Contents

 
The Orthodox Messenger
Vol. II, No. 45 – Sunday, November 9, 2003

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

13460 Olympic Village Lane, Brooksville, FL -  (352) 796-8482

                                           Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org

THE HOLY ANGELS

HIS WEEKEND our Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Angels. Yesterday, Saturday was the feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Our neighboring parish of the Archangel Michael in Lecanto celebrated its patron. In Atlanta, the Annual Metropolis Archangel Michael Honors Banquet was held last night. Our own Nikolai Kastelan was among those honored.

   Who are the angels? Throughout the Bible the angels exercise an important role in the history of salvation. At the expulsion of the first created couple from Paradise, Adam and Eve, angels were set to guard it (Genesis 3:24). Later, an angel appeared to Moses "in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush" (Exodus 3:1-2). It was the prelude to the Passover of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.

   David the King and his court were challenged to admit their sin by an angel. "And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces" (1 Chronicles 21:16). Angels appeared to the Prophets frequently with important messages from God. "The angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, 'Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria. . .'" (2 Kings 1:3).

   In the New Testament, the Virgin Mary learned she was to bear the Christ Child from an angel of God: "In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin . . .and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" (Luke 1:26-28).

   When Christ was born, "an angel of the Lord appeared to (the shepherds) and said  "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:9-11).

   Angels were present at the Resurrection of Christ. Mary Magdalene and the other women came to Christ's tomb "And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow" (Matthew 28:2-3).

Service hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 am.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

7TH  SUNDAY OF lUKE

Gospel Entrance and Other Hymn Changes

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

   (Text): “Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin full of Grace. Thru 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 Theotokos (Entrance in the Temple)

   (Read) The most pure Temple of our Holy Savior, / and the most precious / and bright Bridal Chamber, / the Virgin, sacred treasury of the glory of God, openly appears today / in the Temple of the Lord, / bringing with her / the grace of the Most Holy Spirit. / Wherefore the angels of God / are singing: / This is the heavenly Tabernacle.

EPISTLE – Galatians 2:16-20
Brethren, you know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

GOSPEL – Luke 16:19-31
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.

   WELCOME FR. GERASIMOS MURPHY! “Fr. Jerry,” a Steward of our Church, will conduct the Divine Liturgy today and preach, in Fr. Stanley’s absence who will be attending the Honors Banquet in Atlanta, GA. Please give Fr. Jerry a warm welcome!

   FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, November 2, 2003: Attendance - 56; Candles - $72; Offering - $131; Hospitality - $29. Thank you!

 PROSFORON BAKERS: Betty Roussos -11/9; Fran Mather 11/16; Bette Ferriero 11/23; Presbytera Emily (Thanksgiving) 11/27; Connie Mourgides 11/30; Patricia Lilore (St. Nicholas) 12/6; George Nikas 12/7; Gloria Vardakis 12/14; Venice Cosmadelis (Christmas Eve Liturgy) 12/24; Emily Thomas 12/28; Gregory and Maria Angeliades (New Prosforon Bakers! Welcome!) (St. Basil)1/1/04.

   WATCH YOUR MAIL! The 2003 Community Christmas Card material is coming! Please respond at your earliest convenience to give our committee the time to prepare the card.

   BECOME A STEWARD FOR 2004! By becoming a 2004 Steward you will make a good faith declaration of intent to express your Orthodox Christian Faith and membership in our “Christ the Savior” Church through your Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure. Coming soon in your mail you’ll receive your 2004 Stewardship material. Fill out your Stewardship declaration and mail it in the specially marked envelope! Let’s be “Alive and Growing!” Consider “growing” your gift by 10% next year.

    NOTICE!! Our treasurer says please continue to make checks payable to Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County until further notice. Bank regulations require this.

  COUNCIL MEETING: The November Parish Council Meeting has been changed to Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m.

     P.E.P CLASS: Come to the Parish Educational Program for Friday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m.! We have a new format. An outline will be provided, but Fr. Stanley will present the material in a teaching format. Our topic this week will be “The Hymns of Christmas.”

   HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill: Demetre Roditsas; Bayonet Point: Delcie Kelo and Bill Hazivasilis. We pray for the restoration of their health.

    HALLOWEEN CANDY: Consider bringing your leftover Halloween candy to our food collection table in the Fellowship Hall for the Thanksgiving Baskets which we will be distributing. No candy left? You may be able to purchase discounted bags of candy.

  AN INVITATION has been received from St. John’s Church in Tampa, to attend “Tampa’s Annual Greek Festival” Nov. 14 and 15 (11 am -10 pm), and Nov. 16 (12 to 6 pm).

   MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATIONS for our name change were received from Fr. James Rousakis, Vicar of the Tampa Bay Conference and Fr. Panagiotis Papageorgiou of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Port Richey. We thank you!

Come To Church Regularly!

CHRIST THE SAVIOR GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

 St. Nektarios – November 9









 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPORT

   On November 2, 2003 the Regular Annual General Assembly of the Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church (The Hellenic Orthodox Mission of Hernando County FL) was held in the Dining Hall. Paul Cosmadelis was elected Assembly Chairman and Betty Roussos was elected Recording Secretary. Forty three Stewards were in attendance.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING

   2003 FINANCIAL REPORT BUDGET – Spero Lemonedes presented a comparative financial report, indicating a significant increase in income for 2003 providing a slight anticipated surplus. The Building Fund account has $26,000 at present.

   FACILITIES & GROUNDS – George Nikas discussed the deteriorated condition of many of the buildings on our property and the efforts made so far to repair some of them. Thanks was expressed to Gregory Levandis for the extensive work he has done in making repairs and beautifying the grounds. New signs have been erected.

  MEMBERSHIP & PUBLIC RELATIONS – Helen Nicolelis reported on the plans for the 2004 Telephone Directory. A list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of the Stewards and Friends of the church will be posted in the Fellowship Hall for correction. All are asked to help solicit ads. A suggestion was made to place photographs of the Stewards on our website. It was announced that we now have 66 Stewards for 2003.

  FUND RAISING – Paul Cosmadelis reported on the Fund-raising efforts over the past year, and encouraged the membership to support the Shrimp Luncheon, Greek Pastry Sale at Walmart’s on Route 19, and the Garage Sale to be held on our grounds.

  AUDIT – John Hatzi reported on behalf of the Auditing Committee that the financial records were in good order.

  THE DAWN CENTER – Bette Ferriero reported on the Dawn Center project of our church. The Dawn Center is a Women’s Crisis Center. It was voted to continue our support of this vital agency in 2004.

  INCREASE OF MISSION COUNCIL SIZE – Because of the absence of some members of the Mission Council during the summer, it was proposed to increase to twelve members, the number of council members. With three members rotating off the Council, six new members were needed. The nominating committee was able to find six candidates willing to serve and no other nominations were made. The six are: Demetri Hazivasilis, Nick Kastelan, Spero Lemonedes, Tyke Nicolelis, Dorothy Triantafilon, & John Tsausis. Formal elections will be held in December. 

  2004 BUDGET – Spero Lemonedes presented the Mission Council proposed 2004 Budget. The budget was a deficit budget, indicating the need for an increase in Stewardship giving. Some of the increased budget anticipated continued growth in the number of supporting Stewards. However, it was strongly urged that a 10% or more increase by all Stewards for their Stewardship of Treasure would significantly reduce the deficit.

  PARISH FUTURE OVERVIEW – Paul Cosmadelis reviewed the “Workshop Presentation” from the previous Sunday’s meeting. He described the approximately $87,000 estimated costs for staying at our present location, and the potential of selling our property and constructing or buying an existing church at a more accessible location, without a mortgage. He described the pros and cons of all of the alternatives. A letter from Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta was read. It conveyed His Eminence’s preference that we relocate to a more accessible area of Hernando County. Copies of the “Future of the Mission Workshop Report” are available from Paul.

  PROPOSAL REGARDING TEST MARKETING THE PROPERTY – George Nikas presented a Council proposal to test market the sale of the property. It was explained that the intention was to see if we could sell the present property for an amount that would cover the cost of moving or building in a more accessible location. Unless that amount could be realized, we would not move from our present location. No mortgage is anticipated in this plan. The motion was:

Resolved that the Parish Council be authorized to place the property on the market for one year with the asking price of $600,000. The determining factor on the final acceptable price is that it must meet the cost of a new Church, related buildings and grounds. The General Assembly will be the final judge of whether the criteria have been met.

   DONATION: Gregory and Maria Angeliadis have donated a typewriter to our church for use in the church office. We are very grateful for this generous and useful gift. Many thanks!

   NEW SIGNS: Did you notice our three new signs with our new “Christ the Savior” name? One is located on Sunshine Grove Rd. pointing to the turn onto Olympic Village Lane. The second is at the entrance to our property, positioned so that it can be seen from Olympic Village Lane. The third is located at the church, facing the parking lot. The signs will be framed soon for a better appearance.
 

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