Το μήνυμα του Θεού

Υπάρχουν στιγμές κατά τις οποίες ο Θεός μας μιλάει. Μας μιλάει με τρόπο που μας οδηγεί στην σωτηρία. Αρκεί να έχουμε τον νου μας. Όλοι θέλουμε να ακούσουμε το μήνυμα του Θεού αλλά πόσοι από εμάς θέλουμε να αφήσουμε την άνεσή μας;

Στο πηγάδι του Ιακώβ ο Κύριος συναντάει την Σαμαρείτιδα. Με προσεκτικούς χειρισμούς και λεπτότητα την οδηγεί στην επίγνωση της θλιβερής της, εξαιτίας της αμαρτίας, κατάστασης. Αυτή στην αρχή δείχνει ότι δεν καταλαβαίνει. Τελικά όμως τα μάτια της ψυχής της ανοίγουν, βλέπει τον εαυτό της, και ταυτόχρονα βλέπει ότι έχει μπροστά της τον Μεσσία Χριστό. Αυτή η συνάντηση είναι αρκετή για να την μεταβάλει σε Μεγαλομάρτυρα και ισαπόστολο.

Μετά την Ανάσταση, ο Κύριος συναντάει τον Πέτρο και τον ρωτάει αν Τον αγαπάει. Η ερώτηση γίνεται τρεις φορές. Ο Πέτρος από την αρχή θα μπορούσε να καταλάβει ότι ο Κύριος του θυμίζει την τριπλή άρνηση. Αυτό το καταλαβαίνει μόνο με την τρίτη φορά.

Το ίδιο συμβαίνει και με την Αγία Μαρία την Αιγυπτία. Χάριν περιεργείας πήγε με την παρέα της να προσκυνήσει τον Τίμιο Σταυρό. Εκεί όμως αισθάνθηκε ότι κάθε φορά που έφτανε  κοντά στον Σταυρό κάτι την απωθούσε και τελικά κατάλαβε ότι ο Κύριος της έστειλε το μήνυμα να μετανοήσει. Αυτό ήταν αρκετό για να αφήσει την αμαρτωλή της ζωή και να μεταβληθεί σε παράδειγμα μετανοίας και ασκήσεως. Αυτό που έζησε για τα επόμενα πενήντα χρόνια μόνο με εθελοντικό μαρτύριο μπορεί να συγκριθεί.

Ο Κύριος πάντα έστελνε και στέλνει μηνύματα. Όχι βέβαια μηνύματα όπως κάποιοι θεωρούν τις φαντασιώσεις και τα όνειρά τους ότι είναι μηνύματα του Θεού. Ο Θεός μέσα από τις διάφορες καταστάσεις μας καλεί σε μετάνοια, και δείχνει τον δρόμο της σωτηρίας. Αρκεί να έχουμε τη διάθεση να Τον ακούσουμε.

God’s message

There are times when God speaks to us. He speaks to us in a way that leads us to salvation. As long as we stay alert. We all want to hear God's message but how many of us want to leave our comfort?

In Jacob's well the Lord meets the Samaritan woman. With careful handling and subtlety he leads her to the awareness of her sad, because of sin, situation. She, at first, shows that she does not understand. Eventually, however, the eyes of her soul open, she sees herself, and at the same time she sees that she has the Messiah Christ in front of her. This meeting is enough to turn her into a Great Martyr and an apostle.

After the Resurrection, the Lord meets Peter and asks him if he loves Him. The question is asked three times. Peter could understand from the beginning that the Lord was reminding him of the triple denial. He understands this only the third time.

The same goes for St. Mary of Egypt. Out of curiosity she went with her company to worship the Holy Cross. There, however, she felt that every time she came close to the Cross, something pushed her away and she finally realized that the Lord had sent her the message to repent. That was enough for her to give up her sinful life and become an example of repentance and ascetic life. What he lived for the next fifty years can only be compared to voluntary martyrdom.

