«Όστις θέλει οπίσω μου ακολουθείν…»

Στο Ευαγγελικό ανάγνωσμα της Κυριακής μετά την Ύψωση, ακούμε τον Κύριο που λέει στους ακροατές του: «Όστις θέλει οπίσω μου ακολουθείν, απαρνησάσθω εαυτόν και αράτω τον σταυρόν αυτού, και ακολουθείτω μοι». Όλοι, τουλάχιστον εμείς που ερχόμαστε στην Εκκλησία, είμαστε Χριστιανοί. Ακόμα και αρκετοί από αυτούς που δεν εκκλησιάζονται, εάν τους ρωτήσουμε θα απαντήσουν κατηγορηματικά ότι είναι Χριστιανοί. Αυτό ακούγεται όμορφα αφού η μεγάλη πλειοψηφία της κοινωνίας όπου ζούμε είναι Χριστιανοί. Για τον Χριστό όμως η Χριστιανική ιδιότητα εκδηλώνεται με συγκεκριμένες πράξεις. Είναι αυτό που φανερώνει η προηγούμενη προτροπή: «Όποιος θέλει να είναι μαθητής μου, όποιος θέλει να ονομάζεται Χριστιανός, καλείται να αρνηθεί, ή, καλύτερα, να απαρνείται καθημερινά  τον εαυτο του, να σηκώνει τον σταυρό που του έχει ορίσει ο Θεός, και να με ακολουθεί.»

Σήμερα πολλοί ερμηνεύουν κατά λανθασμένο τρόπο τα λόγια του Χριστού και σταματούν στην ελευθερία που δίνει ο Χριστός να Τον ακολουθήσουμε ή όχι. Ο Χριστός όμως δεν λέει αυτό. Λέει ότι αν αποφασίσουμε, ελεύθερα, να τον ακολουθήσουμε πρέπει να υπακούσουμε στη διδασκαλία Του σε κάθε πτυχή της ζωής μας. Αυτό ας μη το δούμε ως μια εντολή καταπίεσης και προτροπή ώστε ο άνθρωπος να αισθάνεται κάτω από δεσμά. Το αντίθετο, συχνά είναι ο συνεκτικός παράγοντας μιας ομαλής κοινωνικής ζωής.

Ο στοιχειώδης πυρήνας της κοινωνίας είναι η οικογένεια και από εκεί ξεκινάει η άσκηση των εντολών του Κυρίου. Βλέπουμε συχνά, νέους ανθρώπους με όλες τις προϋποθέσεις, θεωρητικά, για την αρμονική συμβίωση. Έχουν όλα τα εφόδια για να χτίσουν το μέλλον τους. Διαθέτουν μόρφωση, πνευματική καλλιέργεια, μικρή ή μεγάλη οικονομική άνεση και ό,τι άλλο φαντάζεται κανείς ότι χρειάζεται για να έχουν αυτό που λέμε “βίο ανθόσπαρτο”. Δυστυχώς όμως, υπάρχουν φορές όπου έρχεται η φουρτούνα και το ναυάγιο. Ποια είναι η αιτία του κακού; Ασφαλώς δεν μπορεί κανείς με μια λέξη να καλύψει όλες τις περιπτώσεις. Συχνά όμως πίσω από τέτοια προβλήματα βρίσκεται ο εγωισμός και η έλλειψη αυταπάρνησης. Η οικογενειακή ζωή δεν είναι μια δοσοληψία όπου κανείς προσφέρει ανάλογα με αυτό που περιμένει. Είναι μια διαρκής παραίτηση από το προσωπικό θέλημα. Οι άνθρωποι που έχουν συνειδητοποιήσει αυτή την αλήθεια, πραγματικά σηκώνουν τον Σταυρό του Κυρίου και γεύονται από αυτή τη ζωή τα αγαθά που τους περιμένουν στην άλλη δηλ. γαλήνη, την σωτηρία και τον αγιασμό.

 “Whosoever will come after Me”

In the Gospel reading, on Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we hear the Lord say to his hearers, "Let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." All of us, at least those of us who come to church, are Christians. Even many of those who do not attend church, if we ask them, will answer categorically that they are Christians. This sounds nice since the vast majority of the society where we live are Christians. For Christ, however, the Christian quality is manifested by specific actions. This is what the previous exhortation reveals: "Whoever wants to be my disciple, whoever wants to be called a Christian, is called to deny, or, better yet, to renounce himself daily, to carry the cross which God has assigned to him, and to follow me."

Many people today misinterpret the words of Christ and stop at the freedom that Christ gives us to follow Him or not. But Christ does not say that. He says that if we decide to follow Him, freely, we must obey His teaching in every aspect of our lives. Let us not see this as a oppression command  that urges man to feel in bondage. On the contrary, it is often the cohesive factor of a harmonious social life.

The elementary core of society is the family and from there begins the practice of the Lord's commands. We often see young people with all the conditions, in theory, for harmonious coexistence. They have all the supplies to build their future. They have education, spiritual cultivation, small or large financial comfort and everything else one imagines it takes to have what we call "live long and prosper". Unfortunately, there are times when the storm and the shipwreck come. What is the cause of evil? Of course, one cannot cover all cases in one word. But often behind such problems is selfishness and lack of self-denial. Family life is not a deal where one offers according to what he expects. It is a permanent resignation from the personal will. People who have realized this truth, really carry the Cross of the Lord and experience from this life the goods that await them in the other, namely peace, salvation and sanctification.

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."

In accordance with the wishes of our Metropolitan, we encourage all parishioners to resume wearing masks to slow the spread of the Delta variant.  Whether one chooses to wear a mask or not, all are welcome!

"...the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

Small Vespers and Newcomers Reception:  We are excited to announce a new family outreach event that we hope will be welcomed by all. Please join us in church for Small Vespers on Wednesday, September 29 at 6:00 pm.  This is an opportunity for all to come together to welcome all newcomers to our community as well as to share and fellowship with one another.  We will have a small Lenten potluck after vespers for all to gather around the table to ask questions, share ideas and to connect.  We hope this will become a monthly event as we continue into the new ecclesiastical year.

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.

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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.

Ecclesiastical Services will be held on Tuesday, September 14 (Orthros 9am, Divine Liturgy 10am).

Thursday Night Bible Study:  Starting September 30, the adult Bible Study occurs each Thursday from 8 to 9 PM online through Zoom.  The meeting can be accessed by going to https://classes.theColburns.us. Click on the menu item that says “Online”. You can also click on the name of the class to view videos of past sessions and bibliography information. The meeting passcode is 030927

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Greek Fest To-Go Cooking:  Calling all hands!   The Greek Fest To-Go is 4 weeks away! We will be cooking dolmathes this Friday and Saturday.  Please come and help as many hands will make this an easy task.  We will begin on Friday, September 17th @ 2:00 by prepping the grape leaves and making the meat filling. We will continue on Saturday, September 18th @ 10:00 by rolling and cooking all the grape leaves.  The more hands we have, the quicker we can get cleaned up and done.We will continue cooking on Friday, October 1st and Saturday, October 2nd by making the pastitsio and moussaka.  Please plan to join us.  Any questions, please call Carman 904-540-0367. ORDER ONLINE at staugustinegreekfest.com.   PICK UP OCT. 8TH AND 9TH AT HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH.

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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. (small Lenten potluck after vespers)

30       Thursday Night Bible Study 8 to 9 PM online through Zoom

Oct:

8-9     Greek Fest To Go  (Order on line now and pick up on Oct 8 & 9)

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.

• The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 20th, as the Admin. Assist. will be out of state.

• 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.