Publish-header
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-12-15
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Parish News
Forefathers
Organization Icon
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 1st Tone

The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. You rose on the third day, O Lord and Savior, granting life unto the world. For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You, O Life-giver: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; glory to Your kingdom; glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind. Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου Σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν· διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι ζωοδότα. Δόξα τῇ Ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the 2nd Tone

By faith You justified the Forefathers, having through them betrothed to yourself the Church that came out of the nations. The saints are boasting in glory; for the glorious fruit, the Virgin who without seed gave birth to You, is from their progeny. At their entreaties, O Christ our God, save our souls. Ἐν πίστει τοὺς Προπάτορας ἐδικαίωσας, τὴν ἐξ Ἐθνῶν δι' αὐτῶν προμνηστευσάμενος Ἐκκλησίαν. Καυχῶνται ἐν δόξῃ οἱ Ἅγιοι, ὅτι ἐκ σπέρματος αὐτῶν, ὑπάρχει καρπός εὐκλεής, ἡ ἀσπόρως τεκοῦσά σε. Ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Eleutherios and Anthia in the 4th Tone

You were fully adorned with the sacred priestly robes. You were dripping with streams of your own martyric blood. In this state, you ran to Christ your Master, O blessed Saint Eleftherius, destroyer of Satan; you are wise. Therefore cease not interceding for us who loyally honor your blessed contest of martyrdom. Ἱερέων ποδήρει κατακοσμούμενος, καὶ αἱμάτων τοῖς ῥείθροις ἐπισταζόμενος, τῷ Δεσπότῃ σου Χριστῷ μάκαρ ἀνέδραμες, Ἐλευθέριε σοφέ, καθαιρέτα τοῦ Σατᾶν. Διὸ μὴ παύσῃ πρεσβεύων, ὑπὲρ τῶν πίστει τιμώντων, τὴν μακαρίαν σου ἄθλησιν.

Apolytikion for the Church in the 1st Tone

8th Tone

Blessed are You, O Christ our God; You made wise men of poor fishermen by sending down upon them Your Holy Spirit, and through them You caught the whole world, O Lover of mankind, glory to You.

Εύλογητός εἶ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεος ἡμῶν ὁ πανσόφους τοὺς ἁλιεῖς ἁναδείξας καταπέμψας αὐτοῖς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον καὶ δι᾽ αὐτῶν τῆν οἰκουμένην σαγηνεύσας φιλάνθρωπε δόξα Σοι

Seasonal Kontakion in the 3rd Tone

On this day the Virgin Maid goes to the grotto to give birth to the pre-eternal Word in an ineffable manner. Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. Glorify along with Angels and with the shepherds Him who willed that He appear as a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God. Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀποῤῥήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, Παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν.
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Forefathers
December 15

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

Allsaint
December 15

The Martyr Susannah the Deaconess

Elefther
December 15

Eleutherios the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Illyricum, and his mother Anthia

This Saint had Rome as his homeland. Having been orphaned of his father from childhood, he was taken by his mother Anthia to Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome (some call him Anencletus, or Anacletus), by whom he was instructed in the sacred letters (that is, the divine Scriptures). Though still very young in years, he was made Bishop of Illyricum by reason of his surpassing virtue, and by his teachings he converted many unbelievers to Christ. However, during a most harsh persecution that was raised against the Christians under Hadrian (reigned 117-138), the Saint was arrested by the tyrants. Enduring many torments for Christ, he was finally put to death by two soldiers about the year 126. As for his Christ-loving mother Anthia, while embracing the remains of her son and kissing them with maternal affection, she was also beheaded.

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 115.15,12.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all that he has given me?

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 1:8-18.

TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me - may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesos.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

BACK TO TOP

Parish News

A Word from Fr. John:

St. Herman of Alaska, Patron Saint of North America: This past Friday was the feast day for St. Herman of Alaska.

 

Saint Herman (his name is a variant of Germanus) was born near Moscow in 1756. In his youth he became a monk, first at the Saint Sergius Hermitage near Saint Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland. while he dwelt there, the most holy Mother of God appeared to him, healing him of a grave malady. Afterwards he entered Valaam Monastery on Valiant Island in Lake Ladoga; he often withdrew into the wilderness to pray for days at a time. In 1794, answering a call for missionaries to preach the Gospel to the Aleuts, he came to the New World with the first Orthodox mission to Alaska. He settled on Spruce Island, which he called New Valaam, and here he persevered, even in the face of many grievous afflictions, mostly at the hands of his own countrymen in the loving service of God and of his neighbor. Besides his many toils for the sake of the Aleuts, he subdued his flesh with great asceticism, wearing chains, sleeping little, fasting and praying much.

 

He brought many people to Christ by the example of his life, his teaching, and his kindness and sanctity, and he was granted the grace of working miracles and of prophetic insight. Since he was not a priest, angels descended at Theophany to bless the waters in the bay; St. Herman used this holy water to heal the sick. Because of his unwearying missionary labors, which were crowned by God with the salvation of countless souls, he is called the Enlightener of the Aleuts, and has likewise been renowned as a wonderworker since his repose in 1837.

 

(Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone): Blessed ascetic of the northern wilds and gracious intercessor for the whole world, teacher of the Orthodox Faith, good instructor of piety, adornment of Alaska and joy of all America, holy Father Herman, pray to Christ God that He save our souls.

