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Holy Trinity Church
Publish Date: 2019-02-17
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
PARISH NEWS
Publphar
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Holy Trinity Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (609) 653-8092
  • Fax:
  • (609) 653-0375
  • Street Address:

  • 7004 Ridge Ave

  • Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
  • Mailing Address:

  • 7004 Ridge Ave

  • Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

Contact Information

Parish Administrator Lisa Mitoulis

lisa@cmmcw.com | 609-653-8092

Services Schedule

Sunday Services: Orthros 8:15 am.

                         Divine Liturgy 9:30 am.

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA


Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. Let us cry out to the Savior, "Have mercy on us, for through You alone are we reconciled."

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press - Northridge, CA


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Saints and Feasts

Publphar
February 17

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

Theotyrn
February 17

Theodore the Tyro, Great Martyr

Saint Theodore who was from Amasia of Pontus, contested during the reign of Maximian (286-305). He was called Tyro, from the Latin Tiro, because he was a newly enlisted recruit. When it was reported that he was a Christian, he boldly confessed Christ; the ruler, hoping that he would repent, gave him time to consider the matter more completely and then give answer. Theodore gave answer by setting fire to the temple of Cybele, the "mother of the gods," and for this he suffered a martyr's death by fire. See also the First Saturday of the Fast.

Allsaint
February 17

Mariamne, Sister of Apostle Philip

Allsaint
February 17

Righteous Auxentius

Allsaint
February 17

The Pious Rulers Marcian and Pulcheria

Allsaint
February 17

Theodore the New Martyr of Byzantium

Allsaint
February 17

Hermogenes (Germogen), Patriarch of Moscow

Our Father among the Saints Hermogenes (Germogen), Patriarch of Moscow, was born about 1530 in Kazan. While yet a layman, he lived as a clerk in the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Kazan. In 1569, the year that Metropolitan Philip of Moscow was slain in Tver (see Jan. 9), Saint Barsanuphius, Bishop of Tver, fled to Kazan fearing the wrath of Ivan the Terrible. So Hermogenes became a spiritual son of Saint Barsanuphius. He was made priest of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Kazan, and was a witness of the miracles of the newly-appeared icon of our Lady of Kazan (see July 8). Later he became Abbot of the Monastery of the Transfiguration, and in 1589 was consecrated Metropolitan of Kazan, in which capacity he converted and baptized many pagan Tartars and heterodox.

In late 1604, the so-called false Dimitry, a pretender to the Russian throne who claimed to be the son of Ivan the Terrible (who had died in 1584), crossed the Russian border, having the support of the Jesuits and King Sigismund III of Poland, who hoped through Dimitry to force Papism upon the Russian people; a few cities, such as Chernigov, soon surrendered to him. Shaken by these calamities, Tsar Boris Gudonov died suddenly, and in June, 1605, the pretender entered Moscow and took the Russian throne. He then declared his intention to marry a Polish woman without her receiving Baptism in the Orthodox Church; when the authorities and the hierarchy remained silent out of fear, it was Metropolitan Hermogenes alone who fearlessly rebuked him and demanded that she renounce Papism and be baptized according to the rites of Orthodoxy. For this, Hermogenes was banished to Kazan. In 1606 Prince Basil Shuisky led the people in the overthrow of Dimitry, and Basil was elected Tsar in Moscow; Hermogenes was made Patriarch of Moscow. The overthrow of Dimitry did not end the endeavours of the Poles to subject Russia to themselves, and in those times of upheavals, treachery, and bloodshed, the valiant Patriarch Hermogenes showed himself to be a great spiritual leader of the people, and, like Saint Philip of Moscow almost half a century before, the conscience of Orthodox Russia in times of betrayal and terror.

In 1609 King Sigismund succeeded in setting his son upon the Russian throne, and Patriarch Hermogenes again insisted that the new Tsar be baptized in the Orthodox Church, marry an Orthodox Christian, and have no dealings with the Pope. The Poles, together with rebel boyars who supported them, imprisoned Patriarch Hermogenes in an underground chamber of the Chudov Monastery during Holy Week of 1611, where they slowly starved him to death; he gave up his holy soul on February 17, 1612.

