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Sts. Constantine and Helen Church
Publish Date: 2020-04-26
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Thomsund
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Sts. Constantine and Helen Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (414) 778-1555
  • Street Address:

  • 2160 N. Wauwatosa Avenue

  • Wauwatosa, WI 53213


Contact Information






Services Schedule

SUNDAY MATINS/DIVINE LITURGY, 8:15 am


Past Bulletins


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Message of His All-Holiness for Saint George Day 2020

04/23/2020

The Mother Church of Constantinople that partakes of the crucifixion, the much revered Ecumenical Patriarchate, has this year celebrated the annual commemoration of the Holy, Glorious, Great-Martyr George the Trophy-Bearer

Archiepiscopal Encyclical on the Great and Holy Pascha

04/17/2020

In this time of darkness: through the most difficult Lent in memory, through a radical reduction of our lives and livelihood, through the threat of sickness on an unprecedented scale, and the through the grievous loss of family, friends, and neighbors taken from us too soon, we have finally arrived at the dawn.

2020 Paschal (Easter) Message of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros

04/17/2020

And know, that the shadows we experience today, are fleeting. Christ our Light, is come upon us, to dispel every darkness, and to raise us up, with Him, to everlasting light and life! Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη!
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Notes

All Church services, events & ministries have been cancelled until further notice.

Fr. Panteleimon will be providing online live streaming of church services through both Facebook Live (Search for the user FrPanteleimon Dalianis) & YouTube Live.  You can subscribe to Fr. Panteleimon's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kQORmUAb0GQUEhySGoquw  and you will receive an email everytime there is a new video or live streaming.

Plus, now you can "Light a Candle - Say a Prayer".  Just visit https://onrealm.org/StsCnH/-/give/candles to make your donation online and send us an email (father.pgd@gmail.com and church@stsconstantinehelenwi.org) with the number and type of candles along with who/what you would like us to pray for and will do so at our next church service.

Online Programs

This situation has given everyone incentive to branch out and try new ways to connect from the comfort of our own homes!   Y2AM's calendar of different online/streaming/conference ministry events is embedded in our online calendar and it contains a treasure of programs & activites:

  • Virtual Sunday School
  • YES movie of the week: Watch a movie at home & then join the group to discuss it on Sunday afternoon (This Sunday movie discussion is about "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" with Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers)
  • "Goodnight Stories with Zuko and Jane"
  • Comfort Food for Families
  • Silence Workshop
  • Pop culture Coffee Hour
  • OCF @ Home Lenten Cookbook
  • "3 Men and a Bible"
  • ...and the list goes on and on! There's even a weekly live call-in Bible Study on online radio.

Check out our online calendar at: http://stsconstantinehelenwi.org/parish-calendar/ as new programs are being added as they become available. 

Plus!

March 27, 2020

NEW YORK – The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA announces a resource center for clergy and faithful during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Resource Center includes updated news from the various jurisdictions as well as practical guidelines and resources for families, ministry leaders, parish leadership, and everyone. 

The Center can be accessed at http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/covid19 and will be updated regularly with new materials and expanded selections.

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Community

I'd like to remind everyone that Realm (onrealm.org) & it's app, Connect, is not for one-way communication, from our church to you.  It can (& should) be used for the communiation between the members of each Group.  JOY is the first ministry that has adopted Realm as their communication tool.  Ask them. 

By the way, would anyone like to lead a Group? What if we created  a Group where the members could help each other out during this pandemic?  If someone is immunocompromised, for instance, or has young children, and can't go to the grocery store, they could ask if anyone else is going and if they are willing to pick up whatever they need (or, pick up their prescription, or a 10,000 piece puzzle for the kids...)  and deliver to their house... Email the church (church@stsconstantinehelenwi.org) your ideas but keep in mind, that no Groups can be created/activated until someone steps up to lead them.  (Hint: It's not hard... just accepting requests to join the Group and keeping the conversation going).

Want to test it out?  You can join our Prayer Requests Group (In Groups, search in Community for Prayer Requests).

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 Donate now button

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Many have struggled with COVID-19, but many in the Metropolis have struggled before. Every other week, the Metropolis will share stories of parishioners who dealt with pain in their lives, but were made whole by their faith.
 
 
"My heart was hardened, because I closed it off to Christ"
 
One day, years ago, I opened my eyes and a doctor told me I had awoken from a month-long coma. I had dropped to 156 lbs. from 235 lbs. Over the coming weeks and months, I would have to relearn how to move my fingers, hands and legs as well as chew, eat and talk. This was the lowest point of my life. My reaction was to blame God, just as I had for my other, past misfortunes.
 
When I finally went home, a visiting neighbor heard me complaining. In response, he said nothing, but dropped a Bible on my desk and walked out. When I eventually opened it, I was struck by Ezekiel 36:26: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”
 
Reading this verse brought back a flood of memories from my church: being part of GOYA, celebrating the Divine Liturgy, receiving spiritual guidance from my church’s clergy. Those memories reminded me of what a heart filled with Christ’s love felt like. At that moment, I realized something painfully true of me. My heart had become hardened because I had closed it off to Christ. The coping tactics I relied on - blaming God and everyone in the world for years of bad decisions did not do anything for me. It only made my heart harder and plunged me into deeper pain. 
 
