Άγιοι Φώτιος και Ιγνάτιος, Μια ιδιαιτερότητα

Μελετώντας την ζωή των δύο Αγίων, Πατριαρχών Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, διαπιστώνει ότι οι δυο Άγιοι έζησαν περίπου την ίδια περίοδο. Βρέθηκαν στην δίνη εκκλησιαστικών και Πολιτικών αντιπαραθέσεων. Οι συγκρουόμενες Πολιτικές παρατάξεις ανέβαζαν στον Πατριαρχικό θρόνο εναλλάξ τον έναν Άγιοι τον οποίο στη συνέχεια απομάκρυναν για να τοποθετήσουν τον άλλο.

Αρχικά έγινε Πατριάρχης ο Ιγνάτιος ο οποίος συγκρούστηκε με τον Αυτοκράτορα Βάρδα. Αυτό είχε ως αποτέλεσμα ο Αυτοκράτορας να κατεβάσει από τον θρόνο τον Ιγνάτιο και να τοποθετήσει τον Φώτιο. Ο Φώτιος δέχθηκε την επιλογή μετά από πολλές πιέσεις και αφού έκρινε ότι αυτό ήταν το συμφέρον της Εκκλησίας.  Μετά από μια δεκαετία, ο νέος Αυτοκράτορας εξόρισε τον Φώτιο και τοποθέτησε ως Πατριάρχη, τον Ιγνάτιο. Ο Ιγνάτιος παρέμεινε στο θρόνο δέκα χρόνια και αναπαύθηκε. Τότε ήταν η σειρά του Φωτίου να γίνει Πατριάρχης. Μετά από οκτώ χρόνια ο επόμενος Αυτοκράτορας έπαυσε τον Φώτιο ο οποίος έζησε το υπόλοιπο της ζωής του σε ένα μικρό νησί κοντά στην Χαλκηδόνα.

Αυτή η αναταραχή στην Πολιτική και Εκκλησιαστική ζωή της Βυζαντινής Αυτοκρατορίας δεν εμπόδισε τους δύο άντρες όχι μόνο να είναι στενοί φίλοι και ο ένας να ενισχύει τον άλλο, αλλά και να αγιάσουν. Εάν αφεθούμε στην Πρόνοια του Θεού, καμιά αναταραχή δεν μπορεί να επηρεάσει την Πνευματική μας κατάσταση. Ο στόχος της ζωής των δυο Αγίων δεν ήταν οι υψηλές θέσεις. Ήταν απλώς η διακονία και η υπακοή στο Θείο θέλημα. Γι’ αυτό και η η ειρήνη ποτέ δεν εγκατέλειψε την καρδιά τους.  Ας μιμηθούμε το παράδειγμά τους ώστε η ειρήνη να βασιλεύει στην ψυχή μας.

 

Saints Photios and Ignatius, a uniqueness

When studying the life of the two Saints, Patriarchs of Constantinople, one finds that the two Saints lived around the same time. They found themselves in the vortex of ecclesiastical and political controversies. The conflicting political factions elevated one Saints to the Patriarchal throne, who were then removed to replace the other.

Ignatius first became Patriarch and clashed with Emperor Bardas. As a result, the Emperor removed Ignatius from the throne and installed Photios. Photios accepted the choice after much pressure and after judging that this was in the interest of the Church. A decade later, the new Emperor exiled Photius and installed Ignatius as Patriarch. Ignatius remained on the throne for ten years and rested. Then it was Photios's turn to become Patriarch. After eight years the next Emperor put an end to Photios who lived the rest of his life on a small island near Chalcedon.

This turmoil in the Political and Ecclesiastical life of the Byzantine Empire did not prevent the two men not only from being close friends and from strengthening each other, but also from both sanctifying. If we are left to the Providence of God, no disturbance can affect our Spiritual state. The goal of the life of the two Saints was not high positions. It was simply the ministry and obedience to the Divine will. That is why peace has never left their hearts. Let us imitate their example so that peace reigns in our soul.

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 - David Kingwell, son-in-law of Jim and Judie Pappas, who is receiving treatment for cancer; prayers for the family and friends of Mikae Gaetanos who fell asleep in the Lord on Dec. 1st; Chris Bersu; Michael and Ingrid Fotianos; Ruza Basimamovic; Chresanthe Lemieux; Zoe Kauttu; Maryann Bolt; James Day; Fr. Nikitas and Pres. Mary Theodosion; His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos; Margaret, James, Kyriake; Joseph, Alex Aclim; Jane Anderson; Gwen H.; Thanos Nikolopoulos;  prayers for Irene Hastalis who fell asleep in the Lord.  Remember also our missionary families: Fr. Stephanos, Pr. Alexandria, Moses & Athan Ritsi serving in Albania.

