Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.

Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾍδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος. Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.

Saints and Feasts

May 17

Athanasios, Archbishop of Christianopolis

May 17

The Holy Apostles Andronicus and Junia

These Apostles are mentioned by Saint Paul in his Epistle to the Romans, where he writes: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the Apostles, who also were in Christ before me" (Rom. 16:7).

May 17

Holy Godbearing Nectarius, the Builder of the Holy Monastery of Varlaam of Meteora

May 17

Sunday of the Blind Man

The Lord Jesus was coming from the Temple on the Sabbath, when, while walking in the way, He saw the blind man mentioned in today's Gospel. This man had been born thus from his mother's womb, that is, he had been born without eyes (see Saint John Chrysostom, Homily LVI on Matthew; Saint Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V:15; and the second Exorcism of Saint Basil the Great). When the disciples saw this, they asked their Teacher, "Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" They asked this because when the Lord had healed the paralytic at the Sheep's Pool, He had told him, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14); so they wondered, if sickness was caused by sin, what sin could have been the cause of his being born without eyes. But the Lord answered that this was for the glory of God. Then the God-man spat on the ground and made clay with the spittle. He anointed the eyes of the blind man and said to him, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam." Siloam (which means "sent") was a well-known spring in Jerusalem used by the inhabitants for its waters, which flowed to the eastern side of the city and collected in a large pool called "the Pool of Siloam."

Therefore, the Saviour sent the blind man to this pool that he might wash his eyes, which had been anointed with the clay-not that the pool's water had such power, but that the faith and obedience of the one sent might be made manifest, and that the miracle might become more remarkable and known to all, and leave no room for doubt. Thus, the blind man believed in Jesus' words, obeyed His command, went and washed himself, and returned, no longer blind, but having eyes and seeing. This was the greatest miracle that our Lord had yet worked; as the man healed of his blindness himself testified, "Since time began, never was it heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind," although the Lord had already healed the blind eyes of many. Because he now had eyes, some even doubted that he was the same person (John 9:8-9); and it was still lively in their remembrance when Christ came to the tomb of Lazarus, for they said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died?" Saint John Chrysostom gives a thorough and brilliant exposition of our Lord's meeting with the woman of Samaria, the healing of the paralytic, and the miracle of the blind man in his commentaries on the Gospel of Saint John.

May 18

Holy Martyrs: Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, Paul, Christina, Heraclius, Paulinus and Benedimus

These Saints all contested in martyrdom during the reign of Decius (249-251)- Peter was from Lampsacus in the Hellespont. For refusing to offer sacrifice to the idol of Aphrodite, his whole body was crushed and broken with chains and pieces of wood on a torture-wheel; having endured this torment courageously, he gave up his soul.

Paul and Andrew were soldiers from Mesopotamia brought to Athens with their governor, there they were put in charge of two captive Christians, Dionysios and Christina. The soldiers, seeing the beauty of the virgin Christina, attempted to move her to commit sin with them, but she refused and, by her admonitions, brought them to faith in Christ. They and Dionysios were stoned to death, and Christina was beheaded.

Heraclius, Paulinus, and Benedimus were Athenians, and preachers of the Gospel who turned many of the heathen from their error to the light of Christ. Brought before the governor, they confessed their Faith, and after many torments were beheaded.

May 19

Patrick the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Prusa and His Fellow Martyrs Acacius, Menander, and Polyaenus

Saint Patrick was Bishop of Prusa, a city in Bithynia (the present-day Brusa or Bursa). Because of his Christian Faith, he was brought before Julius (or Julian) the Consul, who in his attempts to persuade Patrick to worship as he himself did, declared that thanks was owed to the gods for providing the hot springs welling up from the earth for the benefit of men. Saint Patrick answered that thanks for this was owed to our Lord Jesus Christ, and explained that when He, Who is God, created the earth, He made it with both fire and water, and the fire under the earth heats the water which wells up, producing hot springs; he then explained that there is another fire, which awaits the ungodly. Because of this, he was cast into the hot springs, but it was the soldiers who cast him in, and not he, who were harmed by the hot water. After this Saint Patrick was beheaded with the presbyters Acacius, Menander, and Polyaenus. Most likely, this was during the reign of Diocletian (284-305).

May 20

Apodosis of Pascha

May 20

The Holy Martyr Thalleleus

Saint Thalleleus was from the region of Lebanon in Phoenicia, the son of Berucius, a Christian bishop; his mother's name was Romula. Raised in piety, he was trained as a physician. Because of the persecution of Numerian, the Saint departed to Cilicia, and in Anazarbus he hid himself in an olive grove; but he was seized and taken to Aegae of Cilicia to Theodore, the ruler. After many torments he was beheaded in 284. Saint Thalleleus is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

May 21

Holy Ascension

The Lord Jesus passed forty days on earth after His Resurrection from the dead, appearing continually in various places to His disciples, with whom He also spoke, ate, and drank, thereby further demonstrating His Resurrection. On this Thursday, the fortieth day after Pascha, He appeared again in Jerusalem. After He had first spoken to the disciples about many things, He gave them His last commandment, that is, that they go forth and proclaim His Name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. But He also commanded them that for the present, they were not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait there together until they receive power from on high, when the Holy Spirit would come upon them.

Saying these things, He led them to the Mount of Olives, and raising His hands, He blessed them; and saying again the words of the Father's blessing, He was parted from them and taken up. Immediately a cloud of light, a proof of His majesty, received Him. Sitting thereon as though on a royal chariot, He was taken up into Heaven, and after a short time was concealed from the sight of the disciples, who remained where they were with their eyes fixed on Him. At this point, two Angels in the form of men in white raiment appeared to them and said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, Who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven" (Acts 1:11). These words, in a complete and concise manner, declare what is taught in the Symbol of Faith concerning the Son and Word of God. Therefore, having so fulfilled all His dispensation for us, our Lord Jesus Christ ascended in glory into Heaven, and sat at the right hand of God the Father. As for His sacred disciples, they returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, rejoicing because Christ had promised to send them the Holy Spirit.

It should be noted that the Mount of Olives is a Sabbath's day journey from Jerusalem, that is, the distance a Jew was permitted to walk on the day of the Sabbath. Ecumenius writes, "A Sabbath day's journey is one mile in length, as Clement says in his fifth Stromatis; it is two thousand cubits, as the Interpretation of the Acts states." They draw this conclusion from the fact that, while they were in the wilderness, the Israelites of old kept within this distance from the Holy Tabernacle, whither they walked on the Sabbath day to worship God.

May 22

Basiliscus the Martyr, Bishop of Comana

This Martyr was from the city of Amasia on the Black Sea, and a nephew of Saint Theodore the Tyro (Feb. 17). When his fellow Martyrs Eutropius and Cleonicus had been crucified (see Mar.8), Basiliscus was shut up in prison. As he was praying the Lord to count him also worthy to finish his course as a martyr, the Lord appeared to him, telling him first to go to his kinsmen and bid them farewell, which he did. When it was learned that he had left the prison, soldiers came after him, and brought him to Comana of Cappadocia, compelling him to walk in iron shoes set with nails. He was beheaded at Comana, and his body was cast into the river, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305).

May 21

Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles

This great and renowned sovereign of the Christians was the son of Constantius Chlorus (the ruler of the westernmost parts of the Roman empire), and of the blessed Helen. He was born in 272, in (according to some authorities) Naissus of Dardania, a city on the Hellespont. In 306, when his father died, he was proclaimed successor to his throne. In 312, on learning that Maxentius and Maximinus had joined forces against him, he marched into Italy, where, while at the head of his troops, he saw in the sky after midday, beneath the sun, a radiant pillar in the form of a cross with the words: "By this shalt thou conquer." The following night, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream and declared to him the power of the Cross and its significance. When he arose in the morning, he immediately ordered that a labarum be made (which is a banner or standard of victory over the enemy) in the form of a cross, and he inscribed on it the Name of Jesus Christ. On the 28th Of October, he attacked and mightily conquered Maxentius, who drowned in the Tiber River while fleeing. The following day, Constantine entered Rome in triumph and was proclaimed Emperor of the West by the Senate, while Licinius, his brother-in-law, ruled in the East. But out of malice, Licinius later persecuted the Christians. Constantine fought him once and again, and utterly destroyed him in 324, and in this manner he became monarch over the West and the East. Under him and because of him all the persecutions against the Church ceased. Christianity triumphed and idolatry was overthrown. In 325 he gathered the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which he himself personally addressed. In 324, in the ancient city of Byzantium, he laid the foundations of the new capital of his realm, and solemnly inaugurated it on May 11, 330, naming it after himself, Constantinople. Since the throne of the imperial rule was transferred thither from Rome, it was named New Rome, the inhabitants of its domain were called Romans, and it was considered the continuation of the Roman Empire. Falling ill near Nicomedia, he requested to receive divine Baptism, according to Eusebius (The Life of Constantine. Book IV, 61-62), and also according to Socrates and Sozomen; and when he had been deemed worthy of the Holy Mysteries, he reposed in 337, on May 21 or 22, the day of Pentecost, having lived sixty-five years, of which he ruled for thirty-one years. His remains were transferred to Constantinople and were deposed in the Church of the Holy Apostles, which had been built by him (see Homily XXVI on Second Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom).

As for his holy mother Helen, after her son had made the Faith of Christ triumphant throughout the Roman Empire, she undertook a journey to Jerusalem and found the Holy Cross on which our Lord was crucified (see Sept. 13 and 14). After this, Saint Helen, in her zeal to glorify Christ, erected churches in Jerusalem at the sites of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, in Bethlehem at the cave where our Saviour was born, another on the Mount of Olives whence He ascended into Heaven, and many others throughout the Holy Land, Cyprus, and elsewhere. She was proclaimed Augusta, her image was stamped upon golden coins, and two cities were named Helenopolis after her in Bithynia and in Palestine. Having been thus glorified for her piety, she departed to the Lord being about eighty years of age, according to some in the year 330, according to others, in 336.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that He had said these things to her.

