A Word from Fr. Maximos
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Περί Μετανοίας
Η Σαρακοστή είναι περίοδος αυτογνωσίας και μετανοίας. Θα ήταν χρήσιμο να πούμε λίγα λόγια για τη μετάνοια που είναι το κλειδί για τον Παράδεισο.
Για έναν έμπειρο γιατρό η διάγνωση ή ακόμα και η αντιμετώπιση κάποιων παθολογικών συμπτωμάτων δεν αρκεί. Αυτό που τον ενδιαφέρει είναι πρώτα να γίνει η διάγνωση της νόσου και μετά η θεραπεία. Κάπως έτσι συμβαίνει με την πνευματική ασθένεια, δηλαδή την αμαρτία. Η μετάνοια δεν είναι απλώς να αναγνωρίσουμε τα δικά μας λάθη ή κάποιες κακές πράξεις που συνειδητοποιούμε, μετανοούμε ή ομολογούμε.
Μετάνοια είναι, με αφορμή τυχόν κακές πράξεις, να δούμε όλο τον εαυτό μας και να αναγνωρίσουμε την εσωτερική κατάσταση που μας οδήγησε σε αυτές τις κακές πράξεις. Θα δούμε αυτή την κατάσταση όχι μόνο ως λογικά άτομα, ότι δεν κάναμε τις σωστές ενέργειες ή σκέψεις. Θα δούμε ότι αυτές οι ενέργειες μας απομάκρυναν από τον Θεό. Σε μια ανθρώπινη σχέση δεν αρκεί ένας από αυτούς να πει «δεν μίλησα ούτε έκανα σωστά». Αυτό που τον ενδιαφέρει είναι ότι η σχέση του έχει διαταραχθεί και ότι έχει πληγώσει το αγαπημένο του πρόσωπο και θέλει να κάνει ό,τι μπορεί για να επανορθώσει και να συμφιλιωθεί. Η σχέση μας με τον Θεό είναι σχέση αγάπης. Και με την ειλικρινή μετάνοια δίνεται η συγχώρεση, η σχέση αποκαθίσταται και ανοίγει ο δρόμος της σωτηρίας.
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On Repentance
Lent is a period of self-knowledge and repentance. It would be helpful to say a few words about repentance which is the key to Paradise.
For an experienced doctor diagnosis or even treatment of some pathological symptoms is not enough. What he is interested in is first to make the diagnosis of the disease, and then the treatment. Somehow this is the case with Spiritual illness, that is sin. Repentance is not just about acknowledging our own mistakes or some bad deeds that we realize, repent of, or confess.
Repentance is, on the occasion of any bad deeds, to see all of ourself and to identify the inner state that led us to these bad deeds. We will see this situation not just as a rational person, that we did not do the right actions or thoughts. We will see that these actions took us away from God. In a human relationship, it is not enough for one of them to say, "I did not speak or do right." What interests him is that his relationship has been disrupted and that he has hurt his loved one and he wants to do all he can to make amends and reconcile. Our relationship with God is a relationship of love. And with sincere repentance, forgiveness is given, the relationship is restored and the way of salvation is opened.
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Parish Council News:
The new Holy Trinity Church parish council and officers include Stephanie Danikas (secretary), Polly Hillier, Stephanos Kallas, Niko Kelley, Nick Lekas (president), Andrew Lekos (treasurer), Bill Lulias (vice-president), Kaliroi Parris and Toula Zotos. The parish council is a ministry and all those who serve are called to represent Christ and the Orthodox Faith. The council is responsible to the parish assembly for conducting all parish affairs in keeping with the mission, aims and purposes of the Church.
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 fell asleep in the Lord, prayers for the family and friends of Mikae Gaetanos; Chris Bersu; Michael and Ingrid Fotianos; Ruza Basimamovic; Chresanthe Lemieux; Zoe Kauttu; Maryann Bolt; James Day; Margaret, James, Kyriake; Joseph, Alex Aclim; Jane Anderson; Gwen H.; and Thanos Nikolopoulos. Remember also our missionary families: Fr. Stephanos, Pr. Alexandria, Moses & Athan Ritsi serving in Albania.
Congrats to Nick & Toni Lekas on their new grandson, Nathaniel Andreas Lekas born to Andreas and Elizabeth Lekas on March 9. God grant him many years!
"Our Church, Our Spiritual Home"
Orthodoxy recognizes that beauty is an important dimension of human life. The divine gifts of the material world are fashioned by human hands into an expression of beauty which glorifies the Creator. As stewards - caretakers - of our church, we ensure that our building is cared for and ready for all our activities, both spiritual and social.
Presanctified Liturgy & Potluck on Wednesdays during Lent:
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is a special liturgical service celebrated on Wednesdays during Lent. The word Presanctified refers to the consecrated gifts distributed to the faithful during the service. Join us Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, followed by potluck dinner. Bring your family and a dish to share.