 "Our Church, Our Spiritual Home"

Only half of the 2021-22 Stewards have responded to our request for confirmation of their contact information for the church membership directory.  Please, if the information is correct, simply reply OK to the church office.

For those who have not yet made a 2022 stewardship pledge, please prayerfully consider the role each of us plays in sustaining our parish.  Your regular contribution, in any amount, truly makes a difference!

ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT HTGOC

Aristidis Kovaci, who painted our Pantocrator and Platytera, will offer a workshop at our church for persons interested in learning to paint an icon. Over the course of 5 days, participants will complete a full-sized icon on a wood panel, as they learn about the artistic aspects and visual language of iconography. For more about Aristidis, visit his website www.kovaciart.com, and “like” him on Facebook to see more of his work.  For more information about the workshop, please email Carmela at ctardo@gmail.com and leave your phone number and the best time to call you.

Sunday School News:

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.

On Sunday February 6, the Philoptochos  will pass a tray to benefit Saint Photios National Shrine.  All Philoptochos chapters pass this tray in the month of February.  Donations are pooled together by the National Philoptochos Organization for the Shrine.

On Sunday. February 13th after Liturgy, the Philoptochos and Outreach Committee will sponsor the Souper Bowl of Caring event.  Plan on sampling a variety of homemade soups.  Donations will be collected and will benefit the I.O.C.C.  if you would like to donate a pot of soup for the event, please contact Irene at iperge45@gmail.com or Toula at zotost@gmail.com.

The Book of Hebrews - Monday Night Bible Study:

The adult Bible Study occurs each Monday from 8 to 9 PM online through Zoom.  Starting February 7, we are studying the Book of Hebrews, from which are taken the weekday epistle readings for Lent. Hebrews presents Our Lord Jesus Christ as our High Priest in Heaven, in fulfillment of the Jewish law, and encourages us to persevere in our faith in the face of difficulties.

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.

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

ALL FEBRUARY AND MARCH DATES AVAILABLE.

What to bring?

• refreshments for 30-35 persons, pre-wrapped or pre-plated makes clean up easier
• paper goods, coffee, and condiments provided
• help 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 (Sundays Orthros 9am, Divine Liturgy 10am)

February

5-6       St. Photios Orthodox National Shrine Pilgrimage

6          Philoptochos  will pass a tray to benefit Saint Photios National Shrine.

13        1-year memorial offered by Paul & Gigi Ray for Maria Grammas Eugenis, mother of Gigi and Constantine Fifles, uncle of Gigi.  May their memory be eternal.

13        Triodion begins

13        Souper Bowl of Caring

20        Memorial offered by  Dianna Christakos for her  family members - George Christakos, Mathew & Demetra Yalouris, James Yalouris and Anastasia Predaris.  May their memory be eternal.

21        Parish Council (3rd Monday) 6:30 p.m.

            St. Photios Shrine - Paraklesis - 12:30pm

26        1st Saturday of Souls - 9am Orthros/10am Liturgy

26        Herera/Varley Wedding Rehearsal 4pm

27        Meatfare Sunday

27        Herera/Varley Wedding 3pm

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.).

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:

• NOTE:  If you would like Faye Peterson or Angela Lekos to prepare the Koliva for a memorial, remember there is a fee, usually $100 for the the time, supplies, etc. for the preparation.

• 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.

• Office Admin will be out of the office on Friday, Feb 11th and Monday, Feb. 14th.

Join OCMC as a Missionary Department Administrative Assistant

OCMC is looking for someone to join our organization in St. Augustine, Florida as a Missionary Department Administrative Assistant. The position includes interfacing with missionary applicants, candidates, and missionaries in the field. We are searching for someone who can work in a detailed and organized manner, who has experience with Microsoft Excel and reporting systems, and has an interest in the mission work of the Church. If you're interested, please contact Dn. James Nicholas at djames@ocmc.org.

AGES Initiatives: is now a part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America!

The GOA Digital Chant Stand provides resources intended to enhance the worship experience of the Orthodox faithful with easily accessible service texts and musical scores. The web address has changed to https://dcs.goarch.org/goa/dcs/dcs.html. Use this site to access texts and music for Orthros, Divine Liturgy, and other services on your electronic device.

Weekly Photo:
Πάντα εν σοφία εποίησας/In wisdom you have made them all. (Psalms 104:24)

https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityGOC/photos/5154191887959080