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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-04-07
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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (408) 246-2770
  • Fax:
  • (408) 246-0143
  • Street Address:

  • 1260 Davis Street

  • San Jose, CA 95126
  • Mailing Address:

  • 986 Chapman Street

  • San Jose, CA 95126


Contact Information






Services Schedule

Saturdays:

    5:00 p.m. - Great Vespers.

Sundays: from the first Sunday after Labor Day to mid May

Orthros followed by 1st Divine Liturgy 7:15 a.m.
2nd Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.
Church School 10:00 a.m.

Sundays: other than above days

Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.

Feast Days: see calendar.

Confessions: Please call office.


Past Bulletins


Schedule of Services

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

 

Friday, April 5

7:00pm - 4th Salutations to the Theotokos

 

Saturday, April 6

5pm - Vespers

 

Sunday, April 7 - Sunday of St. John Climacus

7:15am - Orthros + Liturgy 1

10:00am - Liturgy 2

 

Monday, April 8

5:30pm - Great Compline, Confessions

 

Wednesday, April 10

5:30pm - 9th Hour, Presanctified Liturgy, Confessions (Potluck and Speaker to follow)

 

Friday, April 12

7:00pm - Akathist to the Theotokos with His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos

 

Saturday, April 13

5:00pm - Vespers

 

Sunday, April 14 - Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt

7:15am - Orthros + Liturgy 1

10:00am - Liturgy 2

                

 

 

 

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News and Events

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ST.NICHOLAS BASKETBALL LEAGUE GAMES - HOME

Sunday April 7th

Our High School and Adult teams play here at St. Nicholas vs. St. Gregory at 2:30 and vs. St. George at 3:30.  Come root for our teams!

 


LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND PASCHA NEEDS

Please consider contributing a special donation towards Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha, to offset church expenses, by selecting an item from the list below.  Please make your checks payable to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and send to the church office (please put "Pascha Needs" in the memo section.  To pay by credit card/Paypal, please go onto our website at www.saintnicholas.org and click on the "Giving" area.  Thank you and Kali Sarakosti!

 

Candles - Holy Fri and Sat night (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $950
Candles for Epitaphio (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $600
Candles for Lent Services  (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $450
Communion Wine (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $600
Stefani/Wreath - Holy Thursday (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $250
Needed Other Misc. Flowers (97% sponsored)  $825
Palms (30% sponsored)  $500
Candle Cups (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $250
Incense (Livani) (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $400
Olive Oil for Vigil Lamps (30% sponsored)  $500
Olive Oil for Holy Unction (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $250
2 Clergy Lambades for Anastasi  (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $400
Roses/petals (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $125 
Rose Water  (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $150
Charcoal (30% sponsored)  $200
Flowers for Icons, Cross, Lent (86% sponsored)  $700
Flowers for Icons,Holy Wk,Resur. (100% sponsored-fulfilled)  $1000
Flowers for Epitafios (67% sponsored) $1500 
   
   

 


COFFEE HOUR TEAM

Sunday Coffee Team: Galatia Bakas, Sofia Papanicolaou, Maria Perakis, and Marika Sarigiannides.  Thank you for your support!

For more information about joining the coffee hour teams, please contact Marcella Fotis at 408-723-4124.  

 


CONFESSIONS

Confessions with Father Demosthenes are available without an appointment during Great Compline on Monday evenings and the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday evenings.   


GOYA KICK-OFF

We will be having an organizational gathering for GOYA (6th-12th grades) on Saturday April 6th at 6:30 pm.

If you are interested in attending please contact Fr. Nebojsa directly for the address. Fr.Nebojsa@gmail.com

 


ST. ANNA'S PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

Thank you to our generous parishioners for the generous donations for Holy Cross/Hellenic College on the Feastday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross.  The donations  totaled $1,143, and this amount will be sent to Holy Cross/Hellenic College.

