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Sts. Constantine and Helen Church
Publish Date: 2020-08-09
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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


Notes

Our church has been approved for Phase 3

A few things to be aware of when you are attending services during the "Level Three" phase:

  1. First of all, if you feel sick, please stay home (we can reschedule you for a different Sunday);
  2. Please only come on Sundays you have pre-registered for;
  3. All attendees must wear a mask during their time in the church;
  4. The Metropolis has asked that we keep track of those in attendance.  To do this, one of our parish council members will be marking those present.  Please give your name if asked;
  5. Please follow the directions of the parish council members while in the church;
  6. Please maintain a 6-foot ddistance between those around you;
  7. Holy Communion will be distributed as normal - again, please follow the directions of the parish council as you come forward to receive;
  8. After church has ended, please follow the directions of the parish council in exiting the church - and we ask that you do not linger outside around the church.

 

Our church will continue to provide online live streaming of church services through Facebook Live on our Facebook page.  We are currently facing some technical difficulties and cannot stream on YouTube Live.  Fr. Panteleimon and the Parish Council are working to resolve this as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, 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.

New Procedure for Church Attendance Signup!

In order to better track attendance and seating availability on a weekly basis, we are making changes to the signing up process for church attendance.

Everyone will have to sign up for each specific Sunday that they would like to attend church services.  Registration events have been setup in Realm for the all August Sundays; you may have received the relevant automatic notifications already.  If you have family that do not have internet access, you can add them to your registration as a guest.  Otherwise, please let them know that they can call me (414.778.1555) during office hours and I will register them. 

I understand that many have already signed up for weekly/bi-weekly or monthly services, but they, too, will have to register online to the individual services that they are planning to attend.  

Moving forward, since life happens, if you have signed up for a service but cannot attend, please cancel your reservation so that someone else can attend.  If you need help, please contact me.

If you have not joined Realm, our online community, yet, please send me an email requesting an invitation.  In Realm, go to Events, choose the "Sunday Matins/Divine Lit..." for the Sunday you would like to register, and click on the "Register by date" to register.

As always, please contact me if I can be of assistance,

_________________________________

Community

Realm (onrealm.org) & it's app, Connect, is not for one-way communication, from our church leaders 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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Metropolis of Chicago News

Metropolis of Chicago Lists Property at 40 E. Burton Place in Chicago for Sale

08/06/2020

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced that the property of the former Metropolis Center, located at 40 E. Burton Place in Chicago, will be listed and marketed for sale.

Metropolis to Match Donations to Parishes Through August

08/03/2020

In an effort to meet the $250,000 fundraising goal of the COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund, and in the spirit of a unified Metropolis, the Metropolis Council recently voted to authorize a gift of up to $25,000 toward the Fund. Throughout August, the Metropolis of Chicago will match $1 for every $2 donated to the Fund.
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Free Preview of “Effective Christian Ministry” Training Program

08/05/2020

We all know that the Church faces critical ministry challenges. Research shows that 60% of young people fall away from the Faith as they grow into young adults. And did you know that a new study has found that ⅓ of people have stopped attending church altogether during the coronavirus pandemic. They’ve completely disconnected, and aren’t even streaming services. Why? And what can we do to connect people (especially youth and young adults) to the Church?

From One Spoon to Many

08/05/2020

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Orthodox Church has found itself in an existential crisis. The situation has challenged our traditions and even the way that we receive Holy Communion. One of the points of disagreement that has arisen concerns the manner in which Holy Communion is distributed to the faithful from the common cup by means of a common spoon.

GOARCH Launches Spanish Ministry Initiative's Facebook

08/05/2020

In August, 2019, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America identified the need for this ministry and tasked His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos to coordinate the development of Spanish-language materials, resources, and outreach ministries throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, supporting efforts of its Metropolises, Parishes, and Institutions nationwide.

A Message from the Department of Religious Education

07/29/2020

There is a great deal of uncertainty about what parish life will look like this fall because of the pandemic. In particular, what might happen to traditionally in-person programs? Over the next weeks, I’ll be offering some ideas for your religious education program. They will offer some basic strategies that you might consider implementing for a virtual religious education program.
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This Sunday

SUNDAY, August 9th, 2020—9th Sunday of Matthew

EPISTLE: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17 

HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-34 

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

    August 9 to August 24, 2020

    Sunday, August 9

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    +Memorial: 40-days Efstathios Marinakies

    8:15AM +Matins

    9:15AM +Divine Liturgy

    Monday, August 10

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Deadline: The Vine Announcements

    6:00PM +Paraklesis

    7:00PM Adult Ed: Orthodoxy 101

    Tuesday, August 11

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    6:00PM +Paraklesis

    Wednesday, August 12

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    6:00PM +Paraklesis

    Thursday, August 13

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    6:00PM +Paraklesis

    6:00PM Chrismation Service for Wayne Manyen

    Friday, August 14

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    10:30AM Bible Studies on Zoom.us

