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Holy Trinity Church
Publish Date: 2023-02-19
Bulletin Contents
Today's Calendar
Weekly Calendar
Announcements
SAVE THE DATE
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Metropolis of Boston News
Archdiocese News
Ecumenical Patriarchate News
Lastjudgement1
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Holy Trinity Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (978) 458-8092
  • Fax:
  • (978) 970-0935
  • Street Address:

  • 62 Lewis Street

  • Lowell, MA 01854

Contact Information

Rev. Nikolaos D. Pelekoudas
Presbyter

frnpelekoudas@gmail.com | (781) 632-3844
Holy Trinity Office
Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 8am-1pm; Friday 8-11am

holytrinity.lowell@gmail.com | (978) 458-8092

Services Schedule

Orthros: 9:00am 
Divine Liturgy: 10:00am
Sunday Fellowship: following Divine Liturgy

Past Bulletins


Today's Calendar

Third Sunday of the Triodion:  Judgement (Meat Fare) Sunday  All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday. The Triodion period consists of three sections: the pre-Lenten weeks, Great Lent itself and Holy Week. For more information go to: www.goarch.org/triodion
Parish Council Members on Duty: Bill Piskopanis, George Potamitis, Dan Routsis and Tom Themeles
Fellowship Coffee Hour: no coffee today, join us for the Philopotochos Spaghetti Luncheon & Scholarship Fundraiser at the Hellenic Cultural Center Spaghetti & Meatballs, salad & Greek dessert    Adults $20; Children(under 12) $10
This year, the event is not only a fund raiser for the 2023 Scholarship Fund but also for the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. Table centerpieces at the Spaghetti Luncheon will be comprised of non-perishable goods which will be donated to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank.  If any attendees would like to help in this effort, an envelope will be placed with each centerpiece for donations.
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Announces Earthquake Relief Fund

New York - His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund, a fundraising effort by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. 

Yesterday, Feb. 8, His Eminence visited the Turkish Consulate General in New York in order to sign its book of condolences. He met with Consul General Reyhan Özgür, to whom he expressed his deepest sympathies for the victims of the tragedy and shared his prayers for the rescue missions still underway as casualties continue to rise. They also discussed ways to work with local humanitarian services to respond to the urgent needs of all those affected by the earthquake. 

His Eminence also visited the Very Rev. Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, where he expressed his sadness at the loss of life and the damage to the Armenian churches in both Syria and Türkiye. Today, the Archbishop plans to meet with His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and Archdiocese for the Eastern United States, to offer solidarity and prayers for the destruction and loss brought on by these tragic earthquakes.

Archbishop Elpidophoros said, “In initiating the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund, the focus of our Archdiocese is to help with both the immediate needs and the longer-term implications of the devastation from the deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Our Archdiocese will partner with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to identify trusted organizations for aid distribution.”

A long-standing & trusted partner, IOCC has a proven track record in humanitarian and emergency relief and will lend its logistical and on-the-ground expertise to ensure effective distribution of funds raised by the Archdiocese. Distribution will be directed primarily to those impacted by the earthquake in Türkiye, and, as opportunities to assist are identified, to Syria.  

The Archdiocese has set an initial fundraising goal of $500,000.  

  • Donations may be made online at the dedicated webpage for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund: https://www.goarch.org/earthquake . 
  • Checks may also be sent to: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075, and made payable to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with a memo notation of "Earthquake Relief Fund."   

The National Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, an affiliated institution, has committed to an initial disbursement of $50,000 for the Fund and will launch a fundraising campaign through its chapters to benefit the earthquake victims. The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund is also committed to providing support to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund. At the same time, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America is directly supporting the relief efforts of IOCC. At the request of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, the Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and John Catsimatidis, Vice Chair of the Archdiocesan Council, have each pledged $50,000 to be donated to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for distribution to those affected in Türkiye. 

