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.

Apolytikion for Luke the Evangelist in the Third Mode

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences.

Apolytikion for the Church in the Second Mode

The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou was granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed. Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to Him: "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 4:5-11, 14-18

BRETHREN, conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. Tychicos will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimos, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place. Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justos. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippos, "See that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord." I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my fetters. Grace be with you. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Luke the Evangelist
The Reading is from Luke 10:16-21

The Lord said to his disciples, "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name! " And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. " In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."

Saints and Feasts

October 18

Marinos the Martyr

October 18

Luke the Evangelist

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

October 19

Monday of the 5th Week

October 19

Joel the Prophet

The Prophet Joel, whose name means "Yah is God," was of the tribe of Reuben, the son of Bathuel, and lived from 810 to 750 B.C. (but some say in the 7th century B.C.). His book is divided into three chapters, and is the second in order of the minor Prophets. He foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Joel 2:28, and quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:17), and the saving power of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Joel 2:32).

October 19

John the Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Saint John of Kronstadt was a married priest, who lived with his wife in virginity. Through his untiring labours in his priestly duties and love for the poor and sinners, he was granted by our Lord great gifts of clairvoyance and miracle-working, to such a degree that in the last years of his life miracles of healing--both of body and soul--were performed countless times each day through his prayers, often for people who had only written to him asking his help. During his lifetime he was known throughout Russia, as well as in the Western world. He has left us his diary My Life in Christ as a spiritual treasure for Christians of every age; simple in language, it expounds the deepest mysteries of our Faith with that wisdom which is given only to a heart purified by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Foreseeing as a true prophet the Revolution of 1917, he unsparingly rebuked the growing apostasy among the people; he foretold that the very name of Russia would be changed. As the darkness of unbelief grew thicker, he shone forth as a beacon of unquenchable piety, comforting the faithful through the many miracles that he worked and the fatherly love and simplicity with which he received all. Saint John reposed in peace in 1908.

October 19

St. John of Rilas

Saint John of Rilas founded the renowned monastery of that name in Bulgaria in the tenth century. Over the centuries, great and wondrous healings have flowed from his holy relics.

Wisdom of the Fathers

As the beloved physician and disciple, O Luke, heal with thy mystical surgery the passions of both my soul and body, and grant that I may enjoy complete health, and may honour thine all-lauded festival with gladness, and may shower thine august and most precious body with a rain of tears instead of myrrh; for like an inscribed monument of life in the wondrous temple of the Apostles, it crieth out unto all, even as thou didst before, when thou didst write the divine Gospel of Christ God.

Oikos for the Feast of St. Luke, October Menaion, p.115

Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA

Schedule for the Week

Sunday, October 18^th:

Sunday School: 10:00 AM
Greek School: Following Divine Liturgy
Canned Food Drive: Collections in Coffee Room

Tuesday, October 20^th:

Annual Fall Clergy Retreat: (Diakonia Center)
Philoptochos Meeting: 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 21^st:

Fast Day
Annual Fall Clergy Retreat: (Diakonia Center)

Thursday, October 22^nd:

Annual Fall Clergy Retreat: (Diakonia Center)

Friday, October 23^rd:

Fast Day

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

Parish Council Member on Duty: Charlie Belissary

Today's Prosforon Brought By: Linda Moustakis

Today's Coffee Hour Hosted By: Lorraine Birbilis, Belissary Family

Community News & Events

St. John the Baptist General Assembly meeting ~ Sunday, November 1^st~ following Divine Liturgy: We hope that you will all make every effort to attend. Only Stewards in good standing may vote. In accordance with the Uniform Parish Regulations, a member who wishes to place his/her name for election must fulfill the following (Article 25, Section II of the UPR of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Regulations) Section 2: A candidate for the Parish Council must be a parishioner in good standing of the Parish for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of the election and must live his or her life in accordance with the Faith and canons of the Church. The Priest determines whether the Parishioners are in canonical and financial good standing. Forms for parish council nominations will be included in the upcoming “The Voice”. If you have not signed a 2015 Stewardship Pledge Card, you are asked to do so at this time. Again, please plan to attend this important meeting.

2015 Archangel Michael Awards ~ Saturday, November 14^th: The Archangel Michael Feast was prayerfully conceived by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios upon His arrival to Atlanta, as the annual double feast of the Metropolitan family. Since 1998, the Metropolitan family comes together in Atlanta on the weekend of, prior to, or following the November 8th Feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. It is to honor and celebrate our Patron Saint and the lives of one adult and one youth from each parish, who are the living examples of the Orthodox Christian life and journey to Theosis. By extension, this special Metropolis feast is also the annual Metropolitan celebration and thanks giving for all devout stewards of faith, time and talent, “Who first give themselves to the Lord by the will of God”. The annual St. Michael Archangel Awards will be held on November 14th in Atlanta, GA followed by a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 15th. This year’s recipients from St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church are George Spirkais and Anastasia Spirakis Haar. Also, this year Presvytera Mary Spirakis will be honored by Metropolitan Alexios with the “Lay Metropolitan Choice Award” at the Archangel Michael Awards. Congratulations! If anyone would like to attend the Award’s Dinner to honor Presvytera Mary, George and Anastasia, call the Church Office to make reservations and for more information (843)-448-3773.

2015 Community Christmas Card: Send your greetings to all the members of our community. Forms are available in this issue of “The Voice.” Deadline is December 6^th. Make checks payable to “The Ladies Philoptochos Society.” For more information contact Elaine Willett (843)-272-2672 or Penny Vlandis (843)-497-5607.

Christmas Poinsettias: Help adorn our altar for Christmas with beautiful poinsettias. Forms are available in this issue of “The Voice.” Deadline is December 6^th. Make checks payable to “The Ladies Philoptochos Society.” For more information contact Elaine Willett (843)-272-2672 or Penny Vlandis (843)-497-5607.

Philoptochos Christmas Bake Sale ~ December 11^th and 12^th ~ 9:00 AM-4:00 AM: Pre-order forms available in “The Voice”.

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.

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 Third Mode

Apolytikion for Luke the Evangelist in the Third Mode

Apolytikion for the Church in the Second Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Saints and Feasts

Marinos the Martyr

Luke the Evangelist

Monday of the 5th Week

Joel the Prophet

John the Wonderworker of Kronstadt

St. John of Rilas

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