SAVE THE DATE:  St. Anna Annual Spring Tea is set for Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., at the home of Chairperson Laurie Sahines, 2023 Wellington Drive, Milpitas, CA.  For more information, please contact Laurie at 408-823-0111  or e-mail lsahines@comcast.net.

LENTEN PHILOPTOCHOS/YOUTH PROJECT - REMINDER on Saturday, April 6, St. Anna Philoptochos and the Youth Ministries will be bagging food and hygiene items for the Bill Wilson Drop-in Center.  Please join us and help those in need.  We will meet in the small hall at 12:00 noon.  Money donations are also accepted.  Make out your check to St. Nicholas, and put in the memo Bill Wilson Center/youth project.  For more information, please e-mail or call Olga Koutalides Cartwright at olgaekc@yahoo.com or (408) 718-0785.

ST. ANNA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - On Sunday, March 10, the St. Anna Scholarship Application was passed to the students of the 12th grade church school class. Applications can also be obtained through the church office, the church school office, and on the St. Nicholas website. Completed applications with all necessary documentation must be turned in a sealed envelope, addressed to Philoptochos, and turned into the church office no later than Friday, May 3, 2019.

ELECTIONS:  Elections to the St. Anna Philoptochos Board will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 after the Divine Liturgy in the small hall.  Candidates for election must be members of Philoptochos, stewards of St. Nicholas and have submitted their  Nomination Form no later than Palm Sunday, April 21. Nomination Forms can be obtained from the church office or at the "Election Notice" table located in the small hall on Sundays.  

 


HOPE/JOY

A HOPE/JOY group will be meeting every Tuesday in Room 2 of the Educational Building from 10am-11am for moms with children ages 0-6.  Please join us for prayer, a small discussion and an activity with snacks for the children.  Please contact Stacy Karahalios at 847-924-5317 or Shanyn Bateh at 303-709-7775 for more information.  The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 9th.

 

 


WEDNESDAY PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY AND POTLUCK

Please join us on Wednesday, April 10th at 5:30pm for the 9th Hour, Presanctified Liturgy, and Confessions.  After the Liturgy, we will have a potluck in the Small Hall sponsored by the St. Nicholas Golden Years.  The special speaker will be Dr. Tikey Zes on "Byzantine Chant and Rembetiko" with audience participation.   See you there!


GOLDEN YEAR NEWS

  • April 10 – Host Presanctified Dinner-Potluck.  We hope you can all attend and bring your favorite dish to share.  Please call Mina to coordinate what you will bring. Special speaker will be Dr. Tikey Zes on "Byzantine Chant and Rembetiko" with audience participation.
  • May 7 - Last meeting – Lunch at:

         BILL OF FARE, 1069 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

            For reservations call Antonia at: 408 472-3888

 For more information, please call Mina at: 408 515-8301

 


YOUTH EVENT: LAZARUS SATURDAY BREAKFAST AND PALM CROSSES

On Saturday, April 20th following Orthros and Liturgy which begins at 8:30 am, Saint Nicholas will be sponsoring a pancake breakfast in the Small Hall for all while we are making the palm crosses in preparation of Palm Sunday.  This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community along with our youth in making of the palm crosses and preparing together for Holy Week.  If you are interested in joining us for breakfast and making of the palm crosses, please RSVP no later than Saturday, April 13th at saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com.  Please indicate name and numbers attending.


STS. PETER AND PAUL MISSIONS MINISTRY

Our Ministry is committed to assist with the payment of the construction loan and furnish the classrooms, laboratories, and facilities of Sister Nektaria’s school in India. The St. Ignatius School will be up for re-accreditation in 2020. The need is urgent. Towards this end, a donation box has been placed in the narthex to enable those who would like to support our featured charity.  We will be updating you throughout the year with the heart, smiles, and love of the children, as they progress in the oasis that you help provide. 

For more information on this and other missionary activity, please contact Maria Aji at stspeterpaulmissions@gmail.com, or follow our Saints Peter and Paul Missions Ministry Facebook page and the Fili website:  www.fili-inc.com.  Our next board meeting is on Thursday April 18 at 7 pm in the small hall.  Please consider joining us.