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America invites all parishes and faithful to support the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

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Weekly Calendar

Saturday, February 24: 2nd Saturday of Souls  Orthros 9:00am, Divine Liturgy 10am 
 
 
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Announcements

SATURDAY OF SOULS LITURGIES USHER IN GREAT LENT:  As we approach the start of Great and Holy Lent on February 27, you may submit names of loved ones who have passed away to be commemorated on the three Saturdays of Souls: Feb. 18, Feb. 25, & March 4.  For your convenience, a form can be found in the narthex  You can mail or email your list of names to the parish office or bring them to church when you attend services.
General Assembly - February 26:  Our parish's General Assembly will take place after Divine Liturgy.  
2023 Membership:  Memberships notices started going out to all parishioners this past week. Membership promotes and advances the Christian way of life; the giving of our time, talent and treasure to support and operate all the ministries and activities of our Church.  Although payments can be made by check and mailed to our Church office, for your convenience, our parish provides a secure online option through VANCO.  You may safely pay Annual Church membership and make other donations by going to: https://holytrinitylowell.com/ and click on the “DONATE” option at the top of the page. Thank you for being a good and faithful member of our beloved Church.
Philoptochos News:
Philoptochos Winter Appeal on behalf of The Wish Project ends on February 26, 2023  Colletion Items include: Liquid hand soap, body wash, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, kitchen sponges, 13 gallon trash bags, gallon size zip lock bags, baby wipes and diapers in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6
Hellenic American Academy News (hellenicaa.org)
Upcoming events and field trips: 
March 01: Tanglewood Marionettes perform “Perseus and Medusa” at the Academy.March 10: US Constitution Field Trip 
March 19: Plimoth Plantation field trip grades 3-6
March 25:  Celebration of Greek Independence Day and the Annunciation of the Theotokos
-10:00AM  Church service at Holy Trinity Church
-Following Church Services - The parade will begin at Holy Trinity and proceed to Lowell City Hall for a flag raising ceremony.
-2:00PM Greek Independence Day School Program (All grades Prek3 - Grade 6)
April 30:  Greek Independence Parade in Boston  
May 19: Grades 3 - through 6 will visit the Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II 
Youth Activities
Movie Night - Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) Ages 7-11 on Friday, March 03: 6:00pm - 9:15pm  in the church hall. Join us!
 - 1st Salutations to the Theotokos 6:00pm - 7:15pm
-  "Bad Guys" movie & Snacks 7:30pm – 9:15pm
RSVP by February 28th:  Panayiota Anastasiadis  Panayiota.anastasiadis@gmail.com
JOY Junior Orthodox Youth Ages 7-11  The goal of the JOY ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By laying a foundation of faith at this age, our young people will have something that will guide and strengthen them as they progress into Junior High and High School.
Upcoming Church Services: Unless, otherwise specified:  Orthros 9:00am, Divine Liturgy 10am

March 03: 6:00pm : Salutations to the Theotokos - Χαιρετισμοί προς την Υπεραγια Θεοτόκο