In many ways, my incapacitated body makes me feel defenseless like a child. Today, I freely accept this. I am blessed to be a child of God, who strengthens and protects me.
 
- A parishioner, St. Demetrios of Elmhurst
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This Sunday

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020—Thomas Sunday

EPISTLE:  Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20

HOLY GOSPEL: John 20:19-31

 

For more information on an event in the following calendar, please visit:  http://www.stsconstantinehelenwi.org/parish-calendar/

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Calendar

  • Online Calendar

    April 26 to May 11, 2020

    Sunday, April 26

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    CANCELLED: JOY: Lunch & Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand

    8:15AM Online ONLY: Matins

    9:15AM Online ONLY: Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM CANCELLED: Sunday School

    11:15AM CANCELLED: Hospitality: Greek School Independence Day Celebration/Program

    12:15PM CANCELLED: HALL USED: Greek Dance Kids

    2:00PM CANCELLED: HALL USED: Adult Dance Group

    Monday, April 27

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Tuesday, April 28

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Wednesday, April 29

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Thursday, April 30

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    6:00PM CANCELLED: Adult Greek Classes

    6:30PM TBA: Parish Council Meeting

    Friday, May 1

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    10:30AM CANCELLED: Bible Study (Eng)

    4:00PM CANCELLED: Fish Fry

    Saturday, May 2

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    9:30AM CANCELLED: Greek School : Independence Day Rehearsal

    1:00PM CANCELLED: AHEPA Hall Setup

    Sunday, May 3

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    +Memorial: 1-Year George Karas

    +Memorial:1-Year Peggy Ludeman

    1:00AM CANCELLED: AHEPA Scholarship

    8:15AM Online ONLY: Matins

    9:15AM Online ONLY: Divine Liturgy

    Monday, May 4

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    12:30PM Funeral for Chuck Gressle

    Tuesday, May 5

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Wednesday, May 6

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Thursday, May 7

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Friday, May 8

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Coming DEADLINE: The Vine announcements

    Saturday, May 9

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Sunday, May 10

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Deadline: The Vine Announcements

    8:15AM Online ONLY: Matins

    9:15AM Online ONLY: Divine Liturgy

    Monday, May 11

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

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Our News and Interests

Stscnh.1

Message from the Milwaukee Rescue Mission

We received the below message; due to the social distancing guidelines, we can not host a food drive, but we would like to ask everyone, if they are able, to assist with the following request for food. 
If you are social distancing for health reasons, in order to avoid dropping off requested items, you can donate online: https://milmission.org/ ; If you are not, you may want to consider, volunteering.
 
My name is Karen Wimmer and I'm a volunteer advocate for the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. The Milwaukee Rescue Mission is a faith based rescue for the poorest of the poor (www.milmission.org). The Mission is located in the heart of the poorest zip code in the city where the need is very great! The Rescue Mission provides shelter for the homeless, a home called Joy House that is for women and children, many who would otherwise be on the streets and, a school, Cross Trainers Academy.
 
I am contacting churches to see if to they would be willing to donate much needed food for our brothers and sisters who have been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Perhaps you would consider hosting a food drive by at your church. If you can help please email or call me, Karen 414-405-9759. Thank you for your consideration. Here is a much needed list of food items:
 
  • Canned Fruit & Vegetables
  • Canned Soup, Ravioli, Stew
  • Mac & Cheese, Other Kid Friendly Meals
  • Loaves of Sliced Bread
  • Lunch Meat
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly
  • Milk
  • Cereal
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Breakfast Bars

Comfort food for families

     
 

From Steve @ Y2AM

Doubt isn't the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.
(Paul Tillich)

Picture this:

The disciples are huddled together, fearfully, in a room. 

They’ve been hiding out since their teacher, Jesus, was crucified. 

They’re demoralized. Disheartened. Distraught.

And full of doubt. 

This is what we see in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. And then, Jesus suddenly appears before the disciples, very much alive! 

He doesn’t criticize their doubt, or scold them for their faithlessness.

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Instead, He addresses their doubt head on. 

And Heals it:

      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. (John 20:19-20)


Thomas, of course, wasn’t with the rest of the disciples. And when they tell him what happened, he famously doubts.

We call him “doubting Thomas,” yet that’s incredibly unfair. He had exactly the same doubts as the rest of the disciples!

And Jesus addresses those doubts in exactly the same way: with His loving presence.

We see something similar in this Sunday’s reading from the Book of Acts, where the Church is growing in the days after Pentecost.

The Church didn’t argue its way to growth. It didn’t publish pamphlets and books, trying to convince people of who Jesus is.

Instead, the Church showed people who Jesus is.

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. (Acts 5:12)

As churches remain closed and the nation still struggles under quarantine, young people are wrestling with doubts,

You may be wrestling with doubts.

But this isn’t an obstacle. Rather, doubt is an opportunity...

Doubt is an opportunity for faith.

The question for us is clear:

Can we show people God at work even now, in the midst of a global pandemic?

[...]

May our loving Lord help you face your doubts and develop an ever-deepening faith.