 

Special Prayer Requests: 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  (Phil. 4:6-7)

 

We pray for the good journeys of traveling faithful during the festal season and for the mercy, life, peace, and healing of all parishioners, especially: His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Augustina, Margaret, James, Kyriake, Mike and Ingrid (Evangelia) Fotianos, Irene Hastalis, Jim Manos, Chresanthe Lemieux, and Jane Anderson. Remember also our missionary families: Michael, Lisa & Liam Colburn; and Fr. Stephanos, Pr. Alexandria, Moses & Athan Ritsi, and the people of Albania recovering from the recent earthquakes.

 

Parish Council Election:

General election for the Parish Council will be held today, Sunday, December 15, 2019 after Liturgy.  Four new parish council members will be elected. Only 2019 Pledging Stewards are eligible to vote. Respectfully submitted - Parish Elections Committee: Irene Pergeorelis, Joan Manias, Stefanos Kallas.

 

Sunday School:

Holy Trinity's Annual Sunday School Christmas presentation will be today, Sunday, December 15, 2019 following Liturgy.  The children will be practicing during Sunday School hours so we encourage you all to be there.  Sunday School takes place directly following Holy Communion.

 

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

  • Today, December 15th         
    • Sunday School Pageant/Christmas covered dish Luncheon
  • December 22nd                   
    • Coffee Only – Potluck
  • December 29th                    
    • Coffee Only – Potluck

 

Philoptochos News:

Philoptochos will host the coffee hour on December 15, 2019.  We will be providing a potluck and do a cookie swap like we did last year.  Drinks, coffee etc. will be provided by us.  This will be in conjunction with the kids Sunday School Christmas Pageant.

 

Fasting and Celebrating:

From our Archdiocesan website: “The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.” Amen!

 

Here is the service schedule for the Feast of the Nativity in the Flesh of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ (“Christmas”):

  • Tuesday, Dec. 24th: Royal Hours at 9 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 24th: Vesperal Liturgy (Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great) at 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 25th: Orthros at 8:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

 

Please remember that Dec. 24th is a day of strict fasting. (In fact, any time you see that there is a Vespers with the Liturgy of St. Basil in the evening, you know it is a strict fasting day. The fasting is part of the pre-festal preparations and celebrations – and you’re preparing for Communion after Vespers, similar to how you prepare for the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy during Lent.)

 

Offering of the Christmas Pointsettas:

In addition to your Nativity Offering in this season, you may also sponsor a beautiful Christmas Poinsettia in memory or honor or memory of a loved one or friend.  Bright red forms are available at the Pangari, indicating a minimal donation of $25 each, with all proceeds contributed to the Mortgage.  This form is also available also via post and/or e-mail.  Please make checks payable to Holy Trinity and indicate “Poinsettias” in the memo line and submit it to the Church office.    

 

Adult Bible Study: 

The adult Bible study on the Gospel of John meets every Sunday, unless otherwise announced, in the classroom opposite the men’s room. The class starts 15 minutes after the start of coffee hour, and is led by Michael Colburn. We are using the epic 2003 movie “The Gospel of John” directed by Philip Seville. This movie uses the text of the Gospel of John from the Good News Bible verbatim—no extra words added and none left out. The syllabus and study questions for each week are available at https://thecolburns.us/classes/john. Also check there for any last-minute announcements about the class.

 

Koliva for Memorials: 

Koliva is an offering of boiled wheat in commemoration of the departed. It symbolizes the resurrection of the dead on the day of the Second Coming of the Lord. As St. Paul said, "What you sow does not come to life unless it dies"(I Corinthians 15:36); and as St. John put it, "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (John 12:24). Koliva is made for Saturdays of the Souls and memorials (40th day after death; 3rd, 6th, 9th month; annually). Contact Faye Peterson, pete9839@comcast.net or Angela Lekos, angelmou1@att.net if you need Koliva prepared (there is a charge of $100).

 

St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine 2019 Annual Essay Contest:

The St. Photios Foundation. Inc. invites all teenagers, 13-19 years of age to submit a 1,000-word essay to the St. Photios Essay Committee to participate in the annual Essay Contest http://www.stphotios.org/assets/files/Essay%20Contest%20Web.pdf.  There are 21 of saints of the early Church enshrined in the St. Photios Chapel – www.stphotios.org.  How do we, as Orthodox Christians relate to these sacred and historically significant treasures? Essay writers should answer this question thoughtfully and thoroughly. The Committee accepts submissions through January 6, 2020.

 

Diakonia Retreat:

Join St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Daytona Beach at the Diakonia Retreat, February 14th -17th, 2020.  Space is very limited.  Registration and monies must be submitted timely.  For more information or to secure your spot, please contact Irene Katra at 386-290-3208 or email Santorini257@aol.com.  If desiring to carpool, please call the Church Office.

 

Stewardship – A Pattern of Caring:

Giving is a habit that begins with a commitment. Becoming an active steward requires a conscious decision to actively support the needs of the Church. The commitment card we offer to Holy Trinity parish each year encourages us to give regularly. There are extra cards in church, or you can call the church office. 

 

Weekly Offering: 

Sacrificial Offerings - Weekly Offering: Dec. 8th - Candles $320; Tray $574; Stewardship $2120

 

Contributions - Tracking Your Giving:

  • Each time you contribute funds to the parish, the notation on the memo line of your check allows us to identify your intentions:  Stewardship, Candles, Trays, Memorials, etc.  
  • If you are setting up contributions through your bank, please be sure that a specific notation (ex: stewardship) is included for each transaction.
  • For any cash contributions, please use one of the envelopes in the Narthex so that we can add that amount to your record of donations.

 

Is your email address or your US mail address changing?

Please, notify the church office!  holy3goc@gmail.com

BACK TO TOP