Hellenic Orthodox Mission

The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. II, No. 42 – Sunday, October 19, 2003

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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

Services Held at St. Nicholas Chapel, 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.

“OUR CHURCH COSTS TOO MUCH!”

William Pasisis, Chair, 2004 Stewardship Committee

certain Christian once said to her friend, “Our Church costs too much. They are always asking for money.” “Some time ago a boy was born in our home,” replied her friend. “He cost us a lot of money from the very beginning: he had a big appetite, he needed clothes, toys, medicine, and even a puppy. Then he went to school, and that cost a lot more. Later he went to college and that cost a small fortune! But in his senior year at college he died, and since the funeral he has not cost us a penny. Now, which situation do you think I would rather have?”

After a significant pause, she continued, “As long as this Church lives, it will cost. When it dies for want of support, it won’t cost us anything. A living Church has the most vital message for the entire world today. Therefore I am going to pray and give with everything I have to keep our Church alive and growing.

Are you helping to keep our Church alive and growing by giving generously of your Time, Talents and Treasure? If we do not support our Church generously, we may not have a Parish in the future.

Maybe we should add another “T” to the three “T”s of Stewardship. That is, “Truth.” Truth in Stewardship means that we make an honest effort to focus on the call of Christ to commit to “Praying,” to “Working,” and to “Giving” so that the Body of Christ, the Church, may live and fulfill her mission.

Stewardship encourages support for the Church’s work, not because it is a responsibility, but a privilege. True commitment to your Church begins sacrificially. It is right and proper that our Orthodox Christian offering be equitable and fair to our Church, which would help meet our budget for 2004.

Let us give to our Church out of the many blessings that God has bestowed on each of us. Please consider increasing your Stewardship Good Faith Declaration for Time, Talent, and Treasure! We are asking you to consider increasing your Declaration of Intention by 10% for 2004. Let us pray and give to keep our Church alive and growing!

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

3rd SUNDAY OF lUKE

(Sing in Greek before the Entrance) ("Tou lithou sfragisthenos").Hymnal, 80-81.

Kontakion of the Theotokos

(Read) O undisputed intercessor of Christians, / who prays for the Christians unrejected by the Creator, / turn not away from the voice of our petitions, / though we be sinners. / Come to us in time, / who cry to you in faith, / with assistance, / for you are good. / Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, / who always intercedes / for those who honor you.

rethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

t that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"

FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, October 12, 2003 - Attendance was 41; Candles - $39; Offering Tray – $62; Dino Adamis Philanthropic Fund - $126; Hospitality - $27. Thank You!

TODAY! “THE FUTURE OF OUR MISSION WORKSHOP!”

Immediately after Church today, there will be an important informational meeting on “The Future of Our Mission.” A luncheon will be served free of charge for all Stewards,spouses and Friends of the Mission in attendance. This “Workshop” will help us all understand the implications of the ownership of our property for the future. We will describe the alternatives we face, and the costs. The Workshop will take place in the Dining Hall. We will be using our new pews!

Each person will receive a “Workbook” with clear descriptions of the choices we have regarding the future. No decisions will be made at this meeting, but the subject of our future will be acted upon at the General Assembly scheduled for November 2. Please stay for this very important meeting!

TODAY we will continue learning the Dismissal Hymns of the three potential feasts of our church. We will continue our preparation for October 26 in the coming weeks.

PROSFORON BAKERS: Venice Cosmadelis 10/19; Emily Thomas (New Prosforon baker! Welcome) George Nikas 10/26; Fran Triantafilon 11/2; Betty Roussos 11/9; Fran Mather 11/16; Bette Ferriero 11/23; Presbytera Emily Harakas 11/27 (Thanksgiving). Connie Mourgides 11/30 Call George Nikas to become a Prosforon baker (597-1357).

P.E.P CLASS: Our Parish Educational Program for Friday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m, will be a study of John 6:51-71 with the theme of Jesus’ teaching about the significance of the Holy Eucharist – Holy Communion. You are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

YOU CAN FEED THE HUNGRY: We are trying to feed hungry families in our area more frequently. So we need more frequent donations of packaged and canned foods. Please bring something to the food pantry weekly

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL thanks Dee Nikas for the animated video tapes about the Bible. The children and teachers enjoyed them, while at the same time learning about our beliefs. Thank you Dee! Parents! Come to church regularly with your children!

BAKE SALE! The ladies of the Hellenic Orthodox Mission are planning a Bake Sale on the 20th and 25th of November at the WalMart on Route 19. If you are interested and haven’t signed up yet, see Venice Cosmadelis after Church or call her at 686-1199.

The baking schedule for this week is Monday thru Thursday, October 21-23 and for next week, Monday thru Thursday, October 27-30. Join in preparing for the Bake Sale!

GARAGE SALE: On the 29th of November the Hellenic Orthodox Mission is having a garage/yard sale on the church grounds. Bring in those items that have outlived their useful-ness for you. They may be useful to others! They will be stored in the cabin next to our Tool Storage cabin. See Paul Cosmadelis for the key.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF OUR MISSION: Mark your calendar to attend the General Assembly on Sunday, November 2, following Church. Important decisions will be made: the future of our church; nominations for elections; financial reports, etc. Stewards have voice and vote. Non-Stewards are welcome to attend and listen to the discussion.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER: Stewards of our Mission should have received by now the most recent issue of The Orthodox Observer, the newspaper of our Archdiocese. If you have not received it, please let Fr. Stanley know so that we can follow up on it. An article by Fr. James W. Kordaris, Director of the Dept. of Parish Renewal, Outreach and Evangelism, reported on the work of our Mission. We are grateful for the support of Metropolitan Alexios and the Archdiocese in our effort to establish a full parish of our Church in Hernando County.

RENOVATION OF CABINS: Work is almost completed on the repair of the leaky roofs and the replacement of boards at four of the cabins located next to the office. Painting and ventilating still has to be done. We are also looking into repairs in the now vacant mobile home at the entrance to our property. These are expenses that our now ours, since our Mission obtained the property. We are no longer renters; we are owners!

3rd SUNDAY OF lUKE

Kontakion of the Theotokos

OF HERNANDO COUNTY