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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-05-05
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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, May 3 - The Theotokos of the Life Giving Spring

8:30am - Orthros + Liturgy

 

Sunday, May 5 - Sunday of Thomas (ONE LITURGY)

8:30am - Orthros + Liturgy 

 

Monday, May 6

5:30pm - Paraklesis to the Theotokos

 

Saturday, May 11

5:00pm - Vespers

 

Sunday, May 12 - Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

7:15am - Orthros + Liturgy 1

10:00am - Liturgy 2

 

 

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News and Events

Nicholasflyer_med

ONE LITURGY - SUNDAY, MAY 5TH

There will be one liturgy on the Sunday, May 5th.  Orthros and Liturgy will begin at 8:30am.  


PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING

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.  

AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Opening Prayer – Father Demosthenes, Father Nebojsa
3. Elect Assembly Chairperson
4. Elect Assembly Secretary
5. Reading & Approval of Previous Assembly Minutes
6. Priest’s Report – – Father Demosthenes, Father Nebojsa
7. President/Treasurer Report(s) -
a. General Updates
b. Treasurer
i. 2019 Budget – Mid Year Adjustment(s)
ii. Update on 2018 Final Budget
iii. Board of Auditors – Audit in Summer 2019
8. Old Business
9. New Business
10. Suggestions for the good of the Parish
11. Closing Prayer – Father Demosthenes, Father Nebojsa

 


COFFEE HOUR TEAM

Sunday Coffee Team: Nicki Poulos, Zaharo Stouras, and the Members of the Center of Hellenic Education.  Thank you for your support!

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

 


EXPLORE THE CENTER OF HELLENIC EDUCATION

The Center of Hellenic Education is pleased to help co-host the Coffee Hour. Please join us and explore the wonderful programs that are available to students of all ages!


MEMORIALS

Please note that no memorial services can take place from Sunday April 21st up to and including Sunday, May 5th.


TIROPITES - MAY 9TH

PLEASE if you have time, next week, THURSDAY, May 9th we are going to be assembling Tiropites for the festival in the small hall.  If you can come for the whole day or only for two hours, you are desperately needed.  We will begin at 8:30 am and plan on finishing by 3 pm or sooner, if we get many hands.  Lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided.  Please bring an apron, pastry brush and a smile. 


PASTITSO, MOUSAKA, AND DOLMADES COOKING

Please come next week to the Community Center to help with cooking and assembling of Pastitso, Mousaka, and Dolmades for festival.  Cooking begins daily at 9:00am and finishes around 2pm.  Snacks and beverages will be provided.  Come and join the fun and camaraderie as we cook for the festival!    If you can come for the whole day or only  a few hours, your help will be very much appreciated.   For more information, please call Bill Christie at 408-891-9225.  Here is the schedule:

Monday and Tuesday, May 6 & 7  -  Pastitsio 

Wednesday and Thursday, May 8 & 9 -  Mousaka

Friday, May 10  -  Dolmades 

 

 


FESTIVAL NEEDS – CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME!

Your contributions can help to defray the Festival costs! Please pick up a Festival Items List flyer in the Narthex or the Church Office.   Donors are able to sponsor in any amount!  Payments can be made directly to the Church Office or by contacting Harry Mavrogenes at 408-250-5610.  Online donations are welcome! Please visit our website at https://saintnicholas.org/,  and select «Donate»!

 


ST. ANNA'S PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

SPRING TEA:  St. Anna Philoptochos and Daughters of Penelope 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.

ELECTIONS:  On Sunday, May 5, 2019, elections for the Board of Saint Anna Philoptochos will be held in the small hall after the Divine Liturgy.  All members of St. Anna Philoptochos who have paid their stewardship for 2019 may vote. 

FESTIVAL TIME: Every year St. Anna Philoptochos has its boutique in Room 3.  If you wish to make a donation to the boutique, you can bring your gently used items to the church on Sunday, or call/e-mail Laurie Sahines, Chairperson at (408) 823-0111 or lsahines@comcast.net, and make arrangements to meet her at the church on Fridays to drop off the items. 

FESTIVAL BOUTIQUE:    Every year the Festival Boutique needs people to assist.  If you want to help in the festival, but it is difficult for you to work in many of the other booths of the festival--this is the place for you!  Workers in the festival boutique work two-hour shifts, are out of the heat and sun, sit on a chair, and watch our visitors as they look at the items we have for sale.  Thank you for helping St. Anna during the festival!! 

MELOMAKARONA:  Once again St. Anna Philoptochos will chair the melomakarona baking.  Date is Thursday, May 16, 2019 beginning at 9:00 a.m.  If you have not made these delicious spice cookies, this is the time to learn and to come together in fellowship.  Whatever time you have is greatly appreciated.  For more details, contact Meredith Panayotopoulos at annapanayotopoulos@hotmail.com or Vana Katsoudas at vkatsoudas@hotmail.com.