Eighth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:11-18

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, Μαρία δὲ εἱστήκει πρὸς τῷ μνημείῳ κλαίουσα ἔξω. ὡς οὖν ἔκλαιε, παρέκυψεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον καὶ θεωρεῖ δύο ἀγγέλους ἐν λευκοῖς καθεζομένους, ἕνα πρὸς τῇ κεφαλῇ καὶ ἕνα πρὸς τοῖς ποσίν, ὅπου ἔκειτο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ. καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῇ ἐκεῖνοι· γύναι, τί κλαίεις; λέγει αὐτοῖς· ὅτι ἦραν τὸν Κύριόν μου, καὶ οὐκ οἶδα ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. καὶ ταῦτα εἰποῦσα ἐστράφη εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν ἑστῶτα, καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐστι. λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· γύναι, τί κλαίεις; τίνα ζητεῖς; ἐκείνη δοκοῦσα ὅτι ὁ κηπουρός ἐστι, λέγει αὐτῷ· κύριε, εἰ σὺ ἐβάστασας αὐτόν, εἰπέ μοι ποῦ ἔθηκας αὐτόν, κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἀρῶ. λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· Μαρία. στραφεῖσα ἐκείνη λέγει αὐτῷ· ῥαββουνί, ὃ λέγεται, διδάσκαλε. λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· μή μου ἅπτου· οὔπω γὰρ ἀναβέβηκα πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου· πορεύου δὲ πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφούς μου καὶ εἰπὲ αὐτοῖς· ἀναβαίνω πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου καὶ πατέρα ὑμῶν, καὶ Θεόν μου καὶ Θεὸν ὑμῶν. ἔρχεται Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἀπαγγέλλουσα τοῖς μαθηταῖς ὅτι ἑώρακε τὸν Κύριον, καὶ ταῦτα εἶπεν αὐτῇ.

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 16:16-34

IN THOSE DAYS, as we apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by soothsaying. She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said, "These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God.

Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 16:16-34

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, ἐγένετο δὲ πορευομένων ἡμῶν εἰς προσευχὴν παιδίσκην τινὰ ἔχουσαν πνεῦμα πύθωνος ἀπαντῆσαι ἡμῖν, ἥτις ἐργασίαν πολλὴν παρεῖχε τοῖς κυρίοις αὐτῆς μαντευομένη.αὕτη κατακολουθήσασα τῷ Παύλῳ καὶ τῷ Σίλᾳ ἔκραζε λέγουσα· οὗτοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι δοῦλοι τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου εἰσίν, οἵτινες καταγγέλλουσιν ἡμῖν ὁδὸν σωτηρίας. τοῦτο δὲ ἐποίει ἐπὶ πολλὰς ἡμέρας. διαπονηθεὶς δὲ ὁ Παῦλος καὶ ἐπιστρέψας τῷ πνεύματι εἶπε· παραγγέλλω σοι ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐξελθεῖν ἀπ᾿ αὐτῆς. καὶ ἐξῆλθεν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ. ᾿Ιδόντες δὲ οἱ κύριοι αὐτῆς ὅτι ἐξῆλθεν ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς ἐργασίας αὐτῶν, ἐπιλαβόμενοι τὸν Παῦλον καὶ τὸν Σίλαν εἵλκυσαν εἰς τὴν ἀγορὰν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἄρχοντας, καὶ προσαγαγόντες αὐτοὺς τοῖς στρατηγοῖς εἶπον· οὗτοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐκταράσσουσιν ἡμῶν τὴν πόλιν ᾿Ιουδαῖοι ὑπάρχοντες, καὶ καταγγέλλουσιν ἔθη ἃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν ἡμῖν παραδέχεσθαι οὐδὲ ποιεῖν ῾Ρωμαίοις οὖσι. καὶ συνεπέστη ὁ ὄχλος κατ᾿ αὐτῶν. καὶ οἱ στρατηγοὶ περιρρήξαντες αὐτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐκέλευον ῥαβδίζειν, πολλάς τε ἐπιθέντες αὐτοῖς πληγὰς ἔβαλον εἰς φυλακήν, παραγγείλαντες τῷ δεσμοφύλακι ἀσφαλῶς τηρεῖν αὐτούς· ὃς παραγγελίαν τοιαύτην εἰληφὼς ἔβαλεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν ἐσωτέραν φυλακὴν καὶ τοὺς πόδας αὐτῶν ἠσφαλίσατο εἰς τὸ ξύλον. Κατὰ δὲ τὸ μεσονύκτιον Παῦλος καὶ Σίλας προσευχόμενοι ὕμνουν τὸν Θεόν· ἐπηκροῶντο δὲ αὐτῶν οἱ δέσμιοι. ἄφνω δὲ σεισμὸς ἐγένετο μέγας, ὥστε σαλευθῆναι τὰ θεμέλια τοῦ δεσμωτηρίου, ἀνεῴχθησάν τε παραχρῆμα αἱ θύραι πᾶσαι καὶ πάντων τὰ δεσμὰ ἀνέθη. ἔξυπνος δὲ γενόμενος ὁ δεσμοφύλαξ καὶ ἰδὼν ἀνεῳγμένας τὰς θύρας τῆς φυλακῆς, σπασάμενος μάχαιραν ἔμελλεν ἑαυτὸν ἀναιρεῖν, νομίζων ἐκπεφευγέναι τοὺς δεσμίους. ἐφώνησε δὲ φωνῇ μεγάλῃ ὁ Παῦλος λέγων· μηδὲν πράξῃς σεαυτῷ κακόν· ἅπαντες γάρ ἐσμεν ἐνθάδε. αἰτήσας δὲ φῶτα εἰσεπήδησε, καὶ ἔντρομος γενόμενος προσέπεσε τῷ Παύλῳ καὶ τῷ Σίλᾳ,καὶ προαγαγὼν αὐτοὺς ἔξω ἔφη· κύριοι, τί με δεῖ ποιεῖν ἵνα σωθῶ; οἱ δὲ εἶπον· πίστευσον ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον ᾿Ιησοῦν Χριστόν, καὶ σωθήσῃ σὺ καὶ ὁ οἶκός σου. καὶ ἐλάλησαν αὐτῷ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ. καὶ παραλαβὼν αὐτοὺς ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ τῆς νυκτὸς ἔλουσεν ἀπὸ τῶν πληγῶν, καὶ ἐβαπτίσθη αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ αὐτοῦ πάντες παραχρῆμα, ἀναγαγών τε αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ παρέθηκε τράπεζαν, καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο πανοικὶ πεπιστευκὼς τῷ Θεῷ.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Blind Man
The Reading is from John 9:1-38

At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe": and he worshiped him.

Sunday of the Blind Man
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 9:1-38

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παράγων εἶδεν ἄνθρωπον τυφλὸν ἐκ γενετῆς. Καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ λέγοντες· ῥαββί, τίς ἥμαρτεν, οὗτος ἢ οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ, ἵνα τυφλὸς γεννηθῇ; ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς· οὔτε οὗτος ἥμαρτεν οὔτε οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα φανερωθῇ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ. ἐμὲ δεῖ ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα τοῦ πέμψαντός με ἕως ἡμέρα ἐστίν· ἔρχεται νὺξ ὅτε οὐδεὶς δύναται ἐργάζεσθαι. ὅταν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ᾦ, φῶς εἰμι τοῦ κόσμου. ταῦτα εἰπὼν ἔπτυσε χαμαὶ καὶ ἐποίησε πηλὸν ἐκ τοῦ πτύσματος, καὶ ἐπέχρισε τὸν πηλὸν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ τυφλοῦ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ὕπαγε νίψαι εἰς τὴν κολυμβήθραν τοῦ Σιλωάμ, ὃ ἑρμηνεύεται ἀπεσταλμένος. ἀπῆλθεν οὖν καὶ ἐνίψατο, καὶ ἦλθε βλέπων. Οἱ οὖν γείτονες καὶ οἱ θεωροῦντες αὐτὸν τὸ πρότερον ὅτι τυφλὸς ἦν, ἔλεγον· οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ καθήμενος καὶ προσαιτῶν; ἄλλοι ἔλεγον ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν· ἄλλοι δὲ ὅτι ὅμοιος αὐτῷ ἐστιν. ἐκεῖνος ἔλεγεν ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι. ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ· πῶς ἀνεῴχθησάν σου οἱ ὀφθαλμοί; ἀπεκρίθη ἐκεῖνος καὶ εἶπεν· ἄνθρωπος λεγόμενος ᾿Ιησοῦς πηλὸν ἐποίησε καὶ ἐπέχρισέ μου τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς καὶ εἶπέ μοι· ὕπαγε εἰς τὴν κολυμβήθραν τοῦ Σιλωὰμ καὶ νίψαι· ἀπελθὼν δὲ καὶ νιψάμενος ἀνέβλεψα. εἶπον οὖν αὐτῷ· ποῦ ἐστιν ἐκεῖνος; λέγει· οὐκ οἶδα. ῎Αγουσιν αὐτὸν πρὸς τοὺς Φαρισαίους, τόν ποτε τυφλόν. ἦν δὲ σάββατον ὅτε τὸν πηλὸν ἐποίησεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ ἀνέῳξεν αὐτοῦ τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς. πάλιν οὖν ἠρώτων αὐτὸν καὶ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι πῶς ἀνέβλεψεν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· πηλὸν ἐπέθηκέ μου ἐπὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς, καὶ ἐνιψάμην, καὶ βλέπω. ἔλεγον οὖν ἐκ τῶν Φαρισαίων τινές· οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὐκ ἔστι παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅτι τὸ σάββατον οὐ τηρεῖ. ἄλλοι ἔλεγον· πῶς δύναται ἄνθρωπος ἁμαρτωλὸς τοιαῦτα σημεῖα ποιεῖν; καὶ σχίσμα ἦν ἐν αὐτοῖς. λέγουσι τῷ τυφλῷ πάλιν· σὺ τί λέγεις περὶ αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἤνοιξέ σου τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν ὅτι προφήτης ἐστίν. οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν οὖν οἱ ᾿Ιουδαῖοι περὶ αὐτοῦ ὅτι τυφλὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέβλεψεν, ἕως ὅτου ἐφώνησαν τοὺς γονεῖς αὐτοῦ τοῦ ἀναβλέψαντος καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτοὺς λέγοντες· οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς ὑμῶν, ὃν ὑμεῖς λέγετε ὅτι τυφλὸς ἐγεννήθη; πῶς οὖν ἄρτι βλέπει; ἀπεκρίθησαν δὲ αὐτοῖς οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπον· οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς ἡμῶν καὶ ὅτι τυφλὸς ἐγεννήθη· πῶς δὲ νῦν βλέπει οὐκ οἴδαμεν, ἢ τίς ἤνοιξεν αὐτοῦ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ἡμεῖς οὐκ οἴδαμεν· αὐτὸς ἡλικίαν ἔχει, αὐτὸν ἐρωτήσατε, αὐτὸς περὶ ἑαυτοῦ λαλήσει. ταῦτα εἶπον οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἐφοβοῦντο τοὺς ᾿Ιουδαίους· ἤδη γὰρ συνετέθειντο οἱ ᾿Ιουδαῖοι ἵνα, ἐάν τις αὐτὸν ὁμολογήσῃ Χριστόν, ἀποσυνάγωγος γένηται. διὰ τοῦτο οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ εἶπον ὅτι ἡλικίαν ἔχει, αὐτὸν ἐρωτήσατε. ἐφώνησαν οὖν ἐκ δευτέρου τὸν ἄνθρωπον ὃς ἦν τυφλός, καὶ εἶπον αὐτῷ· δὸς δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ· ἡμεῖς οἴδαμεν ὅτι ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος ἁμαρτωλός ἐστιν. ἀπεκρίθη οὖν ἐκεῖνος καὶ εἶπεν· εἰ ἁμαρτωλός ἐστιν οὐκ οἶδα· ἓν οἶδα, ὅτι τυφλὸς ὢν ἄρτι βλέπω. εἶπον δὲ αὐτῷ πάλιν· τί ἐποίησέ σοι; πῶς ἤνοιξέ σου τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς; ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς· εἶπον ὑμῖν ἤδη, καὶ οὐκ ἠκούσατε· τί πάλιν θέλετε ἀκούειν; μὴ καὶ ὑμεῖς θέλετε αὐτοῦ μαθηταὶ γενέσθαι; ἐλοιδόρησαν αὐτὸν καὶ εἶπον· σὺ εἶ μαθητὴς ἐκείνου· ἡμεῖς δὲ τοῦ Μωϋσέως ἐσμὲν μαθηταί. ἡμεῖς οἴδαμεν ὅτι Μωϋσεῖ λελάληκεν ὁ Θεός· τοῦτον δὲ οὐκ οἴδαμεν πόθεν ἐστίν. ἀπεκρίθη ὁ ἄνθρωπος καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ἐν γὰρ τούτῳ θαυμαστόν ἐστιν, ὅτι ὑμεῖς οὐκ οἴδατε πόθεν ἐστί, καὶ ἀνέῳξέ μου τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς. οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἀκούει, ἀλλ᾽ ἐάν τις θεοσεβὴς ᾖ καὶ τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ ποιῇ, τούτου ἀκούει. ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος οὐκ ἠκούσθη ὅτι ἤνοιξέ τις ὀφθαλμοὺς τυφλοῦ γεγεννημένου. εἰ μὴ ἦν οὗτος παρὰ Θεοῦ, οὐκ ἠδύνατο ποιεῖν οὐδέν.ἀπεκρίθησαν καὶ εἶπον αὐτῷ· ἐν ἁμαρτίαις σὺ ἐγεννήθης ὅλος, καὶ σὺ διδάσκεις ἡμᾶς; καὶ ἐξέβαλον αὐτὸν ἔξω.