Peace,
Steve


Realm Connect - It's here!

Have you joined our online community, yet?

 

We have upgraded our database to a new amazing system!  Click on the following video to learn more about what we are in the process of setting up with your help!  

Our church has moved to a new kind of church record keeping solution called Realm®. It primarily serves the administrative needs of our staff, but it also offers some exciting opportunities to support the way you are involved in our church. Not only will this improve work life for our ministry staff, it will make it easier for our church family to connect with each other, keep up with what’s going on, and grow as a connected community of believers.

So.... if we had your email in our previous database we have already sent you an invitation to join Realm Connect.  After you accept the invitation and create your login, you can download the Connect app (find the link at the end of this post) and come join us in creating our very own connected community!  If you can't find the Realm invitational email, please send me an email at church@stsconstantinehelenwi.org and request a Realm Invite. Ministry leaders should stop by the office to pick up their "Leader Guide" with helpful information.

Let's Connect!
Stay connected to our church wherever you go by downloading the free Connect -­‐ Our Church Community app for iPhone and Android devices. Use it to communicate with your groups, RSVP to events, manage your giving, update profile information, and more. It makes it easier for us to connect throughout the week and know what’s happening

News—Keeps everyone up-­‐to-­‐date with the latest posts, photos, and events for your group and for your church as a whole 
Posts—Post messages to your group and comment on posts by others in your group
Photos—Capture your moments together and share them with your group
Events—See event details (date, time, location, etc), submit your RSVP, and sign up to bring something
Files —Access your group’s shared files 
Messages—Send your entire group, or select individuals, a message that starts a conversation
Participants—See names and basic profile details for the people in your church or group, based on their privacy preferences 
Notification Settings—Manage your preferences for group notifications and emails

iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/connect-our-church-community/id1052274581?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.acstechnologies.android.realm.engagement

 


The Vine Ads

Thank you to everyone that has already updated or added their ad to our monthly bulletin "The Vine".  If you haven't already done so, contact us at schbulletin@gmail.com to place yours!

Please consider advertising in our monthly bulletin!

Surprise!  We now have additional Color Ad spaces available!  You asked and we made it happen!

Don't forget to thank our advertisers when you visit them!


Rescheduled: Inaugural Servant Leadership Banquet

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago will host its Inaugural Servant Leadership Awards Banquet on Friday, November 6, 2020 at the Cotillion Banquets in Palatine, Illinois. The evening is dedicated to recognizing laypersons from throughout the Metropolis who have demonstrated exceptional and innovative servant leadership in the Church and whose service has made a difference in the lives of others. During the event, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael will bestow the Metropolis Cross on these exemplary servant leaders in recognition of their efforts.


Cancelled: Jr. Olympics

May 22 - May 24

*In light of the rapidly changing developments with COVID-19, and our steadfast commitment to the safety and health of our parishioners, the Metropolis of Chicago has cancelled the Junior Olympics. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael and Father Kosmas Kallis extends his sincere prayers to you and your families during this time of crisis.


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Bulletin Inserts

    2020 Fanari Camps

    2020 Fanari Camps

    Winter sessions open October 18 at noon


    2020 DOP Scholarship

    2020 DOP Scholarship

    Deadline is May 15, 2020 More info at www.dopfoundationinc.com


    Lighthouse

    Lighthouse

    From June 7-14: When Orthodox young people make the transition to college life, they face a myriad of spiritual, social, mental and health-related challenges. Lighthouse is a week-long summer camp ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago designed to walk high school senior grads through an Orthodox understanding of vocation and arm them with the tools they need to hold fast to their faith during their college years. The Metropolis’ Summer Camp programs accepts campers between their 6th grade and 11th grade years in middle school and high school but does not accept high-school seniors. Currently, there is no ministry serving high-school seniors with the aim of preparing them for college. Lighthouse will be that ministry. For more information and to register: https://chicago.goarch.org/light-house


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Saints and Feasts

Thomsund
April 26

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.


Allsaint
April 26

Basil the Holy Martyr Bishop of Amasea

This Saint was Bishop of Amasia in Pontus, in the days of Licinius (reigned 308-324), fellow Emperor and brother-in-law of Saint Constantine the Great. Licinius' wife Constantia, sister of Saint Constantine, had as handmaid a virgin named Glaphyra. When it became known that Licinius had conceived a sinful desire for her. Constantia secretly sent Glaphyra away to the East. Coming to Amasia, she took refuge with Saint Basileus. When Licinius learned of this, he furiously commanded that both be brought before him. When the soldiers came for them, however, Saint Glaphyra had already departed to the Lord; she is also commemorated this day. Saint Basileus was taken alone to Nicomedia, where he was beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but through divine revelation was found again and brought back to Amasia.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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."

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.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth 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."

Προκείμενον. Fourth 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.


Gospel Reading

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.

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.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First 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 Fourth 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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Wisdom of the Fathers

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

... but the priest even if he rightly order his own life, if he have not an anxious care for yours and that of all those around him, will depart with the wicked into hell; and often when not betrayed by his own conduct, he perishes by yours, if he have not rightly performed all his part.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

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