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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA
Publish Date: 2021-12-05
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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (215) 635-0316
  • Fax:
  • (215) 635-8301
  • Street Address:

  • 7921 Old York Road

  • Elkins Park, PA 19027


Contact Information




Services Schedule

We meet for divine worship every Sunday morning and on holy days starting with Orthros (Matins) at 8:30, Divine Liturgy at 9:30-11 AM.

Visit us at www.anngoc.org for information on how to attend church services during the COVIT-19 Pandemic.


Past Bulletins


Weekend Update

COVID & Church Attendance

  • The two outer sections are for those who wish to distance themselves socially. The seating is limited to every other pew.
  • The two middle sections are for those who do not wish to distance themselves socially. Every pew is open.

We strongly encourage everyone to wear masks while in the church building regardless of their vaccination status.

  • For those unable to attend in person, install the GOA Ages Initiatives App on your phone or tablet to see the text and pray with us through our Facebook Livestream.
  • Let us know if you would like for us to light a votive candle for you here.

 

10th Sunday of Luke, December 5, 2021

Κυριακὴ Ιʹ τοῦ Λουκᾶ, 5 Δεκεμβρίου, 2021. Το κήρυγμα εδώ.

8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY

  • Catechism classes after Holy Communion
  • Stewardship Sunday.
  • We invite everyone to our Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon after the liturgy.

Monday, December 6, 2021
Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY
  • The Economopoulos family offers the artoklasia (blessing of the wine, oil, and bread) for the health and well-being of their members.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

  • 5 pm Greek School classes.
  • 6:30 pm Intermediate Adult Greek class.
  • 7 pm Philoptochos Board meeting.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  • 5 pm Greek School classes.
  • 6 pm Advanced Adult Greek class.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

  • 7 pm DVYC Meeting at Annunciation Church, Elkins Park.

Friday, December 10, 2021

  • 5 pm Greek School classes.
  • 7 pm Beginners Adult Greek class.

Saturday, December 11, 2021

  • 10 am Holiday Greek Frozen Food Festival. Thank you for supporting your church and it’s ministries.  A portion of OPA’s proceeds are donated to a local charity.  Thus far this year, we have donated $ 5,200 to Food Cupboard of Jenkintown from our May and September food festivals!
  • 10 am Regional GOYA Nativity Retreat at Holy Trinity, Willmington, DE.

11th Sunday of Luke, December 12, 2021

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Community News & Events

Looking Ahead Beyond Next Week…

Wednesday, December 15: Young at Heart Ministry Christmas Luncheon & Caroling.

Sunday, December 19: PTO Holiday Vasilopita SalePTO Bake Sale.

Thursday, December 30: The Homeless ministry is serving at Aviator Park.

 

Arriving at your home soon via postal mail is the Christmas package which includes:

  • 2021 Christmas pastoral message.
  • Nativity and Epiphany liturgical schedule.
  • 2022 wall calendar.
  • 2022 pocket calendar.
  • 2022 Epiphany house blessings schedule.

2021 Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey Delaware Valley Ambassador Awards Banquet

Dear Annunciation Family,

 I have the great pleasure to invite you to the 2021 Greek Orthodox Metropolis    of New Jersey Delaware Valley Ambassador Awards Banquet held on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 5:30pm,  at "The Merion" in Cinnaminson, NJ.

Our Metropolis established this awards program as a means for the church to recognize young men and women of our Metropolis who significantly personify the attributes of Faith, Love, Hope, and Peace. This program has expanded over the years to also honor adults in a variety of parish roles. 

This year, the adult roles are a Parish Honoree, a Youth Worker Honoree, a Philoptochos Honoree, and an Essential Medical Worker Honoree.

Our Youth Ambassadors and Parish Honorees for this year are: 

  • Youth Ambassador of Love: Ally McNally, Kyra Cardenas
  • Youth Ambassador of Peace: Teddy Dalson, Michael Johns
  • Youth Ambassador of Hope: Ioannis Onassis
  • Youth Ambassador of Faith: Elena Giannoumis
  • Parish Honoree: Aris Pasles
  • Youth Worker: Debbie Sourias
  • Philoptochos: +Debra Exarchos (Posthumous)
  • Essential Medical Worker: Afrodite Patounas

Congratulations to all!

