The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. V, No. 39– Sunday, September 10, 2006

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

 Website: http://orthodoxhernandocountyfl.org     

+B A R T H O L O M E W, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE
ENCYCLICAL LETTER FOR THE NEW CHURCH YEAR-SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

Beloved brothers and children in the Lord,
   Our merciful God Who loves mankind created the world to be beautiful and functional, sufficient to meet all human needs. He granted to man, the crown and king of creation, the enjoyment of everything in the world that is necessary for life.
   God instilled in every beneficial relationship between man and creation feelings of joy and pleasure. Furthermore, He imbued man with a sense of longing when in genuine need, and a sense of satiety to protect against abuse by excess. Man, therefore, is equipped by God with an instinctual awareness of the proper measure of things, of the difference between what is necessary and beneficial and what is excessive and harmful. Endowed as well with free will, man has the ability to act on his instinctual understanding of the boundaries of these two conditions, so that he can either set new boundaries of self-deprivation for purposes of spiritual exercise, or can set them aside altogether through willful acts of self-aggrandizement.
   In the latter case, we are dealing either with covetousness, which the Apostle Paul characterizes as idolatry, or with a hostile loathing of the God-given gifts of life and the things of this world. Both such attitudes are equally condemnable for they oppose God’s perfect plan that the life of man be full of joy and gladness.
  Unfortunately, man refused to comply with God’s directives regarding the measured use of natural resources according to his needs, nor did he preserve and protect the world entrusted to him, and thus he estranged himself from the governing grace of God. As a result, man acts toward his surrounding environment in rapacious and destructive ways, as a ruler rather than a steward, disrupting the natural harmony and balance that are from God. Nature in turn has reacted to man’s abuse in unbalanced ways, inflicting upon humanity a series of natural catastrophes. Recent unusual temperature fluctuations, hurricanes, earthquakes, storms, the pollutions of rivers and seas and numerous other occurrences that hurt both the environment and man are the results of human actions, whether carried out openly or executed in secret. The ultimate cause of all this destructive behavior is man’s egocentrism, an expression of his self-willed alienation from God and his effort to make himself god.
   Because of this egocentrism, the relationship of man and nature intended by the Creator has degenerated into one of insolent and arrogant subjugation of natural forces and their use for the killing or subjection of our fellow human beings rather than for the preservation of life and freedom, or for the satisfaction of excessive pleasures, without care of the consequences of overuse.
   The use of atomic and nuclear forces of nature for war is an insult to creation and Creator, as is over-consumption of any kind, which burdens the natural environment with pollutants, which leads to climate change and global warming and an imbalance in the natural order, with all that implies. The immense consumption of energy for purposes of war and the excessive consumption of contemporary humanity far beyond its needs are two areas where the responsibilities of political leaders and common citizens are interwoven in such a way so that each of us has the power to contribute to the betterment of the general condition.
   Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, let us all make every effort possible, each from where God has placed us, to rein in our reckless over-consumption, so that the harmonious workings of this planet, our common home, may be restored, and that we and our children may enjoy in peace all the good things which God in His love for us has created and offers to all men and women. Amen.

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

Evening Services as Announced

SUNDAY AFTER THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS

SUNDAY BEFORE THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Birth of the Theotokos (September 8)

   (Sung in Greek before the Entrance by the leaders) E ghennisis sou Theotoke".

Dismissal Hymn of the Resurrection – 4^th Tone

   (Sing in English after the Entrance)“When the tidings . . . ”). Hymnal,  84-85.

Dismissal Hymn of the Birth of the Theotokos

    (Sung in Greek after the Entrance by the leaders) E ghennisis sou Theotoke".

  (Read) Your Nativity, / O Mother of God, / heralded joy to the whole universe, / for from you rose the Sun of Justice / Christ our God; / taking away the curse, / He imparted the blessings, / and by abolishing Death, / He gave us everlasting life.

(Sing) Dismissal Hymn of the Presentation of Christ (See paper in the pews)

Kontakion of the Birth of the Theotokos (September 8)

      Sung in Greek by the Leaders “Ioakeim kai Anna”

      (Read) Through your holy birth, / O immaculate One, / Joachim and Anna /were delivered from childlessness, / and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death. / Your people re-deemed from the debt of their sins / celebrate your birth / crying out to you: / the barren one gives birth to the Mother of God, / the sustainer of our life.

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

   EPISTLE –Galatians 6:11-18 (Before Elevation of Cross) 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 – John 3:13-17 (Before Elevation of Cross) The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

  
FOR THE RECORD: September 3: -Candles $66; Building Fund $15; Michael Panopoulos Memorial $50; Attendance 35. We thank all who contribute through their prayers, and Stewardship of Time, Talent & Treasure to Christ the Savior Church!

    PROSFORON BAKERS: Bette Ferriero 9/10; The Harakas’ 9/14 (Elevation of the Cross); George Nikas 9/17. Venice Cosmadelis 9/24; Presbytera Emily Harakas 10/1; George Nikas 10/8; Argiris & Carol Gymnaos 10/15;. Fran Triantafilon 10/22; Gloria Vardakis  10/29; George Nikas is Chair. We need more people to make the Offering Bread for the Divine Liturgy. It is easy to make. For a recipe, call George Nikas at 597-1375.

   HOSPITALIZED:    Spring Hill-John Kelo; Brooksville Regional-James Economou;. Jefferson Hospital,Philadelphia-Mary Markovitch. Please pray for those who are sick.

   WEEKLY BULLETIN SPONSORS ARE NEEDED! Your support makes this bulletin ministry possible. Bulletin Sponsors donate $25 for each issue and can have a brief message of their own choosing published in each issue. See Gloria Vardakis after Church today.

    SEPTEMBER CALENDAR: The theme for September in our calendar is based on the “BE commands in the Bible.” For the week of September 10, they are: Sunday 9/10-“Be Separate (from evil doers)”; Monday-9/11 “Be of one mind”; Tuesday 9/12- “Be humble and gentle”; Wednesday 9/13 “Be kind and compassionate”; Thursday 9/14 “Be witnesses (to our faith in Christ); Friday 9/15 “Be careful how you live”; Saturday 9/15 “Be filled with the Spirit”. Think, pray, and act on these Bible statements on how we should Be each day!

  YOUNG PEOPLE 10-16 are invited to try out for the Orthodox Youth Choir of Tampa Bay. Flyer posted in the hall. Call Joanne Kambouris for information 1-727-734-7721.

  SEPTEMBER COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS: Sept. 3- John & Theona Hatzi; Sept 10 – Paul & Venice Cosmadelis; Sept 17 – Harriet Pasisis & Presbytera Emily Harakas; Sept 24 – Stacy Underwood & Eva Thomas. Thank you! Will you please sign up for October?

   A SPECIAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING was held last Sunday, September 3 following the Divine Liturgy to discuss the fact that we have received a preliminary notice that Hernando County will tax our property beginning next year at the proposed rate of $5,209.39 (column 2). It was approved that we approach the Assessor’s Office to present our case that we should not be taxed. This took place at a meeting on Tuesday, September 5, President Gloria Vardakis and Fr. Stanley making the case for the church. Our church is waiting for the Assessor’s response. We will keep you informed on this most important matter. We were informed that Argyris Gymnaos cannot serve as groundskeeper because of health reasons. Other arrangements will have to be made for the cutting of the grass.

“COME RECEIVE THE LIGHT” National Orthodox Radio program: WTBN 750 AM, Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Or, check www.recieve.org on the web. Call 877-273-2348.