Publish-header
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-03-08
Bulletin Contents
Allsaint
Organization Icon
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (914) 235-6100
  • Fax:
  • (914) 235-0708
  • Street Address:

  • 10 Mill Road

  • New Rochelle, NY 10804
  • Mailing Address:

  • 10 Mill Road

  • New Rochelle, NY 10804


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Orthros begins at 9:00am; Divine Liturgy and Sunday School, 10:00am


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
BACK TO TOP

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2015

02/20/2015

In the hymns and services of the Triodion period and at the entrance of this holy season of Great Lent, we are called to repentance. We are invited to come before God in the humility of the Publican. We are beckoned to return to His dwelling and His compassionate embrace as the Prodigal Son. We are confronted with the causes of our separation from God and our need for His great mercy. It is truly a time of repentance as we prepare to commemorate and contemplate all that has been done for us through Christ our Lord.

Archbishop Demetrios Offers Condolences on the Slaying of Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya - Archdiocese to Participate in a Special Prayer Service

02/19/2015

After learning about the recent brutal slaying of twenty-one Coptic Orthodox Christians from Egypt by the members of ISIS, Archbishop Demetrios of America, on behalf of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, issued letters of condolences to the Coptic Orthodox Bishops in the United States. The Coptic Orthodox Christians were kidnapped in December and January from Libya and were held captive until their massacre.

FDF2015 - The largest gathering of Greek Orthodox Youth in the U.S.

02/16/2015

The 2015 Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF2015) just concluded another very successful year and its four-day weekend celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship. FDF is the largest gathering of Greek-Orthodox young people in the United States and arguably the largest youth festival of traditional Greek dancing in the world. Approximately 2,500 young people took part as dancers, musicians and singers, and more than 3,500 people attended in total, including parents, grandparents and friends.

Faith, Dance and Fellowship: 2015 Folk Dance and Choral Festival

02/12/2015

The 2015 Folk Dance and Choral Festival of the Metropolis of San Francisco begins today in Anaheim, California and will run through Sunday, Feb. 15. The renowned FDF event, now in its 39th year celebrates Faith, Dance and Fellowship and is the largest gathering of Greek Orthodox Youth in America, expected to surpass 3,000 people in attendance.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Feb. 12-23, 2015

02/10/2015

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Feb. 8-23, 2015

02/06/2015

Applications for the Christos and Georgia Trakatellis Fellowship for 2015-16

02/06/2015

he Christos and Georgia Trakatellis Fellowship Fund applications for the 2015-2016 academic year are now available from the Chancellor’s Office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

2015-2016 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships Available

02/04/2015

Applications and instructions for three scholarships administered by the Department of Philanthropy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America are available for awards to be made for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of St. Photios and Saint Photios National Shrine Day - February 6, 2015

02/03/2015

On this blessed Feast of Saint Photios, we offer our gratitude and support for our beloved Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida. For almost four decades, our National Shrine as been a place that honors the earliest roots of our Greek American experience, affirms the value of this experience and the role of our Hellenic heritage in this country, and offers a beautiful witness of the power and grace of our Orthodox faith.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day

01/26/2015

On this blessed Feast of the Three Hierarchs, we give thanks to God for the beautiful and faithful witness of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. Venerated on this day as great Teachers and Theologians, we also recognize them as representative of many great Saints of the Church who have conveyed truth, communicated divine wisdom, and offered an inspiring witness of the Gospel of love. For the depth of their teaching and their ardent defense of the faith, our hymns call all people to a universal celebration on this day.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Jan. 24 – Feb. 1, 2015

01/23/2015

Ionian Village Announces Summer 2015 Financial Aid Travel Grants by FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism

01/21/2015

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's summer travel program to Greece, Ionian Village, announces the continuation of the FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism sponsored scholarships. Now in its ninth consecutive year these full and partial financial aid grants will be awarded to those participants in the summer camps program in Greece who qualify for need-based financial aid.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Jan. 15-25, 2015

01/13/2015

2015 Archdiocesan Yearbook Now Available Online

01/09/2015

The 2015 Yearbook of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is now available online at www.goarch.org/archdiocese/yearbook. The Yearbook can also be downloaded from the website as a pdf and used as a digital book on tablets, smart phones and other digital reading devices.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Jan. 10-20, 2015

01/09/2015

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"


