ΟλόγοςτουΣταυρού

Κυριακή της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως σήμερα και ας θυμηθούμε τον Απόστολο Παύλο. Απευθυνόμενος στους Κορινθίους λέει ότι το κήρυγμά του συνοψίζεται στην Σταυρική θυσία του Κυρίου. Αυτό όμως για τους Ιουδαίους είναι σκάνδαλο. Πώς είναι δυνατόν ο Μεσσίας, ο λυτρωτής δηλ. ο ελευθερωτής, να σταυρώνεται; Πώς είναι δυνατόν να υπάρχουν άνθρωποι που εμπιστεύονται και γίνονται οπαδοί κάποιου περιφρονημένου που πεθαίνει με αυτόν τον ατιμωτικό θάνατο;

Από την άλλη μεριά οι Έλληνες ήταν ανέκαθεν συνηθισμένοι να μελετούν, να διδάσκονται και να ακολουθούν φιλοσόφους. Εδώ πού είναι ο γοητευτικός φιλοσοφικός λόγος; Η απάρνηση του εαυτού, η ελπίδα στην ανάσταση των νεκρών και στη μέλλουσα ζωή και κρίση δεν είναι η φιλοσοφία και τα ρητορικά σχήματα που περίμεναν να ακούσουν. Και για τον λόγο αυτό, στα αυτιά τους ηχούν ως ανοησίες.

Πόσο μοιάζει εκείνη η εποχή με τη σημερινή! Ο άνθρωπος της εποχής μας στο τέλος κάθε του προσπάθειας περιμένει όλα να υπηρετούν την ευχαρίστησή του. Ακόμα και η θρησκεία, ο Θεός. Πώς να ακούσει για την θυσία των παρόντων ακόμα και του εαυτού και την ελπίδα των μελλόντων; Αυτά δεν χωρούν στο μυαλό κάποιου που θέλει να καταλάβει και να εξηγήσει όλα. Η δύναμη, η δόξα και η ηδονή γίνονται πρότυπα στη σημερινή εποχή. Επομένως το κήρυγμα του Παύλου παραμένει σύγχρονο στην εποχή μας. Για τον άνθρωπο αυτού του κόσμου ο λόγος του Σταυρού είναι σκάνδαλο και μωρία. Για τον Πιστό όμως είναι δύναμη και Σοφία του Θεού.

The message of the Cross

Today is Sunday of the Holy Cross and let’s remember the Apostle Paul.

Addressing the Corinthians, he says that his preach is summed up in the Sacrifice of the Lord on the Cross. But this is a stumbling block, or a scandal for the Jews. How is it possible for the Messiah, the Redeemer, to be crucified? How is it possible that there are people who trust and become followers of someone despised who dies with this dishonorable death?

Greeks, on the other hand, have always been accustomed to studying, teaching, and following philosophers. Where is the charming philosophical discourse? The renunciation of the self, the hope in the resurrection of the dead and in the future life and judgment are not the philosophy and rhetorical figures of speech they expected to hear. And for this reason, in their ears they sound like nonsense.

How similar is that era to today! The man of our time at the end of each endeavor expects everything to serve his pleasure. Even religion and God. How can he hear about the sacrifice of the present and even of himself and the hope of the future? These do not fit in the mind of someone who wants to understand and explain everything. Power, glory and pleasure are becoming standards and models in this day and age. Therefore, Paul's preach is still relevant today. For the man of this world the word of the Cross is a scandal and a foolishness. For the Faithful, however, it is the power and Wisdom of God.

______________________________________________________________________________

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.  Prayers for Michael Colburn; 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.

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!

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 - 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.

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?

• go to new link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA5AB2AA0FFC34-sunday

  (Please note that whoever does coffee hour need to have someone take out the trash before they leave.)

• 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? 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

• Fri, Mar 25……  Feast of the Annunciation, 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Liturgy
• Fri, Mar 25……  Service of the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos, 6:00pm
• Sat, Mar 26…… North Florida District Oratorical Festival, 10:15am

• Sun, Mar 27….. Philoptochos Annunciation, Greek Independence Day luncheon  (following Liturgy)
• Sun, Mar 27….. Greek Dance Group Meeting (following luncheon)
• Wed, Mar 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

• Palm cross making

17        Palm Sunday - 9am Orthros/10am Liturgy  

• Palm Sunday Luncheon
• Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm
• EASTER CARD DEADLINE

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

• 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:

https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityGOC/photos/a.214784738566511/5299034226808178/