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Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2015-08-23
Bulletin Contents
Ireneaus
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Annunciation Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (570) 823-4805
  • Street Address:

  • 32 East Ross Street

  • Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701


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

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Dormition in the First Mode

In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity; in thy dormition, thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by thine intercessions dost thou redeem our souls from death.
Εν τή Γεννήσει τήν παρθενίαν εφύλαξας, έν τή Κοιμήσει τόν κόσμον ού κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε, Μετέστης πρός τήν ζωήν, μήτηρ υπάρχουσα τής ζωής, καί ταίς πρεσβείαις ταίς σαίς λυτρουμένη, εκ θανάτου τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.
Τήν εν πρεσβείαις ακοίμητον Θεοτόκον, καί προστασίαις αμετάθετον ελπίδα, τάφος καί νέκρωσις ουκ εκράτησεν, ως γάρ ζωής Μητέρα, πρός τήν ζωήν μετέστησεν, ο μήτραν οικήσας αειπάρθενον.
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Ancient Faith Radio

Come and See: The Gospel - Resurrection

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

1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 So what is at the heart of the Gospel? Did the Resurrection happen?

  

Coffee with Sister Vassa

http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/sistervassa/ep.52_coffee_with_sr._vassa_steven_christoforou

In this episode Sr. Vassa interviews the famous Steven Christoforou of the "Be the Bee" YouTube podcasts, in New York City! Steven shares his amazing story, how he left a prestigious job on Wall Street to first study theology at seminary, and then to work full-time for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese as director of Youth Ministry

 

 

 

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Saints and Feasts

Ireneaus
August 23

Our Holy Father Ireneaus, Bishop of Lyons

The Holy Hieromartyr Irenaeus was born in Asia Minor about the year 120, and in his youth was a disciple of Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. Saint Irenaeus was sent to Lyons in Gaul, to be a fellow labourer of Pothinus, Bishop of Lyons (celebrated June 2), who had also been a disciple Saint Polycarp. After the martyrdom of Saint Pothinus, Saint Irenaeus succeeded him as Bishop of Lyons. Besides the assaults of paganism, Irenaeus found himself compelled to do battle with many Gnostic heresies, against which he wrote his greatest work, A Refutation and Overthrow of Knowledge Falsely So Called . He was also a peace-maker within the Church. When Victor, Bishop of Rome, was prepared to excommunicate the Christians of Asia Minor for following a different tradition celebrating Pascha, Irenaeus persuaded him to moderate his zeal, and mediated peace. He made Lyons an illustrious bastion of Orthodoxy and a school of piety, and sealed his confession with martyrdom about the year 202, during the reign of Septimius Severus. He is not to be confused with Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Sirmium, also celebrated today, who was beheaded and cast into a river in 304 under Diocletian.


Allsaint
August 23

Our Righteous Father Nicholas of Sikelion


Dormitio
August 23

Apodosis of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God.

With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that God-receiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But one Jew, moved by malice, audaciously stretched forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens.

These things has the Church received from the traditions of the Fathers, who have composed many hymns out of reverence, to the glory of the Mother of our God (see Oct. 3 and 4).


Mgenthroned1
August 23

12th Sunday of Matthew


Allsaint
August 23

Our Holy Father Kallinikos, Patriarch of Constantinople


Allsaint
August 23

Lupus the Martyr

The Holy Martyr Lupus was a devoted servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius, and was present at his martyrdom. Later, when his own labours in confession of the Faith became known to the rulers, Saint Lupus himself was arrested, given over to torture, and finally beheaded for Christ.


Allsaint
August 23

38 Martyrs of Thrace


Allsaint
August 23

Our Holy Father Ireneaus, Bishop of Sirmium


Allsaint
August 24

Eutyches the Hieromartyr & Disciple of St. John the Theologian

Saint Eutyches was a disciple of Saint John the Theologian and a fellow laborer of the holy Apostle Paul. He preached the Gospel in many places, pulled down the idols' temples, and suffered imprisonments and many torments at the hands of the idolaters. He finally reposed in peace in deep old age in his native city of Sebastia, near Tarsus.


Kosmaito
August 24

Saint Cosmas of Aetolia, Equal to the Apostles

Our holy Father Cosmas was from the town of Mega Dendron (Great Tree) of Aetolia. At the age of twenty, he went to study at the school of the Monastery of Vatopedi on the Holy Mountain. Later, he came to the Athonite Monastery of Philotheou where he was tonsured. With the blessing of his abbot, he departed for Constantinople where he learned the art of rhetoric, and thereafter, he began to preach throughout all the regions of northern Greece, the Ionian Islands, but especially in Albania, for the Christian people there were in great ignorance because of the oppression and cruelty of the Moslems. Finally, in 1776, after having greatly strengthened and enlightened the faithful, working many signs and wonders all the while, he was falsely accused by the leaders of the Jewish people and was executed by strangulation by the Moslem Turks in Albania.


Dionysioszakinthos
August 24

The Translation of the Relics of Dionysios of Zakynthos, Bishop of Aegina


Petermoscow
August 24

The Translation of the Holy Relics of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow

On this day we also commemorate the translation of the holy relics of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, which took place in the year 1646.