The Lord has always sent and continues to send messages. Certainly not messages as some consider their fantasies and dreams to be messages from God. God through various situations calls us to repentance, and shows the way of salvation. As long as we are in the mood to listen to Him.

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Father Maximos Honored:

Our very own Fr. Maximos was honored last week by the Borough of the Bronx where he served for the last five years as the priest of St. Peter the Apostle church.  Father Maximos traveled back to New York on Thursday to receive the award.  Please join with us to congratulate Father Maximos for having received this very distinctive honor that was bestowed upon him by the President of The Bronx.  Axios! Axios! Axios!  (See flyer with citation text in ANNOUNCEMENT SECTION of bulletin.)

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Parish Council News:

The 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.

Please note, the next HTGOC PC meeting has been changed to Monday, April 25 (the week after Holy Week – Bright Monday).

Palm Sunday Luncheon - April 17:

The celebration of Palm Sunday is a reminder to welcome Jesus into our hearts and to be willing to follow him.  On this Palm Sunday the Parish Council is providing a luncheon for Holy Trinity family, friends, and guests.  Suggested donation: $15; $5 for children under 12.  No advance ticket purchase is required.  Please join us as we begin the final path to the Resurrection.

His Grace Bishop Sebastian of Zelon  - Pastoral Visit

His Grace Bishop Sebastian of Zelon has scheduled a Pastoral visit to HTGOC, St. Augustine on Monday, April 18, 2022, for Bridegroom Service. (Please see letter from V. Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis, Chancellor, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta in SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS section of bullein.)

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.

Greek Festival:

The annual Greek Festival is 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, 11am-8pm, and Sun Oct 9, 12-4 pm. 

A Zoom Greek Festival meeting will take place Thu, April 14 at 7pm.  Join at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85237669145?pwd=OWxuUXR3OXY2Yld2Y1BXc0YwRjArdz09 (meeting ID: 852 3766 9145; passcode: HTGOC). 

Parish Easter Card: 

The Parish Easter Card will be mailed to the community Bright Monday, April 25th.  The sign-up sheet is available at the Church Hall Entrance.  Please email pollyhillier@yahoo.com to include your name as you want it in the greeting card.  Suggested offering is $20.  Deadline for submission is April 17^th.

Call for Lilies:

Please contact Faye Peterson at pete9839@comcast.net if you would like to contribute Easter Lilies to adorn our iconostasis and narthex.  Anyone who wishes to provide lilies for Easter Sunday should have them in Church NLT Palm Sunday so that we can decorate the altar? Kali Anastasi—to a Blessed resurrection

Kandilia (Luminaries)LET US LIGHT THE PROCESSIONAL PATHWAY:  Easter Luminaries will once again brighten the walkway from the parking lot to the Church on Holy and Great Friday evening, April 22nd and Holy and Great Saturday evening, April 23rd.  Purchase Kandilia in memory of, in honor of, and/or for the health of your loved ones.  Suggested donation is $10 per luminary. One individual or one family name per bag, please.  Contact Kaliroi Parris at roi.parris@gmail.com. Please include the name of the person you wish to honor or the name of the person whose soul you with to commemorate.

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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 has question, 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)

April

14     Greek Festival meeting, 7pm (via Zoom)

16     Saturday of Lazarus - 9am Orthros/10am Liturgy

• Palm cross making
• Breakfast to follow

17     Palm Sunday   

• Orthros, 9:00 am; Liturgy, 10:00 am
• Palm Sunday Luncheon
• Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm

18-23  Holy Week

18     Holy Monday - Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm, with His Grace Bishop Sebastian of Zelon

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

• Paschal Candle and Holy Resurrection, 12:00 am
• Divine Liturgy at Midnight, ~12:20 am
• Agape Vespers, 12:00 pm
• Pascha Picnic (potluck to follow)

25-30   Bright Week

25     Parish Council

May

8       Mother’s Day

16     Parish Council

• 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. 

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.

Weekly Photo:

Πάντα εν σοφία εποίησας. In wisdom you have made them all. Pictures from St. Augustine.