Sunday Morning Orthros/Matins 8:15am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am; Saturday Great Vespers 5:00pm (October thru May); Weekday Services (see Online Calendar, Sunday Bulletin & Monthly Newsletter); Confession (by appointment).
Saint Photine was the Samaritan Woman who encountered Christ our Saviour at Jacob's Well (John 4:1-42). Afterwards she laboured in the spread of the Gospel in various places, and finally received the crown of martyrdom in Rome with her two sons and five sisters, during the persecutions under the Emperor Nero.
The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.
Saint Porphyrius had Thessalonica as his homeland. He became a monk in Scete of Egypt, where he lived for five years. He went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, after which he spent five years in much affliction in a cave near the Jordan. Stricken with a disease of the liver, he departed to Jerusalem, where he was ordained presbyter and appointed Keeper of the Cross at the age of 45. Three years later he was made Bishop of Gaza. He suffered much from the rulers and pagans of Gaza; but with the friendship of Saint John Chrysostom, and the patronage of the Empress Eudoxia, he razed the temple of the idol Marnas in Gaza and built a great church to the glory of God. He reposed in 450.
Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20
At that time, Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, and he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
Prokeimenon. Plagal 4th Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.
Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.
Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21
The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Are You a Sheep or a Goat? (2-19-2017)
In our oppressively politically correct society some are bending over backwards to undo injustices of the past. Of course, we must learn our history, understand previous prejudices and admit indiscriminate discriminations. We must undo them and seek to never repeat them. However, this needs to be done with common sense and prudence. What should not be done is seek to re-write history, change texts and conduct witch hunts on the past. This overreach has extended into Christianity by changing the text of Holy Scripture. For example, to overcome oppressive patriarchy the word “Father”, which refers to God the Father, is changed to “Begetter, Creator, or even Mother.” In another example, to combat racism, words like black or dark are eliminated altogether. These changes, while well-intended, can have serious consequences because they change the meaning of the text.
Some blame early preferences for right-handed people on the Bible text. And today’s Gospel reading from Meatfare/Judgment Sunday in Matthew 25:31-46 would be one of those passages.
31“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
Knowing that those on the right will be inherit the Kingdom of God (vv.34,46) and that those on the left will go into everlasting fire and punishment (vv.41,46), I wonder how the goats feel about it? Of course, this passage is not a put down of left-handers but it sure seems critical of goats. Does this have a deeper meaning or could Jesus have just as easily used lions and tigers?
Well, first of all, we must remember that, in this passage it is the behavior of the sheep and the goats that determine how they are judged. It is the sheep who feed the hungry, give drink to those who thirst, who welcome strangers, who clothe the naked, who visit the sick and those in prison (vv.35-36). That’s why they inherit the kingdom, because they helped the poor, needy, homeless, and those who suffer. The goats on the other hand, did none of these things (vv.42-43) and that’s why they are cast out with the devil and his angels (v.41).
But is there a real difference between the character of sheep and a goat? What do we know about them? One source says, “An adult male sheep is called a ram and an adult female sheep is a ewe. Young sheep are lambs. An adult male goat is called a buck or billy, and an adult female goat is called a doe or nanny. Young goats are called kids. Sheep are most comfortable with their flock, and they tend to run if approached or spooked. Goats are more independent, intelligent and tolerant of interaction in general. Sheep like to graze on grass, while goats prefer to graze on anything they can, including leaves, twigs and anything edible they can reach.”
http://animals.mom.me/characteristics-sheep-vs-goats-5493.html
How are goats and lambs referred to elsewhere in the Scriptures? Interestingly, Abel the son of Adam and Eve was a shepherd, a keeper of sheep. Their other son, Cain, was a George, a tiller of the ground (Gen.4:2). Jesus often refers to His followers and the people of Israel as sheep. 36But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (Matthew 9:36). He even refers to them as “lost sheep” (Mt.10:6; 15:24; Mk.6:34; Lk.15:4,6). Jesus refers to Himself famously as the Good Shepherd (Mt.10:1-16). After His Resurrection, Jesus intimates that His followers/sheep will constitute the Church and that Peter, and all those who love Christ, will take care of them (John 21:15-17). In the Law of Moses (Torah, Pentateuch), as recorded in Leviticus and Numbers, goats are often used as sacrifice for sin offerings. Jesus only refers to goats in today’s passage about the Last/Final Judgment.