BACK TO TOP

Message from Archbishop Demetrios

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2015

02/20/2015

In the hymns and services of the Triodion period and at the entrance of this holy season of Great Lent, we are called to repentance. We are invited to come before God in the humility of the Publican. We are beckoned to return to His dwelling and His compassionate embrace as the Prodigal Son. We are confronted with the causes of our separation from God and our need for His great mercy. It is truly a time of repentance as we prepare to commemorate and contemplate all that has been done for us through Christ our Lord.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of St. Photios and Saint Photios National Shrine Day - February 6, 2015

02/03/2015

On this blessed Feast of Saint Photios, we offer our gratitude and support for our beloved Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida. For almost four decades, our National Shrine as been a place that honors the earliest roots of our Greek American experience, affirms the value of this experience and the role of our Hellenic heritage in this country, and offers a beautiful witness of the power and grace of our Orthodox faith.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day

01/26/2015

On this blessed Feast of the Three Hierarchs, we give thanks to God for the beautiful and faithful witness of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. Venerated on this day as great Teachers and Theologians, we also recognize them as representative of many great Saints of the Church who have conveyed truth, communicated divine wisdom, and offered an inspiring witness of the Gospel of love. For the depth of their teaching and their ardent defense of the faith, our hymns call all people to a universal celebration on this day.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Saint Basil and the New Year

12/29/2014

On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2014

12/16/2014

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Thanksgiving Day 2014

11/20/2014

These foundations of Thanksgiving Day, and its place within the history and life of this nation as a regular observance have made this a holiday shared by many as well as a time for families to gather in fellowship and gratitude. The focus on giving thanks to God, the attitude of gratefulness for the blessings in our lives, and the traditions centered upon the family resonate with our emphasis on the family as a dwelling of Christ and a witness of His Gospel.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels - November 8, 2014

11/05/2014

The blessed ministry of the angels is also reflected in the quality of care and compassionate service offered by our beloved Saint Michael’s Home. On this feast we recognize the faithful service of the trustees, directors, and staff, affirming that in a sacred environment, filled with the presence of God, they are being faithful to His command to offer comfort, love, and healing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries - November 1, 2014

10/28/2014

We are led in this effort by our National Ladies Philoptochos Society, and on Sunday, November 2, local chapters throughout our Holy Archdiocese will have a special offering for these ministries. I ask that you contribute generously to assist the work of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate at a time when critical needs there and throughout the Middle East are growing. As we are witnessing, long established ministries are challenged for resources as new humanitarian crises and desperate pleas for assistance are growing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day - October 28, 2014

10/21/2014

As we commemorate OXI Day on October 28 and remember the valiant stand of the people of Greece in 1940 against the advancement of the forces of Fascism, we are aware that struggles for freedom and peace and against tyranny are very much a part of our modern world. Just as some of us and most certainly our fathers and mothers saw and experienced the brutality and inhumane actions of an occupying force, so too we are witnesses today of persecution, violence, and death.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for National Leadership 100 Sunday - October 26, 2014

10/09/2014

On this Sunday, October 26, the Feast of Saint Demetrios and following the Feast of Saint Iakovos on October 23, we give thanks to God for the steadfast and abounding labor of the members of Leadership 100 and celebrate the great accomplishments of the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, as its celebration of its 30th Anniversary comes to a close.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

09/10/2014

We lift up the Cross because while it was used as an instrument of torture and indignity, it brought honor and glory to God. It was used as a means of ending life, but it became entrance to eternity. It was used as a violent weapon, but for believers it became a weapon of true peace. The Cross, a symbol of suffering and defeat, through Christ it became a symbol of hope and victory. Instead of death, our Lord through the Cross brought us life and abundance of life.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Ecclesiastical New Year and the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

08/27/2014

As we commemorate this Feast of the Indiction, the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year, we ask our great and merciful God to “bless the crown of this year which His goodness has allowed us to begin” (Hymn of Orthros). It is His goodness and grace that has brought us to the beginning of one more ecclesiastical year and to another blessed cycle of the feasts and observances of our Holy Orthodox Faith. In anticipation of the marvelous and wonderful things our Lord will accomplish in our lives, parishes, and families, we look forward to the blessings that will come through our worship, prayer, and service.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - August 15, 2014

08/11/2014

We commemorate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, honoring and celebrating her faith in God and the witness of the miraculous power of grace in her life through her willing obedience to His will. As a result of the amazing level of personal holiness and the abundance of grace, the Theotokos offers us a superb example of a relationship with God and a deep connection with Him that is essential for our lives and the sacred institution of the family.