Philoptochos Meeting - March 20th following Liturgy:
The next Philoptochos meeting will be Sunday, March 20th. All are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone at our March 27 Annunciation luncheon!
Dormition of the Theotokos Philoptochos Luncheon - March 27th
Our Philoptochos invites everyone to a delicious Lenten luncheon on Sunday, March 27, celebrating the Annunciation of the Theotokos and Greek Independence Day. In addition to commemorating these historic events, this luncheon is a fundraiser for our Philoptochos chapter. $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12. No advance ticket purchase is required.
Greek Dance Group Meeting March 27th:
"We are very excited about the Greek Festival in October !!!
If you would like to be a part of the dance group, there will be a short meeting on March 27th after the Annunciation luncheon. If you want to participate and cannot make it to the church on that day, send a text to Desi Andrioti at 305 647-9629 to confirm your participation, or for any questions.
Greek Festival:
The annual Greek Festival returns to Holy Trinity Church on October 7-9, 2022. Our popular festival will offer our delicious food, music, dance and on-site dining. Oct 7 will be a "Friday to go", for pre-orders only; Sat Oct 8, 11 am-8pm, and Sun Oct 9, the public is invited to participate in services with the festival continuing 12-4 pm.
Please join us for a Greek Festival meeting on Thursday, March 24 at 7pm. Opa!
Easter Eggs:
If you are available to help dye the eggs for Easter services, please contact Nelda in the church office at 904-829-0504. The eggs are dyed on Holy Thursday.
Sunday School News:
Sunday School - We are so thankful for the parents who have resumed bringing their children to Sunday School. We invite all families to join us on Sunday at the Divine Liturgy and to send your kids to Sunday School right after Holy Communion. Sunday School is in session! Presbytera Renee Ritsi at 904 377-2591.
Be inspired & offer inspiring, creative works for the Sunday of Orthodoxy!
Once again, all Parishioners, Families and, especially Children are encouraged to take part in the 2022 Holy Trinity St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival & Creative Arts Festival. Visit https://www.goarch.org/-/st-john-chrysostom-oratorical-festival to learn about this Archdiocesan Ministry. See Margo and visit the Creative Arts Table during Sunday's fellowship.
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://mcolburn.us.
Click on “Online”. There is also a link for the slides and videos of previous classes. The meeting passcode is 030927.
COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Check for Available Dates
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?
Questions? Don’t want to sign up online? If anyone had questions please reach out and email: holy3goc.hostess@gmail.com
If no access to email, contact Stefanie Burke at 904 671-4566.
SERVICE/EVENT SCHEDULE (Sundays Orthros 9am, Divine Liturgy 10am)
March
16 Presanctified - 6pm (Potluck every Wednesday for Lent)
18 Salutations - 6pm
20 Memorial offered by Stephanie Danikas for her grandparents, Andrew Danikas (passed 3/20/16) and
Sonia-Synodi Danika (passed 3/17/18) May their memory be eternal.
20 Philoptochos meeting
21 St. Photios Shrine - Great Compline - 12:30pm
21 Parish Council 6:30 pm
23 Presanctified - 6pm
24 Vespers - 6pm
24 Greek Festival meeting on at 7pm. Opa!
25 Annunciation, Greek Independence Day - 9am Orthros/10am Liturgy
25 Salutations - 6pm
26 Northeastern Florida Conference St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
27 Dormition of the Theotokos Philoptochos Luncheon
- Greek Dance Group meeting following luncheon
30 Presanctified - 6pm
April
1 Salutations - 6pm
6 Presanctified - 6pm
8 Salutations & Akathist - 6pm
10 Pascha card deadline
16 Saturday of Lazarus - 9am Orthros/10am Liturgy
17 Palm Sunday - 9am Orthros/10am Liturgy
- Palm Sunday Luncheon
- Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm
18-23 Holy Week
18 Parish Council
18 Holy Monday - Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm
19 Holy Tuesday -Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm
20 Holy Wednesday - Holy Unction Service, 6:00 pm
21 Holy Thursday - Liturgy for the Mystical Supper – Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00 am
- Orthros with Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels, 6:00 pm
22 Holy Friday
- Royal Hours, 9:00 am
- Holy Friday Sunday School Retreat, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Removal of Christ’s Body from the Cross – Vespers, 2:00 pm
- Epitaphios Service (The Lamentations) – Orthros, 6:00 pm
23 Holy Saturday
- Vespers with Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, 9:00 am
- Midnight Office, 11:30 pm
24 PASCHA
Agape Picnic
- Paschal Candle and First Resurrectional Reading, 12:00 am
- Divine Liturgy at Midnight, ~12:20 am
- Agape Vespers, 12:00 pm
25-30 Bright Week
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 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.
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/a.214784738566511/5280353995342868
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