Our holy and wonderworking Father Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, was born in Volhynia, tonsured a monk at twelve years of age, and later ordained a priest. He lived in solitude for a time in a desert place north of Lvov and founded the Holy Transfiguration Monastery; afterwards he was sent to Constantinople, where the holy Patriarch Athanasius consecrated him Metropolitan of Kiev in 1308, and he returned to Vladimir, where the Metropolitans of Kiev had their residence at that time (see Saint Jonas on June 15). In 1325, he moved to Moscow, where he founded the Dormition Cathedral, and after his repose in December 21, 1326, was buried there. He was also an iconographer, and two of his icons, the Dormition and the Petrovskaya, are found in the Dormition Cathedral (see Oct. 5).


Philbartbarnabas
August 25

Return of the Body of Bartholomew the Glorious Apostle

Concerning the Apostle Bartholomew, see June 11


Allsaint
August 25

Titus the Apostle of the 70

Saint Titus was a Greek by race, and an idolater. But having believed in Christ through the Apostle Paul, he became Paul's disciple and follower and labored with him greatly in the preaching of the Gospel. When Paul ordained him Bishop of Crete, he later wrote to him the Epistle which bears his name. Having shepherded in an apostolic manner the flock that had been entrusted to him, and being full of days, he reposed in peace, some ninety-four years of age.


Natalia
August 26

The Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalie

The holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalie confessed the Christian Faith during the reign of Maximian, in Nicomedia, in the year 298. Adrian was a pagan; witnessing the valor of the Martyrs, and the fervent faith with which they suffered their torments, he also declared himself a Christian and was imprisoned. When this was told to his wife Natalie, who was secretly a believer, she visited him in prison and encouraged him in his sufferings. Saint Adrian's hands and feet were placed on an anvil and broken off with a hammer; he died in his torments. His blessed wife recovered part of his holy relics and took it to Argyropolis near Byzantium, and reposed in peace soon after.


Allsaint
August 26

Our Righteous Father Joseph


Allsaint
August 26

Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir

In all probability, the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir was painted in Constantinople. In the twelfth century, Patriarch Luke Chrysoberges sent it to Kiev to Great Prince Yuri Dolgruky. The icon was kept in the convent at Vyshgorod, whence the holy Prince Andrew of Bogoliubovo brought it to Vladimir. The icon is one of the most venerated in Russia, having been carried by princes in military campaigns, prayed before by rulers for the welfare of the people, and flocked to by the faithful of all walks of life. At the election of the metropolitans and patriarchs, the names of the candidates were placed before this holy icon, and after prayer, the lot chosen; Patriarch Tikhon the Confessor was elected this way. The icon is celebrated also on June 23 and May 21, the last feast being established to commemorate the deliverance of Moscow in 1521 from the onslaught of the Tartar Khan Makhmet-Girei.


Allsaint
August 27

Pimen the Great

Saint Pimen was from Egypt and shone forth in the ascetical life in Scete in the fourth century; he was renowned for his discretion. Many of his sayings and deeds are preserved in the Paradise of the Fathers and the Sayings of the Fathers.


Phanourios
August 27

Holy Martyr Phanurius

Little is known of the holy Martyr Phanurius, except that which is depicted concerning his martyrdom on his holy icon, which was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes, when the Moslems ruled there. Thus he is called "the Newly Revealed." The faithful pray to Saint Phanurius especially to help them recover things that have been lost, and because he has answered their prayers so often, the custom has arisen of baking a Phaneropita ("Phanurius-Cake") as a thanks-offering.


Allsaint
August 28

Moses the Black of Scete

Saint Moses, who is also called Moses the Black, was a slave, but because of his evil life, his master cast him out, and he became a ruthless thief, dissolute in all his ways. Later, however, coming to repentance, he converted, and took up the monastic life under Saint Isidore of Scete. He gave himself over to prayer and the mortification of the carnal mind with such diligence that he later became a priest of exemplary virtue. He was revered by all for his lofty ascetical life and for his great humility. Once the Fathers in Scete asked Moses to come to an assembly to judge the fault of a certain brother, but he refused. When they insisted, he took a basket which had a hole in it, filled it with sand, and carried it on his shoulders. When the Fathers saw him coming they asked him what the basket might mean. He answered, "My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and I am come this day to judge failings which are not mine." When a barbarian tribe was coming to Scete, Moses, conscious that he himself had slain other men when he was a thief, awaited them and was willingly slain by them with six other monks, at the end of the fourth century. He was a contemporary of Saint Arsenius the Great (see May 8).


Jobpochaev
August 28

Job of Pochaev

Saint Job of Pochaev was born about 1551 in southwest Galicia of a pious Orthodox family. In his tenth year the Saint departed for the Ugornitsky Monastery of our Saviour in the Carpathian Mountains. Tonsured after two years, he was ordained hieromonk about 1580. Renowned for his meekness and humility, Job was invited by the great zealot for Holy Orthodoxy in the Carpatho-Russia, Prince Constantine Ostrozhky, to be Abbot of the Monastery of the Cross in Dubno. In his zeal for the preservation and propagation of the Orthodox Faith, and to counteract the propaganda of the Uniates, he printed and widely disseminated Orthodox spiritual and liturgical books. About 1600 he removed to the Mountain of Pochaev where at insistence of the brethren, he became Abbot of the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos, which he enlarged and made to flourish. Through his labours, a large printing works was founded at Pochaev and greatly assisted in the nurture of the Orthodox faithful in that region. His monastery became the center of the Orthodox Church in western Ukraine. The Saint reposed, having taken the schema with the name of John, in 1651, at the advanced age of one hundred.


Allsaint
August 28

Synaxis of the Kiev Cave Fathers

On this day, we celebrate the Synaxis of the Kiev Cave Fathers who were laid to rest in the Far Caves of Saint Theodosius in Kiev (see also Sept. 22-28).