῎Ηκουσεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἐξέβαλον αὐτὸν ἔξω, καὶ εὑρὼν αὐτὸν εἶπεν αὐτῷ· σὺ πιστεύεις εἰς τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ; ἀπεκρίθη ἐκεῖνος καὶ εἶπε· καὶ τίς ἐστι, Κύριε, ἵνα πιστεύσω εἰς αὐτόν; εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· καὶ ἑώρακας αὐτὸν καὶ ὁ λαλῶν μετὰ σοῦ ἐκεῖνός ἐστιν. ὁ δὲ ἔφη· πιστεύω, Κύριε· καὶ προσεκύνησεν αὐτῷ.

Wisdom of the Fathers

What could equal these souls? These men had been scourged, had received many, stripes, they had been misused, were in peril of their lives, were thrust into the inner prison, and set fast in the stocks: and for all this they did not suffer themselves to sleep, but kept vigil all the night. Do you mark what a blessing tribulation is? ...That the earthquake should not seem to have come of itself, there was this concurrent circumstance, bearing witness to it: "the doors were opened, and all their bonds were loosed." And it appears in the night-time; for the Apostles did not work for display, but for men's salvation...Here, they did but show the doors standing open, and it opened the doors of his heart, it loosed two sorts of chains; that (prisoner) kindled the (true) light; for the light in his heart was shining. "And he sprang in, and fell before them;" and he does not ask, How is this? What is this? but straightway he says, "What must I do to be saved?" What then answers Paul? "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thine house." (v. 31.) For this above all, wins men: that one's house also should be saved ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 36 on Acts 16, 4th Century

But I assert that he even received benefit from his blindness: since he recovered the sight of the eyes within.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 56 on John 9, 4th Century

When, then, have they taken place, save when the Word of God Himself came in the body? Or when did He come, if not when lame men walked, and stammerers were made to speak plain, and deaf men heard, and men blind from birth regained their sight? For this was the very thing the Jews said who then witnessed it, because they had not heard of these things having taken place at any other time.

St. Athanasius

Incarnation of the Word 38, 4th Century

The work of God is, after all, the forming of man. He did this by an outward action, as Scripture says, 'And the Lord took clay from earth, and formed man.' Notice here too how the Lord spit on the earth, and made clay and smeared it on his eyes, showing how the ancient creation was made. He was making clear to those who can understand, that this was the [same] hand of God through which man was formed from clay.

St. Irenaeus

Against Heresies. 5.15.2. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 324.

May 2015 Monthly Calendar

May 2015:

Sunday, May 3, 2015- Sunday of the Paralytic

Holy Martyrs Timothy & Mavra; St. Peter the Wonderworker

Epistle: Acts 9:32-42;

Gospel: John 5:1-13 (pp 50-52) [Healing of Paralytic]

9:00 am Orthros/10:15 am Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, May 6 through Saturday, May 9- GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL!

Sunday, May 10, 2015- Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

(St. Svetlana/Photini);

Mothers' Day

St. Simon the Zealot and Apostle; St. Laurence of Egypt

Epistle: Acts 11:19-30;

Gospel: John 4:5-12 (pp 52-56) [Samaritan Woman at the Well]

9:00 am Orthros/10:15 am Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, May 13, 2015- Ahepa Meeting at 7pm in Church Hall

Sunday, May 17, 2015- Sunday of the Blind Man

Holy Martyrs Andronikos & Junia; St. Nectarios of Varlaam

Epistle: Acts 16:16-34;

Gospel: John 9:1-38 (pp 56-60) [Healing of Blind Man]

9:00 am Orthros/10:15 am Divine Liturgy

AHEPA DAY; MEMORIAL FOR DEPARTED AHEPAN BROTHERS; AHEPA SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION

Memorial Service for Mrs. Fotini Tsioles

Thursday, May 21, 2015- Holy Ascension of the Lord;

Sts. Constantine & Helen

Epistle: Acts 6:1-7;

Gospel: Mark 15:43-47 [Holy Ascension of the Lord]

9:00 am Orthros/10:15 am Divine Liturgy

Friday, May 22, 2015 - Monday, Memorial Day, May 25, 2015 – St. Tikhon's Memorial Day Weekend Retreat

Sunday, May 24, 2015- Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council;

St. Simeon the Stylite; St. Vincent of Lerins

Epistle: Acts 20:16-18;28-36

Gospel: John 17:1-13 (pp. 60-62) [Glorify Thy Son]

9:00 am Orthros/10:15 am Divine Liturgy

ONE YEAR MEMORIAL IRENE PLINK

Sunday, May 31, 2015- Holy Pentecost—Descent of the Holy Spirit; Holy Trinity Day;

St. Hermias the Martyr at Comana

Epistle: Acts 2:1-11;

Gospel: John 7:37-52;8-12 (pp 62-64) [Descent of Holy Spirit]

9:00 am Orthros/10:15 am Divine Liturgy/Kneeling Vespers

Visit annunciationwb.pa.goarch.org for more information.

Ancient Faith Radio

The Samaritan Woman

05/12/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_samaritan_woman#24786

St. Photini was going about her daily business - probably things had been going wrong (otherwise why would she be there at such a hot time of day?). What happened next was that her life was completely changed. You too: allow for the Lord to come to you in your everyday life - the result will be surprising!

The Paralyzed Man

05/06/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_paralyzed_man#24680

Does anyone notice any difference in you when you've met with the Lord?

Myrrh Bearing Women and Deacons Service

05/01/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/myrrh_bearing_women_and_deacons_service#24626

100lbs of spices - a glorious waste of spices! Your prayer and service - a glorious "waste" also but you'll find yourself experiencing the Resurrection!

Thomas Sunday

04/22/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/thomas_sunday#24552

Apostle Peter preached the words of this Life and Apostle John wrote that you may have Life...

Palm Sunday

04/06/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/palm_sunday#24398

Great and Holy Week starts! Find time to serve, to listen to the Lord and to pour out the oil of your purity on His feet.

Servant-Slave: 5th Sunday of Great Lent

03/30/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/servant_slave_5th_sunday_of_great_lent#24325

The Apostles James and John came with an outrageous question! It's as if they'd learned nothing at all from their time with the Lord. So He sets abouut teaching them again...cas

Fast and Pray - 4th Sunday of Great Lent

03/26/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/fast_and_pray_4th_sunday_of_great_lent#24282

The Lord said we should fast and pray.

Cheesefare - for a blessed Lent!

02/23/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/cheesefare_for_a_blessed_lent#23951

Pray, Forgive, Fast, Give Alms, Don't Judge!

The Last Judgement

02/21/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_last_judgement#23920

What is the quality of your love?

Prodigal Son

02/08/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/prodigal_son#23806

Keeping the Temple Pure.

The Publican and Pharisee

02/01/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_publican_and_pharisee#23706

Imposters and Evil Men!

The Ten Lepers

01/19/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_ten_lepers#23505

Living thanksgivingly.

Christ’s Gifts

01/12/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/christs_gifts#23380

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to the members of the Church to equip us all for the task the Lord has set us.

Sunday Before Theophany

01/06/2015

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/sunday_before_theophany#23332

The Apostle Paul tells Timothy to fulfil his ministry (his "diaconia"). That ministry was as an evangelist - someone who carries the Good News. All the Royal Priesthood of Christ are called to fulfil their diaconia too: by living the Christian life you also become an evangelist and will receive your due award.