Families and friends, please purchase your Ambassador Awards Banquet tickets here by November 28. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. John L. Johns


Have You Noticed We Are Not Passing Offering Trays During the Liturgy?

Please make all your church donations via:

Thank you for your generosity


With Winter Approaching, Please Note Our Inclement Weather Policy

The safety and well-being of our congregation are top priorities. Therefore, in the event of extremely bad weather on any given Sunday, the following procedure will be followed:

Based on the local weather forecast and the conditions on the ground at Elkins Park, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the Parish Council President, Vice President, and Fr. John will decide whether or not to

A) open one hour late: Matins at 9:30, Divine Liturgy at 10:30, or

B) cancel the Divine Liturgy and all other scheduled church activities.

Any decision to change the schedule will be communicated by 8:00 a.m. to our parishioners through our Announcer and Facebook page.


Our Church’s New Mobile App is Here!

We are pleased to announce we have an upgraded mobile app! 

Vanco, our eGiving provider, has launched an updated mobile app called Vanco Mobile.
This new mobile app will be replacing GivePlus Mobile. With Vanco Mobile, you can send one-time donations or set recurring gifts.

How Do You Download Vanco Mobile?

It’s easy! Head over to the App Store or Google Play to download Vanco Mobile for free.

Be sure o download this app soon, as GivePlus Mobile will be retired as of December 31, 2021.

Current GivePlus App users will receive an email from Vanco with instructions on how to switch to the new app.

To give using Vanco Mobile, follow these five easy steps:

1. Search for our church by name.
2. Select your gift amount, fund, and frequency.
3. Enter your payment method. (You can save this information for future use!).
4. Choose whether you want to cover processing fees.
5. Click Submit to complete your donation.

You can also check out this Vanco Mobile How-To Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Please stop by the church office or call us if you have questions or need assistance.


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Focus on Our Church Family

Pastoral care: If you or someone you know is sick, homebound elderly, or scheduled for surgery, please call the church office to let us know so Fr. John can make a pastoral visit or add someone to the prayer list.
 
Let us pray to the Lord for the health and salvation of: Suffering and persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the non-Christian world, Virginia, George, Maria, Constantino, Panagiotis, Peter, Zoë, Penelope, Panagiotis, Dimitrios, Konstantinos, Christos, Eleni,  Archondia, Georgia, Efraimia.
 
We will keep the names on this list for approximately 3 months. Please resubmit Names if needed. Fr. John will include the submitted names at the Psokomide “Offering of Gifts” during the first part of the liturgy when he prepares the mystical gifts of bread & wine. Please lift these names to the Lord in your personal prayer life as well.
 
Prayer for healing: Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent our Lord to heal every sickness. Visit and heal us. Grant patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that You heal, guide, and protect your servant (s) (pray by name for those who are sick) and grant them the gift of complete health. You are the source of healing, and to You, we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
 
Happy wedding anniversary to those celebrating this coming week: Denise & Richard Armentani, Dawn & Alexander Pavlidis, Megan & Nikos Maris.
 
Χρόνια πολλά & ευλογημένα!  God grant you many years!  To those who are celebrating birthdays this coming week: Chrisovalantis Karidas, Efstratia Limberis, James Patella, Polikriti Vafiadis, Stella Makris, Costantine Samios, Victoria Aristoklis, Dawn Armentani, Zoe Dinoulis, Joanie Ioakimidis, Zoe Nanz, Nicholas Derk, Mark Franchetti, Frank Loiacono, Pashalitsa McLeod, Eleni Vafiadis, Denise Connolly, Melissa Haviaras, Peter Malitas, Renee Trivelis, Carol Voutsinos, Michael White, Richard Wrigley, Dafni Dimopoulos, Nicolette Karamatsoukas, Christopher Nanz, Peter Zografakis, Jessica Cosrso, Desiree Crusade, Panagoula Ekonomou, Chrysten Pappas, Michael Perry, Michael Weiss.

Our deepest sympathy to the Pithis family for the passing of their beloved father and grandfather, Peter Pithis, 87, on November 25, 2021. May his memory be eternal.

