Αγνοούσαι την Ανάστασιν
Οι Μυροφόρες μαζί με τους Δώδεκα ανήκουν στον πιο στενό κύκλο των Μαθητών του Κυρίου. Είναι οι καλοί Χριστιανοί, όπως θα λέγαμε σήμερα. Ζουν και αναπνέουν τον ίδιο αέρα μαζί Του. Ο Κύριος, κατά τη διάρκεια της διδασκαλίας Του, είχε μιλήσει πολλές φορές για όλα όσα επρόκειτο να Του συμβούν, δηλαδή το Πάθος, τον Σταυρό αλλά και την Ανάσταση. Παρόλαυτά οι Μυροφόρες, όπως ο ύμνος φανερώνει, ήλθαν στον Τάφο του Χριστού με φόβο. Ο τάφος όμως ήταν άδειος και αυτές απόρησαν επειδή αγνοούσαν την Ανάσταση. Αυτόν τον φόβο, την απογοήτευση, και την απορία βλέπουμε στους Μαθητές κατά τη συνάντηση με τον Κύριο στο δρόμο προς το χωριό Εμμαούς. Και αυτοί είχαν ακούσει τον Κύριο να μιλάει για την Ανάσταση. Είχαν δει αρκετά θαύματα. Όμως και οι υπόλοιποι ήταν συγκεντρωμένοι με τις πόρτες κλειστές εξ αιτίας του φόβου. Το μήνυμα των γυναικών, τους φέρνει κατάπληξη, ταραχή. Ο Κύριος δεν δικαιολογεί αυτή την απιστία. Βλέπετε, εκεί στους Εμμαούς αποκαλεί τους Μαθητές ανόητους και αργούς στην κατανόηση των Γραφών.

Σήμερα εμείς που ερχόμαστε στην Εκκλησία έχουμε Μυστηριακά επικοινωνία με τον Κύριο. Μέσα από το Ευαγγέλιο και όλη την διδασκαλία της Εκκλησίας, μας μιλάει. Μας πληροφορεί για την Ανάστασή Του. Όλοι οι Χριστιανοί διαβάζουμε, συζητούμε για την Ανάστασή Του. Δεν υπάρχει κανένας που να αμφιβάλλει για αυτό. Πόσο όμως μας αγγίζουν όλα αυτά; Πόσες φορές ο φόβος, η αβεβαιότητα και οι απορίες καταλαμβάνουν την ψυχή μας; Μήπως και εμείς αγνοούμε την Ανάσταση; Η βεβαιότητα και η πίστη στην Ανάσταση του Κυρίου γαληνεύουν την ψυχή και την προετοιμάζουν να δεχθεί την επίσκεψη του Χριστού. Τότε και τώρα.

They did not yet know about the Resurrection.

The Myrrh-bearing women together with the Twelves belong to the closest circle of the Disciples of the Lord. They are the good Christians, as we would say today. They live and breathe the same air with Him. The Lord, during His teaching, had spoken many times about everything that was going to happen to Him, namely the Passion, the Cross and the Resurrection. Nevertheless, the Myrrh-bearers, as the hymn reveals, came to the Tomb of Christ in fear. But the tomb was empty and they wondered because they did not know the Resurrection. We see this fear, frustration, and question in the Disciples during the meeting with the Lord on the way to the village of Emmaus. They too had heard the Lord speak of the Resurrection. They had seen several miracles. But the others were also concentrated with the doors closed due to fear. The message of women brings them wonder, turmoil. The Lord does not justify this unbelief. You see, there in Emmaus he calls the Disciples fools and slow in understanding the Scriptures.

Today we who come to the Church have sacramentally communication with the Lord. Through the Gospel and all the teaching of the Church, He speaks to us. He informs us about His Resurrection. All Christians read, discuss about His Resurrection. There is no one to doubt this. But how much does all this touch us? How many times do fears, uncertainties and questions occupy our souls? Do we also ignore the Resurrection? Confidence and faith in the Resurrection of the Lord soothe the soul and prepare it to receive the visit of Christ. Then and now.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Parish Council News:

The HTGOC parish council will be undertaking some capital improvement projects in the coming months that include replacing two (2) A/C units in the church, clearing the retention pond, and office computer software/hardware updates.  Any financial support toward these projects is welcomed.  The parish council members 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 council meets on the 3^rd Monday of each month.

Special Prayer Requests:

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people….  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

We pray for mercy, life, peace, and healing of all parishioners -prayers for the family and friends of Mikae Gaetanos.  Prayers for Gary Peterson; 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"

Stewardship is everywhere in this sacred season:  in our gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, our awe at God’s incalculable blessings, and our commitment to a lifelong calling to service in the Spirit.