Archbishop Demetrios calls for prayers for the Christians in the Middle East

07/29/2014

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, For decades, the region considered a cradle of civilization and the birthplace of Christianity has become an arena of violence, resulting in the loss of countless lives. While the source of violence has varied in each instance, what is consistent in every case is that the blood of innocent victims has saturated the Middle East. This is especially true of Christians, who have endured unimaginable suffering because of their faith.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Independence Day - July 4, 2014

06/27/2014

On this Independence Day we offer thanksgiving and praise to God for the freedom we have as human beings created in His divine image and as citizens of a nation that values, protects and promotes freedom as essential to human life, well-being, and potential. As Orthodox Christians we know and affirm that God is the source of our freedom because He is the absolutely Free and the Creator of genuine freedom.
BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For He doth not on all occasions require faith on the part of the sick only: as for instance, when they are insane, or in any other way, through their disease, are out of their own control. Or rather, in this case the sick man too had part in the faith; for he would not have suffered himself to be let down, unless he had believed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

Forasmuch then as they had evinced so great faith, He also evinces His own power ... He healed first that which is invisible, the soul, by forgiving his sins; ... He, in fact, in His abundance of counsel, made use of their envy for the manifestation of the miracle.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

BACK TO TOP

Parish News and Events

Parish News and Events

03/15/2015

SUNDAY OF THE VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Memorial for Helen Tsigrikes, Tanis Theodora Lefer.

Agape sponsored by the Tsigrikes Family in memory of Helen Tsigrikes.

The Holy Trinity Library invites everyone to come pick up your Lenten and Easter Books outside the Social hall.

 Services for the Week

Friday              March 13         3rd Salutation to the Virgin Mary.  7:00pm

Wednesday     March 18        Morning Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy, 10:00am

Friday              March 20         4th Salutation to the Virgin Mary.  7:00pm

Community Events for this Week

Monday, March, 16th            a.) Bible Study, Daskos Room, 7:00pm     

                                                b.) GOYA Let’s Get Cooking, Kitchen, 7:30pm  

Wednesday, March, 18th     a. ) Knitting for Charity, Library, 7:00pm

                                             b.) Parish Council Meeting, Social Hall, 7:30pm

Thursday, March,  19th        AHEPA, Social Hall, 7:30pm                       

Friday, March, 20th               a.) Mommy & Me, Foyer, 11:45am

                                         b.) Scouts,  6:30pm

Ministries of the Parish

We wish to extend sincere thanks to all of our fellow parishioners. Your generosity has enabled us to provide 105 pairs of glasses and frames to New Eyes For The Needy. We truly appreciate your kindness.   With much appreciation,  George and  Colleen Kourakos

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society-

COOKING FOR HOPE- Cooking For HOPE Please join us during this Lenten season to cook for the New Rochelle HOPE Soup Kitchen. Many people in our area, young and old, depend on HOPE for a hot meal. We will be cooking (in our Church kitchen) March 12th at 6:00pm, April 9th at 9:00am, May 7th at 6:00pm and June 11th at 6:00pm. If you would like to join us or have any questions please contact Stephanie Madouros (s.madouros@wssworldseas.com or 913-328-0347)

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE During this period of Great Lent our Lord’s words “…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…”take on renewed meaning. This week the Philoptochos will be handing out grocery bags for you to take home. While doing your food shopping during this Holy Lenten period please consider buying two extra items each week for the grocery bag. Each item you put in the bag represents a meal for someone who would otherwise go hungry. Thank you for your kind support. Please drop off your food donations in the bin located outside the Church office.

Homeless Outreach- Please join us for our monthly Homeless Outreach soup run on Thursdays, March 26, April 30, and May 28. We will meet in the church parking lot at 6:30 pm. Donations needed are the following:  At this time, we are not accepting winter clothing donations. We welcome donations of spring clothing – light jackets, t-shirts, men’s underwear and jeans. If you are interested in sponsoring a soup run ($150) or have any questions, please contact Despina Kartson (dkartson@juno.com or 917.603.7854) or Maria Scaros-Mercado (mscamer@hotmail.com or 203-531-5500 and 203-743-1819).