    6:00PM +Great Vespers @ Assumption GOC, Madison, WI

    7:00PM Vespers Feast Day @ Kimissis Tis Theotokou, Racine

    Saturday, August 15

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    8:00AM +Matins/Div. Liturgy (No Artoklasia)

    Sunday, August 16

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    3-Year Memorial for Christ Alexopoulos

    8:15AM +Matins

    9:15AM +Divine Liturgy

    Monday, August 17

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    7:00PM Adult Ed: Orthodoxy 101

    Tuesday, August 18

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    6:30PM JOY Event

    Wednesday, August 19

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    Thursday, August 20

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    6:30PM TBA: Parish Council Meeting

    Friday, August 21

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    10:30AM Bible Studies on Zoom.us

    Saturday, August 22

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    3:00PM Marriage and Family Gathering

    Sunday, August 23

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

    8:15AM +Matins

    9:15AM +Divine Liturgy

    Monday, August 24

    Wauwatosa Ave Long Term Closure

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Our News and Interests

Stscnh.1

Trying out something new (or, old IDK)

I have received a number of calls from people that do not have Facebook and therefore, can't watch our streamed services.  I may have found a work-around, and even though it is not live, you will be able to watch the service the next day(s) on YouTube. 

Here is the link to last week's services: https://youtu.be/1Cmk0yYziio  

Let me know if I should continue until the new system is installed.  Call 414.778.15555 or send me an email: nikki@stsconstantinehelenwi.org

 


The Vine Announcements

ATTENTION!

Please remember to send your news/announcements/events to the church office (church@stsconstantinehelenwi.org) so they can be posted in The Vine. 

The deadline for the September issue of The Vine is Monday, August 10th.

Thank you for everything that you do!


Bible Studies

The Bible Study is meeting during the summer. We will meet each Friday at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. 

 
During these next summer weeks, we will be studying the Psalms. We try to prayerfully and reverently read each word to find another drop of eternal truth and all the words together make up the boundless ocean of the Eternal Truth God has so graciously given us. Reading the Bible is more than reading a book, but it gives us life. Please come and join us.

If anyone has any questions, please give Janet Christopulos a call 414-446-5916.


Center for Family Care

Our Archdiocese's Center for Family Care has a number of helpful programs for families. Make sure you subscribe to their mailing: https://www.goarch.org/departments/family/

 

AHEPA #43 - 9th Annual AHEPA MKE Hellenic Golf Outing


Dear Brothers of AHEPA Milwaukee,

AHEPA Milwaukee Chapter 43 will be hosting our annual golf outing and fundraiser on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex, Wisconsin. Our lives may be faced with new challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, but we will continue to pursue our AHEPA mission in support of education and our Hellenic Community. While many events have been forced to be cancelled or postponed, AHEPA will continue to move forward.

We are taking as many precautions as possible to hold a safe and healthy event. Face masks will be available for those who wish to wear one and social distancing measures will be put in place where possible. The Grand Buffet Dinner and Awards Presentation will be held outside on the patio if weather permits, and golfers will also have the option to opt out of the Dinner/Awards Presentation and take their dinners with them.

We understand that some of our longtime supporters will be unable to attend this year for a variety of reasons, so we need everyone’s support more than ever. For those unable to attend this year, we are asking for your continued support with a Hole Sponsorship or raffle donation.

AHEPA Milwaukee’s Scholarship Foundation is now celebrating its 61st year of promoting education and the values of Hellenism. Since the program's inception, we have awarded scholarships totaling over $700,000 to qualified students in our community. Our Milwaukee Chapter also supports many other Hellenic sporting and educational programs both locally and nationally.

We are looking forward to another exciting, fun-filled day and hope we can count on your continued support. The following Hole Sponsorship opportunities are available. Your business will be recognized as a sponsor throughout the event. All proceeds benefit Scholarship Programs and Community Projects.

Thank you again for your continued support! 

Sincerely,
Steve Itsines,
Athletic Director
414-651-6178
steveitsines@aol.com
 
Tim Stasinoulias
Chapter President
262-442-0422
tims@aegiswi.com
 
 

OCF - Student Contact Information Collection Campaign

Connect a new student!
Have a friend who needs to get connected? Know a high school graduate? Invite them to join the OCF nation!

JOIN THE NATION!

 

 

 

Current students!
We are working to plan a Christ-centered, faith-enriching year for you. This year, that means some changes to College Conference and Real Break. Please help us make the best decisions for all of us by taking this short, 15-question survey. We look forward to hearing from you!

