Ποιος θα μπορέσει να μας χωρίσει από τον Χριστό

Ο Απόστολος Παύλος κυριευμένος από την αγάπη του προς τον Θεό λέει  ότι μετά από όσα έχει περάσει έχει πειστεί ότι τίποτα δεν μπορεί να τον χωρίσει από τον Θεό. Χρησιμοποιεί εικόνες από την φύση για να περιγράψει καταστάσεις της ζωής.

Στην επιστολή προς Ρωμαίους λέει: Ούτε ύψωμα ούτε βάθος ούτε κάποια άλλη κτίση, θα μπορέσει να μας χωρίσει από την αγάπη του Θεού. Με άλλα λόγια,  Ούτε οι ένδοξες επιτυχίες που υψώνουν τον άνθρωπο πολύ, ούτε οι άδοξες ταπεινώσεις που τον καταρρίπτουν σε μεγάλα βάθη, ούτε οποιαδήποτε άλλη κτίση διαφορετική από αυτή που βλέπουμε, θα μπορέσει να μας χωρίσει και να μας απομακρύνει από την αγάπη, την οποία μας έδειξε ο Θεός δια μέσου του Ιησού Χριστού του Κυρίου μας. Τίποτα δηλαδή δεν μπορεί να μας χωρίσει από τον Χριστό.

Δέκα αιώνες αργότερα, ο Άγιος Συμεών ο Νέος Θεολόγος ζώντας μέσα στο φως του Χριστού και εκφράζοντας το βίωμα του Αποστόλου Παύλου και όλης της Εκκλησίας γράφει. “Ας εξαφανιστεί Ήλιος και το Φεγγάρι. Ας εκλείψουν όλα και ας μείνω μόνος με τον Θεό.”

Σήμερα υπάρχουν χιλιάδες πράγματα τα οποία στέκονται μπροστά μας σαν τοίχος που εμποδίζει να επικοινωνήσουμε με τον Θεό. Οι χαρές, οι λύπες, οι ευκαιρίες που μας παρουσιάζονται να απολαύσουμε κάποια αγαθά της ζωής. Όλα κάνουν τον άνθρωπο να νομίσει ότι αυτά είναι κάτι το μοναδικό, ανεπανάληπτο, και ότι δεν πρέπει να το χάσει. Στην Παραβολή του Δείπνου, οι προσκεκλημένοι, βρίσκουν δικαιολογίες για να μη συμμετάσχουν στο δείπνο. 

Για τον άνθρωπο που αγαπάει έναν δικό του ή κάτι που έχει ως πρώτη προτεραιότητα, τίποτα δεν μπορεί είναι ικανό να εμποδίσει την επικοινωνία μαζί του. Η αγάπη προς τον Θεό ας είναι οδηγός μας στη σχέση με Αυτόν.

Who shall separate us from Christ?

The Apostle Paul, possessed by his love for God, says that after what he had gone through, he is convinced that nothing can separate him from God. He uses images from nature to describe life situations.

In the epistle to the Romans he says: Neither height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from the love of God. In other words, neither the glorious successes that elevate man so much, nor the inglorious humiliations that bring him down to great depths, nor any other creation other than the one we see, will be able to separate us and take us away from the love, which God showed us through Jesus Christ our Lord. That is, nothing can separate us from Christ.

Ten centuries later, Saint Symeon the New Theologian living in the light of Christ and expressing the experience of the Apostle Paul and the whole Church writes: "Let the Sun and the Moon disappear. Let everything vanish and let me be alone with God. ”

Today there are thousands of things that stand in front of us like a wall that prevents us from communicating with God. The joys, the sorrows, the opportunities presented to us to enjoy some goods of life. Everything makes a person think that these are something unique, unrepeatable, and that he should not miss them. In the Parable of the Supper, the guests find excuses not to participate in the supper.

For the person who loves his own or something that has as his first priority, nothing can be able to prevent communication with him. Let love for God be our guide in our relationship with Him.