Midnight Run- Join us on Friday, May 1st at 8:00pm.Contact George Kourakos at 238-3302 for more info.

Knitting For Charity- Please join us Wednesday, March 18th, April 15th & May 20 in the Church library at 7:00pm. Contact Anthoula DeKnatel with any questions anthoulad@verizon.net or 914-723-6285.          

AHEPA - Please join us on Thursday, March 19 & April 16 in the social hall at 7:30pm.                                                                                                                                                                           

Young at Heart - promotes a happy and friendly environment for our seniors through monthly meetings and travel trips. Join us on Thursday, April 2nd from 11am to 2pm. Contact Cleo at 914-686-3005 for more Info.

Holy Trinity Theater Group~  SAVE THE DATE Saturday, May 9th The HT Theater GroupPresents Gus Chrysson in concert at Holy Trinity Greek orthodox Church, New Rochelle.  More info to follow…

   Sunday, March 29th, is the Greek Independence Day parade.

 

Greek Independence Day Parade: March 29th!

There will be a bus leaving the Church at 12:30pm. If you are planning to take the bus, please RSVP to Dinavarsou@gmail.com, no later than Thursday, March 26th.

Please provide your name and how many people are taking the bus.

 Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, March 14 at 7 pm - Looking East from Byzantium

The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Tickets start at $40. Use code East15 and save up to 40% on individual tickets. Valid online via metmuseum.org/tickets, via phone 212-570-3949, or at the Great Hall Box Office. Bring the kids for $1: One full-price adult ticket allows you to purchase up to three kids tickets for $1 each. For children ages 7–16.

Celebrating the Metropolitan Museum’s recent acquisition of four Byzantine icons, this performance traces the trajectory of music east from Byzantium. It also demonstrates the interconnectedness between Byzantine and Islamic chant and improvisation traditions through the remarkable playing of Mehmet Ali Sanlikol and master chanters Christos Chalkias and Eleftherios Eleftheriadis.

Presented in collaboration with the Axion Estin Foundation. Event website: http://metmuseum.org/events/programs/concerts-and-performances/looking-east-from-byzantium?eid=4825

 

Philoptochos Easter Lambades Sale

One of a kind, handmade Easter Lambades

Made with love by our Philoptochos.

Available on Sundays ~ March 15th, 22nd, 29th & April 5th

$15.00 each

The perfect gift for the children in your family.

  See us after Liturgy in the Social Hall.

THE PRAYER OF ST. EPHREM

O Lord and Master of my life, give me not the spirit of idleness, vain curiosity, lust for power and idle talk.

But give rather to me a spirit of purity, humility, patience and love.

Yea, Lord and King, grant me to see mine own sins and not to condemn any brother or sister.   For you are blessed, to the ages of ages. Amen.

 

Dear Fellow Parishioners, Our 2015 Easter Market is just around the corner!

As you know the Easter Market is our major fund raiser event and many of you have already asked how you can get involved and help out.   There are two ways:

1- Baking the goodies: It takes a lot of hands to bake and prepare all the wonderful Easter treats we sell at the Easter Market.

If you would like to help out, we are baking and packing March 24, 25, 27, 30, 31 April 1, 2, and 3.

2- Donations: We are always looking for ways to offset our expenses. Your donation can be made in actual items if you know of the appropriate people, or in cash donations and we will purchase the items for you. For your reference we have included a list of needed items.

Feta. 25 lbs (domestic is fine for cooking); sugar 140 lbs;  flour  75 lbs;  butter 90 lbs; eggs 2 cases (for baking and for red Easter eggs);  walnuts 25 lbs; almonds  5 lbs; powder sugar 7 lbs;  farina 7  lbs; baking powder 7 lbs; PHYLLO Two case #7 and 2 cases #4; Kadaifi phillo One Case;  We also need, Balsamic Vinegar, Cinnamon Powder, Honey, Wesson Oil, Large can of Tomatoes.

We also need olives and good Feta (the type for eating not cooking) which we will package and sell.

We all know the importance of having the supplies donated, your help is need and very much appreciated. 

If you have any questions please contact me (718)-543-8136  cell ( 917)-330-8979  or email ellencnyc@gmail.com. 

Thank you so much for all your help and support. We look forward to hearing from you.