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Stewardship Update

Stewardship 2021 Update

As we are approaching the end of 2021, we offer our gratitude to the 280 parishioners below who have pledged and are supporting stewards in good standing for 2021.

  • Thank you to the 148 stewards who have already completed their 2021 pledge.
  • Thank you also to the additional 33 stewards who completed their 2021 pledge AND contributed over and above what they pledged.
  • The additional 99 stewards are on track to complete their 2021 pledge before December 31, 2021. Please look for your statement in the mail.
  • It is not too late to make a pledge and contribute in 2021. Would you please do so we can include you in the 2021 Stewardship Honor Roll? Please submit a 2021 pledge with just afew clicks here.

Stewardship 2022 Campaign is Under Way

You should have received your 2022 personalized Stewardship Pledge Card of Time, Talent, and Treasure in the mail, including our Sustaining Stewardship Initiative information.

Today, Sunday December 5, 2021, is Stewardship Sunday. If you haven't mailed your card in, please return it at the offering basket at the pangari.  We will commit our 2022 Stewardship offerings to the Lord and enjoy a stewardship appreciation luncheon after the liturgy.

If you are already a Sustaining Steward, that is, you have set up regular payments through Vanco or your bank bill payer service:

  • You do not have to fill out a pledge card!
  • Use the 2022 Pledge Card information as a guide to update your giving to reflect your current level of commitment and personal/family situation.
  • Check with your Vanco account or bank bill payer service to ensure that your regular payments continue through 2022.

