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St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-03-15
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St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (212) 473-0648
  • Street Address:

  • 143 East 17th Street

  • New York, NY 10003
  • Mailing Address:

  • 143 East 17th Street

  • New York, NY 10003


Past Bulletins


Archepiscopal Message

Homily for the Sunday of Orthodoxy - March 8, 2020

03/10/2020

Yes, we differ in jurisdiction; we differ in ethnic background; we differ in native language; we differ in customs. But the Faith that we confess is in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church! We believe and we confess the same Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. We share in the Same Eucharistic Meal – the Mystical Supper of the Lord. And we all look forward to the Same Glorious Resurrection of our God in His Holy Pascha.
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to Host First-Ever Spanish Outreach Conference in the United States

03/10/2020

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will host its first-ever conference for the organization of outreach ministry to Spanish-speaking persons with a conference at Saint Photios National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, this April 28-30.

Sunday of Orthodoxy Celebrating Orthodox Unity and Diversity

03/10/2020

On March 8, 2020, eleven Orthodox hierarchs from various canonical jurisdictions concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the first Sunday of Lent, also known as the “Sunday of Orthodoxy,” at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, in New York City.

Archbishop Elpidophoros Announces the Creation of a New Vicariate in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

03/09/2020

On Monday, March 9, 2020, following approval of the Mother Church of Constantinople last November after the request of the Holy Eparchial Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, announced the creation of the Vicariate for the Orthodox Christian Communities of Slavic Tradition

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the Holy Eparchial Synod issue Guidelines on Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

03/06/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the Most Reverend Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, have issued guidelines to the Clergy and Laity of the Archdiocese to face the outbreak of the Coronavirus, Covid-19, that has spread throughout the world.
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Fr. Vasilios' Message

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN OUR LIFE. I HOPE AND PRAY THAT OUR GOOD AND LOVING GOD KEEPS ALL OF YOU SAFE AND UNDER THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS!

WE WILL HAVE SERVICES TOMORROW SUNDAY 15TH. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE AMMUNE SYSTEM DEFICIENCIES PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND UNTIL THIS VIRUS SUBSIDES!

WE ARE COMING TO THE END OF OUR JOURNAL ENTRIES, SO PLEASE IF YOU WISH TO BE PART OF THIS HISTORICAL JOURNAL PLEASE SEND YOURS IN BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND BLESSINGS!

WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF DONATIONS FOR THE RENOVATIONS. SO PLEASE TAKE THE TIME AND BE AS GENEROUS AS YOU CAN TO HELP KEEP ST. JOHN'S A VIABLE COMMUNITY FOR TODAY AND THE FUTURE.

IF YOU HAVE NOT SENT IN THIS YEAR'S STEWARDSHIP 2020 PLEASE DO THAT TODAY. THE 2020 FORM IS ON OUR WEBSITE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

_____________________________________

WITHOUT TEMPTATIONS NO ONE CAN BE SAVES

 Whenever we run into trouble and temptations our natural tendency is to think of them as negative and not as something positive. What a way to think or is it God's plan to help us grow? This is a very complex question and to understand that God uses them to ensure that we can grow closure to Him. As the title suggests without temptation there can be no salvation. Father Tom Hopko wrote a wonderful book entitled "Lenten Spring" that delves into this very subject with clarity and resolve. Below is an excerpt from this chapter heading.

"Without temptation, no salvation! This is the experience of all of the saints. It was true of Jesus who, being God's own Son, was made perfect through His temptations and suffering (Heb. 2:10; 5:8-9). And it is true for everyone who is obedient to God the Father in imitation of Christ.  There is no other way. God Himself sees to it, the devil, the flesh and wicked people obliging. St. Isaac of Syria writes about it in detail.

'As often as you find your way to be peaceful, without variations, be suspicious. For you are deviating from the divine ways trodden by the weary footsteps of the saint. The more you proceed on the way towards the city of the kingdom and approach its neighborhood, this will be the sign: you will meet hard temptations. And the nearer you approach, the more difficult you will find. The hard temptations into which God brings the soul are in accordance with the greatness of His gifts. If there is a weak soul which is not able to bear a very hard temptation and God deals meekly with it, then know that it is not capable of bearing a hard temptation and so is not worthy either of a great gift. 