 Ellen Constantinides

 

 

 

 


BACK TO TOP

Flyers of upcoming Events

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
March 08

Hermas the Apostle of the 70


Allsaint
March 08

Theophylact the Confessor, Bishop of Nicomedia

Theophylact was from the East; his native city is unknown. In Constantinople he became a close friend of Tarsius, who afterwards became Patriarch of Constantinople (see Feb. 25).Theophylact was made Bishop of Nicomedia. After the death of Saint Tarsius, his successor Nicephorus (see June 2) called together a number of Bishops to help him in fighting the iconoclasm of Emperor Leo the Armenian, who reigned from 813-820. Among them was Euthymius, Bishop of Sardis (celebrated Dec. 26), who had attended the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 - he was exiled three times for the sake of the holy icons, and for defying the Emperor Theophilus' command to renounce the veneration of the icons, was scourged from head to foot until his whole body was one great wound, from which he died eight days later, about the year 830; Joseph of Thessalonica (see July 14); Michael of Synnada (see May 23); Emilian, Bishop of Cyzicus (see Aug. 8); and Saint Theophylact, who boldly rebuked Leo to his face, telling him that because he despised the long-suffering of God, utter destruction was about to overtake him, and there would be none to deliver him. For this, Theophylact was exiled to the fortress of Strobilus in Karia of Asia Minor, where, after 30 years of imprisonment and hardship, he gave up his holy soul about the year 845. Leo the Armenian, according to the Saint's prophecy, was slain in church on the eve of our Lord's Nativity, in 820.


Allsaint
March 08

Paul the Confessor


02_palamas2
March 08

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


Allsaint
March 08

Dometios the Righteous


40martsb
March 09

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

These holy Martyrs, who came from various lands, were all soldiers under the same general. Taken into custody for their faith in Christ, and at first interrogated by cruel means, they were then stripped of their clothing and cast onto the frozen lake which is at Sebastia of Pontus, at a time when the harsh and freezing weather was at its worst. They endured the whole night naked in such circumstances, encouraging one another to be patient until the end. He that guarded them, named Aglaius, who was commanded to receive any of them that might deny Christ, had a vision in which he saw heavenly powers distributing crowns to all of the Martyrs, except one, who soon after abandoned the contest. Seeing this, Aglaius professed himself a Christian and joined the Martyrs on the lake, and the number of forty remained complete. In the morning, when they were almost dead from the cold, they were cast into fire, after which their remains were thrown into the river. Thus they finished the good course of martyrdom in 320, during the reign of Licinius. These are their names: Acacius, Aetius, Aglaius, Alexander, Angus, Athanasius, Candidus, Chudion, Claudius, Cyril, Cyrion, Dometian, Domnus, Ecdicius, Elias, Eunoicus, Eutyches, Eutychius, Flavius, Gaius, Gorgonius, Helianus, Heraclius, Hesychius, John, Lysimachus, Meliton, Nicholas, Philoctemon, Priscus, Sacerdon, Severian, Sisinius, Smaragdus, Theodulus, Theophilus, Valens, Valerius, Vivianus, and Xanthias.


Allsaint
March 09

Caesarios the Righteous


Allsaint
March 10

Quadratus the Martyr & his Companions

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in Corinth during the reign of the Emperor Valerian (253-260).


Allsaint
March 10

Anastasia of Alexandria


Allsaint
March 11

Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in Damascus. As a young man he became a monk at the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch in Palestine, where he met John Moschus and became his close friend. Having a common desire to search out ascetics from whom they could receive further spiritual instruction, they journeyed together through Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, and Egypt, where they met the Patriarch of Alexandria, Saint John the Almsgiver, with whom they remained until 614, when Persians captured Jerusalem (see also Saint Anastasius the Persian, Jan. 22). Saint Sophronius and John Moschus departed Alexandria for Rome, where they remained until 619, the year of John Moschus' death. Saint Sophronius returned to the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch, and there buried the body of his friend. He laboured much in defence of the Holy Fourth Council of Chalcedon, and traveled to Constantinople to remonstrate with Patriarch Sergius and the Emperor Heraclius for changing the Orthodox Faith with their Monothelite teachings. After the death of Patriarch Modestus in December of 634, Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem. Although no longer in the hands of the Persians, the Holy Land was now besieged by the armies of the newly-appeared religion of Mohammed, which had already taken Bethlehem; in the Saint's sermon for the Nativity of our Lord in 634, he laments that he could not celebrate the feast in Bethlehem. In 637, for the sins of the people, to the uttermost grief of Saint Sophronius, the Caliph Omar captured Jerusalem. Having tended the flock of his Master for three years and three months, Saint Sophronius departed in peace unto Him Whom he loved on March 11, 638.

