Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Transfiguration in the Grave Mode

Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure. Shine forth Thou on us, who are sinners all, Thy light ever-unending, through the prayers of the Theotokos. Light-bestower, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Mode

You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16

BRETHREN, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

Gospel Reading

10th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 17:14-23

At that time, a man came up to Him and kneeling before Him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day."

Saints and Feasts

August 09

10th Sunday of Matthew

August 09

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

August 09

The Holy Apostle Matthias

After Judas by transgression fell from his apostleship (Acts 1: 25), and hanging himself out of despair ended his life with a wretched and shameful death (Matt. 27: 5), then, that the number of the Twelve not be lacking, all the disciples gathered in one place after the Ascension of the Savior (the number of men and women being 120), and they chose two men from among them, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was also surnamed Justus, and Matthias, and they set them in the midst. Then they prayed to God and cast lots, "and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1: 15-26). And thus, having taken the place of Judas, Matthias fulfilled the work of apostleship and the prophecy concerning Judas, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David: "And his bishopric let another take" (Ps. 108:7). After this, it is said, Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, and completed his life there in martyrdom.

August 10

Laurence the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Rome

This Saint, who was born in Spain, was the Archdeacon of the Church of Rome, caring for the sacred vessels of the Church and distributing money to the needy. About the year 257, a harsh persecution was raised up against the Christians by Valerian. Pope Sixtus, who was from Athens, was commanded to worship the idols, and refused; before his martyrdom by beheading, he committed to Laurence all the sacred vessels of the Church. When Laurence was arrested and brought before the Prefect, he was questioned concerning the treasures of the Church; he asked for three days' time to prepare them. He then proceeded to gather all the poor and needy, and presented them to the Prefect and said, "Behold the treasures of the Church." The Prefect became enraged at this and gave command that Laurence be racked, then scourged with scorpions (a whip furnished with sharp iron points - compare II Chron. 10:11), then stretched out on a red-hot iron grill. But the courageous athlete of Christ endured without groaning. After he had been burned on one side, he said, "My body is done on one side; turn me over on the other." And when this had taken place, the Martyr said to the tyrants, "My flesh is now well done, you may taste of it." And when he had said this, and had prayed for his slayers in imitation of Christ, he gave up his spirit on August 10, 258.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Here Christ is not speaking of that faith which believes in Him undoubtingly and knows Him to be true God, but of the faith (needed) to work miracles. If ye have faith, He said, so exceedingly warm and burning as a grain of mustard seed (for these are its qualities), and if it is believed without a doubt that ye will perform signs, then ye will receive such power, that if ye desire to move the very mountains, ye will move them.

St. John Chrysostom

The Gospel Commentary, edited by Hieromonk German Ciuba, 2002, 4th Century

For a man to have such faith appears simple, but it is, on the contrary, something very lofty, not easily attained by many. Such faith is born of boldness before God; but such boldness comes (only) from pleasing God. Beloved, great labour is needed to acquire, through pleasing God, such boldness before Him that one firmly believes that he will grant all that one asks; as it is written, Ask, and it shall be given to you.

St. John Chrysostom

The Gospel Commentary: edited by Hieromonk German Ciuba, 2002., 4th Century

[The Lord] went on to mention mountains as well, and went even further: "Nothing will be impossible for you." Now, for your part, admire [the disciples'] sound values in not concealing their limitations, and the Spirit's power in gradually bringing on those without even a mustard seed in such a way that rivers and fountains of faith gush forth in them.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 57 (PG 58, 563) Translated by Robert Charles Hill found in "Spiritual Gems from the Gospel of Matthew" , 4th Century

For as the faith of the person presenting oftentimes availed for receiving the cure, even from inferior ministers; so the power of the doers oftentimes sufficed, even without belief in those who came to work the miracle.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 57 on Matthew 17, 4th Century

Yet if his unbelief was the cause ... why does He blame the disciples? Signifying, that even without persons to bring the sick in faith, they might in many instances work a cure.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 57 on Matthew 17, 4th Century

At this point he is referring to the faith required for signs, and mentions a mustard seed is small in size, yet it is more potent than all others in its effects. So to bring out that the least degree of genuine faith is capable of great things, he mentioned the mustard seed.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 56 (PG 58, 549-50) Translated by Robert Charles Hill in "Spiritual Gems from the Gospel of Matthew", 4th Century

Schedule for the Week

Sunday, August 16th:

Children’s Festival Dance Practice (ages 4-8 years old): Following Divine Liturgy in the social hall.
Youth Festival Dance Practice (ages 9 & older): Following Divine Liturgy in the social hall.