 


PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON

Father Demosthenes, Father Nebojsa and the Parish Council invite you to join us for Palm Sunday Luncheon, on Sunday, April 21, 2019, following liturgical services.


YOUTH EVENT: HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT - Pre-K - 12th Grade

The youth retreat is scheduled for Friday, April 26 from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.  We will be doing a variety of learning activities and having some "hands-on" fun with Easter traditions of the Orthodox church and culture around this year’s theme "God's House Our House".  We will be providing breakfast and lunch and want to make sure we have an accurate count - if you can kindly RSVP by Saturday, April 13th your child(ren)'s name and grade level for those who will be attending at saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com

Parents/grandparents are also welcomed to the retreat and if you are attending, please add your name to the RSVP.  We also need help and support for this event, so all volunteers are welcomed.  If you like to donate your time, food or drinks, please send email to saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com.

In addition, we have Fr. Demosthenes' official letter for those of you who need your children to be excused on Good Friday.  Please send email to saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com or stop by the Sunday School Office.

Un-nailing service will begin right at 3:00 PM and encourage all to attend.  Holy Friday service begins at 7:00 PM.  Details of Holy Week can be found under Upcoming Events on our website www.saintnicholas.org.

 


PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING

Save the date: The Parish Assembly will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 in the Small Hall.  The meeting will start promptly at 12:00 pm.  Members present will constitute a quorum to carry out the business of the Parish. To vote, members must be Stewards in good standing.  The agenda for the meeting will be provided.

 


2019 SAINT NICHOLAS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Saint Nicholas Scholarship Program is available and encouraging all seniors to apply.  Applications can be obtained through the Church Office or by sending an email to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com.  Deadline for submitted applications is Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 5:00 PM.  Completed applications need to be submitted to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com.  

Parishioners who would like to donate towards the scholarship program are welcomed.  We want to continue to support our long term education for all of our youth who are furthering their education and/or work experience.  If you are interested in donating, please contact Fr. Nebojsa, Angeliki Pries, Jeff Contos or Stephanie Tzouanas Schmidt.

 


STEWARDSHIP 2019 - COMPLETE ONLINE

As we approach the holiest season of the year, the Triodion and Great Lent, we reflect on the blessings and riches bestowed upon us.  As stewards of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, God has gifted us with the honor of being the caretakers of our Orthodox faith.   As caretakers, we are responsible for ensuring that there is a safe and welcoming spiritual home in which to come together to worship for the glory of God. 

Your continuing support spiritually, socially and financially are vital to the well being of our parish.  We humbly request if you have not had an opportunity to complete your 2019 stewardship pledge, use the following link to do so online.  When completing this, we ask that you make time to pray and reflect on the many gifts that the Church has given you.  Increasing your stewardship contribution will assist in growing our parish and provide an environment in which our community will flourish.

Stewardship Link:

https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/28/responses/new

We pray that you a have most blessed Paschal season.

Father Demosthenes and the Stewardship Committee: Mary Ann Devetzis, Jeff Contos, and Peter Panayotopoulos


PHILOKALIA BOOKSTORE

Please note that the bookstore is open on Sundays after liturgy, and by appointment.  You will need to contact the church office at 408/ 246-2770 to make alternate arrangements.

The bookstore will be closed on Sunday, April 28th for Pascha.

Greeting cards are now on sale for $1.00 each until April 7th.


HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 20 — Saturday of Lazarus
8:30 a.m. Orthros & Divine Liturgy
5:00 p.m. Vespers

Sunday, April 21 — Palm Sunday
7:15 a.m. Orthros & 1st Liturgy
10:00 a.m. 2nd Liturgy
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Monday, April 22 — Holy Monday
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Tuesday, April 23 — Holy Tuesday
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Wednesday, April 24 — Holy Wednesday
8:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
4:00 p.m. Holy Unction (Euchaileon)
7:00 p.m. Orthros of Holy Thursday (with Anointing)

Thursday, April 25 — Holy Thursday
8:30 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
7:00 p.m. Holy Passion/Twelve Gospels

Friday, April 26 — Great and Holy Friday
8:30 a.m. Royal Hours
3:00 p.m. Apokathilosis (Unnailing from the Cross)
7:00 p.m. Epitaphios/Lamentations

Saturday, April 27 — Holy Saturday
8:30 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
11:00 p.m. Paschal Vigil and Anastasis Liturgy

Sunday, April 28 — HOLY PASCHA
11:00 a.m. Agape Vespers

 


FESTIVAL COOKING - FULL SCHEDULE

Festival 2019 Food Preparation Schedule

May 6 & 7 Mon-Tues Pastitsio CC Bill Christie 408-891-9225

May 9 Thu Tiropites SH Joanne Pagonis 408-741-0596

May 8 & 9 Wed & Thu Mousaka CC Bill Christie 408-891-9225

May 10  Fri Dolmades CC Bill Christie 408-891-9225

May 13 Mon Kourambiethes SH-Mixing, CC- Cooking Laurie Sahines 408-823-0111

May 16 Thu Melomakarona SH-Mixing, CC-Cooking Philoptochos

May 18 Sat Spanakopites SH Eleni Matheou 408-266-8987, Janie Swenor 408-297-6842, Dora Koumoutsakis 408-293-9640

May 20 Mon Koulourakia SH-Mixing, CC-Cooking Roula Demertzis 408-268-7645, Maria Tsaboukos 408-723-5175

May 27 Mon Souvlaki, Loukaniko, Kalamari CC John Niktas 408-559-0611

May 29 Wed Tzatziki SH Roula Demertzis 408-268-7645, Andriana Pappas 408-873-9212

May 30 Thu Yemista CC Nicki Poulos 408-723-2613

Please contact the chairpersons listed to offer your help and for starting times.  The Saint Nicholas Festival needs your help and support!

 


BASKETBALL PRACTICE

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS

Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9:00pm

ADULTS

Wednesdays 7:30pm - 9:00pm

If you have any questions contact Paul Papageorge at paulpapa@mac.com


REALOPTIONS - A MINISTRY OF ST. ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS

We currently have 2 clear bins labeled for donations to The Real Options Medical Clinic. One in the bookstore and the other bin is outside the Sunday school office. You can put your donations of diapers, baby products and clothing for newborn thru 2 yrs. Gift cards to Walmart and Target are also accepted. You can also contact me directly to receive the above items. The Real Options Center was thrilled with the donation of 2 very gently used strollers that were donated last week. Tax receipts are available.  God Bless You all for your generosity to these women and families in need.  For more information please contact Ruth Duterte ruthrad1@aol.com  or 408-483-3009.


STROLLERS

For safety reasons per Fire Marshal requirements, please keep strollers in the Cry Room or outside the church.  Thank you for your cooperation.


PASTORAL VISITS

In case of a special need and you would like a pastoral visit, the priests would be happy to visit after receiving a call from an immediate family member due to privacy concerns.   Please text or call either Fr. Demosthenes at 408-784-9364 or Father Nebojsa at 707-315-7823 or call the church office at 408-246-2770.

 


SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Need Support from Parents and Parishioners

The only requirement is love working with children and you are a perfect match – we will do the rest to ensure your success.  We are in need of additional volunteers (teachers and aides) for Pre-K, 6th grade, 9th grade, and 10th grade. Please stop by the Sunday School office any Sunday or send email to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com

Sunday School Update for March through May 2019

Friday, April 5th Salutations to the Theotokos readings by our youth

Sunday, April 7th Sunday School

Friday, April 12th - Akathist Hymn readings by our youth 

Sunday, April 14 - Sunday School

Saturday, April 20th Lazarus Saturday (more information to come on this day for our youth)

Sunday, April 21 - Sunday School  - Palm Sunday - 5th Graders participate in the Palm Sunday service

Friday, April 26th Good Friday Retreat for grades PreK - 12th.  Will provide a note from Fathers to be excused from school for those who need it.