God never gives a large gift and small temptations. So temptations are to be classed in accordance with gifts. Thus from the hardships, you are called to endure you may understand the measure of the greatness which your soul has reached. And your comfort will be in proportion to your endurance.

In accordance with your humility, you will be given endurance in your distress. And in accordance with your endurance, its weight will be lifted from your soul and you will be comforted in your troubles. And in accordance with your comfort, your love of God will increase. And in accordance with your love, your spiritual joy will increase. 

When our compassionate Father is of the will to relieve those who are real children in their temptations, He does not take their temptations away from them, but He does impart to them endurance under temptations, and all that good which they receive through it, to the perfection of their souls. May Christ in His grace make us worthy of bearing evils for the sake of His love, with thanksgivings in the heart. Amen.'"

Finally, as you know St. Isaac the Syrian wrote the above words in one of his works entitled "Helpful Advice Based on Love," and I think it will help us see a positive nature that troubles and temptations embody if you let them.  Moreover, troubles and temptations are not easily dismissed since we are fallen. As a result, we see them as a hindrance to getting or doing something we want and do not see the wealth they contain.  So during this Great Lent period bring to mind the words of St. Isaac so you can conquer and gain the gifts God has for us. Amen.

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Church Schedule

Service Schedule     

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

9:15 a.m. Orthros/10:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

6:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Greek Dancing Class CANCELED

 

Thursday, March 19, 2020

6:30 p.m. Bible Study

 

Friday, March 20, 2020

7:00 p.m. 3rd. Salutations to the Theotokos

 

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Sunday of Holy Cross

9:15 a.m. Orthros/10:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy

 

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Annunciation & Greek Independence Day

9:00 a.m. Orthros/10 a.m. Divine Liturgy

NO DANCE CLASS

 

Thursday, March 26, 2020

6:30 p.m. Bible Study

 

Friday, March 27, 2020

7:00 p.m. 4th. Salutations to the Theotokos

 

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Sunday of St. John Climacus

9:15 a.m. Orthros/10:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

6:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

7:30 p.m. Greek Dance Class

 

Thursday, April 2, 2020

6:30 p.m. Bible Study (Last Bible Study till after Easter)

 

Friday, April 3, 2020

7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn (Final Friday Service)

 

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

9:15 a.m. Orthros/10:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

6:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

7:30 p.m. Greek Dance Class

 

Thursday, April 9, 2020

NO BIBLE STUDY

 

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Saturday of Lazarus

9:00 a.m. Orthros/10 a.m. Divine Liturgy

 

Great and Holy Week Schedule – ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΒΔΟΜΑΣ ΠΑΣΧΑ

Sunday, April 12  - Palm Sunday - ΤΩΝ ΒΑÏΩΝ

9:00 Orthros/10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy -  ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ

7:00 p.m. Service of the Bridegroom (Nymphios) – ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΑ ΝΥΜΦΙΟΥ

 

Holy Monday, April 13 – ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ

7:00 p.m. Service of the Bridegroom (Nymphios) - ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΑ ΝΥΜΦΙΟΥ

 

Holy Tuesday, April 14 – ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΡΙΤΗ

7:00 p.m. Service of the Bridegroom - ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΑ ΝΥΜΦΙΟΥ

Hymn of Kassiani – ΤΟ ΤΡΟΠΑΡΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΚΑΣΣΙΑΝΗΣ

 

Holy Wednesday, April 15 – ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ

7:00 p.m. Sacrament of Holy Unction – ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΟΝ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΕΥΧΕΛΑΙΟΥ

 

Holy Thursday, April 16 – ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ

9:00 a.m. Vesperial Liturgy of St. Basil the Great – ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΚΑΙ Θ. ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΜΕΓ. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ

7:00 p.m. Service of the Holy Passion of our Lord (Twelve Gospels) – 12 ΙΕΡΑ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΑ

 

Holy and Good Friday, April 17 – ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ

3:30 p.m. The Royal Hours and Great Vespers (Apokathelosis) ΜΕΓΑΣ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΚΙΑ ΑΠΟΚΑΘΝΛΩΣΙΣ

7:00 p.m. Lamentations (Epitaphios) – ΕΠΙΤΑΦΙΟΥ ΘΡΗΝΟΥ

 

Holy Saturday, April 18 – ΜΕΓΑΛΗ  ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΝ

9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great – ΜΕΓΑΣ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΚΙΑ Θ. ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΜΕΓ. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ

11:00 - 11:50 p.m. Holy Resurrection Matins – ΜΕΣΟΝΥΚΤΙΚΟΝ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΩΣ

12:00 - 12:20 a.m. The Triumphant Resurrection – ΙΕΡΑ ΤΕΛΕΤΗ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΕΩΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΡΘΡΟΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ

12:20 – 2:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection – ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ

 

Great and Holy Pascha Sunday, April 19 – ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ

12 noon - Agape Vesper of Easter – ΜΕΓΑΣ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ (ΑΓΑΠΗ)

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Sixth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:36-53

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἔστη ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. πτοηθέντες δὲ καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι ἐδόκουν πνεῦμα θεωρεῖν. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί τεταραγμένοι ἐστέ, καὶ διατί διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσιν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; ἴδετε τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ τοὺς πόδας μου, ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγώ εἰμι· ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι πνεῦμα σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα οὐκ ἔχει καθὼς ἐμὲ θεωρεῖτε ἔχοντα. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐπέδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας. ἔτι δὲ ἀπιστούντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς καὶ θαυμαζόντων εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ἔχετέ τι βρώσιμον ἐνθάδε; οἱ δὲ ἐπέδωκαν αὐτῷ ἰχθύος ὀπτοῦ μέρος καὶ ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου, καὶ λαβὼν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ἔφαγεν. εἶπε δὲ αὐτοῖς· οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι οὓς ἐλάλησα πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔτι ὢν σὺν ὑμῖν, ὅτι δεῖ πληρωθῆναι πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωϋσέως καὶ προφήταις καὶ ψαλμοῖς περὶ ἐμοῦ. τότε διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν τοῦ συνιέναι τὰς γραφάς, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι οὕτω γέγραπται καὶ οὕτως ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ ἀναστῆναι ἐκ νεκρῶν τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, καὶ κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενον ἀπὸ ῾Ιερουσαλήμ. ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε μάρτυρες τούτων. καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ πατρός μου ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς· ὑμεῖς δὲ καθίσατε ἐν τῇ πόλει ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ ἕως οὗ ἐνδύσησθε δύναμιν ἐξ ὕψους.

᾿Εξήγαγε δὲ αὐτοὺς ἔξω ἕως εἰς Βηθανίαν, καὶ ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ εὐλόγησεν αὐτούς. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εὐλογεῖν αὐτὸν αὐτοὺς διέστη ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀνεφέρετο εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν. καὶ αὐτοὶ προσκυνήσαντες αὐτὸν ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης, καὶ ἦσαν διὰ παντὸς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ αἰνοῦντες καὶ εὐλογοῦντες τὸν Θεόν. ἀμήν.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3.

Κατʼ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί· αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις· καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται· σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα, εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν; Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡμᾶς προσέχειν τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν, μήποτε παραρρυῶμεν. Εἰ γὰρ ὁ διʼ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας; Ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 2:1-12

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς εἰς Καπερναοὺμ δι᾿ ἡμερῶν καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστι. καὶ εὐθέως συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν· καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον. καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτὸν παραλυτικὸν φέροντες, αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων· καὶ μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι αὐτῷ διὰ τὸν ὄχλον, ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν κράβαττον, ἐφ᾿ ᾧ ὁ παραλυτικὸς κατέκειτο. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· τέκνον, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου. ἦσαν δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐκεῖ καθήμενοι καὶ διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν· τί οὗτος οὕτω λαλεῖ βλασφημίας; τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός; καὶ εὐθέως ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὕτως αὐτοὶ διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀφιέναι ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἁμαρτίας - λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. καὶ ἠγέρθη εὐθέως, καὶ ἄρας τὸν κράβαττον ἐξῆλθεν ἐναντίον πάντων, ὥστε ἐξίστασθαι πάντας καὶ δοξάζειν τὸν Θεὸν λέγοντας ὅτι οὐδέποτε οὕτως εἴδομεν.