March 04: 3rd Saturday of Souls - Ψυχοσάββατο
March 08: 10:00am: Presanctified Liturgy - Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία
March 10:  6:00pm: Salutations to the Theotokos - Χαιρετισμοί προς την Υπεραγια Θεοτόκο
March 15:  10:00am: Presanctified Liturgy - Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία
March 17:  6:00pm: Salutations to the Theotokos - Χαιρετισμοί προς την Υπεραγια Θεοτόκο
March 24:  6:00pm: Salutations to the Theotokos - Χαιρετισμοί προς την Υπεραγια Θεοτόκο
March 25:  Divine Liturgy,  The Annunciation to the Theotokos - Ο Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου 
March 31:  6:00pm: Salutations to the Theotokos - Χαιρετισμοί προς την Υπεραγια Θεοτόκο
April 05:  10:00am: Presanctified Liturgy - Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία
April 08:  Saturday of Lazaros, Divine Liturgy - Σάββατο του Λαζάρου  Θεία Λειτουργία
April 09:  Palm Sunday, Divine Liturgy - Κυριακή των Βαιων;  7:00pm: Nymphios ( Bridegroom) Service - Ή Ακολουθία του Νυμφιου
April 10:  Holy Monday 7:00pm: Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service - Ή Ακολουθία του Νυμφιου
April 11:  Holy Tuesday 7:00 pm: Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service - Ή Ακολουθία του Νυμφιου/ Τροπάριο της Κασσιανής
April 12:  Holy Wednesday 3:00pm: Holy Unction - Άγιο Ευχέλαιο;  7:00pm  Holy Unction - Άγιο Ευχέλαιο. 
April 13:  Holy Thursday 8:00am : Divine Liturgy - Θεία Λειτουργία;  6:00pm: Holy Passion of Christ - Τα Πάθη Του Χριστού
April 14:  Holy Friday 3:00pm: Apokathelosis (taking Jesus down from the Cross) - Ή Αποκαθήλωσις Του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού 
7:00 pm  Epitaphios Threnos (Lamentations Service)- Επιτάφιος Θρήνος
April 15:  Holy Saturday 9:00am: Divine Liturgy - Θεία Λειτουργία;   11pm: The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ -  
Ή Ανάστασις Του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού. 
April 16:   Easter Sunday 11:00am: Agape Service;  Άγιο Πάσχα,  Ή Ακολουθία τής Αγάπης
April 21:  Theotokos of the Lifegiving Font - Ζωοδόχου Πηγής. 
May 25:  Thursday: The Ascension of Our Savior Jesus Christ, Divine Liturgy - Ή Αναληψις Τού Σωτήρος Θεία Λειτουργία. 
Office Hours:  The Church Office is open to parishioners and visitors. Office Hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am - 1:00pm and Friday 8:00am-11am.  Please use the side entrance and ring the door bell. If you prefer to use the elevator entrance, call the office upon arrival to be let in.
Pastoral Visits: Please call the Church Office at 978 458-8092 to arrange a hospital, nursing home or shut-in visit by Fr. Nick.  Health care facilities are unable to contact us because oof HIPAA regulations.
 
 
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SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, March 4:  Messinian Federation of Lowell "Greek Dinner Dance" at the Olympia Restaurant. Live music by George Karatzas of Athenian Entertainment. Adults $50 (Choice of Baked Lamb or Chicken Kebab), Children(Chicken fingers & Fries) $15.  For reservations and meal selection,  call, text or email: George Cocalis 978.809.8678, Joanna Houliaris 978.821.3227 or Vanessa Nicolopoulos 603.264.168 or pvgnnicolopoulos@aol.com
Saturday, April 29:  HAA PTA Presents:  A Night of Comedy with Ellen Karis - The Greek Goddess of Comedy!  To purchase tickets please follow this link: tickets: https://www.facebook.com/HellenicAmericanAcademyPtao
Saturday, April 29: Lowell's Annual Points of Light - Floating Lantern Celebration - Ecumenical Plaza adjacent to Holy Trinity:  Leading up to the event, people throughout the city decorate the lanterns with art, prayers, memorials, and messages. Before the lanterns are launched, local organizations sell traditional ethnic foods, while Lowell’s diverse cultures perform music and dance. As sun sets, the lanterns are released.  www.pointsoflightlowell.com/schedule
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, June 16-18, 2023:   Holy Trinity “Greek Festival” 
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, July 2-30, 2023:   Lowell Folk Festival”
 
 

 

 

 

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
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.

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 8:8-13, 9:1-2

Ἀδελφοί, βρῶμα ἡμᾶς οὐ παρίστησιν τῷ θεῷ· οὔτε γὰρ ἐὰν φάγωμεν περισσεύομεν, οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν ὑστερούμεθα. Βλέπετε δὲ μήπως ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη πρόσκομμα γένηται τοῖς ἀσθενοῦσιν. Ἐὰν γάρ τις ἴδῃ σε τὸν ἔχοντα γνῶσιν ἐν εἰδωλείῳ κατακείμενον, οὐχὶ ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος οἰκοδομηθήσεται εἰς τὸ τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα ἐσθίειν; Καὶ ἀπολεῖται ὁ ἀσθενῶν ἀδελφὸς ἐπὶ τῇ σῇ γνώσει, διʼ ὃν Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν; Οὕτως δὲ ἁμαρτάνοντες εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφούς, καὶ τύπτοντες αὐτῶν τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν, εἰς Χριστὸν ἁμαρτάνετε. Διόπερ εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, οὐ μὴ φάγω κρέα εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἵνα μὴ τὸν ἀδελφόν μου σκανδαλίσω. Οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος; Οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος; Οὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν ἑώρακα; Οὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ; Εἰ ἄλλοις οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος, ἀλλά γε ὑμῖν εἰμι· ἡ γὰρ σφραγὶς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀποστολῆς ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ.

