal, to sing “Holy God . . . .”

EPISTLE – Hebrews 7:26-8:2 (Chrysostom)

rethren, it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.

GOSPEL – Luke 10:25-37 (8th Luke)

t that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

     CONGRATULATIONS TO GEORGE NIKAS, our Christ the Savior Honoree for the Atlanta Metropolis Archangel Michael Awards event, which he received from Metropolitan Alexios last night honoring his life long service to our Greek Orthodox Church. Axios! - He is Worthy! We are proud!

   FOR THE RECORD: October 31, 2005 Attendance  40; Stewardship $1298; Candles  $66; Building Fund – Nick Skaroulis $200 in memory of his mother Maria, Feenie & Bette Ferriero $50; Special Collection for the “Sts. Cosmas & Damian” Philanthropic Fund of the Ecumenical Patriarchate - $140. We are grateful for your support.

è A TRAY FOR THE BUILDING FUND WILL BE PASSED TODAY

   ST. KATHERINE LADIES SOCIETY invites all of those in attendance today to help make 50 “Health Kits” during the coffee hour today to help the recent hurricane victims of our own Atlanta Metropolis’ devastated southern states. It’s fun and easy. Come and do your part to help the victims of the hurricanes!

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Thanks to Argiris and Carol Gymnaos who made the Prosforon last week. Fran Triantafilon 11/13; Helen Nicolelis 11/20; Gloria Vardakis 11/24; Bette Ferriero 11/27; George Nikas 12/4; Connie Mourgides 12/6 (St. Nicholas); Presbytera Emily Harakas 12/11; Argiris & Carol Gymnaos 12/18. Share in this stewardship of time and talent! Call George Nikas, chair, for recipe and instruction.

   PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Parish Council President Paul Cosmadelis invites all Council Members to a meeting this Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  

   ANOINTING FOR HEALTH next Sunday, November 20 after D. Liturgy. Come!

   THANKSGIVING DAY LITURGY, Thursday, November 24 at 10:00 a.m. also celebrating the feasts of St. Katherine and St. Stylianos. Come and sanctify Thanksgiving Day with you family!

   PREPARE FOR THE CHRISTMAS LENT! This year, the Christmas Fast will begin this Tuesday, November 15. Honor this spiritual preparation the best that you can for the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord by maintaining a discipline of prayer, fasting and spiritual struggle. You will soon be receiving the Christmas Program.

   A CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT STEWARDSHIP! Serving on the Parish Council is one of the most important ways to exercise your Parish Stewardship. We MUST HAVE at least five candidates for the December 11, 2005 elections. Consider prayerfully this crucially important responsibility! In order to become a candidate for the Parish Council Elections, you must be an Orthodox Christian man or woman, who if married, is married in the Orthodox Church, and who has been a member of this Parish for at least one year. We do not have an alternative! We must have a Parish Council! Please think about becoming a candidate for the Parish Council. For more information, contact Parish Council President Paul Cosmadelis at 868-1199. This is crucially important!

   THE REGULAR GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CHRIST THE SAVIOR STEWARDS WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 4, 2005. IN ORDER TO HOLD THE PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON THE FOLLOWING WEEK, WE MUST HAVE A QUORUM. SO MARK THE DATE AND COME TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. WE CAN’T AFFORD TO POSTPONE FOR A WEEK! PLEASE COME TO CHURCH DECEMBER 4 AND ATTEND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY!

  CARRABBAS DINNER was a great success! 200 in attendance! We report next week.

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