Jbaptbhd
August 29

Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

The divine Baptist, the Prophet born of a Prophet, the seal of all the Prophets and beginning of the Apostles, the mediator between the Old and New Covenants, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, the God-sent Messenger of the incarnate Messiah, the forerunner of Christ's coming into the world (Esaias 40: 3; Mal. 3: 1); who by many miracles was both conceived and born; who was filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb; who came forth like another Elias the Zealot, whose life in the wilderness and divine zeal for God's Law he imitated: this divine Prophet, after he had preached the baptism of repentance according to God's command; had taught men of low rank and high how they must order their lives; had admonished those whom he baptized and had filled them with the fear of God, teaching them that no one is able to escape the wrath to come if he do not works worthy of repentance; had, through such preaching, prepared their hearts to receive the evangelical teachings of the Savior; and finally, after he had pointed out to the people the very Savior, and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (Luke 3:2-18; John 1: 29-36), after all this, John sealed with his own blood the truth of his words and was made a sacred victim for the divine Law at the hands of a transgressor.

This was Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee, the son of Herod the Great. This man had a lawful wife, the daughter of Arethas (or Aretas), the King of Arabia (that is, Arabia Petraea, which had the famous Nabatean stone city of Petra as its capital. This is the Aretas mentioned by Saint Paul in II Cor. 11:32). Without any cause, and against every commandment of the Law, he put her away and took to himself Herodias, the wife of his deceased brother Philip, to whom Herodias had borne a daughter, Salome. He would not desist from this unlawful union even when John, the preacher of repentance, the bold and austere accuser of the lawless, censured him and told him, "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife" (Mark 6: 18). Thus Herod, besides his other unholy acts, added yet this, that he apprehended John and shut him in prison; and perhaps he would have killed him straightway, had he not feared the people, who had extreme reverence for John. Certainly, in the beginning, he himself had great reverence for this just and holy man. But finally, being pierced with the sting of a mad lust for the woman Herodias, he laid his defiled hands on the teacher of purity on the very day he was celebrating his birthday. When Salome, Herodias' daughter, had danced in order to please him and those who were supping with him, he promised her -- with an oath more foolish than any foolishness -- that he would give her anything she asked, even unto the half of his kingdom. And she, consulting with her mother, straightway asked for the head of John the Baptist in a charger. Hence this transgressor of the Law, preferring his lawless oath above the precepts of the Law, fulfilled this godless promise and filled his loathsome banquet with the blood of the Prophet. So it was that that all-venerable head, revered by the Angels, was given as a prize for an abominable dance, and became the plaything of the dissolute daughter of a debauched mother. As for the body of the divine Baptist, it was taken up by his disciples and placed in a tomb (Mark 6: 21 - 29). Concerning the finding of his holy head, see February 24 and May 25.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

First Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 28:16-20

Οἱ δὲ ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν, εἰς τὸ ὄρος οὗ ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς. καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν. καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς λέγων· ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς. πορευθέντες μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ῾Αγίου Πνεύματος, διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν πάντα ὅσα ἐνετειλάμην ὑμῖν· καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν εἰμι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος. ἀμήν.


Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 15:1-11

BRETHREN, I would remind you in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast - unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 15:1-11

Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ὃ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ παρελάβετε, ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἑστήκατε, διʼ οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε· τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, εἰ κατέχετε, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ εἰκῇ ἐπιστεύσατε. Παρέδωκα γὰρ ὑμῖν ἐν πρώτοις, ὃ καὶ παρέλαβον, ὅτι Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν κατὰ τὰς γραφάς. καὶ ὅτι ἐτάφη· καὶ ὅτι ἐγήγερται τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ κατὰ τὰς γραφάς· καὶ ὅτι ὤφθη Κηφᾷ, εἶτα τοῖς δώδεκα· ἔπειτα ὤφθη ἐπάνω πεντακοσίοις ἀδελφοῖς ἐφάπαξ, ἐξ ὧν οἱ πλείους μένουσιν ἕως ἄρτι, τινὲς δὲ καὶ ἐκοιμήθησαν· ἔπειτα ὤφθη Ἰακώβῳ, εἶτα τοῖς ἀποστόλοις πᾶσιν· ἔσχατον δὲ πάντων, ὡσπερεὶ τῷ ἐκτρώματι, ὤφθη κἀμοί. Ἐγὼ γάρ εἰμι ὁ ἐλάχιστος τῶν ἀποστόλων, ὃς οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς καλεῖσθαι ἀπόστολος, διότι ἐδίωξα τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ. Χάριτι δὲ θεοῦ εἰμι ὅ εἰμι, καὶ ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη, ἀλλὰ περισσότερον αὐτῶν πάντων ἐκοπίασα, οὐκ ἐγὼ δέ, ἀλλʼ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ σὺν ἐμοί. Εἴτε οὖν ἐγώ, εἴτε ἐκεῖνοι, οὕτως κηρύσσομεν καὶ οὕτως ἐπιστεύσατε.


