Ο ληστής στο Σταυρό

 Η σημερινή ημέρα ονομάζεται Κυριακή προ της Υψώσεως επειδή προηγείται της εορτής της Ύψωσης του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Με αφορμή την ερχόμενη εορτή, θα μιλήσουμε για ένα προβληματισμό που συχνά αναφύεται, ειδικά όταν έχουμε ενώπιόν μας κάτι δυσάρεστο, προσωπικό ή συλλογικό. Σε τέτοιες περιπτώσεις συχνά λέγεται: “Πώς το επιτρέπει αυτό ο Θεός;” Σα να αμφιβάλλουμε για την Παντοδυναμία ή την Φιλανθρωπία του Θεού. Αυτό θυμίζει την αντίδραση του ενός από τους δύο ληστές κατά την Σταύρωση του Κυρίου. “Εάν είσαι συ ο Χριστός, σώσαι τον εαυτό σου και εμάς”. Είχε χάσει κάθε ελπίδα. Δεν περίμενε τίποτα ούτε και από τον Χριστό. Και ο άλλος ληστής επίσης δεν είχε καμιά ελπίδα, δεν περίμενε τίποτα από τους ανθρώπους και από αυτή τη ζωή. Αυτό έλεγε η λογική κάθε ανθρώπου. Αυτός όμως έκανε την υπέρβαση. Πίστεψε ότι ο σταυρωμένος άνθρωπος δίπλα του είναι αναμάρτητος σε αντίθεση με τον ίδιο. Έτσι, ομολογεί: “Και ημείς μεν δικαίως· άξια γαρ ων επράξαμεν απολαμβάνομεν· ούτος δε ουδέν άτοπον έπραξεν.” Σήμερα ο άνθρωπος συνήθως διαμαρτύρεται και λέει: “Γιατί υποφέρω; Τι κακό έκανα; Γιατί συμβαίνει αυτό το κακό στην ανθρωπότητα; ποιος φταίει; Γιατί ο Θεός επιτρέπει αυτό το κακό; ” Φυσικά είναι πολύ λίγοι που έχουν κάνει όσα έκανε ο ληστής. Όμοια όμως είναι λίγοι αυτοί που αναγνωρίζουν τα λάθη τους με την ειλικρίνεια του ληστή ή του Τελώνη της Παραβολής. Ο ειλικρινής ληστής, με καθαρά τα μάτια της ψυχής βλέπει αυτό που δεν μπορεί να δει κανένας άλλος. Βλέπει ότι ο Κύριος έχει να του προσφέρει αυτό που κανείς δεν μπορεί. Αυτό είναι η συμμετοχή στην μέλλουσα ζωή, την βασιλεία των ουρανών. Αυτό είναι το μόνο που τον ενδιαφέρει. Ο ένας θέλει να λύσει το πρόβλημά του, να γλιτώσει από το βάσανο, να σώσει τη ζωή του. Ο άλλος, σαν να μην υπάρχει άλλο πρόβλημα και άλλος στόχος, παρά μόνο η αιώνια ζωή. Τώρα, αυτό είναι ο θησαυρός του. Αυτό είναι που ζητάει από τον Κύριο.

Αυτό, αγαπητοί μου αδελφοί, είναι που περιμένει από εμάς ο Θεός. Ακόμα και στην πλέον δύσκολη στιγμή να πούμε ότι ξέρει ο Θεός γιατί παραχωρεί το κάθε πρόβλημα. Ας δούμε το οποιοδήποτε κακό που μας συμβαίνει ως ευκαιρία να ζητήσουμε συγγνώμη από τον Θεό. Με μετάνοια να πούμε το “Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε” ώστε να γίνουμε και εμείς, μαζί με τον ληστή, συμμέτοχοι στην υπόσχεσή Του: “..Μετ’ εμού έση εν τω Παραδείσω.”

