August 20
Holy Trinity Church
Publish Date: 2017-08-20
Bulletin Contents
Holy Trinity Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (609) 653-8092
- Fax:
- (609) 653-0375
- Street Address:
- 7004 Ridge Ave
- Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
- Mailing Address:
- 7004 Ridge Ave
- Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Contact Information
Services Schedule
Sunday Services: Orthros 8:15 am.
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2017-08-13
- Publish Date:
- 2017-08-06
- Publish Date:
- 2017-07-30
- Publish Date:
- 2017-07-23
- Publish Date:
- 2017-07-16
- Publish Date:
- 2017-07-09
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode
When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA
Apolytikion for Afterfeast 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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press - Northridge, CA
Saints and Feasts
August 20
Samuel the Prophet
This most holy man, a Prophet of God from childhood, was the last judge of the Israelite people, and anointed the first two Kings of Israel. He was born in the twelfth century before Christ, in the city of Armathaim Sipha, from the tribe of Levi, the son of Elkanah and Hannah (Anna). He was the fruit of prayer, for his mother, being barren, conceived him only after she had supplicated the Lord with many tears; wherefore she called him Samuel, that is, "heard by God." As soon as Hannah had weaned him, she brought him to the city of Silom (Shiloh), where the Ark was kept, and she consecrated him, though yet a babe, to the service of God, giving thanks to Him with the hymn found in the Third Ode of the Psalter: "My heart hath been established in the Lord . . ." Samuel remained in Silom under the protection of Eli the priest. He served in the Tabernacle of God, and through his most venerable way of life became well-pleasing to God and man (I Kings 2: 26). While yet a child, sleeping in the tabernacle near the Ark of God, he heard the voice of God calling his name, and foretelling the downfall of Eli; for although Eli's two sons, Ophni and Phineas, were most lawless, and despisers of God, Eli did not correct them. Even after Samuel had told Eli of the divine warning, Eli did not properly chastise his sons, and afterwards, through various misfortunes, his whole house was blotted out in one day.
After these things came to pass, Samuel was chosen to be the protector of the people, and he judged them with holiness and righteousness. He became for them an example of all goodness, and their compassionate intercessor before God: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; yea, I will serve the Lord, and show you the good and the right way" (ibid. 12:23). When he asked them -- having God as witness -- if he ever wronged anyone, or took anyone's possessions, or any gift, even so much as a sandal, they answered with one voice: "Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, nor afflicted us, neither hast thou taken anything from anyone's hand" (ibid. 12:4). When Samuel was old, the people asked him for a king, but he was displeased with this, knowing that God Himself was their King. But when they persisted, the Lord commanded him to anoint them a king, saying, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me from reigning over them" (ibid. 8:7); so Samuel anointed Saul. But Saul transgressed the command of God repeatedly, so Samuel anointed David. Yet, since Samuel was a man of God, full of tender mercy, when the Lord told him that He had rejected Saul, Samuel wept for him the whole night long (ibid. 15:11); and later, since he continued to grieve, the Lord said to him, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?" (ibid. 16:1). Having lived blamelessly some ninety-eight years, and become an example to all of a God-pleasing life, he reposed in the eleventh century before Christ. Many ascribe to him the authorship of the Books of judges, and of Ruth, and of the first twenty-four chapters of the First Book of Kings (I Samuel).
August 20
Holy Martyr Luke of Bouleutos
August 20
Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
August 20
Stephen, First King of Hungary
August 20
Hierotheos, Bishop of Hungary
August 20
Oswin the Martyr, King of Deira
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.
Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a sister as wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
Gospel Reading
11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35
The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Wisdom of the Fathers
Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant .... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt.
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century
When then you are minded to be revengeful, consider that against yourself are you revengeful, not against another; that you art binding up your own sins, not your neighbors ....
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century
PARISH NEWS
Pangari Schedule: Walter Mularz, Christ Georges, Vicky Georges & Brian Sacco.
Greeter Schedule: Donna Efstatos.
Today's Coffee Hour will be hosted by Presv. Voula Liacopulos in the Fellowship Hall. If you are hosting the coffee hour please make sure that all products are nut free. We have children with severe nut allergies. Thank you!
Coffee Hour Update: If no one volunteers to host the coffee hour in a timely manner, we will have to cancel the coffee hour for that Sunday. Thank you!
If anyone is interested in donating $50 a week or $200 a month so that the Come Receive the Light program can stay on the air, please contact the church office or Demi Zalman. The program airs on Sundays at 9:00 am on station 1020AM and 101.3 FM.
UPCOMING EVENTS
See attached flyers for more information on these upcoming events.
September 10: Sunday School & Greek School Blessing (please fill out attached registration forms and send to the office)
September 10: GOYA Oath & Meeting
September 10: Greek School Meeting for parents
September 11: First Day of Greek School
September 24: First Day of Sunday School
September 24: 2nd Annual Stewardship BBQ
October 1: GOYA Basketball Parent's Meeting
October 7: Ocean City Block Party
October 14: Anniversary Dance
November 4: Philoptochos Bid-n-Buy
RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion is offered to those baptized Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves for the reception of the Sacrament by prayer and fasting. Blessed Bread is available for all our visitors at the very end of the Divine Liturgy. Our Sunday School students receive Holy Communion first and then we will approach from the center aisles, starting with the front pews, one pew at a time.
SCHEDULING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
In order to avoid scheduling conflicts all parish ministries and organizations must call the church office to schedule all meetings, practices and events (even if they are not scheduled at the church).