Gospel Reading

12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26

At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

12th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 19:16-26

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, νεανίσκος τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ, γονυπετῶν αὐτόν, καὶ λέγων· Διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ἀγαθὸν ποιήσω ἵνα ἔχω ζωὴν αἰώνιον; ‘O δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός. εἰ δὲ θέλεις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωήν, τήρησον τὰς ἐντολάς. λέγει αὐτῷ· ποίας; ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπε· τὸ οὐ φονεύσεις, οὐ μοιχεύσεις, οὐ κλέψεις, οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις, τίμα τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν. λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ νεανίσκος· πάντα ταῦτα ἐφυλαξάμην ἐκ νεότητός μου· τί ἔτι ὑστερῶ; ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ ῾Ιησοῦς· εἰ θέλεις τέλειος εἶναι, ὕπαγε πώλησόν σου τὰ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ δὸς πτωχοῖς, καὶ ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ δεῦρο ἀκολούθει μοι. ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ νεανίσκος τὸν λόγον ἀπῆλθε λυπούμενος· ἦν γὰρ ἔχων κτήματα πολλά. ῾Ο δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι δυσκόλως πλούσιος εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν. πάλιν δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν, εὐκοπώτερόν ἐστι κάμηλον διὰ τρυπήματος ῥαφίδος διελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. ἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα λέγοντες· τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι; ἐμβλέψας δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· παρὰ ἀνθρώποις τοῦτο ἀδύνατόν ἐστι, παρὰ δὲ Θεῷ πάντα δυνατά ἐστι.


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Orthodox Christian Network myocn.net

Οι ψυχές των ανθρώπων

http://myocn.net/οι-ψυχές-των-ανθρώπων/

Οι ψυχές των ανθρώπων είναι αιώνιες και παραμένουν πάντα οι ψυχές των συγκεκριμένων ανθρώπων με το συγκεκριμένο όνομα, προσωπικότητα, αναμνήσεις, συναισθήματα κλπ και θα παραμείνουν έτσι, μέχρι να ανασθηθούν και να ξαναπάθουν άφθαρτο και αιώνιο το σώμα τους. Ποια είναι η δική μας σχέση με τις ψυχές αυτές;


Finding God in Prayer

http://myocn.net/finding-god-in-prayer/

In this episode, we begin with a discussion on why Orthodox Christians call Mary the Mother of God,​ or God​-​Bearer​,​ Theotokos in Greek. Listen as Fr. Barnabas (Chuck) Powell and Fr. Sp​i​ro Bobotas discuss the importance of her title and reasons we venerate her...


The Sunday after Ascension

http://myocn.net/the-sunday-after-ascension-may-24-2015/

In this episode of Good News for a Change, Fr. Constantine describes how, with the Ascension, we leave the joys and symbols of Pascha behind. So, do we need to wait until next year to experience again the reality and significance of Christ’s Glorious Resurrection? Some people sadly follow that approach. They show up for Easter​,​ and they don’t show up in Church again until the next one! But there is a better, more correct way, to approach this transition. Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead, and then ascended into Heaven. But ​H​e promises to send the Holy Spirit, so that all Christians, in any part of the World, are energized to fulfill the Gospel Mission. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is with us in all things and in all places. He is everywhere present and filling all things...


Assembly of Bishops Executive Committee to Meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

http://myocn.net/assembly-of-bishops-executive-committee-to-meet-with-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew/

On June 16, the Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America will travel to Istanbul in order to meet with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who will receive them at the Phanar...


The Samaritan Woman, The Acts of the Holy Apostles, The Holy Ascension, Pentecost, and the Pew Report

http://myocn.net/the-samaritan-woman-the-acts-of-the-holy-apostles-the-holy-ascension-pentecost-and-the-pew-report/

Just a few Sundays ago, we read the account of the Samaritan Woman, that marvelous encounter with Jesus, at the same hour as his crucifixion, the 6th hour.  The scene was a scandal for everyone.  Jesus, alone with a half-breed woman in the middle of the day....


The Church – Protector and Shepherd

http://myocn.net/the-church-protector-and-shepherd/

Before ascending to His Throne, Jesus commanded the Apostles to remain in Jerusalem to await the Holy Spirit. Before departing for his trial, Saint Paul warned the Church that wolves would come to attack the Church, some even from within. Ever since, we have been waiting for the return of Christ, comforted and shepherded by the Holy Spirit, while protected by His Church. But we cannot be shepherded if we insist on ignoring the Church and wandering away from her wings. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, protects us from the wolves while leading us to heaven. We must be vigilant against the attack of the wolves and learn to recognize when someone is teaching against the Church. At those moments, we must run to the Church for protection...


Overcoming Bias and Intolerance

http://myocn.net/overcoming-bias-and-intolerance/

In a recent study published in Psychological Science, evidence was given to show that the human brain categorizes people within the first second after seeing a face. In other words, our brain very quickly will separate people according to groups, typically in the “us vs. them” category. This separation most often occurs according to race. Even infants as young as 3 months old showed a preference for their own racial group, over some other racial group....


Ο καιρός των εξετάσεων

http://myocn.net/ο-καιρός-των-εξετάσεων/

Είμαστε έτοιμοι άραγε για τις εξετάσεις; Σα μαθητές κι εμείς που τελειώνει η χρονιά, έτοιμοι να εξεταστούμε πόσα μάθαμε, τι εφαρμόσαμε και τι όχι. Εύχομαι ανα πάσα στιγμή να μην πιαστούμε αδιάβαστοι...