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

Zoom with Michael Colburn:  On October 10th at 3 PM Pacific, 6 PM Eastern, join Michael Colburn for “The Liturgy in Every Tongue” Zoom meeting.  He will demonstrate Doxa, the next generation liturgical software, talk about plans for liturgical translation in east Africa, and answer questions from participants.  Click here:  Meeting Link  (Meeting ID: 863 6102 8989; Passcode: 014962)

November 7th, 2021 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).

November 7th, 2021, Archangel Michael Honoree Sunday. Upon the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday November 7th, the priest will bestow the Medal upon the neck of each honoree and hand them their Certificate, congratulating them on behalf of the Metropolitan. The Metropolis hopes that each parish will offer a coffee fellowship for the honorees. Following the day's events, we welcome commemorative photos for the Metropolis website.

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, 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.

While yet gaining strength, Maria Toscas (Margo’s Mother/Niko’s YiaYia) extends gratitude for prayers of recovery from the successful Whipple procedure in order to  stop the spread of pancreatic cancer.  Please also pray for Alice (her Mother-in-law/Niko’s Sitho), who has begun treatments due to newly discovered breast cancer. 

Stewardship:  

Stewardship is an important part of our future as a family of faith. It is also a spiritual growth opportunity grounded in God's provision for all our needs.

Please review the year-to-date stewardship contribution statements you recently received, recognizing that you are helping achieve our financial goals for the year.  If you have not already done so, it is never too late to offer stewardship contributions as a reflection of your support for this parish.

To all our Stewards, thank you for your involvement and your financial support.

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.

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

Volunteers Needed:  We will need all your help for the Friday and Saturday To-Go Fest.  Go to the Sign-Up Genius to see how you can help, or simply show up on Friday, October 8th and Saturday October 9th and offer your help.  Everyone is welcome!

Greek Fest To-Go October 8 and 9th:   ORDER GREEK FEST TO-GO FOODS ONLINE AT:  staugustinegreekfest.com.   PICK UP OCT. 8TH  3 PM TO 7 PM AND 9TH 11 AM TO 7 PM AT HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH.

COFFEE HOUR DATES AVAILABLE 

We are in need of parishioners to offer Coffee Hour on these upcoming dates:

• October 10, 17, 24
• November 7, 21, 28

What to bring?

• refreshments for 30-35 persons,  pre-wrapped or pre-plated makes clean up easier
• paper goods, coffee, and condiments provided
• help will be available to make the coffee

How to sign up?

• go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aeac2ba0fec25-coffee 
• click the blue box that says SIGN UP, then the brown box at the bottom of the page that says SUBMIT AND SIGN UP
• it will take you to the next screen, click on SIGN UP NOW

Questions ? don’t want to sign up online?

• contact Carmela ctardo@gmail.com or 904 687-5433

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

October 2021

8-9          Greek Fest To Go

10           Zoom with Michael Colburn at 3pm (“The Liturgy in Every Tongue”)

12-15       National Clergy Retreat, Naples, FL

18            St. Photios Shrine – Paraklesis - 12:30pm

18           Parish Council (3rd Monday)

25            St. Demetrios, Daytona Beach, FL - Feast DayVespers

26            St. Demetrios

26            St. Demetrios, Daytona Beach, FL - Feast Day Liturgy

31            Harvest Glendi Sunday, October 31, 2021 - Following Sunday School at HTGOC

November 2021

5-7            Holy Trinity, Orlando, FL - Greek Festival

6-7            St. John the Divine, Jacksonville, FL - Greek Festival

7               Fall General Assembly

7              Daylight Savings Time ends

8              Archangel Michael & Gabriel 

11-14        St. Demetrios, Daytona Beach

13-14        Atlanta Cathedral - Archangel Michael Feast & Honors Weekend

15            Advent fast begins

15            St. Photios Shrine - Paraklesis - 12:30pm

15            Parish Council (3rd Monday)

21            Presentation of the Theotokos

23             District Clergy Meeting (Zoom) - 11am

24             St. Katherine, Melbourne - Feast Day Vespers

25             St. Katherine, Melbourne - Feast Day Liturgy

26            Thanksgiving Day

29            Small Vespers w/potlock - 6pm

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.).

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.

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.

 WEEKLY PHOTO

 St. Augustine, Florida by Fr. Maximos

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=621304985915098&set=a.300859171293016