Wednesday, August 19th:

Fast Day

Friday, August 21st:

Fast Day

Thank You to the Following Stewards of St. John's Parish

Parish Council Member on Duty: Bruce Bigart

Today's Prosforon Brought By: Athena Paraschos

Today's Coffee Hour Hosted By: Philoptochos - Anna Kouis Celebration

Community News & Events

May God Always Bless Anna Kouis!: Today, we as a community are saying farewell to Anna Kouis, who is moving to Phoenix, Arizona. May God bless this special lady with good health and much happiness. We love you and we will miss you, Anna! The Philoptochos is hosting a special Coffee Hour honoring Anna in the Coffee Room today. Join us following the Divine Liturgy.

Sunday School:Our new Sunday School year is approaching and we will be starting Sunday, September 13^th. Please register your children by filling out the form found in “The Voice” or at the Pangari. Mail the registration form to the Church Office or bring it to class on the 13^th. If anyone is interested in teaching Sunday School, please call Michele Michalos at (843)-742-3713. We are looking forward to a spiritual and educational year for our children.

Greek School: Please consider sending your children to Greek School this year. Dena Platingos will be teaching our children the Greek language, songs, games, dancing and much more! Register your children by filling out the registration form found in “The Voice” or at the Pangari. See or contact Dena at (585)-773-0788 if you have any questions. Greek School will begin following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 6^th. Again, please make the commitment and send your children to Greek School.

Choir: If anyone is interested in joining the Choir, please see or call Jimmy Arakas at (843)-450-3665.

Youth Festival Greek Dancing (9 & older): If you would like your child to participate or would like more information, please contact Katherine Wright at (843)-467-8930. Dance practices are on Sundays after Church unless noted otherwise.

Children’s Festival Greek Dancing (4-8 years old): Practices are held on Sundays following Divine Liturgy. Please contact Dena Platingos at (585)-773-0788 if you would like your child to participate or for more information.

St. John the Baptist 2015 Greek Festival ~ September 24^th-27^th: If you would like to help, please see Festival Chairs, George Spirakis or Anastasia Spirakis-Haar. Let’s all work together for a great festival for the glory of God.

Festival Dolmades Wrapping: Wednesday, August 26^th at 5:00 PM. Volunteers needed! Please come and help!

Festival Karithopita Baking: Wednesday, September 2^nd at 10:00 AM and Thursday, September 3^rd at 10:00 AM. Please come and help the Philoptochos with the Karithopita baking.

Festival Koulourakia Baking: Tuesday, September8th following Divine Liturgy and Wednesday, September 9^th at 10:00 AM. Please come and help the Philoptochos with the Koulourakia baking.

Festival Pastry Cutting & Cupping: Monday, September 21^st at 10:00 AM; Tuesday, September 22^nd at 9:00 AM and Wednesday, September 23^rd at 9:00 AM. Many volunteers needed! Please come and help!

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Stewardship:Our St. John's Parish Family depends on regular stewardship offerings in order to continue the work of our Lord through our services and activities year round. The 2015 Pledge forms are available at the Pangari or from the Church Office. See or call Stewardship Chairmen, Dr. Jimmy Kontos at (843)-213-1627 or Mike Merisotis (843)-357-9780, if you have any questions about stewardship. Fulfill your commitment of your 2015 pledge today. Thank You!

