Όρκοι και Τάματα

Σήμερα είναι η Εκκλησία τιμά τη μνήμη της αποτομής της κεφαλής του Τιμίου Προδρόμου, με άλλα λόγια εορτάζει το μαρτύριό του. Όπως γνωρίζουμε, ο Ηρώδης έδωσε υπόσχεση με όρκο μπροστά στους φίλους του ότι θα εκπληρώσει όποια χάρη θα του ζητήσει η κόρη του. Η χάρη ήταν ο αποκεφαλισμός του Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου. Αυτό ήταν κάτι που ο Ηρώδης δεν ήθελε αλλά η δέσμευση που είχε αναλάβει μπροστά στους φίλους του, τον υποχρέωσε να τηρήσει την υπόσχεσή του.

Με αφορμή το γεγονός αυτό θα ήταν καλό να κάνουμε κάποιες επισημάνσεις: 

Ο Απόστολος Ιάκωβος στην Καθολική του επιστολή τονίζει: 

Προ πάντων δε, αδελφοί μου, μην ορκίζεσθε ούτε εις τον ουρανόν, ούτε εις την γην, ούτε κανένα άλλον όρκον. Ας είναι δε το ναί, που λέγετε, πραγματικό ναι· και το όχι σας πραγματικόν όχι, διά να μη εμπέσητε εις υποκρισίαν και ψευδολογίαν. 

Με τα παραπάνω διδάσκει να μην κάνουμε ούτε αυτό που λέγεται όρκους βαρείς ούτε ελαφρείς. Έτσι δεν θα κατακριθούμε ούτε θα πέσουμε στο αμάρτημα της ψευδορκίας αν τυχόν δεν ανταποκριθούμε στην υπόσχεση που δίνουμε. 

Μήπως με αυτό τον τρόπο επιτρέπει να λέμε ψέματα, ακόμα και μικρά; Υπάρχουν κάποιοι που θεωρούν ότι μπορούν να λένε μικρά ψέματα, όταν δεν βλάπτουν άλλους, και τα ονομάζουν λευκά. Ο Απόστολος Ιάκωβος είναι πολύ σαφής: Το “ναι” και το “όχι” σας να είναι αληθινά και να αρκείστε σε αυτά χωρίς να χρειάζεστε όρκους για να πείσετε ή να πειστείτε. Είναι ασέβεια όταν στις καθημερινές μας υποθέσεις ορκιζόμαστε στον Θεό.

Επίσης, πολλές φορές οι άνθρωποι, όταν βρίσκονται σε δύσκολη θέση κάνουν ένα τάμα και το βλέπουν σαν μια μορφή συμφωνίας και συναλλαγής με τον Θεό, την Παναγία ή τους Αγίους. Έτσι, υπόσχονται κάτι, ή κάνουν μια πράξη θεωρώντας ότι ο Θεός ή οι Άγιοι δέχονται αυτή την μονομερή συμφωνία. Αυτό είναι λάθος. Γιατί ούτε τα υλικά μας αγαθά χρειάζονται οι Άγιοι, ούτε περιμένουν να τους τάξουμε, για να ακούσουν τις προσευχές μας. Καταφεύγουμε στον Θεό με πίστη, ταπείνωση και με εμπιστοσύνη ότι θα μας δώσει αυτό που χρειαζόμαστε για την παρούσα αλλά και την μέλλουσα ζωή. Η αφιέρωση του εαυτού μας στο Χριστό και ο πνευματικός αγώνας είναι το καλύτερο τάμα. 

 Dedicated Pledges

Today the Church honors the memory of the beheading of St. John the Forerunner, in other words we honor his martyrdom. As we know, Herod made a vow in front of his friends that he would fulfill whatever favor his daughter would ask for. The beheading of John the Baptist was the favor she asked. This was something that Herod did not want but the commitment he had made in front of his friends, forced him to keep his promise.

On this occasion it would be good to make some remarks:

Apostle James in his Catholic Epistle emphasizes:

“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. ”

With the above he teaches us not to do either what is called heavy or light vows. That way we will not be criticized or fall into the sin of perjury if we do not live up to our promise.

Does this allow us to lie, even small lies? There are some people who think that they can tell small lies when these lies do not harm others, and call them white lies. The Apostle James is very clear: Let your "yes" and your "no" be true and be content with them without needing vows to persuade or be convinced. It is disrespectful when in our daily affairs we swear to God.

Also, many times people, when they are in a difficult position, make a dedicated pledge with vow and consider it as a form of agreement and transaction with God, the Virgin Mary or the Saints. Thus, they promise something, or do an act believing that God or the Saints accept this unilateral agreement. This is incorrect. Because the Saints do not need our material goods, nor do they wait for us to make a promise to them, so that they can hear our prayers. We turn to God with faith, humility and confidence that He will give us what we need for this life and the life to come. Dedication of ourselves to Christ and the spiritual struggle is the best pledge.