Killing Christ!

12/28/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/killing_christ#23216

Both Herod and Apostle Paul attempted to kill Christ Jesus. We often do also!

Forty Two Generations!

12/24/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/forty_two_generations#23195

What the heros and forefathers of the Old Testament could only dream about is yours for the having. So Come and See!

So you have a more important engagement?

12/15/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/so_you_have_a_more_important_engagement#23113

What happens if we refuse the most important invitation ever?

A Bent Down Body and a Bent Down Soul

12/08/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/a_bent_down_body_and_a_bent_down_soul#23046

The Lord invites us to come to and be healed, forgiven and made perfect as on the first Sabbath.

Doing Mercy

11/16/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/doing_mercy#22842

St. Paul teaches us that Christians are God the Father's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Mocked and an Object of Disgust

11/12/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/mocked_and_an_object_of_disgust#22796

As a Christian you should expect to be mocked or to be the object of disgust but the Lord will heal you. You'll not be the first to be ridiculed!

Justification

11/02/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/justification#22689

The Faith of Jesus Christ. You might not have anything else but if you dont have that you have nothing.

Vocation

10/27/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/vocation#22613

The Lord calls us all to work alongside Him in the Gospel. Even the most unlikely people are called. So what about you?

Life and Death

10/20/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/life_and_death#22554

Death crawls down the hill but life springs towards Paradise.

The Cheerful Giver

10/12/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_cheerful_giver#22473

Scatter the "seeds" the Lord has provided so you may increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Love Your Enemies

10/06/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/love_your_enemies#22312

Loving you enemy is something you do - you cannot love an enemy in theory.

The Grace of God

09/27/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_grace_of_god#22200

The Grace of God! The very presence of God Himself! Together we work with the Lord - Him filling us with Grace and us doing his work and being filled with Grace as a result.

Sunday After the Exaltation

09/22/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/sunday_after_the_exaltation#22083

The Apostle Paul tells us about justification by faith of Christ who is always loving and giving himself for us.

The Holy Cross

09/15/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_holy_cross#22002

Fr. Philip says there are many sorts of weapon from knives to nuclear bombs but what about the "Weapon of Peace"?

New Creation - Sunday before the Exaltation

09/07/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/new_creation_sunday_before_the_exaltation#21921

The Apostle Paul points out that the Cross has brought "New Creation" to all who walk in the new rule of the Cross of Christ. This affects every part of your life so that now you can take garden walks with the Saviour.

One Thing You Lack!

08/30/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/one_thing_you_lack#21856

But with God all things are possible - including selling, getting rid of, or putting to one side, all that prevents you following the Saviour.

Forgive!

08/25/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/forgive#21807

So what is the Kingdom of heaven like? Do you belong to it? Well one of the ways you can tell is this: do you forgive others? Do you give up your rights to things? Yes? Yes? Well that is what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.

Dormition

08/15/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/dormition#21752

Humility, obedience, listening, hearing and keeping.

Splash!

08/11/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/splash#21708

All went well until St. Peter took his eyes off the Saviour.

Transfiguration

08/06/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/transfiguration#21668

Fr. Philip reflections on the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. "... you will do well if you take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day breaks, and the Morning Star dawns forth in your hearts."

Bring Them To Me

08/03/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/bring_them_to_me#21637

The Saviour commmands us to feed the multitude but when we look at our own abilities and resources they are not up to the task. What can we do?

Body and Soul

07/28/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/body_and_soul#21597

When the Lord healed the Blind men's bodies and he Dumb man's soul He showed us that both are vital.

As Good As Dead!

07/19/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/as_good_as_dead#21525

Life or pigs? Roof or health? Job or Christ? The choice is yours!

“Let your Light so shine…”

07/13/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/let_your_light_so_shine#21476

Just as the moon shines with the light of the sun so you should shine with the Light of the Son.

The Wages of Sin!

07/06/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/the_wages_of_sin#21408

But what about the Gift of God? Why work so hard for death when you can have eternal life? The Centurion know this when he came to the Saviour asking for his servant to be healed.

When God Calls

06/23/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/when_god_calls#21285

When the Lord calls you - respond quickly and fully - He might not ask you again! Live the faith to the full, attach yourself to Christ and become a fisher of men.

Sainthood: The Endurance Test

06/17/2014

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/sainthood_the_endurance_test#21234

In this inaugural episode, Fr. Philip says that Saint Paul talks about faith as an endurance race where the Lord is the starter and finisher of the race.

Come and See: Thomas Sunday

http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/comeandsee/thomas_sunday

Apostle Peter preached the words of this Life and Apostle John wrote that you may have Life...

Come and See: The Prodigal Son

Keeping the Temple pure

http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/comeandsee/prodigal_son

Is Christianity Shrinking?

http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/bethebee/is_christianity_shrinking

A new study from the Pew Research Group has some interesting numbers. Do they show that Christianity is shrinking? While it's true that people are leaving the Church, we can't panic. Instead, we should use these numbers as a challenge. Our challenge is to be the bee and live Orthodoxy: to help people find God and to live the Faith everyday.

OCF and OCN

Intercede for Us! Who are the Saints?

05/13/2015

http://www.ocf.net/intercede-for-us-who-are-the-saints/

I recently attended an amazing choral concert at a local Presbyterian church. The church was massive–vaulted ceilings, cross-shaped layout, glittering chandeliers, and a golden cross suspended from the ceiling that was probably twice my size–but most striking to me as an Orthodox visitor were the white, white, white walls on all sides. I just kept […]

Deadline Extended for SLB 2015-2016 Applications

05/01/2015

http://www.ocf.net/deadline-extended-for-slb-2015-2016-applications/

The deadline for applying for the 2015-2016 Student Leadership Board has been extended to May 9th! Apply Here

Why Apply: SLB 2015-2016

04/28/2015

http://www.ocf.net/why-apply-slb-2015-2016/

Joining the OCF Student Leadership Board has undoubtedly been the greatest experience of my college career. I have found no greater joy in college than serving Christ and His Church through OCF. This year I have served as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Student Leader, and in June, I will have the opportunity to serve as the […]

The eStore is open! Check out our new products!

04/21/2015

http://www.ocf.net/the-estore-is-open-check-out-our-new-products/

Check out our classic items like Connect Kits and Chapter Starter Kits! Click on the image above! New items include: T-shirts Water Bottles Soup Mugs 1/4 Zip Sweatshirts Spirit Jerseys Send questions to info@ocf.net. Pre-orders are estimated to ship on May 21st.

Doing Pan-Orthodox

04/14/2015

http://www.ocf.net/doing-pan-orthodox/

I like to tout to the Orthodox World that OCF is the only fellowship organization (for now) which is an Assembly of Bishops agency. Who cares, you say? Well, we are the only organization (for now) that is charged by all the bishops to bring together all Orthodox Christians from all backgrounds and all jurisdictions and to do it well. This […]

Apply for the 2015-2016 Student Leadership Board

04/01/2015

http://www.ocf.net/apply-for-the-2015-2016-student-leadership-board/

Applications for the 2015-2016 Student Leadership Board are now online! Every year, OCF is led by a team of talented students who take on leadership positions in Orthodox campus ministry. The Student Leadership Board works with staff and clergy volunteers to implement the programs of OCF, advise and inspire their peers on campuses, and develop […]

Love the Sinner, Hate Your Own Sin

03/19/2015

http://www.ocf.net/love-the-sinner-hate-your-own-sin/

How do we tell someone they sin in a loving way? When we see a person commit sin, we often feel compelled to point it out to them. We may feel that they need us to recognize the sin for them so that they can correct it or we may want to shame them into […]

Real Break 2015 New Orleans Report

03/16/2015

http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2015-new-orleans-report/

Real Break New Orleans is finished, but you can listen in from the field by listening to this podcast on Ancient Faith Radio: Real Break 2015 – New Orleans Report

Real Break 2015 Slovakia Report

03/13/2015

http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2015-slovakia-report/

Real Break Slovakia is wrapping up, and you can get the latest update from the field by listening to this podcast on Ancient Faith Radio: Real Break 2015 – Solvakia Report

Real Break 2015 Alaska Report

03/13/2015

http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2015-alaska-report/

Real Break Alaska is wrapping up, and you can get the latest update from the field by listening to this podcast on Ancient Faith Radio: Real Break 2015 – Alaska Report

Archbishop Demetrios Reflects on "Selma"

http://myocn.net/archbishop-demetrios-reflects-selma/

The new film “Selma” reminds us of a critical part of American history, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lead the civil rights movement in the direction of a peaceful protest against civil injustice in Alabama. The world has seen the March 26, 1965 cover of LIFE Magazine featuring His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos standing boldly next to Dr. King. In this edition of OCN Now, Fr. Chris speaks with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on the events that led to the 1965 March in Selma, AL, and the call for Orthodox Christians to defend God-given freedoms for every human being. His Eminence states that it’s not about politics, but that we have a deep-rooted calling to fight for human freedoms.

A New Saint of the Church, Elder Paisios, Canonized

http://myocn.net/new-saint-church-elder-paisios-canonized-today/

Elder Paisios of the Holy Mount Athos has been canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, during the session of the Holy Synod on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. Saint Paisios had already been accepted as a Saint from the faithful and it was a matter of time for his canonization.

A Light Shining in Darkness

http://myocn.net/light-shining-darkness/

One of the greatest neglects of those who defend the Sanctity of Life from its most rudimentary beginning to natural death is putting that belief into tangible, positive action. Countless scores of those of us who fight tooth and nail with word and placard fall terribly short when it comes to the actions necessary to support those who, for various reasons, find themselves pregnant and alone.

Interview with Metropolitan Savas

http://myocn.net/called-act-beliefs/

An interview with Metropolitan Savas regarding the Church's role in politics and former Archbishop Iakovos' strong stance on protecting human rights.

See one of Serbia's Most Beautiful Monasteries form the Sky

http://myocn.net/see-one-serbias-beautiful-monasteries-sky/

PBS Reports on Halki Seminary and Religious Freedom in Turkey

http://myocn.net/pbs-reports-halki-seminary-religious-freedom/

Once the world’s leading Eastern Orthodox seminary, Halki was closed by the Turkish government 43 years ago. The US and religious freedom activists want it reopened. But Turkish officials have long said that won’t happen until Greece improves conditions for Turkish minorities living there.