 


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!

 


GOLDEN YEAR NEWS

GOLDEN YEARS NEWS

 OUR LAST MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE

 ON TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2019, 1PM

 LUNCH AT

AT BILL OF FARE

 1069 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

 FOR RESERVATION

 CALL ANTONIA AT: 408 472-3888

 by APRIL 29

 


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, May 7th.

 

 


LIMITED OFFICE HOURS

The church office will be open limited hours on Tuesday, May 7th.  Please call before coming to the office at 408-246-2770 or you can leave a message on voicemail.   If you need immediate assistance, please text or call either Fr. Demosthenes at 408-784-9364 or Fr. Nebojsa at 707-315-7823.


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.

 


ALL GRADUATING SENIORS

Each year in the June issue of the Canon of Faith, we list graduating high school  seniors: 1) their name, 2) parents’ names, 3)their high school’s name, 4) college or university planning to attend and 5) their desired major.  Please submit this to churchoffice@saintnicholas.org no later than May 15, 2019 or call the church office.  We also welcome anyone graduating from a junior college and/or university/college.  Please submit the same information with completed degree.


GRADUATIONS - GREEK SCHOOL AND SUNDAY SCHOOL

COME JOIN US FOR LUNCH on Sunday, May 19th for the Celebration and Graduation of Greek School and Class of 2019 for Sunday School.    All parishioners are invited to a pizza and salad lunch to celebrate the graduating class of 2019 for both Greek and Sunday School. We will also have some nice performances and speeches from our youth during the ceremony. Lunch will begin at noon in the Community Center and we will conclude by 1:30 PM. We hope you come to celebrate this special occasion for our youth.


SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Good Friday Retreat Thank You

This year's Good Friday Retreat was a wonderful day for our 87 children. It would not be possible without the continuous support and love from our parents and grandparents for Saint Nicholas and our children. Special thank you's to Fathers Demosthenes and Nebojsa, Presbyteras Magda and Stephanie, Meredith and George Panayotopoulos, Barbara Gomez, Stacy Karahalios, Angeliki Bundros, Maria Aji, Amy Terrill, Angeliki Pries, Panagiotis Papadimitriou, Julie Sarigiannides, Lila Gemellos, and Trisevgeni Koumoutsaki.  And...to the wonderful people who worked very hard around the kitchen and donated all of the food, Eleni Matheou and Olga Sarakinis, and to the many parents who helped throughout the day, THANK YOU. We are blessed to have all these wonderful parents and grandparents supporting these important educational programs.

Sunday School Update and Schedule for Remainder of Year:

Sunday, May 5 - No Sunday School and one Liturgy
Sunday, May 12 - Sunday School and two Liturgies (Mother's Day)
Sunday, May 19 - Last Day of Sunday School and Graduation Ceremony for Greek and Sunday School Senior - Class of 2019

COME JOIN US FOR LUNCH!
Sunday, May 19th Celebration and Graduation for Greek School and Class of 2019 for Sunday School.

All parishioners are invited to a pizza and salad lunch to celebrate the graduating class of 2019 for both Greek and Sunday School. We will also have some nice performances and speeches from our youth during the ceremony. Lunch will begin at noon in the Community Center and we will conclude by 1:30 PM. We hope you come to celebrate this special occasion for our youth.

 


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.

 


OFFICE CLOSED

The Church Office will be closed on Monday, May 27th for the Archdiocesan observance of Memorial Day.


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


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.  

 


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.

 


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.


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

 


BIRDIES FOR BRICKS GOLF TOURNAMENT - PEBBLE BEACH

Please join the 1st Annual St. John the Baptist Golf Tournament at Poppy Hills Golf Course, Pebble Beach, on May 24th, 2019.  Proceeds to benefit St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.
Schedule of Events: Four Person Scramble, 11:30 Registration and Check-In - Entry fee includes box lunch; 1:00 Shotgun start green fee, cart and dinner; 6:00 Dinner, Awards, Raffle and Auction - Note: You can sign up just for the dinner at $40 and participate in the great raffle/auction. No golf experience required! Please send checks and AUCTION/RAFFLE prize donations to: St. John the Baptist c/o Corrine Balcom 1599 Josselyn Canyon Rd. Monterey, CA 93940 Or pay online at:

https://saintjohnmontereyevents.wufoo.com/forms/birdies-for-bricks/


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
May 05

Neophytos, Gaius, & Caianus the Monk-martyrs


Thomsund
May 05

Thomas Sunday

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, "Peace be unto you." Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ's Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, "Peace be unto you"; then He said to Thomas, "Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing."

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, "My Lord and my God." Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures - human and divine - of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).

This day is called Antipascha (meaning "in the stead of Pascha," not "in opposition to Pascha") because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.


