The Orthodox Messenger
. IV, No. 39 – Sunday, September 25, 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
WHAT
IS THE BIBLE?
The Holy Bible consists of two parts: the Old and New
Testa-ments. The Old Testament is a record of God's revelation
to the Hebrew people. The New Testament is a record of God's
revelation through and in the person of Jesus Christ and His
Church.
The Bible is an essential part of the Church’s Holy Tradition.
What makes the Bible special is that it is a written form of
God's revelation regarding Himself, ourselves, our relationship
with God, and many profound truths. These truths are not
available to us through reason, philosophy or science. That is
why the Bible describes itself this way: "All scripture is
inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of
God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy
3:16-17).
What every Orthodox Christian should understand is that it is
the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church that decided what
Scripture is and what is not. It was in the experience of God's
people that Divine Revelation took place, especially through the
person, life, teaching and saving work of Jesus Christ, under
the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
So it is clear why Orthodox Christians are encouraged to read
the Bible, but with the guidance of the Church. As early as the
second Christian century, St. Irenaios wrote in his "Against
Heresies" (false teachings) this good advice: "Feed on the whole
of Scripture, but do not do it with intellectual pride, and do
not swallow the opinions of the heretics. They pretend to
possess the knowledge of good and evil, but they are impiously
elevating their own intelligence above their Creator. Beware!"
Faithfulness to the authentic Tradition of the Church is a sure
guide to understanding the truths of the Bible.
Another second century writer of the Church, Clement of
Alexandria, speaks of the Bible as "the Word of God which
Scripture has described as a pearl. In it is Jesus in his
brightness and his purity." That is the core of the Divine
Revelation in the Bible.
Holy Scripture also guides our Christian growth. Another early
Church writer made this comparison, "Holy Scripture is presented
to the mind's eye like a mirror in which the appearance of our
inner being can be seen. In this mirror we can see both the
ugliness and the beauty of our soul. We can tell what progress
we are making or whether we are making any progress at all."
Service Hours: Sundays and Feast Days: Orthros at 9:30 am;
Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am
Evening
Services as Announced
Saints:
Martyr Euphrosyne (+536) and her father Holy
Martyr Paphnoutios (+546).
1st SUNDAY OF
LUKE
GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS
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 St. Euphrosyne
(Read) In you, O venerable Mother Euphrosyne,
the faith image of God shone forth, for you carried your Cross
and followed Christ. You taught by your deeds how to spurn the
flesh, for it passes away, and how to value the soul, for it is
immortal. Wherefore, your soul is forever in happiness with the
angels.
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 “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 p. 26
of
the Hymnal, to sing “Holy God . . . .”
EPISTLE – 2
Corinthians 1:21-2:4 (14 Sunday) + Brethren, it is God who
establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he
has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts
as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me - it was to
spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we
lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you
stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you
another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to
make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I
did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who
should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that
my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much
affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to
cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have
for you.
GOSPEL – Luke
5:1-11 (1st Luke) + At that time, Jesus was
standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And he saw two boats by the
lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing
their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he
asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and
taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased
speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down
your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled
all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the
nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal
of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to
their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And
they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees,
saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he
was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish
which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of
Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon,
"Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And
when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything
and followed him.
Today
After Church,
Spaghetti And Meat Ball Luncheon, With Salad, Bread,
Drink, Dessert. Adults $8, Children 5-12 $4 And Under 5,
Free!
This Is A Fund-Raiser For Our Church. Please Come!
FOR THE RECORD: September 25, 2005: Attendance
42; Stewardship $508; Candles $76; Katrina Hurricane donation -
$25; Building Fund donation from Michael Lappas of Clearwater-
$100. Many thanks!
PROSFORON BAKERS: George Nikas 9/25; Presbytera Emily
Harakas 10/2; Argyris and Carol Gymnaos 10/9; Fran Triantafilon
10/16; Connie Mourgides 10/23; Gloria Vardakis 10/30. George
Nikas, Chairperson -597-1375.
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (P.E.P.): This Friday, from
2-4 p.m. we will watch a video presentation on Icons and Icon
painting, followed by discussion and refreshments. Come and
learn about our Orthodox Faith! We look forward to seeing you!
THANKS TO Nikolai & Nanka Kastelan who donated the
flowers for the Elevation of the Holy Cross and to Kosta Hronis
who donated the Sweet Basil used in the service!
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. this Wednesday, September
28. Plan on attending! This is for folks who cannot make the
afternoon P.E.P. sessions.
Harriet
Pasisis, Chairperson of this year’s
PARISH-WIDE YARD SALE
Invites every Steward and
Friend of Christ the Savior Church
To Donate New and Used
Items to be sold at our church grounds
THURSDAY
– SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6-8
Clean out the house for Yard Sale Items. Bring them to
the Church Hall!
HURRICANE VICTIMS HEALTH KITS! The St. Katherine
Ladies Society, with the help of our parishioners this past
Sunday, put together twenty five Hurricane Victim Health Kits.