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."

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 25:31-46

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ καὶ πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι ἄγγελοι μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ, τότε καθίσει ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ, καὶ συναχθήσεται ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, καὶ ἀφοριεῖ αὐτοὺς ἀπ᾿ ἀλλήλων ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων, καὶ στήσει τὰ μὲν πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ, τὰ δὲ ἐρίφια ἐξ εὐωνύμων. τότε ἐρεῖ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῖς ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ· δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ πατρός μου, κληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου. ἐπείνασα γάρ, καὶ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα, καὶ ἐποτίσατέ με, ξένος ἤμην, καὶ συνηγάγετέ με, γυμνός, καὶ περιεβάλετέ με, ἠσθένησα, καὶ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με, ἐν φυλακῇ ἤμην, καὶ ἤλθετε πρός με. τότε ἀποκριθήσονται αὐτῷ οἱ δίκαιοι λέγοντες· κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα καὶ ἐθρέψαμεν, ἢ διψῶντα καὶ ἐποτίσαμεν; πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ξένον καὶ συνηγάγομεν, ἢ γυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν; πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ἀσθενῆ ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ ἤλθομεν πρός σε; καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐρεῖ αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ᾿ ὅσον ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου τῶν ἐλαχίστων, ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε. τότε ἐρεῖ καὶ τοῖς ἐξ εὐωνύμων· πορεύεσθε ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ οἱ κατηραμένοι εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον τῷ διαβόλῳ καὶ τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ. ἐπείνασα γάρ, καὶ οὐκ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα, καὶ οὐκ ἐποτίσατέ με, ξένος ἤμην, καὶ οὐ συνηγάγετέ με, γυμνός, καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με, ἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ οὐκ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με. τότε ἀποκριθήσονται αὐτῷ καὶ αὐτοὶ λέγοντες· κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα ἢ διψῶντα ἢ ξένον ἢ γυμνὸν ἢ ἀσθενῆ ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ οὐ διηκονήσαμέν σοι; τότε ἀποκριθήσεται αὐτοῖς λέγων· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ᾿ ὅσον οὐκ ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων, οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε. καὶ ἀπελεύσονται οὗτοι εἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον, οἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον.

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Saints and Feasts

Lastjudgement1
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.

Philothea
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.

Allsaint
February 20

Leo, Bishop of Catania

This Saint, who was from Ravenna in Italy, lived during the reign of Leo the Wise and his son Constantine Porphyrogenitus (end of the ninth and beginning of the tenth centuries). He struggled especially against the paganism and sorcery still prevalent in those regions.

Allsaint
February 21

Timothy the Righteous

Saint Timothy took up the monastic life from his youth, became a vessel of the Holy Spirit, and reposed in deep old age.

Allsaint
February 21

Eustathios, Patriarch of Antioch

Saint Eustathius, the great defender of piety and illustrious opponent of Arianism, was from Side in Pamphylia. He became Bishop of Beroea (the present-day Aleppo), and in 325 was present at the First Ecumenical Council. From thence he was transferred to the throne of Antioch. But Saint Constantine the Great, led astray by the slanders directed against the Saint by the Arians, banished him to Trajanopolis in Thrace, where he reposed in 337, according to some. Others say he lived until 360.

Allsaint
February 22

Finding of the Relics of the Holy Martyrs of Eugenios

The holy relics of these Saints were found in the quarter of Constantinople called Eugenius when Thomas was Patriarch of that city (607-610).

