Η σχέση με τον Θεό: Φόβος, συμφέρον, αγάπη

Αναρωτηθήκαμε ποτέ τι είναι αυτό που καθορίζει την σχέση μας με τον Θεό; Στην αρχαιότητα, και στα μετέπειτα χρόνια όπου υπήρχε η δουλεία, ο δούλος έβλεπε τον αφέντη του με φόβο. Αυτό τον έκαμνε να υπακούει και να φροντίζει να μη δυσαρεστεί τον αφέντη του. Υπάρχουν άνθρωποι που μένουν κοντά στον Θεό φοβούμενοι την κόλαση και όλα τα δεινά που τους περιμένουν. Είναι καλό αυτό; Όχι βέβαια, αλλά ο ατελής άνθρωπος ξεκινάει από αυτό. Ο Θεός, ακόμα και έτσι δέχεται τον άνθρωπο και περιμένει την εξέλιξή του.

Υπάρχουν επίσης άνθρωποι που βλέπουν τον Θεό όπως ο μισθωτός τον εργοδότη του. Ο εργάτης προσφέρει κάποια υπηρεσία γιατί περιμένει από τον εργοδότη ανταμοιβή. Με τον ίδιο τρόπο αυτοί προσπαθούν να είναι καλοί Χριστιανοί γιατί τους περιμένουν τα αιώνια αγαθά, η βασιλεία των Ουρανών.  Αυτό  είναι μια εξέλιξη γιατί η σχέση βασίζεται στην ελπίδα και την πίστη στην αιώνια ανταμοιβή αλλά συνδέεται με το συμφέρον, ακόμα και το πνευματικό.

Υπάρχουν τέλος χριστιανοί των οποίων η σχέση με τον Θεό καθορίζεται από την αγάπη τους σε Αυτόν. Όπως τα παιδιά που υπηρετούν τον πατέρα τους στο σπίτι, στα χωράφια, στη δουλειά. Τον υπηρετούν γιατί είναι ο πατέρας τους που τον αγαπούν και γνωρίζουν ότι και αυτός τα αγαπάει. Το κίνητρο για την εργασία δεν είναι ούτε ο φόβος, ούτε η αμοιβή αν και είναι σίγουρο ότι ο πατέρας θα τα ανταμείψει. Τα παιδιά όμως δουλεύουν γιατί αγαπούν τον πατέρα. Ο χριστιανός που βλέπει τον Θεό ως πατέρα δεν προσφέρει απλώς κάποιες υπηρεσίες, δίνει τον εαυτό του, όπως λέγεται στις Παροιμίες του Σολομώντα: «Υιέ μου δός μοι σήν καρδίαν». Αυτή είναι η τέλεια σχέση με τον Θεό, η οποία όμως συχνά ξεκινάει από τον φόβο. Ή, για να θυμηθούμε τον Αγ. Συμεών τον Νέο Θεολόγο: «Φόβος εν τη αγάπη ουχ ευρίσκεται ουδ' όλως, ουδέ πάλιν δίχα φόβου εν ψυχή καρποφορείται».

The relationship with God: Fear, benefit, love

Have we ever wondered what defines our relationship with God? In antiquity, and in later years where slavery existed, the slave viewed his master with fear. This made him obey and take care not to upset his master. There are people who live close to God in fear of hell and all the troubles that await them. Is this good? Of course not, but the imperfect man starts with that. God, even so, accepts man and awaits his evolution.

There are also people who see God as the worker sees his employer. The employee offers a service because he expects a reward from the employer. In the same way they strive to be good Christians because the eternal goods, the kingdom of Heaven, await them. This is an evolution because the relationship is based on hope and belief in eternal reward but is linked to benefit, even the spiritual one.

Finally, there are Christians whose relationship with God is determined by their love for Him. Like children serving their father at home, in the fields at work. They serve him because he is their father who they love and they know that he loves them too. Motivation for work is neither fear nor reward, although it is certain that the father will reward them. But the children work because they love the father. The Christian who sees God as a father does not just offer some services, he gives himself, as it is said in the Proverbs of Solomon: "My son, give me your heart". This is the perfect relationship with God, but it often starts with fear. Or, to remember St. Symeon the New Theologian: "Fear in love is not found at all, but it does not bloom in the soul without fear."

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

November Fall General Assembly Zoom Meeting:  Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will hold a scheduled Fall General Assembly Zoom meeting on November 7, 2021 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada).

Collection for St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church:  It is with great sadness that we learned that St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church in Jacksonville was involved in a fire on Monday morning and is a complete loss.  We ask that we all offer prayers that God gives the Clergy and parishioners strength, hope and peace during this difficult time.

To show our support to their community, we will be taking up a collection for them this coming Sunday, and also through our on-line donation portal. Please include St. Demiana in the memo line of your check or on-line donation.  The collection will be matched from our outreach funds as well.

Vespers and Potluck September 29:  Join us for a small Vespers and potluck reception on Wednesday, September 29^th, 6:00 PM.  We welcome each of you to reach out to your relatives, friends, and neighbors and joyfully invite them to experience worship and fellowship.  Bring a dish to share.  Please extend this invitation to all and we look forward to seeing you.

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.

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 Preparation:  Calling all hands!   The Greek Fest To-Go is only 3 weeks away! The more hands we have, the quicker we can prepare, clean up and be done.

Pork and chicken souvlaki will be prepared this week.

• We will cut the meat on Thursday, September 23^3rd at 6 p.m.
• Next, we will skewer at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 24th and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 25^th. 

Please plan to join us.  Any questions, please call Carman 904-540-0367.

ORDER GREEK FEST TO-GO FOODS 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.

• 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.