The cost was over $100. On Monday, September 19, they were
packed and sent in two boxes to IOCC (International Orthodox
Christian Charities) for immediate distribution to people in
need. Many thanks to Harriet Pasisis and Venice Cosmadelis for
purchasing the health items and preparing them for assembly.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCED:
We have received a conditional offer on our property depending
upon the success of a grant application to remodel our property
to serve as a camp site for disabled children. Their deadline is
October 3. That is why we have called a General Assembly for
Friday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. If there is no
quorum (37 Stewards), the meeting will be held on Sunday,
October 2 following the Divine Liturgy. Those in attendance will
constitute the quorum and do business.
Instead of acting on this
application exclusively, the Parish Council decided to ask the
parishioners to authorize them to act on their behalf if an
acceptable offer is made for our asking price of $625,000 or
more. This way, dealing with potential buyers’ deadlines will
become more manageable. Also, there will be a preliminary
presentation by the Planning and Building Committee regarding
the building. In addition we will vote to accept the donation of
the land at Anderson Snow, which will take place upon the sale
of our church property. A proposal for a short-term fund drive
will be made to make sure that we have enough funds to build the
church and hall without a mortgage. We will try to let as many
people know whether the quorum is met or not on Friday,
September 30 and if this means that a meeting will be held after
Church on Sunday, October 2. Snowbirds are asked to write their
comments. These will be shared at the General Assembly. This is
an important step for our church, whether the offer comes
through or not. Help with your presence!
PARISH EVENTS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2005
HARAKAS’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY - 8/27/05
ANNIVERSARY AND BIRTHDAY
BLESSINGS NEXT WEEK: Anniversaries: Sam & Janice
Jabbour 10/1; John & Patricia Tsausis 10/3; Robert & Paula
Borden 10/23; Mike & Patricia Panopoulos 10/26; George & Marian
Maniates 10/27. Birthdays: Susanne Heuer 10/2; Patricia
Heuer 10/8; Theresa Hronis 10/9; Stacey Angeliadis 10/12; Tyke
Nicolelis 10/15; Emily Mourgides 10/24; Fred Underwood 10/24;
Elaine Underwood 10/27; Robert Borden 10/28; Gus Marty 10/29;
Ann Prestage 10/31. Congratulations and “Many Years!”
DEE NIKAS is offering today
a Trisagion for her late mother, Despina Conis on the 21st
Anniversary of her passing. May her memory be eternal!
THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING,
AUGUST 17, 2005 began under the chairmanship of President
Paul Cosmadelis with a discussion with the broker regarding the
$100,000 donated for our building fund by Gus Marty in memory of
his late wife Alice in whose memory the Parish Fellowship Hall
will be named. It was decided to sell the stocks and invest the
proceeds in a series of laddered Certificates of Deposit. A
report was received from the Planning and Building Committee.
The Committee is waiting to receive a revised building plan from
Dimi Andoniadis before finalizing a proposal. The feasibility
study of the Anderson Snow Rd. property was discussed. It was
decided to change all of the locks on our buildings and to limit
the number of keys outstanding. The Parish Council approved the
use of the Chapel by the St. Andrew the Apostle Romanian
Orthodox Church on alternating Sundays. We invite the members of
the congregation to join us during the Coffee Hour following our
services. We welcome Fr. Romulus Barr and his congregation!
ST. KATHERINE LADIES SOCIETY,
Sunday September 11, 2005:
President Emily Thomas presided. Secretary Stacy Underwood, and
Treasurer Cathy Lemonedes, reported. Calendar - Connie Mourgides
is chairing the Taverna Night at Yanni’s Restaurant Monday, Oct.
24; Dee Nikas is chairing the Carrabbas Restaurant Dinner on
Nov. 8; Emily Thomas will chair the Bake Sale Nov. 18-19; Stacy
Underwood together with Presbytera Emily will chair the Dino
Adamis Thanksgiving Basket distribution Nov. 21-22; Betty
Roussos will chair the Christmas Angel Tree Project for gifts
for Pine Grove Elementary children, beginning Dec. 1. The St.
Katherine’s Feast Day Luncheon will be on Sunday, November 27-a
Lenten Pot-Luck Luncheon, with a free will offering. Dec. 19-20
the Christmas Basket Distribution will take place. A filing
system for Ladies Society material will be established in the
filing cabinet donated by the Thomas family. Invitations for the
Oct. 8 Agape Luncheon at St. George’s were distributed. It was
agreed to sponsor the IOCC “Gift of the Heart Health Kit”
Project of IOCC on Sunday, Sept. 18. $100 was given to provide
school supplies for Pine Grove Elementary children. Connie
Mourgides and Venice Cosmadelis will donate wine for the
Spaghetti Luncheon, Sept. 25. Kara Hazivasilis will chair the
Christmas Card project, with the help of Dee Nikas. Next meeting
Sunday, October 16.
TODAY THE DINO ADAMIS PHILANTHROPIC
FUND TRAY WILL BE PASSED
WELCOME to Fr. Romulus
Barr and the St. Andrew the Apostle Romanian Orthodox Church who
will be worshiping today in the Chapel! We pray God’s blessings
on you!
GENERAL
ASSEMBLY – FRIDAY, SEPT. 30, 2005 – 7:00 P.M. – CHAPEL!
BULLETIN SPONORS: GUS N. MARTY
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF HIS WIFE – ALICE L. MARTY –
MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL!
WORSHIP WITH US!
CHRIST THE SAVIOR
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
P.O. BOX
5566
SPRING
HILL, FL 34611

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