Pentecost Sunday: May 31, 2015

http://myocn.net/pentecost-sunday-may-31-2015-2/

In this episode of Good News for a Change, Fr. Constantine Lazarakis shares thoughts on the significance of our Pentecost observance. He begins with a reflection on the “Service of the Kneeling.” “Again and again, on bended knee, let us pray to the Lord.” And we ask God to send the Holy Spirit upon us as He did at that first Pentecost.  Jesus is no longer bound to a place or a time, because the power of the Holy Spirit has now been poured out upon us. Every Sunday is a little Pascha. And we are now agents of God’s grace.


Women Saints

http://myocn.net/women-saints/

Have you ever thought about how many times Jesus scolds his disciples and male followers, yet he never even once becomes angry at or reprimands a woman? The priest at my former church once pointed this out in a bible study. He said this to emphasize that while women clearly have different roles in the Orthodox Church, that doesn’t mean they’re any less important or less loved by God. Inaccurate beliefs about women’s value in the Orthodox faith are caused by ignorance, mistranslations or misunderstanding of the New Testament.


Orthodox Monasteries: Living Examples of Humility

http://myocn.net/orthodox-monasteries-living-examples-of-humility/

Teaching children the significance of their faith can be difficult.  I can speak of this after being one of those children.  We can all think back to the Sundays in church that were composed of fidgeting, staring at the ceiling out of boredom, or leaning on our parents because our feet were sore within the first 10 minutes.  We can all think back to a childhood of not exactly understanding what was going on in church and what the significance of everything was.  However, can we all think back to the times we visited an Orthodox monastery?  I truly believe that my childhood visits to an Orthodox monastery opened my eyes towards God...


St. Vladimir’s Seminary to Honor Metropolitans Tikhon and Joseph at Meyendorff Lecture September 14


http://myocn.net/st-vladimirs-seminary-to-honor-metropolitans-tikhon-and-joseph-at-meyendorff-lecture-september-14%E2%80%A8/

[SVOTS Communications / Yonkers, NY]  Predrag Matejic, Ph.D., associate professor at Ohio State University’s Center for Slavic and East European Studies and curator of the Hilandar Research Library, will present the third annual Father John Meyendorff Memorial Lecture on Monday, September 14, 2015. Speaking on the topic “Byzantium, the Slavs, and the Rise of the Russian Orthodox Church,” he will focus on three historical periods: the conversion of the Slavs, the 10th–11th centuries, and the Russian Orthodox Church after the fall of Constantinople, including the councils of the 16th century...


Orthodox Campus Ministry: Is it time for change?

http://myocn.net/orthodox-campus-ministry-is-it-time-for-change/

College students are by far one of the most at-risk groups in the Orthodox Church today.  On a regular basis, young men and women on college campuses are confronted with an environment that is increasingly hostile to Orthodox Christianity.  Today, standing for Orthodox beliefs on a college campus often means presenting oneself as a subject of ridicule.  At many colleges, an Orthodox Christian worldview is considered at best a superstitious relic and at worst a form of bigotry...


Divine Liturgy Broadcast: Dormition of the Theotokos

http://myocn.net/dormition-of-the-theotokos/

In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.

Kontakion of Dormition of the Theotokos in the Second Tone

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.


Valuing Traditions

http://myocn.net/valuing-traditions/

Is Orthodoxy burdened with traditions?   Listen as Fr. Chris speaks with  Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis, pastor of St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Tampa, FL, about the value of traditions in the Orthodox Faith...


This Week in Orthodoxy

http://myocn.net/this-week-in-orthodoxy-august-28-2015/

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 some of the stories making headlines this week:

  • St. Vladimir’s Seminary to honor Metropolitans at an annual lecture next month.
  • Istanbul’s Greek community wishes to remove patriarchs’ graves from Greek Orthodox cemetery.
  • The Islamic State continues its rampage in Syria with kidnappings, beheadings, and the destruction of historial antiquities including the St. Elian Monaster

60th Anniversary of the Tragic Persecution of Christians in Turkey

http://myocn.net/60th-anniversary-of-the-tragic-persecution-of-christians-in-turkey/

Across the world, Christians are suffering for their faith, and we beseech you to remember the past and get involved.  Inspired by the Christian Rights and Freedom Institute founded by St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, Florida and the South Florida Archons, the Orthodox Christian Network features important news on current and historical events. 


Video about Monasteries in Romania

http://myocn.net/video-about-monasteries-in-romania/

Have you ever wondered why people become monks and nuns? In her graduation film from Coventry University, Brindusa Ioana Nastasa (Grapefruit Productions) captures 10 intimate interviews with various monastics throughout Romania.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The sign that thou lovest God, is this, that thou lovest thy fellow; and if thou hatest thy fellow, thy hatred is towards God. For it is blasphemy if thou prayest before God while thou art wroth. For thy heart also convicts thee, that in vain thou multipliest words: thy conscience rightly judges that in thy prayers thou profitest nought.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
ON ADMONITION AND REPENTANCE.

Wherefore then doth Christ thus reply to him, saying, "There is none good?" Because He came unto Him as a mere man, and one of the common sort, and a Jewish teacher; for this cause then as a man He discourses with him. And indeed in many instances He replies to the secret thoughts of them that come unto Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 63 on Matthew 19, 4th Century

Rise from love of the world and love of pleasure. Put care aside, strip your mind, refuse your body. Prayer, after all, is a turning away from the world, visible and invisible. What have I in heaven? Nothing except simply to cling always to You in undistracted prayer. Wealth pleases some, glory others, possessions others, but what I want is to cling to God and to put the hopes of my dispassion in Him (cf. Ps. 72:25, 28).
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 28: On Prayer; Paulist Press pg. 277, 6th century

Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown , 7th century

'But I say to you,' the Lord says, 'love your enemies; do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you.' Why did he command these things? So that he might free you from hatred, sadness, anger and grudges, and might grant you the greatest possession of all, perfect love, which is impossible to possess except by the one you loves all equally in imitation of God.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Unknown, 7th century

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August 2015 Monthly Calendar

Annunciation

 

Sunday, August 2, 2015-  Ninth Sunday of St. Matthew. St. Stephen the Protomartyr.