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Saints and Feasts

02_palamas2
March 15

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


Allsaint
March 15

Manuel the New Martyr of Crete


Allsaint
March 15

Agapius the Martyr & His Companions

The holy Martyrs contested for piety's sake during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), when Urban was Governor of Caesarea of Palestine. When Urban had commanded that together with a heathen festival, certain condemned Christians be publicly cast to wild beasts, Timolaus, a native of Pontus, Dionysius of Tripolis in Phoenicia, Romulus of Diospolis, Plesius (or Paisius) and Alexander from Egypt, and another Alexander from Gaza, tied their own hands and presented themselves to Urban when the exhibition was about to begin, professing their faith in Christ; they were immediately cast into prison. A few days later Agapios and Dionysius also presented themselves. All were beheaded together at Caesarea. Their martyrdom is recorded by Eusebius (Eccl. Hist.,Book VIII, ch.3, called The Martyrs of Palestine).


Allsaint
March 15

Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain

Saint Aristobulos, the brother of Saint Barnabas, was ordained to be bishop in Britain by the Apostle Paul, who mentions him in his epistle to the Romans (16:10). He suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans, but also brought many to Christ. Having established the Church there, he finally reposed in peace.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ διδάσκαλε, τῶν μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονὴ, τῶν θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος ἀπροσμάχητος· Γρηγόριε θαυματουργὲ Θεσσαλονίκης τὸ καύχημα κήρυξ τῆς χάριτος· ἱκέτευε διὰ παντός, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Apolytikion of St. John the Baptist in the Second Mode

The memory of the just is praised, but thou art well pleased, O Forerunner, with the testimony of the Lord.  For thou hast verily been shown forth as more honoured than the prophets, since thou wast counted worthy to baptize in the stream Him whom they foretold.  Therefore, having mightily contended and suffered for the truth, with joy thou hast preached also to those in Hades, of God’s manifestation in the flesh, who takes away the sin of the world and grants unto us great mercy.

Μνήµη δικαίου µέτ’ ἐγκωµίων, σοὶ δὲ ἀρκέσει ἡ µαρτυρία τοῦ Κυρίου Πρόδροµε, ἀνεδείχθης γὰρ ὄντως καὶ Προφητῶν σεβασµιώτερος, ὅτι καὶ ἐν ῥείθροις βαπτίσαι κατηξιώθης τὸν κηρυττόµενον. Ὅθεν τῆς ἀληθείας ὑπεραθλήσας, χαίρων εὐηγγελίσω καὶ τοὶς ἐν ἅδῃ, Θεὸν φανερωθέντα ἐν σαρκί, τὸν αἴροντα τὴν ἁµαρτίαν τοῦ κόσµου, καὶ παρέχοντα ἡµῖν τὸ µέγα ἔλεος.τοίς πάσι προκαταγγέλλεται, Αυτή καί ηµείς µεγαλοφώνως βοήσωµεν, Χαίρε τής οικονοµίας τού Κτίστου η εκπλήρωσις.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Forasmuch then as they had evinced so great faith, He also evinces His own power ... He healed first that which is invisible, the soul, by forgiving his sins; ... He, in fact, in His abundance of counsel, made use of their envy for the manifestation of the miracle.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For He doth not on all occasions require faith on the part of the sick only: as for instance, when they are insane, or in any other way, through their disease, are out of their own control. Or rather, in this case the sick man too had part in the faith; for he would not have suffered himself to be let down, unless he had believed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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