In 1653, his holy relics were found incorrupt; in 1812, when Napoleon captured Moscow, the Saint's tomb was desecrated in the search for treasure; when the French withdrew, the Patriarch's holy body was found intact on the floor of the cathedral; in 1883 his holy relics were again found whole. Saint Hermogenes was glorified on May 12, 1913, and added to the choir of holy hierarchs of Moscow, whose feast is celebrated on October 5; at the time of his glorification a multitude of miracles were wrought through his incorrupt relics.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15.

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.
St. John Chrysostom
AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

When lately we made mention of the Pharisee and the publican, and hypothetically yoked two chariots out of virtue and vice; we pointed out each truth, how great is the gain of humbleness of mind, and how great the damage of pride.
St. John Chrysostom
CONCERNING LOWLINESS OF MIND., 4th Century

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PARISH NEWS

Pangari Schedule: Walter Mularz, Nick Kafkalas & Charles Krome.

Greeter Schedule: Richard and Linda Haviland.

A one year memorial will be held today for Costas Siozopoulos, husband of Agoritsa Siozopoulos. May his memory be eternal.

Triodion begins today.

There is no PB&J Club this month.

A Memorial Luncheon for Costas Siozopoulos will be offered in the Fellowship Hall by his family. If you are hosting the coffee hour please make sure that all products are nut free. We have children with severe nut allergies. Thank you!  

If anyone is interested in donating $50 a week or $200 a month so that the Come Receive the Light program can stay on the air, please contact the church office or Demi Zalman.  The program airs on Sundays at 9:00 am on station 1020AM and 101.3 FM.

UPCOMING EVENTS

See attached flyers for more information on these upcoming events. 

February 20: Greek School Plateia Night

March 3: General Assembly

March 11: Lent Begins

March 16: Philoptochos Lenten Retreat

March 23: GOYA Sights and Sounds (Here)

April 5: GOYA Oratorical Festival

April 28: Resurrection

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

Holy Communion is offered to those baptized Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves for the reception of the Sacrament by prayer and fasting. Blessed Bread is available for all our visitors at the very end of the Divine Liturgy. Our Sunday School students receive Holy Communion first and then we will approach from the center aisles, starting with the front pews, one pew at a time.

HOLY TRINITY COFFEE HOURS

Please call or email Faten Dib 609-226-2691 or fattouneh@hotmail.com today and offer to sign up for a Sunday to host the coffee hour! There are many Sunday’s available and it is a great way for your family, or a few families together, to offer fellowship and refreshments to our community. We will post any available Sundays in the weekly newsletter and the monthly Herald. In the event that no one signs up for a Sunday to host a coffee hour, only coffee will be available at the Fellowship Hall. So come one, come all and sign up today to host “Holy Trinity Coffee Hour”. Available Sundays for March:  March 3rd, 10th, 17th & 31st.

SCHEDULING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

In order to avoid scheduling conflicts all parish ministries and organizations must call the church office to schedule all meetings, practices and events (even if they are not scheduled at the church).

COUNCIL OF MINISTRIES - GOALS

--Promote communication and coordination between Ministries

--Highlight each ministry’s role in promoting our Mission and Vision

--Encourage ministry leaders to prioritize growing the inner circle of active members

REQUEST FOR GREETERS

Dear Parishioners,

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Please join us as we continue this meaningful ministry, creating more wonderful, first, and continuing impressions.  The Great Commission of our Lord begins with us, as greeters, as we welcome everyone, sharing the love of Christ.  

If anyone would like to join our wonderful Greeter Ministry, please speak to Ginny Kramvis or email ekramvis@comcast.net

GOYA SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

GOYA Sights and Sounds will be on Saturday, March 23rd at our church and community center. We will need many hands to help with this event. Please see a GOYA advisor to volunteer.

ECCLESIASTICAL DIVORCES

All parishioners who are in the process of, or who have gotten a civil divorce, should contact Father George about obtaining a church divorce.