TAKE THE SURVEY

 


OCMC's 2020 Virtual Trek4Missions

Please consider the following for announcement or as an inclusion in your bulletin(s) for this coming Sunday!
Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)
To All Clergy, Parish Staff, and OCMC Ambassadors:
Lets Come Together and Trek for Missions

Are you having trouble engaging your parishioners during these challenging times? Here is a great way to help grow fellowship in your community while maintaining social distancing. Join the Orthodox Christian Mission Center and take part in our first virtual fundraiser, the 2020 Virtual Trek4Missions held from August 9 until September 14. Assemble a parish team to walk, run, ride, and more for Orthodox missions.

Sign up is SIMPLE and participation is FREE.

  1. Register a Team
  2. Raise Funds
  3. Trek your miles
Questions? Message events@ocmc.org

More information Visit: https://www.ocmc.org/Trek4Missions

Download the Flier: Click Here

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Bulletin Inserts

    Adult Education Class

    Adult Education Class

    ONLINE Classes: Orthodoxy 101 or Everything you wanted to know about Orthodoxy* (* and were afraid to ask) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81257546479?pwd=TnlTZW1abURHWE8vcTRpWFVsMVFQQT09 Meeting ID: 812 5754 6479 Password: 045913


    Hagia Sophia Encyclical

    Hagia Sophia Encyclical

    Encyclical from THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA


    Εγκύκλιος: Αγία Σοφία

    Εγκύκλιος: Αγία Σοφία

    Από την ΙΕΡΑ ΕΠΑΡΧΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗΣ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ


    Greece 1821-2021: 200 year celebrations

    Greece 1821-2021: 200 year celebrations

    Εκ μέρους του Γενικού Γραμματέα Απόδημου Ελληνισμού, Ομότ. Καθ. Ιωάννη Χρυσουλάκη, σας αποστέλλουμε τη συνημμένη επιστολή του Υφυπουργού Εξωτερικών αρμόδιου για θέματα Απόδημου Ελληνισμού, κ. Κων/νου Βλάση, και της Προέδρου της Επιτροπής "Ελλάδα 2021", κας Γιάννας Αγγελοπούλου, σχετικά με τις επετειακές εκδηλώσεις του επόμενου έτους για τα 200 χρόνια από την έναρξη της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης. Γενική Γραμματεία Απόδημου Ελληνισμού Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών


    Saint Nicholas National Shrine July Newsletter

    Saint Nicholas National Shrine July Newsletter

    Information about our Saint Nicholas National Shrine


    Saint Nicholas National Shrine Metropolis Grass-Roots Campaign

    Saint Nicholas National Shrine Metropolis Grass-Roots Campaign

    Parish Totals of funds received


    Children's Word

    Children's Word

    OCN's weekly bulletin for children


    Metropolis of Chicago Golf Fundraiser

    Metropolis of Chicago Golf Fundraiser

    Our Metropolis just announced the 2nd Annual Metropolis of Chicago Golf Outing. This event will prove to be a great way for ourselves and our people to get together in fellowship, while helping to benefit the work of the Chicago Metropolis. Here are the primary details: When: Tuesday, August 25 Where: Arrowhead Golf Club, 26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189 When: 11am Registration; 12pm Shotgun start; 4-6pm Dinner & Raffle Who: Up to 80 (maximum) clergy and faithful of the Chicago Metropolis Details: $150/person; Checks payable to Metropolis of Chicago, 555 E. Butterfield Road, Suite 201, Lombard, IL 60148 Questions: 847-888-2822 x. 111 COVID19 Details: We will follow the guidelines of Arrowhead GC, which are compliant with CDC and IDPH guidelines


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Saints and Feasts

Calmstorm
August 09

9th Sunday of Matthew


Allsaint
August 09

The Holy Apostle Matthias

After Judas by transgression fell from his apostleship (Acts 1: 25), and hanging himself out of despair ended his life with a wretched and shameful death (Matt. 27: 5), then, that the number of the Twelve not be lacking, all the disciples gathered in one place after the Ascension of the Savior (the number of men and women being 120), and they chose two men from among them, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was also surnamed Justus, and Matthias, and they set them in the midst. Then they prayed to God and cast lots, "and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1: 15-26). And thus, having taken the place of Judas, Matthias fulfilled the work of apostleship and the prophecy concerning Judas, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David: "And his bishopric let another take" (Ps. 108(109):8). After this, it is said, Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, and completed his life there in martyrdom.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
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.

Ninth Orthros Gospel
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.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17.

Brethren, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 3:9-17.