Epistle: Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-5 ;47-60; 

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34 (pp. 77-78 ) [Jesus Walks on the Water]   

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

 

Thursday, August 6, 2015- Transfiguration of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Epistle: II Peter 1:10-19; 

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 [Transfiguration of the Lord]   

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

 

Sunday, August 9, 2015- Tenth Sunday of St. Matthew. Apostle Matthias of the Seventy.

Epistle: I Corinthians: 4:9-16 ; 

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23 (pp. 79-80) [Faith like a mustard seed can move Mountain]  

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

Forty Day Memorial Nick Ziss

 

Saturday, August 15, 2015-  Dormition of the Theotokos.

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11; 

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28 [Martha and Mary]   

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

 

Sunday, August 16, 2015-  Eleventh Sunday of St. Matthew. Translation of the Image of Christ.

Epistle: I Corinthians 9:2-12; 

Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35 (pp. 80-82) [Unforgiving forgiven servant]  

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

Thirty Year Memorial Bertha Anagnos

 

Sunday, August 23, 2015-  Twelfth Sunday of St. Matthew. 

            St. Iraenaus of Lyons.

Epistle: I Corinthians 15:1-11;

Gospel: Matthew 19:16-26 (pp. 83-84) [Easier for Camel to go through eye of needle]  

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

 

Saturday, August 29, 2015- Beheading of St. John the Baptist.

Epistle: Acts 13:25-33.; 

Gospel: Mark 6:14-30 [Beheading of St. John the Baptist]  

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

 

Sunday, August 30, 2015- Thirteenth Sunday of St. Matthew. 

Sts. Alexander, John and Paul, New Patriarchs of Constantinople.

Epistle: I Corinthians 16:13-24 ; 

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42 (pp.84-86) [Evil Tenants of the Vineyard]  

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

One Year Memorial Susan Panagakos

 

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

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News from the Archdiocese

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Aug. 2 - Sept. 2, 2015

07/28/2015

Archbishop Demetrios Visits with Campers at Archdiocese D.A.D. Camp Saint Paul

07/21/2015

On Thursday July 17, Archbishop Demetrios of America visited Camp Saint Paul, the Direct Archdiocesan District’s youth camp in the scenic Berkshire Hills of Connecticut near the town of Litchfield.

Patriarchal Message for the New Ecclesiastical Year and the Day for the Protection of the Natural Environment

08/26/2015

As everyone knows, September 1st of each year has been dedicated at the initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate – and recently also by the Roman Catholic Church – as a day of prayer for the protection of the natural environment. On this day, we especially beseech the supreme God to gladden His creation so that human life therein may be joyful and fruitful. This prayer includes of course the petition that the inevitable natural climate changes may occur and be permitted within tolerable levels both for human survival and for the planet’s sustainability.

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

08/26/2015

On this Feast of the Indiction which marks the beginning of the New Ecclesiastical Year, we are led by our beloved Ecumencial Patriarchate in observing the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment. The relationship of our commemoration and observance is significant due to the changing of the seasons, our agrarian heritage in relation to marking time, and the strong foundations of our worship and theology in the relationship of our Creator to His creation.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - August 15, 2015

08/11/2015

We commemorate today, on this blessed Feast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, the holy repose of the Mother of our Lord and seek her intercessions for deliverance, refuge, and salvation in Christ. From her resting place among the Saints she continues to radiate the grace of God offering solace and strength to those in need. Through her repose and her constant ministry on our behalf, the Theotokos shows the power of faith and the promise of life beyond death.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Aug. 2 - Sept. 2, 2015

07/28/2015

Archbishop Demetrios Visits with Campers at Archdiocese D.A.D. Camp Saint Paul

07/21/2015

On Thursday July 17, Archbishop Demetrios of America visited Camp Saint Paul, the Direct Archdiocesan District’s youth camp in the scenic Berkshire Hills of Connecticut near the town of Litchfield.

Bishop Philotheos of Meloa Elevated to Metropolitan

07/10/2015

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the elevation of Bishop Philotheos of Meloa to the rank of Metropolitan of Meloa, according to an official announcement of July 9, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for July 12-26, 2015

07/08/2015

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος χαιρετίζει το κλίμα σύμπνοιας μετά το Δημοψήφισμα και την σύσκεψη των Πολιτικών αρχηγών της Ελλάδος

07/06/2015

Όπως ανεφέρετο σε προχθεσινή ανακοίνωση Τύπου της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος, στη συνομιλία του με τον Πρόεδρο της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας κ. Προκόπη Παυλόπουλο, στις 1 και 2 Ιουλίου, είχε διατυπώσει την παράκληση για την διαφύλαξη της ομοψυχίας και συμπορείας όλων των πολιτικών πλευρών της Ελλάδος στην προσπάθεια υπερνικήσεως της κρίσεως που αντιμετωπίζει η Γενέτειρα.