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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 August 19, 2021, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta wrote: "it is important to consider that late last week, the CDC published its latest guidelines which reads: “Use masks to slow the spread of COVID-19 in which they state that masks should be worn by those, “including children older than 2, who are not fully vaccinated [and] fully vaccinated people with weakened immune systems.”  Finally, the CDC writes “To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, fully vaccinated people should wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."

By the direction of our Metropolitan, we strongly encourage all parishioners to resume wearing masks to slow the spread of the Delta variant.

Please see complete letter in ANNOUNCEMENTS section.

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, Michael and Ingrid Fotianos, Bill Duddy-ankle, Susan Stone - surgery, Margo Kelley's mother, Maria, Ruza Basimamovic, Mikae Gaetanos, 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,  Remember also our missionary families: Fr. Stephanos, Pr. Alexandria, Moses & Athan Ritsi serving in Albania. 

Saint Phanourios: The holy, glorious and right-victorious Great-martyr Phanourios is commemorated on August 27.  St. Phanourios is known for assisting the faithful in revealing lost objects, directing or revealing actions that should be taken, restoring health and similar situations.  He is honored by the faithful through a symbolic cake, called the "Phanouropita," which can be brought to the church, at any time, for a blessing.  All are invited to offer a Phanouropita in honor of St. Phanourios on Sunday, August 29.

 September Memorials:  September 5^th – One Year Memorial for Mary Spanos, mother of Gail Jones.

Philoptochos:  Thank you from the Philoptochos.  The Philoptochos would like to thank everyone who made the Kimisis luncheon a big success. This was the very first luncheon for our parish family since the onset of Covid., and we couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone.

• Thanks to our kitchen staff, Niko Kelley, Chris Burke, Theo Bersu, and Faith Castro for preparing and plating the chicken and rice, and the salad.
• Thanks to Pres. Renee for the lovely presentation about the Theotokos.
• Thanks to Philoptochos members who contributed the spanakopita, karitopita, cookies, watermelon, salad, rolls, and drinks.
• Thanks to everyone who helped serve and clean up afterward.
• Thanks to everyone who attended, and to everyone who made donations.

We will be able to continue our support to the Outreach committee and to groups and persons in need.  Thank you! Irene Pergeorelis, Philoptochos President

Fires in Greece Collection:  On August 15, 2021, parishioners generously donated $489 for relief of the catastrophic fires in Greece. The parish council voted to match that amount from our Outreach Reserve funds. The total contribution from our parish sent to the Archdiocese-IOCC combined relief fund was $978.

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:

Sunday School Registration began on  August 1.  Please print and fill in the Registration Form and bring it to Church on Sunday.  All kids should be registered.

“God does not begin by asking our ability, only our availability, and if we prove our dependability, He will increase our capability.” Neal Maxwell.  Are you available?  Holy Trinity Sunday School needs a few volunteers to assist with Sunday School this year.  We’re pretty sure if you are available, and prove our dependability, He will certainly help make you the best Sunday School Teacher imaginable.  Please contact Carman Gaetanos 904 540-0367 or Presbytera Renee Ritsi 904 377-2591.

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

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)

August:

27         Great-martyr Phanourios commemorated

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

29         All are invited to offer a Phanouropita in honor of St. Phanourios

Sept:

1          Ecclesiastical New Year

3          Rehearsal for Eddings/Harwood Destination Wedding 5:30 p.m.

4          Destination Wedding - Ariana Eddings & Katon Harwood 11 a.m. (Fr. Dimitrios Pappas officiating)

5         1 yr. Memorial for Mary Spanos, mother of Gail Jones (Fr. Michael Byars will conduct service

8         Nativity of the Theotokos

14       Exaltation of the Holy Cross - 9 a.m. Orthros/ 10 a.m. Liturgy

20       St. Photios Shrine - Paraklesis -12:30 p.m.

20       Parish Council Meeting (3rd Monday, monthly)

29       Small vespers with newcomers reception - 6 p.m.

Oct:

8-9     Greek Fest To Go

18      Parish Council (3rd Monday, monthly)

26      St. Demetrios

Giving:

• 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.

Please note that the office will be closed on Monday Aug 30th and Tuesday Aug 31 due to office admin personal leave.

Parish Announcements:  If you are not receiving your electronic church bulletin or notices ... or you know of someone who has not received theirs ... PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE DIRECTLY via email <holy3goc@gmail.com> with your correct email so it can be corrected on listserv.  Thank you.

Aug. 16 thru Sept. 13, Fr. Maximos is on vacation (Fr. Michael Byars will fill-in as parish priest).

• 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.

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).