ΚοσμικήκαιΠνευματικήΑνεξαρτησία

Είναι σημαντικό για ένα λαό να θυμάται τους αγώνες που έδωσαν οι πρόγονοί του είτε στο πεδίο της μάχης είτε στο διπλωματικό ώστε το έθνος να μπορεί να ζει ελεύθερο και ανεξάρτητο από αυτούς που ήθελαν να το κρατούν υποταγμένο. Τα κράτη με διαφόρους τρόπους ορίζουν κάποιες ημερομηνίες ως επετείους του αγώνα των. Σήμερα, Κυριακή 4 Ιουλίου τιμάται η Διακήρυξη της Ανεξαρτησίας των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών της Αμερικής.

Όμως, “Τα του Καίσαρος Καίσαρι και τα του Θεού τω Θεώ”, μας θυμίζει ο Κύριος. Με αφορμή την επέτειο της Ανεξαρτησίας των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών, θα κάνουμε μια σύντομη αναφορά στην Πνευματική έννοια της Ελευθερίας και της Ανεξαρτησίας.

Η ιστορία της Ανθρωπότητας είναι γεμάτη με αγώνες Ανεξαρτησίας και Αυτονόμησης. Ο Θεός έχει πλάσει τον άνθρωπο να είναι ελεύθερος και αυτεξούσιος. Του έχει δώσει το δικαίωμα να αποφασίζει και να κάνει τις επιλογές του.

Έτσι, εξίσου σημαντικό είναι ο άνθρωπος να θυμάται ότι ο Θεός είναι ο Πατέρας του. Σε μια τέτοια σχέση, η υπακοή και η εξάρτηση από τον Θεό είναι μέσα στη φύση του.  Ο Χριστός περνάει από όλα τα στάδια της ανθρώπινης ζωής για να την αγιάσει και να διδάξει ότι η υπακοή στον Θεό είναι ο μοναδικός δρόμος της σωτηρίας. Μιλώντας για τον εαυτό Του λέει ότι: «Οὐ ποιῶ τὸ θέλημα τὸ ἐμόν, ἀλλὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με Πατρός»,

Ο κοσμικός άνθρωπος έχει την τάση της ανεξαρτησίας από τον Θεό. Οι Πρωτόπλαστοι δεν έμειναν στην σχέση με τον Θεό και έχασαν τον Παράδεισο. Ο Κύριος μέσα από την παραβολή του Ασώτου Υιού, μας διδάσκει ότι η ανεξαρτησία από τον Θεό οδηγεί στην απώλεια από την οποία ο άνθρωπος σώζεται μόνο με την αληθινή μετάνοια. Τι είναι τελικά η αμαρτία; Είναι η αυτονόμηση από τον Θεό. Αμαρτία είναι να θέλει ο άνθρωπος να ζει, και να σκέφτεται αδιαφορώντας για το θέλημα του Θεού.

Ο Άγιος Νικόδημος ο Αγιορείτης, αναγνωρίζοντας αυτή την τάση του ανθρώπου, έλεγε πάντα στην προσευχή του: «Κἄν θέλω κἄν μή θέλω, σῶσόν με, Κύριε». Και η Εκκλησία ψάλλει:

Ὁ ὑπερούσιος, καὶ μόνος Κύριος, Χριστὸς ἀπαύγασμα, τοῦ προανάρχου Πατρός, καὶ Πνεῦμα τὸ θειότατον, ἐλέησον τοὺς δούλους σου· πάντες γὰρ ἡμάρτομεν· ἀλλὰ σοῦ οὐκ ἀπέστημεν· ὅθεν δυσωποῦμέν σε, Τρισυπόστατε Κύριε, ὡς ἔχων ἐξουσίαν, τὸ πλάσμα σου, σῶσον ἐκ πάσης περιστάσεως.

Secular and Spiritual Independence

It is important for the people to remember the struggles of their ancestors, either on the battlefield or in the diplomatic arena, so that the nation can live free and independent of those who wanted to keep it subjugated. States in various ways set certain dates as anniversaries of their struggle. Today, Sunday, July 4, the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America is celebrated.

But, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's", the Lord reminds us. On the occasion of the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, we will make a brief reference to the Spiritual concept of Freedom and Independence.

The history of Mankind is full of struggles for Independence and Autonomy. God has created man to be free and self-determined. He has given him the right to decide and make his choices.

Thus, it is equally important for man to remember that God is his Father. In such a relationship, obedience and dependence on God are inherent in nature. Christ goes through all the stages of human life to sanctify it and teach that obedience to God is the only way to salvation. Speaking of himself, He says: "I didn’t come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me",

Secular man tends to be independent of God. The Protoplasts did not stay in the relationship with God and lost Paradise. The Lord, through the parable of the Prodigal Son, teaches us that independence from God leads to the loss from which man is saved only through true repentance. What, after all, is sin? It is autonomy from God. It is a sin for man to want to live, and to think indifferently about God's will.

Saint Nicodemus of Mount Athos, recognizing this tendency of man, always said in his prayer: "Whether I want it or not, save me, Lord". And the Church chants:

Christ, beyond being and only Lord and radiance of the Father who is eternally without beginning, and Spirit most divine, have mercy on your servants; for we have all sinned, but we have not deserted you. Therefore, we beseech you, Lord in Three Persons, as you possess authority, from every calamity save what you fashioned.

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Liturgical Services: Welcome parishioners and visitors for on-site services.We continue Live Stream Services on Facebook, please visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityGOC/)

• On May 19, 2021, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios wrote: "it is important to consider the full text of the CDC's guideline, which reads: “...fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”The Metropolis will continue to ask our parishes to abide by the recommended CDC, as well as federal, state, and local guidelines in a spirit of good  faith."  