This Week in Orthodoxy

http://myocn.net/week-orthodoxy-january-30-2015/

Welcome to “This Week in Orthodoxy,” the world’s only online video newscast focused on events in the life of the Orthodox Church.

IOCC Delivers Winter Relief to Snow Bound Syrian Refugees

http://myocn.net/iocc-delivers-winter-relief-snowbound-syrian-refugees/

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is helping those in greatest need cope this winter with the distribution of heating stoves and fuel vouchers to 550 refugee families and vulnerable Lebanese families. Since 2012, IOCC has provided humanitarian relief to more than 2.4 million Syrian people living as refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Armenia, and to Syrians displaced in their own country by the prolonged civil conflict

Orthodox Bishops' Reflections on the March of Life

http://myocn.net/orthodox-bishops-reflections-march-life/

On January 21-22, 2015, a delegation representing the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America participated in the 42nd annual March for Life in Washington, DC and related events. Three of the bishops who participated in the delegation—Metropolitan Tikhon, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos and Bishop Michael—share their reflections and remarks on the Assembly’s website.

Patriarch Kirill: Pan Orthodox Council & Orthodox Unity

http://myocn.net/patriarch-kirill-pan-orthodox-council-show-unity-orthodoxy-world/

Patriarchal Press Service — On February 2, 2015, addressing the Bishops’ Conference, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, spoke about the process of preparations for a Pan-Orthodox Council to take place in 2016 in Constantinople.

Romanian Church Made Entirely Out of Ice

http://myocn.net/romanian-church-made-entirely-ice/

For the last several years, Romanians in the remote Fagaras mountains have built a church entirely out of ice.

Men in Black: Orthodox Clergy and Monastic Attire

Why do Orthodox clergy and monastics dress like they do? In this short documentary, Abbot Tryphon explains that the clothing worn by Orthodox clergy and monastics is evangelical in its nature. He says that “As Orthodox, this attire that we wear . . . is a great opportunity.”

http://myocn.net/men-black-video-orthodox-clergy-monastic-attire/

The First Kenyan Bishop

Modern missionaries are very sensitive to the culture they enter when baptizing and teaching the Orthodox faith. Listen to this interesting conversation between Fr. Chris and Fr. Robert Lawrence, pastor of St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church in Mooresvilles, NC. Having participated in two OCMC short-term mission trips to Africa, Fr. Lawrence shares his experiences and his friendship with His Grace Neophytos of Nitria, the first native Kenyan Bishop. If you feel strongly about our Lord’s command to “make disciples of all nations,” you will enjoy this interview.

http://myocn.net/first-kenyan-bishop/

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk: Is There a Future for Ecumenism?

Does ecumenism have a future? This question has become ever more relevant and demands an all-round analysis.

http://myocn.net/metropolitan-hilarion-volokolamsk-future-ecumenism/

Videos: Orthodoxy in Cuba and Haiti

Did you know that Orthodoxy is growing in the Caribbean? These two videos were created by the Ellopia Media Group, commissioned to visit the Caribbean and Central America and document the spread of Orthodox Christianity in these regions. His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras, appointed over the region by the Ecumenical Patriarch, is bringing the faith to thousands of men, women, and children.

http://myocn.net/videos-orthodoxy-cuba-haiti/

Archbishop Demetrios Offers Condolences and Special Prayer Service for Slain Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya

http://myocn.net/archbishop-demetrios-offers-condolences-special-prayer-service-slain-coptic-orthodox-christians-libya/

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.

Enter into the Spirit of Great Lent

http://myocn.net/enter-spirit-great-lent/

Great Lent is about stepping out of the busyness of life and intentionally entering an arena to battle the passions. We are called to live simply and in stillness. We fast, we give alms, we attend special services . . . but sometimes, it’s hard to enter into the spirit of the fast. If you are having a difficult time entering with stillness and simplicity, watch the video above and listen to the beautiful music. It may be just what you need to step out of the craziness of life and enter into Great Lent.

What is the Relationship between Faith and Science?

http://myocn.net/relationship-faith-science/

During a question and answer time after a lecture, His Eminence Metropolitan Kallistos Ware was asked about the relationship between faith and science—particularly in the area of evolution. After joking that the question could easily be addressed with brevity, he responded with a particularly brief (and good!) answer. He said, “Religion and science are working on different levels, and are following different methods, and using different kinds of evidence. And indeed what each is saying is relevant for the other; we mustn’t confuse these two levels of discourse.”

For this reason, “There need not be any conflict between religion and science if each is properly understood.” Why? Because religion and science are answering different kinds of questions. Watch the six-minute video above, and let us know what you think.

Kisses are Better than Ashes

http://myocn.net/kisses-better-ashes/

There is no Ash Wednesday in the Orthodox Church. Our whole lives should be marked by repentance. Rather than the outward piety of the Pharisee, we are encouraged to be like the Publican and constantly pray, “Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.” Instead of Ash Wednesday, the season of Lent begins on Forgiveness Sunday with a service called Forgiveness Vespers.

The Coptic Martyrs of ISIS

http://myocn.net/coptic-martyrs-isis/

Many have heard the dramatic story of the twenty-one Coptic Orthodox Christians working in Libya who were captured and beheaded by ISIS as part of their ongoing campaign of provocation and terror. What may not be as well known in the media is that all twenty-one were offered the chance to save their lives by embracing Islam, and that all twenty-one refused, confessing Christ and dying for Him as true Christian martyrs. Indeed, it appears that the Coptic Orthodox Church has already canonized them (i.e., declared them to be saints), and some ask what response the Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches should make as regards these courageous Christians. The question involves a look at the evolving practice of official canonization in the church...

Do Pets Go to Heaven?

http://myocn.net/pets-go-heaven/

Do pets go to heaven when they die? Find out more about the relationship between humans and pets from the Church's perspective...

How to Make Koliva for Memorial Services

http://myocn.net/make-koliva-memorial-services/

Koliva is made for the Orthodox Memorial Services. These services are held on anniversaries of the departed and on Saturday of the Souls. Traditionally, memorial services should only be held on Saturdays, as the Orthodox understand Saturday to be the day we remember the dead and Sunday to be the day of Resurrection. Learn how to make Koliva yourself from this instructional video!

Orthodox Music Wins a Grammy

http://myocn.net/orthodox-music-wins-grammy/

Find out how!

Archbishop Demetrios: Lent is Not a Journey of Despair

http://myocn.net/archbishop-demetrios-lent-not-journey-despair/

At the beginning of the Great Fast and Holy Lent, let us contemplate the power of repentance and take this opportunity to examine our hearts and minds. Let us pray in humility seeking the forgiveness and grace of God, returning to communion with Him. Let us find renewed hope in the light, peace, and joy that comes from our Crucified and Risen Lord...

Don't Worry...Be Happy in God

http://myocn.net/dont-worry-happy-god/

We live in an ironic age. While most of us in the Western world live relatively comfortable lifestyles, at least in comparison to the rest of the world, we nevertheless experience surges of anxiety and fear. People are afraid of losing their comforts and conveniences, and the difficult economic times experienced by billions over the globe in recent years only heighten such fears. We are happy one moment when we remember that we live in an affluent culture, but the next moment sadness sets in when we realize that what we have today may not be with us tomorrow.

Archbishop Demetrios to Travel to Alabama for the 50th Anniversary of Commemoration of The “March on Selma”

http://myocn.net/archbishop-demetrios-travel-alabama-50th-anniversary-commemoration-march-selma/

NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America will take part in the events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the historic March on Selma, led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America also participated, along with other civil rights leaders on March 15, 1965...

Sunday of Orthodoxy Celebrated in Taybeh

http://myocn.net/sunday-orthodoxy-celebrated-taybeh/

Today was a glorious celebration for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, commemorated in my church annually this first Sunday of the Holy Great Lent. After a beautiful Divine Liturgy, Fr. Daoud P. Khoury and the entire congregation of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, with the children holding icons, made a wonderful procession outside, going around the church three times to remember the triumph in the ninth century when the Orthodox were once more able to use icons in the church....

The Life of Fr. Matthew Baker is a Triumph of Orthodoxy

http://myocn.net/life-fr-matthew-baker-triumph-orthodoxy/

The life of Fr. Matthew Baker is a triumph of Orthodoxy.

It is easy to doubt God’s Providence in taking away a young priest, newly installed in his first parish, a husband, and a father of seven (his youngest, Alexis, so recently taken from his mother and father in stillbirth)...

Fr. Matthew Baker Leaves Behind Wife and Six Children: How You Can Help

http://myocn.net/fr-matthew-baker-leaves-behind-wife-six-children-can-help/

An outstanding Orthodox priest died in a tragic car accident on his way home from Vespers. Fr. Matthew Baker leaves behind his wife, Katherine, and six young children: Isaac, 12; Elias, 10; George, 8; Ellie (Eleftheria), 6; Cyril, 4; and Matthew Baker Jr, 2. Please pray for them, and please consider helping them financially in this time of crisis....

How Orthodoxy Came to Guatemala

http://myocn.net/orthodoxy-came-guatemala/

In this episode of Journeys to Orthodoxy, Chris Vlahonasios interviews Jesse Brandow, a young man who has just signed on to a long-term missionary stint in Guatemala. Jesse shares the story of how Orthodoxy was introduced to Guatemala with the indigenous peoples there, descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization. We learn that Orthodoxy is meeting a critical need in helping people there to see their local community as the very heart of the Church itself. Jesse tells us how this young community is just beginning to experience an integration of their culture with the wider Orthodox world, which will eventually enrich the entire Orthodox Communion.

Fr. Matthew Baker: Our Next Great Voice

http://myocn.net/fr-matthew-baker-our-next-great-voice/

Find out about the amazing life and passion toward knowledge of Fr. Matthew Baker...

Events Commemorating the Civil Rights Movement and Archbishop Iakovos in New York

http://myocn.net/events-commemorating-civil-rights-movement-archbishop-iakovos-new-york/

As you know, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Selma. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the repose of Archbishop Iakovos. To help commemorate both events, the following resources and activities (free of charge and open to the public) are being hosted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America:..

News from Missionaries in Albania

http://myocn.net/news-missionaries-albania/

After being in the mission field for 22 months, Albania is beginning to feel like home. After countless hours of language learning we are both able to participate in meetings (in Albanian) and understand the majority of what is going on! It feels like a big accomplishment and makes work easier. Following local customs is also becoming second nature and takes less conscious thought. ...

