Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2.

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

Ότε κατήλθες πρός τόν θάνατον, η ζωή η αθάνατος, τότε τόν Άδην ενέκρωσας, τή αστραπή τής Θεότητος· ότε δέ καί τούς τεθνεώτας, εκ τών καταχθονίων ανέστησας, πάσαι αι Δυνάμεις τών επουρανίων εκραύγαζον· Ζωοδότα Χριστέ ο Θεός ημών δόξα Σοι.

Όte katilthes pros ton thanaton, I zoe athanatos, tote ton Adin enekrosas, ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke tous tethneotas ek ton katakthonion anestisas, pase e Dinamis ton epuranion ekravgazon. Zoodota Christe o Theos imon doxa Si.

When You descended to the realm of death You as life immortal rendered to Hades a mortal blow by Your all radiant divinity. And when You from infernal depths and the darkness below did raise the dead all the hosts of heaven’s powers did proclaim and cry out O life giving Christ and our God we give glory.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode

O God, when You come upon the earth in glory, / the whole world will tremble. A river of fire will bring before Your Judgment Seat every one, / and the books will be opened, and everything in secret will become public. / At that time, deliver me from the fire which never dies, / and enable me to stand by Your right hand, / O Judge who are most just.

Saints and Feasts

February 19

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.

February 19

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and Onesimus

Philemon, who was from Colossae, a city of Phrygia, was a man both wealthy and noble; Apphia was his wife. Archippus became Bishop of the Church in Colossae. All three were disciples of the Apostle Paul. Onesimus, who was formerly an unbeliever and slave of Philemon, stole certain of his vessels and fled to Rome. However, on finding him there, the Apostle Paul guided him onto the path of virtue and the knowledge of the truth, and sent him back to his master Philemon, to whom he wrote an epistle (this is one of the fourteen epistles of Saint Paul). In this epistle, Paul commended Onesimus to his master and reconciled the two. Onesimus was later made a bishop; in Greece he is honoured as the patron Saint of the imprisoned. All these Saints received their end by martyrdom, when they were stoned to death by the idolaters. Saint Onesimus is also commemorated on February 15.

February 19

Philothei the Righteous Martyr of Athens

Saint Philothei was born in Athens in 1522 to an illustrious family. Against her will, she was married to a man who proved to be most cruel. When he died three years later, the Saint took up the monastic life and established a convent, in which she became a true mother to her disciples. Many women enslaved and abused by the Moslem Turks also ran to her for refuge. Because of this, the Turkish rulers became enraged and came to her convent, dragged her by force out of the church, and beat her cruelly. After a few days, she reposed, giving thanks to God for all things. This came to pass in the year 1589. She was renowned for her almsgiving, and with Saints Hierotheus and Dionysius the Areopagite is considered a patron of the city of Athens.

February 19

Niketas the Younger

Welcome

This Weeks Announcements

We extend greetings and a warm welcome to all visitors worshipping with us today. Please fill out a“visitor information card” located in the narthex and hand to one of the greeters. Following the Liturgy, please join us in our social hall for the coffee social.
Holy Communion in our Church is offered only to Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through the disciplines of our faith. Speak to Fr. Costas for further details.

