Sundays: Orthros (Matins): 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy: 10:00 am
Sunday School: Begins following Holy Communion
Weekdays: Orthros (Matins): 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy: 10:00 am
For information on our services please contact the Church office at (716) 882-9485 between the hours of 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
40 Day Blessing for the son of Toli &Eleni Apostolopoulos
9:00AM Matins
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
4th of July Holiday Observed
40 Day Blessing for daughter of Nicholas & Danielle Engle
9:00AM Matins
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
These Saints, who are different from those that are celebrated on the 1st of November, were from Rome. They were physicians, freely bestowing healing upon beasts and men, asking nothing from the healed other than that they confess and believe in Christ. They ended their life in martyrdom in the year 284, under the Emperors Carinus and Numerian.
The Holy Hierarch John Maximovitch was born in the Kharkov region in 1896, and reposed in Seattle in 1966. In 1921, during the Russian Civil War, his family fled to Belgrade, joining the ranks of Russian exiles in Serbia, where he later became a monk and was ordained priest. In 1934 he was made Bishop of Shanghai, where he served until the Communists came to power. Thereafter he ministered in Europe, serving as Bishop first in Paris then in Brussels, until he became Archbishop of San Francisco in 1962. Throughout his life he was revered as a strict ascetic, a devoted man of prayer, and a truly wondrous unmercenary healer of all manner of afflictions and woes. He served the Divine Liturgy daily, slept little more than an hour a day, and kept a strict fast until the evening. It is doubtful that any one man gave so much protection and comfort as he to the Russian Orthodox people in exile after the Revolution of 1917; he was an unwearying and watchful shepherd of his sheep in China, the Philippines, Europe, and America. Through his missionary labors he also brought into the Church many who had not been "of this fold." Since his repose in 1966, he has been especially glorified by God through signs and miracles, and his body has remained incorrupt.
Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Psalm 15.3,8.
Among the saints who are in his land, the Lord has been wondrous.
Verse: I see the Lord before me continually.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1-8.
Brethren, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
Προκείμενον. 4th Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 15.3,8.
Τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς ἐν τῇ γῇ αὐτοῦ ἐθαυμάστωσεν ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Προωρώμην τὸν Κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διαπαντός.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 12:27-31, 13:1-8.
Ἀδελφοί, ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε σῶμα Χριστοῦ, καὶ μέλη ἐκ μέρους. Καὶ οὓς μὲν ἔθετο ὁ θεὸς ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ πρῶτον ἀποστόλους, δεύτερον προφήτας, τρίτον διδασκάλους, ἔπειτα δυνάμεις, εἶτα χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, ἀντιλήψεις, κυβερνήσεις, γένη γλωσσῶν. Μὴ πάντες ἀπόστολοι; Μὴ πάντες προφῆται; Μὴ πάντες διδάσκαλοι; Μὴ πάντες δυνάμεις; Μὴ πάντες χαρίσματα ἔχουσιν ἰαμάτων; Μὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν; Μὴ πάντες διερμηνεύουσιν; Ζηλοῦτε δὲ τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ κρείττονα. Καὶ ἔτι καθʼ ὑπερβολὴν ὁδὸν ὑμῖν δείκνυμι. Ἐὰν ταῖς γλώσσαις τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαλῶ καὶ τῶν ἀγγέλων, ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω, γέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον. Καὶ ἐὰν ἔχω προφητείαν, καὶ εἰδῶ τὰ μυστήρια πάντα καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γνῶσιν, καὶ ἐὰν ἔχω πᾶσαν τὴν πίστιν, ὥστε ὄρη μεθιστάνειν, ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω, οὐθέν εἰμι. Καὶ ἐὰν ψωμίσω πάντα τὰ ὑπάρχοντά μου, καὶ ἐὰν παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου ἵνα καυθήσωμαι, ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω, οὐδὲν ὠφελοῦμαι. Ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ, χρηστεύεται· ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ ζηλοῖ· ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ περπερεύεται, οὐ φυσιοῦται, οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ, οὐ ζητεῖ τὰ ἑαυτῆς, οὐ παροξύνεται, οὐ λογίζεται τὸ κακόν, οὐ χαίρει ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, συγχαίρει δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, πάντα στέγει, πάντα πιστεύει, πάντα ἐλπίζει, πάντα ὑπομένει. 8 Ἡ ἀγάπη οὐδέποτε ἐκπίπτει· εἴτε δὲ προφητεῖαι, καταργηθήσονται· εἴτε γλῶσσαι, παύσονται· εἴτε γνῶσις, καταργηθήσεται.
