The Orthodox Messenger 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 FIGURING OUT MY 2005 STEWARDSHIP
IME, TALENT AND TREASURE! Stewardship is about “Returning to the Lord” a portion of the blessings God has given to you!
STEWARDSHIP OF TIME AND
TALENTS: God has given to you the most precious gifts you
could ever think of. You are alive! Life is a gift from God.
Most of us
STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE: So, how to “return to the Lord,” when we think about our Declaration of Intention to support Christ the Savior Church? This coming year, our parish is taking a step to consolidate a portion of the money we are already giving to Christ the Savior Church. FIGURING IT OUT: Last year, we gave through our Stewardship pledge, in the weekly Offering Tray; and at the Coffee Hour. These three will now be combined. When you decide about how much your basic Stewardship will be for 2005, think about increasing it by 5% or 10% if you are able. Then, to this, add what you normally would put in the tray ($5, $3, $1) and multiply it by 52. Then, add what you gave weekly at the Coffee Hour, or donated for the cake drawing for the year. Combine them, and that should be the amount of your Declaration of Intention! You decide what you will return to the Lord! Each Steward gives their “Stewardship of Treasure” according to their means. There is no compulsion, no dues, no fixed amount. Each gives as he or she is able. Only the Treasurer and God know what you declare and what you give. But since you will no longer be expected to put cash in the tray and there will be no tray or drawing during the Coffee Hour, we ask you to include that in your Declaration of Intention for your Stewardship of Treasure for 2005. Pray and decide what you will “Return to the Lord! Service hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Evening Services as Announced Feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos at the TempleDismissal Hymn of the Feast Sung before the Gospel Entrance in Greek by the leaders: “Semeron tis Evdokias” (Translation, below *) Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection – Plagal 4th Tone (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("O Lord by Your sacred Cross"). Hymnal, 88-89. Dismissal Hymn of the Feast - (Read) : *Today is the prelude / to God’s munificence, / and the announcement / of the salvation of humankind. / In the Temple of God / the Virgin is seen openly foretelling to all / the coming of Christ. / Wherefore let us cry out to her / with all our strength: “Joy to you, / Fulfillment of the Creator’s Plan!” Kontakion of the Feast The leaders will sing in Greek “O katharotatos naos tou Soteros” (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, / bringing with her / the grace of the divine Spirit. / Wherefore / the angels of God are singing: / “Behold the heavenly tabernacle!” Return to a page 26 for “Holy God” and for the Epistle and Gospel ReadingsEPISTLE – Hebrews 9:12-7 (Theotokos) Brethren, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people. GOSPEL – Luke 10:38m 11:27-28 (Theotokos) At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" Instead of the Hymn to the Theotokos (“Axion Esti,” “Truly it is proper”- Hymnal, pp. 54-56), the leaders sing in Greek “Angeloi ten Eisodon” Translation: Verse - The angels were stunned as they beheld the most pure one coming in, and they said, “O wonder! The Virgin enters into the Holy of Holies!” O Mother of God, you are the precious Ark of God: no profane hand may touch you. But the lips of the faithful will never cease to sing your praise, repeating with joy the angel’s words – “O pure Virgin, you are indeed raised above all creatures!”