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 mercy, life, peace, and healing of all parishioners, Bill Duddy-ankle surgery, Ruza Basimamovic, Mikae Gaetanos, Faye Peterson, Chresanthe Lemieux, Zoe Kauttu, Maryann Bolt, James Day, Kostas Lantzounis (is at Bayview Rehab Center and welcomes visitors); Fr. Nikitas and Pres. Mary Theodosion, His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Margaret, James, Kyriake, Joseph, Alex Aclim, Irene Hastalis, Jane Anderson, Gwen H., Thanos Nikolopoulos and prayers for George Ritsi who fell asleep in the Lord on June 24th,  Remember also our missionary families: Fr. Stephanos, Pr. Alexandria, Moses & Athan Ritsi serving in Albania; and Michael, Lisa & Liam Colburn.

Philoptochos and Outreach Committees:  Philoptochos has set aside money to help pay the registration fee for St. Stephen's camp.  Unfortunately, the slots for girls are full.  If you have a middle school or older boy who would like to attend, please contact Irene Pergeorelis.

Stewardship: We invite you to join us in person for Sunday services!  Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of our faith -- incense, iconography, hymns, and prayers.  Stay after liturgy to meet new parishioners and to greet those you already know and have missed!  

Thank you to all who have continued to be active stewards in 2021.  For those that have not already done so, please go to our website (http://holytrinitygoc.com) and make a Stewardship contribution (under 'Make a Donation") to ensure that this place of faith, its priest and its ministries will be adequately supported.  Thank you!

Sunday School News:  Our parish honored the Sunday School students and all our children on Sunday May 30th following services.  It has been a challenging year and we are heartened by the number of children who participated in the Easter Services. An activity will be provided for children following services on August 15, 2021!  We will resume classes in September.

Adult Bible Study:  Bible study will resume in the fall.

Greek Fest To Go:  The Holy Trinity Church Greek Fest To Go was a success!  Thank you to the kitchen crew, runners and all the volunteers for your hard work.  You helped make our 2^nd Greek Fest To Go a successful event!   Preliminary figures show that we netted ~$8700.  This event also allowed many visitors to come and see our beloved church.  We look forward to planning the next event not only to include our delicious food, but Greek music, dancing, culture and more.  Opa!

Now that we are gathering after Liturgy, we invite everyone to offer snacks or refreshments after Liturgy.

What is needed?

• bring snacks or refreshments for 40-50 persons,  pre-wrapped or pre-plated is not essential, but makes distribution and clean up easier
• help will be available to wrap or set out what you offer
• paper goods, coffee, and sugar will be provided
• help will be available to make the coffee

How to sign up? it’s easy no need to enter any personal information

• go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aeac2ba0fec25-coffee 
• click on the blue box that says SIGN UP, then on the brown box at the bottom of the screen that says SUBMIT AND SIGN UP
• it will take you to the next screen, that says SIGN ME UP, and click on SIGN UP NOW
• any questions or need help, contact Carmela ctardo@gmail.com

Thank you from the Parish Council

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SERVICE/EVENT SCHEDULE (Sunday Orthros 9am, Divine Liturgy 10am)

July

4          Independence Day

12          Parish Council 

Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy-Laity

Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, SC - St. Stephen Camp II

Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, SC - St. Stephen Camp III

Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, SC - St. Stephen Camp IV

Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, SC - St. Stephen Camp V*

August

1-14     Dormition Fast

6          Transfiguration of Our Lord

15         Dormition of the Theotokos

15        Philoptochos Nameday Luncheon

16        Parish Council 

29        Beheading of St. John the Baptist (strict fast)

Stewardship Drive planning TBA

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On-Line Giving:  Click “Donate Now” on our Church’s web page www.HolyTrinityGOC.com to make a gift. Giving categories – stewardship, memorials, etc. – have been set up to allow giving to specific funds.

Our “Light a Candle & Say a Prayer” ministry lets you to light a candle during divine services on-line.  Your request will be forwarded to a Council member in the Narthex to light your candle.  Also, if you wish to provide names of loved ones to be prayed for, those will be provided to Fr. Maximos. Give via credit card, PayPal, or set up recurrent giving through your bank.  Please be sure a specific notation (ex: stewardship) is included for each transaction. 

Giving by Check:  When contributing by check, the notation on the memo line allows us to identify your intentions (i.e. stewardship, candles, trays, memorials, etc.).

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Ministry Needed - Parish Webmaster and FaceBook:  We are searching for someone who may have the talent and desire to post news onto the church website and Facebook pages.  This may be a once or twice a week activity.  If you have the talent and wish to give of your time in this way, please let the church office know.  This is a very important and needful ministry for the life of our Parish.

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Contact Information:  Please call (904 829-0504) or email (holy3goc@gmail.com) Nelda to update your contact information.  Also, if you know of anyone who doesn’t receive parish emails but would like to, please encourage them to contact the parish office with their contact information.

Announcements:

• If you have a request for a special service such as a memorial, please email the church office at holy3goc@gmail.com or call 904 829-0504 (if you do not have access to email) in advance of requested date with details.

• If you would like any of the following, please contact Fr. Maximos via email at fathermaximusa7@gmail.com  or text him at 347 500-8176: 
• To receive a phone message from Father Maximos about services, special events or other subjects.
• To arrange an appointment for a House Blessing.
• To offer Holy Communion to someone in need at a hospital, nursing home, in hospice care, or at home.       

•  The normal deadline for the Church bulletin e-mail articles is before 12pm on Wednesday weekly.
• Office administrator will be out of the office on July 1 & 2 (daughter's wedding).

If you want your announcements on the master calendar, please remember to e-mail them to the office at holy3goc@gmail.com (please note if the article/announcement is recurring or one time).