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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-12-09
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Parish News
Allsaint
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (904)-829-0504
  • Fax:
  • (904)829-0507
  • Street Address:

  • 2940 CR-214

  • St. Augustine, FL 32084-2718

Contact Information

Ms. Nelda Hann


holy3goc@gmail.com | 9048290504

Services Schedule

Sunday Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am    Fr. John Hays, Interim Priest

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Tone

Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. He trampled death under foot by means of death; and He became the firstborn from the dead. From the maw of Hades He delivered us; and He granted the world His great mercy. Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Conception of the Theotokos in the 4th Tone

Today the bonds of childlessness are broken. For hearing the prayers of Joachim and Anne, God promised that against all hope they would give birth to the Maiden of God. He, the Uncircumscribed, would be born of her, when He would become man, and by the Angel's example, He commands us to call to her: "Rejoice, Maiden full of the grace, the Lord is with you." Σήμερον τῆς ἀτεκνίας δεσμὰ διαλύονται· τοῦ Ἰωακεὶμ γὰρ καὶ τῆς Ἄννης εἰσακούων Θεός, παρ' ἐλπίδα τεκεῖν αὐτοὺς σαφῶς, ὑπισχνεῖται θεόπαιδα, ἐξ ἧς αὐτός ἐτέχθη ὁ ἀπερίγραπτος, βροτὸς γεγονώς, δι' Ἀγγέλου κελεύσας βοῆσαι αὐτῇ. Χαῖρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Tone

On this day the whole wide world is celebrating that Saint Anne conceived a child, which was a miracle of God. And she gave birth to the one who bore the divine Logos, in ways passing speech and thought. Ἑορτάζει σήμερον, ἡ οἰκουμένη, τὴν τῆς Ἄννης σύλληψιν, γεγενημένην ἐν Θεῷ· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὴ ἀπεκύησε, τὴν ὑπὲρ λόγον, τὸν Λόγον κυήσασαν.
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
December 09

The Consecration of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) in the Holy City of Jerusalem

The majestic Church of the Resurrection, built by Saint Constantine the Great and his mother Helen, was consecrated in the year 336. In the year 614, this edifice was destroyed by the Persians, who set fire to it. Modestus, the Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Theodosius, and later Patriarch of Jerusalem, rebuilt the church in 626 and had it reconsecrated. In 637, Jerusalem fell to the Moslems; however, the holy shrines were left intact. But in 934, on the Sunday of Pascha, the Saracens set fire to part of this church. Again in 969, the Moslems set fire to the dome of the church, plundered all the sacred objects that were found therein, and surrendered John IV, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the flames. In 1010, the Moslems, under Hakim the Mad, Caliph of Egypt, destroyed the church to its foundations, but in 1028, by the mediation of Emperor Romanus III Argyrus of Constantinople, the church began to be rebuilt on a more modest scale. This third edifice was completed and reconsecrated in 1048. In 1099, the crusaders took Jerusalem and ruled there for eighty-eight years, and during this time they made certain changes in the structure, which, for the most part, has remained unaltered ever since (See also Sept. 13).
Allsaint
December 09

Narses the Martyr of Persia

Allsaint
December 09

Hannah the Righteous, mother of Samuel the Prophet

Bowedwoman
December 09

10th Sunday of Luke

Anna
December 09

The Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, since Saint Anna, the Ancestor of God, was barren, she and her husband Joachim remained without children until old age. Therefore, sorrowing over their childlessness, they besought God with a promise that, if He were to grant them the fruit of the womb, they would offer their offspring to Him as a gift. And God, hearkening to their supplication, informed them through an Angel concerning the birth of the Virgin. And thus, through God's promise, Anna conceived according to the laws of nature, and was deemed worthy to become the mother of the Mother of our Lord (see also Sept. 8).

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 63.11,1.
The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse: Oh God, hear my cry.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 4:22-27.

Brethren, Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in travail; for the children of the desolate one are many more than the children of her that is married."

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.

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Parish News

A Word from Fr. John:

 

It’s time to get ready...

So, it’s not time yet to say “Christ is born – glorify Him!” At least, it’s “sort of” not time...

 

In fact, we’ve already been hearing and chanting the Katavasias of Christmas during Orthros for a few weeks, which means we have been saying “Christ is born – glorify Him!” – liturgically, at any rate. Here’s what I mean...

 

Christ is born; glorify Him! * Christ is come from heaven; go and meet Him. *

Christ is on earth; arise to Him. * Sing to the Lord, all you who dwell on the earth; *

And in merry spirits, O you peoples, praise His birth. * For He is glorified. (Ode I)

 

Jesse's root produced a branch, O Christ, * and You its flower blossomed forth, *

from the Virgin who by Habakkuk prophetically once was called * overshadowed, dense mountain. *

From her who knew not man You came incarnate, * the immaterial God. *

Glory to Your power, O Lord. (Ode IV)

 

Savor the anticipation, then, as we prepare ourselves for Christ’s Nativity – when, instead of the “Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!” greeting of Pascha, we’ll greet one another with “Christ is born – glorify Him!”

 

Special Prayer Requests: We pray for mercy, life, peace, and healing for Mike Chelikas, Irene Hastalis, Jim Manos (please visit at Moultrie Creek Nursing & Rehab Center), Chresanthe Lemieux, Jane Anderson, Betty & Fred Day, Despina Xynidis, George P. Nichols, and for their families; for continued growth of the parish family and for those The Lord receives, serves, and sends through Her lifesaving ministry, especially our two missionary families: Dn. Stephanos, Dka. Alexandria & Moses Ritsi serving Albania; and Michael Lisa & Liam Colburn serving translators worldwide.