In the name and spirit of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to be good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us, to share our time, our talent, and our material gifts as an outward sign of the treasure we hold in Jesus.

St. Francis House:
1. Bulk Lunch Meat and Cheese Needed:
A kitchen manager said they are in desperate need of lunch meat and cheeses,  please help deliver to their location, especially with the critical lunches.
2. May 9th Dinner Volunteers Needed: Due to covid, St. Francis House is still doing drop-off meals, which we drop off, always at 70 Washington Street front door at 5 p.m. If you would like to help prepare a meal, they accept anything and are very grateful for all donations.
If you're able to help, please let Richard know at church, 904-347-9189 or dickbilleter@gmail.com. I can let the kitchen manager know thanks.
3. April Meals: Thank You!:
Thank you Jim Humphries for helping deliver ham and Noah and his dad, Richard, topped it off with mac-and-cheese.
4.  Future Meals: Not able to help in May? Please look to help us another day -- we help deliver dinners the 2nd Monday of every month. Online: Please visit us online at http://www.facebook/holytrinityoutreach.com

Philoptochos - Supporting Mothers In Need:  DIAPER COLLECTION DRIVE

To support mothers at Alpha Omega Miracle Home and St Gerard House, Philoptochos will be collecting diapers (4,5,6), pull-ups and wipes through May 22nd.  Thank you for your support!

Greek Summer Night:

Greek Summer Night is Saturday, June 4, 2022.  This event benefits our Holy Trinity Church.  It is a time to enjoy Greek food, music and dance.  Join us for the fun, fellowship and family.  Cocktails at 6; Dinner at 7; Dancing until ~11.

 Please plan to support this event:

• Purchase your tickets for Greek Summer Night
• Invite family & friends
• Post the event on your social media page (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Sponsorship opportunities available.

 Greek Summer Night will include music by Dj Taki Entertainment.  Tickets, $35 per person, $15 per children 12 & under, and reserved seating available (for tables of 8).  Please see Andy or Angela Lekos for tickets.  Tickets can also be purchased online at www.holytrinitygoc.com.  For reservations, call Andy 904-823-8882 or email ajlekos@att.net.  Opa!

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.

We need volunteers to host coffee hour.  You can do it solo or share the responsibility with someone else.  Please sign up at:  www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA5AB2AA0FFC34-sunday, email Stefanie Burke at holy3goc.hostess@gmail.com; call 904/671-4566; or speak to Stefanie after church and she can sign you up.  Thank you in advance for considering offering this hospitality to our parish family and guests.

[Using the SignUpGenius link:  click the blue box that says SIGN UP; then the brown box at the bottom of the page that says SUBMIT AND SIGN UP - this will take you to the next screen; and click on SIGN UP NOW]

Service/Event Schedule:

(Sundays Orthros 9am, Divine Liturgy 10am)

May

8        Mother’s Day; 40 days memorial for Shallyann Beligianis, mother of Maryann Bolt

         25-30   Bright Week

29     Mikae Gaetanos' 6-month memorial service offered by his family

June

2         Ascension

4         Greek Summer Night

11       Saturday of Souls

12       Pentecost

13       Day of the Holy Spirit (Nameday)

19       All Saints

           Father’s Day

20       Parish Council

20-30 Apostles Fast

26       St. Photios Shrine Greek Landing Day

29       Apostles Peter & Paul

30       Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles

• Our “Light a Candle & Say a Prayer” ministry lets you to light a candle during divine services.  Your request will be forwarded to a Council member in the Narthex to light your candle.  If  you wish to provide names of loved ones to be prayed for, those will be provided to Fr. Maximos.

Giving by Check:  Please be sure to include a notation on the memo line to allowsus to identify your intentions (i.e. stewardship, candles, trays, memorials, etc.).

Weekly Offering:  The Lord's day is to be the time for a weekly offering for the support of His cause.  Make your offering today and enable our Church to continue to enhance the spiritual growth of the Orthodox Christians entrusted to our care.  Your offering can be made at the collection basket as you exit the service.

Parish Office:

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.

• 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.

• Note:  Church office administrator will be out of the office on May 5, 6, 9.

• Please turn in your May/June Newsletter articles NLT May 16th to Church Office.  Thank you.
  

Weekly Photo:

Πάντα εν σοφία εποίησας / In wisdom you have made them all. (Psalms 104:24)
Picture from St. Augustine