40 DAY CHURCHING: Today, the daughter of Zachary and Joanne Frangos, Thalia Aphrodite, will be churched following the Divine Liturgy. Many Blessings! Frances (Xenia) and Clark Brown HAVE MOVED from Brooksville to Texas last week. We pray for their well-being, and though we miss them, we hope that they will enjoy their new home, and don’t forget us here in Hernando County! Blessings! SACRAMENT OF HOLY CONFESSION: Saturday, November 27, 3-5 p.m.; Saturday, December 4, 3-5 p.m.; Saturday, December 18, 3-5 p.m.; and Wednesday, December 22, 7-9 p.m. Also, by appointment. Call Fr. Stanley at 688-2382. (Note: the announced date for Confession of Wednesday, December 8, 7-9 p.m. is cancelled.) FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, November 14, 2004: Attendance 62; Offering $128; Candles $57; Building Fund $150; Hospitality $46; Pave It! Fund $60; Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund $220; Poinsettias $80. Many thanks to all! è STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY IS DEC. 5 - BRING YOUR STEWARDSHIP CARDS FOOD COLLECTION: Please bring boxed and canned foods and household necessities to the Dining Hall. Any questions call Spiro 684-4082. PAVE IT! DRIVE Contributions so far: $7077. Still Needed: $541. Can you help? THANKSGIVING DAY DIVINE LITURGY: Come to Church Thanksgiving Day, November 25, when we will also commemorate the Feasts of St. Katherine and St. Stylianos (Fr. Stanley’s patron saint). Orthros 9:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. A TRISAGION MEMORIAL SERVICE was offered following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 14 for fallen and deceased Veterans of all our conflicts around the world, and Veterans in attendance were recognized and honored. PROSFORON BAKERS: Argyris and Carol Gymnaos 11/21; Patricia Lilore 11/25 (Thanksgiving); Fran Mather 11/28; Helen Nicolelis 12/5; Fran Triantafilon 12/6 (St. Nicholas); Presbytera Emily Harakas 12/12 (St. Spyridon); George Nikas 12/19; Connie Mourgides 12/24 (Christmas); Gloria Vardakis 12/26. George Nikas is Chair – 597-1375. P.E.P.-1 will not be held this coming Friday, December 3 because of the Thanksgiving holiday. We resume Friday, December 3. Mark your calendar. CANDIDATES FOR MISSION COUNCIL ELECTIONS are Maria Angeliades, Seraphim Ferriero, George Nikas, Constantine Pappas, Dorothy Triantafilon and Gloria Vardakis. Elections Committee Chairman is Tyke Nicolelis. The Election will take place on December 12, 2004 after Church. THE ANNUAL GREEK PASTRY SALE was held this past Friday and Saturday at the Walmart on Commercial Way. Emily Thomas and Carol Gymnaos chaired the event, with help from many parishioners. We will have a report in next Sunday’s Bulletin. Walmart is expected to add to the total earned at the Bake Sale. MARK YOUR CALENDAR – “THE SHRIMP DINNER” is coming on Sunday, December 5 after Church. You will soon be receiving in the mail your invitation with tickets. Please respond as quickly as you can so that we can prepare properly. If you can interest neighbors, family members, friends and associates to come, it will support our Church Budget. Enjoy! Co-Chairs are Bette Ferriero and Dora Halvatzes. TODAY! WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION MEETING At the General Assembly last Sunday, it was voted to officially establish a Women’s Organization of our Christ the Savior Church. Today, during the Coffee Hour all women of our Christ the Savior Mission will meet to establish our women’s organization for our Mission. All women are invited to attend! Please come! MANY THANKS to Tyke and Helen Nicolelis have donated the carpeting to cover the Altar floor and the two Vestry areas of our Temporary Church. This donation of carpeting is valued at $350. Other parts of the Temporary Church could also use carpeting. If you would be interested, please speak to Council President Paul Cosmadelis. WE ARE STILL COLLECTING NEWSPAPERS! BRING YOURS!THIS WEEK’S BULLETIN SPONSOR: GEORGE NIKASIN MEMORY OF MY PARENTS, KATINA AND JOHN NIKAS
CHRIST THE SAVIORGREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHP.O. BOX 5566 SPRING HILL, FL 34611 “A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”
CHRISTMAS LENTEN PERIOD
Let us prepare our Hearts and Minds and Spirits to Receive Our Lord Jesus Christ with His Peace and Love and Forgiveness At Christmas
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!
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have
lived what in another time and place would be “long lives.”
We live in a time and age and place that provides us with
very good health care. We enjoy the love of our spouses,
children, and for many of us, grandchildren. God has given
us all kinds of special talents, opportunities for
recreation, and for service. Mostly, we enjoy the gift of
the love of God throughout our lives. Above all, we have
received the gift of Eternal Life from Jesus Christ. So,
“returning to the Lord,” by way of Time and Talents should
be a “no-brainer.” We have received so much, we will want to
give back something of our time and talents to the Lord.
