The Orthodox Messenger
Vol. IV, No. 37 – Sunday, September 11, 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

THE ELEVATION OF THE CROSS – SEPT. 14  

The Holy Cross on which Christ died for our sins is central to our Orthodox Christian faith. We follow the example of St. Paul who said, "Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14).

   Repeatedly, the Cross is mentioned in the Scripture readings, hymns and prayers of the Church. In addition, there are three main observances honoring the Cross. The first is Great Friday, when we re-live liturgically the Crucifixion of Christ. On the Third Sunday of Great Lent, we observe the Feast of the Adoration of the Holy Cross, remembering, in particular, its discovery by St. Helen in Jerusalem. The third of these great feasts of the Holy Cross is the Feast of the Elevation (or, Exaltation) of the Holy Cross on September 14 every year. In a few days we will observe this Feast. How did it come about?

   In the year 628 the Emperor Heraklios conquered the Persian Empire and re-captured the original Holy Cross which they had taken from Jerusalem several years before. When the Holy Cross of Christ arrived at the Church, Patriarch Zacharias lifted the Cross high so that the crowds of faithful Christians would be able to see it. They burst out singing the hymn "O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, Grant victories to our Kings over the barbarian nations; and preserve your community by the power of your Cross." In the subsequent history of the Church, September 14 has been. a major feast honoring Christ.

   In Church, as we sing "Holy God" slowly, the clergyman censes a tray of Sweet Basil sprigs in the middle of which is the Holy Cross. Led by acolytes, the tray is borne around the Church in a procession and the people kneel. At the front of the Church the Priest circles a table three times, lifts the tray high, and says "Wisdom, Arise.” He then places the tray upon the table. Removing the Cross from the tray with some of the Sweet Basil, he says a petition for mercy as he "elevates" the Cross so that all can see, as we sing many times, "Lord have mercy". This is repeated on all four sides of the table. For a final time the Cross is raised high. Then the clergyman replaces the Cross on the tray and bows deeply before it singing "Ton Stavron Sou proskynoumen . . ." ("We bow in reverence before Your Cross, O Master, and we glorify your Resurrection.")

            On Wednesday of this coming week, September 14, share in "glorying in the Cross of Christ!" One of the hymns invites you: "Come, O people, and look on this marvelous wonder; let us venerate the might of the Cross." The Divine Liturgy is at 10:00 a.m.

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

Evening Services as Announced

POST-NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS / SUNDAY BEFORE ELEVATION

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMN

Dismissal Hymn of the Nativity After the Doxology: Sung by Leaders: “E ghennesis sou Theotoke” (see translation below).

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 the Nativity of the Theotokos

    Sung by Leaders: “E ghennesis sou Theotoke”

   (Read) Your Nativity, O Theotokos, / imparter joy to the entire earth, / for out of you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, / Christ, our God. / He nullified the curse / and gave instead His blessing; / and causing death to be neutralized, / He granted us eternal life.

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

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos

   Sung in Greek by the Leaders “Ioakeim kai Anna . . .”

   (Read) By your holy birth-giving, / O pure one, / Joachim and Anna were delivered / from the reproach of barrenness; / and Adam and Eve / were delivered from the corruption of death; / your people celebrate it, / having been saved from the stain of iniquity, / crying out to you, / ‘The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, / who nourishes our life.

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

   EPISTLE – Galatians 6:11-18 (Pre-Elevation – 22^nd 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 – John 3:13-17 (Pre-Elevation) + 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 4, 2005:  Attendance 39; Stewardship $1125;  Candles $54; Special Collection for Katrina Hurricane Victims $614; 8/28 Dino Adamis Fund $123.  

   40 DAY CHURCHING: On Sunday, September 4, Nicole Underwood and Lance Perez presented their son Nicholas for the 40 Day Churching. We ask blessings upon them and Nicholas, and look forward to his baptism. “Many Years!”  

  HARAKAS’ 50^TH ANNIVERSARY DONATIONS to the Christ the Savior Building Fund came to $3,850. We thank all of those who contributed to honor Fr. Stanley & Presbytera Emily and this special occasion! We are grateful!

   PROSFORON BAKERS: Gloria Vardakis 9/11; Fran Triantafilon 9/14 (Elevation of Holy Cross); Connie Mourgides 9/18; George Nikas 9/25;  Presbytera Emily Harakas 10/2; Argyris and Carol Gymnaos 10/9. If you would like to share in the Stewardship of Prosforon Baking (it is easy!) speak to George Nikas, Prosforon Bakers Chairperson at 597-1375.

   ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (P.E.P.): This coming Friday, September 16 we will begin our Parish Education Program (P.E.P.) meeting every Friday from 2-4 p.m. with Bible Study alternating with other topics weekly. We look forward to seeing you!

     ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (EVENING SPIRITUAL LIFE GROUP): An  Organizational Meeting for an Evening Spiritual Life Group will be held at the Church Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28. Plan on attending!

  CHURCH INVENTORY COMMITTEE: Help this short term effort to inventory all that our church has for insurance purposes. Speak to Spiro Lemonedes (684-4082) or Nikolai Kastelan (686-0634), co-chairs. This is important for our future. Please help!

   THE DISTRICT PHILOPTOHOS “Agape Luncheon” of the Metropolis Philoptohos, supporting the work of love, will be held in our area this year on October 8, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church of New Port Richey. This affair includes professional entertainment. The tickets are $30 per person. Save the date. More information to follow!

  HOSPITALIZED:  Oak Hill: Mary Palavidas, Helen Keriakis, Kosti Yoanides. Recuperating at home is Achilleas Koulouvaris. We pray for a rapid recovery!
Delicious! After Church, Sunday, September 25. Spaghetti Luncheon. Plan on it!

   NEW STEWARDS: We are happy to welcome the family of Dino, Carmen & Myra Moshonisiotis of  12355 Brookside St., Spring Hill, FL 34609 (686-1879) and Zafiro Mantione, now living in NY, but soon to move to Spring Hill, as new Stewards of our Church. Please add names to your Parish Phone Directory. We now have 76 2005 Stewards.

    REQUEST! Did anyone take photographs of the Chicken Barbeque a few weeks ago? If you have some photos from that event, please contact Fr. Stanley – 688-2382

   BASIL PLANTS: If you have basil plants in your garden, please contact Fr. Stanley

immediately! We need a supply for this coming Wednesday, September 14 (688-2382).

           THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER – COME TO CHURCH!

CHRIST THE SAVIOR
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

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