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The robber on the Cross

The day today is called the Sunday before Exaltation because it precedes the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. On the occasion of the coming holiday, we will talk about a concern that often arises, especially when we have before us something unpleasant, personal or collective. In such cases it is often said, "How does God allow this?" As if doubting the Almighty or the love for mankind of God. This is reminiscent of the reaction of one of the two robbers at the Crucifixion of the Lord. “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us! ” He had lost all hope. He did not expect anything neither from Christ . And the other robber too had no hope, he did not expect anything from people and from this life. This is what the logic of every human being said. But he overdid it. He believed that the crucified man next to him was sinless in contrast to himself. Thus, he confesses: “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds. But this Man has done nothing amiss.” Today people usually protest and say: “Why do I suffer? What did I do wrong? What sin did I commit? Why is this evil happening to humanity? Who is to blame? Why does God allow this evil? "Of course there are very few who have done what the robber did. However, there are few who acknowledge their mistakes with the sincerity of the robber or of the Tax Collector of the Parable. The sincere robber, with the eyes of the soul clear, sees what no one else can see. He sees that the Lord can offer him what no one can. This is participation in the life to come, the kingdom of heaven. That's all he cares about. The one robber wants to solve his problem, to escape from suffering, to save his life. The other one, as if there is no other problem and no other goal, but eternal life. Now, this is his treasure. This is what he asks of the Lord.

This is, my dear brethren, what God expects of us. Even in the most difficult moment to say that God knows why He allows every problem. Let us look at any evil that happens to us as an opportunity to apologize to God. With repentance let us say "Remember me o Lord" so that, together with the robber, we become partakers of His promise: "..you will be with me in Paradise."

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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.

September 12th  Memorial: Six Year Memorial for Michael Lekos, husband of Anna Lekos and father of Andrew Lekos. Koliva is offered by the Lekos family.

Vasiliko Donations Needed for the Feast of the Holy Cross:  We need Vasiliko (sweet basil) for the services of the Holy Cross.  Please bring your donation on Sunday, September 12 so that the tray can be prepared for services on September 14.  There will be vases it in the Narthex for your Vasiliko donation.  Ecclesiastical Services will be held on Tuesday, September 14 (Orthros 9am, Divine Liturgy 10am).

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May We Never Forget:  Twenty years ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights; 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning; 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift; 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol; 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift of saving lives.  None of them saw past 10:00am on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.  In one single moment, life would never be the same. As we remember our own Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church destroyed on that horrific morning, we beseech our Lord to grant eternal rest to both those who perished on that day and to the many rescue workers who have died since trying to help others. Memory Eternal and...may we never forget.

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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.

Greece Fires Relief Update:  The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announced on August 24 that, following the launch of the Greece Fires Relief Fund, more than $750,000 has been raised to provide support and long-term assistance in the aftermath of the devastating fires.  More than $300,000 has been collected from individuals and parishes, including the online fundraising efforts.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros commented, “These past weeks have been filled with sorrow and pain as we have watched the fires in Greece consume so much of our beloved Motherland, and yet at the same time, the faithful of the Archdiocese have responded in an overwhelming measure. Today, as we are made aware of our current fundraising efforts, I call upon the entire Omogenia, the faithful, the parishes, the Philoptochos chapters, the youth groups, the schools, the regional federations and all our brothers and sisters to continue donating whatever you can, to help us reach at least $1 million, so that we can offer impactful assistance.”

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Stewardship:  "Let us continue to gather and worship, for as we come together as one, we will empower one another with faith, trust and strength to build our community and our church, all for the glory of God." (Nick Lekas)  As committed stewards, we offer ourselves and our resources to the Church, His Body on earth.

Sunday School News:  Classes are in session.  Join us this week.  St. Paul writes: "Fathers [parents], bring them [your children] up with the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) Our goal is that Holy Trinity Sunday School be an encouragement to your child's spiritual life and growth and a supplement to what you as a parent are trying to accomplish at home as you educate your child in the Faith, "bringing them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.”

For parents and students that may prefer a zoom alternative, please contact Presbytera Renee Ritsi at 904 377-2591.

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)

Sept

8         Nativity of the Theotokos

11       9/11 Twenty years ago

12       Six Year Memorial for Michael Lekos, husband of Anna Lekos and father of Andrew Lekos.

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

19       Philoptochos meeting after 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.

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.

• 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 (who returns from vacation on September 13th) 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.