5th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1
At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
5th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 8:28-34, 9:1
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθόντος τῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὸ πέραν εἰς τὴν χώραν τῶν Γεργεσηνῶν ὑπήντησαν αὐτῷ δύο δαιμονιζόμενοι ἐκ τῶν μνημείων ἐξερχόμενοι, χαλεποὶ λίαν, ὥστε μὴ ἰσχύειν τινὰ παρελθεῖν διὰ τῆς ὁδοῦ ἐκείνης. καὶ ἰδοὺ ἔκραξαν λέγοντες· τί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί, ᾿Ιησοῦ υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ; ἦλθες ὧδε πρὸ καιροῦ βασανίσαι ἡμᾶς; ἦν δὲ μακρὰν ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν ἀγέλη χοίρων πολλῶν βοσκομένη. οἱ δὲ δαίμονες παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν λέγοντες· εἰ ἐκβάλλεις ἡμᾶς, ἐπίτρεψον ἡμῖν ἀπελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ἀγέλην τῶν χοίρων. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ὑπάγετε. οἱ δὲ ἐξελθόντες ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἀγέλην τῶν χοίρων· καὶ ἰδοὺ ὥρμησε πᾶσα ἡ ἀγέλη τῶν χοίρων κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ ἀπέθανον ἐν τοῖς ὕδασιν. οἱ δὲ βόσκοντες ἔφυγον, καὶ ἀπελθόντες εἰς τὴν πόλιν ἀπήγγειλαν πάντα καὶ τὰ τῶν δαιμονιζομένων. καὶ ἰδοὺ πᾶσα ἡ πόλις ἐξῆλθεν εἰς συνάντησιν τῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ, καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν παρεκάλεσαν ὅπως μεταβῇ ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν. Καὶ ἐμβὰς εἰς πλοῖον διεπέρασε καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν ἰδίαν πόλιν.
June 18, 2018
NEW YORK – In recent days, the words of St. Paul in the 13th chapter of his Epistle to the Romans have been circulating in the news. We are concerned and alarmed at the use of this biblical quote being used out of context to justify the strict application of a policy occurring at our southern border, which is detrimental to family life.
The numerous challenges of today’s world weaken the already strained bonds of every modern family. Family—a divine institution (cf. Ephesians 3:14)—is something that we as Orthodox Christians cherish and hold as sacred. Furthermore, when our Lord came into this world as a human being, he entered it as a child and part of a family. As a special creation of God the Father, no family deserves to be separated. The institution of the family is found from the beginning of the Book of Genesis (chapter 2). In love and harmony, the family finds joy, each member in the other. Reflecting this joy, the Psalmist proclaims, your children will be like olive trees around your table (Psalm 127/128:3b). Let us bear in mind that the branch of an olive tree is a universal symbol of peace, not something to be torn apart and broken.
It is for peace and for a dignified and humane solution to this unfortunate situation that we, together with people of good faith across our great nation, urgently entreat. Children should not, under any circumstances, be punished for things that are beyond their control. Our hearts go out to those suffering under these terrible conditions. We pray for them, that their families soon be restored, and pray that the proper authorities find a swift and just solution to this unfortunate and very painful situation.
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June 18, 2018
NEW YORK – U. S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Pyatt visited today His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America in his office at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Ambassador Pyatt and Archbishop Demetrios discussed issues of concern for the Omogeneia and Greece, with a special reference to the matter of yesterday’ s agreement of Greece with FYROM.
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June 26, 2018
NEW YORK – The Greek American daily newspaper of New York “Ethnikos Kirix” published today, June 26, 2018, a first page article under the false and unsubstantiated title “Archbishop Demetrios incites revolt against the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
The misinformation and allegations of the article have no foundation whatsoever. They are cynical falsehoods using as pretext a recent interview by the Vice-President of the Archdiocesan Council in another Greek American newspaper. That interview provides no basis for the allegations of the “Ethnikos Kirix” (“National Herald”) newspaper and they are simply a continuation of the well known and in every aspect unacceptable tactics which this newspaper has used for many years.
As we embark on the 44th Clergy-Laity Congress in Boston in the coming week, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, are steadily and unshakably committed to the service and ministry of the people of God in the United States, under the care and love of the Mother Church, our Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
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June 25, 2018
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Holy Eparchial Synod and its President, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, express deep sorrow on the falling asleep in the Lord of Bishop Iacovos of Catania, who passed away peacefully Thursday, June 21, 2018 in Clearwater, Florida.
