February 09
Holy Trinity Church
Publish Date: 2020-02-09
Bulletin Contents
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
Services Schedule
Sunday Services: Orthros 8:15 am.
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2020-02-16
- Publish Date:
- 2020-02-02
- Publish Date:
- 2020-01-26
- Publish Date:
- 2020-01-12
- Publish Date:
- 2020-01-05
- Publish Date:
- 2019-12-29
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Presentation in the First Mode
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode
Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Saints and Feasts
February 09
Markellos, Philagrios, & Pankratios the Hieromartyrs
February 09
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.
February 09
Leavetaking of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
February 09
Nicephoros the Martyr of Antioch
This Martyr, who was from Antioch in Syria, contested during the reign of Gallienus, about the year 260. Through the working of the evil one, his friendship with a certain Christian priest named Sapricius was turned to bitter hatred. Nicephoros, repenting of his enmity, tried both through intermediaries and in person to be reconciled with Sapricius, but to no avail. Later, when the persecution broke out under Valerian and Gallienus, Sapricius was seized as a Christian. When Saint Nicephoros learned that Sapricius had been arrested by the pagans and was enduring torments for Christ, he sent intermediaries to Sapricius, begging his forgiveness; but Sapricius would not forgive him. Later, as Sapricius was being taken to beheading, Nicephoros, hoping that Sapricius, at his end, in such a holy hour, would at last forgive him, met him on the way, fell before him, and fervently asked his forgiveness; but Sapricius forgave him not. Wherefore, though Sapricius had passed through many sufferings, and the crown of martyrdom was now awaiting him, because he disdained the chief commandments of love and forgiveness, the grace of God, which had been strengthening him in his torments, departed from him, and he told his executioners he would sacrifice. Nicephoros immediately confessed Christ before them, and being himself beheaded, took the crown that Sapricius had cast away.
Should the Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple fall on this day the service to Saint Nicephoros is chanted on the 8th.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
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."
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.
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.
CONCERNING LOWLINESS OF MIND., 4th Century
PARISH NEWS
Pangari Schedule: Mary Kent, Walter Mularz & Donna Efstaots.
Triodion Begins Today.
A five year Memorial Service will be held today for Despina Lianidis, mother of Stelios Lianidis. May her memory be eternal.
A one year Memorial Service will be held today for Athena Kramvis, mother of George Kramvis and his brother, Costa of South Africa. May her memory be eternal.
A one year memorial will be held for Ioannis Tsalapakis (John Chalapis) of Clearwater Florida, husband of Helen Chalapis and godfather of Tom Kotronis. May his memory be eternal.
Today's coffee hour will be hosted by the Lianidis Family in memory of Depsina Lianidis, in the GYM. 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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
See attached flyers for more information on these upcoming events.
February 9: Souper Bowl Sunday - Last Day
February 9: Triodion Begins
February 16: "Breakfast at Holy Trinity's"
February 23: Council of Ministries Meeting
February 29: Philoptochos Retreat
March 1: Spring General Assembly
March 2: Great Lent Begins
March 5: Save the Date - Hellenic Studies
March 27 & 28: Philoptochos Yard Sale
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.
CHURCH SERVICES
† February 10, Monday No Divine Liturgy today.
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 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th.
PHILOPTOCHOS
Our Philoptochos will have a meeting today in Father's reception room, immediately following Sunday School.
In an effort to create awareness and encourage participation of Philoptochos philanthropic initiatives and projects please like/follow our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Holy-TrinitysPhiloptochos-St-Elpida-Chapter-119236026143902/
BIBLE STUDY
There is no Bible Study on Tuesday, February 11th. Our next Bible Study will be on Tuesday, February 18th., at 7:00 pm.
CHURCH REBUILDING MEETING
There will be a church rebuilding meeting on Thursday, February 13th at 7:00 pm.
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
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.
SHORE DINER'S COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVE
Shore Diner is partnering with our church for an outreach opportunity. Please see attached vouchers for more information.
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.
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 6:00pm.
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.
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 off the labels and boxes. Drop off your books, box tops and labels in the narthex.