Sunday, April 28th Easter - no Sunday School

Sunday, May 5th - no Sunday School

Sunday, May 12th - Sunday School back to normal schedule - Mother's Day

Sunday, May 19th -  Last Day of Sunday School and Graduation Ceremony for Class of 2019 and Greek School

Please refer to the website for exact times: www.saintnicholas.org.

 


DONATIONS VIA FACEBOOK

We are a registered non-profit on Facebook and you can donate any time (without any fees for the church) by pressing the donate button in this link:

https://www.facebook.com/SaintNicholasOrg/


CHOIR MEMBERS WANTED

Do you find yourself humming along with the hymns each Sunday?  Then please come on up and join our active, music-loving choir.    Requirements:  age 16 and over; be able to carry a tune, reading music is not necessary, knowledge of Greek NOT required, phonetics provided.  Rehearsals every Thursday from 7:30 to 9pm. Sunday liturgy from 10:00am to 11:45am; no rehearsals in July and August.  You will gain many benefits including active participation in the liturgy which enhances the understanding of our religion, gaining knowledge of the Feast Days, being part of a warm, friendly group, and guaranteed the best seat during Holy Week!  If this sounds interesting, drop in at a rehearsal - no invitation necessary.  For questions, call the Choir Director, Dr. Tikey Zes at 408-723-0640 or the Church Office at 408-246-2770.


EIKONA ENSEMBLE - SAN FRANCISCO AND BELMONT

The PAOI, and the Church of the Holy Cross in Belmont are bringing “Eikona" to the Bay Area on April 5, 6, and 7.  The schedule for the weekend is as follows:

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019 - Salutations at Holy Trinity in San Francisco at 7:00 pm

SATURDAY APRIL 6, 2019 - Concert and Lenten Retreat at Holy Cross in Belmont at 9:00 am

SUNDAY APRIL 7, 2019 - Divine Liturgy and youth music workshop at Holy Trinity in Belmont. Orthros and Divine Liturgy at 8:45 am

Please Register Online at paoi-eikona.eventbrite.com.  Or send a check marked “Lenten Retreat” to PAOI 2309 Hearst Ave. Berkeley, CA 94709.  Contact the PAOI for more info at 510-649-3450 / paoi@ses.gtu.edu

 


GREEK PASTRIES, KOLLYVA & ARTOKLASIA

If you wish to order kollyva, paximadia, koulourakia or other Greek pastries, or artoklasia, please see below.  Payment is arranged with the makers and not the church.  If there is anyone who wants to be added to the makers list, please call the church office.

For kollyva:

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

Maria Anagnostou 408-316-6609

For paximadia, koulourakia, and other Greek pastries:

Maria Tsaboukos 408-723-5175

Antonia Komianos 408-472-3888

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

For artoklasia:

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

Maria or Despina Anagnostou 408-316-6609

 


SUNDAY BULLETIN NOTICE

To avoid any confusion on our part as we compose and print the Sunday bulletin, we ask that anyone who wishes to include a notice in the Sunday bulletin submit the notice in writing to the office BY TUESDAY AT 5PM!  Please don't wait until the last minute or send a note into the altar on a Sunday morning while the liturgy is in progress.

In addition, all ongoing (same message) bulletin entries will be in for four weeks, four times a year.  Please review these entries and plan accordingly.

 


SMALL HALL BULLETIN BOARD

Please check with Father Demosthenes in the office before posting anything on the bulletin board in the Small Hall.  Notices, announcements, advertisements, etc. that have not been approved will be removed.  Thank you for your kind cooperation.


BULLETIN SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Please note that all information in the weekly bulletin is subject to change.


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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
April 07

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.


Allsaint
April 07

Martyrs Calliopius and Akylina

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.


