The Orthodox Messenger
Vol. III, No. 44– Sunday, October 31, 2004

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

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

                                             Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org

        

ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS AND VOTING

    “What does Orthodox Christianity have to do with democracy, or even with voting by citizens?” There are three basic realities about the Orthodox Christian faith that help us see the connection between being an Orthodox Christian and voting in civil elections. A fundamental truth of Orthodox Christianity is the belief in the unique value of persons. Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This affirms the dignity and importance of every member of a democracy.  

   Secondly, the Church teaches us to respect and pray for public leaders. In St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, he gave timeless direction. He says  “. . . the authorities are ministers of God . . .. Pay all of them their due, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:1-7).  In a democracy, the citizens are part of the “authority,” exercising it through their vote.  So we must respect the electoral process and participate in it responsibly.

   Thirdly, the process of voting itself is part of the Orthodox Christian Church’s system of governance. From the New Testament times, at the Apostolic Council, described in the Acts of the Apostles, votes were taken during council meetings of the Apostles. (Acts 15:1-35). Voting as a practice has always been a part of the life of the Orthodox Church.

   With the advent of democratic government, it was natural for Orthodox Christians to adapt to the electoral process as citizens. So, all Orthodox Christians, as citizens of democracies, should exercise their right to vote. Voting should be understood by every Orthodox Christian as not only a civic, but also a spiritual Orthodox Christian obligation.

   This leaves us with a controversial question: “Which candidates should I vote for?” From an Orthodox Christian point of view, you should vote for the candidates who embody the moral values of our Christian Faith. Simple as this sounds, this is difficult to determine. Candidates tailor their appeals toward specific groups. Some emphasize personal moral values; others, social values. In a sin-filled world, we can only approximate what is right. So, we should study the issues and the values embodied by each candidate.

   Finally, every Orthodox Christian should approach voting prayerfully. Voting is one way of incarnating our values as Orthodox Christians in the society in which we live. Voting should always be practiced responsibly, respectfully, and prayerfully.

 

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

5^th Sunday of Luke

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection - Plagal 1st  Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) "Ton synanarchon logon "  Hymnal, 85-86.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) "The Eternal Word" (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. 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 Theotokos “Prostasia ton Christianon”(Sung in Greek by Leaders)

   (Read) 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 a page 26 for “Holy God” and for the Epistle and Gospel Readings

   EPISTLE – Galatians 2:16-20 (21^st Sunday) + Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and not only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

  GOSPEL – Luke 8:26-39 (5^th Luke) +  The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

  FOR THE RECORD: Sunday, October 24, 2004: Attendance 41; Offering 70; Candles $44; Hospitality $19; Building Fund $80. Commemorative Journal Ads - $550. Thanks!

  4O DAY CHURCHING: Today, following the Divine Liturgy, Eleni Gymnaos will be presented for her 40 day Churching by her parents Nick and Amy. We pray the Lord’s blessings upon them and their child, together with brother Argyri, grandparents Argyri and Carol Gymnaos, and uncle John and aunt Maria. “Many years!”

  SYMPATHY: A Trisagion service was offered on October 26 after the Divine Liturgy  by Fr. Harakas, for the rest of the soul of Stephanos, who passed away in New Jersey last week. May his memory be eternal!

   FOOD COLLECTION: Spiro Lemonedes reminds everyone that we are collecting food for the needy for the Thanksgiving distribution to the 12 families we help throughout the year. Needed are canned goods (carrots,  peas,  corn,  yams,  etc), as well as laundry detergent,  tooth paste,  coffee,  pasta,   tooth brushes for adults and children, etc.   All items should be brought to the Dining Hall. Any questions call Spiro 684-4082.

   NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS  & ANNIVERSARIES: Birthdays: Bill Elisavites 11/9; Gregory Angeliades 11/11; Venice Cosmadelis 11/12; Frances Brown 11/12; Charles Mattis 11/13; Demetri Hazivasilis 11/16; George Angeliades 11/21; Pat Panopoulos 11/24. Anniversaries: Feenie & Bette Ferriero (50 Anniversary!) 11/7; Spero & Eleni Katehis 11/11; Tyke & Helen Nicolelis 11/11; John & Delcie Kelo 11/14; Richard and Nancy Urling 11/14; Clark & Francis Brown 11/18; Mark & Anastasia Feola 11/19; Curt & Emily Thomas 11/29. Blessing prayers will be offered following Liturgy next week.

   ALBANIAN “LORD HAVE MERCY”: Today, we begin singing on pages 58, 60 in Albanian: Meh-sheeroh oh  zoht. We also sing in Greek, Russian, Arabic, and Romanian.

   THANKS TO SAM JABBOUR for crafting the candle box and icon stands for the temporary Church being prepared. Many thanks Sam, for your creative stewardship!

    PROSFORON BAKERS: George Nikas 10/31 Connie Mourgides 11/7. Gloria Vardakis 11/14; Argyris & 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 George Nikas is Prosforon Chair– 597-1375.

GARAGE SALE: Helen Nicolelis and Connie Mourgides co-chairs, announce our Annual Garage Sale this coming Friday, Nov. 5th and Saturday, Nov. 6th on the church grounds. The sales hours are 8:30AM to 5:00 PM each day.

It is not too late to bring items for the sale. If possible, please price them.

PLEASE  INVITE YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS TO COME!

For additional information call Helen at 352-684-1219 or Connie at 352-686-0589.

Come to Church On Sunday!

 

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

 

      

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