GOYA ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

This years event will be on Friday, April 5th. Registration deadline is March 15th. Contact Antony Tsourounakis for more information att.crete@gmail.com

BAKING FOR FESTIVAL

Baking for our annual Greek  Festival  is beginning! The baking schedule is attached.  Baking is at 6:00 pm in the commercial kitchen (unless otherwise noted). We need your help & support. All are welcome, no baking experience required! Our first baking days are Tuesday, February 19th and Thursday, February 21st. Thank you.

BIBLE STUDY

Our Bible Study group will continue our meetings on Tuesday, February 19th at 7:00 pm.  All parishioners are strongly encouraged to share in this wonderful experience.

GREEK SCHOOL PLATEIA NIGHT

Greek School Plateia Night will be on Wednesday, February 20th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Please contact the Greek School teacher, George Plamantouras if you are planning to attend.

PARKING

Due to safety regulations, please do not park cars along the curb in front of the church and the community center during church services and other events. Thank you!

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES 

We are excited to announce a new way to give your Business or Service a face in our church community. We are opening up the opportunity to advertise your place of business in our church bulletins. The most important aspect of this opportunity is that not only will it enhance and promote your business but ALL of the money collected for advertising will go to the church. We are confident that this advertising opportunity will improve the exposure and revenues of your business. If you have an interest in obtaining more details we encourage you to speak to Athena Sacco (athenasacco@gmail.com or 609-653-6775) or any other parish council member. We thank you in advance for your participation and support.

COOKBOOK FOR SALE

Our Community Cookbook is now available to purchase for $10. All proceeds will be used for our Church. Please see Athena Sacco to purchase or for additional information.

SHOPRITE GIFT CARDS 

The Philoptochos is selling Shoprite Gift Cards and would appreciate your support. For every $100.00 dollars we sell, we get $5.00. Cards are available in $50 increments. Demi Zalman is our chairperson and she will be at church on Sundays after the service with the cards for anyone to buy. Write your check to "Holy Trinity Philoptochos" or use cash. If you do not see Demi in church any Philoptochos sister will be able to help you find out who has the cards that day. 
As the needs of our community are rising, the Philoptochos is hoping that this initiative will provide added funds to help meet our ever-growing charitable requests. Please consider buying these cards and help us raise money to help others.

NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETING 
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by friend or family member’s drug addiction. As a Twelve-Step Program, they offer help by sharing experience, strength, and hope in a safe and anonymous forum. If you are or know someone who is impacted by someone else’s drug addition, please let them know about this meeting. Meetings are held every Thursday at 6:30pm.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS 
Gamblers Anonymous will be meeting on Tuesdays, from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm at the church.

PARISH WEB SITE 
Please visit our parish web site often for updated information. Group leaders should submit their groups' information to the church office ASAP so that all the tabs can be updated.       www.holytrinityeggharbor.com 

ANCIENT FAITH RADIO 

Ancient Faith Radio can now be found at www.ancientfaith.com   Bringing the Ancient Christian Faith to the modern world.   By going on this site you can access some uplifting music, informative & educational Podcasts, and you can even get the App for your phone.

OCMC MISSION TEAMS

THANK YOU to Sunday School Department, Minos Bakery, Mill Street Pub, Spiros Doulis Jewelers and Joe's Pizza for being a partner with us in the Agape Canister Program. 

OCMC Announces New Teams to Spread the Good News!

Colombia, Ghana, and Alaska have been added to the list of OCMC Mission Teams in 2019. These new openings offer you an opportunity to follow in the apostolic footsteps of Orthodox missionaries throughout the ages who have answered the call to spread the Good News to the world. Visit www.ocmc.org to find the complete list and dates of all the 2019 Orthodox Mission Team opportunities. Apply today!

 

TRINITY LEARNING CENTER 

Our TLC is now enrolling children from 3 months! Please continue to publicize and promote our child care facility. Let your family, friends, and neighbors know to call Trinity Learning Center at 653-9001 to register their children. TLC is collecting General Mills Box Tops for Education and Campbell's Soup UPC codes off the labels and boxes. Drop off your books, box tops and labels in the narthex.

 

 

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