Allsaint
February 23

Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna

This apostolic and prophetic man, and model of faith and truth, was a disciple of John the Evangelist, successor of Bucolus (Feb. 6), and teacher of Irenaeus (Aug. 23). He was an old man and full of days when the fifth persecution was raised against the Christians under Marcus Aurelius. When his pursuers, sent by the ruler, found Polycarp, he commanded that they be given something to eat and drink, then asked them to give him an hour to pray; he stood and prayed, full of grace, for two hours, so that his captors repented that they had come against so venerable a man. He was brought by the Proconsul of Smyrna into the stadium and was commanded, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, 'Away with the atheists.'" By atheists, the Proconsul meant the Christians. But Polycarp, gazing at the heathen in the stadium, waved his hand towards them and said, "Away with the atheists." When the Proconsul urged him to blaspheme against Christ, he said: "I have been serving Christ for eighty-six years, and He has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King Who has saved me?" But the tyrant became enraged at these words and commanded that he be cast into the fire, and thus he gloriously expired about the year 163. As Eusebius says, "Polycarp everywhere taught what he had also learned from the Apostles, which also the Church has handed down; and this alone is true" (Eccl. Hist., Book IV, ch. 14,15).

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Wisdom of the Fathers

"Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, 20th Century

So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from things supercelestial or, rather, it came from God Himself when mysteriously He breathed life into man (cf. Gen. 2:7).
St. Gregory Palamas
Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 24, The Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 356, 14th century

. . .The day will come when we shall stand before God and be judged, but as long as our pilgrimage continues, as long as we live in the process of becoming, as long as there is ahead of us this road that leads to the full measure of the stature of Christ which is our vocation, judgment must be pronounced by ourselves.
Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

For when one has pity on the poor, he lends to God; and he who gives to the least gives to God--sacrifices spiritually to God an odour of a sweet smell.
St. Cyprian of Carthage
The Lord's Prayer, 33. B#41, p.102, 3rd century

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Archdiocese News

Sunday Sermon Series - Judgement Sunday - February 19

02/15/2023

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about the Second Coming of Christ. How is Christ going to judge us? And what should we expect in the Last Judgment? Also, how does Jesus identify with each of us?
https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-series-february-19-2023

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Announces Earthquake Relief Fund

02/09/2023

New York - His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund, a fundraising effort by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
https://www.goarch.org/-/goa-announces-earthquake-relief-fund

A Book Just in Time for Forgiveness Sunday Available on Orthodox Marketplace

02/15/2023

The book Love Your Enemies explains how Christ has revealed a way to obtain the absolution of our sins, no matter how great the offense: by forgiving with all our heart those who have wronged us and loving them without regard to what they have done.
https://www.goarch.org/-/a-book-just-in-time-for-forgiveness-sunday-available-on-orthodox-marketplace

Pilgrimage to Pascha Lenten Package for Parishes Released by GOA Center for Family Care

02/14/2023

The Center for Family Care has prepared a comprehensive Lenten series intended for parish small group discussions, entitled Pilgrimage to Pascha.
https://www.goarch.org/-/lenten-resources-center-family-care

2023-2024 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships Available

02/14/2023

Applications and instructions for six (6) scholarships administered by the Office of the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America are available for awards to be made for the 2023-2024 academic year.
https://www.goarch.org/-/goa-scholarships-2023

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Leads Interfaith Prayer Service for Türkiye and Syria at Georgetown University

02/15/2023

Today, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America led an Interfaith Prayer Service for Türkiye and Syria at Georgetown University. The service was an opportunity for religious and civic leaders to pray together, in solidarity with Türkiye and Syria and the diaspora communities here in the United States, for the peace and comfort of all impacted by the recent earthquake, as well as for the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
https://www.goarch.org/-/prayer-service-georgetown-2023

Registration for Participants & Parish Chairpersons of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is Open

02/14/2023

The Department of Religious Education (DRE) is excited to see registrations rolling in for the 2023 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival (Oratorical Festival) participants and parish chairpersons.
https://www.goarch.org/-/registration-for-participants-parish-chairpersons-of-the-st-john-chrysostom-oratorical-festival-is-open

Ionian Village 2023 Spots Filling Up!

02/16/2023

The Office of Ionian Village announces that Ionian Village, the international camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is rapidly filling for summer 2023! Camp is open to young people who are currently in the 9th grade through those who will complete the 12th grade in the spring of 2023.
https://www.goarch.org/-/iv-2023-spots-left
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