St. John's Religious Book Store and Holy Nook Gift Shop: Our parish bookstore and Holy Nook gift shop has a variety of books, icons, instructional guides, Orthodox literature, worship items, greeting cards, bracelets, pure traditional olive oil soaps from Greece (a variety of scents )"A Voyage in Greek Cooking," St. John's parish cook-book and much more. The store is located in the former kitchen in the Narthex. Please stop by following Divine Liturgy, or you may contact Loretta Siotka (843)-399-8955. If there is a book or item that we don't carry, let us know and we will try to get it for you.

Family Life Ministry:The Family Life Ministry is a ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta. The goal of this Ministry is to help individuals and families in our communities lead a Christ-centered, Orthodox life. We serve our Orthodox faithful through dynamic retreats, workshops, online materials, articles and resources which integrate an Orthodox Ethos into practical strategies we can use to navigate the challenges in our lives. Check out our blog! www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org.

Building Fund: The Parish of St. John’s needs your help in the costs of maintenance and upgrades to both the Hall and the Church. If you have not filled out a Building Fund Pledge Card you are encouraged to do so at this time. Please see or call Jimmy Lambrinos (843) 626-1572, or Sam Stathos (843) 238-5618 or any member of the Hall Committee with any questions.

Building Fund numbers to date: Pledged: $62,850; Collected: $29,330; Target Amount: $100,000

2015 Parish Directory

The 2015 Parish Directory is currently accepting changes or new additions. If you would like to submit a correction or be added into the directory, please pick up an update form located in the Narthex or call the Church Office (843) 448-3773 to request one. If you want a current copy of the Parish Directory to be mailed to you, please call the Church Office and one will be sent to you. When sending back the update form, please put “Attn: Parish Directory” if sending by mail or in the subject line if sending by email to office@stjohn-mb.org.

FROM THE CHANCELLOR'S DESK

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD ordained his blessing, life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1-3)

Bickering. Backbiting. Selfishness. Grudges. Fighting over things that don’t matter with family and friends — even in the church. Disagreements happen. Arguments are inevitable. But our calling from God is to oneness — to unity with brothers and sisters in the Lord. Perhaps that is why King David wrote Psalm 133 above for his many sons, to instruct them and encourage them to dwell together in harmony. His admonition goes beyond simply not quarreling . . . it challenges us to a much deeper depth of relationship — delighting in one another. The precious holy oil used in anointing that King David references, was strongly perfumed. The fragrance would have been pleasant and refreshing to everyone nearby. In the same way, the aroma of getting along with, and honoring, other Christian brothers and sisters, brings joyful blessing to those who see our love for one another.

It is interesting that when Jesus prayed for us in His great High Priestly prayer in John 17, He acknowledged that the world would hate those who trust and believe in Him. The clear message is that life would be hard — and requires us even to battle the “evil one”. But in verse 21, He asks His Father “that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in Me and I am in You, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” (John 17:21) Jesus understood that unity among His children would be a reality that convinces the unbelieving world of who He truly is — the Son of God. Imagine the world if the following were reality: “To a true child of God, the invisible bond that unites all believers to Christ is tender, lasting, and precious. As we come to recognize and realize that we are all dwelling in one sphere of life in Him, we learn to look on every believer as our brother or sister, in a sense that is infinitely higher than all human relationships. This is the one and only way to bring the Disciples of Christ permanently together – to promote unity within His Holy Body.”

Differences in our backgrounds and personalities frequently cause us not to get along with everyone. That will happen. However, as the Apostle Paul addresses in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Simply stated, let us press through the hard times with one another in a spirit of peace. God always gives us windows to restore our broken and damaged relationships. Let us watch for them and, “. . . whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) Through a spirit of harmony . . . unity . . . accord – we CAN turn our life around. Amen!

Faithfully yours,

+Fr. George Tsahakis

Chancellor

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Transfiguration in the Grave Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Mode

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Saints and Feasts

10th Sunday of Matthew

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

The Holy Apostle Matthias

Laurence the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Rome

Wisdom of the Fathers

Schedule for the Week

Thank You to the Following Stewards of St. John's Parish

Community News & Events

2015 Parish Directory

FROM THE CHANCELLOR'S DESK