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Special Services

MEMORIAL SERVICES 

Please join in prayer for the souls of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord:

 

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Kontakion of the Fallen Asleep

Remember, O Lord, as good, your servants, and forgive whatever sins in life they committed, for no one is without sin, except you the Mighty One; and grant rest to them who have been removed from among us.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 28:16-20

Οἱ δὲ ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν, εἰς τὸ ὄρος οὗ ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς. καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν. καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς λέγων· ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς. πορευθέντες μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ῾Αγίου Πνεύματος, διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν πάντα ὅσα ἐνετειλάμην ὑμῖν· καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν εἰμι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος. ἀμήν.

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."


Epistle Reading

Προκείμενον. 4th Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 103.24,1.
Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου Κύριε, πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας.
Στίχ. Εὐλόγει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20.

Ἀδελφοί, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ θεός, ἐπεὶ κατʼ οὐδενὸς εἶχεν μείζονος ὀμόσαι, ὤμοσεν καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ, λέγων, Ἦ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ πληθύνων πληθυνῶ σε. Καὶ οὕτως μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχεν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας. Ἄνθρωποι μὲν γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος ὀμνύουσιν, καὶ πάσης αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος. Ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ, ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ, ἵνα διὰ δύο πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων, ἐν οἷς ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν, ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος· ἣν ὡς ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν, καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος· ὅπου πρόδρομος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδὲκ ἀρχιερεὺς γενόμενος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.

Prokeimenon. 4th Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 9:17-31

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ λέγων, διδάσκαλε, ἤνεγκα τὸν υἱόν μου πρός σε, ἔχοντα πνεῦμα ἄλαλον. καὶ ὅπου ἂν αὐτὸν καταλάβῃ, ῥήσσει αὐτόν, καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει τοὺς ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ξηραίνεται· καὶ εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου ἵνα αὐτὸ ἐκβάλωσι, καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει· ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος, ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετε αὐτὸν πρός με. καὶ ἤνεγκαν αὐτὸν πρὸς αὐτόν. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν εὐθέως τὸ πνεῦμα ἐσπάραξεν αὐτόν, καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐκυλίετο ἀφρίζων. καὶ ἐπηρώτησε τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ· πόσος χρόνος ἐστὶν ὡς τοῦτο γέγονεν αὐτῷ; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· παιδιόθεν. καὶ πολλάκις αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς πῦρ ἔβαλε καὶ εἰς ὕδατα, ἵνα ἀπολέσῃ αὐτόν· ἀλλ᾿ εἴ τι δύνασαι, βοήθησον ἡμῖν σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἐφ᾿ ἡμᾶς. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ εἰ δύνασαι πιστεῦσαι, πάντα δυνατὰ τῷ πιστεύοντι. καὶ εὐθέως κράξας ὁ πατὴρ τοῦ παιδίου μετὰ δακρύων ἔλεγε· πιστεύω, κύριε· βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἐπισυντρέχει ὄχλος, ἐπετίμησε τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ· τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφόν, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν. καὶ κράξαν καὶ πολλὰ σπαράξαν αὐτὸν ἐξῆλθε, καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρός, ὥστε πολλοὺς λέγειν ὅτι ἀπέθανεν. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς κρατήσας αὐτὸν τῆς χειρὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀνέστη. Καὶ εἰσελθόντα αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν κατ᾿ ἰδίαν, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. Καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνῷ· ἐδίδασκε γὰρ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀποκτανθεὶς τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται.

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Mode

When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.
Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion of Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert; and by thy sighings from the depths,thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O John our righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Ταίς τών δακρύων σου ροαίς, τής ερήμου τό άγονον εγεώργησας, καί τοίς εκ βάθους στεναγμοίς, εις εκατόν τούς πόνους εκαρποφόρησας, καί γέγονας φωστήρ, τή οικουμένη λάμπων τοίς θαύμασι, Ιωάννη Πατήρ ημών, Όσιε, Πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th 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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