Sunday Divine Liturgy 10:00am V. Rev. Father Maximos Politis, Priest
«ΚύριετῶνΔυνάμεωνμεθ’ ημώνγενού»
Μια Ακολουθία η οποία καθημερινά τελείται κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής είναι η Ακολουθία του Μ. Αποδείπνου. Το χαρακτηριστικό του Μεγάλου Αποδείπνου είναι αυτή η μικρή προσευχή την οποία επαναλαμβάνουμε. Εκείνη την ώρα, όταν το Μεγάλο Απόδειπνο τελείται στην εκκλησία, ο ιερέας θυμιάζει. «Κύριε των Δυνάμεων, μεθ' ημών γενού· άλλον γαρ εκτός σου βοηθόν, εν θλίψεσιν ουκ έχομεν.Κύριε των Δυνάμεων, ελέησον ημάς.»
Παρακαλούμε λοιπόν όλοι μαζί αλλά και ο καθένας μας χωριστά τον Θεό, απευθυνόμενοι προς αυτόν και αποκαλώντας τον Κύριο. «Κύριε των Δυνάμεων, μεθ' ημών γενού...» Δεν λέμε τυχαία τη λέξη «των Δυνάμεων». Με αυτή τη λέξη. τονίζουμε την παντοδυναμία του Θεού. Απευθυνόμαστε προς τον Θεό, που είναι δυνατός και είναι Θεός των Δυνάμεων και Κύριος των Δυνάμεων και μπορεί όλα να τα κάνει. Μπορεί επομένως να σπεύσει και να μας ελευθερώσει από την όποια θλίψη έχουμε. «Κύριε των Δυνάμεων, μεθ' ημών γενού...».
Και, τονίζουμε «...άλλον γαρ εκτός σου βοηθόν, εν θλίψεσιν ουκ έχομεν...» Μόνο ο Θεός μπορεί να βοηθήσει. Θα πει κανείς: Αφού προσευχόμαστε στην Παναγία και τους Αγίους γιατί λέμε ότι μόνον ο Θεός βοηθάει; Η Παναγία και οι Άγιοι μεσιτεύουν στον Θεό να μας βοηθήσει στις θλίψεις και τις ανάγκες μας. Ακόμα και η βοήθεια που ίσως μας δοθεί από κάποιον άνθρωπο είναι βοήθεια που τη στέλνει ο Θεός μέσα από τον άνθρωπο.
Κάθε άνθρωπος έχει το δικαίωμα αλλά και την υποχρέωση να καταφεύγει στον Θεό. Ποιος πατέρας ή μητέρα δεν θα πει στο παιδί του: «Παιδί μου, είχες κάποιο πρόβλημα και δεν με φώναξες. Γιατί;»
Θα μας ακούσει ο Θεός; Ναι, αδελφοί μου, θα μας ακούσει αν Του μιλήσουμε ταπεινά, με πνεύμα εμπιστοσύνης, ότι δηλαδή θα δώσει αυτό που χρειάζεται η ψυχή μας. Εκείνος που προσεύχεται με αυτό το πνεύμα έχει βαθιά μέσα του την βεβαιότητα ότι ο Θεός θα του δώσει αυτό που ζητάει, αν είναι αυτό προς το συμφέρον του.
Για τον λόγο αυτό, όχι μόνο την ώρα της ακολουθίας του Μεγάλου Αποδείπνου αλλά πάντα, και ιδιαίτερα όταν βρισκόμαστε σε δύσκολες στιγμές, ας θυμόμαστε αυτή την προσευχή και ας την επαναλαμβάνουμε: «Κύριε των Δυνάμεων, μεθ' ημών γενού· άλλον γαρ εκτός σου βοηθόν, εν θλίψεσιν ουκ έχομεν.Κύριε των Δυνάμεων, ελέησον ημάς».
“Lord of the Powers, be with us”
A holy service which is performed daily during Great Lent is the service of the Great Compline. The characteristic of the Great Compline is this little prayer which we repeat. At that time, when the Great Compline is performed in the church, the priest censes.