Sheep are known for their strong flocking or herding instinct. They like to stick to together because there is safety in numbers. They are also known for a strong “follow the leader” character, even to their own detriment. This caused the death of 400 sheep in 2006 in eastern Turkey. The sheep plunged to their death after one of the sheep tried to cross a 15-meter deep ravine, and the rest of the flock followed. Sheep are known as very social animals, needing to be in groups of at least five to feel comfortable. When separated from their flock, sheep become very agitated. http://www.sheep101.info/201/behavior.html On the other hand, while goats are highly intelligent, among them might rules, and so does nepotism. They communicate often by biting each other and they tend to butt each other to bully their way around. http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/raising-goats/what-is-normal-goat-behavior/
So, what can we learn from this information. Well first, we need to be careful not to be strict literalists or fundamentalist in reading the Bible. If we were so, then we look down on black people, left-handed people and goats. Secondly, neither should we take liberty in interpreting the Scripture. The Apostle Peter said, 20knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (2Peter 1:20). In addition to daily reading of Scripture to understand its context and language, we must consult the Church Fathers and the Saints, and listen to homilies and sermons to correctly understand their meaning. Third, we must become like sheep in relationship to Christ, seeing Him as our Shepherd, listening to Him and following Him. Most of all we must become obedient to Christ by serving others, especially those in need, those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick and in prison. Lastly, we must avoid becoming goat-like, seeking our own, pursuing power and control, butting and bullying others. And, when we have acted more like goats than sheep, repenting and confessing our sins. Be a sheep, don’t be a goat. Be a true, active Orthodox Christian, not merely one in name only. Amen!
The Good Shepherd
1"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
6Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. 7Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:1-16
Do You Love Me? Feed My Sheep!
15So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. John 21:15-17
ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
REV. FR. RICHARD DEMETRIUS ANDREWS, PRESBYTER
February 26, 2017 CHEESEFARE SUNDAY
TODAY’S EVENTS: Oratorical Festival 11:30pm; Greek School 12pm; Serve-a-Meal at FOCUS 4pm
Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati Prosfora: Dimitra Kaniamos
Memorial: Katerina Papaconstantinou (40 days) Fellowship: Philoptochos
Head Usher: Joe Weiser
Monday 02-27 GREAT COMPLINE (by readers) 6:00PM
Wednesday 03-01 NINTH HOUR 5:30PM
PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY 6:00PM
Lenten Meal & Lecture on Modern Heresies with Fr. Richard Andrews 7:30PM
Thursday 03-02 Prison Ministry leaders meeting at St. Mary’s GOC 12:00PM
OCF at University of St. Thomas 12:00PM
Greek Festival Committee Meeting 6:00PM
Friday 03-03 AKATHISTOS/SALUTATIONS 6:00PM
Lenten Meal & Lecture on the Torah/Pentateuch with Michael Lotti 7:30PM
Saturday 03-04 DIVINE LITURGY – SATURDAY OF SOULS 9:00AM
GREAT VESPERS 5:00PM
Sunday 03-05 ORTHROS (8:15 am) & DIVINE LITURGY – SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY 9:30AM
Procession of Icons (Youth bring Icons from home) 11:00AM
Greek School, Youth Ministry meeting, Philoptochos meeting 12:00PM
Serve-a-Meal at FOCUS MN 4:00PM
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Youth Oratorical: Today our youth celebrate their faith by sharing it with us. What does Orthodoxy mean in their lives? At end of liturgy they will depict how their Orthodox Faith helps impact their lives and the decisions they make. Please join us in supporting them by listening to their offerings.
Reminder: Youth Newsletter will be coming out on March 5th! If you have something you would like to share with the program, please send Nathaniel an email ASAP!!!!
Missions Sunday: Like parishes around the country, today we highlight the work of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). The goal and purpose of Orthodox Missions is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Ladies of the Philoptochos will receive a special offering to benefit OCMC. Please support Orthodox missions, especially Nathan Hoppe and his family in Albania.
Think About It: If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek and kind, then that is what our life is like. Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica (+2003)
Cheesefare Today: the last day to eat cheese and dairy products as we enter Great and Holy Lent tomorrow Clean/Pure Monday, February 27th. Thus, we should be prepared to participate in worship services, the Sacrament of Confession and fasting according to our Orthodox Christian Tradition.
Lenten Lectures: Our 16th annual Lenten Lectures series' themes will be "Modern Heresies" on Wednesdays and "The Torah-Pentateuch" on Fridays. Fr. Rick will speak on Weds. about secularism, humanism, rationalism, pluralism and phyletism. On Fridays various presenters will speak about the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Law of Moses and their relevance for modern readers today.