Assembly of Bishops Issues Release in Response to Supreme Court decision

07/02/2015

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, responding to the Supreme Court decision of June 26, Obergefell v. Hodges issued today the following release:

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος εκφράζει την αγωνία του στον Πρόεδρο Ομπάμα και στον Πρόεδρο της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας Προκόπη Παυλόπουλο

07/02/2015

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος απηύθυνε σήμερα επιστολή προς τον Πρόεδρο των Η.Π.Α κ. Barack Obama, διά της οποίας τον ευχαριστεί για την έως τώρα συμπαράσταση προς την Ελλάδα κατά την περίοδο της οικονομικής κρίσεως και τον καλεί να συνεχίσει και να εντείνει τις ευγενείς προσπάθειες του προς όλες τις πλευρές, για την υπέρβαση της κρίσεως και την επίτευξη συμφωνίας.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Independence Day - July 4, 2015

07/01/2015

The annual celebration of Independence Day in this country is an opportunity for all to reflect on the value of freedom, its role in the history of the United States of America, and the opportunities it provides for relationships, life, and well-being. The value and priority of freedom is evident in the history of this country, both through the struggles to achieve it for all persons as well as in the great accomplishments and progress that have been made in terms of the freedom to think, speak, move, invent, and succeed.

Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος: Ομόνοια και Ομοψυχία

06/30/2015

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος παρακολουθεί εντονώτατα τις εξελίξεις στην Ελλάδα, η οποία αντιμετωπίζει μια πολύ μεγάλη κρίση στη σύγχρονη ιστορία της.

Archbishop Demetrios Attends Funeral of South Carolina Slain Pastor Rev. Clementa Pinckney

06/26/2015

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, attended today, Jun. 26, 2015, the funeral service for South Carolina State Sen. Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was slain last Wednesday with eight others inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.

Ionian Village Celebrates 45 Years of Youth Ministry

06/26/2015

On June 23, Ionian Village, the international summer camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, began its celebratory 45th Anniversary Summer. Founded in the 1960’s through the vision of the late Archbishop Iakovos, Ionian Village first summer of camping ministry was in 1970 under the leadership and dedication of Father George Poulos. Over the following 44 years, Ionian Village has welcomed over 17,000 alumni through its gates with one simple goal: to provide its campers and staff with a life-transforming experience by bringing them closer to our Orthodox faith and exploring our rich Hellenic culture and history.

Archbishop Demetrios to Attend Funeral of South Carolina Slain Pastor

06/25/2015

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, will travel to Charleston, S.C. tomorrow Friday Jun. 26, 2015, to attend the funeral of State Sen. Rev. Clementa Pinckney who was among the nine victims killed by a gunman last Wednesday inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - August 15, 2015

08/11/2015

We commemorate today, on this blessed Feast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, the holy repose of the Mother of our Lord and seek her intercessions for deliverance, refuge, and salvation in Christ. From her resting place among the Saints she continues to radiate the grace of God offering solace and strength to those in need. Through her repose and her constant ministry on our behalf, the Theotokos shows the power of faith and the promise of life beyond death.

Bishop Philotheos of Meloa Elevated to Metropolitan

07/10/2015

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the elevation of Bishop Philotheos of Meloa to the rank of Metropolitan of Meloa, according to an official announcement of July 9, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος χαιρετίζει το κλίμα σύμπνοιας μετά το Δημοψήφισμα και την σύσκεψη των Πολιτικών αρχηγών της Ελλάδος

07/06/2015

Όπως ανεφέρετο σε προχθεσινή ανακοίνωση Τύπου της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος, στη συνομιλία του με τον Πρόεδρο της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας κ. Προκόπη Παυλόπουλο, στις 1 και 2 Ιουλίου, είχε διατυπώσει την παράκληση για την διαφύλαξη της ομοψυχίας και συμπορείας όλων των πολιτικών πλευρών της Ελλάδος στην προσπάθεια υπερνικήσεως της κρίσεως που αντιμετωπίζει η Γενέτειρα.

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος εκφράζει την αγωνία του στον Πρόεδρο Ομπάμα και στον Πρόεδρο της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας Προκόπη Παυλόπουλο

07/02/2015

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος απηύθυνε σήμερα επιστολή προς τον Πρόεδρο των Η.Π.Α κ. Barack Obama, διά της οποίας τον ευχαριστεί για την έως τώρα συμπαράσταση προς την Ελλάδα κατά την περίοδο της οικονομικής κρίσεως και τον καλεί να συνεχίσει και να εντείνει τις ευγενείς προσπάθειες του προς όλες τις πλευρές, για την υπέρβαση της κρίσεως και την επίτευξη συμφωνίας.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for July 12-26, 2015

07/08/2015

Ionian Village Celebrates 45 Years of Youth Ministry

06/26/2015

On June 23, Ionian Village, the international summer camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, began its celebratory 45th Anniversary Summer. Founded in the 1960’s through the vision of the late Archbishop Iakovos, Ionian Village first summer of camping ministry was in 1970 under the leadership and dedication of Father George Poulos. Over the following 44 years, Ionian Village has welcomed over 17,000 alumni through its gates with one simple goal: to provide its campers and staff with a life-transforming experience by bringing them closer to our Orthodox faith and exploring our rich Hellenic culture and history.

Assembly of Bishops Issues Release in Response to Supreme Court decision

07/02/2015

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, responding to the Supreme Court decision of June 26, Obergefell v. Hodges issued today the following release:

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Independence Day - July 4, 2015

07/01/2015

The annual celebration of Independence Day in this country is an opportunity for all to reflect on the value of freedom, its role in the history of the United States of America, and the opportunities it provides for relationships, life, and well-being. The value and priority of freedom is evident in the history of this country, both through the struggles to achieve it for all persons as well as in the great accomplishments and progress that have been made in terms of the freedom to think, speak, move, invent, and succeed.

Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος: Ομόνοια και Ομοψυχία

06/30/2015

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος παρακολουθεί εντονώτατα τις εξελίξεις στην Ελλάδα, η οποία αντιμετωπίζει μια πολύ μεγάλη κρίση στη σύγχρονη ιστορία της.

Archbishop Demetrios Attends Funeral of South Carolina Slain Pastor Rev. Clementa Pinckney

06/26/2015

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, attended today, Jun. 26, 2015, the funeral service for South Carolina State Sen. Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was slain last Wednesday with eight others inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.

Archbishop Demetrios to Attend Funeral of South Carolina Slain Pastor

06/25/2015

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, will travel to Charleston, S.C. tomorrow Friday Jun. 26, 2015, to attend the funeral of State Sen. Rev. Clementa Pinckney who was among the nine victims killed by a gunman last Wednesday inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Condemns Shooting at Historic Charleston, S.C. Church

06/19/2015

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, very saddened by the news of the senseless and tragic shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church expressed on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America “deep sorrow, sympathy and prayers for the victims, their families and their community.”

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's Response to Pope Francis' Climate Encyclical

06/18/2015

TIME magazine website published today an exclusive article outlining the response of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Climate Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis Laudato Si’, presented this morning at the Vatican.

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.


TEXT OF ORTHROS AND DIVINE LITURGY

For weekly texts of the Sunday Orthros and Liturgy services (in both Greek and English), please visit http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html


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Parish News

Memorial Service

A memorial service of one year will be held for Mrs. Susan Panagakos on Sunday, August 30th.
May her memory be eternal!

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.

Church Facebook Page

Our parish now has a Facebook page, from which we will share information about all aspects of church life, parish activities, and event photos.
To access the page, please visit http://www.facebook.com/annunciationwb .
Please note that you do not need to have a Facebook account to view our page.

Festival Cooking Session

There will be a cooking session to prepare for our Greek Food Festival this Saturday, August 22nd, at 12:00 p.m.  We will be making dolmadakia.  Please try to come, as the church needs your help.  No cooking experience is necessary!

 


Holy Week and Pascha Liturgical Program

Άγιον Πάσχα 2015 Λειτουργικόν Πρόγραμμα - Holy Pascha 2015 Liturgical Schedule:
Click here to view Fr. Gabriel's Paschal Address

Upcoming Church Service

On Saturday, August 29, 2015, the Orthros service begins at 9:00 A.M. and will be followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:15 A.M. to commemorate the beheading of St. John the Baptist.  Please join us.  For more information about the feast, please visit http://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=182


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


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.


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!


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

AHEPA Meeting

The next meeting of the AHEPA Black Diamond Chapter 55 will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. in the church hall.  Upcoming events will be discussed.  All members are urged to attend.  Please contact Bill Anagnos for more information.


This Week's Q&A: What is the origin and significance of the Apostles' Fast?

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 origin and significance of the Apostles' Fast?

 

 


The Fast of the Holy Apostles is dated back to early years of the church. The first evidence of this fast is found in the writings of St. Athanasius the Great (†373). In his letter to Emperor Constance, he writes: "During the week following Pentecost, the people who observed the fast went out to the cemetery to pray." Some 20 years later, St. Ambrose (†397) writes: "On the days following his ascension into heaven, however, we again fast" (Sermon 61).

 

The famous pilgrim Egeria mentioned the Apostles' Fast also in her fourth-century-writing which records that "on the day following the feast of Pentecost, a period of fasting began". In the same period, the fourth century, the Apostolic Constitutions prescribes: "After the feast of Pentecost, celebrate one week, then observe a fast, for justice demands rejoicing after the reception of the gifts of God and fasting after the body has been refreshed."

 

Until the second half of the 3rd century, the Fast of the Holy Apostles was linked to Pentecost and lasted only for one week (Apostolic Constitutions). Later on, after the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul and following the development of the commemoration of their death around the year 258, the Apostles' Fast became linked to the feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29. Consequently, it became a fasting period of preparation for the celebration of the feast of the great apostles. St. Symeon of Thessalonica (†1429) explains: "The Fast of the Apostles is justly established in their honor, for through them we have received numerous benefits and for us they are exemplars and teachers of the fast ... For one week after the descent of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution composed by Clement, we celebrate, and then during the following week, we fast in honor of the Apostles." 

 

Subsequently, the duration of the Fast of the Holy Apostles changed from one week to a variable period depending on the date of the Feast of Pascha (Easter).

 

Source: http://www.antiochian.org/fast-holy-apostles

 


Memorial Service

A memorial service of one year for Irene Plink will be held on Sunday, May 24th.
May her memory be eternal!


St. Tikhon's Monastery Pilgrimage

 

St. Tikhon’s Monastery will hold its 111th 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

 


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.

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


Upcoming Greek Food Festival

The next Greek food festival will be held from Wednesday, October 7th to Friday, October 9th from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. daily.
Complete festival details and the updated menu is available online at http://greekfoodfestival.webs.com .
The parish council is currently seeking volunteers.  Please contact Tom Iliades or Christina Stelmack to inform them of your availability during the three days of the festival.  Alternatively, send an e-mail to the church at annunciationwb@mail.goarch.org 

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