In Selma, a Day of Honor and Tribute to the Legacy of Struggle and Sacrifice, Equality and Freedom

http://myocn.net/selma-day-honor-tribute-legacy-struggle-sacrifice-equality-freedom/

Thousands of people attended the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 National Voting Rights Act and “Bloody Sunday,” that concluded today, March 8, 2015, with a long service at the historic Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and a final march through the town of Selma and across the Edmund Pettus Bridge...

Γιατί τόσος πόνος; Γιατί να υποφέρουμε στη ζωή μας;

http://myocn.net/γιατί-τόσος-πόνος-γιατί-να-υποφέρουμε/

Η σημερινή εκπομπή προσπαθεί να αναφέρει μερικούς λόγους για να δώσει μια απάντηση σ αυτό το ερώτημα με αφορμή την θεραπεία του παραλυτικού..

This Week in Orthodoxy

http://myocn.net/week-orthodoxy-march-6-2015/

Welcome “This Week in Orthodoxy”, the world’s only online video newscast focused on events in the life of the Orthodox Church, hosted by Emmy Louvaris...

Christian Persecution on "60 Minutes"

http://myocn.net/christian-persecution-on-60-minutes/

This past week on 60 Minutes, an American reporter-centered investigative news program, the persecution of Christians in the Middle East was the first segment of the show. This full segment gives us true insight into the oppression that Christians of the Middle East deal with on a daily basis by showing pieces of interviews with the Christians in refugee camps. These Christians were originally from Mosul and were driven out of their churches and homes...

Archon Dr. Anthony Limberakis – ‘Christianity Under Attack!’ – the Plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

http://myocn.net/archon-dr-anthony-limberakis-christianity-under-attack-the-plight-of-the-ecumenical-patriarchate/

Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, prolific writer and speaker on the subject of religious freedom, presented ‘Christianity Under Attack!’ – the Plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, at the First Annual National Christian Rights Freedom Symposium on March 14, 2015...

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Co-Sponsors Event at the United Nations for the 59th Commission on the Status of Women

http://myocn.net/the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-co-sponsors-event-at-the-united-nations-for-the-59th-commission-on-the-status-of-women/

NEW YORK – A panel discussion titled, Trafficking & Migration, Girls & Women: Human Rights Have No Borders, took place March 9, 2015, at the United Nations and brought together migration and trafficking experts.

This Week in Orthodoxy

http://myocn.net/this-week-in-orthodoxy-march-20-2015/

Building Musical Bridges in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

http://myocn.net/building-musical-bridges-in-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese/

...The sung tradition of the Greek Orthodox Church in all of its facets and expressions is a gift for all who worship with her; to revitalize our choirs, we must make that manifest to everybody...

Lazarus is risen! Truly he is risen!

http://myocn.net/lazarus-is-risen-truly-he-is-risen/

It perhaps may sound quite odd to our Orthodox Christian ears if on the Saturday of Lazarus, we were to greet each other with the words: “Lazarus is risen! Truly he is risen!” Naturally, no liturgical prescription or precedent exists for this. Nevertheless, the tone of the liturgy on this day is unmistakably very festive, intensely and intentionally celebratory, a stark break from the solemnity of the preceding forty days of fasting

Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Fellowship to Work at the United Nations

http://myocn.net/greek-orthodox-archdiocesan-fellowship-to-work-at-the-united-nations/

The Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces its Faith-Based Diplomacy & Advocacy Initiative. The Initiative establishes a total of four (2 for 2015-2016 and 2 for 2016-2017) yearlong Archdiocesan fellowships at the United Nations. All Orthodox Christian graduate and post-graduate students are invited to apply for a stipend fellowship...

Lazarus Cross

http://myocn.net/lazarus-cross/

From the Greek island of Santorini, the ‘Lazarus’ is a large wooden cross covered with rosemary and flowers. On the eve of Holy Week, it is a pre-celebration of the life-giving nature of the Cross which will soon be experienced...

IOCC Assists Syrian Families Escaping Bloodshed In Idlib

http://myocn.net/iocc-assists-syrian-families-escaping-bloodshed-in-idlib/

As the security and humanitarian situation in Idlib, Syria, continues to deteriorate following escalated fighting this past weekend, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), working in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East (GOPA), is providing emergency medical assistance, hygiene kits, and personal care items to displaced Idlib families who have fled to the Syrian port city of Lattakia...

A Natural Red Dye for Your Pascha Eggs

http://myocn.net/a-natural-red-dye-for-your-pascha-eggs/

Need to dye your eggs for Pascha but can’t find the dyes in the grocery any longer? Maybe you have an allergic reaction to synthetic dyes. I did some research and found a few links and articles on naturally dyed eggs last month. Here are the directions for naturally dyed red eggs...

Ecumenical Patriarchate Religious Freedom Lecture presented by Order of Saint Andrew at Oxford University

http://myocn.net/ecumenical-patriarchate-religious-freedom-lecture-presented-by-order-of-saint-andrew-at-oxford-university/

On March 27, 2015, with the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis presented a dynamic multimedia lecture regarding the religious freedom crisis asphyxiating the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Harris Manchester College at the renowned University of Oxford sponsored by the Oxford Centre for the Study of Law and Public Policy ...

Good Friday in the Holy Sepulchre during the Middle Ages

http://myocn.net/good-friday-in-the-holy-sepulchre-during-the-middle-ages/

Check out the video to catch a glimpse of what it sounded like to worship in the Holy Land well over 1,000 years ago.

See the Miracle of the Holy Fire

http://myocn.net/see-the-miracle-of-the-holy-fire/

The Miracle of the Holy Fire is received by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch as it has been every year, on the same day, in the same manner, at the same time, at the same holy place. This is the miracle that allows us to feel that Christ is truly among us. This miracle is another way that God is communicating to humanity that Christ is the Living God and our salvation is with Him.

Holy Week in the Holy City

http://myocn.net/holy-week-in-the-holy-city/

This video montage takes you through some of the highlights of Holy Week in the Holy City of Jerusalem....

Holy Fools

http://myocn.net/holy-fools/

For most of us, St. Paul’s words are reminders to focus on God’s love, mercy and glory, and to put submission to His will ahead of the transient things of the world. But some devout followers have taken his advice further, and become what we call “Fools for Christ.” What are they, and how do they function? Are they really just pretending to be foolish, or are these people truly mentally ill?...

Ο θάνατος δεν είναι το τέλος

http://myocn.net/%CE%BF-%CE%B8%CE%AC%CE%BD%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%B4%CE%B5%CE%BD-%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CF%84%CE%BF-%CF%84%CE%AD%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%82/

Ο θάνατος δεν είναι τελικό κατάντημα του ανθρώπου.Το “θα αναστηθεί ο αδερφός σου” που είπε ο Κύριος προς τη Μάρθα είναι μια διαβεβαίωση προς όλους εμάς πως θα αναστηθούν όλοι οι δικοί μας. Αυτό μας το υποσχέθηκε Εκείνος που διακήρυξε οτι “Εγώ ειμί η Ανάστασις και η Ζωή”!

This Week in Orthodoxy: April 24, 2015

http://myocn.net/this-week-in-orthodoxy-april-24-2015/

Welcome to “This Week in Orthodoxy”, the world’s only online video newscast focused on events in the life of the Orthodox Church.

These are the stories making headlines this week:
• Ethiopian Orthodox Christians Martyred in Libya.
• Turkey Threatens Hagia Sophia in Response to Pope’s Comments.
• Facebook Forces Clergy to Remove “Father” from Profile Names.

Reaffirming Commitment to Marriage and Religious Liberty

http://myocn.net/reaffirming-commitment-to-marriage-and-religious-liberty/

Archbishop Demetrios and Holy Eparchial Synod Join Faith Leaders, Reaffirming Commitment to Marriage and Religious Liberty

NEW YORK— A few days before the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the rights of states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, more than 30 religious leaders representing tens of millions of US citizens from diverse faith communities throughout the United States have reaffirmed their shared commitment to marriage and religious freedom. An open letter entitled “The Defense of Marriage and the Right of Religious Freedom: Reaffirming a Shared Witness” was issued to all in positions of public service on April 23.

Now I Get It: The Armenian Genocide

http://myocn.net/now-i-get-it-the-armenian-genocide/

Christians have been crying out for action in response to the current genocide taking place in the Middle East and Africa for years. Today, I found a video that has moved us one step closer… recognition. In this video, Katie Couric hosts a segment on the story of the millions of Armenians whom some people would like to see erased from history as well. It was 100 years ago when the slaughter of Turkey’s Christian second-class citizens took place. Their crime? Having the courage to defend their faith. This is their story.

The Duty of the Bishop to Reprimand the Faithful

http://myocn.net/he-duty-of-the-bishop-to-reprimand-the-faithful/

The duty of the bishop to reprimand the faithful is a delicate and difficult point in pastoral theology and requires careful handling and a measure of restraint./,,

The Two Genocides

http://myocn.net/the-two-genocides/

There are always two genocides. The first is the physical act and the second is the denial. One hundred years ago today, Turkish authorities, acting under the orders of the Turkish Minister of Interior, rounded up 250 Armenian intellectuals in Constantinople and moved them to detention centers in Ankara. Eventually, they would be joined by 2,200 others and led to their deaths in the camps that were built in Syria and Iraq. At the same time, at the other end of the country, the town of Van was under siege...

Message by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the Occasion of Earth Day

http://myocn.net/message-by-his-all-holiness-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-on-the-occasion-of-earth-day/

Once again, we have a special day instituted in our civil and political world – just as, in the church, we have established September 1st of every year – to recall our responsibility to maintain and sustain the beauty and diversity of the natural creation.

Two Kidnapped Bishops

http://myocn.net/two-kidnapped-bishops/

Is there hope? Here we are just a few weeks following the celebration of our Lord’s glorious resurrection, and we are struggling. The media is still reporting genocide. Christians from different countries are being beheaded, raped, and thrown overboard for their conviction to their faith. We are saddened, and they are dying. Various Christian leaders are heralding that we have reached the end times. The future of Christianity seems so very bleak...

On Christ's Resurrection

http://myocn.net/on-christs-resurrection/

When we celebrate the feast of Pascha, do we simply approach it as recollecting an event that happened 2000 years ago? Is it simply the Church’s version of celebrating an event, like we would celebrate a family birthday or anniversary? What is significant in celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ each year?...