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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 146.5;134.3.
Μέγας ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, καὶ μεγάλη ἡ ἰσχὺς ἀὐτοῦ.
Στίχ. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον, ὅτι ἀγαθός.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 5:12-20.

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, διὰ δὲ τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγίνετοB σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα ἐν τῷ λαῷ πολλά· καὶ ἦσαν ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἅπαντες ἐν τῇ στοᾷ Σολομῶντος. Τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν οὐδεὶς ἐτόλμα κολλᾶσθαι αὐτοῖς, ἀλλʼ ἐμεγάλυνεν αὐτοὺς ὁ λαός· μᾶλλον δὲ προσετίθεντο πιστεύοντες τῷ κυρίῳ, πλήθη ἀνδρῶν τε καὶ γυναικῶν· ὥστε κατὰ τὰς πλατείας ἐκφέρειν τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς, καὶ τιθέναι ἐπὶ κλινῶν καὶ κραββάτων, ἵνα ἐρχομένου Πέτρου κἂν ἡ σκιὰ ἐπισκιάσῃ τινὶ αὐτῶν. Συνήρχετο δὲ καὶ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν πέριξ πόλεων εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ, φέροντες ἀσθενεῖς καὶ ὀχλουμένους ὑπὸ πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων, οἵτινες ἐθεραπεύοντο ἅπαντες. Ἀναστὰς δὲ ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ πάντες οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ - ἡ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων - ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου, καὶ ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους, καὶ ἔθεντο αὐτοὺς ἐν τηρήσει δημοσίᾳ. Ἄγγελος δὲ κυρίου διὰ τῆς νυκτὸς ἤνοιξεν τὰς θύρας τῆς φυλακῆς, ἐξαγαγών τε αὐτοὺς εἶπεν, Πορεύεσθε, καὶ σταθέντες λαλεῖτε ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ τῷ λαῷ πάντα τὰ ῥήματα τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης.

Prokeimenon. 4th Mode. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20.

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."


Gospel Reading

Thomas Sunday
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:19-31

Οὔσης ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ. Ἐχάρησαν οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες τὸν Κύριον. Εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς πάλιν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Καθὼς ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ πατήρ, κἀγὼ πέμπω ὑμᾶς. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Λάβετε Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον· ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς, ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.

Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι μαθηταί· Ἐωράκαμεν τὸν Κύριον. Ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω. Καὶ μεθ᾽ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν ἔσω οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ Θωμᾶς μετ᾽ αὐτῶν. Ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ εἶπεν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Εἶτα λέγει τῷ Θωμᾷ· Φέρε τὸν δάκτυλόν σου ὧδε καὶ ἴδε τὰς χεῖράς μου, καὶ φέρε τὴν χεῖρά σου καὶ βάλε εἰς τὴν πλευράν μου, καὶ μὴ γίνου ἄπιστος, ἀλλὰ πιστός. Καὶ ἀπεκρίθη Θωμᾶς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου. Λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ὅτι ἑώρακάς με, πεπίστευκας· μακάριοι οἱ μὴ ἰδόντες καὶ πιστεύσαντες. Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα σημεῖα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐνώπιον τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ἃ οὐκ ἔστι γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ· ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται ἵνα πιστεύσητε ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἵνα πιστεύοντες ζωὴν ἔχητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ.

Thomas Sunday
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For though the Apostles themselves modestly ascribe it all to this cause, declaring that they did these things in the name of Christ, yet at the same time the life and noble conduct of the men helped to produce this effect. "And believers were more added unto the Lord, multitudes both of men and women." Observe, how he now no longer tells the number of them that believe; at such a rate was the faith making way even to an immense multitude, and so widely was the Resurrection proclaimed. So then "the people magnified them:" but they were now no longer lightly to be despised as once they were: for in a little moment, at a single turn of the scale, such have been the effects produced by the fisherman and by the publican! Earth was become a heaven, for manner of life, for boldness of speech, for wonders, for all besides; like Angels were they looked upon with wonder:
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 12 on Acts IV, 4th Century

For great is the dignity of the priests. ... And hold them very exceedingly in honor; for you indeed care about your own affairs, and if you order them well, you give no account for others; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal 1st Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Apolytikion for Thomas Sun. in the Grave Mode

Whilst the tomb was sealed, Thou, O Life, didst shine forth from the grave, O Christ God; and whilst the doors were shut, Thou didst come unto Thy disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing through them an upright Spirit in us according to Thy great mercy.
Ἐσφραγισμένου τοῦ μνήματος ἡ ζωὴ ἐκ τάφου ἀνέτειλας Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, τοῖς Μαθηταῖς ἐπέστης ἡ πάντων ἀνάστασις, πνεῦμα εὐθὲς δι' αὐτῶν ἐγκαινίζων ἡμῖν, κατὰ τὸ μέγα σου ἔλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾍδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος. Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.
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