 Stewardship Honor Roll as of December 1, 2021

1. Pablo & Julianna Aguilar
2. Paul & Maria Anagnostakos
3. Kimon & Effi Angelikas
4. Helen Angelos
5. Annunciation Philoptochos
6. Theodore & Victoria Aristoklis
7. John & Catherine Avgiris
8. Harry & Argetta Ballas
9. Harry & Connie Bandy
10. Peter Bandy
11. Efthimia Bastas-Christie
12. Christos Bazalekos
13. Michael & Marina Blackton
14. Nina Borras & Alfredo Yiannateli
15. Thomas & Joann Borrell
16. Christos & Maria Botsaris
17. Anastasia Bouikidis
18. Michael & Christine Bouikidis
19. William & Kristina Burch
20. Helen Callas Reiner
21. Mihalis Calliagas
22. Nicholas & Katerina Calliagas
23. Ken & Maria Chin
24. Joseph Colistra II & Colleen Farrell
25. Terry Contoudis
26. Christopher & Andrea Cosmas
27. Angelina Costa
28. Calliope Costalas
29. Dinos & Antoinette Couppas
30. Niki Crits
31. Curtis & Maria Cummings
32. George & Maria Dalagelis
33. Constantine & Anna Dalson
34. Sally Danciu
35. John & Joanne Dell
36. Maritsa Demas
37. Leontios & Demetra Diamantas
38. Anna Doucoure
39. Cornelius & Athena Douris
40. Teri Douris
41. Ryan & Megan Downs
42. Dimitrios & Lambrini Econome
43. Olga Econome
44. Nicholas & Beverly Economopoulos
45. Maria Economou
46. Panagoula Ekonomou
47. Evangelos Exarchos
48. Alexander & Andrea Falbo
49. Stephen & Christine Ferello
50. Chris & Dori Fifis
51. Apostolos & Stella Fisfis
52. George Fisfis
53. Ioannis & Alexzandra Fisfis
54. Harvey & Elpitha Fishman
55. Efstathios & Kyriaki Fragogiannis
56. Maria Frangetis
57. Carl & Helen Freedman
58. Dimitra Ganas
59. George & Angela Gaugler
60. Eric & Elizabeth George
61. Chrysanthos & Eun Georgiou
62. George & Polly Georgiou
63. Peter & Christine Georgiou
64. Koula Gerasklis
65. Panagiotis & Eugenia Giannoumis
66. John & Rosalie Gilliland
67. George Giordas
68. Craig & Angela Godshall
69. Peter & Susan Gouris
70. Evangeline Gouzouasis
71. William & Vickie Grau
72. Costas & Maria Grigorakakis
73. George & Joyce Gutchigian
74. Peter & Christina Hadgimallis
75. Robert & Vasiliki Hadgimallis
76. Andreas & Argero Hagiandreu
77. Irene Halkias
78. Kenneth & Victoria Hartery
79. Terry & Christina Hatzigeorgiou
80. Yiorgos & Angelique Hatzinikolaou
81. Magda Hatzis
82. Chrisanthi Hatzopoulos
83. Thomas & Maria Hatzopoulos
84. Douglas & Angela Heinze
85. Frank & Linda Holberg
86. Christina Iliadis
87. Steven & Eleni Janke
88. Jodi Jasionowicz & Helen Giannakopoulos
89. Francis & Mary Jaxheimer
90. Paul & Mary Ann Jensen
91. Rev Fr. John & Presv. Evangelia Johns
92. Irene Kahrilas
93. Gregory & Roseanne Kaldes
94. John & Zoe Kaldes
95. Dean & Kara Kalogrias
96. Andrew Kanakis
97. John & Francesca Kanakis
98. Argyro Kanellopoulos
99. Dimitrios & Glykeria Karagiannis
100. John & Katherine Karamatsoukas
101. Lazaros & Areti Karasavas
102. Nikos & Patra Karidas
103. Marika Karivalis
104. Constantine & Gail Karmokolias
105. Alex Karras
106. Kevin Kelly & Barbara Crits-Kelly
107. Evangelia King
108. Ryan & Ana Kiscaden
109. Stephen Kolokithias
110. Marina Konstantinidis
111. Eleni Konugres
112. Margo Konugres
113. Georgios & Lila Koskinas
114. Angela Kotsopoulos
115. Speros & Christina Koulouris
116. Georgia Kouskousaki
117. Ioakim & Kimberly Koutsouradis
118. Helen Koutsouros
119. Paul & Mary Koutsouros
120. William Kyriakatos
121. George & Alice Kyriakodis
122. Peter & Jennifer Kyriakodis
123. Stephanos & Helen Kyriakodis
124. Christos & Demetra Kytzidis
125. George Labrinakos
126. Petroula Labrinakos
127. Stacy & Susan Lagakos
128. Peter & Peggy Lambrou
129. Dora Lekas
130. Alex & Penelope Limbanovnos
131. Anthony & Maria Limberakis
132. Anthony & Kathryn Limberakis
133. Virginia Livanos
134. Dimitrios & Dawn Loizos
135. Agnes Louridas
136. Gregory & Barbara Louridas
137. Violet Louridas
138. Kevin & Mary Mack
139. Simeon & Galatea Mackrides
140. Vasilios & Faye Mackrides
141. Anastasia Magrini
142. Theodoros & Doreen Makris