Lenten Retreat: Fr. Barnabas Powell will lead our 12th annual Lenten Retreat on March 10-11. The theme will be "Normal Orthodox--Healthy Church: Knowing the True Faith in Order to Practice it Truly." On Friday evening come hear how a former Protestant Pentecostal pastor learned about and embraced the Orthodox Christian Faith. On Saturday, learn from his insights about how to help our parishes become healthier and grow. Youth activities will be provided during the retreat so parents can attend the lectures.
The Church Fathers Speak: Repress the feelings of irritation in your soul with love, deaden the powers of the senses with temperance, and let the power of thought soar with prayer. Then, the light in your soul will never dim. St. Maximos the Confessor (+662)
Lost & Found Items: Please check the box near the coat rack, and the kitchen counter near the microwaves, for items that may belong to you. Items not claimed by this Wednesday, March 1 will be donated.
Fresh Phyllo-Today is the last day to order FRESH PHYLLO! Place your order with Minda Arsenault following liturgy. Fresh phyllo will be ready for pick up March 12.
Next Philoptochos Meeting: is scheduled for Sunday, March 5, following liturgy, in the conference room.
Wisdom from the Church Fathers: A person should never make great leaps and bounds in the spiritual life. He should always move towards God progressively; little by little, but consistently. It is always the middle way that is the royal path. St. Sergei of Vanves (+1987)
Save The Dates: Greek Independence Day & Palm Sunday Lunches: St. George AHEPA will be sponsoring the annual Greek Independence Celebration lunch on Sunday March 26th, and the Palm Sunday fish lunch on Sunday April 9th. Tickets for both lunches will be available at the door in the social hall following Divine Liturgy. Please save the dates and join the community for two great annual events.
Festival Committee Chair Meeting: All 2016 Chairs are invited to a brief kick-off meeting for the 2017 Greek Festival planning session next Thursday, March 2 at 6pm. A light dinner will be served. Please RSVP to Julie at office@stgeorgegoc.org or 651.222.6220.
Lenten Meals: please see sign-up sheet in social hall. You can volunteer individually or with a group.
Stewardship 2017: Our theme is You are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World: As the Father Has Sent Me, So I Send You (John 20:21). We have received 80 pledge cards for 2017 with a total of $136,816 and an average of $1,710. When pledging be sure to increase your pledge, even if only a few dollars. This reflects spiritual growth and overcomes stagnation. We encourage everyone to give a minimum of 2% pledge of gross yearly income to become a self-sustaining community. This is far less than the biblical ideal of tithing, giving 10%.
Patristic Wisdom: Always have the fear of God in your heart, and remember that God is always with you, everywhere, whether you are walking or sitting. St. Gennadios of Constantinople (+471)
Holy Land/Russia Pilgrimage: Sept.27 – Oct.11 2017. Holy Land trip is first 9 days and costs $1,300/ person. Russian trip is afterwards for 6 days at $1,550/person. Prices do not include air, travel insurance and tips. Several options available. Next info meeting at St. Mary's OCA Feb. 26, 11am. Pilgrimage hosted by Icon Art Studios under the leadership of Tom Rudquist at abousean39@gmail.com and Deb Korluka akorluka@aol.com.
Saturday of Souls: please bring coliva/sitari with names of deceased for commemoration at the liturgy this Sat.
Welcome Visitors Thank you for joining with us in prayer and fellowship. The worship of the Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in and very similar to that of the early Christian Church. Unique sensory stimuli and mystery are elements that go back even to the liturgy of the Jewish temple. Everything in an Orthodox Christian church communicates the majestic presence of God the Holy Trinity with His Saints. It is literally heaven on earth. It is a sad consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Visitors are invited to receive the blessed bread (antithoron) at the conclusion of the liturgy. We pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all Christians. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, please contact Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org. We are proud of our Greek heritage but one does not have to be of Greek descent, nor speak Greek to be a Greek Orthodox Christian.
Note to Orthodox about Holy Communion: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most Holy experiences for a Christian in order to be granted the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. We are never worthy to partake of Divine Nature. Yet, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for this sacred Communion by constant prayer, reading the Scriptures, regular fasting and periodic Confession. At a minimum, we should fast all morning before Communion, arrive at the beginning of Liturgy, and come for Confession at least once a year. In addition, we should not have separated ourselves from the Church through serious sin. Otherwise, please refrain from Communion to avoid “judgment…not discerning the Lord’s body” (1Cor. 11:29). Contact Fr. Rick for pastoral guidance.
Glad Tidings deadline: The 10th of each month. Glad Tidings email: gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday Noon each week. Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org
Liturgy Guide 02-26-2017
Wednesdays & Fridays, March 1-31
March 10-12