The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. VI, No. 36– Sunday, September 9, 2007

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.   Email:Rharakas@aol.com 

         THE CROSS OF CHRIST ELEVATED

   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). There are three main observances honoring the Cross. The first is Great Friday, when we re-live liturgically the Crucifixion of Christ. On the 3^rd Sunday of Great Lent, we observe the Feast of the Adoration of the Holy Cross, remembering  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 Byzantine Emperor Heraklios conquered the Persian Empire and re-captured the original Holy Cross which they had taken from Jerusalem several years before. On September 14, barefoot and dressed in simple pilgrim's attire, the Emperor bore the Holy Cross of Christ to the Church of St. Anastasia in Constantinople. When he 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 "Soson Kyrie ton laon sou. . . ." (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 considered 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 "We bow in worship before Your Cross, O Master, and we glorify your Holy Resurrection.”

   On Friday 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."

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

Evening Services as Announced

Post-Nativity of Theotokos – Sunday Before Elevation of Holy Cross

GOSPEL ENTRANCE AND OTHER HYMNS

Dismissal Hymn of the Birth of the Theotokos

    (Sung in Greek before the Entrance by the Leader) – “E genesis sou Theotoke”

Dismissal Hymn - 2nd  Plagal  Tone

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) ("The Angelic Powers ").  Hymnal,  86-87.

Dismissal Hymn of the Birth of the Theotokos

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

Dismissal Hymn of Sts. Joachim & Anna

(Read) We celebrate the memory / of Your holy ancestors, / O Lord, / and through them we beseech You / to save our souls.

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

 Kontakion of the Feast

   (Sung in Greek before the Entrance by the Leader) “Ioakim kai Anna”

   (Read) Through your holy birth, / O Immaculate one, / Joachim and Anna were delivered / from the shame of childlessness, / and Adam and Even / from the corruption of death. Your people redeemed 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 (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."

    NEW ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN: Jane Kent/Williams was received into the Orthodox Church with the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation this past Sunday, taking the name Nina. Her sponsor was Frances Porter. The congregation personally welcomed her to the Orthodox Christian Faith. Congratulations!

BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT -5
LOOK FOR YOUR INVITATION OR ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE MAIL for the October 20 and 21 Ground-Breaking events, coming soon! Please reserve your seat at the Ground-Breaking Banquet as soon as possible, as the Committee needs to plan.

And here is some interesting news . . .

Steve Ferriero and crew of ESP Enterprises, installs

Sign at new church & hall location on Anderson Snow Rd.

Ground-Breaking by Metropolitan Alexios on

Sunday, October 21, 2007

SUPPORT CHRIST THE SAVIOR CHURCH!

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   YOUR STEWARDSHIP of Time, Talent and Treasure makes things happen at Christ the Savior Church! This year, we have had to face unexpected expenses. If you have made a Stewardship of Treasure for 2007 Declaration, please make sure that you fulfill your pledge. Also, it is not too late to make a Stewardship Declaration for the rest of the year. Call Parish Council Membership Chair, Bill Pasisis at 688-7465 to help!

    COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS 9/9 Frances Porter & Jane Nina Kent/Williams; 9/16 Sofia Cavanaugh (Benefit Agape Dance Group); 9/23 Harriet Pasisis & Denise Zotto; 9/30 Venice Cosmadelis & Nancy Kastelan.. A free will offering can be made to defray costs. Many thanks to Harriet Pasisis for co-ordinating the Coffee Hour. Thank you!

   A SERVICE OF REPOSE was conducted this past Thursday, September 6 for the rest of the soul of the late Theodore Gioshes. May his memory be eternal!

    TRAGIC FIRES IN GREECE: Our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has asked every parish to circulate an offering tray today in order to assist the victims. Please be generous for this fund-raising Christian philanthropic outreach!

    RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED: Oak Hill- Helen Keriakis, Presbytera Mary Liadis; Brooksville Hospice- Simeon Parlides. We pray for those who are ill.

    FOOD PANTRY NEEDS DONATIONS! PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATION!

   FEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS: Friday, September 14, 2007 with Orthros at 9:30 a.m. & D. Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. followed by Service of the Elevation of the Holy Cross with Sweet Basil distribution and blessing. Plan to attend.

   BE A BULLETIN SPONSOR! See Curtis Thomas or Gloria Vardakis Today!

   SEPTEMBER NAME DAY BLESSINGS NEXT SUNDAY: Athena Bendo 9/1; Ann Beratis; 9/9Caroline Chronopoulos 9/1; Thoula Dapsis 9/20; Sofia Cavanaugh 9/17; Sophie George 9/17; Carol Anne Gymnaos 9/9;  Theano Hatzi 9/1; Nanka Kastelan 9/9; Zachary Narverud 9/5; Dee Nikas 9/1; Charlotte Rodriguez 9/1; Harriet Pasisis 9/1; Phil Skaroulis 9/25; Thalia Spata 9/1; Ourania Stephanides 9/1; Nancy Urling 9/9; Ann Vergos 9/9; Gloria Ann Zahka 9/9. If your name is missing from this list please let Fr. Stanley know. This is a project in process! Come to church so that we may pray for you!

 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Chicken Barbeque Fund-Raiser –  9/23 after church; Parish Council Meeting – 9/26, 7:00 p.m.; Parish Educational Program (P.E.P.) Organizational Meeting – 9/28, 2:00 p.m.; St. Katherine Ladies Society Meeting – 10/7.

TODAY’S BULLETIN SPONSORS: paul and angie maniates

“may the love of jesus fill our hearts and lives!”

               HONOR GOD ALWAYS! – COME TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS & FEAST DAYS

CHRIST THE SAVIOR

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611