Saint Sophronius has left to the Church many writings, including the life of Saint Mary of Egypt. The hymn "O Joyous Light," which is wrongly ascribed to him, is more ancient than Saint Basil the Great, as the Saint himself confirms in his work "On the Holy Spirit" (ch. 29). However, it seems that this hymn, which was chanted at the lighting of the lamps and was formerly called "The Triadic Hymn," was later supplemented somewhat by Saint Sophronius, bringing it into the form in which we now have it. Hence, some have ascribed it to him.


Allsaint
March 11

Theodora the Righteous


Allsaint
March 11

Pionios the Presbyter


Allsaint
March 11

George the New Wonderworker of Constantinople


Allsaint
March 12

Theophanes the Confessor

Saint Theophanes, who was born in 760, was the son of illustrious parents. Assenting to their demand, he married and became a member of the Emperor's ceremonial bodyguard. Later, with the consent of his wife, he forsook the world. Indeed, both of them embraced the monastic life, struggling in the monastic houses they themselves had established. He died on March 12, 815, on the island of Samothrace, whereto, because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he had been exiled by Leo the Armenian, the Iconoclast Emperor.


Symeonnewspious
March 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.


Allsaint
March 12

Gregory Dialogos, Bishop of Rome

Saint Gregory was born in Rome to noble and wealthy parents about the year 540. While the Saint was still young, his father died. However, his mother, Sylvia, saw to it that her child received a good education in both secular and spiritual learning. He became Prefect of Rome and sought to please God even while in the world; later, he took up the monastic life; afterwards he was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, apocrisiarius (representative or Papal legate) to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590. He is renowned especially for his writings and great almsgiving, and also because, on his initiative, missionary work began among the Anglo-Saxon people. It is also from him that Gregorian Chant takes its name; the chanting he had heard at Constantinople had deeply impressed him, and he imported many elements of it into the ecclesiastical chant of Rome. He served as Bishop of that city from 590 to 604.


Allsaint
March 13

Removal of the relics of Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople

The main feast day of this Saint is June 2. The translation of his holy relics took place in 846, when Saint Methodius (see June 14) was Ecumenical Patriarch.


Allsaint
March 13

Pouplios the Martyr, Bishop of Athens


Lastjudgement
March 14

Third Saturday of Lent


Benedict
March 14

Benedict the Righteous of Nursia

This Saint, whose name means "blessed," was born in 480 in Nursia, a small town about seventy miles northeast of Rome. He struggled in asceticism from his youth in deserted regions, where his example drew many who desired to emulate him. Hence, he ascended Mount Cassino in Campania and built a monastery there. The Rule that he gave his monks, which was inspired by the writings of Saint John Cassian, Saint Basil the Great, and other Fathers, became a pattern for monasticism in the West; because of this, he is often called the first teacher of monks in the West. He reposed in 547.


Allsaint
March 14

Euschemon the Confessor, Bishop of Lampasakos


03_calvary
March 15

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.


Allsaint
March 15

Agapius the Martyr & His Companions

The holy Martyrs contested for piety's sake during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), when Urban was Governor of Caesarea of Palestine. When Urban had commanded that together with a heathen festival, certain condemned Christians be publicly cast to wild beasts, Timolaus, a native of Pontus, Dionysius of Tripolis in Phoenicia, Romulus of Diospolis, Plesius (or Paisius) and Alexander from Egypt, and another Alexander from Gaza, tied their own hands and presented themselves to Urban when the exhibition was about to begin, professing their faith in Christ; they were immediately cast into prison. A few days later Agapios and Dionysius also presented themselves. All were beheaded together at Caesarea. Their martyrdom is recorded by Eusebius (Eccl. Hist.,Book VIII, ch.3, called The Martyrs of Palestine).


Allsaint
March 15

Manuel the New Martyr of Crete


Allsaint
March 15

Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain

Saint Aristobulos, the brother of Saint Barnabas, was ordained to be bishop in Britain by the Apostle Paul, who mentions him in his epistle to the Romans (16:10). He suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans, but also brought many to Christ. Having established the Church there, he finally reposed in peace.


BACK TO TOP