Turkey Presses Conversion of Hagia Sophia after Pope References Genocide

http://myocn.net/turkey-presses-conversion-of-hagia-sofia-after-pope-references-genocide/

Turkish officials continue to deny or play down the facts about the Armenian Genocide of 1915. At a recent Mass in the Armenian Catholic rite at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis used the word “genocide” to describe the mass killing of Ottoman Armenians by the Turks. Turkey is responding by stating it will speed up the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque because of the Pope’s statement....

Η Προσωπική Ανάσταση

http://myocn.net/προσωπική-ανάσταση/

Όταν όλα γύρω μας έχουν χρεωκοπήσει, μόνο μια φωνή μένει μέσα μας που τα αλλάζει όλα “Ανάστα ο Θεός”/ Μακάρι αυτή η κραυγή ελπίδας να φτάσει στον προσωπικό μας Αδη και να μας σύρει προς το Φως. Έτσι οι δεσμοί μεταξύ μας θα είναι πιο ισχυροί αφού πρώτα θα έχουμε δεθεί με τον αναστημένο Χριστό.

What Is an Archon & the Order of St. Andrew?

http://myocn.net/what-is-an-archon-and-the-order-of-st-andrew/

As we honor Jesus Christ on this Palm Sunday, the “Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem” and celebrate one of the “twelve great feasts of the liturgical year”, we have many to thank for being Guardians of the Tomb and original teachings of Christ....

Raising Awareness of the Struggles and Relief Work in Syria

http://myocn.net/raising-awareness-of-the-struggles-and-relief-work-in-syria/

Guest host Seraphim Danckaert speaks with Samer Laham from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Syria regarding the joint effort of the Syrian Patriarchate and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). With extensive experience in Syria, Mr. Laham is able to describe the current living conditions inside the country...

Archbishop Demetrios Presides over the Consecration of Saint Sophia Cathedral in the Nation’s Capital

http://myocn.net/archbishop-demetrios-presides-over-the-consecration-of-saint-sophia-cathedral-in-the-nations-capital/

The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sophia in the Nation’s Capital was consecrated yesterday, Sunday, May 10, 2015, with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presiding and more than a thousand people in attendance...

Relating the Body and Spirit: Ancient Prayer Today

http://myocn.net/relating-the-body-and-spirit-ancient-prayer-today/

By one’s choice for God, one wills for life instead of death. Death exists because mankind turned away from God. Death is not punishment from God; it is separation from the Giver and Sustainer of all Life. However, because Jesus Christ tramples down death by death, and upon those in the tomb bestows life, vile death is conquered. Here and now, we pass through illness and death but take heart because He has overcome the world—and all its sufferings. Life, and its intended fullness, is the reality to which we have the choice to aspire...

2015 USCIRF Report Identifies Worst Religious Freedom Violators; Identifies Turkey As “Serious” Violator

http://myocn.net/2015-uscirf-report-identifies-worst-religious-freedom-violators-identifies-turkey-as-serious-violator/

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) announced its 2015 recommendations to Congress, the White House, and the State Department. Key finding included that Turkish secularism historically has been particularly detrimental to the smallest religious minority communities and their ability to perpetuate their faiths. Per the 1982 constitution, the state has pervasive control over religion and denies full legal status to all religious communities. Other concerns exist, including the listing of religious affiliation on national identity cards, societal discrimination, anti-Semitism, and religious freedom violations in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus. The overall landscape for democracy and human rights has deteriorated significantly in the last two years, with troubling implications for freedom of religion or belief in Turkey. For these reasons USCIRF again places Turkey on “Tier 2″ in 2015...

Halki Summit II to focus on “Theology, Ecology, and the Word,” June 8-10

http://myocn.net/halki-summit-ii-to-focus-on-theology-ecology-and-the-word-june-8-10/

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is hosting the second Halki Summit on “Theology, Ecology, and the Word.” Co-sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University, the summit will be held on the island of Halki from June 8-10, 2015...

This Week in Orthodoxy: May 22, 2015

http://myocn.net/this-week-in-orthodoxy-may-22-2015/

Welcome to “This Week in Orthodoxy”, the world’s only online video newscast focused on events in the life of the Orthodox Church. I’m Emmy Louvaris.

These are the stories making headlines this week:
• May 17th was Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday.
• The 111th annual Pilgrimage to St. Tikhon’s Monastery is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend.
• China authorizes the ordination of Chinese Orthodox priests on its territory.
• The First Divine Liturgy in 93 Years was Held in a Historic Greek Orthodox Church in Izmir, Turkey.

Confession vs. Counseling

http://myocn.net/confession-vs-counseling/

Confession? Counseling? How do you choose? We’ve invited Dr. Randa Anderson with the Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute (OCCI) (www.occiservices.org) to talk about a healthy balance of the two and the unique roles each holds. Depending on your needs, you may be seeking accountability, forgiveness, or a sounding board. In each case, we are confident that talking about problems really helps!...

Feeding the Hungry

http://myocn.net/feeding-the-hungry/

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?” (Matthew 25:37) Will this be your response? Have you taken care to feed the hungry? Listen as Fr. Chris speaks with Georgia Vlitas to discuss a new triple-phased initiative of the National Philoptochos Society. The Greek Orthodox national women’s organization is calling on the whole family to step up to this new challenge of feeding 250,000 people by July 2016. Will you be able to join them? Go to http://www.philoptochos.org/outreach/projects/feeding-the-hungry-250000-meals for more information.

Divine Liturgy Broadcast: Holy Ascension

http://myocn.net/divine-liturgy-broadcast-holy-ascension/

O Christ our God, upon fulfilling Your dispensation for our sake, You ascended in Glory, uniting the earthly with the heavenly. You were never separate but remained inseparable, and cried out to those who love You, “I am with you and no one is against you.”

Balkans Still Recovering One Year After Catastrophic Floods

http://myocn.net/balkans-still-recovering-one-year-after-catastrophic-floods/

It’s been a difficult year since record rainfall drenched the Balkans last spring, unleashing the worst flooding in more than 100 years and leaving a trail of destruction across Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. More than 70 people lost their lives, while hundreds of thousands of survivors had to evacuate as family homes and farms, roads, and utilities were damaged or destroyed. Relentless summer and fall rains renewed flooding, which slowed recovery and threatened to keep many families from having warm and dry shelter in time for winter....

Moscow Patriarchate: China Authorises the Ordination of Chinese Orthodox Priests on Its Territory

http://myocn.net/moscow-patriarchate-china-authorises-the-ordination-of-chinese-orthodox-priests-on-its-territory/

In order to compensate for its isolation from the West over the Ukrainian crisis, Moscow has revived its strategic alliance with Beijing, a step that includes the Church. Indeed, for the first time in 60 years, the People’s Republic of China has authorised the ordination of Chinese Orthodox priests....

Ποιος είναι ο σύντροφός σου;

http://myocn.net/%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CE%BF-%CF%83%CF%8D%CE%BD%CF%84%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%86%CF%8C%CF%82-%CF%83%CE%BF%CF%85/

Αν ο σύζυγος σου είναι ο κόσμος, θα καταστραφεις μαζί του.Αν σύντροφος σου είναι η αμαρτία θα πεθάνεις μαζί της.Αν σύντροφος σου είναι ο διάβολος θα είσαι μαζί του αιώνια. Σε κάθε μια απο τις περιπτώσεις αυτές θα πίνεις νερό που θα σε κάνει να διψάς όλο και πιο πολύ.Μόνο αν ομολογήσεις τον Κύριο Ιησού Χριστό ως νόμιμο σύζυγο σου και τον συζευχθείς με πίστη και αγάπη θα πίνεις το ζωντανό νερό...

News from the Archdiocese

Archbishop Demetrios Presides over Consecration of Saint Sophia Cathedral in the Nation's Capital

05/11/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/stsophiaconsecration-05112015

Archbishop Demetrios Joins Religious Leaders in Ecumenical Service for the Centennial Commemoration of Armenian Genocide

05/08/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/armeniancommemoration-05082015

Archbishop Demetrios of America participated yesterday evening, May 7, 2015 in the Ecumenical Service of commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, in Washington’ s National Cathedral.

Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, New President of HCHC

05/01/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/newhchcpresident-05012015

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the election of the V. Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, as the next president of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. The HCHC announcement is as follows:

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for April 29 – May 6, 2015

04/28/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/archbishopsschedule04282015-en

2015 “Faith Scholarships for Academic Excellence”

05/01/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/faithscholarships-05012015

Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism announced that it will once again offer the prestigious series of “Faith Scholarships for Academic Excellence.” These merit-based college scholarships provide funding to graduating high school seniors for their university studies. The application and criteria can be downloaded from the Faith website: www.faithendowment.org.

Archbishop Demetrios and Holy Eparchial Synod Join Faith Leaders, Reaffirming Commitment to Marriage and Religious Liberty

04/24/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/marriageletr-04242015

A few days before the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the rights of states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, more than 30 religious leaders representing tens of millions of US citizens from diverse faith communities throughout the United States have reaffirmed their shared commitment to marriage and religious freedom. An open letter entitled “The Defense of Marriage and the Right of Religious Freedom: Reaffirming a Shared Witness” was issued to all in positions of public service on April 23.

Συνάντηση ΥΠΕΞ της Ελλάδος Νίκου Κοτζιά με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Δημήτριο

04/24/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/fmnikoskotziasvisit-04242015

Ο Υπουργός Εξωτερικών της Ελλάδος κ. Νίκος Κοτζιάς επισκέφθηκε σήμερα 24 Απριλίου 2015, τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής.

Επίσκεψη του Επικεφαλής της ΓΓΑΕ κ. Μιχαήλ Κόκκινου στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο

04/23/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/mkokkinosvisit-04232015

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος δέχθηκε σήμερα, 23 Απριλίου 2015, την επίσκεψη του νέου επικεφαλής της Γενικής Γραμματείας Αποδήμου Ελληνισμού, Γενικού Διευθυντού κ. Μιχαήλ Ε. Κόκκινου, τον οποίο συνόδευε ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στη Νέα Υόρκη, Πέσβης κ. Γιώργος Ηλιόπουλος.

Announcement of the Holy Eparchial Synod

04/23/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/anakoinothenholyeparchialsynodapril222015-en

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regular spring meeting at the Synodal Chamber of the Archdiocesan headquarters in New York on April 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2015. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presided at the meeting with the participation of the Members of the Synod.