We kindly ask everyone to Please silence cell phones and pagers while in Church

Today ~ please remember to leave your Stewardship envelopes in the basket before heading to Sunday School.
Today ~ Coffee and Conversationfor parents of children from birth – 6^th grade following Holy Communion in the Hellenic Center. Taught by Jonathan and Kristi Tartara.
Today ~ Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos in the Teen room following Holy Communion. The current book being studied is “God and You/Person to Person: Developing a Daily Personal Relationship with Jesus.” Purchase of book is optional.
Today ~ MNYMOSINA: 6 months for Ioanna Payamgis; 1 year for Kostas Sevastis; TRISAGIA: 14 years for Maxine Shinas; 6 years for Arthur Natsis; and for Joseph Vrba.
Today ~ Our GOYANS, coaches, chaperones and parents are attending the final Metropolis Basketball Tournament in Canton, OH.
Today ~ Commemorative Albums are available for pick-up in the Hellenic Center foyer for those who placed an ad in the album or pre-ordered one. Extra albums will also be available for purchase ($40 each).
Monday ~ 5:30 p.m. Greek School.
Monday ~ 5:30 p.m. Philoptochos cooking class will make a tray filled with Spanakopitas and Tiropitas. RSVP required during coffee social or website by February 12^th. Cost for ingredients $15.
Monday ~ 9:00 p.m. Metropolis Live Video Cabin Talk for High School Seniors with Fr. Anastasios & Pres. Lena Athanasiou, George Athanasiou, and Ted Cherpas. RSVP required ASAP (only 45 spots available) https://goo.gl/forms/WpS171IYzuCmzFTo1.
Tuesday ~ 10:00 a.m. Women’s Study in Teen Room with Elaine Poulos. “Living the Beatitudes”.
Tuesday ~ 5:00 p.m. Senior Fellowship Agape Potluck Dinner. Main dish provided; bring your favorite covered dish or dessert to share. RSVP to Helen Dadas, Maria Regan, or Sophie Steffas.
Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m. A Journey to Fullness, in lieu of the Bible Study, which will resume again March 9^th. Taught by Fr. Costas and George Athanasiou.
Saturday ~2^nd Saturday of Souls; 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Liturgy. Submit FIRST names of your departed loved ones to be read each week by using the form in The Messenger or on our website.
Saturday ~ 5:00 p.m. Apokriatiko Nite Fundraiser hosted by Greek Corner. $10 adults / $5 children under 10. All proceeds to benefit the Pave the Way parking lot campaign.
Stewardship ~ Thank you to all those who completed and returned their 2017 Stewardship card.
Pave the Way ~ Please take time to review the mailing that was sent to your home regarding our parking lot. Please be generous and help us reach our goal of a new parking lot.

Upcoming Events in Our Parish – Respond Early

Next Sunday ~Epistle Reading, Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4; Gospel, Matthew 6:14-21.
Next Sunday ~ TRISAGIA: for Mike Pagonakis, for Gregory and Evdoxia Pagonakis, for Steve Pagonakis, for Persofoni Saviou, for Bill and Mary Kanas; 6 years for Andy Regan; 2 years for Tom Chubokas; 29 years for Chris Chubokas; 36 years for Georgia Chubokas.
Next Sunday ~ Coffee social hosted by Libby Darakos, Mary Pagonakis, and Maria Regan.
Next Sunday ~ Dance practice for all dancers in all levels following Sunday School.
March 4 ~ 12:00 p.m. Dance practice for all dancers in Senior level.
March 28 ~ 5:30 p.m. Philoptochos cooking class will make tray (approximately 60 pieces) of Chocolate Baklava. RSVP required during coffee social or on website. Cost is $25.
March 31 ~ Eat Like a Greek Two. Philoptochos will be taking orders for a half or full tray of Pastitsio or Moussaka to be picked up on April 8^th.

Lenten Services & Activities

Next Sunday ~ 7:00 p.m. Forgiveness Vespers.
February 27 ~ Clean Monday; Great Lent begins; 7:00 p.m. Great Compline Service.
March 1 ~ 5:00 p.m. Pre-sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Dinner hosted by Philoptochos.
March 3 ~ 7:00 p.m. Salutations to the Theotokos.
March 4 ~ Saturday of Souls; 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Liturgy.
March 5 ~ 5:00 p.m. Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers at St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral on Starkweather Ave. in Cleveland with Chief Celebrant and Homilist Metropolitan SAVAS. Contributions which support the Orthodox ministries that serve our area can be made out to GCCOC and can be given to the church office. Your name will be included in the handout given at Vespers. Bruce Trakas will be collecting names today.

Events in the Greater Cleveland Area and Beyond…

March 24 ~ 7:00 p.m. Great Vespers for the feast of Annunciation at Annunciation Cleveland.
March 25 ~ feast of Annunciation; 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Liturgy followed by luncheon, program, and Parade.
April 22 ~ 11:00 a.m. Fifth Annual Greek Language Festival at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Pittsburgh. For more details, contact Kathy Glaros at 216.524.1766.