 

Thank You Volunteers:  Thank you to all Parish Members, Families, Volunteers who made possible the preparations and offered ready hands and hearts to host Saturday’s events: The 2018 Christmas Parade and our parish's hosting of the 2nd Annual Convention Luncheon of the Archdiocesan Hellenic Educators.  Well done, everyone!

 

Missing Pageant Costumes:  We are missing angel wings, halos, and animal costumes, especial the head pieces needed for next week’s Nativity Pageant. If you have knowledge of where they went, please contact Lisa Colburn.

 

Call and Notify the Church in Times of Need:When challenging times come upon us and especially in times of illness, hospitalization, emergency, and need for intercession, be sure to call and notify Father John through the Church Office.  Please e-mail prayer requests and updates to holy3goc@gmail.com. Enter into your phones the 24-hour emergency number on the Church voicemail: (602) 617-2467.

 

Visiting the Church Outside of Office Hours:  Though at this time we do not have volunteers coordinated to assist in receiving visitors to the Church outside of Office Hours (M-F 9am-1pm), we hope to always welcome parishioners and the many visiting out-of-towners to the best of our ability. Please call the office to arrange a visit.

 

Hostess Schedule:Carman Gaetanos (904) 540-0367 or carmgaet@gmail.com

  • Today, December 9th                 Eugenia Charoni; Toula Zotos

A 40-day memorial is being offered today for Micah Lekas, nephew of Faye (Lekas) Peterson and Nick Lekas. Koliva offered by the Peterson family.

  • December 16th                           Parish Christmas program and Philoptochos brunch
  • December 23rd                           Coffee Only
  • December 30th                           Coffee Only

 

Parish Council Announcements:

  • Sunday, December 2ndh:            Weekly Offering - Candles $170; Tray $96; Stewardship $1765

We encourage all to offer as generously as we are able in support of the Church and Her ministries.  Together, we ensure the care, administration, and open doors to all who seek Her comfort. Combined with our prayerful presence and involvement, our weekly offerings continue making possible the vitality and sustainability of our parish. The collection basket is in the Narthex on your way to join in fellowship.

  • Monday, December 10th:            Parish Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, December 24th:            Nativity Services: Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil @ 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 25th:           The Nativity of Christ – Christmas: Orthros and Divine Liturgy @ 9 a.m.

Our current Mortgage Balance is UNDER a Million! Specifically, it's $988,892.28. This really is a moment to celebrate, cherish, & reflect on in the history of this beautiful Parish.   God Bless Our Hands!  Nicola Lykam, Parish Treasurer

 

Stewardship:

  • 2019

"Stewards of the Faith"

"All things are possible to the one who believes in Christ"

If you have not received a 2019 Stewardship commitment card, please contact the church office.

  • 2018 

We are nearing the $121,330 pledged amount for this year.  Your commitment sustains both our spiritual and practical needs.  Thank you for sharing your blessings with this parish!

 

2018 Parish Christmas Card:

Until December 9th – which means, today is the last day – the Philoptochos is taking orders for the 2018 parish Christmas card.  The cost is still $15.  A sample of the card is available at the order table. Please print your name and address on the order form and make out checks to Holy Trinity (memo Christmas card).  You may also pick up an order form and return it by mail, but your order must be received by December 6th.

 

Sunday, December 16th Philoptochos Christmas Brunch:

Following the Nativity Pageant, the Philoptochos will host a special Christmas brunch (Lenten) and present gifts to the children. New this year will be a Christmas cookie table and a silent auction of Christmas gift baskets. A donation of $5 is suggested, free for children under 5 years of age.  Proceeds will go to Outreach for support of its Christmas ministry.

 

Sunday School News:

  • The Sunday School’s Christmas pageant will be Sunday Dec. 16th. We ask that all Sunday School students please plan on attending Sunday School from Nov. 11th until the pageant so we can practice for a few (10 -15 minutes) minutes at the end of our abbreviated lessons. The teachers are graciously giving up a little class time so that the families will have minimal inconvenience. No classes or rehearsal Thanksgiving weekend. This pageant uses narration with the children acting out the parts. We will need some volunteers to read for the various sections of the story (Innkeeper, shepherd, etc.). Teens and adults of any age are welcome to participate.

 

Donations for AOMH Pantry: 

One of the charities supported by our Philoptochos is the Alpha Omega Miracle Home, which "provides housing, counseling and education for the new faces of homelessness - single mothers, their children and senior women" . (AOMH.org)

These young mothers are offered an opportunity to work toward independence by improving their education and job skills. A pantry is available to assist them with meal times.  On Sunday, December 16, there will be a bin in the church hall for your donations of items for their pantry.  

  • Canned fruits, vegetables, soups
  • Pancake mix, syrup, cereal, granola bars
  • Pastas, noodles & sauces
  • Peanut butter & jelly
  • Easy rice/quinoa box mixes
  • Crackers, lunch box snacks, 100% apple juice boxes
  • (Also helpful: simple recipes)

Sometimes all it takes is a simple act of caring to make a difference.

 

Fresh Vegetables:  We have some fresh produce left from a recent Hellenic Educators luncheon.  Included are eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes and herbs.  They will be available this Sunday.  There is no charge, though a donation to the church is always welcome.

There are also two trays of tiropita ($25) and some white wine ($6).

 

Bulletin Submission:Please submit your articles weekly by Wednesday, or at the latest, Thursday. Please note that all submissions will be reviewed and edited by Father John.

 

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