143. Anastas & Odeta Malita
144. Spiro & Vojsava Malita
145. Apostolos & Anastasia Malitas
146. Demetrios Malitas
147. Eleftherios & Kyriaki Malitas
148. Fotios & Alexandra Malitas
149. Kalliopi Malitas
150. Mark & Maria Malusa
151. Sophia Mamas
152. John & Marjorie Mantas
153. Christopher & Katrina Maples
154. Ronald & Virginia Markos
155. Marianne Marmarou
156. George & Frederiki Martinos
157. Dennis & Vincenza Matarangas
158. David & Angela McCulloch
159. Stephen & Aspasia McGrath
160. Thomas & Olga McHugh
161. Catherine McNally
162. James & Maria McNally
163. Duglas Mesthos
164. Gregory Mesthos
165. Steve Mesthos
166. Theodora Mikroulis
167. Georgia Mitsas
168. Stamatios & Maria Mountis
169. Philip & Vrisida Nanos
170. Michael & Stephanie Nanz
171. Argyro Neumeister
172. Argiris & Jennie Niamonitos
173. Constantino & Anastasia Niamonitos
174. Peter & Stella Nikolopoulos
175. Ryan & Kristalia Nowlan
176. Dawn Nylander
177. Dennis & Mary O'Hara
178. Jason & Jacinda Ojeda
179. Tina Onassis
180. Stephen & Maria Oratis
181. Elisavet Panagiotidou
182. Antonis & Katherine Pantazopoulos
183. Arthur Papacostas
184. James & Jane Papacostas
185. Chris & Despina Papadeas
186. Afthentia Papadopoulos
187. Demetrios & Rubena Papakirk
188. Chris Papakostantinou & Melissa Kohler
189. Helen Papanicolaou
190. Nikolaos & Maria Papanikolaou
191. Albert & Sophia Pappas
192. Helen K Pappas
193. Nicholas & Urania Pappas
194. Philip Pappas
195. Theodoros & Alexandra Pappas
196. George Pashardis
197. Aris Pasles
198. Achileas & Afrodite Patounas
199. Peter & Paula Pavlis
200. Russell & Sophia Penning
201. John & Anastasia Perry
202. Daniel & Demetra Pithis
203. Alexandros & Heather Pitsakis
204. George & Melinda Pitsakis
205. Andrew & Georgianne Pogas
206. Anthony & Karen Poulos
207. Andrew & Melissa Prousi
208. Margie Prousi
209. Konstantinos & Marigo Psaroudis
210. Gjergji & Polina Pulia
211. Christopher & Evangelia Ramey
212. Marc Redemann & Adrienne Frangakis
213. Kevin & Joanna Rega
214. Mary Roscioli
215. Dean & Mary Samios
216. Charles & Maria Sandilos
217. William & Elaine Sandilos
218. Alexander & Diane Saphos
219. Nicholas Saphos
220. Dimitria Sfarnas
221. Evangeline Sfarnas
222. Elefteris & Francine Sferedes
223. Kostas & Donna Sfiridis
224. Zachary & Christina Shaw
225. David & Voula Sidelsky
226. Kostas & Stamatia Sklikas
227. James & Maria Skoutelas
228. Vasili & Helen Soultoukis
229. Nikolaos Spiliotis & Dimitra Afthinou
230. Helen Spilliotis
231. Dimitrios & Eugenia Spyrou
232. Dianne Stackhouse
233. John & Despina Stakias
234. Demetrios & Christina Staurinos
235. Paulette Steffa
236. Peter Steffa
237. George & Despina Steiros
238. Jacob & Emily Stine
239. Loukas & Nicky Stylianou
240. Helen Sullivant-Davis
241. Konstantinos Theodorakis
242. Helen Thomas
243. Sotirios & Despina Thomas
244. Eleftherios & Deborah Topakas
245. Emanuel Topakas
246. Iakovos & Kelly Toumbanakis
247. Michael & Kaliopi Triantafellou
248. Cosmas & Shauna Trifonidis
249. Vasiliki Trifonidis
250. Zoe Tripolitis
251. James & Elizabeth Trivelis
252. Michael & Renee Trivelis
253. Nicholas Trivelis
254. Anne Tsatalis
255. Demetrios & Sofia Tsatsanis
256. Dimitrios & Fotini Tsikoudis
257. Stelios & Laurie Tsinontides
258. Shane & Despina Twyman
259. Kurt Ufer & Joanne Epitropou-ufer
260. George & Polikriti Vafiadis
261. Chrysanthe Vaganos
262. Rizos & Vasiliki Vagelaras
263. John & Aspasia Varoumas
264. Helene Vellios
265. Dimitrios & Katharine Verros
266. Anthony & Elyse Vlahos
267. Chris & Evangelea Vlahos
268. Christine Vlahos
269. Efthymios & Carly Vlahos
270. Gregory & Venetia Voutsinas
271. Frank & Carol Voutsinos
272. Byron & Christina Warner
273. Stephen & Georgia Weiss
274. Benjamin & Angelica Worthington
275. Richard & Alexsandra Wrigley
276. Joseph Wyllie
277. Louise Zervos
278. Argie Zoubroulis
279. Ioannis & Eleftheria Zoubroulis
280. Theodore & Zaffie Zoubroulis