“Lord of the Powers, be with us; for no other helper do we have in tribulations, but You. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.”
So we all pray together and each of us separately to God, addressing him and calling on the Lord. "Lord of the Powers, be with us ..." We do not accidentally say the word "of the Powers". With that word we emphasize the might of God. We turn to God, who is strong and is God of Powers and Lord of Powers and can do everything. He can therefore hasten and free us from any sorrow we have. "Lord of the Powers, be with us ...”
And, we emphasize "... for no other helper do we have in tribulations.” Only God can help. One will say: Since we pray to the Virgin Mary and the Saints, why do we say that only God helps? The Virgin Mary and the Saints intercede with God to help us in our sorrows and needs. Even the help that may be given to us by a person is help that God sends through man.
Everyone has the right and the obligation to turn to God. What father or mother will not say to his child: "My child, you had a problem and you did not call me. Why;"
Will God hear us? Yes, my brethren, he will hear us if we speak to him humbly, in a spirit of confidence, that he will give what our soul need. He who prays in this spirit has deep in himself the certainty that God will give him what he asks for, if it is in his best interest.
For this reason, not only at the time of the Great Compline but always, and especially when we are in difficult times, let us remember this prayer and let us repeat it: “Lord of the Powers, be with us; for no other helper do we have in tribulations, but You. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us”.
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 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 17th.
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?
How to sign up?
(Please note that whoever does coffee hour need to have someone take out the trash before they leave.)
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)
Holy Week Services Schedule 2022
Lazarus Saturday (April 16)
- Orthros, 9:00 am; Liturgy, 10:00 am
- Palm cross making
- Breakfast to follow
Palm Sunday (April 17)
- Orthros, 9:00 am; Liturgy, 10:00 am
- Palm Sunday Luncheon to follow
- Easter Card Deadline
- Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm
Holy Monday (April 18)
- Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm
- His Grace Bishop Sebastian of Zelon’s visit
Holy Tuesday (April 19)
- Nymphios (Bridegroom) Orthros, 6:00 pm
Holy Wednesday (April 20)
- Holy Unction Service, 6:00 pm
Holy Thursday (April 21)
- Liturgy for the Mystical Supper – Vesperal Liturgy, 9:00 am
- Orthros with Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels, 6:00 pm
Holy Friday (April 22)
- 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
Holy Saturday (April 23)
- Vespers with Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, 9:00 am
- Midnight Office, 11:30 pm
Pascha Sunday (April 24)
- Paschal Candle and Holy Resurrection, 12:00 am
- Divine Liturgy at Midnight, ~12:20 am
- Magiritsa meal to follow
- Agape Vespers, 12:00 pm
- Pascha Picnic (potluck) to follow
May
8 Mother’s Day
16 Parish Council 6:30 pm25-30 Bright Week
25 Parish Council 6:30 pm
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:
Weekly Photo: Πάντα εν σοφία εποίησας. / In wisdom you have made them all. (Psalms 104:24)
Images from St. Augustine.
https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityGOC/photos/a.214784738566511/5355385964506337
2022 Stewardship
Philanthropy – Fellowship – Faith in Action We invite you to join Philoptochos & help us achieve our mission!
March-April 2022 HTGOC Newsletter
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
His Grace Bishop Sebastian of Zelon has scheduled a Pastoral visit to HTGOC, St. Augustine on Monday, April 18, 2022, for Bridegroom Service.
Holy Week Service Scheduled 2022 (updated)
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.
Pascha Preparations
Good Friday Youth Retreat 4/22/22 – 11 am to 2 pm in the Church Hall (Lunch will be provided) Excuse letters for school will be provided by the Church upon request at holy3goc@gmail.com. To RSVP and for more info, please contact the Church Office or Stephanie Danikas at Danikas.stephanie@gmail.com. Καλή Ανάσταση!
On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.
The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.
Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.
BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."
When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.