COUNCIL OF MINISTRIES - GOALS
--Promote communication and coordination between Ministries
--Highlight each ministry’s role in promoting our Mission and Vision
--Encourage ministry leaders to prioritize growing the inner circle of active members
GOYA BASKETBALL
Attention all GOYAns and future GOYAns:
Any boys or girls entering the 7th through 12th grade that are interested in joining the GOYA basketball team, please see Anthony Panetta. Games are played on Sundays from October through January, and practices are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights for the boy's team from 7:00 to 8:30 beginning after Labor Day weekend (girls times to be determined). Sign up sheets as well as a date and time for the mandatory parents meeting will be provided soon. Thanks, and Believe in Blue!
ALTAR BOYS
Attention parents, please contact Father George by August 31st if your sons want to join the altar boys in September.
DIVERS FOR ASBURY PARK
Please contact Father George if you would like to be a diver for the Asbury Park Liturgy on Sunday, September 17th. Selection will be on a first come, first served basis. We need 1 Jr. Boy , 1 Jr. Girl, 1 Sr. Boy and 1 Sr. Girl.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Saturday, October 14, 2017. We will be celebrating Holy Trinity's 35th Anniversary and the 10th Anniversary of our Community Center and Trinity Learning Center. Join us for a festive evening filled with a lot of fun! Please see attached flyer for more information.
REQUEST FOR GREETERS
Dear Parishioners,
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
Our wonderful greeter, Marge Adams, has moved to be near her family in Pennsylvania. We are very grateful and inspired by Marge, as she greeted and welcomed our parishioners and visitors, and we thank her for all the years she faithfully served on our Greeter Ministry, since 2013. We wish Marge all the best in her future home and surroundings. She will be greatly missed by all of us. We hope and pray that she will join us from time to time, which she has promised to do.
Please join us as we continue this meaningful ministry, creating more wonderful, first, and continuing impressions. The Great Commission of our Lord begins with us, as greeters, as we welcome everyone, sharing the love of Christ.
If anyone would like to join our wonderful Greeter Ministry, please speak to Ginny Kramvis or email ekramvis@comcast.net
BIBLE STUDY
Our Bible Study Group will not meet during the summer, but will resume in September.
PARKING
Due to safety regulations, please do not park cars along the curb in front of the church and the community center during church services and other events. Thank you!
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
We are excited to announce a new way to give your Business or Service a face in our church community. We are opening up the opportunity to advertise your place of business in our church bulletins. The most important aspect of this opportunity is that not only will it enhance and promote your business but ALL of the money collected for advertising will go to the church. We are confident that this advertising opportunity will improve the exposure and revenues of your business. If you have an interest in obtaining more details we encourage you to speak to Athena Sacco (athenasacco@gmail.com or 609-653-6775) or any other parish council member. We thank you in advance for your participation and support.
COOKBOOK FOR SALE
Our Community Cookbook is now available to purchase for $10. All proceeds will be used for our Church. Please see Athena Sacco to purchase or for additional information.
SHOPRITE GIFT CARDS
The Philoptochos is selling Shoprite Gift Cards and would appreciate your support. For every $100.00 dollars we sell, we get $5.00. Cards are available in $50 increments. Demi Zalman is our chairperson and she will be at church on Sundays after the service with the cards for anyone to buy. Write your check to "Holy Trinity Philoptochos" or use cash. If you do not see Demi in church any Philoptochos sister will be able to help you find out who has the cards that day.
As the needs of our community are rising, the Philoptochos is hoping that this initiative will provide added funds to help meet our ever-growing charitable requests. Please consider buying these cards and help us raise money to help others.
NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETING
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by friend or family member’s drug addiction. As a Twelve-Step Program, they offer help by sharing experience, strength, and hope in a safe and anonymous forum. If you are or know someone who is impacted by someone else’s drug addition, please let them know about this meeting. Meetings are held every Thursday at 6:30pm.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
Gamblers Anonymous will be meeting on Tuesdays, from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm at the church.
PARISH WEB SITE
Please visit our parish web site often for updated information. Group leaders should submit their groups' information to the church office ASAP so that all the tabs can be updated. www.holytrinityeggharbor.com
ANCIENT FAITH RADIO
Ancient Faith Radio can now be found at www.ancientfaith.com Bringing the Ancient Christian Faith to the modern world. By going on this site you can access some uplifting music, informative & educational Podcasts, and you can even get the App for your phone.
OCMC MISSION TEAMS
THANK YOU to Sunday School Department, Minos Bakery, Mill Street Pub, Spiros Doulis Jewelers and Joe's Pizza for being a partner with us in the Agape Canister Program.
To All Clergy, Parish Staff, and OCMC Ambassadors:
Opportunities on Fall Short-Term Mission Teams Still Exist!
There are still open opportunities on three OCMC medical mission teams to Guatemala and Indonesia and youth outreach teams that will be traveling to Ghana and Kenya in the fall. If you or anyone you know would be interested in joining these vital efforts of the Church, please contact Andy Lekos by phone at 904-829-5132 x140, or by e-mail at teams@ocmc.org. Teams serve in the mission field for approximately two weeks and are a great way to impact the lives of people who are in great need around the world.
TRINITY LEARNING CENTER
Our TLC is now enrolling children from 3 months! Please continue to publicize and promote our child care facility. Let your family, friends, and neighbors know to call Trinity Learning Center at 653-9001 to register their children. TLC is collecting General Mills Box Tops for Education and Campbell's Soup UPC codes off the labels and boxes. Drop off your books, box tops and labels in the narthex.