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Bulletin Inserts

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 149.5,1.
The saints shall rejoice in glory.
Verse: Sing to the Lord a new song.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2.

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Προκείμενον. Grave Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 149.5,1.
Καυχήσονται ὅσιοι ἐν δόξῃ
Στίχ. Ἄσατε τῷ Κυρίῳ ᾆσμα καινόν.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Γαλάτας 5:22-26, 6:1-2.

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη, χαρά, εἰρήνη, μακροθυμία, χρηστότης, ἀγαθωσύνη, πίστις, πρᾳότης, ἐγκράτεια· κατὰ τῶν τοιούτων οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος. Οἱ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, τὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις. Εἰ ζῶμεν πνεύματι, πνεύματι καὶ στοιχῶμεν. Μὴ γινώμεθα κενόδοξοι, ἀλλήλους προκαλούμενοι, ἀλλήλοις φθονοῦντες. Ἀδελφοί, ἐὰν καὶ προληφθῇ ἄνθρωπος ἔν τινι παραπτώματι, ὑμεῖς οἱ πνευματικοὶ καταρτίζετε τὸν τοιοῦτον ἐν πνεύματι πρᾳότητος, σκοπῶν σεαυτόν μὴ καὶ σὺ πειρασθῇς. Ἀλλήλων τὰ βάρη βαστάζετε, καὶ οὕτως ἀναπληρώσατε τὸν νόμον τοῦ Χριστοῦ.


Gospel Reading

10th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 13:10-17

At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

10th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 13:10-17

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ῏Ην δὲ διδάσκων ἐν μιᾷ τῶν συναγωγῶν ἐν τοῖς σάββασι. καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ ἦν πνεῦμα ἔχουσα ἀσθενείας ἔτη δέκα καὶ ὀκτώ, καὶ ἦν συγκύπτουσα καὶ μὴ δυναμένη ἀνακῦψαι εἰς τὸ παντελές. ἰδὼν δὲ αὐτὴν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς προσεφώνησε καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· γύναι, ἀπολέλυσαι τῆς ἀσθενείας σου· καὶ ἐπέθηκεν αὐτῇ τὰς χεῖρας· καὶ παραχρῆμα ἀνωρθώθη καὶ ἐδόξαζε τὸν Θεόν. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ ἀρχισυνάγωγος, ἀγανακτῶν ὅτι τῷ σαββάτῳ ἐθεράπευσεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, ἔλεγε τῷ ὄχλῳ· ἓξ ἡμέραι εἰσὶν ἐν αἷς δεῖ ἐργάζεσθαι· ἐν ταύταις οὖν ἐρχόμενοι θεραπεύεσθε, καὶ μὴ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου. ἀπεκρίθη οὖν αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος καὶ εἶπεν· ὑποκριτά, ἕκαστος ὑμῶν τῷ σαββάτῳ οὐ λύει τὸν βοῦν αὐτοῦ ἢ τὸν ὄνον ἀπὸ τῆς φάτνης καὶ ἀπαγαγὼν ποτίζει; ταύτην δέ, θυγατέρα ᾿Αβραὰμ οὖσαν, ἣν ἔδησεν ὁ σατανᾶς ἰδοὺ δέκα καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτη, οὐκ ἔδει λυθῆναι ἀπὸ τοῦ δεσμοῦ τούτου τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου; καὶ ταῦτα λέγοντος αὐτοῦ κατῃσχύνοντο πάντες οἱ ἀντικείμενοι αὐτῷ, καὶ πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος ἔχαιρεν ἐπὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ἐνδόξοις τοῖς γινομένοις ὑπ᾿ αὐτοῦ.


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Saints and Feasts

Savas
December 05

Sabbas the Sanctified

This Saint was born in 439 in Moutalaska, a small village of Cappadocia. He entered the arena of the monastic life from childhood and was under that master trainer of monastics, Euthymius, the Great, the teacher of the desert. He became the spiritual Father of many monks and an instructor for the monasteries in Palestine, and was appointed leader (archimandrite) of the desert-dwellers of Palestine by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. In his old age he went to Constantinople, to the Emperors Anastasius and Saint Justinian the Great, in behalf of the Orthodox Faith and the dogmas of the Council of Chalcedon. Having lived ninety-four years, he reposed in 533. The Typicon for the ecclesiastical services had its beginning in the monastery established by this righteous one.


Nicholas
December 06

Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra

This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travellers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.


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