The Orthodox Messenger
Vol. IV, No. 43 – Sunday, November 6, 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

“BEARING FRUIT: WITNESS AND SERVICE”

OUR 2006 STEWARDSHIP THEME

   Just a few weeks ago, our Orthodox Church presented to us our Lord Jesus Christ’s parable of the Sower and the Seed. You remember the story. A farmer went into his field to sow seed. As he threw the seed onto the ground, some fell on a pathway and the birds came and ate it. Some fell on rocky ground, and it started to grow, but withered because there was not enough moisture. Some of the seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked the plants so that they produced no fruit. But some fell on good ground, sent down roots, grew and the plants produced fruit a hundred fold.

   Jesus’ parable ends with this teaching – “... those who hearing the word, hold it fast, in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." That is what Stewards do. They receive the blessings of the Lord into their lives as Orthodox Christians and then, bear fruit in Christian living. The good Steward of the Church bears fruit in life through witness and service. Our good deeds of Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure reveal an “honest and good heart” in the way we live our Orthodox Christian Faith.

    A millennium and a half ago, in the 4^th century, the great St. John Chrysostom spoke about Stewards in each parish of the time. He said, “In every local church congregation we appoint stewards. The stewards have charge of the material possessions of the Christian community. The money which people give is held by the stewards, who dispense it to those in need. The stewards own nothing themselves; nor do they have any independent power. The money they hold is the property of the community; in dispensing that money they must conform to the principles laid down by the community; and in enacting those policies they are answerable to the community. If a steward fails to discharge his duties to the satisfaction of the community, the community may dismiss him and appoint someone else in his place. All this is well understood by every member of a congregation. In the same way, each one of us is the steward of the gifts which God has bestowed, both our material wealth and our natural abilities. We do not own those gifts; they belong to God. They are to be used according to the principles which God has laid down. And each one of us is answerable to God as to whether those principles have been followed. If we fail to use our gifts rightly, he may take them away from us; but more likely he will call us to account after death.”  We should seek to be persons “Who Bear Fruit.”

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

Evening Services as Announced

7^th SUNDAY OF LUKE

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - 3rd  Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Efrainestho ta Ourania"). Hymnal,  83-84.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance)"Let all things rejoice"). (Same).

Dismissal Hymn of Patriarch Paul

   (Read) Your confession of the true divine faith / manifested you to the whole Church / as another Paul / and zealot among priests. / With you together is shouting / the righteous  blood / of Zacharias and Abel to the Lord. / Holy Father Paul, beseech Christ our God ferventlyk / entreating that great mercy be bestowed on us.

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 “Prostasia ton Christianon”(Sung in English by Leaders)

   (Text) O never-failing protectress of Christians / and their ever-present intercessor before the Creator: / do not be heedless to the prayerful voices of us sinners, / but in your goodness extend your help to us / who call upon you with confidence. / Hasten, O Mother of God, / to intercede for us. / You have always protected those who honor you!

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

   EPISTLE – Galatians 1:11-19 (20^th  Sunday) + Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I do up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.

   GOSPEL – Luke 8:41-56 (7th Luke) +  At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

PARISH EVENTS – SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER, 2005
 

Taverna Night – Yanni’s Restaurant 10/24/05

   FOR THE RECORD: October 31, 2005 Attendeance  56; Stewardship $323; Candles  $85; Building Fund $765; Metropolis Mission Grant for September $500. Updated figure for the Garage Sale $815.70;   

   SPECIAL TRAY TODAY: The Archdiocese each year requests that a tray be passed in each parish on the occasion of the Unmercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian, November 1 for the support of the philanthropic institutions and charities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Please be generous with your contribution.  

   ANNIVERSARY AND BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS TODAY: Anniversaries: Feenie & Bette Ferriero; Spero & Eleni Katehis 11/11; Tyke & Helen Nicolelis 11/11; John & Delcie Kelo 11/14; Richard and Nancy Urling 11/14; Marco & Stacy Feoloa 11/19; Achilles and Eva Thomas 11/29. Birthdays: Bill Elisavitis 11/9; Louis Markovich 11/11; Venice Cosmadelis 11/12; Gregory George Angeliadis 11/11; Demetri Hazivasilis 11/16; George Angeliadis 11/21; Pat Panopolis 11/24; Carmen Moshonisiotis 11/17. Congratulations and “Many Years!”

   ST. KATHERINE LADIES SOCIETY will hold its regular meeting today following the Divine Liturgy in the Chapel. All women of the Mission are invited to attend and participate in the meeting.  

   STILL NEEDED!  Bulletin Sponsors are needed for November 27 and all four weeks  of December. Contact Connie Mourgides to give her the wording of your sponsorship. The cost is $25 and contributes to the cost of printing and mailing the Orthodox Messenger, an important part of the outreach ministry of Christ the Savior Church. Thanks for your help!

  GOLFERS! The Second Annual Golf Tournament of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater, FL will be held Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the Eagles Golf Club. For more information see the brochures and flyers at the table in the narthex area of the Church. Hit a hole in one and win a 2006 Mercedes C230!

     CONGRATULATIONS to Demetri and Kara Hazivasilis, on the birth of their son, Matthew James at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. We also congratulate Bill and Ruby Hazivasilis on becoming grandparents once again! Many years!

  CONGRATULATIONS also to Gregory and Maria Angeliadis who became grandparents with the birth of their new grand-daughter Miccah, born to their daughter Aspacia and son-in-law Erik recently. Na sas zese!

   PREPARE FOR THE CHRISTMAS LENT! This year, the Christmas Fast will begin on Tuesday, November 15. Try to honor this spiritual preparation 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.

   SYMPATHY: We were saddened to learn of the passing of Maria Skaroulis this past week. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Phil and Colleen Skaroulis of Spring Hill, and the rest of the family on their loss. Fr. Harakas conducted the Trisagion in Tarpon Springs this past Thursday. Burial will be in Greece. May her memory be eternal.

   IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING:We received the following letter from Charles Chronopoulos: “Dear Fr. Harakas, Hopefully this letter finds you well. I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to tell you I was leaving Florida for a while. I am back in Tynsboro, MA working a few days a week on the Police Dept. to keep my status as a policeman (Charlie was Tynsboro’s Police Chief). I miss the church and all of the people. Hopefully all the legal issues with the property are moving along. Building a new church is very exiting. I am enclosing a small sum for the Building Fund. . . .Please give my regards to everyone. Take care of yourself. Sincerely, Charles Chronopoulos.” We look forward to seeing you soon, Charlie!

   HOSPITALIZED: Brooksville Regional:  Jennie Palmenteri. We pray for a rapid recovery! 

   A CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT STEWARDSHIP! Serving on the Parish Council is one of the most important ways to exercise your Parish Stewardship. The Parish Council, together with the Priest, directs our ongoing organizational life. There are twelve members of the Parish Council. Each year four members rotate off, thus keeping an experienced core of members, but also bringing fresh Stewards to the Council. So, we need 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 for the life of our Parish!

   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!

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

      CALL VENICE FOR TICKETS 686-1199

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Ecumenical Patriarchate + Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America + Diocese of Atlanta