Commenting on his passing, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America stated:
“His Grace Bishop Iacovos of Catania, of blessed memory, with whom we were classmates at the University of Athens School of Theology, faithfully served our Church for many years as a clergyman and hierarch with devotion and grace. May he be counted among the saints and may his memory be eternal.”
His Grace Bishop Iacovos leaves behind a beautiful legacy, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was born on August 10, 1927, in Megara, outside of Athens, Greece. Raised in the Orthodox faith by his deeply pious parents, he was inspired to enter the Priesthood. He attended and received his degree from the University of Athens Theological School in 1951. In 1951 he entered the monastery of St Meletios and took the ecclesiastical name Iacovos, in the same year he was ordained a deacon and then on April 26, 1952 he was ordained a Priest. A transfer to London in 1953 enabled him to study religious philosophy in Oxford, before arriving in the United States in 1959, where he served in parishes in Canada and New York.
His service at St. Barbara's Greek Orthodox Church in New York allowed him to pursue his studies even further. He was awarded his Master's in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1963, and ordained as Bishop of Catania on May 21, 1967 at the Archdicoesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York by Archbishop Iakovos. Shortly after (November 1967) he was assigned to the newly established Diocese of Houston (Eighth Archdiocesan District) and in January 1970 Archbishop Iacovos assigned him to the Diocese of Buenos Aires (Tenth Archdiocesan District). Beginning in 1973 he was assigned the Diocese of Charlotte, which later became the Diocese of Atlanta and is now the Metropolis of Atlanta.
His late brother Vasilios Pililis and his sister Kleoniki Pililis predeceased him and he is survived by his sister, Maria Papanicholaou, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was scheduled to take place Monday morning June 25, 2018 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Tarpon Springs Fla., following the Divine Liturgy. His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta will be presiding at the services and represent His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America and the Holy Eparchial Synod. Bishop Iacovos of Catania will be laid to rest at Sylvan Abby Memorial Park Cemetery in Clearwater.
May his Memory be eternal!
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Director: George Marinides
Philoptochos General Meeting & Outing Saturday, July 21st, we will have a General Philoptochos Meeting at 11:30 followed by a 1-hour guided tour of the historic Darwin Martin House. Price is $35, and includes a meal during the meeting at church, as well as the tour. Everyone is invited to attend, children are welcome, facility is wheelchair accessible up to 30" wide. RSVP and pre-payment is needed. DEADLINE IS FRIDAY JULY 13TH. Contact Michele at 860-3838
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! A sincere "Thank You" to all of those who helped with the English Tea. Whether you participated with baking, worked with serving our guests, prepared the lovely meal that was served, donated a basket for the Auction, or came to the Tea with friends......You made a difference, and helped make this event a success once again. We couldn't do it without you!
CHURCH MUSIC FOR YOUTH CELEBRATION!
Today we celebrate the youth singers of our parish! There will be an ICE CREAM SOCIAL for 1st through 6th graders and young people in 7th through 12th grades who sang throughout the year at programs and for Liturgy. It will be held immediately after Liturgy in the Courtyard.
Join us for an enlightening discussion of Thirsting for God--August 13 after the 6:00 PM Service of the Paraklesis to the Mother of God. Thirsting for God tells the conversion story of an evangelical Protestant minister and his struggles in encountering Orthodoxy to experience the fullness of the faith. Thirsting for God is available in the church bookstore and library.
If you would like to receive the Glad Tidings or Quarterly Statements by email please be sure to contact the office by phone or via email. Thank You. Remember to Recycle.
Limited items are left over from the Greek Fest, there will be a sale during coffee hour if you are interested in reduced priced items, please stop by.
If you would like a house blessing please be sure to fill out a form located in the Pangara and return it to the office.
You may also contact Fr Christos
Thank you
Of the many ways of supporting our Church, there are few which stand out as uniquely personal offerings of faith. The offering of Prosforo bread for the Divine Liturgy is one of them. Please contact Fr. Christos if you would like to donate Prosforo for a Divine Liturgy.
We are pleased to announce the introduction of an electronic option for making regular offerings. Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking or savings account or processed using your credit or debit card. Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and provides much-needed donation consistency for our parish.
Your online gift is completely secure through the external monitoring and protection of Vanco Payment Solutions. Also, as with all offerings given through traditional means, your online gift is kept completely confidential.
Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these easy steps:
1) Visit the church website at www.greekorthodoxchurchbuffalo.org
2) Click on the “Support our Ministries” button which is located on the right side of the homepage
3) Click on the Create Profile button, then
4) Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule your recurring contributions for items such as stewardship and the Capital Campaign.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate in contacting the Church Office.