Ἀδελφοί, Θεοῦ γάρ ἐσμεν συνεργοί· θεοῦ γεώργιον, θεοῦ οἰκοδομή ἐστε. Κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι, ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον τέθεικα, ἄλλος δὲ ἐποικοδομεῖ. Ἕκαστος δὲ βλεπέτω πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ. Θεμέλιον γὰρ ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι παρὰ τὸν κείμενον, ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. Εἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον τοῦτον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην, ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται· ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει, ὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται· καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον ὁποῖόν ἐστιν τὸ πῦρ δοκιμάσει. Εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον μένει ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν, μισθὸν λήψεται. Εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται, ζημιωθήσεται· αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται, οὕτως δὲ ὡς διὰ πυρός. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς θεοῦ ἐστε, καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν; Εἴ τις τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ φθείρει, φθερεῖ τοῦτον ὁ θεός· ὁ γὰρ ναὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἅγιός ἐστιν, οἵτινές ἐστε ὑμεῖς.


Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:22-34

At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

9th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 14:22-34

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠνάγκασεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς μαθητὰς ἐμβῆναι εἰς τὸ πλοῖον καὶ προάγειν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ πέραν, ἕως οὗ ἀπολύσῃ τοὺς ὄχλους. Καὶ ἀπολύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος κατ᾽ ἰδίαν προσεύξασθαι. ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης μόνος ἦν ἐκεῖ. Τὸ δὲ πλοῖον ἤδη σταδίους πολλοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἀπεῖχεν, βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων, ἦν γὰρ ἐναντίος ὁ ἄνεμος. Τετάρτῃ δὲ φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς ἦλθεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς περιπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν. Οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης περιπατοῦντα ἐταράχθησαν λέγοντες ὅτι Φάντασμά ἐστιν, καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ φόβου ἔκραξαν. Εὐθὺς δὲ ἐλάλησεν [ὁ ᾽Ιησοῦς] αὐτοῖς λέγων, Θαρσεῖτε, ἐγώ εἰμι· μὴ φοβεῖσθε. Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν, Κύριε, εἰ σὺ εἶ, κέλευσόν με ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σὲ ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα· ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, ᾽Ελθέ. καὶ καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ πλοίου ὁ Πέτρος περιεπάτησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα καὶ ἦλθεν πρὸς τὸν ᾽Ιησοῦν. Βλέπων δὲ τὸν ἄνεμον ἐφοβήθη, καὶ ἀρξάμενος καταποντίζεσθαι ἔκραξεν λέγων, Κύριε, σῶσόν με. Εὐθέως δὲ ὁ ᾽Ιησοῦς ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα ἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ, ᾽Ολιγόπιστε, εἰς τί ἐδίστασας; καὶ ἀναβάντων αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ἐκόπασεν ὁ ἄνεμος. Οἱ δὲ ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ λέγοντες, ᾽Αληθῶς Θεοῦ υἱὸς εἶ. Καὶ διαπεράσαντες ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν εἰς Γεννησαρέτ.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The principle and source of the virtues is a good disposition of the will, that is to say, an aspiration for goodness and beauty. God is the source and ground of all supernal goodness. Thus the principle of goodness and beauty is faith or, rather, it is Christ, the rock of faith, who is principle and foundation of all virtues. On this rock we stand and on this foundation we build every good thing (cf. I Cor. 3:11).
St. Gregory of Sinai
On Commandments and Doctrines no. 83, Philokalia Vol. 3 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 228, 14th century

The very fire which purifies gold, also consumes wood. Precious metals shine in it like the sun, rubbish burns with black smoke. All are in the same fire of Love. Some shine and others become black and dark. In the same furnace steel shines like the sun, whereas clay turns dark and is hardened like stone. God is a loving fire, and He is a loving fire for all: good and bad. There is, however, a great difference in the way people receive this loving fire of God. The difference is in man, not God.
Dr. Alexandre Kalomiros
The River of Fire, pp. 17 & 19, 20th century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Transfiguration in the Grave Mode

Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure. Shine forth Thou on us, who are sinners all, Thy light ever-unending, through the prayers of the Theotokos. Light-bestower, glory be to Thee.
Μετεμορθώθης εν τώ όρει Χριστέ ο Θεός, δείξας τοίς Μαθηταίς σου τήν δόξαν σου, καθώς ήδυναντο, Λάμψον καί ημίν τοίς αμαρτωλοίς, τό φώς σου τό αϊδιον, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, φωτοδότα δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for the Church in the Fourth Mode

Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Your apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man.

 

Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλῆσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεῦσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τῇ χειρὶ σου παρέθετο· ἣν περίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνη, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Mode

You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.
Επί τού όρους μετεμορφώθης, καί ως εχώρουν οι Μαθηταί σου τήν δόξαν σου, Χριστέ ο Θεός εθεάσαντο, ίνα όταν σε ίδωσι σταυρούμενον, τό μέν πάθος νοήσωσιν εκούσιον, τώ δέ κόσμω κηρύξωσιν, ότι σύ υπάρχεις αληθώς, τού Πατρός τό απαύγασμα.
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