Holy Eparchial Synod Issues Statement on tragic Events in North Africa and Middle East

04/22/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/eparchialsynodstat-04222015

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, that convened for its regularly scheduled Spring meeting, Apr. 20-22, issued the following statement regarding recent tragic events in North Africa and the Middle East.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for April 23-26, 2015

04/21/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/archbishopsschedule04212015-en

White House Greek Independence Day Celebration

04/17/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/whitehouse-greekindep-04172015

We believe in the Resurrection and therefore any impasse can be overcome, said His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America during the Annual White House Greek Independence Day celebration, hosted by President Barack Obama yesterday Thursday, April 16, 2015, at the White House. This was the 29th consecutive celebration at the White House honoring the 194th Anniversary of the start of the Greek War for Independence of March 25th, 1821.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for May 6-31, 2015

05/06/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/adschedule-05-06-2015

Archiepiscopal Encyclical for the Ten-Year Memorial of the Repose of Archbishop Iakovos

04/15/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/iakovosmemorialencyclical-04152015

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On behalf of our Holy Eparchial Synod, I am writing to you in recognition of the ten-year anniversary of the falling asleep in the Lord of our beloved Archbishop Iakovos, late Archbishop of North and South America.

Colloquium On Orthodox Christianity and Humanitarianism At Hellenic College Holy Cross

04/15/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/colloquium-04152015

The Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will host a colloquium on Orthodox Christianity and Humanitarianism: Ideas and Action in the Contemporary World. The Colloquium will take place on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Mass., May 7-8, 2015.

LIVE BROADCAST OF CHURCH SERVICES

http://thecathedral.goarch.org/our-parish/watch-live-broadcast/

Unable to attend a scheduled church service physically? Watch live broadcasts of holy services from the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York, the national cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Parish News

Feast of the Holy Ascension, Sts. Constantine and Helen

On Thursday, May 21, 2015, the Orthros service begins at 9:00 A.M. and will be followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:15 A.M. for the feasts of the Holy Ascension and of Sts. Constantine and Helen. Please join us in commemorating the feasts.

For more information about the Holy Ascension feast, please visit http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/ascension/index_html .

For more information about Sts. Constantine and Helen, please visit http://www.goarch.org/special/constantineandhelen/index_html

AHEPA Day - Sunday, May 17th

The AHEPA Black Diamond Chapter No. 55 will join over 900 chapters across the United States and Canada in observing AHEPA Day on Sunday, May 17, 2015. A memorial service will be held for our departed Ahepan brothers. Following the memorial service, the chapter will recognize the contributions of key members within the Greek community of Wilkes-Barre and will present scholarships to eligible college students who are affiliated with the organization. AHEPA Day is recognized annually by Greek Orthodox churches across the United States and Canada. Please join us for this special presentation.

AHEPA Meeting

A regular meeting of the Black Diamond Chapter will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Church Hall.

Discussion will be on our financial reports, AHEPA Day, financial assistance to college students, and St. Nicholas National Shrine at Ground Zero.

Memorial Service

A six-month memorial service for Foto Tsioles will be held on Sunday, May 17th.

May her memory be eternal!

Holy Week and Pascha Liturgical Program

Άγιον Πάσχα 2015 Λειτουργικόν Πρόγραμμα - Holy Pascha 2015 Liturgical Schedule:

Greek (Ελληνικά) - English (Άγγλικα)

Click here to view Fr. Gabriel's Paschal Address

Greek Food Festival Volunteers

We would like to thank all parishioners and friends who volunteered during our Greek food festival from May 6-9th and contributed to this record-breaking festival's immense success!

St. Tikhon's Monastery Pilgrimage

St. Tikhon’s Monastery will hold its 111^th Memorial Day Pilgrimage from May 22-25, 2015. The Moleben to St. Tikhon in the Monastery Church on Friday, May 22 will mark the start of the 111th annual Pilgrimage weekend festivities at St. Tikhon's Monastery.

Hierarchical Divine Liturgies will be held each morning, St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary will hold its commencement ceremony at 1:00pm on Saturday and Monday will have a variety of prayer services for various needs and intentions.

Archimandrite Sergius and the Brotherhood invite everyone to attend. For lodging and other information please contact the monastery.

Here is a complete schedule:

Friday, May 22, 2015:

3:30 pm - Official Opening of the Pilgrimage with Moleben to St. Tikhon in the Monastery Church
4:00 pm - Vespers and Matins in the Monastery Church
All pilgrims are invited to dinner in the monastery dining hall following the services.

Saturday, May 23, 2015:

9:00 am - Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
A meal for all pilgrims in the Monastery dining hall following services
1:00 pm - 73rd Annual Academic Commencement of Saint Tikhon’s Theological Seminary
4:30 pm - Greeting of the Hawaiian Myrhrr Streaming Icon and Vigil in the Monastery Church
Dinner in the monastery dining hall for all pilgrims following the services.

Sunday, May 24, 2015:

9:00 am - Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
A meal for all pilgrims in the Monastery dining hall following services .
4:00 pm - Vespers and Matins in the Monastery Church

Monday, May 25, 2015:

7:30 am - Divine Liturgy – Monastery Church
10:00 am - Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
12:15 pm - Veteran’s Pannikhida and Memorial Service, All Saints Bell Tower
1:30 pm - Akathist to Saint Alexis Toth in the Monastery Church
2:30 pm - Moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos and
Anointing of the Sick, Infirm and all Pilgrims at the Monastery Bell Tower
4:00 pm - Vespers and Matins in the Monastery Church

Iconography Project

The church is currently undergoing an icon restoration project to revitalize our Iconostasis. We are also adding several new icons in the church. For photos of the project so far, please click here. In addition, the church is still accepting donations for new icons. Please contact the church office by visiting before Orthros or after Liturgy, by calling (570) 823-4805, or by e-mailing AnnunciationWB@mail.goarch.org for more information.

This Week's Q&A: What is the feast of Ascension?

As part of a new parish initiative, we're starting an anonymous question and answer forum about any aspect of Orthodoxy. Submit your anonymous question online at http://goo.gl/forms/byAOqWgSwD and we'll provide an answer in the weekly e-mail bulletin (please give us sufficient time to write a meaningful response).

This week's question: What is the feast of Ascension?

The story of the Ascension of our Lord, celebrated as one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church, is found in the book of the Acts of the Apostles 1:3-11. It is also mentioned in the Gospels of Mark (16:19) and Luke (24:50-53). The moment of the Ascension is told in one sentence: "He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight" (Acts 1:9).

Christ made His last appearance on earth, forty days after His Resurrection from the dead. The Acts of the Apostles states that the disciples were in Jerusalem. Jesus appeared before them and commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the "Promise of the Father". He stated, "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5).

After Jesus gave these instructions, He led the disciples to the Mount of Olives. Here, He commissioned them to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). It is also at this time that the disciples were directed by Christ to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus also told them that He would be with them always, "even to the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).

As the disciples watched, Jesus lifted up His hands, blessed them, and then was taken up out of their sight (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). Two angels appeared to them and asked them why they were gazing into heaven. Then one of the angels said, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him going into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

Source: http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/ascension/index_html

Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

On Holy Monday, April 6, 2015, please join us in welcoming His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh.

His Eminence will preside over Bridegroom Matins beginning at 6:30 P.M.

Refreshments and coffee will follow the service.

Memory Eternal

On Holy Tuesday in the evening, the mother of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas fell asleep in the Lord.

Please pray for the soul of Stamatia. May her memory be eternal.

You may send notes of condolence to:

His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

5201 Ellsworth Avenue

PIttsburgh, PA 15232

Pascha Egg Hunt

Following the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday (April 5th), the church will hold a Pascha egg hunt for the children. Please bring your children for an enjoyable time and prizes!

National AHEPA Scholarships

The AHEPA Educational Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications for the upcoming school year. The application deadline is March 31, 2015. To download the application, visit http://ahepa.org/ahepa/assets/pdfs/2015_AEF_Application.pdf . Please contact Bill Anagnos or another officer of our parish's AHEPA chapter for more information.

Folding on Palms

Please join us as we fold the palms for Palm Sunday. The folding of palms will occur following the Divine Liturgy on the Saturday of Lazarus, April 4th. All are welcome to help!

No prior experience is necessary, but if you would like to learn how to fold the palms beforehand, please follow this link: http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/resourcesforteachers/resourcesforteachers/ScottPalmCross

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Sunday Services:

Orthros/Matins - 9:00 A.M.

Divine Liturgy - 10:15 A.M.

Feast Day Services:

Orthros/Matins followed by Divine Liturgy - 9:00 A.M.

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Saints and Feasts

Athanasios, Archbishop of Christianopolis

The Holy Apostles Andronicus and Junia

Holy Godbearing Nectarius, the Builder of the Holy Monastery of Varlaam of Meteora

Sunday of the Blind Man

Holy Martyrs: Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, Paul, Christina, Heraclius, Paulinus and Benedimus

Patrick the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Prusa and His Fellow Martyrs Acacius, Menander, and Polyaenus

Apodosis of Pascha

The Holy Martyr Thalleleus

Holy Ascension

Basiliscus the Martyr, Bishop of Comana

Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

May 2015 Monthly Calendar

Ancient Faith Radio

The Samaritan Woman

05/12/2015

The Paralyzed Man

05/06/2015

Myrrh Bearing Women and Deacons Service

05/01/2015

Thomas Sunday

04/22/2015

Palm Sunday

04/06/2015

Servant-Slave: 5th Sunday of Great Lent

03/30/2015

Fast and Pray - 4th Sunday of Great Lent

03/26/2015

Cheesefare - for a blessed Lent!

02/23/2015

The Last Judgement

02/21/2015

Prodigal Son

02/08/2015

The Publican and Pharisee

02/01/2015

The Ten Lepers

01/19/2015

Christ’s Gifts

01/12/2015

Sunday Before Theophany

01/06/2015

Killing Christ!

12/28/2014

Forty Two Generations!

12/24/2014

So you have a more important engagement?

12/15/2014

A Bent Down Body and a Bent Down Soul

12/08/2014

Doing Mercy

11/16/2014

Mocked and an Object of Disgust

11/12/2014

Justification

11/02/2014

Vocation

10/27/2014

Life and Death

10/20/2014

The Cheerful Giver

10/12/2014